This article discusses what a retina burn is and its symptoms. It also discusses the treatment options you’ll likely receive to treat this injury.

What is a Retina Burn?

A retina burn is a type of damage similar to a severe sunburn on the skin. Some damage to the retina, including a burn, is considered a medical emergency as it can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness if not treated immediately.

Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing sudden vision loss after an eye injury or exposure to harsh chemicals.

Aside from a retina burn, other forms of retina damage include:

• Macular degeneration. A disease that affects your central vision 
• Retinal detachment. When the retina peels back from the back of the eye
• Diabetic retinopathy. Damage to the blood vessels in the retina 
• Retinoblastoma. Cancer of the retina

What are the Common Causes of Retina Burns?

Retina burns are usually associated with looking directly into the sun without proper eye protection, such as during a solar eclipse. This kind of retina burn is called solar retinopathy.

Solar retinopathy is caused by high-intensity light wavelengths absorbed by the retina’s light-sensitive cells, leading to damage and visual disturbances.  

Sources of artificial light can also lead to retina burns, including:

• Welding
• Operating an ophthalmic microscope
• Lighting systems used during surgery
• Laser pointers 
• Tanning bed lights

Chemical eye burns caused by alkali chemicals (found in everyday household products) can also lead to retina damage, causing optic nerve damage and glaucoma (increased eye pressure).

Who is Most At Risk for Retina Burns?

People who work or spend time in the sun without wearing protective eyewear are at a higher risk of developing a retina burn. 

People who use dangerous equipment that can cause retina damage (for example, a welder) are also at an increased risk for a retina burn.

Other risk factors include:

• History of eye surgery
• Have a family history of retinal problems
• Have uncontrolled diabetes
• Have suffered an eye injury

What are the Symptoms of a Retina Burn?

Retinal burns can occur in less than two minutes of looking directly at the sun. Symptoms typically develop within a few hours after the injury. 

Common symptoms of a retina burn include:

• Blind spot in one or both eyes
• Abnormal color vision
• Blurred vision
• Warping of your central vision 
• Objects appear smaller than they are
• Headaches
• Straight lines appearing wavy

If you develop these symptoms after looking directly at the sun or other dangerous sources of artificial light, you should seek prompt treatment from a medical eye doctor (ophthalmologist). 

Are There Warning Signs of Retinal Damage?

Since the retina does not have pain receptors, you typically will not have eye pain associated with a retinal tear or burn. 

However, you will notice specific changes in your vision, including:

• Seeing flashing lights
• New floaters
• Shadows in your peripheral vision
• A black curtain coming down over your eyesight 

Any damage to the retina is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately by a medical professional.

How is a Retina Burn Diagnosed?

A retina burn is diagnosed by taking a detailed medical and family history with a list of recent symptoms, followed by a comprehensive eye exam.

Your eyes will be dilated to view the retina, or an eye specialist might use a machine to take a picture of your retina that they can then review for damage.

Other tests that help determine the severity of damage include:

• Visual field test
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to look for specific changes to the retina
• Fluorescein angiography to look at blood flow to the retina
  

What Treatments Are Available for Retina Burns?

There is no cure for retina burns. Sometimes, they will heal independently after 3-6 months, but there is a chance for permanent damage and vision loss. Steroids have been used to help treat retina burns, but there is no consistent evidence that this is effective.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience symptoms after looking directly at the sun, exposure to a chemical eye injury, or prolonged use of artificial light sources. A licensed eye doctor can diagnose injury and provide a plan of care.

Prevention is the best way to avoid a retina burn. This includes wearing protective eyewear when looking directly at the sun or using equipment that can cause eye damage.

Can Laser Therapy Aid in Treating Retina Burns?

Laser surgery might be a treatment option if there is a retinal tear or detachment. A laser makes small burns around the tear. The scar tissue that develops will help hold the retina in place.

How Can Retina Burns Be Prevented and Managed?

The best way to prevent a retina burn is not to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Eye protection is critical in working with dangerous equipment and artificial light that can lead to retinal damage.

Obtaining immediate medical attention after an eye injury is the best way to ensure that symptoms do not worsen and prevent permanent vision loss.

Summary

A retinal burn is damage to the retina caused by looking directly into the sun, such as during a solar eclipse. Symptoms of a retinal burn include blind spots, blurred vision, sudden vision loss, and squiggly lines. 

There is no cure for a retina burn, but healing may occur independently after a few months. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of retinal damage to avoid permanent vision loss or even blindness.

Nystagmus is a vision condition resulting in repetitive, uncontrolled movement of the eyes. It can affect vision and depth perception, making reading and concentrating difficult.

Eye movements can follow a pattern of side-to-side, up-and-down, or circular motions, making it hard to focus on objects. As a result, people may tilt their head, nod, or cover one eye to compensate for their vision impairment.

Nystagmus affects about 0.17% of the population under 18.¹ Testing for nystagmus is done by an ophthalmologist through a comprehensive eye exam.

What are the Different Types of Nystagmus?

The two main types of nystagmus are early onset (congenital) and acquired.

Congenital nystagmus (infantile nystagmus) is characterized by slow and rapid side-to-side eye movements.¹ It typically develops three months after birth and can be spontaneous or inherited, affecting about 0.14% of the general population. 

Acquired nystagmus develops later in life and is often associated with problems with the central nervous system, metabolic disorders, or drug and alcohol toxicity.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Nystagmus?

The main symptom of nystagmus is involuntary or rapid eye movements in one or both eyes. 

Other symptoms may include:

• Vertigo
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision 
• Nighttime vision problems
• Trouble with balance and coordination

How Does Nystagmus Affect Vision?

The rapid eye movements of nystagmus can cause vision problems because of the inability to hold a steady gaze on an object. 

Vision problems might include:

• Blurry vision
• Jumpy/shaky vision 
• Inability to focus
• Trouble seeing at night 
• Reduced depth perception 

How is Nystagmus Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals start the diagnosis process with a comprehensive eye exam, detailed medical history, and physical assessment. Since various factors can cause nystagmus, diagnosing the condition can be tricky. 

Other tests and observations associated with a nystagmus diagnosis may include:

• Visual acuity (distance vision) screening
• Slit-lamp examination to look for structural abnormalities
• Assess the direction and stability of eye movement
• Assess the eye’s ability to focus on an object
• Look for conjugacy (both eyes moving together)
• Analyze the speed of eye movements (slow or rapid, continuous or intermittent)
• Inner ear exam
• Brain MRI
• Neurological assessment

An eye doctor or other medical professionals may refer you to a primary care physician if an underlying medical condition is suspected. The goal is to determine the root cause and how it affects vision and quality of life.

When Should One Seek Medical Advice for Nystagmus?

You should immediately seek medical attention if nystagmus develops spontaneously, especially following a head injury. Nystagmus, alongside vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues, could point to a problem with the inner ear and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

What Causes Nystagmus?

Congenital nystagmus is usually caused by congenital cataracts or lack of normal eye development after birth.

