Many times, parents are hesitant to get their child contact lenses because they are concerned about their eye health and safety.

Below are commonly asked questions about children and contact lenses.

#1 When is a child ready for contact lenses?

Although even some babies are fitted with contact lenses, most optometrists feel that the best age to begin wearing contacts is between 10-12 years old.

There are two questions to consider before getting a child contact lenses:

1. Is my child showing signs of maturity and responsibility?
2. Does my child have good personal hygiene habits?

If the answer is yes to these two questions, then your child may be a great candidate for contact lenses.

A child’s motivation, as well as their maturity level, is a good indication of whether a child is ready to wear contact lenses. The willingness of a child to be responsible for contact lenses and the required hygiene regimen are just as important.

#2 What are the advantages of wearing contact lenses? 

Some of the benefits of  wearing contact lenses include:

• Clear vision without eyeglasses
• Enhanced feeling of ‘natural vision,’ especially if the child has a high prescription
• Increased self-esteem
• No risk of lost or damaged glasses
• Improved vision for sports:
  • Better peripheral vision
  • More stable vision
  • Reduced risk of eye injuries

Schedule an eye exam for contact lenses with an eye doctor near you who can help determine the best fit for your child.

SEE RELATED: Multifocal Contact Lenses for Children 

#3 What are the disadvantages of wearing contact lenses?

There are also some disadvantages of wearing contact lenses:

• Additional expenses
• Disinfecting and cleaning can be inconvenient
• There is a small risk of eye infections and scratches
• Lenses can fall out, get damaged, or lost during the day
• Higher frequency of visits to the eye doctor

#4 How can I prevent an eye infection from contact lenses?

By taking preventative measures, a child can minimize their risk of developing an infection by:

• Always washing hands with soap and water before inserting or removing contact lenses
• Replacing contact lenses as directed by your eye doctor
• Cleaning contact lenses and cases as directed by your doctor
• Keeping fingernails short and clean
• Attending all appointments with your eye doctor

#5 My child has astigmatism, are contact lenses an option?

Yes! Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing a refractive error and blurry vision.

Recently, many styles and brands of contact lenses, called toric lenses, have been designed for patients with astigmatism. These lenses are available as daily, biweekly, and monthly replacement options.

Multifocal contact lenses that contain lens powers for astigmatism and near vision problems are also available, as well as lenses designed for overnight wear. There are also special order toric lenses that can essentially correct any amount of astigmatism.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to determine if your child is ready for contacts, and to ask  any questions you and your child may have.

The post Contact Lenses and Children: Part 2 Q&A appeared first on Optometrists.org.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), 14.5 percent of all children under 17 years wear contact lenses.

Parents may have concerns about eye health and safety when it comes to contact lenses and their children. But there is no need to worry; contact lenses are just as safe for children as they are for adults.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to get your child fitted for the right kind of contact lenses.

SEE RELATED: Multifocal Contact Lenses for Children 

Children under 12 years old are most frequently prescribed daily disposable soft contact lenses. For children aged 12 and older, reusable contact lenses are also an option — these can be replaced every two weeks or monthly, depending on the type.

Single use and daily disposable contact lenses are prescribed mostly to prevent contamination issues that can occur from insufficient disinfection of lenses that are worn more than once.

Types of contact lenses

There are many different types of contact lenses for children to correct a variety of vision conditions:

• Soft Contacts

These lenses are most frequently prescribed for children, as they are known to be comfortable and easy to adapt to.  These lenses are available as daily, biweekly (every two weeks), and monthly disposables. Extended wear options are also available.

• Rigid Gas Permeable Contacts (RGP)

Also known as ‘hard lenses,’ these lenses provide clear vision for many complex vision conditions. Their high oxygen permeability decreases the risk of eye infections. However, when starting to wear these lenses there may be a longer adjustment period than with soft lenses.

• Toric Lenses

These lenses are used for people with astigmatism. They come in a standard design for most common optical powers or can be specially customized if required.

• Scleral Lenses

These contact lenses are used for children with an irregular corneal shape. Sclerals bridge over the cornea and rest on the white (sclera) of the eye.

