Woman's World

12 Secrets Your Eye Doctor Won’t Tell You—but Wish Women Over 50 Knew

Rachel Cosma — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:00:10 +0000

Most of us visit optometrists and ophthalmologists to sharpen fuzzy vision, yet these eye care specialists help with so much more. From easing dry eyes and lifting sagging lids to protecting long-term eyesight and spotting health issues even before your MD, they wish they had time to share all they know. So, we asked leading eye doctors to reveal the surprising secrets they wish every woman over 50 knew.

12 secrets from leading eye doctors

Here’s what the experts want you to know:

Exams aren’t just for ‘problems’

Even if your eyesight seems sharp or your current prescription feels fine, it’s still important to visit your eye doctor regularly. “Many serious eye conditions—such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy—develop quietly without affecting vision at first,” says Karen Allison, MD, an ophthalmologist and board member of the nonprofit organization Prevent Blindness. To stay ahead of potential issues, she advises getting a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, or annually if you have risk factors such as a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension or prior eye surgeries.

Eye docs spot other health issues

An optometry exam can reveal far more than just eye problems—it may offer clues about your overall health, says Parres Wright, OD, associate professor at Midwestern University-Chicago College of Optometry and low vision specialist. “Early signs of stroke risk, type 2 diabetes and hypertension often show up in the eye before other symptoms,” she says. That’s thanks to the eye’s unique anatomy. “The retina is the only place in the body where we can directly see blood vessels without invasive methods.”

Dry eye isn’t always ‘dry’

Eyes feel irritated though not necessarily dry? It could still be dry eye, says ophthalmologist Melissa Toyos, MD, partner and research director at Toyos Clinic. This condition shows up in lots of different ways: “Dry eye can cause blurry or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity (especially to fluorescent lights), eye fatigue or headaches.” It could even trigger excessive tearing, she adds, as your eyes try to compensate for lack of surface moisture. Because dry eye is a progressive inflammatory disease, it will worsen if left untreated, which may affect eyesight or future eye surgeries. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your doctor.

Fans dry out even closed eyes

If you’ve got dry eye, your doctor will help you pinpoint habits that may be worsening it, like blinking less while using a computer or taking certain medications, such as antihistamines. And if you use a portable fan or ceiling fan at night, mention it during your appointment. “Many of my patients love their fans for nighttime cooling or just white noise, but any air movement in the room can compromise your eyes—even when they’re closed,” says Dr. Toyos. Why? Air could slip in around the lids and evaporate tears. And a sleep mask won’t fix it, she points out, since most allow airflow to sneak in under the edges.

An eye drop lifts droopy lids

Are your upper eyelids drooping, making you look tired even when you’re fully alert? Great news: Surgery isn’t the only fix, says ophthalmologist Yuna Rapoport, MD, founder of Manhattan Eye. “There’s a prescription drop called Upneeq that can temporarily improve eyelid position.” Just one drop in each eye lifts the lid in as little as five minutes, and the effect lasts up to eight hours. Ask your eye doctor if it’s right for you.

‘Short arms’ signal prescription changes

Sharp eyesight is vital for staying safe, whether you’re driving a car or reading medication labels, so it’s important to know when it’s time to update your glasses or contacts. Luckily, there are surefire signs. “Something we commonly hear when someone needs a change in prescription is ‘my arms are too short,’” says Ashley Deemer, OD, assistant professor at the Southern California College of Optometry. Meaning you have to hold something further and further away to see it clearly. “You might also notice you’re enlarging the print on your computer or cell phone,” she adds. If you’re doing any of these, it typically means it’s time to ask your eye doctor for a vision test.

Wearing readers won’t weaken eyes

Do you squint at tiny print even in a well-lit room, but are worried that regularly using prescription lenses will make your eyes worse? You’re not alone. “I often hear patients say they resist using their reading glasses because they don’t want to become reliant on them,” says Deemer. But near-vision changes aren’t a use-it-or-lose-it situation. “When I was in optometry school, one of my professors said, ‘Three things in life are certain: death, taxes and presbyopia.’” That natural loss of up-close focusing power happens to everyone eventually, whether we fight it or not, she says.

Certain foods boost eye health

You may pick meals for flavor, but some options also help protect against vision loss, says Dr. Allison. Leafy greens like kale and spinach are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants that shield the retina from sunlight-induced damage, she notes. Berries and colorful produce offer antioxidants that guard against AMD, while nuts and seeds supply vitamin E, which can slow age-related ocular changes. “And fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, provide omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and support tear production.”

Sunglasses are vital year-round

Most of us remember to grab our shades in summer to cut glare from intense sunlight. But sunglasses matter for eye health all year long, says Dr. Allison. “UV exposure accelerates the development of cataracts, AMD and eyelid skin cancers.” And since UV rays can penetrate clouds and bounce off snow, they’re an every-season necessity. For the most sunlight filtering, don’t rely on tint color, and instead choose lenses labeled “100% UV protection” or “UV400”.

Signs of trouble are often missed

It’s normal to expect some eyesight changes as the years go by. However, certain shifts are actually warnings that it’s time for a doctor’s input, says Wright. Watch for:

Needing dramatically more light to see. “This can signal early cataracts, reduced contrast sensitivity or macular and retinal changes.”
Struggling in dim restaurants or at dusk. “Night vision decline is often tied to cataracts, vitamin A issues or early retinal disease.”
Tripping, misjudging steps or bumping into doorframes. “These red flags may point to peripheral field loss from eye diseases like glaucoma, depth perception changes or reduced contrast sensitivity.”
Increased glare sensitivity, especially at night. “This is one of the earliest cataract symptoms and often appears years before vision seems blurry.”
Colors looking duller or less vibrant. “This can indicate increasing cataract formation or optic nerve changes or damage.”

Pickleball players need protection

This popular game may be loads of fun. That said, research shows it’s spurring an uptick in E.R. visits due to serious eye injuries, especially in players over 50. “The small, fast-moving balls are often hit at close range, while reaction time naturally slows with age,” says Dr. Allison. “This combo increases the likelihood of corneal abrasions, intraocular bleeding, retinal tears or detachment, orbital fractures or traumatic glaucoma.” Her advice: wear protective gear like polycarbonate sports goggles that are lightweight and shatterproof. They come in both prescription and non-prescription versions.

You probably need another lamp

Soft, low lighting creates ambiance, but your eyes need more brightness to avoid strain after 50, says Wright. “As we age, the pupils get smaller, letting in less light,” she explains. This makes it difficult to see detail like letters on a page, forcing your eyes to work harder. For best results, aim for illumination behind you, not in front of you, when you’re reading, knitting or doing other tasks.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Doctors Reveal the Best Foods for Eye Health—Do Carrots Make the List?

