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Nearsightedness (myopia) is when close-up objects look clear but distant objects are blurry. For instance, you can read a map clearly but have trouble seeing well enough to drive a car.

Nearsightedness is a common eye focusing disorder. It has been on the rise for several decades. It is estimated that by 2050, nearly half the people in the world will have nearsightedness.

Nearsightedness: Myopia Types

High myopia and low myopia. Mild nearsightedness (generally less than 3 diopters of myopia) is also called low myopia. Moderate nearsightedness or myopia is 3 to 6 diopters of myopia. Severe nearsightedness (more than 6 diopters of myopia) is also called high myopia. Nearsighted children usually become more nearsighted as they age, but their glasses prescription usually stabilizes in their 20s.

Nearsightedness: Myopia Symptoms

• eyestrain,
• headaches,
• squinting to see properly, and
• difficulty seeing objects far away, such as road signs or a blackboard at school.

Young children with myopia might not complain about their blurry vision, so eye exams and vision tests are important in young children. Some kids are born nearsighted, and some don’t become nearsighted until their teen years.

Nearsightedness: Myopia Causes

For you to see clearly, light rays must travel through the front layers of the eye (the cornea and lens). The cornea and lens work together to bend the light so it lands on the back layer of the eye, called the retina. The retina then sends a signal to your brain that allows you to see.

With nearsightedness, the shape of your eye prevents light from bending properly, so that light is aimed in front of your retina instead of on your retina. For example, the cornea at the front of your eye may be too steeply curved, or your eye may be longer front to back than normal. In either case, the light rays fall short of the retina. When light is not focused on the retina as it should be, your vision is blurry.

Risk factors for nearsightedness

If a parent is nearsighted, there is a greater chance their child will be as well. But a parent doesn’t need to be nearsighted for their child to be nearsighted. Doctors still don’t completely understand why some people are nearsighted. There are likely many factors involved, and genetics is only one part.

Nearsightedness is often discovered in children when they are between ages 8 and 12 years old. During the teenage years, when the body grows rapidly, myopia may become worse. Between the ages of 20 and 40, there is usually little change.

Too much time spent indoors increases a child’s risk for nearsightedness. Studies show that more time outdoors in natural light reduces a child’s risk.

What Are the Long-Term Risks of Nearsightedness?

Detached retina and nearsightedness. People with nearsightedness have a higher risk for a detached retina. This is when the tissue lining the back of your eye lifts away or separates from the eye wall. It is a serious eye problem that can cause blindness. It is important for people with severe nearsightedness to visit an ophthalmologist regularly for exams to check the retina. The more severe your nearsightedness the greater your risk. Ask your ophthalmologist to discuss the warning signs of retinal detachment with you.

People with severe nearsightedness also have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, cataracts and other eye diseases.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Smart

Farsightedness (also called hyperopia) is a refractive error. This is when the eye does not refract—or bend—light properly. Generally, a farsighted person sees clearly far, but near vision is blurry.

But others experience farsightedness differently. Some people may not notice any problems with their vision, especially when they are young. And for others with severe farsightedness, vision can be blurry at any distance, near or far.

Farsightedness is an eye focusing disorder, not an eye disease.

What Causes Farsightedness?

To see clearly, light rays must travel through the front of the eye (the cornea and lens). The cornea and lens work together to bend the light so it lands on the back layer of the eye, called the retina. The retina then sends a signal to your brain that allows you to see.

With farsightedness, the shape of your eye prevents light from bending properly, so that light is aimed behind your retina instead of on your retina. For example, your eye may be shorter than normal (from front to back) or the cornea at the front of your eye may be too flat. This causes light rays to focus behind the retina. Generally, this means distant objects are clear but near objects are blurred.

If a parent is farsighted, there is a greater risk their child will be as well. But a parent does not need to be farsighted for their child to be farsighted. There are likely many factors that lead to farsightedness, and genetics is only one part.

Most children are farsighted, yet they do not experience blurry vision. With mild farsightedness, most children see clearly near and far. As they get older, the eye grows and becomes longer, and mild farsightedness is reduced or eliminated.

What Are Symptoms of Farsightedness?

• difficulty with close tasks like reading
• eyestrain
• squinting
• headaches

Most children are farsighted, yet will not have symptoms. This is due to the flexibility of the lens in a child’s eyes. This makes accommodation (changing focus between distances) easier.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Smart

Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens.