Acquired nystagmus that develops spontaneously or later in life is often caused by an underlying medical condition such as:

• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• High refractive error (myopia, astigmatism)
• Inner ear inflammation
• Anti-epileptic medication 
• Head injury
• Albinism (light skin, hair, and eyes)
• Drug use (MDMA, PCP, LSD)
• Central nervous system disorders

How Can Head Injuries Lead to Nystagmus?

Nystagmus after a traumatic head injury or concussion can develop if the vestibular system or brainstem is affected. The vestibular system is found in the inner ear and helps control eye movements and balance.

After a head injury, healthcare professionals should assess visual eye movement and look for nystagmus symptoms to rule out damage to some brain regions. 

How is Nystagmus Treated and Managed?

The first step in treating nystagmus is to find and treat the underlying cause of the rapid eye movement. The next step is to improve vision and other symptoms affecting daily life.

What are the Available Treatment Options?

While there is no cure for infantile nystagmus, there are several treatment options available to improve vision, including:

• Correct refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses
• Prisms can help correct head tilt or positioning
• Surgical intervention to recess eye muscles
• Medication (gabapentin, baclofen, memantine)
• Botulinum toxin injection into the retrobulbar space

Can Lifestyle Adjustments Aid in Managing Nystagmus?

While medical treatment options may not remove nystagmus symptoms entirely, there are ways to help manage nystagmus in your daily life.

These supports include:

• Using large print books
• Increase the font size on your computer and phone
• Use of a magnifying glass while reading
• Increase light
• Support groups to help with confidence and self-esteem
• Reduce clutter in your work and living environment

Are There Preventive Measures for Nystagmus?

People with nystagmus may notice specific triggers, such as stress, fatigue, or illness, that can exacerbate their symptoms. 

Finding ways to help minimize symptoms can help you manage your day-to-day symptoms. 

These measures might include:

• Finding ways to reduce stress (yoga, mindfulness)
• Getting enough sleep
• Rest if you are sick
• Playing physical games and exercises  that require eye/hand coordination 
• Position a child in a classroom that is comfortable for them
• Create a quiet environment to be able to rest your eyes if they are fatigued
• Organize living space so depth perception issues are not a safety hazard (stairs, flooring, etc.)

Summary

Nystagmus is an eye condition that results in uncontrollable rapid and slow eye movements that can affect vision and quality of life. It can develop early in a child’s life or later into adulthood, which may indicate an underlying medical condition. 

Treatment, including medication, eyeglasses, vision training, or surgery, focuses on improving vision and reducing symptoms to enhance daily life. Reducing stress, improving sleep, and having a quiet resting place are other ways to help manage nystagmus symptoms.

While Roth spots themselves do not pose a health risk, they are usually a symptom of a more serious systemic illness. This article discusses the causes of Roth spots, risk factors, treatment, and commonly asked questions.

What Are Roth Spots?

Roth spots are white-centered retinal hemorrhages that show up as spots on a retinal scan of the back of the eye. They result from a rupture of the small capillaries in the retina (a layer of cells in the back of the eye that senses light).

Roth spots are a type of retinal hemorrhage, which is a secondary symptom of a variety of underlying medical conditions, including:

• Infective endocarditis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Leukemia
• Retinopathy (hypertensive and diabetic)
• Anemia
• Preeclampsia
• Anoxia (loss of oxygen to the brain)
• Ocular diseases 

Roth spots are typically asymptomatic and may come and go. They might be discovered during a routine eye exam. People with systemic disease may also be referred to an eye doctor to check for ocular complications.

What Do Roth Spots Look Like?

Roth spots are found in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). They present as round red spots with a white center.

The round spot on the retinal layer is created from the leakage of blood and fluid from a retinal capillary rupture. The white centers are caused by a fibrin platelet plug that forms to stop bleeding.

While the white-centered hemorrhage is not a serious health concern, it can be a sign of a severe medical condition. Roth spots typically do lead to visual disturbances. 

What Causes Roth Spots?

The most common cause of Roth spots is subacute bacterial endocarditis, with 2% of people diagnosed with the condition also developing Roth spots.²

Other common causes of Roth spots include:

• Infective endocarditis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Leukemia
• Retinopathy (hypertensive and diabetic)
• Anemia
• Preeclampsia
• Anoxia (loss of oxygen to the brain)
• Ocular diseases 
• High blood pressure 
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Shaken baby syndrome intracranial hemorrhage

Do Roth Spots Indicate Underlying Conditions?

Yes. Roth spots are typically a sign of underlying systemic disease. Underlying medical conditions that lead to the fragility of blood vessels and capillaries make a hemorrhage or rupture more likely.

Medical conditions that affect blood vessels and capillaries that can lead to Roth spots include:

• Endocarditis
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Leukemia
• Hypertension
• Heart disease

Roth Spots and Retinal Hemorrhages

Roth spots are a type of retinal hemorrhage typically located on the nerve fiber layer of the retina. Retinal hemorrhages are a clue to underlying vascular disease. They should be followed up with a medical workup to find the root cause.

Abnormal blood work and the location and shape of the hemorrhage can help determine the cause. Abnormal blood counts can indicate leukemia, anemia, thrombosis, and other vascular conditions.

Symptoms of a retinal hemorrhage may include:

• Sudden vision loss
• Blurry vision
• Floaters
• Flashes of light
• Blind spots

Detection and Diagnosis of Roth Spots

Roth spots are usually asymptomatic and typically discovered during a routine comprehensive eye exam. They’re more likely to be detected if the exam includes a fundoscopic examination to look at the back of the eye and retina.

Since the presence of Roth spots indicates systemic disease, the exam should be followed up with a detailed medical history and physical exam, including blood work, to find the root cause of the Roth spots.

What is the Role of Patient History in Diagnosis?

A detailed patient history and thorough physical exam are essential to finding and treating the root cause of Roth spots. After diagnosing Roth spots on a retinal scan, the eye doctor should refer or coordinate with a medical doctor to obtain further testing.

Exams and tests should look for the following:

• Vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, oxygen level, heart rate)
• Look for signs of infection (chills, fever, night sweats)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising
• Complete blood count
• Assess skin for lesions
• Fatigue
• Blood cultures
• Cardiac murmurs
• HIV antibody testing
• Abnormal blood work
• Respiratory abnormalities

How are Roth Spots Treated?

Roth spots will usually disappear on their own after diagnosing and treating the underlying disease process. Sometimes, they will resolve on their own without intervention.

Treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics for endocarditis or an infection
• Chemotherapy for leukemia or other blood cancers
• Adjust insulin doses for people with diabetic retinopathy
• Blood pressure medication hypertensive retinopathy
• Iron supplements for anemia

Long-Term Implications of Roth Spots

The implications of Roth spots depend on their underlying cause, ranging from minor (anemia) to severe (leukemia or other blood cancers). 

If you are having trouble with your vision or have symptoms of an eye hemorrhage, it is also important to see an eye doctor right away to rule out systemic disease.

Management Strategies for Roth Spots

Routine follow-up with your doctor and ophthalmologist is vital to managing Roth spots and ensuring you are treated for any underlying conditions.

This will also help prevent vision complications if systemic disease is left untreated.

Summary

Roth spots are retinal hemorrhages often associated with underlying medical conditions such as endocarditis, leukemia, retinopathy, hypertension, and anemia. They appear as round spots with a white center on a retinal exam.

