• Access to eye care from more than 36,000 providers
• Significant savings on exams, glasses, contacts, elective services, and more
• Customer support
• Full coverage for premium progressive with premium anti-glare

Millions of Americans have VSP vision insurance. However, keep in mind that VSP vision care insurance isn’t for everyone since it:

• May be more expensive in comparison to other non-company-sponsored vision care plans, like EyeMed
• Might not cover the most up-to-date lens technology
• Must use a VSP lab for lenses, which takes longer

In this article, we cover the benefits covered under VSP vision insurance so you can determine if it’s a good investment for your health.

What is VSP Insurance?

VSP Vision Care is a vision insurance company. It offers coverage for a variety of services, which include:

• Eye health
• Eyewear
• Contact lenses
• Laser correction procedures

A VSP network doctor can provide these services at a discount, as insurance will cover the rest of the cost. You can use VSPs benefits just like any other type of health insurance.

Contact VSP to learn more about in-network vision care providers in your area. If you already have an eye doctor, you can ask if they accept VSP vision insurance.

What Does VSP Cover?

A standard VSP vision service plan includes eye exams and corrective eyewear. Although plans vary, VSP customers generally receive coverage for the following:

Eye Exams

Most VSP customers pay little to nothing for their annual eye exams. In-network VSP providers perform VSP WellVision Exams so you can enjoy the full benefits of your policy. These exams are more comprehensive than traditional eye exams.

They include screenings for a variety of issues that impact eye health, including:

• Glaucoma
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure

Frames and Lenses

VSP frame benefit offers an allowance for prescription or non-prescription glasses. This means you’ll be able to buy glasses at a significant discount.

Some plans also offer an additional allowance for certain brands.

Contact Lenses

Besides eyeglasses, VSP offers benefits for contact lenses. The benefits cover a significant portion of the cost of contact lenses. Keep in mind that most lens fittings require a copay.

Does VSP Cover LASIK?

Most insurance providers consider laser vision correction surgery elective. However, VSP vision insurance offers a discount on LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery.

VSP won’t cover LASIK surgery in full and must follow certain criteria. VSP customers must receive screening from vision care doctors within the provider’s network. Then, they might be eligible for a discount of 15 percent off the regular price or 5 percent off the promotional price of a LASIK procedure.

Other laser eye surgery procedures that VSP might cover include:

• Custom LASIK
• IntraLase (blade-free LASIK)
• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
• Custom PRK

What Does VSP Not Cover?

VSP vision insurance providers won’t cover costs beyond the specific coverage for corrective eyewear. If you spend more than what’s provided, you must pay out-of-pocket.

For instance, if you choose eyeglasses that cost $300 and VSP offers $175 in coverage, you’ll pay $125 out-of-pocket for your glasses.

Here are some examples of additional expenses for corrective eyewear:

• UV protection
• Anti-reflective coating
• Progressive lenses
• Blended bifocal lenses
• Scratch-resistant coating
• Frames beyond the basic style

Who is Eligible for VSP Vision Insurance?

VSP offers access to more than 36,000 vision care in-network providers in the U.S. It’s the largest independent eye care network in the country.

Anyone is eligible to apply for coverage. Most people receive their VSP coverage through their employer’s group health plan.

Some of the most popular vision health providers that accept VSP include:

• Pearle Vision
• Visionworks
• MyEyeDr
• EyeCare Centers

Although VSP vision coverage is available nationwide, your plan may vary depending on your state.

How to Find a VSP Network Doctor

To find a VSP network doctor in your area, visit the VSP Eye Doctor Locator. The website lets you search by:

• Doctor
• Location
• Office name
• Languages
• Type of VSP doctor
• Frame brands the provider sells
• Gender
• Premier edge location

How to Sign Up for VSP Vision Insurance

Here are a few ways to sign up for VSP:

Through Employers

Employers usually offer their employees the opportunity to enroll in a vision care plan. 

You can also enroll during your open enrollment period or qualifying life events. These events include but are not limited to getting married or having a baby.

From Exchange or Marketplace

Eligible people who don’t have access to VSP through their employer may go to the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Visit this website to learn more about the enrollment periods.

Individual Plans

VSP plans are still available for people who don’t have access to a plan from their employers. If you’re eligible, you can directly visit VSP to enroll.

You can sign up here and visit vspdirect.com to view different plan options.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of VSP

To ensure you get the most out of your VSP coverage, here are some things you can do to maximize its benefits:

Start Early

The sooner you visit a VSP doctor’s office to use your benefits, the better. Coverage benefits for VSP members don’t roll over from year to year, so you’ll want to ensure you spend what you can each year.

Understand Your Benefits

Plans vary, so it’s best to know what’s available under your VSP plan. Most plans cover eye exams in full and offer significant discounts on eyewear.

Ensure you’re fully informed before scheduling an exam or shopping for glasses or contacts. You can learn more about your vision plan by contacting VSP.

Schedule an Eye Exam

Many eye health issues don’t have early symptoms, so you need to stay alert. Schedule an annual eye exam even if you don’t wear glasses or have other vision health issues. 

A comprehensive eye exam can identify vision health issues early, making treatment more effective.

Get the Best Possible Eyewear

Your VSP vision coverage might not include premium eyewear in full. However, your coverage can make certain features affordable by covering the cost of the basic prescription eyewear with a worry-free eyewear guarantee.

If your basic prescription is free, you’ll have the budget to pay for:

• Anti-reflective coating
• Progressive lenses
• Other optional features

Additionally, your VSP vision plan benefits make lenses worn for non-corrective purposes affordable.

Invest in Backup Glasses

VSP provides a set allowance each year for eyewear. This means you can get backups for an emergency even if you don’t need glasses or contacts.

Remember, even if you wear contacts every day, it’s important to have backup glasses.

Allergies, infections, dry eyes, and other out-of-the-ordinary circumstances can make contacts uncomfortable. It’s important to have options, just in case.

Pair VSP Benefits with Your HSA

If you have a health savings account (HSA), you can use that money to cover any additional out-of-pocket costs that VSP doesn’t cover.

Summary

VSP provides coverage for vision health and eyewear services. Unlike standard health insurance, enrolling in VSP can help reduce the cost of many eye care services, saving you more money.

With a VSP plan, you’ll pay little to no money for glasses and eye exams. Laser surgery centers will also offer a discounted price for surgeries like LASIK to VSP customers.

Remember to check with your doctor first to know whether they accept VSP. Insurance also won’t cover the cost beyond specific coverage for corrective eyewear.

As a parent, understanding your teen’s unique eye care needs is the first step towards safeguarding their sight and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the specific vision issues teens face, the benefits of early intervention, and practical steps you can take to protect their precious eyesight.

Why Do Teens Need Vision Care?

Eye health is important at any age. However, puberty often brings rapid vision changes. Teenagers may develop refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which may worsen during this time. 

