Eye Care Articles

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): The Cause Of Your Dry Eyes?​ by All About Vision

​Meibomian gland dysfunction is blockage or some other abnormality of the meibomian glands so they don't secrete enough oil into the tears. Because the tears then evaporate too quickly, MGD is a leading cause of dry eye syndrome. It also is associated with an eyelid problem called blepharitis.

Online Eye Tests by AOA

​Online vision tests often give inaccurate or misleading information, and can misinform consumers that can delay essential, sight-saving treatment. Comprehensive eye exams with your doctor of optometry are one of the most important, preventive ways to preserve vision, and the only way to accurately assess eye health, diagnose an eye disorder or disease, and determine the need for corrective lenses.

Blue Light Blues by AOA

Research in the past decade has shown that the kinds of light our devices give off-high-energy, short-wavelength blue and violet light—may affect and even age the eyes. Today's smartphones, tablets, LED monitors and flat-screen TVs all give off light in this range. So do cool-light compact fluorescent bulbs. Although the research on this topic is in early stages, there are signs that overexposure to blue light—and the obsessive way many of us stare at our screens—could contribute to serious conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can lead to blindness.

Glaucoma by AOA

Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It most often occurs in people over age 40, although an infant (congenital) form of glaucoma exists. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans over the age of 40 and Hispanics over the age of 60 have an increased risk of developing glaucoma.