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An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease and vision conditions. After 4 years of medical school, ophthalmologists complete at least 4 additional years of hospital-based residency training in eye care. This makes them uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive eye care — from prescribing corrective lenses to performing complex surgeries such as cataract removal, glaucoma procedures, and retinal surgery. Optometrists (O.D.) provide primary vision care and treat some eye conditions but are not physicians. Opticians fill eyeglass prescriptions but do not examine eyes or treat disease. Source: American Academy of OphthalmologySource: National Eye Institute

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. The lens works like a camera lens — it focuses light onto the retina. When proteins in the lens break down and clump together, the lens becomes cloudy and light cannot pass through clearly. Most cataracts develop slowly with age, typically becoming noticeable after age 60. Common symptoms include blurry or dim vision, increased glare or halos around lights at night, faded colors, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. Cataracts cannot be corrected with glasses once significant — the only effective treatment is surgery, during which the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures in medicine. Source: American Academy of OphthalmologySource: National Eye InstituteSource: Mayo Clinic

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the cable that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It is most often associated with elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), which occurs when fluid in the eye doesn't drain properly. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, has no pain or early symptoms. Vision loss begins at the edges (peripheral vision) and can progress to blindness if untreated. Because there are no warning signs in the early stages, roughly half of people with glaucoma don't know they have it. There is no cure, but vision loss can be halted with treatment — typically prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure, laser treatment, or surgery. Any vision already lost cannot be restored, which is why regular eye exams for early detection are critical. Source: National Eye InstituteSource: American Academy of OphthalmologySource: Mayo Clinic

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the macula — the small central area of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. It is a leading cause of vision loss in adults age 50 and older. There are two forms: Dry AMD (the most common, affecting ~80% of cases) occurs when the macula gradually thins with age and tiny protein deposits called drusen accumulate beneath the retina. Early dry AMD often has no symptoms; as it progresses, central vision may become blurry or dim. Wet AMD is less common but more serious — abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid, causing rapid, severe central vision loss. Wet AMD can develop from any stage of dry AMD. Treatments for wet AMD include anti-VEGF injections to stop abnormal vessel growth. For dry AMD, certain vitamin supplements (AREDS2 formula) can slow progression in intermediate and advanced cases. Regular monitoring is essential. Source: National Eye InstituteSource: American Academy of Ophthalmology

Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing a condition called diabetic retinopathy — the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults. High blood sugar weakens and damages these vessels; they can leak, swell, or grow abnormally, progressively harming the retina. In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms at all — you can be losing vision without knowing it. A comprehensive dilated eye exam allows your ophthalmologist to detect these changes before symptoms develop, when treatment is most effective. The CDC estimates that routine screening could prevent or delay up to 90% of diabetes-related vision loss. People with Type 1 diabetes should be screened within 5 years of diagnosis; those with Type 2 diabetes should be screened at the time of diagnosis. Annual exams are recommended for all diabetic patients. Source: National Eye InstituteSource: American Diabetes Association

Dry Eye Syndrome is a problem with the tear film on the surface of your eye. Normally, our eyes are constantly coated by a thin tear film that protects them from air exposure and is important for clear vision. Dry Eye Syndrome refers to a breakdown in this tear film, leading to symptoms of irritation and decreased vision.

Symptoms include burning, stinging, and itching. Tearing is also a symptom of dry eye — the irritation triggers a reflex response (similar to getting something in your eye). Dry eyes can also cause blurriness and fluctuations in vision.

Treatment includes:

1. Artificial Tears — Good brands include Refresh, Systane, Blink, and Retaine. Avoid Visine and other redness-relief drops, and avoid generic or store-brand drops due to safety concerns linked to serious eye infections. Use up to 4x/day. If you need them more frequently, switch to a preservative-free artificial tear.

2. Warm Compresses — Apply heat to your eyelids twice daily for 5 minutes. This opens the oil glands along the edge of your eyelids and helps your natural tear film. A warm wet washcloth doesn't hold heat long enough — use a heat pack warmed in the microwave. A sock filled with uncooked rice works well as a homemade option.

3. Lid Scrubs — After warm compresses, clean your eyelids using OcuSoft eyelid wipes (available over the counter) or a 1:1 mixture of baby shampoo and water. Target the base of your eyelashes with your eyes closed, 2x/day.

Floaters are small shapes — spots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobweb-like wisps — that drift across your vision. They are caused by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid that fills your eye. As you age, the vitreous slowly shrinks and pulls away from the retina (called posterior vitreous detachment), which is why floaters become more common after age 50. Most floaters are harmless and tend to fade or become less noticeable over time. However, floaters can sometimes signal a serious problem. See an eye doctor promptly if you notice: a sudden large increase in floaters, new flashes of light (especially in peripheral vision), a dark shadow or curtain across part of your vision, or floaters following an eye injury. These can be warning signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment — a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Source: American Academy of OphthalmologySource: National Eye InstituteSource: Mayo Clinic