Carissa Mosness — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:00:16 +0000

We’ve all heard that eating carrots will improve our eye health, but is that actually true? Well, according to the experts, carrots can help vision and the overall health of your eyes, but they’re far from the only foods that protect our sight and help ward off age-related eye disease. Below, we share the top foods doctors recommend for bettering your eye health.

First, are carrots actually good for your eyes?

“Carrots can support eye health because they contain vitamin A, which is essential for vision,” says Andrew G. Lee, MD, chair of ophthalmology at Blanton Eye Institute at Houston Methodist. However, they are just one source of this nutrient, and they are not a cure-all for improving eyesight, he explains. “It’s also important to note that excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, so balance is key. Carrots are best viewed as part of a varied, nutrient-rich diet rather than a standalone solution for eye health.”

The 4 best types of foods for eye health

Along with carrots (in moderation), experts recommend the following tasty foods for eye health:

Leafy greens

According to Meenal Agarwal, OD, one of the best things people who are looking to improve their health can eat is leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens. “They are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.” she explains. “These are carotenoids that act like ‘internal sunglasses’ and help protect against macular degeneration [AMD].” (Learn more about age-related macular degeneration self-care.)

Fatty fish

If you’re looking to make a meal out of foods that good for eye health, Karen Allison, MD, MBA, FACS, a Prevent Blindness board member and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at University of Rochester—Flaum Eye Institute, says eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps. This can include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, seafood such as mussels and oysters as well as flaxseeds.

“The retina has a higher oxygen consumption rate than the brain, so it is particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies. For those who use digital devices for long periods of time [over seven hours daily], the importance of antioxidant-rich diets is underscored, as screen use increases retinal oxidative stress,” she explains. “Following an omega-3-dense diet remains the most evidence-based strategy for preventing or slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and retinal degeneration.”

Citrus fruits, berries and bell peppers

These colorful fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamin C, which Dr. Allison says is crucial when it comes to eye health. That’s because the vitamin can help form connective tissues in the cornea, which can then help thicken the shield that protects the delicate inner parts of the eye from damage over time.

Nuts, seeds and avocados

Dr. Allison also notes that eating foods that are rich in vitamin E can help strengthen the cornea, making them an important part of a healthy diet that supports eye care over time. These can include nuts, seeds and avocados.

“Diet is an important modifiable factor in long-term eye health,” she stresses. “A recent Prevent Blindness consumer survey revealed that nearly 75 percent of respondents believe they would have symptoms if something was wrong with their vision or eye health. In fact, many serious eye diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy often have no symptoms in their early stages.”

Foods to skip to protect your eye health

While eating the right foods can help reduce the risk of sight-robbing eye conditions like AMD, cataracts and glaucoma, there are some foods that can hamper our vision over time. According to Dr. Allison, that includes ultra-processed foods, excessive sugar and trans fats, since those can “contribute to increased systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.” It’s best to limit them as much as possible.

Dr. Lee agrees, saying “diets high in simple carbohydrates, processed foods and trans fats are not as healthy. In general, a balanced, whole-food diet is one of the most effective ways to support both eye health and overall health.”

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

I Had 4 Eye Surgeries—These Are the Retinal Detachment Symptoms I Ignored

Carissa Mosness — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:30:09 +0000

If I could use one word to sum up my eye health journey, it would be long. Not hard, excruciating or annoying—long. The reason? It lasted over a year and a half and resulted in four surgeries to fix two separate issues: retinal detachment and double vision. And yes, I’m aware of how ridiculous that sounds. To be honest, if I hadn’t lived through it, I would have thought it all sounds a touch dramatic. But having lived through it, I can assure you it was far more complicated than I ever expected. Now, I’m ready to share what happened, the symptoms of retinal detachment every woman needs to know, treatment options that can help and the far-reaching effects of my experience.

The first symptoms of retinal detachment

My eye health journey began in August 2024 when I started to notice flashes of light and floaters in my right eye. They lasted for about a day and were annoying, but I didn’t think it was anything serious at first. That is, until I woke up the following day and realized my peripheral vision was gone. And by gone I mean anything to the right or left of me was black. I could only see something if it was right in front of me. Fearing the worst (potential permanent vision loss), I visited my eye doctor, who said I was showing symptoms of a retinal detachment and referred me to Columbia Ophthalmology.

Upon my arrival, my doctor, Erin Flynn, MD, ran a series of eye tests before ultimately declaring that my right retina was fully ripped. We still don’t know how it happened. After all, I didn’t have any of the common risk factors for a retinal tear or detachment (a history of cataract or glaucoma surgery, severe eye trauma, a family history of detached retinas or having a degenerative eye condition). But Dr. Flynn believed my severe nearsightedness—or myopia—played a part in the issue.

“I was shocked by how extensive the detachment was. The detachment involves your macula, where your central vision is. Usually people [with retinal detachment] become symptomatic before that and alert their eye doctor about their symptoms,” Dr. Flynn says. “But I see some people who just don’t notice their detachments even when they’re that extensive.”

My first surgery wasn’t without side effects

Dr. Flynn recommended a surgery called a scleral buckle, which involves placing a small piece of silicone sponge, rubber or plastic around the sclera—the white part of the eye. This helps the eye wall move slowly inward, allowing the retina to reattach. It was a painful procedure, and afterward, I was sensitive to light for a week.

I also began experiencing double vision—also known as diplopia—and inversion of my right eye (the one she had just operated on). The cause? A weak muscle in that eye.

“Scleral buckle is generally the one we do in younger patients. We suture a silicone belt to the outside of the eye. It runs under the muscles of the eye. We push the wall of the eye into the retina, and this helps the fluid under the retina go away on its own,” explains Dr. Flynn. “The scleral buckle can cause double vision because we are putting a belt under the eye muscles. And it can be a tougher healing journey than [a type of surgery known as] vitrectomy. It can be an uncomfortable surgery too.”

So, what did that mean for me? Not one, but two more surgeries.

Next up, surgeries two and three

My first double vision surgery, or as Steven E. Rosenberg, MD, likes to call it, my first strabismus (meaning the eyes are misaligned or “cross eyed”) surgery, happened in February 2025. Trust me when I say that this one was far more painful and made me look horrible. It also didn’t fully work. Sure, the inversion was fixed, but I was still experiencing double vision.

“You have a condition where the ‘pulleys’ that hold your muscles in place and the ring that holds the pulleys in place were stretched out from your nearsightedness,” Dr. Rosenberg explained to me after the procedure. “The back of the eye was getting stuck between your muscles, which caused the double vision.”

Frustrated by lingering double vision, I agreed with Dr. Rosenberg to wait it out a little longer to see if it cleared. But 10 months later, we agreed I needed another surgery in November 2025. This time, because my right eye was so damaged from the first two procedures, Dr. Rosenberg decided to operate on my left eye instead.

