The answer depends on the strength of your prescription. The higher the number, the more likely you’ll need eyeglasses. The best way to find out is to have your optometrist perform an eye exam.

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a type of refractive error that primarily affects your ability to see objects up close. Other refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

Understanding Farsighted Prescription Strength

When you look at your prescription, you’ll see a number under the “sphere” section. If this number has a plus (+) sign in front, you need farsighted correction. If the number has a negative (-) sign in front, you require nearsighted correction.

The higher the number, the stronger your prescription is:

• Low hyperopia. A +2.00 D or lower
• Moderate hyperopia. This varies between +2.25 to +5.00 D
• Severe hyperopia. A prescription above +5.25 D

If your farsightedness is very mild, you may not need prescription glasses. Or, your optometrist might recommend wearing them for specific tasks such as reading or computer work. If your prescription is moderate or high, your optometrist may advise you to wear glasses full-time.

What are the Symptoms of Farsightedness?

General symptoms of hyperopia include:

• Blurry close up vision
• Eye strain or fatigue
• Headaches
• Tired eyes
• Squinting
• Difficulty reading or doing computer work

Varied Manifestations of Hyperopia

In cases of mild hyperopia, near vision may appear blurry while distance vision remains clear. Some people, especially children, may experience no symptoms due to their eyes’ enhanced flexibility in accommodating changes in focus.

As hyperopia becomes more pronounced, vision can become blurry at all distances. It’s important to note that hyperopia differs from presbyopia, which affects near vision in older people due to the stiffening of the natural lens in the eye.

Uncorrected hyperopia symptoms typically worsen over time. Fortunately, eyeglasses and contacts offer a relatively simple solution to correcting this condition.

Best Glasses for Farsightedness

Regarding eyeglasses for farsightedness, these lenses have a specific design. Typically, they’re thicker in the center and gradually thin out towards the edges.

However, for some, especially those with stronger corrections, concerns may arise about farsighted glasses giving their eyes a “bug-eyed” appearance. The thickness and weight of lenses correcting higher prescriptions are also often a source of discomfort.

Fortunately, several lens options and additions provide a sleeker, more attractive appearance and enhance wearer comfort. These options can significantly improve the overall experience of wearing glasses for farsightedness.

Some of the best glasses for farsightedness include:

1. CR-39

Because CR-39 is thicker and heavier, it’s best for mild hyperopic prescriptions around +1.00. CR-39 are standard plastic lenses. They’re inexpensive and offer clear, crisp vision.

2. Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are a solid choice for moderate prescriptions around +2.00 to +3.00. They’re thinner, lighter than standard plastic, and more impact-resistant. However, the clarity of vision tends to be worse than that of other lenses.

3. Trivex Lenses

Trivex lenses are harder to find but are an excellent alternative to polycarbonate. These lenses have many of the same benefits as polycarbonate but are even lighter and offer a higher quality of vision. They’re also suitable for prescriptions from +2.00 to +3.00.

4. High-Index Lenses

High-index lenses are the thinnest option available and popular for those with high prescriptions (a hyperopic correction of +4.00 or higher). They can be up to 50% lighter than standard plastic lenses.

These lenses can help minimize the bug-eyed look. One drawback is that high-index lenses reflect more light than other lenses, so an anti-reflective coating pairs best with it.

5. Aspheric Lenses

Aspheric lens designs are an option to improve the appearance and vision of a high-index lens. The lens becomes thinner and flatter and provides consistent vision across the lens. Aspheric lenses are best at reducing the bug-eyed appearance.

6. Anti-Reflective Coating

Anti-reflective coating reduces light reflections off the lens surface, allowing more light to enter your eyes for clearer vision. Anti-reflective coating improves the cosmetic look of your glasses. It also reduces glare when driving at night or looking at a digital device.

7. UV Coating

Ultraviolet (UV) coating goes on lenses to provide UV protection from the sun. This option isn’t always necessary since most lenses have built-in UV protection, except CR-39.

Best Contact Lenses for Farsightedness

Most wearers use soft lenses of soft, flexible plastics called hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Soft contacts are available in monthly, biweekly, and daily disposable schedules.

Your optometrist can advise you on which contacts are best for you and how often you need to change them. Some common brands of soft contact lenses available in hyperopic prescriptions include:

• Acuvue Oasys
• Acuvue Oasys 1 Day
• 1-Day Acuvue Moist
• Biofinity
• Clariti 1 Day
• Proclear 1 Day
• Air Optix plus Hydraglyde
• Dailies AquaComfort Plus
• Dailies Total 1
• Biotrue ONEday
• PureVision

Most soft contact lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions, with many brands carrying up to +6.00 or +8.00.

Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses for Farsightedness

Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are hard, plastic lenses. RGP lenses are durable and typically require replacement only once a year, sometimes even lasting longer.

The rigid material also provides a consistent, smooth surface with clear vision throughout the day. This feature is ideal for those who don’t see well with soft contacts, particularly those with severe hyperopia or hyperopia and high astigmatism.

If your prescription is higher than the typical range or if you have astigmatism, your doctor may prescribe a brand that carries extended ranges (sometimes labeled as “XR” lenses) or custom-made lenses.

Summary

Choosing the best lenses for farsightedness depends on your prescription and lifestyle needs. Standard plastic lenses are budget-friendly, while polycarbonate, Trivex, high-index, and aspheric lenses offer thinner and lighter options with improved vision quality.

Coatings like anti-reflective and UV can further enhance your visual experience. For contact lens wearers, soft lenses are popular, but rigid gas-permeable lenses may be a better option for those with higher prescriptions or astigmatism. Consult an optometrist to find the best solution for your needs.

The sclera is commonly known as the white of the eye. It’s the opaque tissue that surrounds your entire eyeball, except for the clear cornea (the covering in the front of your eye). 

The sclera is strong, fibrous tissue made mostly of collagen and elastic fibers.

What is the Anatomy of the Sclera?

Scleral tissue forms more than 80 percent of the surface area of the eyeball. It’s made of durable collagen fibers extending from the cornea in front of the eye to the optic nerve in the back. 

The sclera contains many nerves and blood vessels that enter through the optic nerve canal.

Four layers comprise the human sclera. These include (in order from outermost to innermost layer):

• Episclera
• Stroma
• Lamina fusca
• Endothelium

The bulbar conjunctiva covers the front part of your sclera. This is a thin layer of tissue with blood vessels. 

What Is the Function of the Sclera?

The sclera’s dense connective tissue forms the supporting wall of the human eyeball and gives it its white color. 

The sclera and intraocular pressure maintain the shape and structural integrity of the eyeball. It also protects the inner structures of your eye from trauma.

Most of your eyeball is filled with a gel-like fluid called the vitreous humor. Your extraocular muscles, which control your eye movements, attach firmly to the sclera. 

Sclera Problems

Several conditions can affect the sclera. Some problems appear to affect the sclera but actually affect the overlying bulbar conjunctiva. The appearance can be misleading because the bulbar conjunctiva is mostly transparent.

