Clear Answers for Common Questions

Dry eyes can be a temporary condition, while some people suffer from chronic dry eyes. Others may find they have dry eyes after taking certain medications that also cause dry mouth. In many cases, relief is in sight through over-the-counter or prescription drops, which help to either make ...

Conjunctivitis, known colloquially as “pink eye,” is an infection of the eye or eyes that can lead to redness, itching, irritation, and a characteristic creamy discharge in many cases. For the most part, this infection is merely irritating, not threatening, although a medical professional should be seen to confirm the ...

The condition known as pink eye or conjunctivitis is an infection of the eyelids and a protective layer of the eye called the conjunctiva. It can be caused by bacteria that naturally reside in the eyelid, viruses which find their way to the eye area, or natural allergens which trigger ...

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis is essentially of two types, bacterial or viral. What type you have often dictates treatment for pink eye. In some cases, doctors simply wait for what they consider a viral infection to clear up without medication. Most of the time, you will use drops or ointment ...

Conjunctivitis is more commonly referred to as pinkeye. In this condition, the material covering the white part of the eye and lining the inner parts of the eyelid, called the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. This inflammation results in excessive tearing, pain, and itchiness. The condition is most commonly caused by viral ...

Astigmatism is a condition of the eye which causes either blurred vision or a sense that each eye is seeing objects slightly differently. A structural problem — usually from either an unevenly curved cornea or lens — causes light coming into the eye to not focus correctly. This disorder is ...

An annual eye exam is an important way to monitor your optical and general health. Unfortunately, many people ignore this vital aspect of health care. Many serious vision problems have correctable early warning stages, and if caught early, conditions which lead to blindness can be stopped. Unfortunately, by the time ...

Nearsightedness or myopia is the most common cause of blurred vision when viewing objects at a distance. People with this condition must squint or strain to see objects that are not nearby. This is most notable for children in a classroom setting where it can be difficult to read the ...

Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the eye and the orbit, the underlying structure in the eye socket which supports the eye. A closely related conditions, periorbital cellulitis, involves the tissue around the eye, including the eyelid. Both conditions are considered urgent emergencies which require prompt medical attention to avoid ...

Anti-glare glasses are special glasses designed to help reduce and relieve eye strain caused by looking at a computer for a period of time. When you stare at a computer screen, it forces your eye muscles to remain in one position. Generally, this position is also at a strenuous ...

There are a number of techniques you can use to get rid of puffy eyes, starting with caring for your eyes to reduce the amount of puffiness you experience in the first place. If you have a crisis, skip ahead to the third paragraph for some fast-acting tips. In ...

Computer-related eye strain is a common workplace complaint, as many employees spend full shifts in front of a computer without a break. In addition to causing eye strain which can lead to squinting, dry eyes, and general discomfort, prolonged periods of staring at a monitor can lead to other ...

Many people think of sunglasses as a stylish fashion accessory in the summer, and they would probably answer this question with “yes, of course!” In fact, they're right. Sunglasses are an important way to keep your eyes healthy, as they will protect your eyes from bright light and harmful ...

Most quality sunglasses today block virtually all ultra-violet (UV) rays, but many researchers now believe rays in the near-UV range can also cause eye damage over time. The near-UV range is called high-energy visible (HEV), because it includes visible blue/violet light. HEV sunglasses filter out ...

Eye drops come in a number of different formulations. Some are available by prescription only and are used to treat chronic dry eyes, seasonal allergies or infections. There are also many over-the-counter (OTC) drops that may be used for transient eye irritation called by allergies, or dry eyes ...

For many years, people have sworn by the benefits of using hemorrhoid treatments to reduce puffiness or swelling under the eyes. This is particularly true of creams, but not the case with medicated pads for hemorrhoids. Medicated pads contain astringents like witch hazel that can quite easily irritate the eyes ...

One type of makeup that is used to enhance the eyes is commonly called eyeshadow. While it is frequently used to shade or "shadow" the eyes, it is also used to lighten, brighten, and make eyes appear larger. Many different types of enhancements can be achieved through different uses of ...

Dark circles under the eyes are most often caused by allergies, illness, a lack of sleep, or heredity. Knowing the cause can help you understand how to get rid of them. For example, if allergies are the culprit, all you may need to see results is a more effective allergy ...

