Eye Health Guide: Common Eye Conditions, Symptoms And Eye Exams

Learn how to spot common eye problems early, what happens at an eye exam and simple habits that protect your vision. When you're ready, find an eye doctor on My Eye Doctor who treats your concern and book online.

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Eye doctor explaining an eye health check to a smiling patient

See How Eye Conditions Affect Vision

Choose a condition to see a simple simulation of how it can change what you see. Real vision changes are different for every person.

Street scene used to show how eye conditions change vision
Normal Vision
Normal Vision

How the scene looks with healthy eyes and an up-to-date prescription.

These simulations are simplified examples for education only. They don't show how any one person sees and can't replace an eye exam.

Common Eye Conditions

Many eye conditions develop slowly and without pain, so it helps to know the early signs. Open any condition to see how it's treated and which specialist to see.

  • Eye doctor checking a patient's eyes for cataracts

    Cataracts

    A clouding of the eye's natural lens that develops slowly, most often with age.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Cloudy or dim vision, glare and halos around lights at night, and colors that look faded.
    How it is treated
    Early on, a new glasses prescription and brighter lighting can help. When cataracts get in the way of daily life, surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.
    Who to see
    Cataract And Refractive Surgery
  • Eye pressure test during a glaucoma check

    Glaucoma

    Damage to the optic nerve that is often linked to raised pressure inside the eye.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Usually no early symptoms. Side vision is lost first, so many people don't notice until damage is advanced.
    How it is treated
    Eye drops, laser treatment or surgery can slow the damage. Vision that is already lost can't be restored, which is why regular checks matter.
    Who to see
    Glaucoma
  • Older adult reading with good lighting to protect central vision

    Macular Degeneration

    Age-related damage to the macula, the part of the retina you use for sharp central vision.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    A blurry or dark area in the center of your vision, and straight lines that look wavy or bent.
    How it is treated
    Regular monitoring, specific vitamins for some people, and eye injections for the wet form can help protect your vision.
    Who to see
    Medical Retina And Macular Degeneration
  • Retina photo taken during a diabetic eye exam

    Diabetic Retinopathy

    Damage to the small blood vessels in the retina caused by diabetes.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Often none at first. Later you may notice floaters, blurry vision or dark patches.
    How it is treated
    Managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, plus injections or laser treatment when needed. A yearly dilated eye exam catches it early.
    Who to see
    Medical Retina And Macular Degeneration
  • Woman using eye drops to relieve dry eyes

    Dry Eye

    When your eyes don't make enough tears, or your tears evaporate too quickly.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Burning, gritty or scratchy eyes, redness, and blurry vision that clears when you blink.
    How it is treated
    Artificial tears, warm compresses, prescription eye drops and in-office treatments for long-lasting dry eye.
    Who to see
    Dry Eye And Ocular Surface
  • Close-up of a red, irritated eye caused by allergies

    Red Eyes And Allergies

    Pollen, dust and pet dander can make your eyes red, itchy and watery.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Itching, redness, watery eyes and swollen eyelids, often during allergy season.
    How it is treated
    Avoiding triggers, cool compresses and allergy eye drops. Pain, light sensitivity or thick discharge needs a prompt exam.
    Who to see
    Optometry
  • Person working at a computer and resting their eyes

    Digital Eye Strain

    Tired, uncomfortable eyes after long periods on computers, phones or tablets.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Eye fatigue, dryness, headaches and blurry vision, especially late in the day.
    How it is treated
    Follow the 20-20-20 rule, keep screens at arm's length and slightly below eye level, and keep your glasses prescription up to date.
    Who to see
    Optometry
  • Child trying on new glasses for nearsightedness

    Nearsightedness

    Myopia makes distant objects look blurry while close objects stay clear.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Squinting, headaches, and trouble seeing road signs, a screen across the room or the board at school.
    How it is treated
    Glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery for adults. For children, some treatments can slow myopia from getting worse.
    Who to see
    Optometry
  • Illustration of floaters drifting across a clear sky

    Floaters And Flashes

    Small specks or brief flashes of light, usually from normal age changes in the gel inside the eye.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Spots, threads or cobwebs that drift across your vision, and quick flashes at the side of your vision.
    How it is treated
    Most floaters need no treatment. A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes or a shadow over your vision can mean a retinal tear and needs same-day care.
    Who to see
    Vitreoretinal Surgery
  • Child having an eye exam with a pediatric eye doctor

    Lazy Eye And Eye Turn

    Amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye that develops in childhood. Strabismus is when the eyes don't line up.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    An eye that turns in, out, up or down, squinting or covering one eye, and poor depth perception.
    How it is treated
    Glasses, patching or eye drops, and sometimes surgery. Treatment works best when it starts early in childhood.
    Who to see
    Pediatric Ophthalmology And Strabismus
  • Close-up of a pink, irritated eye with conjunctivitis

    Pink Eye

    Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear layer that covers the white of the eye and the inner eyelids, caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Pink or red eyes, a gritty feeling, discharge and crusty eyelids in the morning.
    How it is treated
    Viral pink eye usually clears on its own, bacterial pink eye may need antibiotic drops, and allergy drops help allergic pink eye. See a doctor for pain, light sensitivity or blurry vision.
    Who to see
    Optometry
  • Adult holding a phone at arm's length to read small text

    Presbyopia

    The natural loss of close-up focus that most people notice in their 40s.