Sclera conditions include:

Episcleritis

Episcleritis is an inflammation of the outermost layer of the sclera. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Mild pain
• Swelling of the conjunctiva
• Eyelid swelling
• Raised nodules on the eye

Most cases are sectoral, meaning only a section of the sclera is affected. In diffuse cases, the entire sclera can be affected. Episcleritis may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, Behcet’s disease, or gout.

Scleritis

Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera. It can be similar to episcleritis, but more serious and painful. Scleritis often causes intense pain that worsens with eye movement. It can be caused by an injury or underlying inflammatory condition.

If left untreated, this condition is more severe than episcleritis and may cause permanent damage and vision loss. 

Scleromalacia Perforans

Scleromalacia perforans is a rare and severe condition. Your immune system attacks the sclera tissue, causing significant thinning and bulging.

Because of thinning, the underlying uveal tissue is visible. This gives the sclera a bluish appearance. In rare cases, the eye can rupture. Scleromalacia perforans is often associated with older women with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis.

Scleral Icterus (Jaundice)

Scleral icterus is jaundice that affects the eyes. It gives the whites of the eyes a yellow appearance. The name is not entirely accurate because it affects the conjunctiva, not the sclera. It is sometimes known as conjunctival icterus.

This condition occurs when your body has high bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a yellowish substance that is produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. Liver disease or other serious health conditions can cause high bilirubin levels.

Scleral Plaques

Scleral plaques are blue-gray calcified plaques that appear on the sclera. They are related to old age. They are benign and do not cause any symptoms. 

Blue Sclera

Blue sclera occurs when the sclera thins, exposing the dark, uveal tissue underneath (where it gets its blue color).

The cause may be congenital (present at birth). Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) can cause it. Blue sclera is also associated with Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. 

Acquired blue sclera may be a sign of severe iron deficiency.

Types of Congenital Scleral Abnormalities

Other conditions present at birth that may affect the sclera. Some of these are harmless. Others are more severe and may affect vision or eye health.

Ocular Melanosis

Ocular melanosis is pigmentation of the conjunctiva overlying the sclera. They typically look like flat, brown spots on the white part of the eye, similar to a freckle on the skin. Melanosis can be congenital or acquired. 

There are two acquired forms, primary and secondary acquired melanosis:

• Primary acquired melanosis. Is more common in light-skinned individuals and may grow in size. In rare cases, it may develop into malignant (cancerous) melanoma.
• Secondary acquired melanosis. Is associated with hormonal changes, radiation exposure, chemical exposure, or metabolic disorders. People with darker skin and hair are more likely to have it. This form rarely develops into melanomas.

Nevus of Ota (Oculodermal Melanocytosis)

Nevus of Ota is a congenital condition. It causes hyperpigmentation of the eye, eyelids, and other surrounding areas. The pigment often appears blue or brown.

Typically, the nevus doesn’t require treatment. Some people desire laser therapy to lighten the spots for cosmetic reasons. Nevus of Ota is associated with a higher risk of glaucoma and, in rare cases, eye melanoma.

Ectasia (Staphyloma)

Ectasia is a congenital thinning and bulging of the sclera.

The thinning usually occurs near the limbus and also affects the cornea. The staphyloma often presents with a blue appearance. 

Staphylomas can also develop on the back of the eye, particularly in people with high myopia (nearsightedness). 

Scleral Coloboma

Colobomas occur when there is some tissue missing in the eye at birth. This results in the incomplete formation of a particular structure of the eye. 

Colobomas can affect the eyelid, iris, lens, optic nerve, choroid, and retina. The optic nerve, choroidal, or retinal colobomas can cause scleral thinning and staphylomas.

When to Call a Healthcare Professional

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any changes to your vision or the appearance of your sclera. 

Concerning signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• Discoloration of the sclera
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Pain or tenderness
• Eyeball swelling or bulging

Types of Sclera Procedures & Surgeries

The following procedures treat problems with the sclera:

Scleral Expansion

Scleral expansion is a somewhat controversial procedure designed to treat presbyopia.⁴ Presbyopia is the loss of the ability to focus up close with age.

The surgery involves inserting four plastic pieces into the sclera between the eye muscles. This technology is still improving, and some researchers feel this procedure could become the gold standard in presbyopia treatment.

Scleral Buckle

A scleral buckle procedure is performed to repair a retinal detachment.

During the surgery, a doctor uses cryopexy (freezing therapy) to seal your retina to the eye. Then they’ll place a silicone or plastic band around your eyeball (the scleral buckle). This helps the retina stay in place, and the buckle is permanent. 

Summary

The sclera is known as the white of the eye. It helps maintain your eye shape and protects your inner structures from eye trauma. 

Different problems may affect the sclera, there are procedures and surgeries available to manage them. If you experience any symptoms of these problems, consult your doctor immediately.

Some people with mild astigmatism don’t need correction. However, astigmatism is commonly accompanied by other refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness. These conditions require glasses.

You will need prescription glasses to correct astigmatism if it’s affecting your sight. This often happens with some cases of mild astigmatism or moderate to extreme astigmatism.

Glasses for astigmatism have cylindrical and single-vision lenses that properly refract light to the retina. They’re customized to correct astigmatism in both eyes, which aren’t always the same.

When To Get Astigmatism Glasses

Consult your eye doctor if you struggle with daily activities, including:

• Driving
• Reading
• Doing computer work

Symptoms that indicate the need for astigmatism correction include:

• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Squinting
• Eye strain
• Reduced night vision 

Other signs you may need glasses include: 

• Double vision
• Needing more light to read
• Losing your place while reading
• Distortion in your vision
• Halos when driving at night

The eye doctor can examine your eyes to ensure you do not have serious eye conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Best Types of Glasses for Astigmatism

There are different types of materials used for your corrective lenses. From thickest to thinnest, they are:

• CR-39 (standard) plastic. This type of plastic is the most commonly used material for corrective lenses. It’s lightweight and offers good optical clarity
• Polycarbonate. This type of plastic is very strong and impact-resistant, making it ideal for active people or people with children
• Trivex. This material is made from a urethane-based pre-polymer substance and offers exceptional quality
• High index. These lenses have a higher refractive index while being thinner and lighter

Choosing the right lens type for vision correction depends on the degree of astigmatism. The higher your prescription, the thinner the lens you should choose.

Thinner lenses also tend to be lighter, although Trivex material is lighter than high-index plastic.

Read more about the different types of lenses available at Warby Parker.

Best Lens Material for Each Astigmatism Level

When your eye doctor writes your eyeglass prescription, you will notice a number under the cylinder (CYL) section. This number is measured in diopters (D) and indicates your astigmatism level.

