Have you ever tried to look through a frosty window? If so, you may have an idea of how it feels to live with cataracts. People who have cataracts struggle to see through increasingly cloudier eye lenses, making it hard to read, drive, or see far-away details. But what causes cataracts? Find out how you can help prevent and treat this common condition.
Causes of Dry Eyes
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!” If you’ve seen a heart-wrenching movie or attended an especially moving concert, you’re probably heard that phrase. But the truth is, there’s never a dry in the house – because our eyes are constantly full of tears. Of course, we only see our tears when our eyes begin to water, but they’re always there, providing moisture and lubrication. If you have dry eyes, it means your tear system needs a bit of TLC – but what are the causes of dry eyes?
What Does 20/20 Vision Mean?
20/20 vision. 20/10 vision. A lot of numbers get tossed around during vision assessments, but what do they actually mean? Contrary to popular belief, having 20/20 vision doesn’t necessarily mean you can see perfectly. It also isn’t as common as you may think. Check out these myths if you’ve ever wondered, “What does 20/20 vision mean?”
Exploring Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Have you noticed new floating objects in your vision or perhaps flashes of light when you look around the room? You may be dealing with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Checking for posterior vitreous detachment is an important part of assessing your vision. According to the American Society of Retina Specialists, PVD is a change that can occur during adulthood. In some mature eyes, the vitreous gel separates from the retina, which is the light-sensing nerve layer. Below, we’ll discuss the symptoms and treatment options for this condition. [Read more…] about Exploring Posterior Vitreous Detachment
What to Do If You Scratch Your Cornea
Like your skin, your eye is composed of several layers. Located at the front of the eye, the cornea is the clear outer layer that helps your eye focus light – and just like your skin, your cornea is susceptible to scratches and scrapes. A scratched cornea, or corneal abrasion, occurs after a foreign body like a makeup brush, a piece of dust, or a fingernail makes contact with the surface of your eye. Scroll down to find out what to do if you scratch your cornea.
What Is an OCT Scan?
Has your optometrist recommended an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan? If you’re hesitant or uncertain, we completely understand. After all, you might not be familiar with OCT scans – what they are, how they work, and why you could benefit from a scan. As it turns out, this advancement in technology is enhancing the way doctors diagnose and treat serious eye issues like glaucoma and retinal diseases. [Read more…] about What Is an OCT Scan?
Why Am I Seeing Spots?
Are you wondering, “Why am I seeing spots?” You’re not alone. After all, we’ve all probably stared at a lamp a little too long or accidentally caught a glimpse of the sun. When you close your eyes after one of these episodes, you might notice spots, and these spots usually disappear within a few minutes. But in some cases, seeing spots is actually a sign of a larger health issue.
Smoking and Eyesight
Did you know that smoking is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States? Most people are aware that smoking can have an enormous impact on lung health but might be surprised to learn that smoking harms nearly every organ in the body – including the eyes! So if you needed yet another reason to quit smoking, explore the relationship between smoking and eyesight below. [Read more…] about Smoking and Eyesight
Myopia vs. Hyperopia
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 94 percent of Americans age 12 and older have good vision, but the remaining six percent, or 14 million, are visually impaired. Are you one of those 14 million? When you go to your optometrist’s office for the first time to receive an eye exam, you might hear words like myopia and hyperopia. Keep reading to learn more about myopia vs. hyperopia so you can better understand your eyes.
Eye Complications from Diabetes
Diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar levels; unfortunately, it can also damage your eyes. There are several different types of eye complications from diabetes. So if you are diabetic, protect the health of your eyes by keeping your insulin levels in check and consulting your doctor if you notice any changes to your vision or eye health. Scroll down to learn how diabetes affects your eyes and how to spot signs of these complications before your vision is permanently affected.
