A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens within the eye that often occurs as a person ages. Although many cataracts develop without a known cause, long-term steroid use and diabetes are risk factors. Watch this video to find out what you can expect if you develop a cataract.
If you have pain around the eyes, headaches, and blurred vision after using a computer for several hours, you may have computer vision syndrome. You can ease symptoms with special computer glasses. Watch this video for additional details about this condition and tips on computer use.
The cornea functions as a "clear window" on the front of the eye. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. This video discusses how a corneal abrasion occurs, available treatments, and preventive steps you can take.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. This video will tell you more about glaucoma and how it is treated.
Low vision means that, even with regular glasses, contacts, medicine, or surgery, people find everyday tasks difficult to do. It is important to remember, however, that there is help. Watch this video from the National Eye Institute to learn more.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with low vision, talk with your eye care professional about vision rehabilitation and how it can help. Watch this video from the National Eye Institute for more information.
Watch this video from the National Eye Institute to learn how people with vision loss can maximize their remaining vision and maintain their independence.
People with vision loss often feel anxious, helpless, and depressed. But there is help. Watch this video from the National Eye Institute to learn how vision rehabilitation empowers people with low vision to maintain their independence and keep a positive outlook.
Do you have a friend or loved one who is experiencing vision loss? Watch this video from the National Eye Institute to learn how you can help.
This video looks at the causes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of visual impairment in older Americans.
Early signs of AMD can be detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
This video looks at the causes of cataract, a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision.
This video looks at the causes of glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the eye's optic nerve.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause blindness. It often begins when pressure builds up in the eye. If caught early, it can often be controlled. But it often has no symptoms, so you need regular eye exams.
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over age 50. Learn about the 2 types of AMD and how to spot the symptoms.
Blepharitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the eyelids. The membrane covering the inside of your eyelid and the white of your eye may also become inflamed. It can't always be cured. But it can be controlled.
Conjunctivitis is an irritation or infection. It affects the membrane that covers the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelid (conjunctiva). It can happen to one or both eyes.
Here is information on different vision problems.
In most cases, a black eye is a minor injury and can be treated at home. But there are times when you should get medical care right away.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on your cornea. In most cases, it's caused by an infection.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid. It causes swelling of the eyelids, and it is usually caused by a bacterial infection or a skin condition.
Blurred vision is when your vision is no longer sharp and you can't see small details. Any vision changes, whether sudden or over time, should be checked out by an eye specialist.
A chalazion is a blocked, swollen oil gland in the eyelid. A chalazion can vary in size. It may appear on the inside or outside of the lid.
Coloboma is a defect of one or both eyes that is present at birth. With coloboma, a part of the eye is missing a piece of its tissue.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by an injury, allergic reaction, infection, or illness. Symptoms may include redness, irritation, itching, swelling, or burning.
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergen. Symptoms may include redness of the eye, swelling, fluid leakage, and itching or burning.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by an infection. Symptoms include a thick, pus-like discharge from the eye, swollen eyelids, redness, eyelids sticking together upon awakening, and a gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye.
A conjunctival foreign body is a very small object, such as an eyelash or dirt, that has become trapped under the eyelid. This can be very irritating to the eye, no matter how small the object is.
Viral conjunctivitis is a common infection of the eye. It is very contagious. The most common symptoms include redness, discharge from the eye, swollen eyelids, and a gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye.
An eye contusion can cause pain and swelling around the eye. The skin may also change color.
An abrasion of the cornea is very painful. Symptoms include frequent tearing, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.
A contact lens can injure the cornea. The cornea is very painful when injured, but it usually heals quickly.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea. A corneal ulcer may cause redness, pain, increased tears, and pus or mucus draining from the eye. It may also cause blurry vision and swelling of the eyelid.
Dacryocystitis is an infection of the tear sac. This can happen if the tear duct is blocked. Dacryocystitis can cause redness, swelling, and pain just below the lower lid, near the nose.
The retina is the light-sensitive part of the eye that allows you to see. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels of the retina and cause them to leak or bleed. This damage can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy. Tight control of your blood sugar can help.
Double vision means that you are seeing 1 object as 2 images. One or both eyes may be affected. There are many causes of double vision.
A flash burn occurs when the eye is exposed to too much ultraviolet light, such as from welding or strong reflected sunlight.
Narrow-angle glaucoma causes the fluid pressure in the eye to rise rapidly. It can result in permanent blindness within days if not treated.
Open-angle glaucoma causes fluid pressure in the eye to rise slowly. This causes vision loss over months to years. It may cause complete blindness if not treated.
Herpes keratitis is an infection of the cornea with the herpes simplex virus. It is a very serious disease, which can cause blindness if it isn't treated. Here's how to care for yourself at home.
Hyphema is bleeding in the front part of the eye. This most often happens after a direct blow to the eye. It may cause blurred or dim vision, and pain from increased pressure in the eye. Read on to learn how to care for this injury at home.
Iritis is an inflammation of the iris. It can be caused by injury to the eye or disease elsewhere in the body. Symptoms include redness, pain in the eye or brow region, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
The meibomian glands are small glands located inside the upper and lower eyelids. They secrete oils that work with tears. If your meibomian glands become blocked by thickened oils, your eyes will become dry. Your eyes may feel irritated.
Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the tissues around the eye. It's most often caused by an infected scratch or insect bite. Sometimes it's caused by a sinus infection. Learn how to care for this condition at home, and when you should call your healthcare provider.
With age, part of the retina can pull away from the blood vessels at the back of the eye, causing a loss of vision in the affected area. Eye surgery is needed to treat a retinal detachment.
With age, the gel that fills the eye contracts, and can tear the retina. This causes floaters and flashes of light. It can lead to retinal detachment and vision loss.
If a metal particle gets into the eye, tears can cause the metal to rust and form a stain on the cornea. This can last even after the particle is removed.
A sty is when the oil gland of the eyelid becomes inflamed. It may develop into an infection with a small pocket of pus (an abscess). This can cause pain, redness, and swelling.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a result of a broken blood vessel in the white portion of the eye. It is usually painless and is not serious.
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye. This can be caused by injury to the eye or disease somewhere else in the body. Symptoms include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and floating spots in the vision.
Learn about caring for a child or an adult with uvulitis.
This video shows how to use eye drops.
This surgery is used to remove a cataract. During the procedure, the cloudy lens in your eye is replaced with an artificial lens that will let you see clearly. This procedure is sometimes called "no-needle, no-stitch" cataract surgery. It's quick, painless, and you can go home the same day.
This surgery is used to remove a cataract. During the procedure, the cloudy lens in your eye is replaced with an artificial lens that will let you see clearly. This procedure is quick, painless, and you can go home the same day.
A surgeon removed the cloudy lens in your eye and replaced it with a clear manmade lens. Here's what you can expect after surgery, along with tips for a healthy recovery.
The cornea is very sensitive and may hurt for another 1 to 2 days after a particle is removed.
Find out how a YAG laser uses fast, tiny bursts of energy to improve your vision during a capsulotomy.
YAG capsulotomy is a quick, painless outpatient procedure. Here's what you can expect.
A helpful, step-by-step guide to putting in eye drops safely.
Cataract surgery involves removing the cataract and replacing the lens. Here are the two most common ways that cataracts are removed.
An eye patch is often used when there has been an injury to the eye. It provides protection from further injury and keeps the eyelid closed. This promotes healing after an injury to the cornea.