Confused, I asked how that could possibly help, since my left eye had been fine all along. His plan was to lower my left eye muscle to match the right eye. If it worked, the double vision would disappear and I’d finally be in the clear.

Thankfully, Dr.Rosenberg was right, and a week later my double vision was gone. I wasn’t technically cleared yet and wouldn’t be until March 2026, but I was happy and excited to get on with my life. And I did. But just 30 days after I got cleared, the flashes of light and floaters returned. This time they were in my left eye, not my right.

Scared, I went back to the eye doctor, who confirmed that I had another retinal detachment and needed surgery. Talk about bad luck.

Fourth time’s a charm?

Carissa Mosness after her fourth eye surgery
Carissa Mosness

At the end of April 2026, I had another scleral buckle surgery—this time in my left eye—by Aliaa Hamed Abdelhakim, MD, PhD, and Irmak Karaca, MD. I’m going to be completely honest: It was the scariest, hardest, most anxiety-inducing thing I had ever experienced. To make matters worse, every doctor I talked to couldn’t believe I had to have another retina surgery so close to my first one. After all, only 1 in every 10,000 people have a retinal detachment, and I happened to be one of the unlucky ones who had it twice. I mean, come on.

Thankfully, the surgery itself went well. But just two weeks later, my stitches popped out of my eye and I had to go to the emergency room to get them removed. It was one of the most awful nights of my entire life, but I’m happy to report that I’m finally on the mend.

My double vision has lingered

Unfortunately, my double vision has returned, which is especially frustrating since this post-op issue only affects 5 to 25 percent of patients—and I happen to have had it twice. Even so, Dr. Rosenberg is hopeful it will resolve on its own. I am trying to be hopeful as well, but after this whole journey, it’s a little hard. Even so, I am doing my best, because I know that having a good attitude is one of the keys to healing both your body and your mind.

“I’d say the most surprising thing about your case was your young age. Retinal detachment usually occurs at much older ages as the vitreous [the jelly-like area] in the eye changes. This is not to say that retinal detachments at a young age are unheard of, but usually signify a stronger genetic predisposition to detachment,” Dr. Hamed Abdelhakim explains. “You had some weak areas in the retina called ‘lattice degeneration,’ and under the right conditions, these can cause breaks in the retina like a hole in wallpaper stuck to a wall. Fluid from the eye can then go into that break and peel the retina off its support.”

The retinal detachment symptoms you should never ignore

Throughout this journey, I spent a lot of time learning about eye health. And while I wouldn’t consider myself an expert, I am hopeful that by sharing my experience and what I’ve learned, I can draw some much-needed attention to retinal detachment symptoms, double vision and more.

One my important takeaways: You should never ignore the following retinal detachment symptoms:

Flashes of light
Floaters, which can look like specks floating across your vision
Peripheral vision loss
Blurred vision

How you can protect your eyes today

I also learned that despite being such a small part of our body, there’s a lot happening in our eyes, and we need to take care of them. Some ways to do that include:

Getting dilated eye exams at least once a year (or more often if your doctor recommends)
Eating plenty of healthy-eye foods like spinach, kale, salmon and tuna (which are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support healthy visions)
Wearing sunglasses and protective eyewear

And yes, I am aware these things can’t fix every eye issue. But I also know they won’t harm anything. They will only help and hopefully heal, and at the end of the day, that’s all any of us can ask for.

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Could Your Eye Floaters Be a Symptom of Posterior Vitreous Detachment? What You Need To Know

Carissa Mosness — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:00:43 +0000

One of the most common vision changes we face as we age is bothersome flashes and eye floaters. In some cases, the little streaks of light and black spots don’t mean anything, but other times they can be symptoms of a condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). According to the Macular Degeneration Foundation, the condition, which sounds scarier than it is, affects 75 percent of people by the time they turn 65. But what exactly is PVD, and what are the symptoms that signal it could be something more serious We share everything you need to know below.

What is posterior vitreous detachment?

PVD is a common age-related eye condition where the gel-like fluid (called vitreous fluid or vitreous gel) in your eye shrinks and separates from the retina, the part of the eye that processes color and light. According to Dagny Zhu, MD, board-certified ophthalmologist and 1MD Nutrition Scientific Medical Advisory Board Member, it’s “not dangerous, and the subsequent floaters are just a nuisance.”

She does warn, though, that there are rare cases of posterior vitreous detachment that “lead to a retinal tear or detachment, which is a sight-threatening emergency.” (More on that below.)

Posterior vitreous detachment symptoms to watch for

Some of the most common symptoms of PVD, according to Dr. Zhu, include:

Flashes of light
Floaters (specks floating across your vision)
Seeing small gray or black dots, “spider webs” or larger gray clouds
Experiencing black “sheets” that float across your vision like a “smudge” on a lens

The most common posterior vitreous detachment symptom, though, is eye floaters. “As their name suggests, floaters often move across the vision as the patient moves their eyes up, down and all around, and are most obvious when looking at a white or light-colored background, ” Dr. Zhu explains.

“Rarely, PVD can also cause a ‘flashing light’ sensation lasting a few seconds in the periphery of one’s vision,” Dr. Zhu says. “This represents the posterior vitreous detaching and causing pulling/tractional forces on the peripheral retina as it continues to detach.”

Who’s most at risk for posterior vitreous detachment?

Risk factors for posterior vitreous detachment you need to be aware of include age, nearsightedness (myopia) and prior eye surgery or trauma.

“Highly myopic eyes are more elongated than normal, which leads to the retina becoming more stretched and thinner than normal,” Dr. Zhu says. As a result, “the vitreous jelly does not adhere as well. It’s also why there’s a higher risk of retinal tears and detachments in highly myopic eyes—the ‘sticky’ vitreous jelly can take a thin piece of the retina with it as it detaches, causing a retinal hole or tear.”

When posterior vitreous detachment symptoms may signal something serious

While the vast majority of PVD cases are harmless and common during the aging process, in rare cases, symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment could be a sign of an eye emergency.

“A black shadow in the peripheral part of one’s vision is an emergency and signals the fact that not only the vitreous jelly, but the retina itself has begun to detach,” Dr. Zhu cautions. “This retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss if not fixed by a vitreoretinal surgeon immediately.” In short, if you notice this alarming symptom, seek urgent medical care.

How PVD is diagnosed and treated

If you notice any eye floaters, flashes or other changes in your vision, visit your ophthalmologist for an eye exam. Your doctor can run a series of tests, including an eye ultrasound, dilation drops, scans and even vision tests, to determine if you’re experiencing posterior vitreous detachment symptoms.