A diagnosis of Roth spots should be followed up with an extensive medical and physical exam to determine the root cause of the hemorrhage. Treatment, management, and potential complications depend on the underlying systemic condition. 

Ringworm is spread by close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated objects. It is caused by dermatophytes (a fungi group) infecting keratinized tissue (skin, nails, hair). Eyelid ringworm typically develops when someone rubs their eyes after touching the fungus.

What is Ringworm on the Eyelid?

Eyelid ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin on the eyelid. Ringworm is common worldwide and tends to infect children more than adults. 

Eyelid ringworm is less common. It is typically acquired by touching an infected person, animal, or a contaminated object and then touching your face and eyes.

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Since eyelid ringworm can mimic other eye conditions, it often is misdiagnosed and not treated properly. Other skin conditions that may resemble ringworm include:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis 
• Lupus
• Seborrheic dermatitis 
• Granuloma annulare 

The most distinctive symptom of eyelid ringworm is a red circular rash, typically accompanied by itchiness, inflammation, swelling, and eyebrow or eyelash hair loss. If left untreated, ringworm can spread to other parts of your body.

What Causes Ringworm on the Eyelid?

Eyelid ringworm is most commonly caused by the fungi Microsporum, Trichophyton, or Epidermophyton. 

There are different names for ringworm, depending on the area of the body that is infected, including:

• Tinea pedis. Foot (athlete’s foot)
• Tinea capitis. Scalp
• Tinea cruris. Groin (jock itch)
• Tinea barbae. Beard or facial hair
• Tinea corporis. Ringworm on the body
• Tinea faciei. Face

Risk factors that increase your chances of getting ringworm include:

• Living in a hot, humid climate
• Excessive sweating
• Play contact sports (wrestling, football)
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes
• Share used clothes, towels, razors
• Live in close contact with others (dorm rooms, military housing)
• Use of public showers or locker rooms
• Weakened immune system

How is Ringworm on the Eyelid Diagnosed and Treated?

Ringworm is typically diagnosed by identifying the circular shape of the rash. However, ringworm on the eyelid is often misdiagnosed because it is mistaken for another skin condition, such as dermatitis or psoriasis. 

Other ways doctors diagnose ringworm include:

• Asking about symptoms 
• Look at small skin or nail sample under a microscope
• Test skin sample with a potassium hydroxide preparation
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test

What are the Available Treatment Options?

Ringworm is treated with antifungal medication. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams and ointments are the best treatment for mild cases of ringworm, while oral antifungal medication may be used for more severe cases. 

Common OTC antifungal medications used to treat ringworm include:

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
• Miconazole (Desenex)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Ketoconazole (Xolegel)

Prescription oral medication may be needed if topical antifungal creams do not work. These are typically taken over one to three months. It is important to take oral medication precisely as prescribed and not to stop treatment beforehand.

Common oral antifungal medications prescribed to treat severe ringworm include:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Griseofulvin (Griasctin)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)

Corticosteroid cream should not be used to treat ringworm, as it may worsen the infection.

How Can You Prevent Ringworm on the Eyelid?

Keeping your skin clean and practicing good personal hygiene is the best way to prevent a ringworm infection, especially if you play sports. 

Effective ways of preventing ringworm include:

• Change your socks and underwear daily
• Remove damp or wet clothing 
• Shower after exercising 
• Cover your feet with sandals when showering in public places
• Always dry off completely when exiting the bath or shower
• Don’t share towels, washcloths, or other used personal items
• Washing hands frequently, especially after touching animals
• Disinfect surfaces
• Wash exercise clothing in hot water
• Treat your animals if they are infected with ringworm

How Contagious is Ringworm?

Ringworm is very contagious. It spreads easily from skin-to-skin contact or touching your face after touching a contaminated object. 

You can also get ringworm from touching infected animals, especially dogs and cats. 

Remember that ringworm doesn’t typically resolve on its own. It remains contagious until 48 hours after the start of treatment with an antifungal cream or medication. 

How Does Ringworm Appear and Progress?

Ringworm on the skin appears as round, flat, scaly patches with a raised border. They tend to grow slowly and spread to other areas of the skin. 

A ringworm infection can cause severe itchiness and swelling, leading to vision disturbances. It can also cause the eyelashes and eyebrow hairs to fall out.

The appearance of ringworm may also look different depending on skin tone. On light skin, the rash looks pink or red; on darker skin, the rash looks brown or gray.

After treatment, the center of the rash typically clears first. Most mild cases of ringworm heal in about 2-4 weeks.

Summary

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can develop anywhere on the skin. Eyelid ringworm usually develops after touching your face after touching contaminated items or infected people or animals. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately to avoid spreading the infection to others.

The most common symptom of eyelid ringworm is a red circular rash followed by itchiness and swelling. Mild cases of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments. Severe cases are treated with prescribed oral antifungal medication. 

Keeping your skin clean and practicing good personal hygiene is the best way to prevent a ringworm infection, especially after playing contact sports or using public pools and locker rooms.

A stroke is the most common cause of hemianopsia, causing 52 to 70% of hemianopsia cases.^1,2 The prognosis of hemianopsia depends on the underlying cause of injury. 

Long-term hemianopsia negatively affects quality of life. It reduces several abilities, including:

• Driving
• Reading
• Seeing the surrounding environment

This article discusses the causes of hemianopsia, how it affects vision, and frequently asked questions.

What is Hemianopsia?

Hemianopsia is also called hemianopia. It’s a vision loss on one-half of the left or right side of the visual field. It usually occurs in both eyes.

Hemianopsia is a disruption to the optic tract along the visual pathway. The visual pathway spans from the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that delivers signals to the optic nerve) to the primary visual cortex in the occipital lobe (visual processing part of the brain).  

While a stroke is the most common cause of homonymous hemianopsia, other factors can also disrupt your visual field, including:

• Head trauma
• Tumor
• Lesion
• Surgical procedure
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Epilepsy (seizures)

Hemianopia vs. Hemianopsia

Hemianopia and hemianopsia are the same. They both mean the loss of half your field of vision due to a brain injury.

Causes of Hemianopsia and Bitemporal Hemianopsia

While a stroke is the most common cause of homonymous hemianopsia, other factors can also disrupt your visual field.

These factors include:

Head Trauma

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the cause of about 10% of hemianopsia cases. About 90% of people with a TBI suffer visual deficits.^5,6 

There are many causes of brain injuries, including:

• Stroke
• Concussion
• Cerebral palsy
• Blow to the head
• Gunshot wound 
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falling
• Contact sports
• Brain bleed

Tumor and Lesions

Intracranial tumors and lesions on the optical tract are leading causes of hemianopsia. The condition can also occur if tumors or lesions are in other structures.

These structures include:

• Lateral geniculate nucleus (structure that receives visual input from both eyes)
• Optic radiation
• Visual cortex

Neurological Conditions

Common neurological conditions that cause hemianopia include:

• Alzheimer’s disease 
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• Neurosyphilis (brain infection)
• Vascular malformations (abnormal formation of blood vessels)
• Neurological surgery

People who have had a stroke, brain tumor, or brain injury have the highest risk of developing hemianopsia and other visual field deficits. 