• Ortho-k Lenses

These lenses are used for children with myopia. Worn overnight, they temporarily  reshape the cornea so users can enjoy clear vision during the day, without the need for eyewear.

These lenses have also been shown to reduce the progression of myopia.

Schedule a contact lens fitting with an eye doctor near you.

Is my child ready for contact lenses?

Before deciding if contact lenses are right for a child, a parent needs to consider whether their child is ready to wear them. During their eye doctor’s appointment, the optometrist may ask about the level of personal hygiene, maturity and responsibility.

Older children are typically highly motivated to wear contacts and usually adapt to them very quickly.

Other considerations are the child’s optical prescription, level of self-esteem and participation in sports.

Eye infections and contact lenses

Children, like adults, have a chance of developing eye infections or other complications when using  contact lenses. However, when cared for and worn according to your eye doctor’s instructions, contact lenses are low-risk and perfectly safe for children and teenagers.

Children who wear contact lenses must follow careful instructions to maintain optimal hygiene in order to prevent any eye infections.

Here are some ways for them to prevent and minimize their risk of an eye infection:

• Always wash hands before inserting or removing contact lenses
• Clean contact lenses and cases as directed by your eye doctor
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Replace contact lenses as directed by your doctor
• Attend all appointments with your eye doctor

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to find out which type of contact lens is the best fit and safest for your child’s eyes.

The post Contact Lenses Safety for Children appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Dust, mold, smoke, and pet dander can also cause allergic reactions in the eye.

If you have any concerns regarding wearing contacts lenses with allergies, contact your nearest eye doctor to find answers to all your questions.

SEE RELATED: Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses

Here are some commonly asked questions of eye doctors regarding allergies and contact lenses.

#1 I have allergies, can I still wear contact lenses?

Yes, you may find daily disposables are more comfortable.

Since contact lenses attract airborne allergens, if you wear the same pair for a month, they accumulate a month’s worth of allergens and debris. Whereas disposable daily lenses are worn for just one day, giving allergens less time to accumulate.

#2 If I have allergies, how often should I clean my contact lenses?

Cleaning your contact lenses often will help keep them clean of allergens. Use preservative-free solutions because some people develop allergies to preservatives.

#3 My allergies cause dry eyes. What should I do?

Keep your eyes moist with artificial tears. They will help keep your eyes from drying out, which  causes additional discomfort. Use only preservative-free eye drops; otherwise, you may experience an adverse reaction to the preservatives.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can advise which drops are best for you and how frequently to apply them.

#4 If I have eye allergies, can I still wear makeup?

Use hypoallergenic creams and cosmetics to decrease allergic reactions, especially if you apply them around your eyes.

Moisture particles from sweat and tears can bring the cosmetics that you place around your eyse into contact with the eye’s surface.

#5 If I have an allergy attack, can I still wear my contacts?

During an allergy reaction, it is recommended to refrain entirely from wearing contact lenses if your eyes are itchy, red, and swollen from an allergy.

#6 Should I take anti-allergy medications to reduce my symptoms?

While anti-allergy medications (antihistamines) reduce your allergy symptoms, they can cause dry eyes, which can exacerbate your symptoms.

If you have any known allergies, inform your eye doctor at the time of your eye exam, so they can recommend lenses that are more suited to your sensitive eyes, which products to use and how to care for your lenses.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near who can help you choose the best contact lenses for your eyes and lifestyle.

The post Allergies and Contact Lenses: Part 2 Q appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Pollen is not the only cause of allergies that can affect your eyes and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. Dust, pet dander, smoke and mold can all cause allergic reactions in the eye. Luckily, there are easy ways to protect your eyes while maintaining comfort.

If you have allergies, speak to an doctor about how you can reduce your symptoms.

SEE RELATED: Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

1. Wear daily disposable lenses

Contact lenses attract allergens in the air. Not surprisingly, lenses worn for an entire month collect the most allergens and debris for the entire month.

However, disposable daily contact  lenses are only worn for one day only before being discarded, allowing allergens less time to accumulate.

Ask your eye doctor about the most suitable regular lenses for your eyes.

2. Minimize lens wear time

If your allergic reaction is very mild, you may still be able to wear your contacts during the allergy attack. However, consider reducing the amount of time you wear your lenses.

