HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Eye Conditions

Keeping An Eye Out For Retinal Detachment

SELF-CARE CORNER

Retinal detachment means your retina is pulled away from its normal position at the back of your eye. If a retinal detachment happens, it is a medical emergency. It can cause permanent vision loss.

See the signs

Retinal detachment may cause symptoms that come on suddenly. You may see things like:

* A lot of gray or black “floaters” that look like squiggly lines or specks of dirt

* Flashes of bright light

* A dark area or shadow

Will it happen to me?

Retinal detachment can happen to anyone. But you are more likely to get it if:

* Someone in your family has had a retinal detachment

* You’ve had any kind of eye surgery

* You’ve had a serious eye injury

* You have diabetic retinopathy

* You have other eye diseases

The best way to know your risk is to talk to your eye doctor. Most of the time, retinal detachment happens from aging or an eye injury.

Can I prevent it?

You can lower your risk by protecting your eyes. Wear safety goggles during sports or when using power tools.

You should also get a dilated eye exam regularly. Always see your eye doctor after any eye injury.

Good news

Retinal detachment is treatable. An eye doctor or surgeon can often fix the retina and reattach it. The earlier it is found, the better the outcome. Don’t ignore the signs – save your vision!

Source: National Eye Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Shopping Around For Contact Lenses

FINANCIAL HEALTH

Many people wear contact lenses. But you don’t have to buy your contacts from your eye care provider. You can choose to get your contacts prescription from your provider and then shop around for lenses.

Get an eye exam

Before you go shopping for lenses, make sure your eyes are healthy. See your eye care provider regularly. Your provider might be an optometrist or ophthalmologist, depending on your needs.

During your visit, your provider will check your eyes and determine your contact lens prescription.

Getting your prescription

Your eye care prescriber can give you your prescription after your exam. Your provider cannot charge you for your prescription. You may have to pay for the eye exam and contact lens fitting.

What should my prescription include?

Your contact lens prescription must include:

* Your name

* Date of your eye exam

* Date of prescription

* Doctor’s name, mailing address, phone number and fax number

* Power, material, and/or manufacturer of the prescribed lens

* Base curve of the lens

* Diameter of the lens, when needed

Source: Federal Trade Commission

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cataracts Can Be Treated

MEDICAL NEWS

The eye has a clear lens inside that allows you to focus on things. But, as we get older, the lens may not be clear anymore. Proteins inside the lens stick together, causing a cloudy spot. This is a cataract.

Cataracts are common. More than half of people age 80 and over have cataracts or had cataract surgery.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts cannot always be prevented. Many people get them simply from getting older. This is because proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down with time.

But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting cataracts:

* Get regular eye exams.

* Don’t smoke – or quit if you do smoke.

* Limit or avoid alcohol.

* Protect your eyes with proper sunglasses and hats that shield the sun.

* Eat a healthy diet and get exercise. This can help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, which may cause cataracts.

Do I have cataracts?

Many people don’t realize they have cataracts. This is because changes in vision happen very slowly over time.

People who have cataracts may notice:

* Colors look faded or yellowed; things look blurry or cloudy

* Seeing a “halo” around lights

* It’s harder to read without a very bright light

* Trouble with night vision

* Double vision in one eye

What can I do about cataracts?

While cataracts may take away your clear vision, there is good news. Many cataracts can be corrected with surgery.

The operation usually takes less than an hour. The doctor will replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens. Usually, no stitches are needed. You may also have the surgery without general anesthesia, or being put to sleep. The doctor will numb the eye area so you won’t feel anything.

People usually have only minor pain afterward. You may need to use eye drops after surgery to help the eye heal, or wear a protective eye shield when you sleep. Your doctor can let you know when it is safe for you to drive and do other activities.

In most cases, the eye is totally healed within a few weeks and vision is much better.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Clear Facts On Eye Drops

SELF-CARE CORNER

Staring at a computer, dry winter air, cold temperatures, allergies, medications. A number of things can make eyes red, dry or uncomfortable.

