A dilated eye exam lets your eye doctor see the back of your eye ( retina). It's usually done as part of a regular eye exam. To do the test, the doctor uses a light and a magnifying tool. Why is a dilated eye exam done? This test is done to look for eye problems and eye diseases. It also can be used to find other...

The drainage angle is the point in the eye where the colored part of the eye (iris) and the white covering over the eye (sclera) meet. This is where fluid within the inner eye (which is different from tears that lubricate the eye's outer surface) drains. Blockage of this angle can lead to increased pressure in the eye...

Not having enough tears (dry eye) is caused by a lack of one or more of the substances that make up tears. Dry eyes are common in those who wear contact lenses. Eye diseases, other diseases, and certain medicines can also cause dry eyes. What are the symptoms of dry eyes in people who wear contact lenses? Symptoms of...

An eye injury may occur at the same time as a facial injury. Symptoms that mean an eye injury may be more serious and require medical attention include: An eye that does not move normally in all directions. Double or blurred vision that is not cleared by blinking. Pain in the eyeball itself or in or around the eye when...

Gonioscopy is an eye examination to look at the front part of your eye (anterior chamber) between the cornea and the iris. Gonioscopy is a painless examination to see whether the area where fluid drains out of your eye (called the drainage angle) is open or closed. It is often done during a regular eye examination...

Briefly discusses eye problems, including watery eyes, drainage, eyelid problems and problems related to health conditions. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

What is strabismus? Strabismus (say "struh-BIZ-mus") is a vision problem in which both eyes do not look at the same point at the same time. Strabismus most often begins in early childhood. It is sometimes called crossed-eyes, walleye, or squint. Normally, the muscles attached to each eye work together to move both eyes...

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in eye care. Ophthalmology is a surgical subspecialty. Ophthalmologists are licensed by state medical boards to practice medicine and are usually board-certified in ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists are certified to: Diagnose and treat all forms of eye disease...

If you are using both eyedrops and eye ointment, put the eyedrops in at least 10 minutes before the ointment. If you have an eye infection, don't wear contact lenses while you are using the ointment, unless your doctor has told you it's okay. Using a mirror may make it easier to see what you are doing. Here are the...

Briefly discusses causes of eye injuries, including sports, work activities, recreational activities, and foreign objects. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Briefly discusses foreign objects in eye and protective eyewear. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by diabetes. Diabetes can damage small blood vessels in part of your eye. This can lead to poor vision and blindness. What causes it? Diabetes damages small blood vessels throughout the body. Diabetic retinopathy happens when prolonged high...

Retinal imaging uses special cameras and scanners to make magnified images, or pictures, of the back of your eye. This includes the retina. It's the part of the eye that's most responsible for your vision. Common imaging methods include: Color and black-and-white photography. A camera magnifies the back of your eye and...

A tonometry test measures the pressure inside your eye, which is called intraocular pressure (IOP). This test is used to check for glaucoma, an eye disease that can cause blindness by damaging the nerve in the back of the eye ( optic nerve). Damage to the optic nerve may be caused by a buildup of fluid that does not...

A cataract is a painless, cloudy area in the lens of your eye. A cataract blocks light from reaching the retina (the nerve layer at the back of the eye) and may cause vision problems. Cataracts are common in older adults and are linked to aging. Smoking and exposure to too much sunlight are other risk factors. Cataracts...

Ice and cold packs can reduce the pain, swelling, and bleeding of an injury. Cold therapy is usually used immediately after an injury. For an eye injury, use one of the following methods: Ice towel. Wet a towel with cold water and squeeze it until it is just damp. Fold the towel, place it in a plastic bag, and freeze it...

Briefly discusses causes of pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Covers symptoms like red eyes and itching or burning feeling. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Briefly discusses causes of burns, including chemicals, UV light, hot steam, and flash fires. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Keeping contacts clean and safe The following tips can help you keep your contacts clean and safe. This will help keep your eyes healthy and your vision as clear as possible. Carefully follow the cleaning instructions for your lenses. Keep your lenses and all supplies very clean. Always wash and rinse your hands...