Nonprescription eyeglasses are available over the counter (OTC) and are typically used by people who can no longer read fine print. OTC trifocals are helpful for those who require multiple distances or focal lengths for near and intermediate tasks. OTC sunglasses should offer 100% protection from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. OTC magnifying glasses are useful for viewing tiny objects or fine print. Read more: Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, and Magnifying Glasses Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Cataracts Quiz
What are cataracts and who gets them? Take this online quiz to learn how everyday activities may put you at risk.
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Eyeglasses and Frames: Glasses for Presbyopia, Sunglasses, Eye Problems
Learn about your eye care needs and fashion wishes -- with eye glasses, frames and eyewear for computer use, reading, driving,...
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Itchy Eyes? Top 13 Ways to Tame Eye Allergies
Do you need eye drops? Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, cause itchy eyes and other allergic symptoms. Avoiding...
SLIDESHOW
LASIK Eye Surgery: Better Vision with Laser Surgery See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
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Natural Home Remedies for Sunburn
There are many natural and home remedies that are thought to relieve the symptoms and signs of a sunburn. Check out our top 30 tips to cool that sunburn, for example, drink lots of water, juice, or sports drinks; apply a cool compress containing Burow's solution; coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer after sunburn pain has stopped; apply topical over-the-counter (OTC) 1% hydrocortisone cream; and take OTC pain relievers like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).
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Blindness
Blindness is the state of being sightless. Causes of blindness include macular degeneration, stroke, cataract, glaucoma, infection and trauma. Symptoms and signs may include eye pain, eye discharge, or the cornea or pupil turning white. Treatment of blindness depends upon the cause of the blindness.
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Sunburn (Sun Poisoning)
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV rays also increases the risk for scarring, freckles, wrinkles, and dry skin. Symptoms of sunburn include painful, red, tender, and hot skin.The skin may blister, swell, and peel. Sun poisoning (severe sunburn) include nausea, fever, chills, rapid pulse, dizziness and more. Home remedies can help relieve sunburn pain, blisters, and peeling. Severe sunburns may need medical treatment. Sun protection and sunscreen for an person's skin type is recommended to decrease the chance of a severe sunburn and sun poisoning.
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Eye Strain
Eye strain is a symptom caused by looking at something for a long time. Symptoms and signs include redness, light sensitivity, headaches, and blurred vision. Symptoms may be treated by closing the eyes and taking a break from the visual task.
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Marfan Syndrome
Marfan syndrome is hereditary (genetic) condition affecting connective tissue. A person with Marfan syndrome may exhibit the following symptoms and characteristics: Dislocation of one or both lenses of the eye A protruding or indented breastbone Scoliosis Flat feet Aortic dilatation Dural ectasia (a problem with the sac surrounding the spinal cord) Stretch marks Hernia Collapsed lung Though there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, there are treatments that can minimize and sometimes prevent some complications.
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Cataracts
A cataract is an eye disease that causes the eye's lens to become cloudy and opaque with decreased vision. Causes of cataracts include diabetes, hypothyroidism, certain genetic illnesses, hyperparathyroidism, atopic dermatitis, and certain medications. Cataract symptoms and signs include a decrease in vision and a whitish color to the affected eye. Treatment for cataracts may involve cataract surgery.
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Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually destroys the central vision. In people over 60, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula, leaking blood and fluid and causing rapid vision loss. In dry AMD, light-sensitive cells slowly break down in the macula, resulting in gradual vision loss. Pain is not associated with either form of AMD.
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Corneal Disease
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye. If it is damaged by disease, infection, or injury, vision problems may occur. Corneal problems can be detected by having an eye exam. Corneal problems can be prevented by protecting the eyes from injury and avoiding contact with people who have eye infections.
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Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an eye condition in which the cornea is abnormally curved and causes out-of-focus vision. Symptoms of astigmatism may include eye strain, squinting, eye fatigue, and headaches. Most astigmatism arises within the cornea although some forms occur in the lens. Astigmatism is diagnosed via a complete eye exam. Some cases of astigmatism can be treated with corrective eyewear. Astigmatism can also be treated with LASIK surgery.
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What Are the Types of Eye Care?
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an OTC eye care product.
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How Can I Get My Eye To Stop Twitching?
A blepharospasm (eye twitch) is a harmless, involuntary spasm of the muscle of the eyelids, which may resolve on its own. If the twitching isn't caused by an underlying condition, getting more rest and avoiding alcohol and caffeine may help stop it.