Many people turn to a bottle of eye drops for quick relief. But, if you use eye drops often, there are a few things you should know.

Seeing red

Redness relief eye drops contain an ingredient that shrinks blood vessels in the eye, giving you that bright-eyed effect. But, these drops can be harmful if you overuse them.

Using redness drops frequently can cause a “rebound” effect, making the redness even worse. Then you feel like you have to use the drops more and more to control the redness.

Don’t use redness relief drops on a regular basis. If your eyes are often red, you should see an eye care professional to get to the root cause.

Artificial tears

Artificial tear eye drops are generally safe to use regularly. They don’t contain any active ingredients. Instead, they are designed to mimic your own tears. These work well for occasional dryness or discomfort.

Keep an eye on preservatives

Many eye drops contain preservatives. These keep germs from growing in the drops. They allow you to use the same bottle of drops for a longer period of time.

Some people find that the preservatives in eye drops make their eyes itchy or irritated. If you notice any burning or stinging after using eye drops, even artificial tears, stop using them.

Preservative-free eye drops are available. These work well for people who are sensitive to preservatives. They are usually in small single-use vials that come in a pack. You use the vial once and throw it away.

Eye health red flags

The best way to keep eyes healthy is to see your eye health professional regularly. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist how often they should see you. It will depend on your age, any health issues and your eye health history.

Call your eye professional right away if you notice:

* Pain or itching in the eye

* Redness that won’t go away

* Dry eyes that aren’t relieved with artificial tears

* Changes in vision, such as not seeing as well

* Cloudy or blurry vision

* Floaters or other spots in your vision

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Irritated Eyelids And Blepharitis

SELF-CARE CORNER

You might not think about your eyelids very much. That is, until there’s a problem with them. Blepharitis, a common eyelid condition, can cause irritated, red, itchy eyelids. It can also cause flaking on the eyelids.

What causes blepharitis?

Blepharitis usually happens when bacteria on the skin become unbalanced. Certain things can trigger this bacteria growth, including:

* Allergies

* Mites

* Dandruff

* Oily skin

* Rosacea

Signs and symptoms

Blepharitis can feel different to different people. Blepharitis symptoms include:

* Watery eyes or extra tearing

* Red and swollen eyelids

* Dry eyes

* Crusting of the eyelids

* Itching

* Blurry vision

Self-care

Most people can manage blepharitis with self-care at home. Here’s how:

* Wash your hands. Then apply a warm, moist compress to each eyelid twice a day. Use a clean cloth for each eye.

* Gently scrub the eyelids with water and baby shampoo or a gentle eyelid cleanser.

* Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water and dry with a clean towel.

* If you have dandruff, wash your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo on a regular basis.

* Avoid using eye makeup or wearing contact lenses until blepharitis symptoms are gone.

Is blepharitis dangerous?

Blepharitis isn’t usually dangerous. But its symptoms can be painful or bothersome. Sometimes blepharitis can cause other eye problems, such as:

*Stye:A red, painful bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.

*Chalazion:A red bump on the eyelid that doesn’t hurt.

*Cornea damage:The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye.

If blepharitis doesn’t get better with self-care measures, contact your doctor. In some cases, you may need special eye drops or antibiotic ointment. Always ask your doctor before using any drops or other products in your eyes.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is Lasik Right For You?

SELF-CARE CORNER

If you wear glasses or contacts, it’s possible you may be a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, which simply means laser vision correction.

The procedure uses a laser to correct the shape of your cornea and improve your vision. This type of surgery is used to treat:

* Myopia (nearsightedness)

* Hyperopia (farsightedness)

* Astigmatism (an imperfection in the shape of the cornea)

Undergoing LASIK eye surgery may reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. But, it’s not right for everyone.

