Question

Patients with diabetes can develop a wide range of eye disorders. The problems can range from simple blurring to serious impairments that can eventually lead to blindness.

Irregularities in blood sugar can cause blurring. More seriously, a disease called diabetic retinopathy affects a large portion of the diabetic community. It is one of the leading causes of new cases of legal blindness in the US.

Question

How old do I have to be to wear contact lenses?

A person can begin wearing contact lenses at a very young age. The real question is one of maturity. Parents and children should discuss the option of contact lenses with their eye care professional very seriously and come to a clear decision. If your child switches to contacts and is unable to handle the responsibility that comes with them, it’s never too late to switch back to glasses as a safer alternative.

I look at a computer screen all day. Will this hurt my eyes?

A real concern about sitting in front of a monitor is eyestrain. When you work in front of a monitor, you tend to blink less frequently, which can make your eyes irritated and sore.

There are several things you can do to help reduce the irritation. Taking breaks and looking away from the screen will help. Also, using rewetting drops or artificial tears when you feel your eyes getting dry will go a long way in decreasing your eye irritation. Also, you may ask your eyecare professional about computer glasses. These may help your eyes when using computers for long periods of time.

Question

I have astigmatism. Can I wear contact lenses?

Answer

Certainly. Patients with astigmatism can be fitted with contact lenses.

Question

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition where there is too much pressure in the eye. The substance in the eye, called the aqueous humor, is either unable to drain properly or has been overproduced. In either situation, this is a dangerous disease that can seriously damage your vision. There are few symptoms of glaucoma until vision loss occurs, which makes regular eye health examinations even more important.

Question

Am I at risk for glaucoma?

Certain age and ethnic groups, in addition to diabetics, are at a higher risk for glaucoma. It’s important to discuss risk factors with your eye care professional.

Question

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degenerations is the deterioration of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for your central vision. Macular degeneration usually develops in people over age 65.

Question

Do I have to clean my contact lenses? What will happen if I don’t?

Cleaning and maintenance of contact lenses is necessary to rid them of bacteria, debris, and protein deposits that can and will negatively impact your eye health if ignored.

Question

What are cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of your eye gets clouded. This is a natural result of aging, as most people over the age of 75 have at least one cataract.

Question

What is pink eye?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection of the conjunctiva, a part of the surface of the eye. Symptoms include light sensitivity, discomfort or grittiness, and excessive tearing. If you think you may have conjunctivitis, contact your eye care professional immediately.

Question

I sometimes have flashes. Should I worry about this?

Flashes often occur when external pressure is put on the eye. This causes a tugging on the retina and creates a flashing sensation. Flashes increase with age, however, if you notice them increasing in frequency or intensity, visit your eye care professional immediately.

Question

I sometimes see small things floating in my field of vision. What are they and should I be worried?

Those are called floaters. They are small particles that accumulate in the vitreous, the jelly-like substance that fills the eye, and cast a shadow on the retina. Most of the time, floaters are harmless. If, however, you see several new floaters, or floaters accompanied by flashes of light, you should contact your eye health care provider.