Question |
What are the eye health complications from diabetes? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
How old do I have to
be to wear contact lenses? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
I look at a computer
screen all day. Will this hurt my eyes? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
I have astigmatism.
Can I wear contact lenses? |
Answer |
Certainly. Patients
with astigmatism can be fitted with contact lenses. |
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|
Question |
What is glaucoma? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
Am I at risk for
glaucoma? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
What is macular
degeneration? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
Do I have to clean my
contact lenses? What will happen if I don’t? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
What are cataracts? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
What is pink eye? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
I sometimes have
flashes. Should I worry about this? |
Answer |
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. |
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|
Question |
I sometimes see small
things floating in my field of vision. What are they
and should I be worried? |
Answer |
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. |
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