Each level of astigmatism is suited to different types of lens materials. These are:

• Mild astigmatism. 1.00 D or less; suited to CR-39 plastic lenses
• Moderate astigmatism. 1.00 to 2.00 D; suited to polycarbonate or Trivex lenses
• Severe astigmatism. 2.00 to 4.00 D; suited to polycarbonate, Trivex, or high-index lenses
• Extreme astigmatism. 4.00 D and above; suited to high-index

Tips for Choosing Astigmatism Eyewear

Here are other tips for choosing eyewear for astigmatism:

• Anti-reflective coating helps to reduce glare off the surface of lenses.
• A flat frame is easier to get used to for higher astigmatism corrections compared to glasses with more curvature across the front of the frame.
• Visit your eye doctor for an adjustment if you experience dizziness or a fishbowl effect with your glasses. A fishbowl effect is when the sides of your vision seem to bend and look distorted while the center is clear.

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a condition where the eye has a slightly irregular curvature. When you have astigmatism, your eye can’t focus light properly on the retina, resulting in blurry vision far away and up close.

For many people, astigmatism stays the same or barely changes over time. However, sometimes it can cause your vision to get worse. This depends on your corneal health and whether you have other eye conditions, such as keratoconus, which can significantly affect the stability of astigmatism.

You can correct astigmatism with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Research shows that genetic components and other eye health issues could be involved in this condition. As such, astigmatism may develop in infancy or later on in life.

People with mild astigmatism may not have any symptoms. If astigmatism worsens, you may notice vision problems such as:

• Blurry vision (distance or near)
• Glare or halos around lights
• Sensitivity to light
• Decreased night vision
• Shadows or ghosting of images
• Headaches
• Eye strain and fatigue (particularly while viewing digital devices)
• Squinting

Alternative Astigmatism Treatment Options

If you prefer not to wear glasses, there are other ways to treat astigmatism.

Astigmatism Contact Lenses

Contacts that correct astigmatism are called toric lenses. They are available as:

• Soft contact lenses. Flexible, ideal for comfort, and excellent for low to moderate levels of astigmatism
• Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. Also known as hard contacts; they are less comfortable than soft lenses but better at correcting corneal astigmatism
• Hybrid lenses. Contacts that are hard in the center and soft around the edges provide better vision and improved comfort

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK is a laser eye surgery that corrects astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia. Typically, LASIK can treat up to 6.00 D of astigmatism.

Read more about LASIK for astigmatism.

Other Refractive Surgeries

Here are other refractive surgeries that can help correct astigmatism:

• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). Some people with thinner corneas or higher prescriptions are better candidates for PRK than LASIK. 
• Refractive lens exchange. This surgery removes the natural lens inside your eye and replaces it with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). These steps are the same as cataract surgery.
• Phakic intraocular lens implant surgery. This involves inserting an IOL without removing the natural lens. The IOL can be removed or replaced later.

Summary

Astigmatism is an eye condition that can result in blurred vision. While some people may not need glasses for their astigmatism, others require them to achieve correct vision.

Always consult a professional to know more about your eyewear requirements. They can provide suggestions based on your needs and preferences.

Gas permeable contact lenses (GP) or rigid gas permeable contacts (RGP) are hard contacts. They’re made of a firm plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through to the eye (oxygen-permeable lenses). 

Old-fashioned hard contacts were made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). One drawback of PMMA is that it doesn’t let much oxygen pass through. 

Now, GP lenses incorporate silicone, which allows more oxygen to reach your eyes. Newer gas permeable lenses are much healthier for your eyes than older models of hard contacts.

Though still not as popular as soft lenses, rigid lenses offer many advantages to the modern contact lens wearer. Your eye care practitioner can determine which type of contact lens is suitable for you.

Benefits of Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Eye care professionals recommend gas permeable contacts for many reasons. Advantages of GP lenses include:

Breathability

Several factors make GP lenses more breathable:

• Permeable lens materials. The silicone in GP lenses provides more oxygen flow to your eyes. This reduces the risk of eye problems related to a low oxygen supply. However, newer soft lens materials with silicone hydrogel are comparable.
• Smaller diameter. GP lenses are smaller than soft contacts. This means they cover less surface area, which allows more oxygen to reach the eye.
• Rigidity. GP lenses maintain their shape, which allows them to move on your eye with every blink. When they do, fresh tears and oxygen move beneath the lens. Soft lenses conform to the shape of your cornea, allowing minimal movement.

Highly Customizable

GP contacts are customized to fit your eye shape and prescription. Your eye doctor specifies the lens’s power, diameter, curvature, tint, and other features.

This makes GP contacts an alternative for people who can’t wear soft lenses due to their eye shape. For example, if your corneal shape is irregular due to keratoconus, rigid contact lenses may be right for you.

Sharper Vision

Rigid materials provide a consistent, smooth surface. This allows you to have clear vision all day.

Soft contact lenses may change shape throughout the day as you blink and as the lenses dry out. This can cause blurry and fluctuating vision.

Suitable for High Prescriptions and Astigmatism

Soft contacts are limited in the prescription strengths they can correct. GPs can correct many prescriptions, including very high astigmatism and presbyopia.

Durability

Most soft contact lenses only last a month or less. Because of the durable, rigid material, GP contacts can last a year or more with proper care. Unlike soft lenses, GP contacts don’t rip or tear.

Cost Effective

Because GPs last longer, they often cost less than soft contacts, which must be replaced frequently. However, they are more expensive to replace if you lose or break a lens.

Resist Buildup

Because of their smooth surface, GP lenses don’t absorb water. This makes them less prone to deposit buildup. Additionally, GP lenses are less likely to attract bacteria that may cause eye infections.

Limitations of Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Rigid gas permeable lenses also have some disadvantages, including:

Adaptation Period

Many people choose soft contacts because they’re much more comfortable the first time you put them on. Because of the hard material, GP lenses require a period of adaptation to get used to. This can take a few weeks or more.

Soft lenses may be a better choice if you’re looking to use contacts occasionally. With soft contacts, you don’t have to worry about the adaptation period. 

Increased Risk of Falling Out

Gas permeable contact lenses are smaller than soft contacts. This means they have a higher chance of falling out during contact sports or if you rub your eye too hard.

Susceptible to Dust

Because rigid lenses don’t conform to the shape of your eye, dust, and foreign objects are more likely to get trapped underneath the lens. You must be careful around dust, sand, and other irritants.

More Costly to Replace

Though GP contacts can be more cost-effective long-term, replacing a lost or damaged lens is more expensive. And because they’re custom-made, it can take up to a week to get a replacement.

It’s a good idea to purchase a backup pair of GP lenses to avoid this inconvenience.

Who is a Good Candidate for Gas Permeable Lenses?

Because gas permeable lenses are customizable, they can correct a range of refractive errors, including:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)
• Astigmatism

Other conditions where RGP lenses may be beneficial include:

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye disease where your cornea thins out and develops a cone-like shape.

As a result, glasses and soft contacts often don’t provide sufficient vision correction. Many people with keratoconus use GP contact lenses.

Corneal Ectasia

Corneal ectasia is a rare complication of laser eye surgery where your cornea is too thin.

Like keratoconus, people with corneal ectasia may develop irregular astigmatism. Glasses may not correct your vision completely. GPs can improve the quality of vision significantly.

Progression of Myopia

Myopia progression occurs when nearsighted correction increases steadily throughout childhood. Many parents are concerned with their children being highly nearsighted.