After the diagnosis, treatment can begin. According to Dr. Zhu, that can include “observation to see if it is better over a few months and years as the floaters settle downward or the brain neuroadapts and ‘ignores’ the floaters.”

If time alone doesn’t work, Dr. Zhu says that your doctor may recommend YAG laser vitreolysis (aka “laser floater removal”), which is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that breaks up the floaters in the eye over one or more laser sessions.

“At my practice, for bothersome floaters, I will perform YAG laser vitreolysis as first-line treatment, as the majority of cases can be resolved or significantly improved with this in-office, minimally invasive procedure,” she says. “For larger diffuse floaters that do not respond well to YAG laser vitreolysis, I refer [patients] to a vitreoretinal surgeon for vitrectomy, which is curative but comes with greater risks including infection, retinal membrane formation and even retinal detachment.”

The bottom line on PVD

While a posterior vitreous detachment diagnosis may sound alarming at first, know that it’s more common than you think and typically more of a nuisance than it is something to worry about. By knowing the symptoms—including when to seek urgent care—and recognizing that there are beneficial treatments that can help, you’re taking the first step toward protecting your vision for years to come.

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Eye Floaters Treatment: What Works, What Doesn’t and When To Call 911

Allison Nemetz — Tue, 12 May 2026 01:30:18 +0000

Those tiny dots, squiggles and cobweb-like specks drifting across your vision can be maddening—especially when you’re trying to read a recipe, drive to the grocery store or simply enjoy an afternoon on the porch. If you’ve noticed them more lately, take a deep breath: You’re in good company. As many as 76 percent of people experience eye floaters, per a study in the journal Survey of Ophthalmology. The good news? Most floaters are harmless. Even better news: There are eye floaters treatment options for relief, plus clear warning signs that tell you when it’s time to act fast.

What are eye floaters?

Picture your eye as a bag of water with a clear window in front. “Consider the eye as a bag of water with a clear window called the cornea in the front, and a clear lens called the crystalline lens behind the iris and the pupil,” says Robert Abel Jr., MD, a life fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and author of The Eye Care Revolution. Behind that lens sits vitreous humor—a gel-like substance held together by fine collagen fibers.

What causes eye floaters?

Over time, that vitreous gel naturally breaks down. Aging is the biggest culprit, but eye-rubbing, coughing, sun exposure and even straining can speed things up. When collagen fibers clump together, they cast tiny shadows on the retina. Those shadows are what you see as floaters in your vision. Sometimes the vitreous tugs on or pulls away from the retina entirely—a condition called posterior vitreous detachment—which can produce spiderwebs, circles or flashes of light.

“Just as everybody’s skin will wrinkle with time, nearly everybody will get floaters at some point,” says Benjamin Lin, MD, a vitreoretinal specialist at Texas Retina Associates.

Eye floaters treatment options that actually help

Before trying anything, see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam to rule out any serious issues. Once you’re cleared, these gentle treatment strategies can ease the annoyance of eye floaters and flashes in your field of vision.

Give it some time

Most floaters in the eye subside on their own. Gravity slowly pulls them out of your line of sight, and the vitreous fibers contract, making floaters appear smaller. “This pulls them further away from the retina and makes floaters smaller in appearance,” Dr. Abel explains.

Boost your collagen levels

Dr. Abel recommends 2,000 mg each of vitamin C and the amino acid proline daily to help rebuild collagen in the vitreous gel. “Give it a month or two and see if it helps,” he says. “I’d say there’s a 40 percent chance that it will.”

Another combo that may help: A study in Translational Vision Science and Technology found that taking vitamin C, zinc, grapeseed extract, bitter orange and l-lysine reduced floater-related discomfort within six months.

Wear sunglasses outside…

Sunlight contributes to vitreous breakdown and makes floaters more visible. Blue-light blocking lenses for screen time may help too, since a 2020 report in Medical Hypothesis suggests blue light can speed vitreous deterioration. One to try: Macuhealth VitreousHealth.

…And blue light glasses inside

When you’re working on your computer or staring at a screen, slip on a pair of blue light blocking glasses. A report in the journal Medical Hypothesis suggests the blue light emitted by electronic devices can speed the breakdown of the vitreous humor, increasing the amount of floaters in your vision.

When surgery might make sense

For women whose floaters cause real distress—and a study in the Journal of Ophthalmology found severe floaters are linked to higher rates of depression, stress and anxiety—eye surgery is an option, but Dr. Abel urges caution.

Laser vitreolysis uses lasers to break up eye floaters, but a study in Ophthalmology found that 66 percent of patients were dissatisfied with the results. “It usually doesn’t work,” Dr. Abel notes.

A vitrectomy, which removes the vitreous entirely, is more effective when eye floaters require treatment. “Vitrectomy does get rid of floaters, and it’s a pretty standard procedure,” he says. “I get about one person a year who has this done, and I will say they’re very satisfied.” The trade-off: Up to 80 percent of patients develop a significant cataract within two years, requiring cataract surgery.

Symptoms of a medical emergency

We know you know this, but it bears repeating: Keeping up with regular eye exams can help your doctor spot and treat eye issues promptly. And while most floaters are benign, certain symptoms mean you should head to the ER—not wait until Monday morning.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice:

A sudden, dramatic increase in new floaters, especially with flashes of light in one or both eyes. According to the National Eye Institute, this can signal retinal tear or detachment. “You may need surgery in 24 to 48 hours to prevent permanent vision loss,” Dr. Lin warns.
A dark “curtain” or shadow creeping across your peripheral vision—another red flag for retinal detachment.
A large burst of new floaters tinged with red, which can mean bleeding inside the eye from conditions such as diabetic retinopathy.
A fixed black spot that doesn’t move, called a scotoma. This can indicate a stroke in the eye, glaucoma or macular degeneration. If it comes with a severe headache, trouble speaking or numbness, call 911—it may be a stroke in the brain.

The bottom line on eye floaters treatment

Moving floaters that dart away when you try to look at them are usually harmless. Fixed spots, curtain-like shadows or sudden flashes are not. When in doubt, get checked—and don’t skip those yearly dilated eye exams. Your future self will thank you.

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Have Black Spots in Your Vision? One Type Means Go to the ER Now

Allison Nemetz — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:00:22 +0000

You glance up at a blue sky and notice something dark drifting across your view. Or maybe there’s a fixed, shadowy patch that doesn’t move at all. Or perhaps a dark curtain seems to be creeping in from the side. So you Google “black spots in vision”—yet still feel confused. Don’t worry, we’ve got you!

A whopping 87 percent of us experience some form of this visual phenomenon. Most of the time, it’s nothing serious. But in rare cases, it’s a sign you need help within hours—not days. Knowing the difference could put your mind at ease. It could also save your sight, says Benjamin Lin, MD, a vitreoretinal specialist at Texas Retina Associates in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Here’s what Dr. Lin wants every woman over 50 to know.

