Dry Eye Archives

Red Eye Drops: What Are the Risks?

Written By Courtney Dryer

“Get the red out” eye drops are often advertised as a quick, easy solution for red, irritated eyes. These red eye drops are popular, cheap, and readily available.

Who hasn’t picked up one of these at the drugstore for a recurring red eye? But are they safe for long-term use?

While these products can temporarily reduce redness, they often contain ingredients called vasoconstrictors that constrict blood vessels to alleviate redness for a short time. Unfortunately, chronic use of these red eye drops can lead to long-term eye health issues, including “rebound redness,” worsening dryness, and even more serious eye conditions.

What is Ocular Rosacea? What You Should Know

Written By Courtney Dryer

What is rosacea? Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition resulting in reddening skin and a rash on the nose and cheeks. Blood vessels and pus-filled spots are common signs. The skin can also become dry, swollen, flaky, and may burn or itch. The condition is non-contagious and can vary in severity. Most people are familiar with rosacea of the skin, but they’re less familiar with ocular rosacea.

Light Therapy for Dry Eye Disease

Written By Courtney Dryer

Dry eye is a disorder of the tear film due to tear deficiency or excessive evaporation.

The most common reasons for dry eye include age, digital device use, contact lens wear, and the use of medication. The most common symptoms are itching, inconsistently blurry vision, redness, watery eyes, grittiness, burning, and eye fatigue.

A dry eye diagnosis is usually made from a patient’s dry eye symptoms, and the signs present on the front of the eye, confirmed through specific tests. Dry eye disease can be frustrating for both the patient and doctor because it’s considered chronic. The symptoms don’t always match the appearance of the eye that your eye doctor sees. It may require life-long treatment.

Can Vaping Cause Eye Problems? What to Know

Written By Michael Healy

The emergence of electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, and vapes marks a significant shift in how people consume nicotine. Initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, vaping devices have quickly gained popularity, particularly among teens and young adults.

The allure of different flavors, sleek designs, and a perceived safer product has fueled the exponential growth of the vaping industry, transforming it into a multi-billion-dollar market with an estimated 85 million people worldwide using e-cigarettes and vapes on a regular basis.

However, as we learn more about vaping, a number of serious health risks are beginning to surface. As you might expect, much of this attention has focused on the adverse effects of vaping on respiratory and cardiovascular health. However, like smoking, vaping contributes to significant negative health effects on more than just the heart and lungs.

Which leads us to the question: Can vaping cause eye problems? And the answer is becoming clearer with more research.

Eye Health and Vitamins: The Truth About Their Connection

Written By Courtney Dryer

Have you ever wondered about the connection between eye health and vitamins? Can taking vitamins improve your eye health? What about your vision? Or are eye vitamins a hoax, just like carrots decrease the risk of needing glasses for poor vision? Here are a few truths about eye health and vitamins, and the effect they can have on vision and the prevention of disease.