Changing Vision? How to Make Sure Your Eyes are Healthy (2024)

Dr. Miller: Your vision has been changing rapidly over time, could that be a problem with you cornea? We're going to talk about that next on Scope Radio, and I'm Dr Tom Miller.

Announcer: Access to our experts with in-depth information about the biggest health issues facing you today. The Specialists with Dr Tom Miller is on The Scope.

Dr. Miller: I'm here with Balamurali Ambati, and he's a professor of ophthalmology here at the University of Utah. And we're going to talk a bit about problems that arise with the cornea, which is the foremost part of the eye that faces the environment.

Dr. Ambati: The cornea is the front window of the eye, and it has layers to it. Even though it's very thin, it's only about 0.5mm thick, it has five different layers. And the two most common problems of the cornea are a condition called keratoconus, where the cornea changes from its normal spherical shape into more of a cone-like shape.

Dr. Miller: And it does this over time?

Dr. Ambati: And it does this over time. And usually it does this in the late teenage years, 20s and 30s. So it's a condition primarily of young adults who may know or report that the eye has been unstable and changing. Most people, the eye stops growing by age 20 or 21, and the prescription...

Dr. Miller: Like the bones almost.

Dr. Ambati: Exactly, the prescription is stable. But if someone's astigmatism is changing... Astigmatism is when the cornea is shaped more like a football than a perfect sphere. That can be an early sign of keratoconus, and patients might report needing to go from soft lenses to soft toric lenses, or to hard contact lenses. They might report increasing near-sightedness and increasing astigmatism over the course of years. And this is something that is often undiagnosed till late stages, and so if you do have an unstable refraction or fluctuating vision over time it would be wise to get a cornea scan with an ophthalmologist.

Dr. Miller: What's the difference between, as you mentioned, fluctuating eyesight and progressive worsening of vision? Can you give a definition of that? I know you mentioned that when we talked about keratoconus as a problem.

Dr. Ambati: In fluctuating vision, which can occur especially in Fuchs' Dystrophy, the vision is different between morning and afternoon. In progressive loss of vision over the course of years, people recognize that their vision was not as bad a year ago, or two years ago.

Dr. Miller: The end result of that would bet at some point perhaps the contacts and lenses are no longer are effective in changing the vision, would that be the end stage?

Dr. Ambati: That can occur. The end stage of keratoconus requires what is called a cornea transplant, to replace the cornea with a donated cornea from someone who's passed away and donated their eye. Fortunately now, in the last five years, we've really changed the management of keratoconus to where we can prevent advancement from mild or moderate keratoconus to advanced keratoconus.

With things like intacs, which are rings that are placed inside the cornea that provide structural support, they're essentially an under-wire for the cornea to change it from a cone to a sphere. As well as the emerging technology of cross-linking, where we use a laser to stiffen the cornea and prevent weakening of the cornea.

Dr. Miller: So there are different options in the treatment?

Dr. Ambati: Very much so.

Dr. Miller: So is this a hereditary problem?

Dr. Ambati: It is a hereditary problem with what's called variable penetrance. So if you have a first degree relative with it you're at a higher risk for it.

Dr. Miller: Somewhat like glaucoma.

Dr. Ambati: Indeed.

Dr. Miller: And so if someone has a family history of keratoconus should they seek out an ophthalmological examination and a cornea scan?

Dr. Ambati: I think that would be advisable if they have any significant near-sightedness or astigmatism. And certainly it would be advisable if they are considering LASIK. One of the things that we do at Moran Eye Center is to carefully screen patients coming in for potential LASIK or laser vision correction to make sure they don't have keratoconus or other cornea problems.

Dr. Miller: So just to be sure, if one has keratoconus does it always require a transplant or is there, as you said, variable stages of the development of the problem?

Dr. Ambati: It is definitely a spectrum of progression, and if we can catch it in the mild or moderate stage the goal would be to employ intacs, or cross-linking, or some of these other options to prevent the need for cornea transplant.

Dr. Miller: Are there any other problems with the cornea? I notice since the cornea is the forward facing part to the environment, UV radiation, sunlight, does that affect the cornea more so than other parts of the eye such as the lens or retina?

