Eye Health Medical Reference
- Eyelash Mites: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Eyelash mites usually are harmless. They’re a problem only if you have far too many of them. Find out when this happens and what treats it.
- What Are ‘Raccoon Eyes’? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Raccoon eyes are dark circles under the eyes that can appear after a head injury.
- Contact Lenses for Beginners: Tips for the First Time
Just got fitted for contact lenses? Whether you’re switching from eyeglasses or got your vision corrected for the first time, here are some tips for beginners.
- PERRLA Eye Assessment: What It Is and How It Works
The PERRLA eye exam is like a physical for your eyes. But it can also help indicate neurological conditions. Find out more about what it is and how it works.
- Eyelid Problems: Causes and Fixes
Most eyelid issues aren’t serious. But if you’ve noticed something’s different about one or both of your eyelids, it’s important to know what to look out for.
- How to Use Eyelid Scrubs
Eyelid scrubs are gentle cleansers that soothe inflamed eyelids and help treat eye conditions. Learn how to use them.
- Dry Eyelids: Causes and Treatments
The delicate skin around your eyes can easily be irritated, making it dry and flaky. There are many causes of dry eyelids and lots of treatments.
- Colored Contacts: Are They Safe?
Colored contact lenses offer a chance to to change up your eye fashion. But these are medical devices, not accessories. Here’s what to know if you want to wear them.
- Eyelash Extensions: Are They Safe?
Interested in trying out eyelash extensions? Find out how safe they are and what side effects you might expect.
- Corneal Edema: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Corneal edema, also called corneal swelling, is a buildup of fluid in your cornea, the clear lens that helps focus light onto the back of your eye.
- Living With Neuromyelitis Optica
Certain devices, lifestyle changes, and therapies can help you function better when you have neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Find out more about life with NMO.
- Symptoms of Neuromyelitis Optica
The first signs of neuromyelitis optica are often sudden eye pain and vision problems. Learn more about symptoms of this rare autoimmune disease.
- Causes of Neuromyelitis Optica
Scientists aren't sure why some people get the condition, but they know what makes it more likely to develop.
- What Is Papilledema?
Papilledema is the swelling of your optic nerve caused by pressure in the brain. It can have a number of causes but is usually very serious.
- COVID-19 and Your Eyes
Conjunctivitis, also called pinkeye, can happen in a smaller number of COVID-19 cases. Here’s what you need to know.
- Are Eyelash Extensions, Eyelash Growth Serum Safe?
Eyelashes are a big deal in the beauty world, and to beauty standards in general. Lash extensions and lash growth serum are all the rage -- but are they worth the risk?
- What Causes Bulging Eyes (Exophthalmos)?
Bulging eyes, which your doctor may call "exophthalmos," can be a sign of infection, thyroid problems, or other medical issues. Find out the possible causes, other symptoms that may go along with it, and how to treat the problem.
- Temporary Blindness and Short-Term Vision Loss
Losing your vision for a short period of time happens because of another health condition. Find out the main causes and what the treatment is.
- When Your Uveitis Treatment Isn’t Working
Steroids are usually the first treatment you’ll get for uveitis. When they don’t work well enough, you have other options.
- Corneal Dystrophies
Does someone in your family have corneal dystrophy? Learn more about these diseases and how they may affect you.
- Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy
Are your eyes cloudy or hazy when you wake up? That may be a sign of Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy. Learn more about how to treat this disease.
- Contacts vs. Glasses
If you don't have 20/20 vision, you can choose between glasses and contacts to help you see. Learn about the positives and negatives of both.
- How Do Punctal Plugs Work?
Do your eyes itch and sting? Are they dry? A simple device called a punctal plug may give you the relief you’re looking for.
- Eye Burn: How to Treat It
When your eye gets a burn from chemicals or heat, quick treatment is key. Find out how to treat eye burns and when to see a doctor.
- Why Are My Eyes Watery?
Are your eyes watery? Are they red, itchy, or painful? Find out what may be causing your eye problems and how to treat them.
- Could a Warm Compress Help My Eyes?
When you have pain or discomfort caused by an eye infection or other problem, a warm compress may help. Learn how to make a warm compress and what symptoms they may relieve.
- Why Is There Gunk in My Eye?
Discharge is your eye's way of telling you something's up. From sleep to serious conditions, here's what to look for and what it might mean.
- What Is a Vitrectomy?
A vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery that treats problems with the retina or the fluid in the eye called the vitreous. Find out how it’s done, recovery time, risks, and more.
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhage (or red spot on your eye) usually results from straining. It’s almost always harmless and should heal on its own.
- What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
One of the leading causes of dry eyes is trouble with the tiny oil glands in your eyelids. Learn more about this condition and what you can do for it.
- What Is Papilledema?
A swollen optic disc can threaten your vision. Sometimes it's also a sign of a serious medical problem. Find out what causes it and what you can do about it.
- What Is Corneal Cross-Linking?
Here’s what you need to know about the only treatment that can stop the eye condition keratoconus.
- Is My Eye Infected?
Learn about the symptoms of eye infections and the types you can get, such as pinkeye (conjunctivitis) and styes.
- Eye Stroke: Retinal Artery Occlusion
Retinal artery occlusion, or eye stroke, can cause sudden and permanent vision loss. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
- What Is Retinal Vein Occlusion?
Retinal vein occlusion can lead to sudden and permanent vision loss. Learn about its symptoms, treatments, and complications.
- What Is Scleritis?
Find out more about this autoimmune disease that affects the white part of your eye and causes eye inflammation and pain.
- What Is Periorbital Cellulitis?
Is your eyelid red and swollen? It could be a kind of skin infection called periorbital cellulitis.
- What Is Open-Angle Glaucoma?
Open-angle glaucoma is by far the most common type of glaucoma and a top cause of blindness. Learn if you may be at risk for it, what to look for, and how to get treated.
- What Are Eye Freckles?
Got something in your eye? Get the facts about eye freckles -- or nevi -- and why it’s important to get them checked out by an expert.
- Tips for Living with Color Blindness
Everyday tasks can be a lot harder when you’re colorblind, but they don’t always have to be. Learn tips and tricks to help you with everything from picking ripe produce to getting co-workers on board with documents you can actually use.
- Why Do My Pupils Look Big?
What makes your pupils stay open, or dilated? Learn about the causes, and what to do if you have dilated pupils.
- How to Adjust to Bifocals and Progressives
Got new bifocals, trifocals, or progressives? It may take some time to get used to them. These tips can make it easier.
- Can You Drive With Dilated Eyes?
After an eye exam, should you get behind the wheel if you’ve had your eyes dilated? There are a few things to think about before you decide.
- When Dry Eyes May Not Be a Medical Problem
Eyes feeling itchy and irritated? Before you assume there's something wrong, see what could be behind the dryness and how to remedy it yourself.
- Dry Eyes With Immune Disorders
Your dry eyes might be a sign of a problem with your immune system. Find out some common conditions, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
- Dry Eyes and Thyroid Disorders
Dry eyes can be related to problems with your thyroid gland. Find out what conditions and why, and what you can do about it.
- Cornea Transplant Surgery: What You Need to Know
Learn about why you might need one, what the different procedures are, and what you can expect after a corneal transplant.
- Smoking and Dry Eye
Does smoke make your eyes itchy and watery? Learn why smoking makes dry eye worse and how you can ease your symptoms.
- Caffeine and Dry Eye
Could coffee ease your dry eye symptoms? Learn why caffeine can help with dry eye.
- What You Need to Know About Evaporative Dry Eye
What is evaporative dry eye? Learn what causes this condition, what the symptoms are, and how to treat it.