3 types of black spots in your vision

Dr. Lin says black spots in your vision fall into three distinct categories, and each one tells a different story.

A moving spot

A speck, blob, squiggle or “fly” that drifts or flits across your field of vision when you move your eyes is most likely an eye floater. And while it can be alarming, it’s often benign.

A fixed spot or blank patch

A dark area that stays put no matter where you look is called a scotoma, and it can signal something far more serious, including glaucoma, macular degeneration or even a stroke.

A shadow or curtain

A dark arc or veil that appears to creep across your vision from one side is a potential sign of retinal detachment, for which you need urgent medical attention.

What causes floating black spots in your vision

The most common moving spots, called eye floaters, are actually shadows. They’re cast by tiny clumps of collagen that have condensed in the vitreous gel that fills the inside of a healthy eye. Some are black or dark, others grayish or even transparent. There are a surprising number of things that can cause floaters to develop faster, including extreme nearsightedness, trauma to your eye area and some scary eye conditions.

But most often they’re caused by normal age-related changes to the vitreous gel. “Just as everybody’s skin will wrinkle with time, nearly everybody will get floaters at some point,” says Dr. Lin.

Here’s when eye floaters become urgent: According to the National Eye Institute, a sudden dramatic increase in new floaters (especially if accompanied by flashes of light in one or both eyes) is a crucial warning sign of retinal detachment, a condition in which the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Dr. Lin warns that depending on the type and location of the detachment, “you may need surgery in 24 to 48 hours to prevent permanent vision loss.”

A large sudden increase in floaters—especially if they appear tinged with red—can be caused by bleeding in the eye from conditions like diabetic retinopathy. This can also threaten vision if not addressed quickly. It’s impossible to know the exact cause of floaters based on the symptoms themselves, so it’s important to get evaluated by an eye doctor as soon as possible if you have a sudden increase in floaters.

What causes fixed black spots in your vision

A black spot that doesn’t move, one that sits stubbornly in the same place in your visual field, is a scotoma—and it deserves prompt medical attention. A scotoma happens when there is damage to the retina or something disrupts the signal between your eye and your brain, Dr. Lin explains.

Here’s why scotomas demand immediate action: Though scotomas can be caused by damage from diabetic retinopathy, retinal scarring and even certain medications, a fixed black patch in your vision that appears suddenly may indicate a stroke in your eye. If the scotoma is very large and accompanied by symptoms like a severe headache, trouble speaking or numbness in your face or limbs, this may point to a stroke in the brain, says Dr. Lin. If you experience this, call 911 immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome is likely to be.

Not sure if it’s an eye floater or scotoma? Dr. Lin says floaters tend to dart away when you try to look directly at them, and they’re usually much more noticeable against a bright background like a white wall or a clear sky.

What causes a sweeping black spot in your vision

If an expanding black or gray “curtain of darkness” is cutting off your peripheral vision, it should send you straight to an eye doctor, per Dr. Lin. It’s a red flag that you may be developing a retinal detachment, something you need to be extra alert for if you’re over 50, have had cataract surgery, are significantly nearsighted or have previously had a retinal detachment.

Here’s why a curtain-like shadow is an emergency: This shadow effect happens when fluid seeps through a retinal tear and lifts the retina away from the back of the eye. Without prompt surgical repair, a detached retina loses part of its blood supply and permanent vision loss can follow, cautions Dr. Lin. Seek immediate medical care.

The bottom line

Here’s the good news: The vast majority of the time, what you’re seeing is totally benign. Plus, now you know exactly what to watch for—and when to act fast. When in doubt, call an eye doctor. And don’t skip those annual dilated eye exams, which can catch problems like diabetic retinopathy before they ever cause floaters. You’re protecting both your vision and your peace of mind.

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

What Causes Cataracts? 6 Sneaky Risk Factors Women Over 50 Need To Know

Rachel Cosma — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:00:20 +0000

Notice your vision appears a little blurry lately? It could be cataracts, one of the most common eye conditions that affects vision as we age. But what causes cataracts, and how are they treated? Keep scrolling to discover six of the most common risk factors women over 50 need to know, plus when it’s time to visit your eye doctor.

What cataracts are and common symptoms

Cataracts are cloudy areas in the natural lens of your eye, the clear part that helps focus light. They can start to form as early as your 40s and 50s, but it can be another couple decades before they become big enough to impact your vision, explains James Dello Russo, MD, an optometrist at NJ Eye Center in Bergenfield, NJ. Around 40 percent of women have cataracts by age 70. By age 80, the number jumps to 71 percent.

Some of the most common symptoms of cataracts large enough to affect your vision include:

Cloudy or blurry vision
Colors appearing duller or faded
Trouble seeing at night
Trouble seeing in bright light, like bright sun or headlights
Seeing a halo around lights
Double vision
More frequent glasses or contact prescription changes

Of course, cataracts aren’t the only problem that can impact your vision as you get older. Other common culprits include age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. So if you’re having trouble seeing, you should visit your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam to figure out the underlying culprit, advises Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, an ophthalmologist in Oakland, NJ. They can easily spot cataracts with a dilated eye exam.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts form due to normal changes in the eye that happen as we get older. “Most cataracts develop as a natural course of aging,” Dr. Dello Russo says.

The lens of your eye is clear when you’re young. Over time, it can turn cloudy and brown, which can impact your vision. While experts don’t fully understand why this happens, it’s thought that wear and tear causes the fibers of the lens to become damaged and lead to changes in your eyesight, Dr. Hilal-Campo says. Some of this wear and tear may be unavoidable. But things that cause oxidative damage to the cells of your eyes can make it worse or cause cataracts to form sooner, she adds. Risk factors can include:

Sun exposure

You already know the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin and increase skin cancer risk. But it turns out they can also damage your eyes and increase your chances for cataracts. “Cumulative sun damage to lens proteins changes the structure in the lens, causing the lens to become cloudy over time,” Dr. Dello Russo explains.

Smoking

Cigarettes and tobacco create oxidative damage to your eyes, too. In fact, the FDA reports that cigarette smokers are up to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared to those who don’t smoke. (Check out our best quit-smoking tips.)

Uncontrolled diabetes

High blood sugar damages the lens of your eye over time and increases your risk for cataracts, Dr. Hilal-Campo notes. Some findings even suggest that having diabetes can increase your cataract risk up to fivefold.

Eye injuries

Injuries caused by blunt trauma (like a hard bump) or a sharp object may also harm the lens of your eye and raise your odds of developing cataracts later in life.

Medication use

Long-term use of corticosteroids can increase your cataract risk, Dr. Hilal-Campo says. How? They can potentially lead to changes in the proteins that make up your eye lens.