3. Temporarily wear glasses 

If your eyes are red, itchy and swollen from an allergy, it’s recommended to refrain entirely from wearing contact lenses. Glasses with transition lenses, which are clear when you are indoors and darken in sunlight, are ideal for this time.

4. Initiate a cleaning routine

Cleaning your contact lenses on a more regular basis will help keep them free of allergens. Some people are allergic to the preservatives in lens cleaning solutions, so be sure to use preservative-free solutions.

Ask your eye doctor about peroxide-based disinfectants, which have a more thorough cleaning effect.

5. Keep your eyes moist

To help keep your eyes from drying up or experiencing any additional discomfort, use artificial tears. Make sure they are preservative-free eye-drops; otherwise, you may experience an adverse reaction to the preservatives.

Ask your eye doctor for specific eye drops that can be used with contact lenses.

6. Use hypoallergenic makeup

Pay attention to the types of cosmetics you apply around your eyes. Moisture particles from tears or sweat can bring makeup in contact with the eye’s surface.

To decrease allergic reactions, use hypoallergenic creams and cosmetics.

7. Take anti-allergy medications

While antihistamines (anti-allergy medications) can help with an allergy attack, they often cause dry eye and may, therefore, intensify symptoms.

Consult your eye doctor if you are taking antihistamines.

8. Inform your eye doctor

It’s best to let your eye doctor know if you have any allergies at the time of your eye exam. They will advise you on which type of lenses are more suited to your sensitive eyes, which products to use and how to care for your lenses.

There is no reason you should go through unnecessary suffering with your contact lenses just because you also have allergies.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you so that you can receive the care and information you need to manage your allergies and contacts all year long.

The post Top 8 Tips for Allergies and Contact Lenses appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Allergies are a common complaint, and can cause a great deal of discomfort— sneezing, sniffling, stuffy nose, and itchy throat can all affect your daily functioning.

What you may not realize is— your eyes can also be affected by allergies.

Up to 25 percent of people worldwide suffer from eye allergies.

Many eye allergies symptoms occur with the symptoms you may already be aware of. If your eyes are itchy, red and irritated, and there is no other explanation, allergies may be the cause.

What causes eye allergies?

A variety of allergens may be affecting your eyes, if you suffer with allergy eyes, it is best to get tested by an allergist to determine the cause of your allergies.

The following are the most common causes:

• Outdoor allergens: pollens from grass, weeds, and trees
• Indoor allergens: dust mites, pet dander, and mold
• Irritants: cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust, and perfume

Eye allergy symptoms

• Itchy eyes
• Redness
• Burning
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids

How do I know if I have eye allergies?

Eye allergies develop when the body overreacts to something in its environment. Eye allergies share symptoms with some ocular diseases, making an accurate diagnosis critical.

If you are experiencing eye allergy symptoms, make an appointment with your eye doctor for a thorough examination of your ocular health. Your eye doctor will use specialized tools to detect the presence of allergies.

With the use of a special microscope, your eye doctor will be able to detect the cause of any redness or swollen blood vessels on the surface of the eye.

If you suffer with allergies, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat this condition, so you don’t need to suffer with red and uncomfortable eyes.

SEE RELATED: Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

How to alleviate eye allergy symptoms

Many mild allergy symptoms can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications.

If your allergy symptoms are not relieved by these medications, your eye doctor can prescribe medicated eye drops or oral medication.

1. Artificial tears eye drops

Non-prescription eye drops may be sufficient in providing short term relief of mild symptoms. Artificial tears both moisten the eyes to soothe irritation, and wash allergens away. These drops can be used as often as needed and are available over-the-counter at your local drug store.

There are many different brands of artificial tears on the market, so ask your eye doctor for a recommendation.

2. Preservative free eye drops

Preservative-free drops are recommended because they contain fewer additives which can further irritate the eyes. Keep in mind that many of these preservative-free eye drops may only be used for a few weeks after the bottle is opened— it is important to follow the directions on the bottle.

In addition, many eye drops come in two forms, single-use preservative free vials and multi-use bottles, with or without preservatives. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.  Ask your eye doctor what he recommends for your individual needs.