One way to temporarily reduce nearsightedness and slow myopia progression is with a GP lens called orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens. They’re worn while sleeping and temporarily flatten the cornea to provide some vision correction during the day.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid contacts combine the optical clarity of a GP lens with the comfort of soft lenses. Hybrid lenses have a center of gas permeable material surrounded by an outer ring of soft lens material.

This type of specialty contact lens is considered the best of both worlds. Hybrid lenses were created to overcome discomfort, the primary barrier preventing many people from using GP lenses.

How Much Do Gas Permeable Contact Lenses Cost?

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses cost about $35 to $95 per lens. A yearly supply costs around $70 to $190 for a pair if you replace them annually.

Factors that may affect the cost include:

• Bifocal or multifocal lenses typically cost more than single vision
• Eye doctors usually charge more for GP lens fittings because they’re personalized
• Your insurance plan may cover some or all of the exam and lens costs
• Some contact lens retailers may offer lower prices

Summary

Gas permeable (GP) or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses offer many benefits compared to soft lenses. They also have some limitations.

GP lenses are made of durable plastic that allows more oxygen and moisture to reach your eyes. This offers clearer vision and a lower risk of eye infections.

Compared to soft lenses, GP contacts take more time to get used to. Hybrid contacts may be an option for people who could benefit from GP lenses but find them uncomfortable.

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism

One of the most common questions people have regarding LASIK is how long does LASIK last?

How Long Does Lasik Last?

Your corneal tissues don’t grow back, so the effects of LASIK last for the rest of your life. It’s a permanent procedure, but it’s still possible for your visual acuity to decrease due to other natural reasons.

The laser reshapes your cornea during the procedure by removing some corneal tissue. LASIK laser vision correction is typically a safe surgical procedure. More than 95 percent of those who receive LASIK surgery are satisfied with the outcome.¹

Factors Affecting Vision Changes After LASIK

There are several factors to consider before deciding on LASIK surgery. These factors can affect how long you retain clear vision post-LASIK:

1. Refractive Error

A refractive error occurs when your eye’s focusing power from the cornea and lens is inaccurate. The cornea is responsible for two-thirds of your eye’s focusing ability, and the lens accounts for about a third. 

In myopic refractive error, your eye’s focusing power is too strong. In hyperopia, the vision is under-focused. LASIK surgery alters the cornea’s focusing power to correct these refractive errors. 

However, over time, the focusing power of your lens can still change. This could lead to post-LASIK vision deterioration, known as regression.

Regression after LASIK Operation

After LASIK surgery, changes in the lens’ focusing power may cause vision to worsen. This phenomenon is called regression.

Even with regression, it’s unlikely for vision to return to its pre-LASIK state. Studies indicate that only 1 to 2 percent of people require an enhancement procedure in the first year post-LASIK due to significant regression.² 

After ten years, this need increases to about 10 percent.² Additionally, those with higher refractive errors before LASIK, especially with substantial nearsighted corrections, are more likely to experience regression.

2. Age

When considering LASIK surgery, age plays a crucial role for a few reasons:

• Vision stabilization. Typically, vision stabilizes in your mid-20s. Undergoing LASIK before this can increase the risk of vision regression.
• Presbyopia onset. Starting around age 40, many experience presbyopia or difficulty seeing up close. This progresses until age 60, and LASIK doesn’t prevent this age-related change.

How Does Aging Affect Post-LASIK Vision?

While LASIK corrects vision in people approaching their 40s, you’ll need reading glasses once presbyopia begins. Although this isn’t a form of regression, presbyopia causes continual changes in the vision after LASIK. 

Another side effect of LASIK is dryness. The frequency of dry eye also increases with age, particularly in menopausal or post-menopausal women.

Dry eye complications can affect the overall quality of vision. Hence, it may emphasize symptoms of blurred vision related to regression.

3. Cataracts

Cataracts are a typical age-related change, affecting almost everyone over 60. While LASIK has no age limit, older people must consider potential vision changes due to cataracts. 

Cataracts develop in the eye’s lens and not the cornea. Therefore, undergoing LASIK doesn’t affect the development or treatment of cataracts. However, if you develop cataracts after receiving LASIK and your vision worsens, you may need cataract surgery.

How Does Cataract Surgery Benefit Post-LASIK Patients?

One benefit of cataract surgery is that it can correct your vision by placing an artificial lens implant into your eye. Such an implant improves your sight, so you may not need glasses after surgery. 

Some people with mild cataracts choose not to have LASIK, knowing they may need cataract surgery soon. This way, only one operation is necessary, as opposed to two.

14 Tips for Protecting Your Vision After LASIK

Improper care can lead to complications in healing the flap, vision issues, or infections. Proper eye care during healing is essential to reduce risks and complications.

Here are 14 tips to help protect your vision after LASIK eye surgery:

1. Only drive once you can see enough.
2. Reduce screen time for the first week or avoid screens entirely for the first day.
3. Don’t rub your eyes for the first month.
4. Wait a day to shower and wash your hair, and keep the water, shampoo, and soap out of your eyes when you do.
5. Use a protective eye shield for as long as recommended.
6. Avoid spas, whirlpools, hot tubs, swimming pools, and saunas for a few weeks.
7. Avoid strenuous activity, including exercise, for the first two to three days.
8. If you do, wait a few weeks before playing sports, and wear goggles for the first few months.
9. Wear sunglasses when in direct sunlight for the first month.
10. Stay away from particularly dusty or dirty environments for at least a week.
11. Avoid using eye makeup, lotions, and creams near the eyes for two weeks, and be careful when using products like shaving cream or hair spray.
12. Use eye drops to prevent dry eyes.
13. Stick to your surgical care team’s eye care plan, and take all your medications. 
14. Attend follow-up appointments to discuss any questions or concerns with your eye doctor.

The Risks of LASIK Enhancements

When considering LASIK enhancement surgery, your doctor will evaluate various factors and risks:

• Candidate suitability. The decision to undergo enhancement surgery depends on several factors, including eye health and personal considerations. 
• Complications risks. Epithelial ingrowth and corneal ectasia are potential complications of LASIK enhancement. The rate of epithelial ingrowth is considerably low in initial LASIK surgery.
• Epithelial ingrowth. This involves additional cells accumulating under the corneal flap, causing visual disturbances that need further surgery. 
• Corneal thickness. Each procedure harvests more corneal tissue, making the cornea thinner. Insufficient tissue thickness can render LASIK unsafe.
• Aging and vision changes. Your eyes naturally adjust as you age, potentially altering the prescription and correction due to primary LASIK surgery. This change in vision clarity might necessitate considering LASIK enhancement to rectify these changes.

Rare LASIK Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks. A small percentage of people experience adverse side effects or complications.

Rare visual disturbances and side effects of LASIK surgery include:

• Halos
• Glares
• Starbursts
• Poor night vision
• Vision problems discerning contrast
• Dry eyes
• Vision loss

Many people who experience minor refractive errors following LASIK laser eye surgery aren’t bothered by the change and don’t seek additional vision correction. 