How Does Hemianopsia Impact Vision? 

The location of the lesion on the visual pathway determines the impact of vision loss. These locations are classified as prechiasmal, optic chiasm, or retrochiasmal.

The optic chiasm is the part of the visual pathway where the optic nerves from each eye cross each other and continue to the brain.  

That means that the left optic nerve communicates with the right side of the brain, while the right optic nerve communicates with the left side of the brain.

• Prechiasmal lesions. Impacts the optic nerve, causing monocular blindness in the affected eye (visual disturbance or loss in one eye for a period)
  
• Chiasmal lesions. Impacts the optic chiasm, causing bitemporal hemianopsia (inability to see from the outer half of each eye’s visual field)
  
• Retrochiasmal lesions. Impacts the optic tract or primary visual cortex, causing homonymous hemianopsia (seeing only half of each eye’s visual field)

What are the Symptoms of Hemianopsia?

The symptoms of hemianopsia include:

• Bumping into objects 
• Missing parts of words while reading
• Double vision
• Inability to see the entire object in front of you
• Drifting while you walk
• Visual hallucinations of light or shapes
• Decreased night vision
• Difficulty with driving (drifting in the lane, unstable steering, etc.)

Different Types of Hemianopsia

There are several types of hemianopia, depending on where the brain injury is located and how much of the vision field is affected.

These different types include:

Homonymous Hemianopsia

Homonymous hemianopsia is the loss of half of vision on the same side of the visual field. It is caused by a brain injury located post-chiasmal on the optic tract closest to the brain. 

If the brain injury were on the left side, half the vision in the right eye would be lost. If the brain injury were on the right side, half the vision in the right eye would be lost.

Heteronymous Hemianopsia

Heteronymous hemianopsia is the loss of vision on the opposite side of each eye. This type of hemianopsia can either be bitemporal or bi-nasal.

It’s typically caused by compression of the optic chiasm from a pituitary gland tumor. An abnormal growth or lesion on the pituitary gland may also cause hormonal changes.

• Bitemporal hemianopsia. Your peripheral vision is blacked out in the outer half of your visual fields.

• Bi-nasal Hemianopsia. Vision loss in the inner part of the eye (closest to the nasal)

Superior Hemianopsia

Superior hemianopsia is the loss of the upper half of your visual fields. This occurs when the optic radiations (part of the visual pathway) are damaged in the brain’s temporal lobe.

Inferior Hemianopsia

Inferior hemianopsia is the loss of the lower half of your field of vision. This can occur if a tumor or lesion pushes down the optic tract’s upper part.

Quadrantanopia Hemianopsia

Quadrantanopia hemianopia is the bilateral loss of vision in one quadrant or one-fourth of your field of vision. It can occur due to lesions in the occipital lobe.

Hemianopsia Diagnosis

All types of hemianopsia are diagnosed with scans and tests to find the underlying cause. A visual field test can confirm what part of your vision is blocked.

Subsequent tests and scans will help determine what part of the visual pathway is affected. These tests and scans may include:

• A complete evaluation of the visual system
• Cranial nerve assessment
• Physical exam
• Neurological exam
• MRI scan
• Blood tests

Can People Recover from Hemianopsia?

While there is no cure for hemianopsia, the potential for vision rehabilitation will depend on the underlying cause.

For hemianopia caused by a stroke, the outlook will depend on the time between the stroke event and diagnosis of hemianopsia and the severity of brain injury. If vision does improve, it typically happens between 3-6 months following a stroke.⁷

For people with bitemporal hemianopsia due to a pituitary gland tumor, 75-95% will see vision improvement after removing the tumor.¹ 

How is Hemianopsia Treated?

After addressing the underlying cause of hemianopsia, doctors have a couple of rehabilitation strategies that can help improve vision loss, including:

• Visual restoration training to improve visual information processing 
• Visual assistive devices such as prism lenses to help with double vision
• Saccadic visual search training to improve the efficacy of eye movements  

Impact of Hemianopsia On Daily Life

Hemianopsia greatly impacts the quality of life and activities of daily living, especially driving and reading.

The significant impacts on everyday life may include:

• Higher risk of trips and falls
• Anxiety and depression
• Disorientation
• Ability to move about independently
• Visual hallucinations or seeing objects that aren’t there

Some people with hemianopia may not be aware that they have lost half of their field of vision. People with visual inattention, also called visual neglect, may ignore everything on one side of them. 

Common Questions about Hemianopsia

Does stroke cause hemianopsia?

Yes. A stroke is the leading cause of hemianopsia. Other causes include brain injuries and tumors.

What are the names of hemianopsia?

Hemianopsia is also referred to as hemianopia or homonymous hemianopia. 

What is an example of a complete hemianopsia?

Complete hemianopia is when you lose one-half of your field of vision. For example, a doctor doing a vision field test will place a finger in each quadrant of your field of vision.

If you miss one quadrant, you have partial hemianopia. If you miss two quadrants, you have complete hemianopia because you are missing 50% of your field of vision.

Summary

Hemianopsia is the loss of half of your field of vision. It is caused by a stroke, brain injury, or brain tumor. Hemianopsia dramatically impacts the quality of life, making driving, reading, and moving around your environment difficult. 

Treatment and outcome for hemianopsia depend on the underlying cause. While there is no cure for hemianopsia, some might see vision improvement after tumor removal or vision rehabilitation training.

Over 25% of U.S. adults develop rheumatoid arthritis, with about 27% of RA cases affecting the eyes. It tends to affect women more than men.^1,2 With early detection and treatment, symptoms of arthritis can diminish.

RA is the most common type of arthritis that affects the eyes. Other forms of the disease that can target vision include:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Fibromyalgia isn’t a form of arthritis but another condition with similar symptoms affecting vision.

Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Eye Problems?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy connective tissue in the lining of the joints. It commonly occurs in the hands and knees but can affect the lungs, heart, and eyes.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the eyes by targeting the collagen in the sclera and cornea, resulting in eye inflammation and other effects.

Other eye problems from RA include:

• Blurred vision
• Pain
• Dry eyes

When RA spreads to the eyes, the inflammation can cause several eye complications, including:

• Dry eye syndrome. Insufficient tear production and maintenance
• Scleritis. Inflammation of the sclera 
• Uveitis. Inflammation of the vascular layer of the eye (uvea)
• Retinal vascular occlusion. Blockage of blood vessels feeding the retina
• Glaucoma. High pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve
• Cataracts. The clouding of the eye lens caused by inflammation 
• Peripheral ulcerative keratitis. Inflammation and ulceration of the cornea

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis In the Eyes

If you have RA and experience changes in vision or eye pain, you should consult your doctor to see if the inflammation has spread to your eyes.

The most common symptoms of arthritis in the eyes are:

• Dry eye
• Light sensitivity
• Pain
• Swelling
• Blurred vision
• Redness

Diabetes is a common comorbidity for people with RA. That means these people are often affected by these conditions simultaneously.