Teenagers tend to spend a lot of time on smartphones, computers, and tablets, in addition to doing close work like reading or studying. This can lead to eye strain, resulting in headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes, and more.

These factors can increase a teenager’s risk of developing or worsening eye problems. Because of this, it’s important to maintain their eye health by being proactive about vision care.

What are the Benefits of Early Vision Care?

One of the biggest benefits of getting vision care early is that you can treat or correct eye problems before they get worse. Other benefits for teens include:

• Academic and social benefits. Having clear, comfortable vision is essential for teens to succeed in school. It also helps improve their confidence and self-esteem.
• Preventing complications. Many vision problems can progress into serious eye conditions later in life. Getting vision care early can prevent this from happening.
• Long-Term Eye Health: Regular eye exams establish a baseline of your teen’s eye health, making it easier to detect any changes over time.

Doctors typically recommend annual exams for teens who wear corrective lenses and those with a family history of vision problems. 

Vision Screening vs. Eye Exams

Vision screenings and eye exams are both vital for maintaining eye health. However, there are some key differences.

• Vision screenings: The goal is to identify people who may need further evaluation because this test is limited and can’t diagnose specific eye problems.
• Eye exams: These assess a person’s overall eye health and examine the eye structure to detect early signs of eye problems like glaucoma and cataracts.

Vision screenings are brief tests typically performed at school and use basic tools. Meanwhile, eye exams are conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, who uses specialized tools.

Vision screenings may miss the signs of potential eye problems. Because of these limitations, you should get regular eye exams for your child even if they pass vision screening tests. 

How to Maintain Eye Health At Home

As a parent, you want to do everything possible to support your teen’s overall well-being, and healthy vision is a key part of the equation. Here are some things you can do at home to maintain good eye health:

• Educate them on the importance of eye health.
• Encourage them to take regular breaks from screens.
• Consider limiting screen time in the evening.
• Consider using blue light filtering glasses
• Encourage regular eye exams.
• Spend more time outdoors.
• Encourage wearing protective eyewear for sports and outdoor activities.
• Encourage eating eye-friendly foods like carrots, leafy greens, fish, and citrus fruits.

Lastly, don’t ignore eye injuries, even if they seem minor. Any damage to the eye is enough reason to get an eye exam to catch potential problems early.

Common Treatments for Eye Problems

The treatment for your child’s eye problems often depends on what’s causing it. For example, glasses and contact lenses are often used to treat refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

However, laser surgeries like LASIK and PRK can treat refractive errors if you want a more permanent or long-term solution. If they’re experiencing infections like conjunctivitis, they may be prescribed antibiotic eye drops.

If they have dry eyes they might receive artificial tears. Talk to your doctor about what eye problems your child is experiencing, they’ll provide recommendations based on their needs and preferences.

• About 3% of American children under 18 experience visual impairment or blindness⁵
• Pediatric eye care is an essential part of maintaining healthy vision in children
• All children should undergo routine vision screenings to check their visual acuity and eye alignment
• A vision screening can help detect early signs of vision and determine whether your child needs a comprehensive eye exam
• Untreated vision problems can cause long-term vision problems and difficulties with learning or performing in school
• Early detection can help prevent visual impairment or permanent vision loss.

What Is Pediatric Eye Care?

Pediatric eye and vision care focuses on maintaining healthy eyes and vision in young people from infancy through 17. If your child needs vision correction or has an eye problem that needs treatment, their doctor may refer you to a pediatric eye care specialist (ophthalmologist). 

When to Schedule a Vision Screening for Your Child

Don’t wait until your child begins school to check for vision problems. Your child’s visual acuity (sharpness) should be checked when they’re old enough to read an eye chart.

However, their basic eye health should be checked shortly after birth. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following screening schedule for your child’s eye care:¹

Newborn

A qualified health professional should check your newborn’s eyes for basic signs of health, such as pupil response. Your baby may need a comprehensive eye exam from a pediatric ophthalmologist if they:

• Were born prematurely
• Show signs of eye disease
• Have a family history of childhood eye health problems

6 to 12 Months

Infants should get a second screening at their well-child exam, usually between 6 and 12 months of age. In addition to the tests performed at their first screening, the doctor will check your child’s eye movement and alignment.

12 to 36 Months

Toddlers should be checked for healthy eye development between 12 and 36 months of age. This screening includes checking for early signs of lazy eye, children’s most common vision problem.⁴ If your doctor detects a problem, they may refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist for an eye exam. 

3 to 5 Years

Your child’s eye alignment and vision should be checked between ages 3 and 5. This screening can be done by an eye doctor, pediatrician, or family physician. 

They will use an eye chart to assess your child’s visual acuity. Most children have some level of farsightedness (hyperopia). This typically goes away without the need for glasses or other vision correction. 

Your child may need to see an ophthalmologist if they show signs of:

• Eye misalignment (strabismus)
• Lazy eye (amblyopia)
• Refractive errors

Getting an early diagnosis and treatment for eye problems is the best thing you can do to protect your child’s vision.

5 Years and Older 

Visual acuity and alignment should be checked at age 5. Nearsightedness (myopia) is the most common vision problem in children this age.¹ 

Untreated nearsightedness can cause poor academic performance in school-aged children. Fortunately, it’s easy to treat with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

When to Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam

Despite the importance of pediatric vision screening, most children don’t need comprehensive annual eye exams unless there’s a problem. You should schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child if they:

• Fail a routine vision screening
• Are diagnosed with a vision health issue
• Have a family history of vision or eye health problems

Sometimes, your child won’t need glasses even if they don’t pass a vision screening. Doctors typically prescribe glasses to children with eye misalignment, refractive errors, or crossed eyes.

However, you should speak to your child’s doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Squinting
• Eye crossing
• Eye rubbing
• Complaints about reading or seeing double
• Problems with schoolwork
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• Frequent headaches
• Light sensitivity
• White pupils
• Chronic redness or tearing of the eyes

When Does Your Child Need an Advanced Eye Health Test?

Children rarely need advanced eye health testing like retinal imaging. This might be necessary if your child:

• Is diagnosed with optic nerve or retinal issues
• Has diabetes
• Has low vision that isn’t corrected with prescription eyewear

Pediatric ophthalmologists can provide information about comprehensive eye and vision care for your child. Early detection is essential.

Many children outgrow their eye problems without intervention. However, getting input from a pediatric eye care specialist is still essential.

Vision Screening vs. Comprehensive Eye Exam

Vision screenings are different from comprehensive eye exams. The main difference is that an eye exam is more extensive.

A vision screening test will check for an overall refractive error. It won’t assess your child’s eye health or look for any underlying problems.