Can You Get LASIK Again?

Yes, you can get LASIK surgery again. Generally, there’s no limit on how many LASIK surgical procedures you can undergo in your lifetime, but this depends on the thickness of your cornea.

• LASIK enhancement surgery. LASIK enhancement surgery is a second procedure available for those who experience major vision changes after their first LASIK. Doctors can perform it months or years later to improve vision that has deteriorated since the initial surgery.
• Prescription eyeglasses. For those experiencing minor vision changes post-LASIK, prescription glasses can be an alternative. Glasses are especially helpful for specific activities like night driving, where precision vision is crucial.

However, only some are eligible for an enhancement. If your corneas are too thin, performing another LASIK procedure may be risky. 

Alternatives to Getting LASIK Again

Consult with your surgeon or doctor to determine if additional LASIK procedures are safe for you. They will assess the thickness of your cornea.

Laser surgery procedures such as PRK can help if your cornea is too thin. Many surgeons choose it as an alternative to LASIK enhancement to minimize the risk of epithelial ingrowth.

Here are other alternatives to consider:

Photorefractive Keratectomy

The surgeon may perform a PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) instead of LASIK for the enhancement procedure. PRK is another refractive surgery that doesn’t require lifting the corneal flap, which reduces your risk for certain complications. 

Monovision LASIK

If your near vision worsens due to presbyopia, your surgeon can perform monovision LASIK. If your distance vision is still good, the surgeon may only need to correct one eye for reading, usually your non-dominant eye. 

After the surgery, you will use one eye to see far and another to read up close. Some people have trouble adapting to monovision. Ask your doctor to test this method with contact lenses before committing to LASIK.

Does One Type Of LASIK Last Longer Than Others?

There are two ways the surgeon can create a corneal flap during LASIK. One method uses a femtosecond laser or bladeless LASIK.

The traditional method uses the surgical blade microkeratome. Both ways are safe and effective, delivering excellent visual results.

Some studies have concluded that in the first year after surgery, bladeless LASIK carries a lower risk for regression versus bladed LASIK.³ Learn more about blade vs bladeless LASIK here.

What are the Side Effects of LASIK?

Directly after LASIK laser eye surgery, you may experience the following symptoms for a few days up to a few weeks:

• Redness
• Soreness
• A burning sensation
• Cloudy vision
• The feeling that there’s a foreign object in your eyes
• Visual disturbances

Excessive dry eyes can occur for as long as six months following LASIK. Nonetheless, your eyesight should stabilize within six months following LASIK. 

Following the eye care plan as directed by your doctor and surgical team will boost your healing and visual success rate. If any side effects worsen or don’t resolve, speak with your eye doctor.

LASIK FAQs

Is LASIK surgery a permanent fix?

Yes, LASIK is a permanent laser vision correction procedure that reshapes your cornea. The corneal tissue doesn’t grow back. However, other vision problems can still develop due to age or trauma.

How often does LASIK need to be redone?

In many cases, you don’t have to redo LASIK. However, your vision may change for natural reasons such as age or trauma. You can correct this with eyeglasses, corrective lenses, or other surgical procedures like LASIK enhancement and PRK when this occurs.

Can laser eye surgery wear off?

LASIK doesn’t wear off since it is a permanent treatment option. The symptoms of vision loss you experience are due to other natural reasons, such as a refractive error, age-related vision changes, or trauma.

This irregular shape can lead to vision problems such as blurred vision, eye strain, and night vision issues. Fortunately, astigmatic keratotomy (AK) is a simple and effective procedure that can correct astigmatism and improve your vision.

Let’s discuss more about it so you can make informed decisions for your vision health.

What is Astigmatic Keratotomy?

Astigmatic keratotomy, or arcuate keratotomy (AK), is a procedure that corrects astigmatism. It’s a type of corneal relaxing incision (CRI) surgery that flattens the steeper areas of your cornea.

AK is usually performed with a laser, resulting in more precise outcomes. The duration involves making one or two small incisions at the steepest part of the cornea, causing them to relax and take a more rounded shape.

AK tends to be more effective for older people and people with mild glasses or contact lens prescriptions. Additionally, people with severe astigmatism may still require glasses or contacts after the procedure.

What Can You Expect From Astigmatic Keratotomy?

Before the surgery, your surgeon will map your eye with corneal topography. This helps guide them on where to make the incisions.

They’ll also need to perform corneal pachymetry, which measures the thickness of the corneal tissue. This helps them determine how deep the incisions can go.

What Happens During the Procedure?

During the procedure, the surgeon will apply anesthetic eye drops before placing a lid speculum to hold your eye open. They’ll then place temporary markings on the cornea to indicate where to make the incisions with a laser. 

They typically make one or two incisions parallel to the edge of your cornea along the steepest part of your cornea. Generally, the deeper or longer the incision, the more astigmatism is corrected.

What Happens After Surgery?

The procedure typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes per eye, and you can go home shortly after surgery. The surgeon will prescribe antibiotic eye drops and possibly steroid eye drops to manage pain and prevent infection. 

You may need to use eye shields to protect your eyes after the procedure. If you experience discomfort, you can take certain over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.

Other post-surgical side effects include:

• Tearing
• Mild swelling
• Light sensitivity
• Redness
• Scratchy eyes

These symptoms are normal and usually go away within a day or two. Full healing time is about 2 to 3 months, although your vision should improve within a day or so. Most people can return to work and resume normal activities the next day.

Astigmatic Keratotomy Surgery Complications

AK is considered safe, but there is a small percentage of experiencing complications, such as:

• Overcorrection or undercorrection
• Light sensitivity 
• Prolonged or permanent glare and halos
• Weaker corneal structure
• Infection

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to a doctor immediately.

Who’s A Good Candidate for Astigmatic Keratotomy?

Oftentimes, AK is performed on people who have residual astigmatism from previous eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery, radial keratotomy, and corneal transplant.

However, you’ll have to meet the following criteria to receive AK surgery:

• Mild to moderate astigmatism
• Stable eyeglass prescription for at least 1 year
• Good overall health
• No autoimmune diseases like diabetes 
• No eye problems that may affect recovery, such as severe dry eyes

Astigmatic keratotomy is a safe and effective way to correct astigmatism and improve your vision. If you’re a good candidate for the procedure, it may be the perfect solution for you. We encourage talking to your eye doctor to see if AK is right for you.

If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, you might be wondering whether you should get blade or bladeless LASIK.

The terms “blade” and “bladeless” refer to how the eye surgeon creates the corneal flap during the LASIK procedure. Other than the flap creation, the surgeries are essentially the same.

Bladeless LASIK is a newer technique. In modern LASIK surgery, many surgeons choose bladeless over traditional LASIK.

However, this does not necessarily mean bladeless LASIK is always the better choice. Both forms of LASIK have advantages and disadvantages.

What is Bladed LASIK?

Bladed LASIK, otherwise known as traditional LASIK, uses a surgical blade to create a corneal flap. This blade is called a microkeratome.

