Patient Education
Bell's Palsy
What it is
Bell’s palsy is a nerve disorder that causes paralysis on one side of the face.
What You Need To Do
See your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for an examination and treatment.
Why It’s Important
If the eyelid doesn’t close all the way, your eye is at risk for irritation and damage.
Cataract
What it is
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. Your eye becomes like a window that is frosted or yellowed.
What You Need To Do
If your vision is blurry, visit your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for an examination. This will also rule out any other reasons for blurred vision.
Why It’s Important
Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss, especially as we age, but they are treatable.
Detached or Torn Retina
What it is
The retina is the nerve layer at the back of your eye. When the retina is pulled away from its normal position, it doesn’t work and vision is blurred.
What You Need To Do
If you see flashing lights, floaters, or a gray shadow in your vision, contact your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) right away.
Why It’s Important
A detached retina is a very serious problem. It almost always causes blindness unless it is treated.

Amblyopia (“lazy eye)
What it is
Amblyopia is also called “lazy eye.” It means that the eye did not develop normal sight during childhood. Usually, one eye is strong and one eye is weak (“lazy”).
What You Need To Do
Have your child’s vision checked by age four to ensure the eyes are developing normally.
Why It’s Important
Early detection is essential to successful treatment. Both eyes need to have normal vision to see depth, and in case something happens to one eye later in life, a good other eye is useful.
Bell’s Palsy
What it is
Bell’s palsy is a nerve disorder that causes paralysis on one side of the face.
What You Need To Do
See your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for an examination and treatment.
Why It’s Important
If the eyelid doesn’t close all the way, your eye is at risk for irritation and damage.
Cataract
What it is
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. Your eye becomes like a window that is frosted or yellowed.
What You Need To Do
If your vision is blurry, visit your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for an examination. This will also rule out any other reasons for blurred vision.
Why It’s Important
Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss, especially as we age, but they are treatable.

Diabetic Eye Disease
What it is
High blood-sugar levels from diabetes can damage blood vessels in your retina, the nerve layer of tissue at the back of your eye. This damage is called diabetic retinopathy.
What You Need To Do
Schedule an eye exam at least once a year and maintain control of your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Why It’s Important
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent vision loss. Prevention is the best treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
Dry Eye
What it is
The eye bathes itself in tears to stay moist. Some people don’t produce enough tears for healthy eyes. This is called dry eye.
What You Need To Do
Check the store for eyedrops called “artificial tears.” If you try these and your eyes are still scratchy or irritated, contact your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.).
Why It’s Important
Moist eyes are essential to comfort and health. Also, dry eyes may mean other problems.
Eyelid Ectropion
What it is
When your lower eyelid becomes looser than normal and turns outwards away from the eyeball rather than right next to it.
What You Need To Do
If you notice increased tearing, dryness of the eyes, or chronic redness of the eyes, ectropion may be a cause. Schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for a complete eye exam.
Why It’s Important
Chronic dryness can lead to permanent damage to the cornea, or surface of the eye. If severe, ectropion can be corrected with surgery.
Detached or Torn Retina
What it is
The retina is the nerve layer at the back of your eye. When the retina is pulled away from its normal position, it doesn’t work and vision is blurred.
What You Need To Do
If you see flashing lights, floaters, or a gray shadow in your vision, contact your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) right away.
Why It’s Important
A detached retina is a very serious problem. It almost always causes blindness unless it is treated.
Diabetic Eye Disease
What it is
High blood-sugar levels from diabetes can damage blood vessels in your retina, the nerve layer of tissue at the back of your eye. This damage is called diabetic retinopathy.
What You Need To Do
Schedule an eye exam at least once a year and maintain control of your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Why It’s Important
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent vision loss. Prevention is the best treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
Dry Eye
What it is
The eye bathes itself in tears to stay moist. Some people don’t produce enough tears for healthy eyes. This is called dry eye.
