Learn how to treat a black eye.

Electronystagmography (ENG) measures normal eye movement and involuntary rapid eye movements called nystagmus. It also checks the muscles that control eye movements. ENG checks how well the eyes, inner ears, and brain help you keep your balance and position (such as when you change from lying down to standing). ENG is...

What is retinal detachment? Retinal detachment is an eye problem that happens when the retina, a thin membrane of nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye, comes off (detaches). The nerve cells in the retina normally detect light entering the eye and send signals to the brain about what the eye sees. But when the...

Pneumatic retinopexy is a surgery to repair certain types of retinal detachments. It is usually an outpatient procedure, which means you don't need to stay in the hospital. Before surgery, your eye is numbed with local anesthesia. Then the eye doctor ( ophthalmologist) injects a gas bubble into the middle of the eye...

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...

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 low-vision evaluation will help you and your doctor find ways to make the best use of your remaining vision. Your doctor will ask questions to find out how your vision loss has affected your life and what changes you have already made to cope with reduced vision. Talk with your doctor about your needs and goals...

The slit lamp exam uses a tool that provides a magnified, three-dimensional (3-D) view of the parts of the eye. During the exam, your doctor can look at the front parts of the eye. These parts include the clear, outer covering (cornea), the lens, and the colored part (iris). The doctor can also see the front part of the...

Info on healthcare professionals with training in specific areas. Links to info on physicians and other specialty doctors. Also includes links to info on other health professionals like physician assistants. Offers tips on preparing for appointments.

Optometrists are health professionals who diagnose and treat many vision problems and diseases of the eye. An optometrist is not a medical doctor, but rather a doctor of optometry (OD). Optometrists can perform routine vision testing, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, detect vision problems and eye disease...

If the eyelid has a cut that is more than a scratch (laceration), the eyeball may be damaged. Something may be puncturing the eyeball. A cut to the eye or eyelid can lead to blindness or other problems with the eye and must be looked at by a doctor. If you are wearing contact lenses at the time of an injury, the eye...

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...

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...

What is optic neuritis? Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, which lies at the back of the eye. This nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain. If it's inflamed, you may have blurred or double vision or even loss of vision. What causes it? Your doctor may not know what caused this problem...

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 are cataracts? Cataracts are a painless, cloudy area in the lens of the eye. They block the passage of light to the retina. Nerve cells in the retina detect light entering the eye and send nerve signals to the brain about what the eye sees. Because cataracts block this light, they can cause vision problems. What...

Contact lenses are small plastic or silicone discs shaped to correct refractive errors. After your doctor tests your vision, you will get a prescription for the lens you need. Your prescription may change over time. Contacts are placed directly on the eye, where they float on a film of tears in front of the cornea...

What is presbyopia? Presbyopia is the normal worsening of vision with age, especially near vision. As you approach middle age, the lenses in your eyes begin to thicken and lose their flexibility. This makes it harder for your eyes to focus on objects at varying distances. Depending on how far away an object is, a muscle...

Several types of hard and soft contact lenses are available. Consult an eye doctor who is willing to work with you to select the best type of lens for your needs and lifestyle. Hard contact lenses Hard contact lenses correct refractive errors, including astigmatism, with no distortion. Most hard contact lenses are made...