During a comprehensive eye exam, an ophthalmologist will check for signs of eye diseases, including glaucoma and cataracts. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends scheduling a comprehensive eye exam for your child if:

• They fail a vision screening
• Vision screening cannot be done or is inconclusive
• They’re referred by a school nurse or other healthcare provider
• They have a medical condition, such as down syndrome, that puts them at higher risk of developing pediatric eye problems
• They have a family history of pediatric eye problems 
• They have a developmental disability or neurological condition 

What Happens During a Pediatric Vision Test?

During a pediatric vision exam, your child will undergo the following:

1. Visual Acuity Tests

Visual acuity testing involves testing your visual acuity or how well your child can see. It consists of reading the smallest letters on an eye chart to determine if they need corrective lenses. 

2. Eye-Muscle Evaluation

During an eye-muscle evaluation test, the doctor examines your child’s eye-muscle coordination. They’ll also check for signs of crossed or lazy eyes (amblyopia).

3. Retina Tests

Doctors can perform retina tests to check for any retina damage or abnormalities. It involves dilating your child’s pupils to visualize the retina. 

4. Color Vision Tests

Color vision tests measure how well your child can distinguish between different colors. The most common color vision test is the Ishihara Test. It shows your child a series of circles in different colors and patterns to determine if they have any color blindness.

Vision Skills for School-Aged Kids

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), the following skills are essential for effective reading and learning:²

• Eye focusing. The ability to maintain visual clarity as the distance between objects changes, such as looking from the desk to the front of the room 
• Visual acuity. The ability to see clearly at a distance, up close, and in-between
• Eye tracking. The eyes’ ability to follow a target, such as a moving ball or words on a printed page
• Eye teaming. Using both eyes together in a coordinated way, including the ability to judge distances and depth 
• Eye-hand coordination. The ability to use visual information to direct and monitor the movement of the hands
• Visual Perception. Skills for recognizing letters, reading comprehension, and remembering details about what they read

Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem

Your child may not tell you they’re having difficulty seeing, even after they reach school age. Here are some common signs of children’s vision problems:

• Tilting their head to see clearly
• Covering one eye
• Losing their place while reading
• Having a short attention span
• Difficulty remembering what they read 
• Avoiding reading and other close-up activities
• Complaints of headaches, discomfort, and fatigue

Untreated children’s vision problems can cause some of the same signs and symptoms as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).² To avoid misdiagnosis, scheduling a comprehensive exam with the children’s eye doctor is essential.

People with photophobia have difficulty with bright sunlight, incandescent light, or fluorescent light. The sensitivity causes discomfort, squinting, and headaches. 

Someone with severe photophobia is sensitive to all types of light, even when the light isn’t bright.

Who Experiences Photophobia?

People of all ages are affected by photophobia. It can affect one or both eyes, although both eyes are usually affected. 

For some, it’s a temporary problem and not serious. It causes short-term discomfort and resolves on its own in a few days or weeks. 

For others, it’s ongoing and/or recurrent. Chronic photophobia or extreme light sensitivity interferes with everyday life. It might also be linked to a medical condition that requires professional treatment.

Symptoms of Photophobia

Symptoms of photophobia include:

• Sensitivity to light exposure
• Aversion to light
• Seeing bright-colored spots or dots, even when it’s dark or when you close your eyes
• Sensing extreme brightness from regular lighting
• Eye pain or discomfort when looking into a light
• Difficulty focusing on pictures or text
• Headaches
• Squinting
• Tearing
• Sensations of eye dryness
• Desire to shut your eyes

Photophobia is also accompanied by fatigue and nausea in some people.

What Causes Photophobia?

Common causes of light sensitivity include:

• Corneal abrasion. A scratch or injury to the cornea (the front surface of the eye)
• Uveitis. Inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye
• Detached retina. Occurs when the retina at the back of the eye becomes separated from its normal position
• Contact lens irritation. Can result from the improper fit of the lens or an allergic reaction to the lens material
• Sunburn. Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other light sources can cause light-sensitive eyes
• Refractive surgery. Light sensitivity is one common side effect of refractive surgery
• Color blindness. Certain types of color blindness can have light sensitivity as a symptom
• Conjunctivitis. When your conjunctiva is inflamed, light sensitivity is one of its possible symptoms
• Inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Can make your eyes more sensitive to light
• Iritis. Inflammation of the iris can also cause light sensitivity

Less common causes of photophobia include:

• Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD)
• Side effects of medications such as belladonna, quinine, furosemide, tetracycline, and doxycycline
• Botulism
• Rabies
• Mercury poisoning
• Meningitis 

8 Risk Factors of Photophobia

People with the following conditions have an elevated risk of photophobia:

1. Migraines

Migraines trigger severe headaches. Reactions to certain foods, stress, hormonal imbalances, and environmental changes cause migraines. 

In addition to pain and light sensitivity, migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and noise sensitivity. 

2. Encephalitis 

Encephalitis is a brain condition that causes inflammation. It can be caused by a viral infection or another issue. It’s potentially fatal.

3. Meningitis

Meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. 

In addition to light sensitivity, it also causes hearing loss, seizures, and brain damage. It’s also potentially fatal.

4. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding between the brain and its surrounding tissue. This condition can cause brain damage, stroke, or death.

5. Corneal Abrasion

Corneal abrasions occur when the eye’s outermost layer is scratched or injured. It’s common and can occur when someone has dirt, sand, metal, or another foreign substance in their eye. 

If severe or left untreated, a corneal abrasion can lead to a corneal ulcer.

6. Scleritis

Scleritis is inflammation of the white part of the eye. It’s usually caused by diseases of the immune system like lupus. People with scleritis experience watery eyes, pain, and blurred vision.

7. Conjunctivitis

Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the tissue that covers the white of the eye. 

A virus usually causes it but can also develop due to allergies or exposure to certain bacteria. In addition to light sensitivity, conjunctivitis causes itching, redness, and pain.

8. Dry Eye Syndrome

Everyone experiences dry eyes from time to time. For some, the condition is chronic and causes photophobia and other issues. 

Many different things cause dry eye syndrome, including environmental exposure, age, certain medications, and some medical conditions. 

Should I Be Worried About Photophobia?

Photophobia is not a disease.  However, it might be a symptom of a condition, such as an infection, inflammation, or another issue. 

Some people have sensitive eyes aggravated by staring at screens or being in bright sunlight. Sensitivity to light can also be caused by a disease unrelated to eye health.

People with lighter eye colors tend to have a higher incidence of photophobia. Dark eyes contain higher pigment levels that protect against bright lights.

When to See a Doctor

Occasional photophobia is usually not a cause for concern. However, there are instances in which you should seek medical attention. 

You should speak to your doctor if you experience a sudden and unexplained light sensitivity. In some cases, people with neurological disorders requiring medical attention experience light sensitivity. 

Severe complications from photophobia are rare, but it does interfere with everyday life. 

People with photophobia might wear sunglasses in unusual circumstances, develop frequent headaches, or avoid situations when bright light is an issue. Light sensitivity also leads to overall eye discomfort and dryness or grittiness. 