What You Need To Do
Check the store for eyedrops called “artificial tears.” If you try these and your eyes are still scratchy or irritated, contact your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.).
Why It’s Important
Moist eyes are essential to comfort and health. Also, dry eyes may mean other problems.
Floaters and Flashes
What it is
Floaters look like small specks moving in front of your eyes. They are actually tiny clumps floating through the clear gel in your eye. Flashes look like lightening streaks. They happen when the gel pulls on its attachment to your retina, the part of the eye that senses light.
What You Need To Do
If you suddenly notice an increase in floaters or flashes, see your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) right away.
Why It’s Important
Floaters and flashes may mean there is a problem with your retina, the layer of nerve tissue at the back of the eye. A torn retina is serious and can lead to severe vision loss.
Glaucoma
What it is
Glaucoma is a disease of elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain.
What You Need To Do
Get regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.). If your vision seems blurry, if you have severe eye pain, or if you see rainbow-colored halos around lights, call your Eye M.D. right away.
Why It’s Important
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Early treatment can often prevent loss of sight.
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
What it is
The macula provides the sharp, central vision we need for reading, driving, and seeing fine detail. It is a small, but very important area in the back of the eye. Macular degeneration refers to the breakdown of the macula.
What You Need To Do
Get regular eye exams from an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.), especially after age 65. Your doctor can detect early stages of macular degeneration.
Why It’s Important
Macular degeneration can cause sudden, severe loss of vision in the middle of your visual field.

Eyelid Ectropion
What it is
When your lower eyelid becomes looser than normal and turns outwards away from the eyeball rather than right next to it.
What You Need To Do
If you notice increased tearing, dryness of the eyes, or chronic redness of the eyes, ectropion may be a cause. Schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for a complete eye exam.
Why It’s Important
Chronic dryness can lead to permanent damage to the cornea, or surface of the eye. If severe, ectropion can be corrected with surgery.
Eyelid and Orbital Tumors
What it is
A tumor is an abnormal growth of any tissue. Any part of the eye or eye socket may be affected.
What You Need To Do
If you notice a raised bump, bulging eyeball, skin color change, visual loss, double vision, or eye pain, contact your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.).
Why It’s Important
A malignant tumor can spread into other areas. Eyelid tumors sometimes require removal of the eye, if left untreated.
Floaters and Flashes
What it is
Floaters look like small specks moving in front of your eyes. They are actually tiny clumps floating through the clear gel in your eye. Flashes look like lightening streaks. They happen when the gel pulls on its attachment to your retina, the part of the eye that senses light.
What You Need To Do
If you suddenly notice an increase in floaters or flashes, see your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) right away.
Why It’s Important
Floaters and flashes may mean there is a problem with your retina, the layer of nerve tissue at the back of the eye. A torn retina is serious and can lead to severe vision loss.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
What it is
Pink eye irritates the thin, clear layer covering the eyeball and part of the eyelid (the conjunctiva). It is often caused by a virus or bacteria, but can also be caused by allergies.
What You Need To Do
If you think you or your child has pink eye, you should see a doctor immediately. Wash your hands to prevent it from spreading. The affected person should stay home from work or school until the eye is better.
Why It’s Important
Pink eye is very common, and can be very contagious.
Presbyopia (Difficulty Seeing Up Close)
What it is
As we age, our eyes lose their ability to focus up close. This is called presbyopia. It affects everyone after age 40.
What You Need To Do
If you are having trouble reading fine print, schedule an eye exam.
Why It’s Important
Your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) can give you a prescription for reading glasses. Proper glasses can prevent tired eyes and headaches. Surgery may also be an option for those wishing to be less dependent on glasses.
Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid)
What it is
Ptosis (TOE-sis) is a drooping of the upper eyelid. It can block normal vision. Ptosis can be present in children or adults.
What You Need To Do
Children with ptosis need to be evaluated and followed by an ophthalmologist. If you think your child has ptosis, you should schedule an eye exam.