Diabetes makes a person prone to diabetic retinopathy. This dangerous eye condition can cause vision loss and blindness.⁴

Severe Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis In the Eyes

If left untreated, eye arthritis can cause severe symptoms that may cause irreversible damage to your eyesight and possible blindness. 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following:

• Severe pain
• Vision loss 
• Reduced vision 
• Increased eye pressure
• Cloudy vision 
• Halos around lights
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision

How is Eye Arthritis Diagnosed?

Comprehensive eye exams can catch ocular manifestations of RA in their early stage. You should get routine comprehensive eye exams by an eye specialist, especially if you have any arthritis that can affect the eyes.

An ophthalmologist will ask you about your medical and family history. Other things you can expect from a comprehensive test include:

• Inspection for cloudy lens
• Measurement of the quality and thickness of your tears
• Check for inflammation of the sclera and cornea
• Measurement of intraocular pressure

If the ophthalmologist suspects uveitis, they will need additional tests as this condition can indicate an underlying medical condition.

These tests can include:

• X-rays
• Skin tests
• Blood tests

Can an Eye Test Detect Arthritis?

An eye test can help determine if you have arthritis. Your doctor may order additional tests if you are experiencing dry eyes or have frequent inflammation. 

During the eye exam, they will look for redness accompanied by deep, severe pain. These symptoms can occur due to scleritis, a complication caused by RA.

Can a Blood Test Detect Rheumatoid Arthritis?

While there isn’t a blood test that can determine if you have RA, specific blood tests can indicate the presence of inflammation associated with RA.

These blood tests include:

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• C-reactive protein (CRP) 
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Rheumatoid factor (RF)

A CBC blood test can identify anemia, a common RA symptom. Elevated ESR and CRP levels indicate inflammation, a hallmark sign of RA.  

Eye Arthritis Treatment

Eye arthritis is typically treated with medication, depending on symptoms and complications.

These are the possible treatments for RA:

• Artificial tears. Treats dry eyes
• Punctal plugs. Blocks the tear ducts using silicone or gel plugs; treats severe cases of dry eyes
• Corticosteroid eye drops or pills. Treats severe eye inflammation; can be combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin
• Antibiotics or antiviral medications. For suspected infections
• Surgery. For arthritis complications like glaucoma or cataracts

While steroid medication is an excellent treatment to reduce swelling quickly, long-term use of corticosteroids can cause or worsen cataracts and glaucoma.

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), often prescribed for people with RA, has been linked to retinopathy (dangerous retinal toxicity) and can lead to vision loss.⁷

Is Eye Arthritis Curable?

There is no cure for arthritis. However, you can manage the condition with medication and lifestyle changes.

The best way to control eye arthritis is first to control systemic RA and reduce flare-ups. Symptoms of arthritis in the eyes can be treated and managed with medication, depending on what part of your eye is affected.

Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA has several risk factors. The biggest culprit of RA is inflammation (swelling), causing stiffness and severe joint pain.

Other risk factors include:

• Genetics
• Age
• Sex
• Smoking
• Gender
• Obesity

Preventing Eye Problems Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The best way to maintain eye health and prevent issues associated with RA is first to control systemic symptoms. Routine eye exams and consults with your eye doctor are important if you are experiencing pain or vision changes. Doing these can help combat eye arthritis before it becomes severe.

The most effective ways to improve your quality of life if you are living with RA include:³

• Exercise 30 minutes a day
• Take an RA-specific exercise class
• Join a support class to learn from other people with RA
• Stop smoking
• Eat a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy weight

Summary

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause eye complications such as dry eyes, scleritis, uveitis, glaucoma, and cataracts. Since RA is an autoimmune disease, it can attack the collagen in the sclera and cornea, causing severe inflammation. 

The best way to prevent eye arthritis is first to control systemic RA. Medications like steroid eye drops and anti-inflammatories can help reduce eye symptoms. If you experience eye pain or vision changes, it is essential to immediately consult an eye specialist to treat the underlying condition early and prevent complications to your vision.

Damage to the optic chiasm can result in vision loss to specific areas of our visual field, depending on the location involved. This article further explains the structure and function of the optic chiasma and what happens when it is damaged.

What is the Optic Chiasm?

The optic chiasm, or optic chiasma, is an X-shaped structure at the base of the brain. The left and right eye’s optic nerves intersect here, combining visual information before moving further down the visual pathway to the brain.

After the optic nerve fibers combine visual information in the optic chiasm, they carry it to the brain. This process results in the visual images we see.

Where is the Optic Chiasm Located?

The optic chiasma is at the bottom of the brain, next to the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Because of these structures’ proximity, the optic chiasm can be damaged easily if underlying issues with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus exist.

The Circle of Willis encircles the optic chiasm. The Circle of Willis is a group of arteries that provides blood supply to the brain and is a common location for brain aneurysms.

What Happens if the Optic Chiasm Is Damaged?

A damaged optic chiasm can result in various negative outcomes, including vision field loss in both eyes.

Other effects of a damaged optic chiasm or its surrounding structures include:

• Bitemporal hemianopsia. Loss of temporal peripheral vision in each eye
• Macular sparing. Loss of a wide area of the vision field but not the central vision
• Homonymous quadrantanopia. Quadrant visual field deficit affecting the same area in each eye
• Junctional scotoma. Blind spots caused by a lesion at the junction of the optic chiasm and nerve

Diseases that can affect the optic chiasm include:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Tuberculosis
• Benign and cancerous tumors
• Vascular disorders (damage to surrounding blood vessels)
• Chiasmal optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve at the optic chiasm)

Pituitary Adenomas

A pituitary adenoma is a tumor of the pituitary gland. It’s the most common cause of chiasm damage.

While typically benign, they can grow large over time and pressure neighboring structures like the optic chiasm. The compression that a pituitary tumor causes on the optic chiasm can lead to corresponding temporal visual field loss and impairment.

Pressure on the optic nerve can lead to blindness, so it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing changes in your vision.

What Does the Optic Chiasm Do?

The optic chiasm’s primary function is quickly combining electrical impulses from each optic nerve fiber before crossing. It aids in binocular vision and hand-eye coordination.

Once the electrical impulses cross at the optic chiasm, they move along opposite sides of the optical tract to the visual cortex in the brain. The merging of visual data from each eye allows each brain hemisphere to get the same visual field information.

Without the optic chiasm, we wouldn’t have:

• Binocular vision
• Stereopsis (depth perception)
• High visual acuity (distance vision)
• Ability to judge distance
• Visual control of our hands
• Ability to see 3D shapes
• Merging of visual and motor activity 

Visual Pathway of the Optic Nerve

The visual pathway is the optic nerve’s path from the eye to the brain. It includes essential structures, including the optic chiasm.

The optic nerve is the structure that carries light signals from your eye to your brain. It’s also called the second cranial nerve (CN II).

Each optic nerve starts in the retina, the tissue at the back of the eye that captures light. They then end at the brain’s occipital lobe (visual cortex).