Dr. Ambati: Certainly patients who are exposed to a lot of sunlight and UV light can develop pterygium, which is a growth on the surface of the cornea.

Dr. Miller: So that's a result of UV exposure sometimes?

Dr. Ambati: Indeed. And the UV radiation can also damage the back layer of the cornea, which is the endothelium. And those cells are actually what's called post-mitotic, they can't replace themselves. And so that can contribute to a condition called Fuchs' Dystrophy, where the cells of the back of the cornea slowly die. And that does require a partial thickness cornea transplant, but not a full cornea transplant, just replacing the back layer of the cornea. And those two conditions, Fuchs' Dystrophy and keratoconus, are probably the two most common causes of needing a cornea transplant procedure.

Dr. Miller: So in summary, would it be advisable if one has a family history of either of these problems to probably seek an ophthalmologic examination sometime in their 20s, or perhaps if they are having changing vision or astigmatism?

Dr. Ambati: Yeah, if you have fluctuating vision it is advisable to see an ophthalmologist at any time of your life. If you have a family history of keratoconus, in your brothers, sisters or parents, I think it would be advisable to see an ophthalmologist in the early or mid 20s. And if you have a family history of Fuchs' Dystrophy, that usually presents itself in the 40s or 50s, so that would be the best time to present.

Dr. Miller: Untreated what would be the end result of this if it continues untreated?

Dr. Ambati: Without therapy you would eventually lose vision, your eye would become cloudy and scarred. But generally people come well before that.

Dr. Miller: Thank you very much.

Dr. Ambati: Thank you.

Announcer: TheScopeRadio.com is university of Utah Health Sciences Radio. If you like what you heard, be sure to get our latest content by following us on Facebook, just click on the Facebook icon at TheScopeRadio.com.

Changing Vision? How to Make Sure Your Eyes are Healthy (2024)

FAQs

How do I make sure my eyes are healthy? ›

Use these 10 tips to take care of your eyes.
  1. Eat right to protect your sight. Keep your eyes healthy by eating a well-balanced diet. ...
  2. Get moving. ...
  3. Speak up if your vision changes. ...
  4. Wear your glasses. ...
  5. Keep the germs away. ...
  6. Gear up. ...
  7. Wear your shades. ...
  8. Give your eyes a break.
Jun 10, 2022

What are 5 ways to protect your eyes? ›

Stick with these healthy habits to lower your risk of eye problems as you age
  • Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection ...
  • Eat right. ...
  • Exercise. ...
  • Get the right amount of sleep. ...
  • Give your eyes a break. ...
  • Practice good eye hygiene. ...
  • Get regular eye exams. ...
  • Keep eyes well moisturized.
Nov 11, 2021

What are 3 different ways to correct vision? ›

Poor vision from refractive errors can often be corrected with glasses, contacts or surgery. Treatments for other eye conditions depend on the cause and the level of severity. It may include eye drops, medications, laser treatments or surgery.

How do I reset my vision? ›

Eye Strain Fix #1: Reset Your Vision

“Resetting our eyes from close-up to far off gives them a rest and helps reset our focus,” says Dr. Veteto. The Mayo Clinic recommends the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes spent at a computer or device, turn your eyes toward something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.

How do you take care of your eyes and vision? ›

Vision care
  1. Eat at least 5 servings daily of fruits and vegetables.
  2. Don't smoke.
  3. Take regular breaks while doing computer work and other tasks that mostly involve your eyes.
  4. Wear your glasses. ...
  5. Wear sunglasses when outdoors that protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays.

How do I know if my vision is good? ›

20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance.

Which vitamin is good for eyes? ›

Vitamin A and vision make potent allies. Carrots contain lots of beta carotene and Vitamin A, which can contribute to your eyes' health and may provide a fantastic source of eye vitamins for macular degeneration and cataracts. Good sources of Vitamin A and rhodopsin are also abundant in carrots.

How can I clean my eyes naturally? ›

Salt water

Salt water, or saline, is one of the most effective home remedies for eye infections. Saline is similar to teardrops, which is your eye's way of naturally cleansing itself. Salt also has antimicrobial properties. Because of this, it only stands to reason that saline can treat eye infections effectively.