Why It’s Important
Childhood ptosis can cause amblyopia or “lazy eye.” Amblyopia is poor vision in an eye that does not develop normal sight during early childhood.
Glaucoma
What it is
Glaucoma is a disease of elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain.
What You Need To Do
Get regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.). If your vision seems blurry, if you have severe eye pain, or if you see rainbow-colored halos around lights, call your Eye M.D. right away.
Why It’s Important
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Early treatment can often prevent loss of sight.
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
What it is
The macula provides the sharp, central vision we need for reading, driving, and seeing fine detail. It is a small, but very important area in the back of the eye. Macular degeneration refers to the breakdown of the macula.
What You Need To Do
Get regular eye exams from an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.), especially after age 65. Your doctor can detect early stages of macular degeneration.
Why It’s Important
Macular degeneration can cause sudden, severe loss of vision in the middle of your visual field.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
What it is
Pink eye irritates the thin, clear layer covering the eyeball and part of the eyelid (the conjunctiva). It is often caused by a virus or bacteria, but can also be caused by allergies.
What You Need To Do
If you think you or your child has pink eye, you should see a doctor immediately. Wash your hands to prevent it from spreading. The affected person should stay home from work or school until the eye is better.
Why It’s Important
Pink eye is very common, and can be very contagious.
Refractive Errors (Near-Sightedness and Far-Sightedness)
What it is
A refractive error is the most common eye problem. When the eye focuses light either in front of or behind the retina rather than directly on it, vision is blurred.
What You Need To Do
If your vision blurs when you are looking at objects near or far, you should visit your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for an exam.
Why It’s Important
Your doctor can make sure that your eyes are healthy and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Surgery might also be an option.
Strabismus
What it is
Strabismus (struh-BIS-mus) is a condition in which the eyes point in different directions.
What You Need To Do
Your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) may suggest surgery, eye exercises, or other treatments to help your eyes focus.
Why It’s Important
To correct their inability to focus properly, many adults with strabismus have to tilt or turn their heads when focusing. They also are unable to make direct eye contact with both eyes when looking at people, which can make social situations awkward.
Uveitis
What it is
Uveitis (you-vee-EYE-tis) is an inflammation of the interior eye. The most common type of uveitis is anterior uveitis (iridocyclitis) that affect the front of the eye. When uveitis occurs in the back of the eye this is called posterior uveitis. The typical symptoms of anterior uveitis include aching eye pain, light sensitivity (photophobia), redness of the eye and decreased vision.
What You Need To Do
If your eye is red, painful, and sensitive to light, see a doctor as soon as possible to be evaluated for this condition.
Why It’s Important
Uveitis can scar the eye and lead to blindness. Uveitis can sometimes be associated with other systemic diseases that may require additional evaluation and treatment.

Presbyopia (Difficulty Seeing Up Close)
What it is
As we age, our eyes lose their ability to focus up close. This is called presbyopia. It affects everyone after age 40.
What You Need To Do
If you are having trouble reading fine print, schedule an eye exam.
Why It’s Important
Your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) can give you a prescription for reading glasses. Proper glasses can prevent tired eyes and headaches. Surgery may also be an option for those wishing to be less dependent on glasses.
Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid)
What it is
Ptosis (TOE-sis) is a drooping of the upper eyelid. It can block normal vision. Ptosis can be present in children or adults.
What You Need To Do
Children with ptosis need to be evaluated and followed by an ophthalmologist. If you think your child has ptosis, you should schedule an eye exam.
Why It’s Important
Childhood ptosis can cause amblyopia or “lazy eye.” Amblyopia is poor vision in an eye that does not develop normal sight during early childhood.
Refractive Errors (Near-Sightedness and Far-Sightedness)
What it is
A refractive error is the most common eye problem. When the eye focuses light either in front of or behind the retina rather than directly on it, vision is blurred.
What You Need To Do
If your vision blurs when you are looking at objects near or far, you should visit your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for an exam.
