Eye Questions and Answers

You may not give your vision much thought until you start to have problems with it. However, maintaining healthy eyes and good vision is essential for your safety, independence, and overall quality of life. 

One of the best things you can do for your vision is to become educated on things related to vision and keeping your eyes healthy. Taking a proactive approach and understanding your eyes can help protect your vision.
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Below are some questions related to vision and eye health that you may have wondered about.

Do glasses make your eyes weaker? 

Have you ever heard the myth that glasses may make your eyes weaker? Eyeglasses help improve your vision, reduce eye strain, improve safety, and help you perform tasks more efficiently. However, wearing glasses does not change the structure of your eye and will not weaken it. If you notice over time that your contact lens or glass prescription has changed, it isn't due to weakness; it may just be natural age-related changes.

Can an eye infection heal itself?

Minor eye infections that may occur due to an allergy or virus may heal on their own without treatment. For example, conjunctivitis caused by a virus typically heals independently without treatment. However, eye infections can also occur as a result of a bacterial or fungal infection. When this is the cause of an eye infection, treatment is usually needed. Since you may not know the cause of an eye infection, it is best to have it evaluated by an eye doctor.
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Why does reading get harder with age?

It's often true that visual changes occur with age and reading may become more difficult. Typical age-related issues include changes to the lens of the eye, which may harden and stiffen, causing trouble with reading. While the need for reading glasses may be relatively normal with age, vision loss is not. If you develop vision loss, see an eye specialist immediately. 

At what age can children wear contact lenses?

There is no one specific age at which children can start wearing contact lenses. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children as young as 8 years old may wear lenses. 

Contact lenses can be a good option for your child, especially for those who play sports where glasses may become cumbersome. They are also a good option if your child is self-conscious about wearing glasses.

The exact age your child is ready for contact lenses may vary according to their maturity level. One of the risks of wearing contact lenses is an eye infection. It is important to make sure your child is old enough to clean and wear their contact lenses properly.
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What are the leading causes of vision loss? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, the main causes of low vision and blindness include cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Each of these diseases may have certain risk factors and can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam.

Are there things you can do to prevent vision loss? 

You can do several things to reduce your risk of vision loss. For example, maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from excess UV rays and reduces your risk of vision loss. Additionally, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and getting plenty of sleep are also beneficial for your vision.

We hope we answered a few of your questions on vision and eye health.

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.