Diagnosing Photophobia

There are several things your doctor can do to diagnose photophobia:

Medical Consultation

First, they’ll assess your sensitivity to light by asking you questions about your level of discomfort in certain situations.

The doctor may ask questions like:

• How bad is your eye pain when exposed to light?
• When did the light sensitivity begin?
• How long has the eye pain existed?
• Do you take any eye medications?

Medical Tests

Additionally, you’ll likely undergo several medical tests, including:

• Slit-lamp eye exam. Uses a special microscope and light to examine your eyes
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Uses magnetic and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the eye, orbit, and brain
• Tear film exam. Checks the tear level in your eyes to see if dry eye is causing symptoms of photophobia

Treating Photophobia

Several treatments are available to ease the symptoms of photophobia. These include:

Address Underlying Causes

The most important thing you can do to treat the condition is to seek medical attention. A doctor can assess any underlying causes associated with photophobia. 

In many cases, if you cure or manage the cause of photophobia, your sensitivity to light will decrease.

Medication Evaluation

If photophobia is a side effect of a medication, speak to your doctor about alternatives. Your doctor might recommend replacing or discontinuing the medication if photophobia interferes with everyday life. 

Enhance Your Eye Comfort

If you were born with or have developed a natural sensitivity to light, you can take steps to make your eyes more comfortable. 

For example, wear: 

• Wide-brimmed hats
• Sunglasses with UV protection to prevent sun damage
• Tinted dark glasses with photochromic lenses that automatically darken outdoors
• Polarized sunglasses that protect against reflections of bright lights from the sun, roads, sand, water, and other reflective surfaces
• Prosthetic contact lenses 
• Light-filtering shields that can be worn with prescription eyeglasses and reduce glare and light transmission
• Tinted glasses with special lenses like the FL-41 lenses

Preventing Photophobia

The best way to prevent photophobia is to protect your eyes and overall health. The lower your risk of illnesses and diseases linked to photophobia, the lower your risk of experiencing sensitivity to light.

Other things you can do to prevent photophobia:

• Avoid excessive use of screens
• Use blue-light filtering glasses when you must look at screens
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outside
• Get enough rest
• Schedule routine eye exams
• Seek medical conditions if you experience symptoms related to migraines or neurological disorders
• Learn how to prevent migraine attacks

Summary

• Photophobia is extreme sensitivity to light
• There are many different causes of photophobia, some of which are serious
• Symptoms of photophobia often interfere with comfort or enjoyment of everyday life
• Speak to your doctor about photophobia, especially if symptoms arise suddenly
• There are several treatment options available for managing and preventing photophobia

Many things can be done to support people with low vision and vision impairment who also struggle with dementia. For example:

6 Tips for Patients

1. Focus on your current-day abilities

Despite changes occurring, it’s important to enjoy things as much as possible with your remaining vision. Maybe you can no longer drive, but you’re still able to read or watch television. If these activities are no longer possible, you can listen to music or audiobooks.

2. Make healthy eyes and overall vision health a priority as soon as you’re diagnosed with dementia

A sight test can help you assess your current vision status.

3. Don’t be embarrassed to share your concerns with loved ones and/or your doctor

If you notice vision changes or something doesn’t seem right, tell someone.

4. Ask for help when you need it

Trying to do too much can put you at risk. It’s always better to seek assistance than to try to do too much.

5. Ask loved ones to adapt in ways that will make things easier on everyone

For example, it might help to have family members identify themselves before they begin speaking to you.

6. Speak to your doctor about macular degeneration and various health conditions that cause low vision

Early detection of issues also helps you put an effective treatment plan in place.

6 Tips for Parents and Caretakers

1. Keep your loved one’s physical environment as consistent as possible

However, some changes are needed to improve safety. When this is necessary, carefully explain the changes to your loved one and help them navigate their altered surroundings.

2. Research technology that makes your loved one’s life easier

This includes audiobooks, audio or large print labels, magnifiers, and motion-activated lighting. Don’t be surprised if your loved one isn’t receptive to technological support. Be patient and make it available without forcing them to use these tools. Introducing these tools in the early stages of vision loss avoids the frustration that occurs once someone is struggling to see.

3. Make changes gradually

It’s tough for anyone to adapt to new things, but it’s especially challenging for dementia patients.

4. Reach out to support organizations for help

There might be tools, information, and other resources that will make your life and your loved one’s life easier. The Alzheimer’s Society and similar groups provide information and low vision services that families can use that make things easier.

5. Research vision rehabilitation services in your area

That provide support with vision impairment for older adults and their families. 

6. Understand that visual hallucinations are a part of dementia for some people

Knowing this and having a better understanding how to react is important and can avoid a lot of fear and stress.

3 Tips for Optometrists

1. Look for resources to help you support dementia patients

Especially if you haven’t worked with the special needs community before.

2. Speak with loved ones about the patient’s vision health

In some cases, you’ll need to obtain permission from the patient to discuss their health with family members. Encourage them to be proactive and keep up with routine vision exams.

3. Schedule extra time for appointments with dementia patients

If possible, consider home visits. 

Dementia Resource Links

• Visionaware.org
• Home Care Assistance
• ALZ.org

Impact of Vision Loss & Dementia

Vision loss exacerbates many common symptoms of dementia.

For example, common dementia symptoms of dementia like disorientation are worse when someone has low vision. This is true whether there are problems with their eyes or if dementia is causing their visual problems. 

Profound disorientation can cause a person significant emotional distress and lead to injury to themselves and others.

Everyday tasks become challenging and might be the starting point of emotional or behavioral issues for someone with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other issues.

When someone with dementia experiences vision loss, they are at greater risk of:

• Falling
• Miscommunicating or misinterpreting things other people say
• Social isolation
• Resisting tools and adaptive techniques to help with their visual issues
• Neglecting their hygiene
• Giving up activities they once enjoyed, such as reading or playing games
• Agitation or sensory overload
• Neglecting physical fitness

A person with dementia experiences massive disruptions in their life. 

Most dementia-related diseases change every aspect of someone’s day-to-day existence. Visual impairment compounds these problems and makes it more difficult to treat and manage both issues.

What Causes Dementia-Induced Vision Loss?

There are many causes of vision impairment and vision loss. This is especially true as you age or experience macular degeneration.

However, people with dementia have a heightened risk of vision loss. 

In some cases, these are vision issues anyone can experience (such as impaired vision from cataracts), but the person with dementia is unable to communicate vision changes. The problem is advanced before other people recognize an issue.

There are also changes in vision that are related to dementia but not directly to eye health.

Dementia affects the part of the brain responsible for managing visual input. Their eyes are otherwise healthy, but the message sent from the eye is misinterpreted by the unhealthy brain. 

The two most common problems dementia patients have with vision include:

• Misperception: They see one thing but their brain interprets it as something else.
• Misidentification: They see something or someone but the brain is unable to identify it properly.

