Can glaucoma treatment prevent vision loss?

Posted March 30, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I was recently diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma. What can I expect in terms of treatment? Will the doctor be able to save my vision?

DEAR READER: Our eyes are filled with clear fluid. In glaucoma, pressure builds up in the fluid. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve, which carries information from the eye to the brain. Because of the damage to the optic nerve, the information reaching the brain is reduced, and you cannot see as clearly.

How are cataracts treated?

Posted March 16, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have cataracts. What are my treatment options?

DEAR READER: “Cataract” means “huge waterfall.” And that’s how some people with cataracts describe their clouded sight — like trying to look through a waterfall.

How can I keep my eyes healthy?

Posted March 02, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’ve heard so much advice on keeping your eyes healthy. Can you help me sort it out?

DEAR READER: Not all of the advice you’ve heard about eye health is true. Here are some common myths:

What can I expect during LASIK surgery?

Posted January 31, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’ve worn glasses and contact lenses for years. I just scheduled LASIK surgery. What will happen during this procedure?

DEAR READER: LASIK is a type of eye surgery for people, like you, who want to avoid wearing glasses or contact lenses. How does it work? To answer that, let’s talk about how you see.

How can I treat eyelid cysts?

Posted October 31, 2011

DEAR DR. K: I have small white bumps on my eyelids that drive me crazy. They don’t hurt, but they look awful. A doctor told me they are meibomian cysts. He said they are harmless, but if I want to get rid of them, I’ll need surgery. What do you think?

DEAR READER: These little cysts are harmless in one respect: They are not a form of cancer. But I wouldn’t call them harmless if they bother you every time you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.

How can I relieve watery eyes?

Posted October 26, 2011

DEAR DOCTOR K: I am 63 and have tears running down my face at odd times. What’s going on, and what can I do about it?

DEAR READER: Watery eyes are a common problem for adults. And there’s often an effective treatment.

Do reading glasses make eyesight worse?

Posted October 04, 2011

DEAR DOCTOR K: I am starting to have trouble with my vision, especially when I’m reading. I just can’t seem to focus on the words as well as I once did. But I’ve heard that wearing glasses to help me read will make my eyesight worse. Is that true?

DEAR READER: You can rest easy. Glasses won’t make your eyesight worse. They will make it easier for you to enjoy reading, though. Many people start having trouble reading in their mid-40s. That’s because of a condition called presbyopia, in which the lens of the eye has more trouble focusing on things.

Eyes and Vision