To understand astigmatism, it is helpful to think of the normal eye as evenly rounded, like a basketball. With astigmatism, the eye is egg- or oval-shaped like a North American football. There are two basic types of astigmatism:

• horizontal astigmatism (when the eye is wider than it is tall), and
• vertical astigmatism (when the eye is taller than it is wide)

With either type of astigmatism, near and far vision is blurry because of the eye’s irregular shape.

What Is the Main Cause of Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by a cornea or lens that has a different shape than normal. Astigmatism is very common. Doctors don't know why the shape of the cornea or lens varies from person to person. But they do know the risk of getting astigmatism is inherited (passed down from parents).

People can also get astigmatism from:

• eye disease
• eye injury
• or after surgery

It is a myth that reading in low light or sitting very close to the television causes astigmatism or makes it worse.

How Does Astigmatism Affect Vision?

Normally, the cornea and lens at the front of the eye have an evenly round shape. This helps focus light rays sharply onto the retina so you can see clearly.

With astigmatism, light rays do not refract (or bend) properly as they enter the front of the eye. Vision is blurry at near and far because light rays either fall short of the retina or behind it.

People may have astigmatism along with other refractive errors, such as:

• nearsightedness (myopia) or
• farsightedness (hyperopia)

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Smart

Millions of people choose to wear contact lenses. However, they are not for everyone. You might not be able to wear them for the following reasons:

• You get a lot of eye infections.
• You have severe allergies or dry eyes that are hard to treat.
• You work or live where it is very dusty.
• You are not able to properly care for your contact lenses.

Your cornea and tear film must be healthy for you to be comfortable and see clearly with contact lenses.

To safely wear contact lenses, you must be committed to caring for them properly and replacing them when needed. Talk with your ophthalmologist or other eye care professional to discuss your vision needs and expectations. They can help you decide if contacts are a good option for you.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Smart

Veterans face all of the same eye health issues as other people. Veterans of the Vietnam, Korean, or early wars are in or entering life stages when eye disorders like cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are more likely to occur. Also, like everyone in mid-life and beyond, veterans may find their near vision decreasing due to presbyopia ("aging eyes") and need reading glasses or another vision correction solution.

When it comes to eye injury, however, people in our military have a higher risk than many other people. And veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars are more likely than those who served in earlier wars to have vision loss as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Higher rates of TBI in these recent wars can be attributed to two factors: explosive devices have been a major cause of injury, and improved body armor has enabled soldiers to survive more serious injuries. Read more about TBI and vision loss.

Because eye care is complex and technology-driven, it is important that all veterans receive superior quality eye information and eye care. EyeSmart is dedicated to providing veterans with the comprehensive eye health information they need to make educated decisions about their eye care in consultation with their ophthalmologist. In addition to information about diseases and conditions, symptoms, vision correction, and eye-healthy living, you will also find guidance about when to see an ophthalmologist and how to find a VA ophthalmology.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Smart

What is blue light?

When you see a rainbow, you are seeing the visual light spectrum. These are colors visible to the human eye and include red, blue, and green “wavelengths.” All light we see is a combination of these wavelengths, including light from the sun, energy-efficient lighting (like LED lamps), and computer screens.

Blue light and sleep

Exposure to blue light from the sun as well as our screens boosts mood and alertness—a sunrise signals to our brain that it’s time to wake up. But too much exposure to blue light from screens in the evening can disrupt our body’s natural sleep cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. Light slows the production of melatonin—the sleep hormone—in our body. For more restful sleep, be sure to:

• set devices to night or dark mode in the evening. This setting lowers screen brightness and its warm colors are less likely to confuse your body into thinking it’s daytime.
• avoid using screens one to two hours before going to sleep.

Can blue light damage your eyes?

You may have heard reports about studies on blue light. These studies use cells in a dish and animals to study the effects of blue light. These studies showed that blue light can cause cell damage in these settings. But these experiments did not:

• mimic the natural conditions of blue light exposure to live human eyes
• use blue light from computer screens

So far, the evidence shows no meaningful link between blue light and:

• damage to human retinas
• or age-related macular degeneration

Computer/digital eye strain

While using devices will not damage your eyes permanently, staring at them for a long time can cause temporary discomfort. People experience eye strain in different ways, but symptoms can include:

• dry eyes
• blurry vision
• tearing or watery eyes
• headache

The reason we get digital eye strain is that we blink less when we stare at our devices. Normally, humans blink around 15 times per minute—but this “blink rate” can be cut in half when staring at screens or doing other near work activities (like reading). To reduce eye strain:

