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...

Many eye problems are treated with eyedrops or eye ointments, and sometimes with both. Even though drops and ointments are widely used, many people don't know the best way to put them in. But with a little preparation, you can comfortably and easily put drops or ointment in your eyes. Eyedrops and eye ointments can...

If you are wearing contacts, remove them before you flush your eye. If you can't remove a contact, flush your eye with the contact in place. Flush the eye from the inner corner toward the outer corner. Use large amounts of water. This prevents a substance in the eye from washing into the other eye. Flushing the eye will...

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...

The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. In a healthy eye, the conjunctiva is clear and colorless. The sclera is the tough outer layer of the eyeball (the white of the eye). The slight bulge in the sclera at the front of the eye is a clear, thin, dome-shaped tissue called the cornea...

What is dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome is a problem involving your tears. Your eyes need tears to stay clean and healthy. Tears are made by glands behind your upper eyelid. Every time you blink, the tears are pushed across your eye, keeping it moist. They flow into tiny openings, called tear ducts, in the inner...

A chemical burn can be caused by alkaline or acid products, metals, and hydrocarbons, such as gas. If you wear contacts, remove them before flushing your eye. If you can't remove a contact, flush the eye with the contact in place. Many workplaces have eye wash stations for burns to the eye. Know where they are and how...

Immediately flush the eye with cool water. Fill a sink or dishpan with water. Put your face in the water, then open and close your eyelids to force water to all parts of your eye. You can also flush your eye under a running faucet or shower. You may need to open and close your eyelids with your fingers. Move your eye in...

Amblyopia is a childhood problem that happens when one eye is weaker than the other. The brain chooses to take in images only from the stronger eye. If the weak eye doesn't have to work, it isn't able to develop good vision. This leads to poor vision in the weaker eye. For amblyopia to be treated, your child must use...

In the treatment of glaucoma, your eye doctor will try to keep your eye pressure ( intraocular pressure, or IOP) from rising above a certain level. That level of pressure is called your target pressure. Maintaining the target pressure in your eyes can reduce the risk of optic nerve damage. It may help slow the...

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.

All children need routine vision checks and eye exams with their pediatrician or family doctor. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommend that all children have an eye exam during the newborn...

If you know that you are not at risk for eye disease and you don't have signs of vision problems, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a complete eye exam to check for eye disease and vision problems: Every 5 to 10 years if you are younger than 40. Every 2 to 4 years if you are age 40 to 54. (Starting at age...

Learn how to treat a black eye.

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...

The day after surgery to remove a cataract, you will most likely be allowed to return to your normal activities. But you need to take certain precautions. Use eyedrops as prescribed by your doctor. Wash your hands before putting drops in your eye. Be careful not to touch your eye with your hands or the tip of the...

The eye is shaped like a round ball, with a slight bulge at the front. The eye has three main layers. These layers lie flat against each other and form the eyeball. The outer layer of the eyeball is a tough, white, opaque membrane called the sclera (

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye problems, diseases, and injuries. Ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma; prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses; treat eye injuries; and perform eye surgeries, such as...

In a normal eye, light passes through the pupil and is focused by the lens onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina converts light into electrical impulses that are carried to the brain. The brain interprets the impulses as visual images. One part of the retina—the macula—provides sharp, clear central vision...

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...

The iris is the colored part of the eye. A circular muscle in the iris controls the amount of light entering the eye through the pupil, the black area in the center of the iris. The cornea is the outer clear, round structure that covers the iris and the pupil. The cornea directs light rays into the eye and helps focus...