Different types of dementia affect eye health and sight loss in different ways. People with dementia might experience:

• Inability to recognize color differences
• Inability to describe what they see
• Inability to detect movement
• Mistake TV images for real life
• Grow restless or agitated due to a visual overstimulation from bright lights, busy patterns, and more

Being able to see involves several stages, beginning with the eye. What the eye sees must be properly interpreted by the brain. Memories, thoughts, and other senses also play a role. 

Someone with perfect eye health could experience problems if their brain misinterprets information. If a person’s brain is affected by dementia, it affects exactly what they think they see. The problem worsens when there are problems with visual impairment and health. 

How Does Dementia Affect Eye Health? 

Declining vision is common among older adults. As we age, our vision tends to be less sharp than it once was. This is true even for people who have no serious vision health concerns. 

Low vision, which may result from macular degeneration, doesn’t mean you’ll go blind. However, low vision and dementia combined make even simple tasks difficult. 

It is especially challenging for someone with dementia to experience normal vision decline or more serious issues. Routine activities and communication can become extremely difficult.

A person’s environment becomes frustrating and their daily life a nightmare when their brain is unable to process what they see. Low vision challenges are also stressful for the loved ones of someone with dementia.

The combination of dementia and vision loss leads to:

• Disorientation
• Isolation
• Increased risk of falls and other accidents
• Difficulty transitioning from light to dark spaces
• Greater need for assistance
• Difficulty learning new technology and/or equipment
• Misidentification of people
• Misperceptions of activities
• Anxiety

Both dementia and low vision create challenges for patients and their loved ones. This includes an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

Being proactive about creating a safe, comfortable environment prevents many common issues that arise in dementia patients with low vision.

What is Dementia?

Dementia describes a variety of conditions related to mental impairment. It includes memory loss, inability to think clearly and reason, and decision-making. 

Alzheimer’s is the most well-known form of dementia but is by no means the only disease under this umbrella.

In most cases, dementia interferes with someone’s ability to function day-to-day. It tends to affect older adults. But younger people are not immune to developing dementia. Despite its prevalence in the older community, it is not a normal part of aging.

Dementia is more than just slight memory lapses and often involves emotional and physical changes, as well. This is especially true in its advanced stages. 

People with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia struggle with a variety of secondary health issues, including vision problems.

Both dementia and vision loss are disorienting. When the two occur simultaneously, daily life becomes an emotional and physical challenge.

Surgery is a common way to treat ptosis caused by aging. It involves elevating the eyelid to its proper position. Ptosis repair surgery might be done with blepharoplasty, which removes excess fat, skin, and muscle from the eyelid and surrounding area. 

However, not everyone benefits from ptosis surgery. Ptosis repair is challenging, and choosing an experienced surgeon will help reduce risks. The primary risk involves ending up with upper eyelids that are asymmetrical. 

A thorough ophthalmological exam is needed beforehand. An ophthalmologist will assess your medical history and ocular health before recommending surgery. 

Different surgical procedures help correct ptosis. These include:

Levator Muscle Tightening

This procedure can be either external or internal:

External Ptosis Repair 

In the external ptosis repair procedure, the surgeon makes an incision into the upper eyelid skin, usually in the crease. 

This provides access to the levator muscle. Once behind the eyelid, the surgeon repositions the levator muscle and stitches it to connective tissue to create a tighter adhesion. 

Internal Ptosis Repair

In the internal procedure, the surgeon turns the upper eyelid inside out and shortens either the levator or Mueller’s muscle.

Frontalis Suspension

During this procedure, an eye surgeon attaches a small silicone rod from the levator muscle to the frontalis muscle under the upper eyelid. The levator and frontalis muscles hold up the eyelid. 

What to Expect During Ptosis Surgery

Ptosis surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. You must arrange for someone else to drive you home for safety reasons. 

Here’s what to expect:

1. You will receive local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the area as you remain awake, while general anesthesia makes you fall asleep.
2. Your surgeon will administer numbing eye drops. To further reduce discomfort.
3. The surgeon will make an incision. They do so in the eyelid’s crease to reduce the appearance of scarring. 

The details of what happens next depends on the specific type of procedure you’re getting:

• Levator muscle tightening. Dissolvable stitches are used on the incision, and temporary sutures help tighten the tendon.
• Frontalis suspension. A tiny band or rod is inserted through the eyelid to attach the levator muscle to the frontalis muscle. 

Both procedures elevate the eyelid and create a more symmetrical appearance. They tighten the eyelid muscle and reduce droopy eyelids. They also correct vision problems caused by sagging upper eyelids.

Internal and external eyelid surgery procedures usually take about 45 to 60 minutes. Most patients experience some mild discomfort and sensitivity once the anesthesia wears off, but this usually passes within a day or so.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Ptosis Surgery?

It can take up to three months to fully recover from the eyelid surgery. The recovery process occurs in stages. 

Here’s a general idea of what to expect during recovery:

• Mild to moderate discomfort and swelling. This is normal during the first three days of recovery and can be relieved by applying ice to the surrounding area. 
• Keep your eyelids clean. You should clean the area approximately six times daily (or per your surgeon’s recommendations). 
• Plan to take some time off. Suture removal occurs about one week after surgery. Most people take about 10 days off of work or away from school or other activities requiring eye use.
• Reduce activity. If all goes well, exercise and regular daily activities can resume after three weeks.
• Give your eyelid muscles time to heal. Minimal swelling can last up to two to three months before the appearance of droopy eyelids is completely eliminated. 

Who Performs Ptosis Surgery?

In most cases, an oculoplastic surgeon performs the procedure. These surgeons have specialized training in eye surgery and ophthalmology. 

Not only do they understand the function of the eye, but they are also experts in the surrounding area, including the muscles. They have experience performing precise eyelid and plastic surgery procedures.

How Much Does Ptosis Surgery Cost?

Ptosis repair surgery ranges from $4,500 to $6,000 without insurance.

The out-of-pocket cost for ptosis surgery varies based on how much your insurance company is willing to cover. In most cases, they only offer coverage when surgery is deemed medically necessary.

Does Insurance Cover Ptosis Eye Surgery?

Health insurance covers ptosis surgery when the procedure is deemed medically necessary. This means the drooping of the upper eyelid impedes vision.

How Do You Know if Ptosis Repair Surgery Is Medically Necessary?

If your drooping eyelid interferes with your ability to see clearly, your doctor will order the surgery as medically necessary. This is almost always the case with severe ptosis. 

There is no droopy eyelid treatment or non-surgical cure for eyelid ptosis. However, health insurance companies still require documentation of medical necessity before approving coverage.

What is Ptosis?

Ptosis is a condition that causes the upper eyelid to droop or drop over the eye. 

Sometimes, the upper eyelid droops low enough to cover the pupil (the black center of the eye). This can lead to impaired vision and other complications, such as amblyopia (lazy eye). 