3. Eye drops for moderate to severe allergies

These are usually decongestant eyes drops, importantly these type of eye drops are not recommended if you have glaucoma.

These eye drops are over-the-counter and are used to reduce redness by narrowing the blood vessels in the eye. They are available in two forms: decongestant only, and decongestant with an antihistamine— recommended for relief of severe itching.

Decongestant eye drops should only be used for up to three days. Prolonged use can produce a rebound effect and increase redness and swelling.

Prescription eye drops and medications

Prescription eye drops and medications also are used to treat eye moderate to severe allergies, and provide both short- and long- term relief.

There are many different types of prescription eye drops:

Antihistamine eye drops reduce itching, redness and swelling. These drops provide fast relief, but need to be used frequently throughout the day, as the effects tend to last only a few hours.

Mast cell stabilizer eye drops prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause the allergic reaction. These drops must be used before allergen exposure to prevent itching.

Antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer eye drops are a combination eye drop that treats and prevents eye allergies. These drops are inserted twice a day for fast, long-lasting relief of itching, burning, tearing, and redness.

NSAID eye drops (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) relieve itching, but may cause burning or stinging when inserted, and need to be used four times a day.

Corticosteroid eye drops treat chronic and severe itching, redness and swelling. These steroidal eye drops should only be used long term (more than two weeks) under a doctor’s supervision as they can cause an increased risk of infection, glaucoma and cataracts.

Oral antihistamines

If eye drops are not sufficient in treating your allergies, your eye doctor may recommend an oral antihistamine for further relief.

Oral antihistamines, both over-the-counter and prescription, can be mildly effective in relieving the itching associated with eye allergies. However, these medications can cause dry eyes and actually worsen your allergy symptoms.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy)

Allergy shots improve tolerance to an allergen by gradually increasing exposure to the allergen over time. Optimal results are generally noticed after several months of treatment, and medications to alleviate symptoms may still be required.

How to prevent eye allergy symptoms

Avoid allergy triggers by implementing the following suggestions:

• Use air conditioning. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses. This will help to protect your eyes from pollen.
• Limit dust accumulation. Use “mite-proof” bedding covers and wash your bedding frequently, using hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit). Clean shelves with a wet rag and floors with a mop, instead of dry-dusting or sweeping.
• Control mold. Use a dehumidifier to control mold growth. Treat visible mold with detergent and a five percent bleach solution.
• Wash your hands.  This will help to eliminate any allergens you may have come in contact with, such as when touching a pet or cutting the grass.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes. This can further irritate your eyes.

While allergies are a common complaint, there is no need to continue suffering!

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Health

Eye doctors can help you cope with allergies, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat your eye allergy, you don’t need to suffer with red and uncomfortable eyes.

The post Eyes and Allergies appeared first on Optometrists.org.

What would you like to learn about?

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

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Diagnosing Dry Eye

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Treating Dry Eye

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Preventing Dry Eye

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Other?

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Contact lenses are a great choice for people who want convenience and clear vision. But now you have to decide between monthlies and dailies. While choosing may be easy for some, others find it a difficult choice to make, and like many other aspects of life, price is an important considerations

The newer design or materials provide added eye health benefits, but can be more expensive.

Learn more about the two types of lenses, to help you make an informed decision.

1. Daily lenses

Daily contact lenses are single-use lenses that you remove at the end of the day and discard. They’re usually designed to have a high water content and be very thin.

Daily contact lenses are designed to be used once and then discarded, so they require very little upkeep.

It’s crucial to understand that leaving daily lenses on your eyes overnight could cause corneal damage and eye infections.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can help you decide which contact lenses best meet you and your eyes’ needs.

SEE RELATED: The Contact Lens Exam

2. Monthly Lenses

Monthly contact lenses must be replaced on a monthly basis, and usually on a particular date, according to the eye doctor’s instructions. They are more durable than daily lenses since they are made of a thicker material.

Monthly lenses are even more resistant to drying out, but you must clean them according to the instructions to ensure your wearing comfort and eye health.

Before you’ll need to switch to a new pair, monthly contact lenses can be worn for about 30 days.

Another good thing about monthlies is that there are certain brands of monthly lenses, called ‘extended wear’ contact lenses, that are FDA approved for overnight or even full-time wear for the entire month.