Cost

Bladed LASIK typically costs $200 to $400 less than bladeless LASIK. However, it is more common for people to require a secondary enhancement procedure.

Pros 

• Often costs less than bladeless LASIK.
• Lower risk of diffuse lamellar keratitis, a complication that causes inflammation underneath the corneal flap.
• Less suction time required, which may be more comfortable for the person. 
• May be a better option for some enhancement procedures, especially if you received traditional LASIK originally.

Cons

• Higher risk of decentration, which means the laser is not centered correctly on the eye. This can cause irregular astigmatism.
• Higher risk of flap complications such as flap wrinkles or irregular flaps.
• Higher risk of higher-order aberrations, which are light-related distortions that cause glare, halos, ghosting, and starbursts.

What is Bladeless LASIK?

Bladeless LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create the flap. It is also known as “all-laser” LASIK.

Common equipment used during bladeless LASIK surgery includes iLASIK and Intralase. Many surgeons favor bladeless LASIK over bladed LASIK for its consistent results and excellent visual outcomes.

Cost

Bladeless LASIK costs about $200 to $400 more than a bladed procedure. This procedure results in fewer people needing enhancement procedures. Some people require a second “touch-up” LASIK procedure to further correct their vision.

Pros

• Creates more consistent corneal flaps, resulting in fewer flap-related complications.
• Creates thinner corneal flaps, allowing the surgeon to correct higher prescriptions with less corneal tissue.
• Lower risk of dry eyes.
• Better overall vision quality.
• Better night vision with less glare and halos.
• Lower risk of surgically-induced astigmatism.
• Vision improves slightly faster after surgery.

Cons 

• Higher risk of diffuse lamellar keratitis, a complication that causes inflammation underneath the corneal flap.
• Higher risk of light sensitivity, but this side effect is usually temporary.
• Some surgeons charge more for bladeless LASIK, while others charge the same price as traditional LASIK.

Which Type of LASIK Is Best For Me?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine which type of LASIK procedure is best without medical guidance.

You’ll need to call a LASIK center and schedule an appointment. Your doctor will ask you about your overall health, eye health, and your expectations for vision correction.

After this, your doctor can determine which type of technology to use during your eye surgery.

Does Bladeless LASIK Heal Faster?

Yes, your eyes will heal quicker when you receive bladeless LASIK. This means you’ll have a shorter recovery time and can return to normal activities faster.

Receiving bladeless LASIK also means fewer visits to your surgeon post-operation. Remember to follow all aftercare instructions to achieve your desired results.

How Safe Is Bladeless LASIK?

Bladeless LASIK is generally safer than traditional LASIK because there’s no creation of the corneal flap. This means fewer corneal flap-related complications during the procedure.

Brief Overview of LASIK Procedures

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a type of refractive eye surgery. It provides vision correction for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Before surgery, you’ll have at least one or two consultations with your doctor. This helps determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

During LASIK, your surgeon will create the corneal flap using a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. This helps correct vision problems by changing how light focuses on the retina.

The entire process only takes about 15 minutes for both eyes.

Can I Combine Blade or Bladeless LASIK With Other Types of LASIK?

The short answer is, yes. Think of LASIK as a procedure that involves two steps. The first step is flap creation, and the second step is corneal reshaping. 

The options for flap creation are:

• Microkeratome blade
• Femtosecond laser

The options for corneal reshaping are:

Conventional LASIK

This bases the treatment on your prescription. The laser corrects your vision by flattening your cornea. This may result in a higher risk of night vision problems such as halos or glare.

Wavefront-Optimized LASIK

This improves upon some drawbacks of conventional LASIK. Instead of simply flattening the cornea, wavefront-optimized techniques maintain your cornea’s natural curvature.

Wavefront-Guided LASIK

This customized LASIK procedure minimizes higher-order aberrations, resulting in higher-quality vision.

TopographyGguided LASIK

This customized LASIK procedure uses a topographer to map out your cornea in detail. These measurements allow the surgeon to customize a treatment that delivers sharper vision with fewer light distortions.

The options for flap creation and corneal reshaping may be combined in various ways. Your eye surgeon can help you determine which options are best for you. 

Summary

Blade or bladeless LASIK can be combined with other types of LASIK to provide vision correction. Aside from how the surgeon creates the corneal flap during the procedure, the two are essentially the same. Consult your eye doctor to know which type of LASIK is best for you.

In this article, we’ll explore everything from the procedure itself to potential complications, recovery, and candidacy requirements.

Whether you’re simply curious or actively considering this life-changing surgery, this article will equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your eye health.

What are the Potential LASIK Complications?

LASIK is an excellent procedure for treating refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, there are potential risks that you should be aware of.

For example, you may experience dry eyes, visual disturbances, and vision fluctuations for a short period of time. Fortunately, most of these side effects are temporary and improve as your eyes heal. 

However, there are also risks for rare or severe complications, such as:

• Over or undercorrection. Overcorrection can cause a nearsighted person to become farsighted. Meanwhile, undercorrection means your vision isn’t entirely improved.
• Regression. Your vision may regress to your former prescription or worsen after surgery. This requires LASIK enhancement treatment.
• Irregular astigmatism. Irregular astigmatism is an unequal curvature of your cornea, which causes visual distortions like glare, halos, and shadows around images.
• Decentration. Occurs when the laser isn’t centered correctly on the eye during surgery, resulting in irregular astigmatism. 

• Flap wrinkles or folds. A flap that doesn’t lie smoothly after surgery can affect your vision. These often improve with time, and if not, minor adjustments can be made.
• Epithelial ingrowth: This happens when surface cells from the cornea grow under the flap, which may need to be removed for optimal vision.
• Corneal ectasia. A rare complication that results in corneal thinning.
• Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK). A type of inflammation that occurs under the LASIK flap. This complication typically occurs a few days post-surgery.
• Infection. May occur when the flap can’t heal properly. Symptoms include pain, redness, and light sensitivity.

Fortunately, because of advancements in LASIK technology, the procedure has had an incredibly high success rate. Most people will achieve excellent vision, and most complications can be treated.

How to Prepare for LASIK

One of the best ways to avoid complications during LASIK is to know how to prepare for the procedure. Here are our tips to prepare for the procedure:

• Talk to your surgeon about your overall health and medical history. 
• Avoid wearing contacts for at least 1 to 3 weeks to allow your corneas to return to their natural shape.
• Avoid wearing makeup, perfume, cologne, or scented products on the day of surgery. 
• Have someone drive you home after the procedure.

Your surgeon will conduct a thorough eye examination to assess your overall eye health and ensure you’re not taking or experiencing anything that may affect the procedure or the healing process.

How to Recover From LASIK Eye Surgery

It’s important to follow your doctor’s specific instructions after the surgery. These include using eye drops, pain relief medication, and avoiding activities that can impact your eyes⁠—swimming, working, sports, etc.

After the procedure, you should get some rest and give your eyes a break. During this time, you can expect some blurry vision and light sensitivity. 

While you’re healing, try to stay hydrated and eat healthy foods; your body will need nutrients to heal. Avoid smoking, and make sure to attend your follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress.