Family history of cataracts

You’re more likely to develop cataracts if your parents or siblings have them. If you’re concerned about your family’s eye health history, let your eye doctor know.

When to talk to your doctor about cataracts

Taking steps to prevent cataracts naturally—including keeping up with regular eye exams—is a great start toward protecting against vision loss. But if you’re having a harder time seeing clearly or vision problems are making it tougher to do everyday activities, you should visit your doctor.

Cataracts that get in the way of reading, driving or watching TV can be successfully treated with surgery. “Recovery is usually very fast, and the majority of people who undergo cataract surgery are very satisfied with their vision,” assures Julia Giyaur, MD, an ophthalmologist at New York Laser Vision in New York City.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

7 Easy Ways To Help Prevent Cataracts and Blurry Vision

Kara Illig — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:35:55 +0000

Wondering how to prevent cataracts and help keep your sight sharp for years to come? Good news: It’s easier than you may think. But first it helps to understand what causes cataracts to develop in the first place. Cataracts affect about 40 percent of women by age 70 and 71 percent of women by age 80, according to the National Institutes of Health. Common cataract symptoms include blurry vision, trouble seeing at night and seeing a “halo” around lights.

With age, the clear lens of your eye can turn cloudy and brown, affecting your vision. While experts don’t yet fully understand why this happens, research suggests that wear and tear causes the fibers of the lens to become damaged, explains Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, an ophthalmologist in Oakland, NJ. Other factors like sun exposure, uncontrolled diabetes and smoking and increase your risk of cataracts in the long term.

While it’s not always possible to stop cataracts from ever forming, “steps can be taken to slow cataract progression,” assures James Dello Russo, MD, an optometrist at NJ Eye Center in Bergenfield, NJ. Best of all, many of the most effective cataract prevention strategies are surprisingly simple!

How to prevent cataracts: 7 smart tips

These simple tips help reduce your risk and slow the progression of cataracts that do form.

Wear sunglasses

Make like a famous actor going incognito and don a hat and sunglasses whenever you leave the house (even when it’s cloudy). This simple habit can protect your eyes from up to 95 percent of the sun’s damaging UV rays, according to a review in PLoS One. Dr. Hilal-Campo recommends looking for sunglasses that are labeled UV 400, which block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

Also smart: Upgrade your regular glasses. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays triggers a process called glycation that can harm the lens of your eye, explains ophthalmologist Rudrani Banik, MD. In addition to wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, “clear prescription lenses [on your regular glasses] can have a UV-blocking coating that protects the eye even without tint,” Dr. Banik says.

Snack on bell peppers

Eating 185 mg of vitamin C daily could cut your risk of cataracts in half, suggests one International Ophthalmology study. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which can help fight oxidative damage in the eye,” Dr. Hilal-Campo says.

Half a cup of sliced red bell peppers will give you 95 mg of C (that’s more than an orange!). Try pairing them with hummus for an afternoon snack. Other great sources of vitamin C include citrus fruit, strawberries, broccoli and kiwifruit. Want a fun way to help bump up your levels of vitamin C? Consider Welch’s Fusions Citrus Surge fruit snacks, which contain 25 percent of your RDA of vitamin C per serving.

As for vitamin C tablets or pills, supplementing with C alone doesn’t seem to be an effective way to prevent cataracts. “Vitamin C from food might be easier to get into the structure of the eye,” Dr. Hilal-Campo adds.

Savor a salad

Enjoying a daily salad is Dr. Hilal-Campo’s go-to move for keeping her eyes healthy and cataract-free for as long as possible, since it helps her load up on antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. People who eat at least six-and-a-half servings of vegetables daily have an 18 percent lower risk of developing cataracts compared to those who only get two daily servings, according to a study in the journal Eye. Plus salad staples like kale and spinach contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that help protect your vision.

Tip: Top your salad with berries for an extra boost. Berries are packed with antioxidants that “help neutralize free radicals and have been shown to protect lens proteins from oxidative damage,” Dr. Banik adds. She says regularly eating antioxidant-rich foods like berries is one of the best things women can do to help prevent cataracts.

Go for a walk

Age-proof your eyes with a walk in the park? Yes! Regularly engaging in moderate exercise like walking can reduce your cataract risk by 10 percent, reveals International Journal of Ophthalmology findings. Being active turns on genes that slow aging of the blood vessels and tissues in your eyes, making it an easy way to help prevent cataracts naturally.

Take a multivitamin

While single-ingredient supplements (like the vitamin C supplements mentioned above) don’t seem to help with cataract prevention, taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement can make a difference. In fact, it might reduce your cataract risk up to 66 percent, according to a review in Nutrients. The benefit might come from the combination of eye-boosting nutrients including vitamins A, C and E, says Dr. Hilal-Campo, who recommends Centrum multivitamin/multimineral supplements to her patients. One to try: Centrum Silver Women 50+ Complete Multivitamin.

Tip: Make sure your multivitamin contains selenium, too. Experts reporting in Frontiers in Nutrition found that taking selenium supplements through the menopause transition may help prevent the development of age-related cataracts by lowering oxidative stress.

Dig into bean dip

A nine-year study in the journal Eye found that people who regularly ate two of the dip’s main ingredients, beans and tomatoes, significantly lowered their risk of developing cataracts. Eating five or more servings per week of these antioxidant-rich foods, which prevent oxidative damage to the lens, worked even better than the oft-recommended leafy greens to help reduce the risk of vision loss.

Pop a piece of gum

Sounds strange, but chewing a minty stick of gum may help prevent cataracts naturally. The stress hormone cortisol drives up your blood sugar, which can worsen oxidative stress and damage your eye lenses, Dr. Hilal-Campo explains. But popping a piece of gum when you’re tense can lower levels of cortisol and ease feelings of stress and anxiety, according to a Psychology & Behavior study.

The bottom line on how to prevent cataracts

While there’s no foolproof way to guarantee you’ll never develop cataracts, making smart diet and lifestyle tweaks can help dramatically reduce your risk of vision trouble both now and in the future.

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Eye Pain After 50? What’s Really Causing It and How To Fix It Fast

kmastrocola — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:00:39 +0000

Whether you’re been experiencing a dull ache, chronic dryness or eye pain that just won’t go away with standard over-the-counter remedies, we have you covered. Keep reading for a few surprising causes behind eye pain and the simple treatments top eye doctors recommend.

A little background on eye pain

It’s important to recognize that many people experience eye pain, but they describe it in very different ways, says ophthalmologist Anat Galor, MD, an expert on ocular surface pain and dry eye. “Some use terms like dryness, burning, aching or tenderness. Others say it feels like fatigue rather than pain. The discomfort can be located on the front of the eye, under the eyelids or even behind the eye. It may be constant or intermittent, and it can be worsened by triggers such as wind or light.”