What can damage your eyesight? ›

Some of the most common causes that damage eyesight include:
  • Aging. As we age, our eyesight can deteriorate from macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. ...
  • UV Sunlight. ...
  • Excessive Use of Alcohol. ...
  • Too Much Screen Time. ...
  • Overuse of Eye Drops. ...
  • Contact Lenses. ...
  • Smoking. ...
  • Dry Eye.
May 14, 2020

How can I improve my blurry vision? ›

Natural treatments that could help blurry vision
  1. Rest and recovery. Human eyes are sensitive and need rest just like the rest of your body, so make sure you're getting enough decent sleep. ...
  2. Lubricate the eyes. ...
  3. Improve air quality. ...
  4. Stop smoking. ...
  5. Avoid allergens. ...
  6. Take omega-3 fatty acids. ...
  7. Protect your eyes. ...
  8. Take vitamin A.
Jun 11, 2021

What are the 4 common vision problems? ›

The leading causes of blindness and low vision in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Can you reset my eyes only? ›

Unfortunately, if you don't know your current My Eyes Only passcode, there is no way to access Snaps that you saved to My Eyes Only. Team Snapchat cannot help you recover or access your forgotten passcode or Snaps that you saved to My Eyes Only.

How do I reset my tired eyes? ›

If you work at a desk and use a computer, these self-care steps can help take some of the strain off your eyes.
  1. Blink often to refresh your eyes. ...
  2. Take eye breaks. ...
  3. Check the lighting and reduce glare. ...
  4. Adjust your monitor. ...
  5. Use a document holder. ...
  6. Adjust your screen settings.
Sep 15, 2022

Can bad vision go back to normal? ›

Some conditions that involve eye damage or vision damage can be reversed while others can't. That's why it's so important to see an eye doctor often to monitor the health of your eyes and your vision. We can detect problems before they become severe and make you blind.

Which fruit juice is good for eyes? ›

Look to Fruits and Vegetables for Good Eye Health
Foods Rich in Antioxidants for Eye HealthAntioxidants Related to Eye Health
Red berries, kiwi, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and juices made from guava, grapefruit, and orange.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
5 more rows

How do you strengthen your optic nerve? ›

There are no effective treatments to regenerate nerve cells or to restore connections between the eye and brain once the optic nerve is lost. This is a major barrier in the field and one that must be overcome, given the substantial number of patients suffering from optic neuropathy-associated blindness.

How can you tell if you have eye problems? ›

Eye problems in adults
  • Blurry distant objects.
  • Blurry nearby objects.
  • Blurry or blind spot in center of vision.
  • Blurry vision at all distances.
  • Bright zigzag lines.
  • Clouded, hazy or dim vision.
  • Double vision.
  • Fading of colors.

What does a healthy eye see? ›

Visual acuity and your eyesight

Experts consider normal, or healthy, visual acuity to be 20/20 vision. That simply means that you can clearly see something 20 feet away that you should be able to see from that distance.

What food makes eyesight better? ›

5 best foods for eye health
  • Carrots. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A. ...
  • Kale. Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and broccoli are rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are present in high concentrations in the retina. ...
  • Red peppers. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Oysters.
Feb 1, 2022

Which vegetable is good for eyes? ›

Kale, spinach, and collard greens, for example, are rich in both vitamins C and E. They also have the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These plant-based forms of vitamin A lower your risk of long-term eye diseases, including AMD and cataracts.

Do eye vitamins really work? ›

“You can get the vitamins you need through your diet. And there is little evidence connecting vitamin supplements with improved eye health.” There's one exception for a specific eye condition: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Is Cold water good for your eyes? ›

Cold water is effective in improving blood circulation and relaxing strained eyes. It is similar to the warm compress method except you dip a soft, clean cloth into cold water instead.

How can I improve my vision in 7 days? ›

If you want to improve your vision in 7 days, start eating healthy foods, do regular full-body exercises and eye exercises, quit smoking, get enough sleep and give rest to your eyes. Foods like carrots and almonds have excellent abilities that can help in improving your eyesight without glasses.