Your eyes will fully recover in 6 months. However, it can take longer if you have a higher eye prescription prior to surgery.

Are You A Good Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery?

To be a good candidate for LASIK, you’ll need to have an eye prescription within a treatable range. Generally, up to -12.00 diopters for nearsightedness, +6.00 diopters for farsightedness, and 6.00 diopters for astigmatism.

Other criteria required to get LASIK include:

• At least 18 or older, preferably 21
• Stable prescription for at least 1-2 years
• Adequate corneal thickness
• No eye diseases, infections, or severe dry eye syndrome
• No autoimmune disease or other conditions that can affect healing (diabetes)
• Not pregnant or nursing
• No history of certain eye conditions such as keratoconus, severe cataracts, or glaucoma
• Normal-sized pupils to avoid side effects

LASIK can vastly improve your eyesight and has a high success rate. However, you should talk to your surgeon about the procedure to fully understand what you’re getting into.

They’ll have a frank discussion with you about the risks, benefits, and expectations of the procedure. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of the procedure to see if LASIK is right for you.

If you don’t meet the criteria for LASIK, they can also offer alternative treatments like eyeglasses, contacts, PRK, or SMILE.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin layer of tissue covering the whites of your eye and lining the inner portion of your eyelids. 

Most people consider pink eye a contagious viral infection, but not all forms of conjunctivitis are infectious. For example, a foreign body in the eye can also cause irritation and inflammation.

Common Symptoms

Viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis often cause similar symptoms, but some key features can help you distinguish one from the other.

Viral

You may notice burning, light sensitivity, redness, clear discharge, and swollen eyelids. You may have swollen and tender preauricular lymph nodes in front of your ears. 

An indication you may have viral conjunctivitis is if you had a cold recently or were exposed to someone sick. This conjunctivitis often starts in one eye and spreads to the other.

While pink eye conjunctivitis doesn’t affect your sight, you may experience blurred vision.⁵

Bacterial

Bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms include redness, pain, burning, and swollen eyelids. One way to differentiate it from viral conjunctivitis is that it also causes sticky pus to develop in the eye. This can manifest as a yellow, green, or white discharge.

Generally, bacterial conjunctivitis does not cause swollen preauricular lymph nodes. Although it typically occurs in one eye, the other eye can become infected.

Allergic

A primary distinction between allergic and viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is that allergies tend to cause itching. Other symptoms include redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and swollen eyelids. 

Some people also notice white, stringy discharge, but most have a clear, watery discharge.

Allergic conjunctivitis usually occurs in both eyes. You may also have symptoms of sinus congestion, sneezing, or a runny nose. 

Is Conjunctivitis Contagious?

Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Adenovirus spreads through close personal contact, through the air via respiratory droplets, or by touching contaminated surfaces. 

Bacterial conjunctivitis spreads via personal contact, touching contaminated surfaces, and respiratory droplets.

In some cases, changes to your eye’s normal bacterial flora can also cause pink eye. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.

Conjunctivitis Causes

These are the most frequent causes of conjunctivitis:

Viral

Most types of viral conjunctivitis are associated with the adenovirus. The viral infection also causes illnesses like the common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal upset. It’s highly contagious.

Can HSV Cause Conjunctivitis?

The herpes simplex virus, or HSV, can also cause conjunctivitis.⁶ This can happen through eye contact with infected oral or genital secretions. You may experience severe pain, redness, or bright light sensitivity in the pink eye. 

Bacterial

Bacterial conjunctivitis is not as common as viral conjunctivitis but is also very contagious. However, this is the most frequent cause of conjunctivitis in children under three.

This type of conjunctivitis can spread through:⁴

• Hand-to-eye contact
• Eye contact with contaminated objects, such as contact lenses 
• Sexual encounters with an eye to genital contact
• Mother to baby

Allergic

This form of conjunctivitis occurs when you are exposed to an allergen such as dust, pollen, or pet dander. Depending on the source of your allergy, allergic conjunctivitis may last for extended periods (chronic) or short periods (acute). 

Viruses cause around 80 percent of acute conjunctivitis cases. It isn’t caused by eye disease.

Does Wearing Contact Lenses Cause Conjunctivitis?

No, wearing contact lenses won’t cause conjunctivitis. 

However, cleaning your contact lenses improperly can cause irritation and other problems. Always clean your contact lenses properly and regularly to prevent an infected eye. 

How Long Is Pink Eye Contagious?

It is best to avoid close contact with others until symptoms subside or 24 hours after antibiotic treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis.⁷

While allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious. Avoiding close contact with other people will prevent its spread.

In the meantime, be careful not to spread the infection to others. Avoid going to work or school and contaminating surfaces someone else may touch. Remove your contact lenses immediately, and only use your eyeglasses. 

How Long Does Pink Eye Last?

The type and severity of conjunctivitis affect how long it will last. Recovery could be longer if it is related to another illness, such as the common cold, ear infection, or upper respiratory infection.

Healthcare professionals estimate recovery time for the different types of pink eye as follows:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis. Typically improves 24 hours after starting antibiotic eye drops. If left untreated, it can take two weeks to go away completely.
• Viral conjunctivitis. Usually mild and will resolve within 7 to 14 days. However, more severe cases could take up to 3 weeks to subside.
• Allergic conjunctivitis. Typically resolves after removing the environmental trigger.

Diagnosis of Pink Eye

If you have conjunctivitis, especially contagious, consult your eye doctor. 

Your eye doctor can examine your eyes to determine what kind of conjunctivitis you have. Your symptoms and health history will help them make the diagnosis. 

During the exam, they use an instrument called a slit-lamp to view your eyes under magnification. 

A yellow-colored eye drop called fluorescein helps the doctor look for signs of eye irritation or injury while examining your eyes in the slit-lamp. They may also check your preauricular lymph nodes for any swelling.

Prevention Tips

Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent infectious types of conjunctivitis, including viral and bacterial.

Here are some prevention tips for viral and bacterial conjunctivitis:

• Wear a face mask to protect yourself from respiratory droplet exposure if you are around someone ill.
• Don’t touch your eyes before washing your hands. If you must, use a tissue.
• Wash your hands with soap frequently or use hand sanitizer if you cannot.
• Regularly wash pillowcases, towels, eye masks, and anything else that touches your face.
• Don’t use old or contaminated contact lenses, contact lens cases, eye makeup, or any other products that come in contact with your eyes.
• Don’t wear contact lenses if you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Frequently sanitize high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, sinks, handles, phones, and computer keyboards.
• If you wear extended-wear lenses, remember to remove and clean them regularly.
• Don’t attend work or school until your conjunctivitis resolves to avoid infecting others.