• Take frequent breaks by using the “20-20-20” rule. Every 20 minutes look away from your screen and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to reset and replenish themselves.
• Use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes when they feel dry.
• Keep your distance. Sit about 25 inches or at arm’s length from your screen and adjust its height so you’re looking slightly downward at it.
• Reduce glare and brightness. Devices with glass screens can cause glare. To reduce glare, consider a matte screen filter for your device. Adjusting the brightness and contrast of your screen and dimming the lighting near your screen can also help reduce eye strain.
• Wear eyeglasses. If you wear contact lenses, you already know they can increase dryness and irritation. To reduce these symptoms, try wearing eyeglasses instead when working on a computer for longer periods.

Screen time for kids

Most parents of newborns, infants and young children grapple with how much screen time they should allow. While there are plenty of valid reasons to limit screen time, it’s helpful to know there is no evidence that screen use harms children’s eyes or their developing visual systems.

But there is research that links increased screen time in young children to other health issues, such as:

• Attention-related disorders. A study in Canada showed that children with more than two hours of screen time per day were eight times more likely to develop ADHD than those with less screen time.
• Obesity. Too much screen time means less time spent on healthier, outdoor activities and can increase the risk for childhood obesity.
• Myopia (nearsightedness). The number of people with myopia in the U.S. and Asia has risen sharply since the 1970s. Research suggests a link to kids spending more time on their screens and more time indoors generally. The study provided evidence that more time spent on outdoor play and activities in early childhood can slow the progression of myopia.

While we don’t have screen time guidelines for children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• No screen time for kids until they are 2 years old (except for video chatting with apps like FaceTime or Skype)
• No more than one hour of screen time for children ages 2 to 5. This allows more time for other activities emphasizing body movement and interactive play that are fundamental to a child’s physical and intellectual development.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Smart

No, you’re not getting any younger. But eating the right foods can protect your vision and keep you healthy. Research says that foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are linked to lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and perhaps even dry eye later in life.

But what does this nutrient-rich diet look like? Let’s break it down:

• Vitamin C: Foods with lots vitamin c are oranges, grapefruit, kiwifruit, strawberries, tomatoes, red and green peppers, and broccoli.
• Vitamin E: Healthy sources of vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds, olive oil, and avocadoes.
• Zinc: Legumes (beans and lentils), seeds, meat/seafood, dairy, and eggs are all good sources of zinc.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin: Both of these nutrients are found naturally in the retina—the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. This is why boosting your diet with lutein and zexanthin is a win for your eye health. Lutein and zexanthin—often found together in many foods—are part of the “carotenoid” family of plant pigments. Carotenoids give color to many vegetables and fruits. You can find lutein and zexanthin in leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and swiss chard. Broccoli, asparagus, and colorful fruits like raspberries, papaya, peaches, and mangoes are also chock-full of eye-healthy carotenoids.

Cataract prevention in the produce aisle

Did you know that regularly enjoying a piece of fruit and a side of vegetables can help prevent vision loss from cataracts? Studies show that a diet rich in foods with antioxidants may reduce your risk of developing cataracts.

The Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is named after the eating habits of those living near the Mediterranean Sea. Studies show the plant- and seafood-based diet may reduce your risk of heart disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The Mediterranean diet includes:

• green leafy vegetables and colorful fruits
• tree nuts like almonds, cashews and walnuts
• seafood as your primary meat source
• healthy fats. Choose olive oil over butter
• whole grain bread, cereal, and pasta
• lots of herbs and spices added to your food to lower your salt intake
• moderate amount of dairy (yogurt and cheese) and eggs

Those from the region also enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner, which has its own health benefits (in moderation). So there is some truth to a toast of Salute (to your health)!

Low-glycemic index diet

People who have or at risk for diabetes or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can benefit by following a low-glycemic index (low-GI) diet.

With diabetes, blood sugar levels can get too high, which causes serious health problems and can lead to vision loss. Some foods cause rapid spikes in blood sugar (high-GI) and others raise blood sugar more moderately (low-GI). You can avoid quick blood sugar spikes with low-GI food swaps:

• Oatmeal or muesli over sweetened breakfast cereal
• Brown rice over white rice
• Whole-grain bread over white bread
• Durum wheat pasta or sweet potato over a baked potato
• Nuts over potato chips

Healthy fats for dry eye

Dry eye is when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them lubricated and comfortable. Artificial tears and medication are very helpful, but adding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to your diet may also provide relief.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish (like salmon, trout and sardines). Nuts and oils like walnuts and sunflower oil are great natural sources of omega-6 fatty acids. Both are available as oral supplements (pills or tablets). Ask your doctor if omega-3 and omega-6 supplements are right for you.