This is the process of the optic nerve’s travel through the visual pathway:

1. Optic nerve fibers take in light impulses from retinal cells
2. Nerve fibers enter the optic canal along the middle cranial fossa
3. Nerve fibers from each eye merge at the optic chiasm and cross
4. Nerve fibers enter the left and right optic tracts
5. Each tract travels to its corresponding hemispheres in the thalamus
6. The nerve fibers synapse and travel to the visual cortex
7. The brain processes the data and responds accordingly

Summary

The optic chiasm, located at the base of the brain, is where the optic nerves from your left and right eyes converge and cross. It’s an essential part of the visual pathway from the eyes to the brain.

The optic chiasm’s primary function is creating binocular vision, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination. When it sustains damage from disease or is compressed by a tumor, it can cause vision field loss or blindness.

Visiting your doctor if you experience any sudden changes to your vision is essential. A checkup can rule out structural changes to the optic chiasm or underlying medical conditions.

If left untreated or detected in later stages, Coats disease can lead to more severe conditions, including:

• Retinal detachment
• Severe vision loss
• Permanent blindness

It’s a rare disease that isn’t linked to genetics or family history. It can happen at any age but is most common in men and children younger than eight.

This article will highlight Coats disease’s symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. We’ll also touch on the different stages of Coats disease and commonly asked questions.

What is Coats Disease?

Coats disease is the development of progressive abnormal blood vessels in the back of the eye that feed into the retina. It usually only affects one eye (unilateral), with only 5% of cases involving both eyes (bilateral). 

This rare eye condition was named after its founder, George Coats. The condition is typically more aggressive in children, with adults presenting with milder disease.¹

What Causes Coats Disease?

Coats disease occurs if blood vessels at the back of the eye are abnormally shaped and functioning poorly, causing leakage of proteins and lipids. This leakage leads to the thickening and necrosis of vessel walls, eventually making the retinal blood vessels useless.

The lack of healthy retinal blood flow leads to retinal detachment and increased pressure in the eye (neovascular glaucoma), causing severe vision loss. If a retinal detachment is not treated immediately, it can lead to permanent blindness in the affected eye.

Signs and Symptoms of Coats Disease

Coats disease is a progressive condition typically asymptomatic in its early stages, making it hard to treat early. People have discovered they have Coats during a routine comprehensive eye exam that includes pupil dilation. 

Symptoms typically start after the retinal vessels begin to leak. The most common first sign of Coats disease is decreased visual acuity (sharpness of vision).

Other signs and symptoms of Coats disease include:

• Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes)
• Leukocoria (white pupil)
• Retinal exudation (leaky blood vessels)
• Total retinal detachment
• Retinal macrocysts (large cysts on the outer layer of the retina)
• Vasoproliferative tumor (peripheral retina benign tumor)
• Retinal neovascularization (new abnormal blood vessel growth)

Severe cases of Coats disease can lead to retinal detachment, a medical emergency.

Symptoms of a retinal detachment include:

• The sudden appearance of floaters in your field of vision 
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• A “curtain” coming down over your field of vision 
• Blurred vision 
• Vision loss
• Reduced peripheral vision

Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a detached retina, as it can lead to blindness if left untreated.

How is Coats Disease Diagnosed?

Coats disease is diagnosed through a series of eye exams and tests. Asymptomatic cases may be discovered during a routine comprehensive eye exam.

Coats disease has symptoms similar to other eye conditions that must be ruled out. 

Other conditions that present similar to Coats in young children include:

• Retinoblastoma. Cancer of the retina
• Persistent fetal vasculature. Embryonic blood vessels that don’t go away
• Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). A group of inherited retinal diseases
• Retinopathy of prematurity. Abnormal blood vessel growth in premature infants
• Toxocariasis. Parasitic roundworm infection

Along with a comprehensive eye exam, and health history, eye doctors will use the following clinical assessment tests and scans to help diagnose Coats disease:

• Fundus Fluorescein Angiogram (FFA). Checks for blood vessel leakage
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Looks for blood vessel inflammation, leakage, and thickness
• Ocular Ultrasonography (USG). Identifies the extent of the retinal detachment
• Computed Tomography (CT). Helps rule out retinoblastoma
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Helps diagnose advanced Coats and rule out retinoblastoma

Stages of Coats Disease

Experts have developed a staging system for the progression of Coats disease to help identify severity and secondary complications. The staging system also creates a treatment plan and predicts prognosis.

There are five stages to Coats disease, with stages two and three containing sub-stages: 

Stage 1: Retinal Telangiectasia Only

In stage one, there is evidence of abnormal and broken blood vessels (capillary dilation). In this stage, the blood vessels haven’t started to leak.

Stage 2a: Telangiectasias and Extrafo­veal Exudation

In stage 2a, the doctor can see abnormal blood vessels, which have started leaking plasma into the retina.

Stage 2b: Telangiectasias and Foveal Exudation

Stage 2b is when symptoms of stage 2a are present, but leakage has spread into the fovea. The fovea is the part of the retina that controls central vision.

If large quantities of fluid leak in the fovea, it can trigger changes in your vision.

Stage 3a: Subtotal Exudative Retinal Detachment

During this stage, the retina starts to detach. It can result in a partial or total retinal detachment. 

You will see changes in your vision, including floaters, blurred vision, and changes to your peripheral vision.

Stage 3b: Total Exudative Retinal Detachment

As stage three progresses, the retina completely detaches, causing severe changes in vision, including a “black curtain” that completely blocks your vision.

A total retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If left untreated, it will cause permanent blindness in the affected eye.

Stage 4: Total Detachment with Sec­ondary Glaucoma

If left untreated, a retinal detachment can cause glaucoma, which is increased eye pressure. Both of these conditions are medical emergencies.

The presence of secondary glaucoma means the person is in stage four of Coats disease.

Stage 5: Advanced End-Stage Disease

Stage five is advanced Coats disease. It means that the retina has detached, eye pressure is high, and the eyeball starts to waste away (phthisis bulbi). 

Besides glaucoma, other secondary conditions associated with stage 5 include:

• Cataracts (clouding of the lens)
• Uveitis (inflammation inside your eye)
• Rubeosis iridis (neovascularization)
• Eye pain

Doctors typically classify the affected eye as blind, and removal of the eye may be necessary.

What is the Best Treatment for Coats Disease?

There is no cure for Coats disease. However, if caught early, treatment interventions can improve your eyesight and slow the disease’s progression.

Treatment will depend on the stage of the disease. Monitoring the condition may be the only treatment for mild cases that have not developed leakage.

However, a more aggressive treatment plan will be necessary if the disease progresses into blood vessel leakage.

Coats disease treatments include:

• Laser photocoagulation uses ablation to destroy abnormal tissue. 
• Cryotherapy is an adjunct treatment using extreme cold to reduce exudation and prevent or repair retinal detachment. 
• Vitreoretinal surgery- may be used for retinal reattachment or secondary complications.
• Enucleation- removal of the eye and its intraocular contents.
• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections are used to control inflammation and reduce the growth of abnormal vessels. 

Who Is at Risk of Coats Disease?

Coats disease hasn’t been linked to family history. While the exact cause is unknown, it tends to affect boys between the ages of 8-16 at a ratio of 3:1 compared to girls the same age. However, it has been diagnosed in infants and adults too.