Although these lenses are safe to wear overnight, the longer you wear contacts, the greater the risk of complications, including infection.

Is there a cost difference?

As a general guide daily lenses are more expensive than monthly lenses, especially if you are wearing lenses 4 or more days a week.

Daily lenses work out to be under or close to $1 per lens, expect to pay $25 – $40 for a box of 30, and $55 to $90 for a box of 90 lenses.

Monthly contact lenses are usually $3-4 per lens, expect to pay around $30 to $40 for a box of 6 lenses.

As you can imagine, wearing daily lenses is usually more expensive than monthly lenses, however there are a few considerations;

1. Frequency of wear:

If the daily lenses are only worn 3-4 times per week then the overall cost is virtually the same as monthly lenses.

2. Storage and cleaning solutions:

With monthly lenses, it is important to add the cost of your contact lens solutions to the overall calculation.

3. Damaged or lost lenses:

The cost per lens of the monthly lenses are more expensive, so if you are prone to damaging or loosing lenses, then daily might be cost effective

There are plenty of choices for both monthly and daily contact lenses, regardless of the kind you select. You should always discuss all the pros and cons of each type with your eye doctor.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

Contact an eye doctor near you who can help you decide which ones best meet you and your eyes’ needs.

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Pink eye is the most common eye problem among children, causing sore and painful eyes.

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva — the clear membrane that covers the inner portion of the eyelids and the white of the eye. This condition can be successfully treated by optometrists.

Common symptoms of pink eye include:

• Blurred vision
• Eyes feel scratchy
• Crustiness around the lashes
• Discharge from the eyes
• Itchiness and grittiness
• Light sensitivity
• Red, swollen eyes and eyelids
• Watery eyes

Pink eye is typically caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. If a bacteria or virus is the cause of your child’s pink eye, then it’s highly contagious.

SEE RELATED: Unequal Pupil Sizes (Anisocoria)

If your child has any of the above symptoms, contact an eye doctor near you.

4 things to do for pink eye:

1. Contact an eye doctor

It’s often difficult for parents to tell what’s causing their child’s symptoms, which is why it’s important for an eye doctor to examine the child’s eyes.

The treatment for pink eye is determined by the type of infection, so a proper diagnosis is crucial.

For example, viral conjunctivitis can resolve on its own after several days, whereas bacterial conjunctivitis requires treatment with antibiotic medication.

If your child is showing signs of pink eye, contact an eye doctor near you for an eye exam.

2. Change Your child’s bed sheets and towels

To get rid of any bacteria that might remain on their towels, pillowcases, and bed sheets, throw all of them in the washer and dryer.

This reduces the chances of the child being infected again and infecting other family members. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling potentially infected linens.

3. Encourage personal hygiene

Since viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are so infectious, good hygiene is vital  to prevent it from spreading. If your child is young, teach them how to wash their hands properly with soap and water and when to do so.

As long as a child has viral or bacterial pink eyes they should avoid wearing contact lenses in order to prevent their eyes from becoming infected. Wear glasses until your child’s eyes are fully healed.

4. Make your child feel comfortable 

If your child has viral conjunctivitis, the primary treatment is often simply easing your child’s symptoms.

To reduce irritation use soothing eye drops. A warm or cool compress placed over the child’s affected eye can also be helpful. Be sure to use a fresh washcloth each time, and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.

Warm compresses are great for viral and bacterial pink eye, while cool compresses work best for pink eye caused by allergies and irritants.

Contact an eye doctor near you, who will instruct you on how to care for your child’s condition and ease any discomfort.

4 ways to protect yourself

There are a number of things that can be done to protect yourself and other family members from becoming infected and spreading pink eye.

• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. By rubbing or touching your eyes when you have a pink eye, it can spread to the other eye or worsen the condition.

• Wash your hands thoroughly. Make sure that you and your children wash hands using soap and water. This is especially important after touching someone with pink eyes or any of their personal items.

• Don’t share personal items, such as towels, bedding, eye drops, glasses, contact lenses and containers, and makeup.