The uvea is the pigmented middle layer of the three concentric layers that make up the eye. The words comes from the Latin word for grape, and it is thought the name is given because, when dissected from the eye, the uvea looks like a wrinkled, purple grape skin. The ...

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a bleed underneath the conjunctiva of the eye, the delicate membrane which covers the sclera, or white of the eye. When this condition develops, the white of the eye turns bright red, because the blood is trapped between the conjunctiva and the sclera. This condition can ...

Amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye", is a visual disorder affecting as many as 2 or 3 percent of children under the age of six. Children with amblyopia experience significant vision loss in one eye, causing a loss of stereoscopic vision and possible blindness in the affected eye. It is ...

There are two different definitions for the term wall eye. In one definition of wall eye, one eye has a very light iris, not corresponding to the other eye’s color. Horses with one very light eye may be said to be wall-eyed. More commonly, when people use the ...

An eye disorder that can lead to a permanent condition, strabismus is a situation that requires the immediate attention of professional medical assistance. Here are some facts about strabismus, including how the condition can be successfully treated. Essentially, strabismus is a condition in which the directional line of vision is ...

Many people wish there were symptoms of glaucoma, especially in its early stages, since it would be easier to detect and thus begin early treatment. Unfortunately, glaucoma, which is caused by too much pressure in the internal part of the eye, rarely exhibits symptoms until damage to the eyes has ...

Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery performed on the upper and lower eyelids to reduce sagging and bags under the eyes. Another surgery, sometimes called Asian blepharoplasty, cosmetically provides a crease in the upper eyelids. This surgery was more desirable in the past, to give a "Caucasian" look to the Asian eye ...

If you’ve ever experienced blepharospasm, the involuntary twitch of the eye, you certainly want to know how to make your eye stop twitching. First off, don’t panic if you can help it, stress often leads to the condition, and greater anxiety may make it last for longer. Being ...

Medical studies have increasingly tied chronic exposure to UV and near-UV rays to ocular diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. Shade does not provide adequate protection, as the eyes still absorb UV radiation, especially when near water, snow, or highly reflective surfaces like concrete or sand. The best way ...

It would be more accurate to say that our bodies create tears for our eyes. The human eye itself is protected from outside irritants by a tear film, which is actually three layers thick. The outermost lipid layer is oily, which helps the liquid to remain in the eye. The ...

Dry eye syndrome, or DES, sounds like a relatively benign ailment. However, as sufferers can attest, this affliction actually lowers the quality of life for millions of people in the United States alone. DES is a disorder that affects the amount or quality of tears produced by a person's ...

The term “wandering eye” has two distinctly different meanings that should not be confused. Fortunately, the meaning is usually clear from context, as in one sense, it refers to a medical condition, and in another it refers to a lack of fidelity. Both are usually treatable. In the sense of ...

Lazy eye, or amblyopia is a condition, where in most cases one eye does not see with the same visual acuity as the other eye, and poorly transmits visual information to the brain. If you cover the healthy eye, people with amblyopia will have a difficult time making out things ...

Laser eye surgery is a popular method for correcting certain eye conditions, but it is not suitable for all types of vision problems. As with any medical procedure, it is important for people who are considering the surgery to talk it over with an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon, so that ...

Getting regular eye exams is an important way to monitor your optical and general health. Part of a thorough eye exam is pupil dilation, which is accomplished by putting eye drops in the eye which will force your pupil to stay open, even in bright light. The procedure is not ...

Retinoscopy is the medical term that literally means “visual examination of the retina”. The purpose of a retinoscopy is to determine and measure the refractive error of a patient’s schematic eye and to determine the proper prescription for corrective lenses. In a dim-lit setting, an eye care professional ...

Macular degeneration is a medical condition in which a person or animal progressively loses sight in one or both eyes. The degeneration is usually slow, and begins at the center field of vision; over time, usually months or years, the problem grows. Sight progressively becomes more and more limited, and ...

A cataract is an opacity that forms on the lens of the eye, initially making vision blurry or clouded. If left untreated, cataracts will cause blindness; in fact, they are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataract blindness can set in slowly, which is why it is important ...