Here are tips to reduce your risk of allergic conjunctivitis:

• The best form of prevention is to avoid potential allergens. 
• If you are unsure what you are allergic to, consult your doctor for allergy testing. 
• Wear a face mask when exposed to dust, pollen, pollutants, or other potential irritants.
• Many people have dust mite allergies. Wash your bedding frequently and use a mattress protector to reduce exposure to dust mites.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture regularly.
• Use an air purifier to help remove allergens from the air.
• If you have pet allergies, bathe your pet regularly, clean blankets or other items your pet touches, do not allow pets on the bed, and wash your hands after touching your pets.
• Stay indoors as much as possible when seasonal allergies are at a peak. Wearing glasses or sunglasses outdoors helps prevent allergens from getting into your eyes.

Treatment Options

Many cases of conjunctivitis are self-limiting, which means the condition resolves on its own without treatment. However, it is best to consult your eye doctor for a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment plan.

Viral Conjunctivitis Treatment

Treatment is usually not required for viral conjunctivitis.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment to shorten the duration of the infection. Only therapy focused on symptomatic relief is available.

You can use cool compresses and lubricating drops if your eyes feel irritated. Depending on the severity of the inflammation, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis Treatment

Most eye doctors prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis. These help reduce the duration to only a few days.

Keeping the eye area clean and free of discharge is also ideal. The eye doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics if the infection is severe, especially in children.

Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment

Non-medicated therapies for allergic conjunctivitis include cool compresses and lubricating drops. Oral allergy medication may also provide relief. 

If your allergies persist, the eye doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory or antihistamine eye drops. 

Avoiding the source of your allergies is the best way to alleviate allergic conjunctivitis. You can also use artificial tears to relieve symptoms. 

Summary

Pink eye conjunctivitis is a common infection that affects the eyes. A virus, bacteria, or an allergy can cause it.

Always practice good hygiene habits and avoid potential allergens to prevent conjunctivitis. Treatment options vary for this condition, but always consult your doctor for the best plan. 

The good news is nutrition can play a huge role in helping maintain healthy vision. This post takes a closer look into why your diet plays an essential role in keeping your eyes functioning at their best.

How Do Diet And Nutrition Impact the Eyes?

Consuming powerful antioxidants and other nutrients is an excellent way to combat free radicals and protect your eye health. 

There are many benefits to adding these nutrients to your diet:

Beta-Carotene 

Beta-carotene is an orange pigment in many fruits and vegetables. Your body converts this substance into vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision. Without adequate vitamin A, night blindness can occur.

Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant, safeguarding your cornea’s health and preventing dry eye discomfort. A combination of beta-carotene with vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and copper slows the progression of macular degeneration.¹⁰ 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that assists with essential functions, such as:

• Tissue repair
• Collagen formation
• Immune system function

Increasing vitamin C in your diet helps prevent macular degeneration and slow down cataract progression. It also reduces the risk of glaucoma.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that you can only get through your diet. Incorporating this vital nutrient into your daily routine can delay the onset of cataracts. You can also significantly lower your risk of macular degeneration. 

Lutein and Zeaxanthin 

Lutein and zeaxanthin are highly pigmented antioxidants that protect your eyes from blue light damage. These pigments are highly concentrated in the macula and shield it from oxidative damage, preventing macular degeneration. 

Research suggests these nutrients also reduce the risk of cataract formation.¹¹ Lutein and zeaxanthin give certain foods their natural yellow or orange color.

Zinc 

Your retina contains high concentrations of zinc. This mineral also helps your body metabolize vitamin A. 

Zinc enables you to maintain normal night vision and plays a role in macular degeneration prevention. 

Selenium

Selenium is another mineral that has antioxidant properties. 

Just like the other nutrients in this list, selenium helps prevent macular degeneration.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids. Omega-3s also combat inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome.  

Unfortunately, your body doesn’t produce them naturally, so you have to include them in your diet. Some studies suggest that natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of progression in people with macular degeneration.¹²

Flavonoids 

Flavonoids are antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic substances. They help prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and inflammatory eye diseases.

These compounds also reduce your risk of glaucoma. Flavonoids also play a role in reducing oxidative stress related to diabetic retinopathy.

You can maximize your defense against age-related eye diseases by avoiding free radical sources. You can also adopt a healthy diet for best results. While vitamin supplements are beneficial, getting nutrients from natural food sources is the optimal choice.

What Foods and Nutrients Impact Eye Health?

The quality of your diet significantly impacts vision and overall eye health. Therefore, eating the proper nutrients helps reduce your risk for eye diseases, such as:

• Cataracts
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Dry eye 
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic retinopathy

These eye conditions, especially age-related macular degeneration, tend to affect older adults. Most age-related diseases develop from long-term oxidative stress.

How Does Oxidative Stress Affect Your Eye Health?

Oxidative stress occurs when your body collects excess free radicals. This process causes an imbalance between free radicals and the antioxidants that neutralize them. It also speeds up the aging process and increases inflammation.

Your body generates free radicals from normal metabolic processes. However, there are external sources that contribute to free radical production, including:

• Smoking cigarettes
• Alcohol 
• Air pollution
• Toxic chemicals (such as household cleaners or pesticides)
• Deep-fried foods
• Processed meats (such as salami or ham)
• Refined sugars (such as high-fructose corn syrup)
• Radiation (such as X-rays)

Common Nutritional Deficiencies That Affect Global Health

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies affect approximately two billion people worldwide.⁹ The most common deficiencies include:

• Vitamin A
• Zinc
• Folate
• Iron
• Iodine

13 Top Foods for Eye Health

In general, brightly colored fruits and vegetables are very nutritious. If you want to include eye-healthy nutrients into your diet, try eating more of these foods: 

1. Sweet potatoes, sweet bell peppers (orange, yellow, or red), and carrots are rich in beta-carotene and contain some vitamin C.
2. Dark green leafy vegetables are abundant in lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A, C, and E. Examples include spinach, kale, mustard greens, and collard greens.
3. Squash vegetables like pumpkin, yellow squash, butternut squash, and zucchini contain lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
4. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts have several eye-healthy nutrients. These include lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. 
5. Nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E.
6. Oysters, beef, and pork are rich sources of zinc. Additionally, these foods also provide selenium.
7. Legumes like chickpeas and lentils are an excellent vegetarian source of zinc and selenium.
8. Fish contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. The best sources are fatty, oily fish like salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, and sardines.
9. Seaweed, flaxseed, hemp seeds, and chia seeds are also natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids if you prefer vegetarian options. 
10. Tea is packed with flavonoids, and green tea especially boasts a high concentration of these powerful antioxidants. Black, white, and oolong tea also provide numerous health benefits.
11. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are high in vitamin C and flavonoids.
12. Seafood is rich in selenium, with various options such as yellowfin tuna, crab, shrimp, oysters, and salmon.
13. Eggs contain selenium, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Egg yolks contain a lot of lutein and zeaxanthin. You can also purchase enriched eggs for extra boost in omega-3s.

Summary

Overall, diet and nutrition have a big impact on eye health. The key is to consume plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

You should also ensure you get enough essential vitamins and minerals. Eating more eye-friendly foods above can help you maintain healthy vision for many years.

Moreover, remember that supplements aren’t a substitute for nutritious foods. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, and seek their advice for the best diet to maintain optimal eye health.