Symptoms of ptosis include:

• Drooping eyelids
• One droopy lid (eyelid creases don’t line up)
• Reduced or impaired vision
• Reduced peripheral vision
• Difficulty keeping eyes open
• Excessive rubbing of the eye or eyes
• Headaches

Two Types of Ptosis

Ptosis can develop in children and adults, but age-related is the most common form. 

1. Congenital ptosis. This type is present at birth and affects children.
2. Acquired ptosis. This type occurs later in life due to aging or another condition.

What Causes Ptosis?

The cause depends on the type. Congenital ptosis can be caused by problems developing the muscle that lifts the eyelid (levator muscle).

Acquired ptosis occurs when the levator muscle stretches or pulls away from the eyelid. Causes of acquired ptosis include:

• Aging (most common cause)
• Eye injury
• Nerve damage from injury or illness, such as stroke
• Eye surgery complications
• Certain conditions, such as Horner syndrome and myasthenia gravis

Summary

Ptosis surgery is a treatment for upper eyelid drooping. Your ophthalmologist may recommend treatment with surgery if ptosis interferes with your vision. Some people choose surgery for cosmetic reasons.

Health insurance will only cover the cost of ptosis surgery if it’s deemed medically necessary, meaning vision is impaired. Out-of-pocket costs range from $4,500 to $6,000.

The most common complications of ptosis surgery are uneven eyelid height and an unnatural-looking eyelid contour. Serious complications are rare.

Heart health affects all aspects of your body’s organs. This includes your heart.

Symptoms of cardiovascular problems include chest pain, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure. But it can also cause fatigue, dental issues, and vision problems.

There are even instances in which an eye exam reveals cardiovascular disease. This is why it’s important to monitor your cardiovascular and vision health.

Cardiovascular health issues interfere with the amount of blood that reaches the eyes. When your eyes do not receive enough oxygenated blood, it leads to a variety of signs and symptoms. 

These issues might not appear to be linked to heart health. But in many cases, cardiovascular health is the root cause of health problems in other parts of your body.

Signs of Cardiovascular Disease in the Eyes

Several eye health issues indicate a problem with cardiovascular health. For example:

• Changes in the eye’s blood vessels, including decreasing or increasing in size. There might also be swelling at the base of the optic nerve. These changes are visible during an eye exam.
• Cholesterol deposits around the eyes, which indicate an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol levels cause yellowish, fatty deposits throughout the body, including in the corners and on the upper and lower eyelids.
• Transient vision loss, which is temporary bouts of blindness caused by a sudden and brief constriction of blood vessels in the eyes. This most commonly occurs during a transient ischemic stroke (TIA) or mini-stroke, which happens when blood flow to a specific part of the brain stops.
• Spots on the retina, which are also called cotton wool spots and exudates
• Bleeding at the back of the eyes
• Swelling of the optic nerve and macula

If you or your eye doctor notice any of these signs during an eye exam, it’s important to seek medical attention from a heart health doctor or cardiologist. 

Eye Health Risks Associated with Poor Heart Health

Poor heart health causes decreased blood flow to the eyes. High blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the eyes. 

These issues can lead to vision and eye health problems such as:

Vision Changes Due to Stroke 

Stroke is a common cause of vision loss. A variety of vision issues are linked to stroke:

1. Visual Field Loss

Strokes trigger the development of brain lesions. When a lesion involves the optic nerve, it causes hemianopia or other visual field loss. It can affect several areas in both eyes and cause problems with vision. 

Management of this condition usually includes prism lenses, scanning training, and a device that makes reading easier.

2. Spatial Inattention

Spatial inattention happens when someone neglects the side of their body affected by a stroke. 

For example, some people tend to avoid chewing on their left side. In these cases, the brain struggles to process information from the affected side. This can result in favoring one eye over the other. 

Rehabilitation and therapy are available to help improve this condition.

3. Seeing Double

Double vision causes loss of depth perception. Some people wear an eye patch after a stroke, but this only reduces how much information the brain has to process and doesn’t fix the problem.

4. Visual Midline Shift

This condition causes the patient to perceive their center of balance as off to the side. Managing or resolving the issue involves balancing activities and special prism glasses (called yoked prisms) that affect spatial perception and body posture.

5. Oculomotor Dysfunction

Oculomotor dysfunction refers to the inability of the eyes to track or move smoothly between objects. It leads to problems with reading and can affect walking and other movements. It rarely improves, even with therapy and rehabilitation. 

6. Retinal Artery Occlusion

This occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the retina caused by a blood clot or buildup of cholesterol in an artery. Sometimes this condition is called an “eye stroke.” Symptoms include vision floaters, pain, and pressure, and it might lead to vision loss. 

Increased Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration and cardiovascular disease share many similar risk factors. 

Some studies suggest that poor cardiovascular health may contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration.

Increased Risk of Glaucoma 

Glaucoma causes pain or pressure in the eye that, left untreated, leads to optic nerve damage and vision loss. 

Hypertensive Retinopathy

A potential complication of high blood pressure, the condition damages the retina and causes blurred vision, headaches, and loss of vision. 

You can reduce your risk of hypertensive retinopathy by:

• Losing weight
• Leading a more active lifestyle
• Reducing sodium in your diet
• Managing stress
• Reducing your risk of diabetes
• Reducing alcohol intake

Tips for Keeping Your Heart and Eyes Healthy

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of cardiovascular and related eye health problems, including:

• Carefully monitor and manage high blood pressure
• Eat a low-sodium diet that includes a lot of fruits and vegetables
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit the consumption of saturated and trans fats
• Learn how to manage stress
• Increase the amount of fiber in your diet
• Understand your genetic risk of heart disease
• Get regular eye exams
• Learn what eye health problems are linked to cardiovascular health

In addition to eating a generally healthy diet, it’s important to include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA. 

One study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that DHA, one of three forms of omega-3 fatty acids and the substance that makes up about 30% of brain matter, prevented age-related vision loss in lab mice.¹

Cardiovascular health affects your eye health long before an event like a heart attack or stroke occurs. 

Heart disease, which is a chronic heart health issue, causes deterioration throughout the body. When oxygenated blood cannot reach your body’s organs, including your eyes, it’s impossible to remain in good health. 

Ensuring proper blood flow and keeping your heart as strong and healthy as possible is an essential part of visual and general health.

It’s common for someone experiencing a headache to feel pain in their face, especially around or behind their eyes. 

These headaches can cause eye pain and might also affect vision and sensitivity to light. 

Understanding what the location of your headache means can help you alleviate the pain and avoid the same type of headache in the future.

Causes of Headache Behind the Eyes

Here are the most common causes of headaches behind the eyes: 

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They usually aren’t a cause for concern. However, they’re uncomfortable and can interfere with daily life. 