How do you clean your eyes every morning? ›

Keep Your Eyes Clean

The best way to clean your eyes (and, it feels good!) is to lay a washcloth soaked with very warm water on your eyelids and lashes and gently clean them. If your eyes seem to be extra-sticky, relax and leave the washcloth on there for a few minutes.

How do I make sure my eyesight doesn't get worse? ›

Tips to Prevent Vision Loss
  1. Your eyes are an important part of your health. ...
  2. Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. ...
  3. Maintain your blood sugar levels. ...
  4. Know your family's eye health history. ...
  5. Eat right to protect your sight. ...
  6. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  7. Wear protective eyewear. ...
  8. Quit smoking or never start.

Are eggs bad for your eyes? ›

Eggs are a great food to eat for eye health. The yolks contain vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc, which are all vital to eye health. Vitamin A safeguards the cornea. The cornea is the surface of the eye.

How can I increase oxygen to my eyes? ›

Exercise regularly

Growing scientific evidence suggests that aerobic exercise can increase crucial oxygen supplies to the optic nerve and lower pressure in the eye. Reducing intraocular 'eye' pressure can help control conditions such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

What causes eyes to be weak? ›

Some of the most common causes of low vision include age-related macular degeneration, diabetes and glaucoma. Low vision may also result from cancer of the eye, albinism, brain injury or inherited disorders of the eye including retinitis pigmentosa.

Can you train your eyes to not need glasses? ›

Practiced faithfully, eye exercises may actually help delay the need for glasses or contacts in some people. But you don't need to buy a special program of exercises or follow prescribed visual gymnastics to accomplish these things.

What is the most common cause of blurred vision? ›

A refractive error is a disorder that happens when the eyes can't focus images correctly. The term includes these conditions: astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. You can often correct these conditions with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. Refractive errors are the most common cause of blurred vision.

What is the best eye drops for blurry vision? ›

Here are some of the best eye drops for blurry vision: Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops: These artificial tears are designed to provide long-lasting relief from dryness and irritation, which can help reduce blurry vision caused by dry eyes.

Why do my eyes keep going blurry? ›

Common causes of blurry vision in one eye include refractive errors, infections, migraine, and cataracts. Most causes of blurry vision are not serious. However, it is important to consult a doctor about sudden or persistent blurry vision, as it could be a symptom of a condition that requires treatment.

What are 2 common causes for vision problems? ›

The four most common eye conditions leading to loss of vision or blindness are:
  • Cataracts.
  • Diabetes-related retinopathy.
  • Glaucoma.
  • Age-related macular degeneration.
Jan 14, 2022

Which eye disease is not treatable? ›

Vision loss usually starts in childhood — but some people with Stargardt disease don't start to lose their vision until they're adults. There's no treatment for Stargardt disease, but vision rehabilitation can help people make the most of their remaining vision.

What causes sudden vision changes? ›

Overview. Different conditions, including keratitis, trauma, hyphema, uveitis, acute glaucoma, optic neuritis, papilledema and retinal detachment, can cause sudden loss of vision.

Can you save directly to my eyes only? ›

After you save a Snap or Story to Memories, you can move it to My Eyes Only. You can also move photos and videos from your Camera Roll to My Eyes Only. To move Snaps from Memories to My Eyes Only… (You may be prompted to enter your passcode.)

Can anyone see your eyes only? ›

Without the password, no one can view the things you've saved to My Eyes Only — not even us! Be careful, though, because if you forget your password, there's no way to recover those encrypted Snaps.

What do tired eyes look like? ›

Puffy eyelids, under-eye bags, and dark circles under the eyes are the tell-tale signs of tired eyes. You can immediately tell if someone's been crying, exhausted, or up all night by looking at their eyes. However, lack of sleep and fatigue aren't the only reasons why your eyes may look weary.

Why do I look so tired all the time? ›

Lack of water in the body can make you look tired and leads to swelling of eyes. This happens because the skin around your eyes is very sensitive and dehydration can make them look exhausted. So, even after getting seven to eight hours of sleep, drink plenty of fluid.

What happens when your eyes are too tired? ›

Eyestrain symptoms include: Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes. Watery or dry eyes. Blurred or double vision.

