Eyes and Vision

What should I look for in a pair of high-quality sunglasses?

DEAR DOCTOR K: During my last eye exam, my eye doctor advised me to buy a pair of "high quality" sunglasses. But she didn't tell me what she meant by high quality. Can you help?

DEAR READER: When you buy sunglasses, it's natural to look for a style that looks good on you and is comfortable. But don't fail to consider the most important detail: the amount of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation the lenses screen out. Without proper UV protection, sunglasses can work against you by enabling you to see comfortably in light that is harming your eyes.

What is astigmatism?



Have there been any recent advances in cataract surgery?

DEAR DOCTOR K: My husband had cataract surgery 10 years ago. Now it's my turn. Have there been any advances in the past decade that I should know about?

DEAR READER: A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. It commonly causes poor vision and blindness among older adults. But cataracts can be surgically removed and replaced with artificial lenses. In fact, cataract surgery has become fairly routine. The vast majority of people who undergo this procedure have excellent outcomes.

Am I too old for LASIK surgery?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I would like to have LASIK surgery to treat my nearsightedness. I'm 54 -- is that too old to have this surgery?

DEAR READER: LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) can correct common eye problems: nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It can eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.

What is retinal vessel occlusion?

DEAR DOCTOR K: A friend recently lost vision in his right eye because of something called "retinal vessel occlusion." What is that? Can it be prevented?

DEAR READER: The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that receives light and then sends a signal to the brain -- resulting in vision. Most of the blood circulation to the retina comes through one artery and one vein. If either blood vessel or one of their smaller branches is blocked, this is called an occlusion.




Any reason not to get inexpensive drugstore reading glasses instead of pricier versions?

DEAR DOCTOR K: My vision has been getting worse, and I definitely need reading glasses. Is there any reason not to get the inexpensive ones sold at the drugstore?

DEAR READER: If you're over 40, reading glasses can be a necessity. Many people end up buying several pairs at the drugstore. They are inexpensive and available in a wide variety of styles. (Not to mention that reading glasses tend to be easily misplaced.)

How does diabetes affect vision?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Can you explain how diabetes affects vision?

DEAR READER: Both of the common types of diabetes, Type 1 (which usually begins in childhood) and Type 2 (which usually begins in adulthood), can affect vision in several ways. After 20 years of having Type 2 diabetes, most people have eye problems. But the risk can be reduced, as I'll explain.

Can I do anything to reduce the risk of glaucoma?

DEAR DOCTOR K: My mother has open-angle glaucoma. This increases my risk for glaucoma. Can I do anything to reduce that risk?

DEAR READER: You're right to think that your risk is increased. Because your mother has the condition, your chance of getting it is at least double that of most people you know. That doesn't mean you definitely will get glaucoma; it just means you inherit a risk, and therefore need to be particularly careful.

How can we protect our eyes from the sun?

DEAR DOCTOR K: Does spending time in the sun pose a threat to our eyes? What can we do to protect ourselves?

DEAR READER: Yes, it does. And to a large extent, the damage may already be done. I spoke to Dr. Louis Pasquale, an ophthalmologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. He noted that spending a lot of time in the sun without sunglasses when you're young may put you at risk for developing eye problems when you're older. The damage would probably be done in your 20s and 30s.