Researchers have found that many people diagnosed with Coats disease also have a mutation of the Norrie disease protein (NDP) gene. This gene triggers the creation of abnormal new blood vessels. 

Summary

Coats disease is a rare disorder that triggers the development of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, leading to fluid leakage, retina detachment, and elevated pressure around the eye. 

While Coats disease is not life-threatening, advanced stages can lead to vision loss and permanent blindness if not caught early. You must seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden vision loss, floaters, or a “dark curtain” coming down over your central and peripheral vision. 

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is caused by allergies or an infection that results in the inflammation of the conjunctiva (clear tissue covering the white of the eye).

There are three types of pink eye:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis. It is usually caused by bacteria that also cause strep throat.
• Viral conjunctivitis. It is typically caused by the common cold virus.
• Allergic conjunctivitis. It is caused by environmental allergies.

Since there are different products in the market, this article highlights the best eye drops for all three types of pink eye and when to see a doctor for worsening symptoms.

4 Best Eye Drops for Pink Eye

The kind of eye drops that work best will depend on the type of pink eye you have. For example, antibiotic eye drops will only effectively treat bacterial conjunctivitis. On the other hand, allergic conjunctivitis symptoms can be relieved with artificial tears and antihistamine drops.

Experts advise against using Visine or other red-reducing eye drops because they can worsen symptoms, especially if you have an eye infection.

You should always consult a doctor before treating an eye infection. Among the possible prescriptions you may take for pink eye are the following:

1. Best Overall: Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops

Protein, calcium, lipids, and other substances can build up on reusable lenses. Daily lenses are discarded after one use, which eliminates this possibility.

Acuvue Oasys are Dr. King’s top recommendation for people with dry eye. HydraLuxe Technology lets your tears hydrate the lens as well as your eye. This helps keep them moist all day.

We chose Systane Lubricant Eye Drops for best overall because it effectively relieves symptoms from all forms of conjunctivitis.

Its active ingredients, polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, have been studied to be the most effective at lubricating the eyes.

Purpose:

Eye lubricant for the relief of dry eyes and minor eye irritations.

Check with your doctor if you experience these side effects:

• Eye pain
• Changes in vision
• Continued redness or eye irritation
• Condition worsens or doesn’t improve after 72 hours of use

Dosage: (Always follow doctors’ dosing instructions.)

• Apply 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed.

2. Best Antibiotic for Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Ciprofloxacin Eye Drops

Protein, calcium, lipids, and other substances can build up on reusable lenses. Daily lenses are discarded after one use, which eliminates this possibility.

Acuvue Oasys are Dr. King’s top recommendation for people with dry eye. HydraLuxe Technology lets your tears hydrate the lens as well as your eye. This helps keep them moist all day.

Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) is a common fluoroquinolone antibiotic that healthcare providers prescribe to treat bacterial pink eye infections.

Studies show it is 90% effective at improving symptoms and eliminating bacteria after one week of treatment.⁴

Purpose:

Kills bacteria that cause conjunctivitis.

Side Effects: 

• Burning
• Crusting in the corner of the eye
• Redness
• Itching
• Bad taste after use

Dosage: (Always follow doctors’ dosing instructions.)

• Typical dosing is 1 or 2 drops every 2 hours while awake for the first two days.
• After the first two days, apply 1 or 2 drops every 4 hours while awake for five days.

3. Best for Allergic Conjunctivitis: Alaway Antihistamine Eye Drops

Protein, calcium, lipids, and other substances can build up on reusable lenses. Daily lenses are discarded after one use, which eliminates this possibility.

Acuvue Oasys are Dr. King’s top recommendation for people with dry eye. HydraLuxe Technology lets your tears hydrate the lens as well as your eye. This helps keep them moist all day.

Alaway Antihistamine eye drops from Bausch + Lomb is our pick for best allergy eye drops because it contains ketotifen, which effectively eliminates symptoms of allergic pink eye.⁵

Alaway lasts up to 12 hours and is affordable. You can buy it online or over-the-counter (OTC) from your local pharmacy.

Purpose: Temporary relief for itchy eyes due to environmental allergens (pollen, dust, grass, animal dander, etc).

Side Effects: 

• Burning/stinging
• Eye irritation
• Headache
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Sensitivity to light

Dosage: (Always follow doctors’ dosing instructions.)

• Apply 1 drop to the affected eye(s) twice daily (every 8-12 hours).

4. Best for Herpes Simplex Viral Conjunctivitis: ZIRGAN Ophthalmic Gel

Protein, calcium, lipids, and other substances can build up on reusable lenses. Daily lenses are discarded after one use, which eliminates this possibility.

Acuvue Oasys are Dr. King’s top recommendation for people with dry eye. HydraLuxe Technology lets your tears hydrate the lens as well as your eye. This helps keep them moist all day.

Bauch + Lomb ZIRGAN ganciclovir ophthalmic gel is a topical antiviral commonly prescribed for pink eye caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Both oral antiviral medication, eye drops, and topical ointment must be prescribed by a doctor. Its price can be expensive depending on your insurance provider.

Purpose:

Helps manage eye infections caused by viruses.

Side Effects: 

• Blurred vision
• Eye irritation
• Punctate keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
• Conjunctival hyperemia (dilation and redness of the eye’s blood vessels)

Dosage: (Always follow doctors’ dosing instructions.)

• 1 drop in affected eye(s) 5 times per day while awake
• After healing, reduce to 1 drop in affected eye(s) 3 times a day for 7 days

Comparing Eye Drops for Pink Eye

How to Apply Eye Drops Properly

Following your doctor’s dosing and usage instructions and the package label is vital.

Follow these steps when applying eye drops:

1. Wash your hands and face
2. Remove contact lenses and/or eye makeup
3. Tilt your head back
4. Look up
5. Pull your eye’s bottom eyelid down
6. Hold the bottle upside down and avoid touching the drop bottle tip to your eye
7. Apply the prescribed amount of drops to your eye
8. Quickly close your eye and apply pressure to your tear duct for 1 minute
9. Wait 5 minutes before applying other types of eye drops

After applying eye drops, reseal the drop bottle tightly and store it in a temperature-controlled area away from direct sunlight. Make sure to keep eye drops away from children.

When Should You See a Doctor for Pink Eye?

Many cases of pink eye will heal themselves in one to two weeks and don’t require treatment. However, you should seek medical attention if you:

• Have eye pain
• Experience changes to your vision
• Are highly sensitive to light
• Symptoms have not subsided after a week or more
• Worsening symptoms
• Have a lot of pus or mucus in your eye
• Develop a fever
• Are around an infant with symptoms of an eye infection

Are Eye Drops for Pink Eye Safe to Use?

Topical antibiotics are safe and effective at minimizing symptoms and killing bacteria that cause bacterial conjunctivitis. However, studies are finding that many cases of pink eye don’t need a prescription and should be allowed to heal independently. 

One study found that eye doctors prescribe antibiotic eye drops to 60% of patients with pink eye symptoms, even though many don’t have bacterial conjunctivitis. Unnecessary antibiotics can end up prolonging symptoms.⁶

Homeopathic artificial tears, lubricating eye drops, and other OTC eye drops do not require approval by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), leaving the safety and efficacy of many eye drops untested.

