My child is 4 and a vision screening found that he has 20/40 vision in each eye. Is this OK? Will it get better over time?
Maybe. We need to know why the vision is 20/40. Depending on the cause, it may get better naturally or it may require treatment. A full evaluation from an eye doctor will give you the full answer.

Can my child have LASIK?
No. It is best to wait until full physical maturity, around 25.

My daughter's best friend just got glasses and now my child says she can't see. Could she fake her way into glasses?
No. We will know and will tell her how lucky she is to have good vision.

My baby has one pupil that is bigger than the other. Should I worry?
Probably not, although it would be wise to bring this to the attention of your pediatrician or eye doctor. One out of 10 healthy people have pupils with different sizes. Both pupils should constrict with light. If one pupil does not constrict, it could be a sign of a problem.

Eye Health: Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my eye twitch?
Mild eyelid twitching is very common and usually the result of fatigue, stress and caffeine. While annoying, these involuntary contractions of the eyelid muscles are harmless, temporary and not as visible to others as they are to you. The best advice is to get some sleep, cut back on the coffee and give it some time.

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause optic nerve damage. The optic nerve lets the eye communicate with the brain. If enough nerve fibers are lost, we lose vision. Early detection really helps. Medicines to lower eye pressure can help prevent or slow the loss of nerve fibers.

Can glaucoma be cured?
Once nerve fibers are lost, they are lost. The goal of treatment is to keep all the the existing nerve fibers and preserve the vision we have.

What is a cataract?
When the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, it's called cataract. This can happen early in life, however, most cataracts develop in eyes 60 and older. The natural lens is built by layers, much like rings on a tree. Over time, the layers can start to separate and scatter light more and become less clear and more cloudy. If the lens becomes so cloudy that vision is reduced even with the best glasses, cataract surgery can help. The cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a new synthetic lens.

Can a cataract be treated with a laser?
The cloudy natural lens must be physically removed and replaced with a clear synthetic lens. If the new synthetic lens becomes cloudy, it can be polished with a laser.

How common is cataract?
Very. In the United States, 20% of eyes in our 60's require cataract surgery and 80% of eyes in our 80's need surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the U.S.

What is macular degeneration?
Wherever we aim our eye, most of the light focuses on the macula. If our eye was a camera, the macula would be the center of the film. In macular degeneration, the macula begins to breakdown and becomes wrinkled.

Does macular degeneration cause total blindness?
In severe cases, central vision can become very distorted; however, side vision remains normal. These patients learn to maximize their peripheral vision. Magnifying what needs to be seen with lenses and electronic screens can help as well.

What are floaters?
Shadows cast by dense areas in the fluid that fills the eye. This fluid is thick, like a jelly, and in childhood is completely uniform. As time goes by, parts of the jelly liquify, become watery, and other parts condense and become thicker. These thicker parts throw shadows that we see as floaters. We are more likely to see them against a bright background like the blue sky or a computer screen.

Eye Infections: Frequently Asked Questions

What is pink eye?
A term generally used when the white part of the eye looks more red from a bacterial or viral infection. Some types are very contagious while others are not.

If I have pink eye, can I still go to work?
Maybe. Your eye doctor can tell if the type of infection you have is contagious. You will want to wash your hands every time after touching the eye to help prevent the infection from spreading to others. Children are much less likely to be good about washing their hands and are often asked to stay home from school with an eye infection.

Can I wear my contacts if I have pink eye?
It is best to leave your contact lenses out until the eye is completely healed.

What can I do about a stye?
If there is recent infection of the eyelid, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eyedrops can help. Warm compresses 4 times a day can also help. If a lump in the lid has been there for weeks or months, heat can still help, but surgical removal is often the only complete remedy.