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What Is a Twitching Eye a Sign of?
A blepharospasm (eye twitch) is a harmless tic of the eyelid muscle, which may resolve on its own. Conditions that may cause eye twitch include blepharitis, dry eyes, light sensitivity or conjunctivitis. Nerve disorders can also cause eye twitching.
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Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the ability to focus on objects that are close up. The condition generally affects people over 45 years of age and causes blurred vision, headaches, and the need to hold reading material at arm's length. Presbyopia cannot be cured. Prescription contact lenses and glasses can help those who have presbyopia to see more clearly.
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Astigmatism and Your Eyes
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that's easily corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Symptoms of astigmatism are headaches, fatigue, eyestrain and blurred vision.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- Side Effects of Timoptic (timolol)
- Side Effects of Alphagan P (brimonidine)
- pilocarpine hydrochloride (Vuity ophthalmic solution)
- Latisse (bimatoprost) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- Side Effects of Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion)
- Side Effects of Tobradex (tobramycin/dexamethasone)
- Side Effects of Xiidra (lifitegrast) ophthalmic
- Xiidra (lifitegrast)
- Side Effects of Betimol (timolol ophthalmic solution)
- Xelpros (latanoprost) Ophthalmic
- Side Effects of Susvimo (ranibizumab)
- Lotemax Ophthalmic Ointment (loteprednol etabonate)
- Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) Ophthalmic Solution
- Susvimo (ranibizumab)
Prevention & Wellness
- Getting Kids Eyeglasses Boosts School Grades: Study
- All Sunglasses Not Equal When it Comes to Eye Protection
- 5 Steps to Protect Young Athletes' Eyes
- Even in a Pandemic, Child Vision Tests Are Crucial
- Eye Care Is Key When You're Working From Home
- Do Ordinary Eyeglasses Offer Protection Against COVID-19?
- Your Eyewear and COVID-19 Safety
- Many Seniors Think They See Better Than They Actually Do
- Health Tip: Living With Weak Vision
- Snow Blindness a Wintry Danger
- FDA Approves First Contact Lens That Slows Myopia Progression
- Health Tip: Reducing Eyestrain
- How to Relieve Dry, Irritated Eyes
- Trouble Driving At Night? Yellow Lenses Won't Help
- 4 Personal Items You Probably Should Replace Today
- Sunglasses a Shield for the Eyes
- Eye Injuries From Fireworks in U.S. Have Nearly Doubled
- Health Tip: Wear Sunglasses With UV Protection
- Guard Your Skin Against the Summer Sun
- When Using Moisturizers With Sunscreen, Don't Miss Around the Eyes
- Health Tip: Treating Dry Eye
- Health Tip: Wearing Colored Contacts
- Health Tip: Choose Protective Sunglasses
- Sun's UV Rays a Threat to Your Eyes, Too
- Vision Problems Can Harm Kids' Development, Grades
- Health Tip: Protect Your Eyes During Summer
- Some Primates Have Vision Troubles as They Age
- Laser Pointers Can Cause Serious Eye Damage in Kids
- Does Your Child Need Eyeglasses?
- Bifocals Might Trip You Up
- Contact Lens Wearers May Have Different Eye Bacteria: Study
- Health Tip: Develop Healthy Habits for Contact Lenses
- Improper Contact Lens Use Causes Millions of Eye Infections: CDC
- Google Glass Might Curb Your Vision
- Health Tip: Don't Use Costume Contact Lenses
- It's 'Buyer Beware' for Decorative Contact Lenses, FDA Says
- Health Tip: Choosing Sunglasses
- Bacteria May Survive Longer in Contact Lens Solution Than Thought
- Health Tip: Struggling With Sight
- You Might See Better in Your Eye Doctor's Office
- Selecting Sunglasses for Healthy Eyes
- Health Tip: Invest in Protective Eyewear for Sports
- Health Tip: Seeing Behind the Wheel
- Health Tip: Why Wear Sunglasses?
- Why Aging Eyes Struggle to Discern Fine Print
- iPads May Help Those With 'Low Vision' Read Better
- Halloween Warning: Decorative Contact Lenses May Damage Your Eyes
- Eye Docs Must Do More to Spot Unsafe Older Drivers: Study
- More People -- Even Kids -- Need to Wear Sunglasses
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