Eye infections can be quite painful or quite irritating, and should be immediately addressed by a doctor. This is especially the case if one has suffered trauma to the eye and suspects a foreign body might be trapped in the eye. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, or ...

Presbyopia is a condition, caused by aging, in which people find it difficult to read small words at close distances or to work on the computer for long periods of time. The condition is sometimes called short arm syndrome, because sufferers must often push small print to an arm's ...

Eyes appear in the fossil record about 540 million years ago, at the dawn of the Cambrian period. On some television shows about paleontology, the evolution of the eye is cited as the cause of the Cambrian explosion, the rapid diversification of animal life during the Cambrian period, but this ...

Keratitis refers to inflammations, infections or deterioration of the corneas. It has numerous causes. No matter what the cause, early treatment is essential to preserve sight and prevent permanent or further damage to the corneas. Viruses cause some forms of keratitis. Some viruses indicated in keratitis are Herpes Simplex 1 ...

An eye cream is a specially formulated moisturizer that in most cases has been tested as effective to use near the eyes, and that won’t damage the soft tissue around the eyes or cause eye irritation. Many of these creams are made with special ingredients that help either reduce ...

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid. Both humans and animals can develop this swelling, and in animals, it usually presents with spasms of the eyelid, hair loss near the eyes and red, swollen eyes. There are many different causes of blepharitis. It is usually associated with conjunctivitis, also known as ...

Iridology is an alternative health approach that is understood to diagnose health conditions by examining the colored portion of the eye, commonly known as the iris. The approach is based on the concept that every organ within the body corresponds to some section of the iris. By evaluating the current ...

Color contact lenses are used to enrich or change the natural color of the eyes for movies, television, or for sheer fun. They can also be corrective lenses, but a corrective prescription is not necessary to wear color contacts. The iris is the portion of the eye that contains pigment ...

It is widely known that excessive UV-A and UV-B rays cause sunburn and skin cancer, but fewer people realize they also cause sunburned eyes. Growing scientific research has led leading authorities such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology to warn that repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ...

The eyes are often the first thing most people notice about your face. Making them really stand out can be accomplished with some easy makeup tricks that make the eyes appear larger. Begin by purchasing a few different shades of eyeshadow, an eyeliner pencil, and mascara. Finally, it is also ...

With many turning to home remedies for minor afflictions, those suffering from eye irritation are interested in ingredients used in homemade eyewash. Homemade eyewash can be used to treat allergic eyes, or to stop itching associated with pinkeye. Some practitioners of holistic medicine also tout homemade eyewash as a way ...

The purpose of applying eyeliner is to define and accentuate the shape of the eye. When applying eyeliner, consider the desired result. If you seek a dramatic look, try liquid eyeliner. For a softer look, try pencil eyeliner. Whether you use a brush or pencil, it’s helpful to tilt ...

Wraparound glasses are eyewear that provides coverage for both the direct and indirect areas of vision. Most versions of wraparound glasses are manufactured to include a clear viewing area for the direct line of vision as well as the peripheral line of vision to each side of the eyes. Sometimes ...

Computer vision syndrome (CSV) results from staring at a computer screen for a long time without breaks to rest the eyes. There are a number of ways to minimize the damage this will cause, and most of them are quite easy and well worth doing. Many different effects can be ...

Driving glasses should protect your eyes from the harmful effects of ultra-violet (UV) radiation, near-UV rays, and reflective glare. Few people realize that UV-A and UV-B rays, the same rays responsible for sunburn, can also burn the retina. While eyes have an amazing ability to heal ...

Goggles are eyeglasses that are closely fitted and aim to protect the eye. The name comes from the word goggle, which means to stare, roll, or bulge the eyes. There are several kinds, including safety goggles used in various professions and locations and different types of sports goggles. Safety goggles ...

A sun visor will shade and protect your eyes from the sun. Sun visors are designed differently than ball caps and other billed or brimmed hats so that they are both cooler to wear and easier to slip on and off. They are excellent accessories to wear for certain sports ...

A chalazion is an inflammation of the glands which surround the eye. Typically a chalazion takes the form of a small lump in the upper or lower eyelid, often near the edge. While the lump is not usually painful, it is unsightly, and when it bursts, it can lead to ...