Why It’s Important
Your doctor can make sure that your eyes are healthy and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Surgery might also be an option.

Stye or Chalazia
What It Is
Styes and chalazia are bumps on the eyelids cause by clogged glands.
What You Need To Do
If you have a bothersome bump on your eyelid, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist.
Why It’s Important
Styes and chalazia will often resolve on their own, but some eyelid bumps may be cancerous or develop into serious infections. Proper treatment can prevent permanent damage.
Pterygium
What It Is
A pterygium is a growth of tissue onto the normally clear surface of the eye (cornea) that can interfere with vision and cause eye irritation.
What You Need To Do
Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for an evaluation of the growth you see on your eye.
Why It’s Important
If left untreated, a pterygium can lead to significant vision loss and eye irritation. Some growth can be cancerous, so evaluation by an ophthalmologist is vital.
Cornea Abrasion
What It Is
A cornea abrasion is a scratch on the clear surface of the eye. They can be caused by trauma, contact lens wear, or excessive dryness.
What You Need To Do
If your eye is painful, irritated or your vision is decreased, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist for evaluation.
Why It’s Important
Cornea abrasions and ulcers can lead to severe vision loss and scarring if left untreated.
Strabismus
What it is
Strabismus (struh-BIS-mus) is a condition in which the eyes point in different directions.
What You Need To Do
Your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) may suggest surgery, eye exercises, or other treatments to help your eyes focus.
Why It’s Important
To correct their inability to focus properly, many adults with strabismus have to tilt or turn their heads when focusing. They also are unable to make direct eye contact with both eyes when looking at people, which can make social situations awkward.
Uveitis
What it is
Uveitis (you-vee-EYE-tis) is an irritation and swelling of the middle layer of the coats of the eye. This layer is called the uvea.
What You Need To Do
If your eye is red, painful, and sensitive to light, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Why It’s Important
Uveitis can scar the eye and lead to blindness. Another serious illness or condition that needs treatment may be the cause.
Styes and Chalazia
What It Is
Styes and chalazia are bumps on the eyelids cause by clogged glands.
What You Need To Do
If you have a bothersome bump on your eyelid, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist.
Why It’s Important
Styes and chalazia will often resolve on their own, but some eyelid bumps may be cancerous or develop into serious infections. Proper treatment can prevent permanent damage.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
What It Is
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is an area of bright red bleeding or bruising on the white part of the eye.
What You Need To Do
Subconjunctival hemorrhages will resolve on their own over a few weeks just like a bruise on your skin. While generally painless and harmless, subconjunctival hemorrhages may be a sign of eye injury, high blood pressure, or other serious conditions. Therefore, evaluation by an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Why It’s Important
Subconjunctival hemorrhages may be a sign of a more serious injury or disease.

Pterygium
What It Is
A pterygium is a growth of tissue onto the normally clear surface of the eye (cornea) that can interfere with vision and cause eye irritation.
What You Need To Do
Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) for an evaluation of the growth you see on your eye.
Why It’s Important
If left untreated, a pterygium can lead to significant vision loss and eye irritation. Some growth can be cancerous, so evaluation by an ophthalmologist is vital.
Cornea Abrasion
What It Is
A cornea abrasion is a scratch on the clear surface of the eye. They can be caused by trauma, contact lens wear, or excessive dryness.
What You Need To Do
If your eye is painful, irritated or your vision is decreased, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist for evaluation.
Why It’s Important
Cornea abrasions and ulcers can lead to severe vision loss and scarring if left untreated.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
What It Is
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is an area of bright red bleeding or bruising on the white part of the eye.
What You Need To Do
Subconjunctival hemorrhages will resolve on their own over a few weeks just like a bruise on your skin. While generally painless and harmless, subconjunctival hemorrhages may be a sign of eye injury, high blood pressure, or other serious conditions. Therefore, evaluation by an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Why It’s Important
Subconjunctival hemorrhages may be a sign of a more serious injury or disease.
Other Conditions