Eye Questions and Answers

We all want healthy eyes and vision. Being well informed and getting the right information can help us make the best choices to maintain good eye health. Below are several eye-related questions and answers. 

What are the most common causes of blindness? 

Vision loss can occur due to trauma to the eyes or eye disease. The likelihood of blindness increases as we age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common causes of blindness in the United States include cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. In some cases, early detection of these diseases can decrease your risk of vision loss. 

Is rubbing your eyes harmful? 

Most of us rub our eyes from time to time without any issues developing, but rubbing your eyes too often or too hard can adversely affect your eyes in a few ways. For instance, if you rub your eyes vigorously, the small blood vessels in the eyes can break, which causes bloodshot eyes.

Also, rubbing your eyes can transfer bacteria and viruses from your hands to your eyes and lead to an infection. Lastly, if you have something in your eye, such as an eyelash, you can scratch your eye by rubbing. 
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Why does my eye twitch? 

If you ever felt your eye twitching, you might wonder what causes it. While doctors do not know exactly why eye twitches occur, there are certain things that seem to trigger them.

According to the Mayo Clinic, eye twitching may be triggered by the following:

• Fatigue
• Wind
• Smoking
• Stress
• Bright light
• Excess caffeine

If eye twitching occurs without other eye problems and usually only lasts a short time, it is typically not a cause for concern. But as with all health concerns, talk with your doctor as needed. 
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Do carrots improve vision? 

You may have heard that carrots are good for your eyes. Carrots do not improve vision or help heal vision problems, but vitamin A, which is in carrots, is good for overall eye health. Our bodies only need a small level of vitamin A. Good sources include dairy, brightly colored veggies, such as carrots, and dark, leafy greens. 

​Can your eyes change colors? 

Usually, your eyes stay the same color for your entire life, but in rare instances, they can change colors. A change in eye color may occur due to a rare condition. It can also develop as a side effect from certain medications. For example, prostaglandins, which are in glaucoma medications, may over time, darken the natural eye color. 

How often should you have an eye exam?

Having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to maintain eye health. The exact frequency of eye exams may depend on your risk factors for eye diseases, age, and family history. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most adults should have a baseline eye exam by the age of 40. But adults with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of eye diseases, should see an eye doctor sooner. Your eye doctor will then recommend follow up exams based on this baseline exam and your family history. 

Can children develop eye diseases? 

Although many forms of eye diseases are more common in adults, children can also develop some types of eye conditions. Children can develop glaucoma and cataracts, which can cause vision problems. In adults, these conditions tend to be age-related, but in children they are usually due to a genetic condition.

If you have any additional questions about your eye health, or if you would like to discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.