Typically, people prone to tension headaches experience about one or two a month. Some people experience them far more frequently.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tension headaches include:

• Tight feeling or pressure in the forehead and behind the eyes
• Dull pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Scalp tenderness
• Increased sensitivity to light  

Migraines

Migraines often begin with severe pain behind the eyes. They also affect vision and other senses. 

Many people experience migraine pain severe enough to diminish their quality of life. A migraine headache causes excruciating pain that can prevent you from performing daily tasks. 

Symptoms

Migraines can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Eye pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Sensitivity to smells
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mood changes
• Impaired vision
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Flashing or bright lights

Migraine symptoms usually begin gradually and become more intense. Untreated migraine attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours.

Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache includes multiple short and painful headaches. Most last for less than an hour but can cause hours-long pain as they occur in clusters of 1 to 3 headaches per day. 

Symptoms

Cluster headaches trigger piercing headache pain, usually behind one eye. Other symptoms include:

• Swollen eyes
• Red eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Red, flushed face
• Extreme sweating
• Droopy eyelid
• Runny nose or nasal congestion

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, occurs when the lining of the sinuses is inflamed. This causes congestion in the sinuses, which often leads to a headache.

Typically, pressure across the cheeks, forehead, and behind the eyes accompanies congestion. This headache pain is uncomfortable but usually not unbearable. 

Symptoms

In addition to a sinus headache, you may also experience:

• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Fatigue
• Aching in upper teeth
• Worsened pain when lying down

Eye Strain

Sometimes problems with vision are the cause of headaches behind the eyes. Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, is associated with too much time spent looking at computer screens, phone screens, or televisions. 

Symptoms

Headaches and discomfort in one or both eyes are common symptoms of digital eye strain. Other symptoms may include:

• Dry eyes
• Blurry vision
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain

Other Causes

Other causes of headaches linked to the eyes include:

• Scleritis. Inflammation of the white coating of the eye
• Optic neuritis. Inflammation of the optic nerve
• Grave’s disease. An autoimmune disorder that affects the eyes
• Glaucoma. An eye disease that affects the optic nerve
• Dry eyes. This occurs when the eyes do not naturally produce enough tears to keep eyes properly lubricated
• Poor posture. Long-term poor posture causes muscle imbalances that may lead to headaches around the eyes
• Brain aneurysm. Cause intense pain that may occur behind the eyes

When to See a Doctor

Call your doctor if your headaches continue or worsen even with the appropriate treatment methods. The problem might be associated with a more serious condition.

Potential Triggers of Headache Behind the Eyes

There are several potential triggers of headaches behind the eyes.

Different types of headaches have various triggers. 

Tension Headache Triggers

Several things trigger tension headaches, including:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Eye strain
• Poor posture
• Problems with the neck or jaw
• Bright lights
• Loud noises
• Strong smells
• Hunger
• Dehydration

Migraine Triggers

Potential triggers of migraine headaches include:

• Lack of sleep
• Certain foods, including chocolate, alcohol, and MSG
• Stress
• Weather changes
• Strong smells
• Bright lights
• Loud noises
• Hunger

Cluster Headache Triggers

Cluster headaches are typically triggered by:

• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Medications

Treatment for Headache Behind the Eyes 

Understanding and avoiding your specific triggers may help prevent headaches or reduce their severity. If you do get a headache, many treatments are available.

Medication for Headache Behind the Eyes

Most people treat mild to moderate headaches with over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers. These include:

• Acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen

OTC medications should only be used occasionally. Although generally safe, they can trigger side effects, including rebound headaches.

If OTC pain relievers don’t work, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as:

• Antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants
• Muscle relaxants
• Beta-blockers

Home Remedies for Headache Behind the Eyes

Other remedies that help relieve the pain associated with most headaches include:

• Daily exercise
• Avoiding or reducing alcohol use
• Avoiding processed foods
• Eliminating the use of tobacco
• Avoiding or reducing caffeine intake
• Managing stress with yoga, breathwork, or meditation
• Sticking to a regular sleep schedule
• Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Avoid skipping meals
• Ease tension with a warm shower or heating pad
• Keeping your vision prescription updated
• Taking frequent breaks when working at a computer

Summary

Many types of headaches cause pain behind the eyes. A tension headache is the most common and isn’t a serious medical condition.

Digital eye strain is another common cause of headaches and eye discomfort. 

Many headache remedies are available over-the-counter or involve behavioral or lifestyle changes. You should seek professional medical attention if your headaches are severe or persistent.

A detached retina is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. Call your eye doctor right away if you experience any of these warning signs of retinal detachment:

• A sudden increase in eye floaters
• Seeing flashing lights in one or both eyes (photopsia)
• A dark shadow or curtain on the sides or center of your visual field

Retinal cells cannot get the nourishment and oxygen needed from blood vessels when detachment occurs. Early treatment can help prevent irreversible loss of vision. 

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is painless. Don’t assume that lack of discomfort or pain means there isn’t a problem. 

Symptoms of retinal detachment include: 

• The sudden appearance of dark specks in your field of vision (floaters)
• Flashes of light in one eye or both
• Reduction in peripheral vision
• Blurred vision
• A dark, curtain-like shadow that slides over your field of vision

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the above symptoms.

What Causes Detached Retinas?

The cause of retinal detachment depends on the type you have:

Rhegmatogenous

These are the most common type. Rhegmatogenous detachments result from a hole or tear in the retina.

A retinal tear allows fluid to pass into and collect beneath the retina. Gradually, the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, causing blood loss and decreased vision. 

What Causes Rhegmatogenous Detached Retinas?

Age is the most common cause of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. As someone ages, the vitreous gel in their eyes shrinks or becomes more liquid.

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is when the vitreous separates from the retina. This normally occurs without complications. A retinal tear is one complication that can lead to detachment.

Other risk factors for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment include:

• Eye injury
• Eye surgery
• Myopia (nearsightedness)

Tractional 

A tractional detachment is caused by the growth of scar tissue on the retina’s surface that pulls at the retina. 

What Causes Tractional Detached Retinas?

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of tractional detachment. This eye condition affects people with poorly controlled diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy damages the retina’s blood vessels, causing scar tissue to form on the retina.

Other causes of tractional detachment include:

• Eye diseases
• Eye infections
• Eye swelling

Exudative 

This type of detachment happens when fluid accumulates behind the retina, but there isn’t a hole or tear. As more fluid accumulates, it can cause separation and detachment.

What Causes Exudative Detached Retinas?

Leaking blood vessels or swelling in the back of the eye are the most common causes of exudative retinal detachment. 

Swelling and leaking blood vessels can be caused by:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Eye trauma or injury
• Tumors in the eye
• Inflammatory disorders

Who is at Risk for Retinal Detachment?

Anyone can experience retinal detachment, but some people have a higher risk. 

