Sometimes the redness of your eyes may surprise you. One minute you’re washing your hands, and the next minute you barely recognize your own face in the mirror. Other times, red eyes come with irritation. With all that itchiness and aggravation, you know that your eyes will be red before you see your reflection. If the redness persists for more than a day or your eyes feel painful, consult your optometrist. The causes of red eyes vary by case, and while it’s likely nothing to worry about, a professional can help you determine why your eyes are so red and irritated and how you can soothe them.
What Causes Pink Eye?
The symptoms of conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye, can be frustrating: itching, burning, stinging, irritation, grittiness, crusting, and light sensitivity. And of course, your eye will likely have a distinctive pink or reddish hue. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), pink eye is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in the world, but it is sometimes difficult to determine the exact cause of an individual case because a few different causes present the same symptoms. So what causes pink eye?
Interesting Facts About Eye Color
Brown, blue, green, gray, hazel . . . What color are your eyes? Your eye color doesn’t just affect your appearance; it also says something about the concentration of melanin in your irises, your ancestry, and perhaps even your health. Some eye colors are incredibly popular, while others are extremely rare. And did you know that it’s possible for a person to have two different colored irises? Without further ado, let’s explore some interesting facts about eye color . . .
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What Happens During an Eye Exam
Your eyes contain some of the hardest-working muscles in your body. You might take your eye health for granted, but keeping those muscles in good shape is key to maintaining your quality of life. That’s why regular eye examinations are an important part of your annual health routine. If you’ve never had an eye exam before, the idea can be intimidating – after all, no one wants a doctor poking around in the sensitive area around their eyes. However, eye exams typically make for a quick, completely painless, and very informative visit. If you’ve never had your eyes examined – or it’s been a few years since your last appointment – learn more about what happens during an eye exam so that you can go into your check-up with peace of mind.
How to Get Rid of Itchy Eyes
If you’ve ever been tormented by itchy eyes, you know how frustrating it can be. You notice a small itch, give your eye a scratch – but things just get worse from there. Fortunately, most cases of itchy eyes are easy to treat. Ultimately, learning how to get rid of itchy eyes varies depending on the severity of your condition.
How to Relieve Eye Strain
Did you know the average American spends more than 11 hours a day staring at a screen? Between working a desk job, answering text messages, and unwinding with a Netflix binge session, we expose our eyes to a lot of bright lights without even realizing. In addition to making it a goal to reduce your screen time, you can implement other changes to avoid further eye damage and discomfort. We encourage you to learn how to relieve eye strain and prevent it from becoming a problem.
Signs of Vision Problems in Toddlers
Your child’s eyes are constantly growing and changing. Because toddlers typically aren’t able to communicate problems they’re having with their vision, it’s important that you schedule routine eye exams. For many vision problems and eye diseases, early detection and treatment is crucial to preventing long-term damage. Not only is this vital for your child’s vision and optical health, but also it could affect your child’s ability to perform other developmental activities that rely on vision. Keep an eye out for signs of vision problems in toddlers, and contact your optometrist if you suspect anything is amiss. [Read more…] about Signs of Vision Problems in Toddlers
How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
An eye exam should be a critical component of your health care routine. Not only can optometrists check to see if your vision is blurry and provide a prescription for contacts or glasses, but also they can assess the condition of your eyes by conducting a variety of tests. The whole process is quick, easy, comfortable, and informative. So how often should you get your eyes checked? The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors, including your age, your vision, and your eye health.
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Does Reading in the Dark Hurt Your Eyes?
Did your parents ever scold you for reading in the dark? “You’ll hurt your eyes,” they might have said, or, “Be careful or you’ll ruin your vision.” Although this is a common claim, few people know if there’s any truth behind it. Whether you begrudgingly tucked away your book as a child, turned on a light, or continued reading in the dark regardless, you likely wondered if your parents were right. Does reading in the dark hurt your eyes? Or is this an old wives’ tale?
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How to Protect Your Eyes
It’s easy to take your sight for granted. Think about everything you’ve seen today: your reflection in the mirror, your family, your phone, your neighbor’s adorable dog, your food before you guided it to your mouth, your journey to work, your coworkers, your favorite coffee shop, and on and on the list goes. Now imagine not being able to see those things – it’s a sobering thought. Your eyes, though powerful, are delicate. While your eyes have a protective layer called the sclera, it isn’t nearly as strong as your bones. In addition, your retinas are very sensitive to harsh UV rays, and chemicals and debris have the ability to impair your vision as well. With all the daily threats to your vision, it’s important to learn how to protect your eyes. By taking a few precautions, you can preserve your vision and keep your eyes safe and healthy.