So whether you’re experiencing throbbing pain, sensitivity to light or pain when moving your eye, it’s clear that eye pain is highly individual. “The key is knowing that there are many possible contributors and identifying the right one for each patient,” says Dr. Galor. “By carefully listening to how symptoms are described—their quality, timing and exacerbating factors—doctors can begin forming a diagnosis and determine the most appropriate next steps.”

3 questions that help doctors diagnose eye pain

The good news? Your doctor has specific ways to identify what’s causing your discomfort, and you can help by sharing a few key details. Here’s what matters most:

Where and how did your discomfort begin?

“In my office, it’s really helpful to identify how the pain started and what seems to make it better,” adds ophthalmologist Edward Wladis, MD. “Patients can often pinpoint exactly what seemed to bring on the pain, and that provides real insights as to the root cause.”

What makes your eyes feel better?

“We can often find the issue based on what relieves it,” says Dr. Wladis. “For instance, if artificial tears help, the problem is often on the surface of the eye—the cornea or conjunctiva—but deeper pain won’t be alleviated with those types of conservative measures.”

How quickly did the pain develop?

“I think that patients should also consider how rapidly the pain developed,” Dr. Wladis advises. “Problems like angle closure glaucoma, for example, are extremely painful and develop in a matter of minutes.”

“Infections, on the other hand, can develop over a day or so,” he continues. “However, the most likely diagnosis would be much different if a patient has had the discomfort for several months.”

2 reasons women over 50 experience eye pain

As our estrogen levels drop in perimenopause and menopause, women are more susceptible to certain conditions that may trigger eye pain. Here, Dr. Galor explores two common causes:

Ocular surface disease

One common cause of eye discomfort is ocular surface disease, often grouped under the term “dry eye,” she says. “However, this doesn’t literally mean the eye is dry—it refers broadly to problems affecting the ocular surface. This could involve decreased tear production, unstable tears or issues with tear composition.”

Tears are complex, she adds, made up of water, mucin and oil. The oil is produced by glands in the eyelids, and dysfunction of these glands—called meibomian gland dysfunction—can significantly contribute to symptoms.

As we age, gland function declines, and this is especially relevant for women. “Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause are strongly associated with the onset of symptoms,” Dr. Galor says. “Whether hormones themselves or other midlife factors are the primary driver, this is typically when women begin noticing eye discomfort for the first time.”

The first line treatment focuses on visible symptoms. “If there is oil gland dysfunction, we address it. If rosacea is contributing, we treat it. If inflammation is present, we target it.”

Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases, like lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome, are another important contributor to eye pain, and women are disproportionately affected.

“We think of the eyes as an indicator of the soul—anything that’s happening in your body, we can see in your eyes,” observes D. Galor. “In these cases, we treat the inflammation locally, then work with rheumatologists if anything else needs to be done to manage the underlying condition.”

When nerves may be causing eye pain

More recently, there has been growing recognition that factors beyond the ocular surface can drive eye pain—particularly nerve dysfunction, reveals Dr. Galor. “Again, women, especially around perimenopause, appear more predisposed, because the nerves just aren’t 100 percent as we get older. There are many reasons why nerves may become abnormal, and this may involve nerves at the level of the eye, central pain processing in the brain or the autonomic nervous system.”

“We know that people with conditions such as fibromyalgia or a history of migraines—even if they had them as kids and outgrew them—may be more likely to develop eye pain,” she says. It’s thought that the same mechanisms that drive the fibromyalgia or migraine pain are driving the eye pain.

Doctors look for certain patterns—for example, burning pain worsened by wind or light, or deep aching behind the eye. This suggests a nerve abnormality.

How to treat nerve-induced eye pain? “This remains an active area of research, and there is still much to learn,” Dr. Galor acknowledges. “What is clear is that focusing only on visible surface findings is often not enough. Treating the ocular surface is an important starting point, but for some patients, a broader approach that considers the nerves is essential.”

The bottom line on nerve pain: “If you’re on this journey and feeling frustrated—doing everything to treat what’s visible on the eye and still not getting better—it’s important to consider that the pain might be nerve-related,” says Dr. Galor. This is especially true for people with fibromyalgia or migraine. In those cases, the pain needs to be approached a little differently.”

How to treat eye pain at home

“There are things you can try on your own before immediately seeking medical care, especially given how challenging the healthcare system can be,” Dr. Golor says. “A good first step is building a basic eye care routine. That means practicing good eyelid hygiene and using over-the-counter lubricating drops.” That’s especially true if you’ve been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome.

For example, if you wear eye makeup and don’t thoroughly remove it at the end of the day, it can clog the oil glands in your eyelids and worsen symptoms. Simply cleaning your eyelids consistently can make a meaningful difference. “We often recommend starting with these foundational steps no matter what the underlying issue turns out to be,” she says.

It’s also worth looking at environmental factors. “Is the air in your home very dry? Do you sleep with a fan blowing toward your face? Could your eyes be partially open at night? These kinds of triggers can worsen symptoms, and they’re things you can experiment with and modify yourself,” urges Dr. Galor.

When to see a doctor

If you’ve tried these first-level strategies and you’re still struggling, see an eye care professional. They can evaluate the surface of the eye, identify what they see—such as inflammation or gland dysfunction—and target treatment accordingly.

And of course see a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, adds Dr. Wladis:

Loss of vision or double vision
Severe pain
Additional symptoms (fevers, chills, nausea, headache, vomiting, etc.)
If the pain is associated with a history of trauma or eye injury

“But for mild irritation, it’s perfectly reasonable to rinse the eyes with artificial tears,” he says. “Or, if a stye is present, for example, warm compresses may help. However, if the condition doesn’t improve, it’s important to seek medical care.”

The bottom line on eye pain

When it comes to treating eye pain, Dr. Galor advises a step ladder approach: Step one is starting with what you can do at home—lid hygiene, lubricating drops and environmental adjustments. Step two is getting a comprehensive eye exam and treating whatever is identified. Step three, if symptoms persist despite treatment, is to consider that nerve-related pain may be contributing and to seek appropriate care. Above all, she emphasizes one key message: Don’t despair. “There are treatments that can help.”

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

6 Dry Eye Syndrome Self-Care Tips That Soothe Itching and Irritation Fast

Alexandria Brooks — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:20:43 +0000

Dry, itchy eyes are more than just a nuisance—they can blur your vision and make driving, reading and even just watching TV uncomfortable. For many, mild dry eyes are a minor annoyance and resolve without treatment. But for those with chronic dry eyes, known as dry eye syndrome, finding relief can seem like a Herculean task. We spoke with eye doctors to learn more about dry eye syndrome self-care, the home remedies that help and over-the-counter and prescription eye drops worth trying.