How to qualify

To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, you first need to talk to your eye doctor. They will do a comprehensive eye exam and make sure you meet certain criteria such as:

* Stable vision for at least a year

* Eye prescription within the range LASIK can correct

* Thick healthy corneas

* 18 years of age or older

Some conditions may disqualify you from the procedure. These include:

* Severe dry eye

* Eye infections

* Cataracts

* Glaucoma

* Poorly controlled diabetes

* Pregnancy or breastfeeding

The procedure

During the procedure, you will be awake, resting comfortably on a table, and able to see for the majority of the time. It is painless and over in just a few minutes.

1. Drops will be put in your eyes to numb them.

2. An eyelid holder will be put in place to keep your eyes open.

3. A suction ring will be placed on your eye to hold it still. You will feel some pressure, and your vision will briefly fade.

4. The ophthalmologist will use a laser to cut a flap in your cornea.

5. A laser will precisely reshape your cornea, and the flap will be smoothed back into place.

After LASIK surgery

You will need to wear special glasses at first for eye protection and use several types of eye drops for the first few days to weeks until your eyes are healed.

Side effects from the procedure are often temporary and may include:

* Dry eyes

* Light sensitivity

* Blurry vision

* Halos around lights, especially at night

* Glare

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Keeping An Eye Out For Cataracts

SELF-CARE CORNER

Most people will have cataracts by the age of 80. But they don’t have to mean loss of vision. They are treatable.

What is a cataract?

A normal lens inside the eye is clear. Cataracts happen when the proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down. Then they clump together. This causes cloudiness and problems with your vision.

Cataracts may occur with normal aging. But they can also happen after an eye injury or if you had eye surgery.

Signs of cataracts

People often notice changes in vision when cataracts start to form. These changes include:

* Blurry or distorted vision

* Being sensitive to light

* Seeing a “halo” around lights

* Seeing double

* Trouble seeing at night or in dimly lit rooms

* Seeing colors as dull or yellow-tinted

Prevention

The best way to help prevent cataracts is with eye sun protection. Wear sunglasses that block out 100 percent of UV rays when you’re outside during the day. Not all sunglasses offer 100 percent UV protection. Check the packaging to be sure. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep sun off your face.

Smoking increases the risk for cataracts, so quit smoking. Get help quitting if you need it.

Finally, get a dilated eye exam regularly. Ask your eye care specialist or doctor how often you need one.

Seeing a doctor

If you think you might have cataracts, talk to a doctor. You may need an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. During the exam, your eye care specialist can perform tests to look for cataracts.

Treatment options

If your doctor finds cataracts, don’t panic. There are ways to treat them.

First, your doctor may recommend new glasses or contacts for mild symptoms. You may also find that using brighter lights or a magnifying lens is helpful for reading or working.

If your cataracts are interfering with life, you may need surgery. Cataracts surgery involves putting a new artificial lens in the eye. It is a safe surgical procedure and works well for most people.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cataract Facts

WELL-BEING

With aging comes the possibility of developing cataracts. In fact, age is the primary risk factor for developing a clouding of the lens of one or both eyes.

Smoking and diabetes may contribute to the proteins in the eye that clump together and begin to cloud vision, but wear and tear over the years is the main culprit, according to the National Eye Institute.

If you have trouble identifying blues and purples, you may have what is called lens discoloration from a cataract forming. The condition can begin as early as age 40, but after age 60 is when cataracts start to reduce the sharpness of your vision.

Other signs of cataract formation include glaring headlights and poor night vision, double vision, faded colors, or frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contacts.

Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataracts. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They advise eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every 2 years. In addition to checking for cataracts, your eye care professional can check for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision disorders. Early treatment for many eye diseases may save your sight.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Aging Affects The Eyes

Eye Conditions

Growing older does not always mean you see poorly. But you may not see as well as you did before. Common changes that affect your eyes are:

* “Aging Eyes.” The medical term for this is presbyopia (prez-bee-OH-pea-ah). This comes on slowly after age 40. Close objects or small print are harder to see. You may have to hold reading materials at arm’s length. You may get headaches or “tired eyes” while you read or do other close work. Presbyopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

* The need for more light in order to see clearly. With aging, the pupil in the eye is unable to open as wide or to adapt to light as fast as it did before. This can make it harder to see in the dark. It can make it harder to tell one color from another. Blues can look like different shades of gray. To help with this, add more and brighter lights in places around the house, such as at work counters, stairways, and favorite reading places. This may help you see better and can sometimes prevent accidents. Also, don’t wear tinted glasses or sunglasses at night, especially when you drive.

Signs & Symptoms and What It Could Be

Signs & Symptoms: Sudden loss of all or part of vision, especially in one eye with sudden weakness or numbness on one side.

What It Could Be: Stroke

What to Do: Get immediate care. Call 9-1-1.

Signs & Symptoms: Vision loss after head or eye injury. Sudden vision loss or blurred vision, and seeing dark spots, or flashes of light all of a sudden.

What It Could Be: Detached or torn retina.

What to Do: Get immediate care.

Signs & Symptoms: Severe pain in and above the eye. Eye redness, swollen upper eyelid. Dilated and fixed pupil. Very blurred vision, halos around lights.

What It Could Be: Angle-closure glaucoma.

What to Do: Get immediate care.

Signs & Symptoms: Object or chemical in the eye.

What It Could Be: Eye irritation or injury.

See “Eye Irritations & Injuries” for more information.

Signs & Symptoms: Gradual loss of side vision. Blurred vision. Halos around lights. Poor night vision.

What It Could Be: Open-angle or chronic glaucoma.

See “Glaucoma” for more information.

Signs & Symptoms: Dark or blind spot in center of vision. Blurred or cloudy vision. Straight lines look wavy.

What It Could Be: Macular degeneration.

See “Macular Degeneration” for more information.

Signs & Symptoms: Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision. Halos around lights. Problems with glare from lamps or the sun.

What It Could Be: Cataract.

See “Cataracts” for more information.

Signs & Symptoms: Pus discharge from the eye; the white of the eye and eyelid are red; crusting of the eyelid in the morning; feeling of sand in the eye

What It Could Be: Conjunctivitis (“Pink Eye”).

See “Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)” for more information.

Signs & Symptoms: Firm lump on eyelid or tender pimple on the edge of the eyelid.

What It Could Be: Stye.

See “Stye” for more information.

Signs & Symptoms: Seeing spots, specks, wavy lines, or streaks of light.

What It Could Be: Floaters and/or flashes.

See “Floaters and/or flashes” for more information.

Signs & Symptoms: Blurred vision when you look at close objects; headaches; eyestrain.

What It Could Be: “Aging Eyes” or presbyopia.

What to Do: Call eye doctor for an appointment and advice.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Clean Contacts Matter

SELF-CARE CORNER

If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to keep them clean and care for them properly. Not taking care of your contact lens could cause an eye infection known as keratitis, which can cause serious eye problems. The CDC says 988,000 people had keratitis in 2010. The biggest risk factor was improper care of contact lenses.

You can greatly reduce your risk of this infection by doing the following things each day:

* Wash your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing your lenses.

* Use only sterile contact lens solution and disinfectant. Don’t use water, saliva, or other liquids to store or rinse your lenses.

* Gently rub your lenses with disinfectant daily.

* Remove your lenses before showering, swimming and sleeping.

* Use fresh solution every day. Dump out all the old solution.

* Don’t wear lenses longer than directed. For instance, some disposable contacts are designed to be worn for one day. Some can be worn for several weeks or longer. Ask your eye care professional if you’re not sure.

* Don’t use expired solution or contacts.

* Replace your contact lens case every three to six months.

Source: The American Academy of Ophthalmology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026