    Signs, treatment and who to see
    Common signs
    Holding your phone or a book farther away to read, and eye strain or headaches during close work.
    How it is treated
    Reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses or multifocal contacts. Prescription eye drops and some surgery options can also help.
    Who to see
    Optometry

Eye Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Some changes can wait for a routine appointment, while others need help straight away.

Book An Eye Exam Soon If You Notice

  • Blurry vision or vision that keeps changing
  • Frequent headaches or tired, strained eyes
  • Trouble seeing at night or glare from headlights
  • Red, itchy or irritated eyes that don't get better
  • A few new floaters that come on slowly
  • A child squinting, rubbing their eyes or sitting very close to screens
Book An Eye Exam

Get Urgent Care Now If You Have

  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • A curtain or shadow moving across your vision
  • A sudden shower of floaters or flashes of light
  • Sudden double vision
  • A chemical splash or an injury to the eye
  • Severe eye pain with headache, nausea or halos around lights
Call 911
Optometrist performing a comprehensive eye exam with an eye chart

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Many serious eye diseases cause no symptoms until vision is already lost. A comprehensive eye exam checks both how well you see and the health of your eyes, so problems can be treated early.

How Often To Get An Eye Exam

  1. Children

    Vision checks at birth, at well-child visits and before starting school, with a full exam if a screening finds a problem.

  2. Adults 18 To 39

    The American Optometric Association recommends a yearly exam for adults, and sooner if your vision changes.

  3. Adults 40 To 54

    The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline exam at 40, then every 2 to 4 years if you have no risk factors.

  4. Adults 55 To 64

    An exam every 1 to 3 years.

  5. Adults 65 And Older

    An exam every 1 to 2 years.

  6. People With Diabetes

    A dilated eye exam at least once a year, at any age.

What An Eye Exam Can Reveal

Besides checking your vision, an eye exam can spot early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, high blood pressure and other health conditions, often before you notice any symptoms.

Eye Health At Every Age

Your eyes change throughout life. Here's what to look out for at each stage.

  • Young child reading an eye chart during a vision screening

    Children And Teens

    • Vision checks at birth, at well-child visits and before school
    • Watch for squinting, eye rubbing or an eye that turns
    • Time playing outdoors may lower the risk of nearsightedness
    • Use sports goggles for ball and racquet sports
  • Adult taking a break from a laptop to rest their eyes

    Adults

    • Keep your glasses or contact lens prescription up to date
    • Take regular screen breaks with the 20-20-20 rule
    • Expect close-up focus to change in your 40s
    • Get a baseline eye exam at 40 if you haven't had one
  • Older adult wearing glasses and reading in bright light

    Older Adults

    • Have an eye exam every 1 to 2 years from age 65
    • Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration become more common
    • Use good lighting and contrast at home to help prevent falls
    • Tell your eye doctor about all the medicines you take

Everyday Habits For Healthy Eyes

Small daily choices add up to a lifetime of better vision.

  • Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses

    Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days.

  • Rest Your Eyes On Screens

    Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  • Don't Smoke

    Smoking raises your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

  • Eat For Your Eyes

    Leafy greens, colorful fruit and vegetables, and fish rich in omega-3 support eye health.

  • Protect Your Eyes

    Wear safety glasses for yard work and home projects, and sports goggles for ball and racquet sports.

  • Care For Your Contacts

    Wash your hands, never use tap water, and replace lenses and cases on schedule.

  • Manage Your Health

    Keeping diabetes and blood pressure under control protects the blood vessels in your eyes.

  • Know Your Family History

    Tell your eye doctor if glaucoma or macular degeneration runs in your family.

Person wearing UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors on a sunny day

Find An Eye Doctor For Your Concern

Choose what you need help with to see eye doctors on My Eye Doctor who specialize in it, with their next open times.

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    Eye Health Questions

    Quick answers to common questions. For booking and insurance questions, see our full FAQ.

    Can an eye exam find other health problems?

    Yes. Looking at the blood vessels and nerves at the back of your eye can reveal signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some brain and nerve conditions. Your eye doctor may suggest you see your primary care doctor if they notice something.

    Is it normal for my vision to change after 40?

    Yes. Most people find it harder to focus up close in their 40s, a change called presbyopia. Reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses or multifocal contacts can help. A sudden change in vision at any age still needs an eye exam.

    Do eye vitamins prevent eye disease?

    For most people, a balanced diet with leafy greens, colorful vegetables and fish is enough. A specific vitamin formula, known as AREDS2, can slow some types of macular degeneration in people who already have it. Ask your eye doctor before starting supplements.

    Are floaters something to worry about?

    Most floaters are a normal part of aging and are harmless. A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light or a shadow over your vision can mean a retinal tear or detachment, so get same-day care if that happens.

    Can I sleep in my contact lenses?

    Only if your eye doctor has prescribed lenses approved for overnight wear. Sleeping in contacts raises the risk of serious eye infections, so take them out before bed unless you've been told otherwise.

    Does reading in dim light damage your eyes?

    No. Reading in low light can make your eyes feel tired, but it doesn't cause lasting damage. Good lighting simply makes reading more comfortable.

    My Eye DoctorEye health guide for patients in the United States

    Last updated

    This guide is written by the My Eye Doctor team using guidance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association and the National Eye Institute. It is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the advice of your own eye doctor.

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