Dry eyes vs. dry eye syndrome

Acute bouts of dry eye can be triggered by everything from seasonal allergies to cold, dry air to lots of screentime. But regardless of the cause, if your symptoms occur frequently or impact your quality of life, “you need to worry about dry eye syndrome, which is a chronic condition,” says Jovi Boparai, MD, an ophthalmic surgeon and the co-founder and CEO of CorneaCare.

This occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or they evaporate too quickly to properly lubricate the surface of the eye. The difference between dry eyes and dry eye syndrome? “Having dry eyes is like saying you’re thirsty, whereas having dry eye syndrome is more like suffering from dehydration,” explains Rahul T. Pandit, MD, an ophthalmologist at Houston Methodist and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Thirst can be treated by drinking a few glasses of water, but dehydration requires more intensive care. Similarly, dry eye syndrome requires a multi-faceted self-care strategy (more on that below).

11 dry eye symptoms

Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

Redness
Pain
Irritation
Excessive dryness
Crusting of the eyelashes
“Stringy” eye discharge
Feeling like there’s something stuck in your eye
Blurred vision
Inflamed eyelids
Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Surprisingly, water eyes can actually be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. “When the body senses the eyes are dry, it produces what are called ‘reflex’ tears, causing the eyes to become watery,” Dr. Boparai explains. “Unfortunately, these reflex tears aren’t sufficient to lubricate the eyes and end up running down the cheeks.”

Dry eye syndrome self-care tips

Since dry eye syndrome is chronic, it often requires a lifetime of self-care treatment. Dr. Boparai says symptoms typically wax and wane, but never subside completely. Thankfully, these home remedies help treat dry eye, reduce eyelid inflammation and ease discomfort.

Wipe your eyelids

“The most common cause of dry eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction,” says Dr. Boparai. “These tiny oil glands in the eyelids secrete oil onto the eye’s surface to protect the tear film. When they don’t work well, the oil can back up and cause the glands to clog. Without the oily layer, your tear film gets compromised and your tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.”

Dr. Boparai advises using wipes to clean your eyelids and eyelashes each morning after waking. One to try: OCuSOFT Lid Scrub Original Eyelid Cleanser. Prefer a DIY fix? The American Academy of Ophthalmology says placing a few drops of baby shampoo on a wet washcloth can effectively cleanse your eyelids.

Bonus: If you opt for tea tree oil-infused wipes, such as Optase TTO Eyelid Cleansing Wipes, you’ll also help clear away microscopic demodex mites that can trigger or worsen dry eye.

Apply a warm compress

Doing so for about five to 10 minutes at night is a smart dry eye syndrome self-care strategyl. “Warm compresses help open up the [meibomian] glands and support a better balance of oil production for tears,” explains Vicky Wong, OD, an optometrist at Keplr Vision.

And research backs this up. A Brown University study review found the most effective fix to melt waxy build-up was a “moist heat” microwavable mask, used for about 10 minutes daily. Tip: Gently massage eyelids toward the lash line for a moment after warming to nudge out trapped oils.

Slip on shades

If you have chronic dry eyes, you’ve probably noticed that wind and sun exposure make symptoms worse. But “wearing proper sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection and lens polarization help protect your eyes from exposure and glare,” Dr. Wong says. UV protection blocks the sun’s rays, while polarization dampens the light your eyes are exposed to. “Wearing wraparound frames can further protect your eyes from experiencing dryness,” she adds.

And to curb your risk of a dry eye syndrome flare-up triggered by breezes, air conditioning or heat blowing, Dr. Pandit recommends driving with the windows up and pointing the air vents inside your car away from your body. He also suggests turning off overhead fans at night and using an oscillating or box fan instead.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule

“Studies have found that we blink around 20 times a minute,” Dr. Wong says. “But when working in front of a computer, that number decreases to about only five times a minute. This is important, because blinking helps squeeze out the tears from the meibomian glands along our eyelids.”

And while stepping away from electronics for a bit is your best bet, it’s not always possible. Instead, “I always advise a 20-20-20 schedule for breaks,” Dr. Wong says. “Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break by looking out a window or at an object about 20 feet away.”

This reduces the strain on your eyes and encourages you to blink, increasing tear production. Proof it works: A study in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye found that the 20-20-20 self-care strategy effectively eases dry eye syndrome and associated symptoms.

Boost your omega-3s

Dr. Wong says Inflammation can be a root cause of dry eye syndrome and/or exacerbate symptoms. Eating anti-inflammatory foods, especially those with omega-3 fatty acids, is a simple dry eye syndrome self-care strategy. “Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation associated with dry eyes,” she explains.

To get the benefits, work more fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel into your diet. Not a seafood lover? Nuts, pasture-raised eggs and chia seeds are also good sources of omega-3s.

If you prefer a supplement, a report in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found daily omega-3s calm eyelid inflammation, improve tear quality and help eyes stay hydrated. And since fish get their omega-3s from microalgae, algae-based supplements let you skip the middleman. A British review found they’re absorbed just as efficiently as fish oil, without mercury worries or fishy burps. Choose algae supplements containing both DHA and EPA, the key omega-3s shown to ease dry eye syndrome.

Run a humidifier

Most eye doctors suggest keeping indoor humidity levels between 45 to 60 percent to ease dry eye. But you don’t have to worry about increasing the humidity of your entire home. Instead, Dr. Bopal recommends running a humidifier in the places you spend the most time, like your bedroom and office. “More moisture in the air means more moisture for the eyes,” he explains.

A study in the Taiwan Journal of Ophthalmology found that increasing relative humidity inside the home by just 10 percent reduced the occurrence of dry eye syndrome. And another study in Optometry and Vision Science found that using a desktop humidifier improved tear quality and relieved dry eye symptoms.

The best eye drops for dry eye syndrome self-care

You can increase the efficacy of these home treatments with quality eye drops, or artificial tears. “Different patients respond better to different ingredients, so you might need to try a few types before you find one that works for you,” Dr. Boparai says.

The experts we spoke to recommend using preservative-free eyedrops. It’s also smart to look for eye drops containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethyl-cellulose. HA lubricates the eyes and prevents tear evaporation, while carboxymethyl-cellulose protects against eye irritation.

“I typically recommend Blink and Oasis eye drops for my patients,” says Dr. Wong. “[Both brands] contain low or non-existent preservatives and lack benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which is a known ocular surface irritant.”

Ask about prescription eye drops

If OTC drops aren’t cutting it, ask your doctor if prescription drops such as Restasis, Vevye or Xiidra are right for you. Though they can take some time to work, they may be able to provide more complete relief if your symptoms haven’t responded well to home remedies and drugstore drops.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

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