Fish can lower AMD-risk

Studies found that women who ate fish high in omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week were less likely to get age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Fish is also good for your heart. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults eat fish at least twice a week. Some fish contain high mercury levels and should be eaten sparingly or avoided completely during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about what fish and how much is healthy to eat if you are pregnant or become pregnant.

Calcium and AMD

Earlier studies suggested that calcium lowered the risk of developing AMD but newer research is uncertain. Emily Chew, MD, a researcher at the National Eye Institute, explains why and clarifies the role of calcium in your eye and overall health.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Smart

Eye strain is when your eyes get tired from using them intensely for a long time. Reading, doing close work or looking at a computer are common causes. Headaches and blurry vision can be symptoms of eye strain. To help, rest your eyes by taking regular breaks using the “20-20-20” rule. Rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Diseases of the eye are one of the least common causes of headaches. But some serious eye problems can have headaches and vision changes as symptoms.

Angle-closure glaucoma is where fluid in the front part of the eye is suddenly blocked from draining out of the eye as it should. Eye pressure rises quickly. Symptoms include headache and severe pain in the eyes or above them. Other symptoms include feeling sick to your stomach and changes in your vision. This is a medical emergency. You should seek help right away if you have these symptoms.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is swelling in the arteries that run along your temple and usually occurs in older people. Blood supply to the eye is reduced, causing decreased vision and a constant, throbbing pain in the temples. It also causes scalp tenderness. GCA is a medical emergency and needs to be treated right away to prevent vision loss in both eyes.

One of the most serious causes of headaches with vision changes is stroke. This is when blood flow to the brain is reduced or blocked. Stroke signs include a severe headache with a droopy eyelid, and possibly double vision. Get medical help right away if you have these symptoms.

Headaches can be caused by many diseases and disorders affecting other parts of the body. Some conditions that can cause headaches include:

• ear problems
• jaw problems
• sinus problems
• arthritis of the neck
• high blood pressure
• nerve diseases
• blood vessel disease
• tumors
• aneurysms (when a weak blood vessel fills with blood and bulges)

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Smart

Eye infections cause redness, tearing and drainage. That drainage can be watery or a yellow-green pus. They can be very contagious. You may need to treat the bacterial type of eye infection with antibiotic eye drops.

What Are Antibiotic Eye Drops?

Antibiotic eye drops are prescribed by a doctor to treat bacterial eye infections. They work by killing the bacteria (microscopic organism) that entered the eye and caused the infection.

What Causes Bacterial Eye Infections?

Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common type of bacterial eye infection. It's easily spread among children in daycare and at school.

Contact-lens related eye infections. Sleeping in contacts and wearing dirty contacts can lead to bacterial eye infections. Use proper contact lens care to avoid infection.

Antibiotic Eye Drops Only Treat Bacterial Eye Infections

The medicine in antibiotic drops will not work for other types of eye infections or allergies, like:

• Viral conjunctivitis. Antibiotic drops are ineffective in the treatment of conjunctivitis caused by a virus.
• Allergic conjunctivitis. This irritation of the eye is not an infection. The irritation comes from an allergic reaction to something like dust, pollen, or pets. Antibiotic eye drops will not help relieve the symptoms of an eye allergy.
• Fungal eye infections (fungal keratitis). These are very rare infections. They are usually caused by wearing contaminated contact lenses.

While antibiotic eye drops don't help these conditions, other eye drops or treatment may be needed.

When to see a doctor for an eye infection

If you think you have any type of eye infection, see a doctor. They can see if you need antibiotic eye drops or other treatment.

Symptoms of eye infection include:

• pain
• swollen eyes
• redness
• light sensitivity
• drainage (yellow-green pus or watery eyes). This is a common symptom of bacterial eye infections.

For antibiotic eye drops to work best:

• follow your doctor's instructions and
• these general guidelines for safe and effective eye drop use.

Antibiotic eye drops usually improve symptoms after three days. Call your doctor if your symptoms don't go away.

Things to remember about antibiotic eye drops:

• Don’t use anyone else’s prescription.
• Take the full course, don’t stop early/without consulting your doctor, even if things seem better.
• Don’t keep unused prescriptions around to use later.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology | Eye Smart