Can anxiety affect vision? ›

When we are severely stressed and anxious, high levels of adrenaline in the body can cause pressure on the eyes, resulting in blurred vision. People with long-term anxiety can suffer from eye strain throughout the day on a regular basis.

What age do your eyes start to go bad? ›

Beginning in the early to mid-40s, many adults may start to have problems seeing clearly at close distances, especially when reading and working on the computer. This is among the most common problems adults develop between ages 41 to 60.

How long does it take to restore vision? ›

On average, the expected recovery timeline is 2 to 4 weeks, but it can take up to several months for vision to fully recover. Vision will likely be blurry for a few weeks and it may still be up to 3 to 6 months before vision improves.

What are the symptoms of bad eyes? ›

  • Inability to distinguish certain shades of color.
  • Loss of side vision.
  • Objects appear crooked or distorted.
  • Poor night vision.
  • Progressive expansion of shadow or curtain over visual field.
  • Seeing nonexistent things, or hallucinating.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Shimmering spots or stars.

Can you tell your health through your eyes? ›

A thorough eye exam with your ophthalmologist or optometrist can uncover clues about the state of your whole body. Your eye care provider may be able to tell whether or not you are suffering from a serious disease or medical condition just by examining blood vessels and nerves in your eyes.

How do you know if you have poor eyesight? ›

Some common symptoms include:
  • blurred vision.
  • double vision.
  • fuzziness, as in objects don't have defined, clear lines and things seem a bit hazy.
  • headaches.
  • squinting.
  • objects have “auras” or “halos” around them in bright light.
  • eyestrain, or eyes that feel tired or irritated.
  • distorted vision.
Mar 2, 2018

What is the good vitamins for the eyes? ›

Vitamins A, C, and E and other nutrients like beta carotene, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a lower risk of developing severe eye disease. The best way to get these vitamins is by eating a well-balanced diet.

When should you worry about your eyes? ›

If you experience sudden blurriness or a distortion in your vision, like a straight line that appears wavy, consult your eye doctor immediately. Sudden blurry vision can affect either your peripheral vision or in your central vision, and can be a sign of many very serious eye conditions.

What age do your eyes start going bad? ›

Encountering problems with near vision after 40

Now your eyes don't have enough focusing power to see clearly for reading and other close vision tasks. Losing this focusing ability for near vision, called presbyopia, occurs because the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible.

Does anxiety affect your vision? ›

When we are severely stressed and anxious, high levels of adrenaline in the body can cause pressure on the eyes, resulting in blurred vision. People with long-term anxiety can suffer from eye strain throughout the day on a regular basis.

What illness can your eyes show? ›

A comprehensive eye examination can detect, monitor and even predict many systemic (bodily) diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, as well as many autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

How do I check my eyes at home? ›

How to Do an At-Home Eye Test
  1. Print or purchase a vision chart. ...
  2. Tape the chart on a wall. ...
  3. Place your child's chair ten feet away from the chart.
  4. Ask your child to cover one of his or her eyes. ...
  5. Light the vision chart. ...
  6. Have your child read each line of the chart. ...
  7. Repeat the process with your child's other eye covered.
Apr 22, 2020

What your eyes tell you about your liver? ›

Yellow Whites of Your Eyes

When your skin and eyes look yellow, that's called jaundice. It often means you have liver problems and is caused by high levels of bilirubin, something your liver makes more of when it's inflamed or damaged. Bad diet, cancer, infection, and chronic alcohol abuse can all damage your liver.

Can I get my eyesight back to normal? ›

We can't correct our vision without professional help, and there's no quick-and-easy fix for eyesight problems. But with tools such as good nutrition and diet, you can still help your eyesight naturally and on your own. As always, please discuss with your eye doctor.

Why can I suddenly see better without my glasses? ›

Why is that? Answer: Some call this "second sight" which has a simple physiological explanation. As the lens of the eye hardens as we age (the predecessor of frank cataracts) it changes the way light is "bent" as it enters the eye much the way different prescriptions in a pair of glasses do.

What does weak vision look like? ›

Low vision can include blind spots, poor night vision and blurry sight. The most common causes are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes. Visual aids can help people with low vision.

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