Eyelift surgery, or to use its technical name, blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure which can correct drooping upper eyelids and remove bags from beneath the eyes. It is a cosmetic surgery performed by plastic surgeons, which if successful can enhance appearance and self-confidence. Eyelift surgery is achieved by removing ...

The experience of sight begins when photons from the world hit the lens of our eye, and get focused onto a small patch of photoreceptive cells on a part of the eye called the retina. These cells come in two types - rods and cones. Cones are for color detection, functioning ...

Eye floaters can appear as small spots in front or to the sides of the eyes that are seen only by the person experiencing them. They are often momentary and may be most noticeable when one looks at a blank wall. They are caused by small clumps forming in the ...

Reading glasses from the pharmacy, which retail for about $15-20 US Dollars (USD), are often preferred by people who don’t want to pay the expense of prescription glasses. Some people also want to skip eye exams, and assume if their vision is slightly improved by these glasses, then ...

There are several steps that can be taken to effectively treat a black eye and to expedite the healing process. The first is to minimize the swelling. Black eyes occur when some outside force causes contusions in the tiny blood vessels surrounding the eye. By keeping the swelling at a ...

In ophthalmology, tonometry refers to measurements of intra-ocular pressure that can diagnose conditions like glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure caused by fluids in the eye. High intraocular pressure can damage the nerves in the eyes and result in loss of sight. Since high intraocular pressure is often ...

Thanks in part to aging baby boomers, reading glasses have become a huge business for eyeglass makers. With a huge percentage of the population experiencing presbyopia, the loss of ability to focus on objects close up, people are relying on these glasses more than ever. There are many things to ...

An anti-reflective coating on your glasses serves many purposes, but it does have some drawbacks. The decision whether or not to use it on your glasses is a highly personal one that should be made after weighing the pros and the cons. For many people, an anti-reflective coating ...

The evil eye is a superstitious belief that some people can cause harm to others by looking at them in a certain way. The person who gives someone the evil eye may do so intentionally to cause harm, or unintentionally, as a result of feeling envy toward the person he ...

According to numerous scientific studies, reading in dim light will not damage your eyes, although some studies have linked poor lighting conditions with myopia. However, it can cause eye strain, which could make the reader uncomfortable, and therefore it is a good idea to set up a well lit reading ...

Exophthalmos is a medical condition that is usually linked with some other type of illness. Exopthalmos is characterized by bulging or protruding eyeballs. In most cases, both eyeballs are affected, but in some circumstances, only one eyeball is affected. If only one eyeball is affected, the condition is called proptosis ...

Visual acuity is defined as the clarity or sharpness of vision, which is the ability of the eye to see and distinguish fine details. This is an important factor for a variety of everyday tasks, including reading text, recognizing symbols, and performing assembly work. Good visual acuity is very important ...

Humans produce tears for a variety of reasons. Some of these have nothing to do with why people cry. If you’re cutting up an onion or suffering from seasonal allergies, your eyes may be brimming with tears. This is not emotional crying, but instead it is the act of ...

More people work on computers today than ever before. Staring at a flat screen for hours can cause eyestrain, headaches, dry eyes, burning, and blurred vision, known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). Computer glasses can protect you from CVS by enhancing your vision with or without a prescription. They can ...

Googly eyes are plastic replicas of eyes which are designed to be used in crafting. Googly eyes are stylized, rather than strictly accurate, and they have a very distinctive appearance which has made them rather famous. Classically, a googly eye consists of a black disc trapped inside a clear plastic ...

Prosthetic eyes, or ocular prosthetics, are artificial eyes that replace a natural eye absent due to surgical removal from disease or injury. They have been in existence for hundreds of years in some fashion. Early ones were made of cryolite glass, but these early versions were expensive, not very durable ...

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), also known as euphrasia or meadow eyebright, is a flowering herb found primarily in eastern European countries such as Hungary and Yugoslavia. It gets its name from the red streaks found on its flowers, which suggest the appearance of bloodshot eyes. Medieval physicians used a philosophy called ...

The Eye Protection Factor (EPF) is a scientifically applied solar rating designed to help people compare the efficiency of sunglasses in protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of radiation. EPF is to non-prescription sunglasses what the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is to sunscreen. The EPF rating is based ...