Risk factors for retinal detachment include:

• Advanced age (50 and older)
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Extreme myopia (nearsightedness)
• Previous retinal detachment in one eye 
• Previous eye surgery, especially cataract surgery
• Eye diseases, including uveitis, lattice degeneration, retinoschisis
• Previous severe eye injuries
• Diabetes

How Is Retinal Detachment Diagnosed?

A doctor must diagnose and treat retinal detachment. If the examination reveals no holes or tearing despite your symptoms, your doctor will schedule a follow-up visit. 

If you experience any additional or new symptoms before the follow-up visit, it’s important to contact your doctor. 

Tests used to diagnose detachment include:

Dilated Eye Exam 

If your eye doctor suspects you have a detached retina, they’ll perform a dilated exam. They’ll give you special drops to widen your pupils, then examine the back of your eye with a bright light. 

Ultrasound

If there is bleeding in the eye that makes it difficult to examine the retina, your doctor might order an ultrasound to get a better view of the back of the eye. 

Treatment Options for Detached Retinas

If the examination reveals detachment, your doctor will order surgery within hours or days of the exam. 

There are three surgical procedures used to repair detachment, including:

Pneumatic Retinopexy

This procedure involves injecting a gas bubble into the vitreous cavity in the center of the eye. The bubble pushes the damaged part of the retina against the eye’s wall, which stops the flow of fluid behind the retina. 

Once they’ve halted the flow, the surgeon uses cryopexy or laser to repair the retinal tear. The bubble of air or gas and any liquid is absorbed into the eye, allowing the retina to adhere back into place. 

Scleral Buckling 

Scleral buckling uses a silicone material that is sewn in place by the surgeon to cover the sclera (white of the eye). It creates an indentation in the wall of the eye and relieves the tugging and pulling on the retina by the accumulated vitreous liquid. 

The silicone cover doesn’t block vision and can remain in place forever. If there are multiple holes, the surgeon can attach covers that encircle the eye with support.

Vitrectomy

This procedure drains the accumulated vitreous and uses air, gas, or silicone oil to fill the vitreous space and flatten the retina. The injected material is eventually absorbed, and the space refills with fluid. 

Sometimes, the fluid must be surgically removed several months after the procedure. Vitrectomy is often used in combination with scleral buckling.

Can a Retinal Detachment Heal on Its Own?

No. Left untreated, retinal detachment worsens and can lead to permanent vision loss. 

Retinal detachment must be treated by a medical professional and requires surgery to correct. This is the only way to reattach the retina so it can receive the blood supply it needs to remain healthy.

How to Prevent Retinal Detachment 

There is no way to prevent retinal detachment. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

• Get regular eye exams. This is especially important if you have nearsightedness. Myopia increases your risk for retinal detachment. 
• Protect your eyes. Use protective eyewear when playing sports or engaging in activities that might lead to an eye injury.
• Get prompt treatment. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you notice symptoms of a detached retina.

Outlook

The outlook for retinal detachment depends on several factors, including:

• How good your vision was before the retina detached
• The severity of the detachment
• Whether any complications arose

Your eye doctor will discuss the type of vision improvement you can expect. Retinal detachment surgery has a high success rate. The repair works in about 90% to 95% of cases.³

Summary

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. It occurs when the light-sensitive membrane separates from the back of the eye.

Warning signs of a detached retina include increased floaters and light flashes. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.

Common causes of a detached retina include retinal tears, eye injuries, and diseases like diabetic neuropathy and macular degeneration.

• Monolids are an eyelid shape that doesn’t have a supratarsal crease.
• This is usually caused by genetics, and it’s more common in people of East Asian descent.
• Many people turn to surgery and other cosmetic enhancements to eliminate monolids.
• If you decide to make a temporary or permanent change to your appearance, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.

What are Monolids?

The term “monolid” describes an eyelid shape that doesn’t have a crease separating it into two parts. 

The eyelid sits against the brow bone with a monolid and has no visible fold or crease.

Monolids are common, especially among those of East Asian descent. This includes Korean, Japanese, and Chinese heritage. 

What Causes Monolids? 

Like hair color, skin color, and many other aspects of a person’s appearance, monolids are almost always caused by genetics. Monolids are perfectly normal when caused by genetics.

Sometimes, a medical condition can cause a monolid or the appearance of a monolid if someone’s eye swells or changes shape. However, this is usually not the case.

What’s the Difference Between Monolids and Double Eyelids?

Unlike monolids, double eyelids have a supratarsal crease. 

Double eyelids are also quite common but tend to occur more often in people of non-Asian descent.

What’s the Difference Between Monolids and Hooded Eyes?

Hooded lids have a fold that covers or partially covers the entire eyelid. 

Unlike monolids or double eyelids, people with hooded eyelids cannot see their eyelids when looking straight into a mirror.

Hooded eyelids can be normal when linked to genetics. But not everyone with hooded lids is born with them. Their eyelids sometimes droop and create a hood as they age. 

A drooping eyelid can signify a medical condition, so it’s important to seek medical attention if your eyelid becomes hooded. 

How to Transform Monolids into Double Eyelids 

Some people with monolids prefer to create a different look and make their eyelids appear double. This can be done with surgery, makeup, or other cosmetic enhancements.

Double Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that permanently changes monolid eyes to double eyelids. 

Due to a higher incidence of monolids, this procedure is more popular in Asian countries. It’s expensive, and it can be difficult to find surgeons willing to perform this procedure in non-Asian countries.

During surgery, the surgeon creates a crease in the lid and removes excess skin. This is to ensure the crease remains in place after the sutures heal.

Sometimes blepharoplasty is combined with ptosis surgery. This surgery increases the strength of the eyelid muscles and opens the eye.

Eyeliners and Eye Shadows

Eyeliners and eye shadows work well to create the look of a crease in the eyelid. They can also enhance a slight crease. Brighter shades of makeup bring attention to the eye and help them look wider, more open, and deeper.

A darker shadow on the lid where the crease would be can change someone’s eye shape significantly. It also helps to avoid heavy makeup around the lash line. This helps avoid making the eyes look smaller. 

Mascara and False Lashes

Mascara and false lashes can also change a person’s eye shape without making any permanent changes. Enhancing the upper and lower lash lines makes eyes appear larger and deeper. 

Additionally, using eye makeup to highlight the inner corner or brow bone brightens your eyes. This is true, whether you have double lids or monolids.

Tapes and Glues

Tapes and glues are also effective for creating the appearance of a double eyelid. The adhesives create an artificial crease so the lid looks wider and deeper. 

Double eyelid tape mimics a natural crease without having to undergo monolid surgery.

Adhesives can be uncomfortable. Some people cannot wear them because they irritate the sensitive skin on the eyelids. Tapes and glues also make it difficult to blink and can decrease tear production. This often further irritates the eyes.

Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with having monolids. Many people choose to embrace their monolids and accept that their eyelids are a reflection of their ethnic heritage.