How Do You Get Diagnosed With Pink Eye?

Pink eye can be tricky to diagnose because many eye conditions have the same symptoms. It can also be hard for an eye doctor to distinguish between different types of pink eye, resulting in the wrong treatment.

Viral pink eye is the most common eye infection and is highly contagious. Artificial tears can ease symptoms but cannot cure it. Similar to the common cold, it will subside on its own.

Bacterial pink eye is also very contagious. It is the only type treated with antibiotic drops.

Allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious and typically disappears independently after removing environmental triggers. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine eye drops and artificial tears can help reduce symptoms.

Causes

Several factors can lead to conjunctivitis symptoms. Besides viral infection, the most common causes are bacterial infection and allergies. (dust, pollen, grass, animal dander, etc.)

Symptoms

Symptoms of pink eye include:

• Red eyes
• Burning and itchiness
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Sticky pus-like discharge
• Swollen eyelids

Other Treatments

Conjunctivitis does not always need to be treated with eye drops. Several home remedies can help relieve symptoms, including:

• Applying a warm or cold compress to the affected eye(s)
• Eliminate environmental triggers that cause allergies
• Wash your hands and face
• Avoid touching your eyes
• Stop wearing contact lenses
• Don’t wear eye makeup
• Take ibuprofen or other OTC pain killers

Preventing the Spread of Pink Eye

Since both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious, preventing it from spreading to your friends, family, coworkers, and classmates is important.

Tips on preventing the spread of pink eye include:

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your eyes
• Don’t share items with others while you have an eye infection
• Change your pillowcases and sheets daily
• Stay home from work and school until symptoms have subsided
• Don’t wear contact lenses or eye makeup

Summary

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is a contagious eye condition caused by bacteria, viruses, or environmental allergies. Treatment usually requires specific eye drops depending on the underlying cause.

Antibacterial eye drops can only treat bacterial pink eye, while artificial tears, lubricating drops, and antihistamine eye drops can help relieve allergic and viral conjunctivitis symptoms.

Even without treatment, most cases of pink eye will resolve themselves in one or two weeks. Remember to consult your doctor if your symptoms remain or worsen beyond this period.

Superior Vision is a vision insurance company overseen by Versant Health, which MetLife recently acquired. 

It offers comprehensive vision plans to individuals and families without vision benefits included in their employer-provided plans. It’s also a good option for self-employed people. 

Superior Vision aims to offer low-cost, low-stress vision coverage plans to its members through more than 60,000 partnered retailers around the country. 

Superior vision members can access eye exams, glasses, and contacts from over 50 major eyewear retailers. It also offers a LASIK discount. 

What Does Superior Vision Insurance Cover?

Superior Vision offers comprehensive vision benefit plans that include access to its large network of over 140,000 eye care providers, from major retailers (Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club) to local eye doctors in your community. 

Superior Vision covers: 

• Annual comprehensive eye exam
• Frame allowance
• Full lens coverage
• Contact fitting
• Contact coverage allowance 
• Discounts on LASIK, scratch coating, and polycarbonate lenses
• Complete coverage of Authentic Transitions Lenses
• Access to Your Hearing Network with a discount on brand-name hearing aids
• Purchase eyeglasses online with in-network retailers

Superior Vision plans are based on your zip code. The plans are tiered with different monthly price points. The more expensive program gives you a larger frame allowance.

Types of Superior Vision Plans

Superior Vision offers three plan types: essential, classic, and premier. Each plan has a separate price point and benefit options.

Essential Plan

The Superior Vision essential plan is perfect for first-time vision plan buyers. It’s the least expensive of all three plans starting at $12.50 a month for an individual plan.

Essential Plan features include:

The biggest pro of the Superior Vision essential plan is its affordability. It’s also a good option for people who don’t have eye problems.

The con of the essential plan is its low frame and contact allowance. It may not be a good fit for people wanting to purchase high-end frames and lenses.

Classic Plan

The classic plan is Superior Vision’s most popular plan. It’s more flexible than the essential plan but still affordable, starting at $20.62 monthly for an individual plan.

Classic plan features include:

The biggest pro of the classic plan is that it offers a larger allowance on frames and contacts. The main con is that the frame allowance typically won’t cover high-end brands. You also have to pay extra for lens enhancements. 

Premier Plan

The premier plan is excellent for people who want a larger frame and contact lens allowance. This allows them to purchase more expensive frames.

The premier plan is the most expensive option starting at $22.50 a month for an individual plan.

Premier plan features include:

The biggest pro of the premier plan is that you can get a higher frame allowance for just $2 more per month. The main con is that it’s the most expensive and has a higher annual exam copay.

How Much Does Superior Vision Cost?

Superior Vision members can choose from an individual plan, an individual plus one member plan, or a family plan. The starting monthly premiums for each plan are outlined below.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

While each Superior Vision benefits cover vision care basics (eye exam, frame, and lens allowance), it may not cover all your needs.

You will have to pay out-of-pocket for some products and services, including:

• Eye surgery (glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration)
• High-end frames (above your allotted allowance)
• Lens enhancements 
• Anything medical (floaters, vision loss, allergies, dry eyes)

What Network Coverage Options Does Superior Vision Offer?

The services and costs of each vision plan assume you will use one of its in-network access points to eye doctors and partnered retailers. 

Superior Vision offers a wide variety of in-network providers, including:

• Over 100,000 in-network eye care professionals 
• Over 60,000 retailers (including online retailers)
• Ninety-eight percent member satisfaction (according to its website)
• 50 Major retail optical chains

However, Superior Vision may only be available in some areas. 

If you choose to use an out-of-network provider, you must pay out of pocket and get reimbursed by Superior Vision. 

You can get a reimbursement authorization number for out-of-network providers by calling Superior Vision customer service at 800-507-3800.

Does Superior Vision Cover LASIK?

Superior Vision does not include LASIK coverage. However, depending on your benefit plan, you could receive a discount or allowance.

Superior Vision partners with in-network QualSite LASIK providers to offer you discounts from the following networks:

• Superior National Network
• Superior Select
• Superior Select Southwest
• Superior Select Midwest
• University LASIK Specialists of Texas

Your schedule of benefits will tell you if you have an allowance or discount included with your plan.

Superior Vision Compare vs. Other Insurance Providers

Superior Vision is one of many leading vision insurance providers. We highlight the differences between Superior Vision and its closest competitors below. 

It’s also important to note that Superior Vision and Davis Vision are similar products operated by Versant Health and are part of the MetLife family of companies. 

Is Superior Vision the Same as VSP?

Superior Vision is not the same as VSP. They are both vision insurance providers, but doctors founded VSP. It’s one of the largest non-profit worldwide insurance providers, with over 80 million members.

Summary

Superior Vision is a vision insurance brand recently acquired by MetLife. It offers affordable individual and family plans for people who are self-employed or do not have vision insurance through their employer.

Superior Vision offers three plans ranging from $12.50 to $22.50 for individual plans and $32.35 to $55.58 for family plans. Benefits include full or partial coverage for eye exams, frames, and contact lenses and potential discounts on LASIK and lens enhancements.