• If you wear contacts, stop wearing them until your eye doctor says it’s okay. Then throw out the current lenses and use a fresh pair when your eye doctor says it’s safe to start wearing lenses again.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to have your child’s pink eye diagnosed and treated.

The post Pink Eye: What Do I Do? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Do you find yourself constantly reaching for eye drops? While eye drops may provide satisfying and quick relief for itchy or irritated eyes, exceeding the daily recommended dosage can cause serious eye health problems..

How does over-usage of eye drops happen?

Most people over-use eye drops when they view their eye drops as a cure to their condition rather than a temporary treatment.

This may lead to inserting too many drops into the eyes or using the eye drops too frequently throughout the day. If you think you may be overusing your eye drops, contact an eye doctor near you to help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Risks of overusing eye drops

When overusing eye drops, you can run the risk of:

• Masking a more serious problem. Alleviating the symptoms while ignoring their root cause can allow a condition to worsen.

• Rebounding. The original eye symptoms may return stronger than before as the effects of the eye drops wear off or when the drops are no longer being used.

• Washing away your natural tears. Artificial tears help with insufficient tear production and feel great as they lubricate the eyes. But overuse can literally wash away natural tears and the natural moisturizers that protect the eyes.

SEE RELATED: Are Eye Drops Confusing?

Conditions that eye drops could be masking

Red, itchy eyes are a symptom of several conditions, including:

• Allergies – Allergies to the environment or pets can cause dry, itchy eyes.
• Blepharitis – Red and inflamed eyelids, caused by dry eye, a bacterial or fungal infection, parasites, or gland dysfunction, all of which require treatment beyond over-the-counter eye drops.
• Dry eye syndrome – Redness, itchiness and irritation are common symptoms of dry eye syndrome. In severe cases, DES can damage the cornea.
• Eye strain – Focusing on work all day  can cause eyes to become tired, strained and irritated.
• Eye trauma – Rubbing or scratching the eye can cause blood vessels to break, making the eye red and itchy. More serious traumas will require prescription eye drops or surgery.
• Foreign objects – An eyelash, dust, or something worse could be in the eye. If an individual has long-term issues with dry or itchy dry eyes, they need to make sure a foreign body isn’t the culprit.
• Pink eye – A viral or bacterial eye infection, also called conjunctivitis, can cause swelling, itchiness and burning.

Regardless of why you may be using eye drops, the only way to get to the root cause of your symptoms is by scheduling  an eye exam to receive a complete diagnosis and treatment.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you’re suffering from irritated, dry eyes that haven’t resolved on their own, contact an eye doctor near you who can help you find the long-lasting relief you’ve been looking for.

The post Can Eye Drops Be Overused? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

To help you out, here are the key differences between dry eyes and eye infections.

Important Note: While learning about these eye problems is helpful, nothing can replace the care and diagnostic skills of an eye doctor.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you.

Dry eyes or eye infection? 

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are caused by a chronic lack of eye hydration, brought on by either poor tear quality or insufficient tears.

Individuals suffering from dry eyes will experience any number of the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Burning or itchy eyes
• Grittiness
• Red, irritated eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes

Dry eyes can be caused by irritants such as heat and air conditioning, dry, windy weather, some health conditions, drugs, the aging process, or too much screen time.

The goal of treating dry eyes is to keep your eyes hydrated, which can often be accomplished by using artificial tears, increasing tear production, treating inflammation in the eyelids, or conserving tears in the eyes.

Eye infections 

Eye infections occur when harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungus and viruses invade and wreak havoc on the different parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and eyelids.

Here are a few common signs:

• Crustiness around the eyelashes and lids
• Enlarged lymph nodes near the ear
• Eye pain or irritation
• Eye redness
• Swollen eyelids
• Yellowy discharge from the eyes

If you suspect that you have an eye infection, don’t take a “wait and see” approach. Prompt treatment will facilitate a speedier recovery and help prevent any possible eye damage.

What to do? 

The key to properly diagnosing and treating any eye condition is a comprehensive eye exam. 

In addition to examining your eyes, your eye doctor may also ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and family history to better understand your condition.

So, whether you suspect you have dry eye syndrome or an eye infection, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you.

The post Dry Eye or Eye Infection? appeared first on Optometrists.org.