Have you recently looked at your reflection in the mirror and thought to yourself, “Why are my eyes red all the time?” Red eyes are a common vision problem. In fact, your eyes can be red for many reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with your lifestyle.

However, red eyes can be a hassle, even if they don’t affect how well you can see. People often assume that those with red eyes don’t sleep, are stressed out, or have been partying a little too hard. But don’t worry. The question, “Why are my eyes red all the time?” can be answered. While many eye problems associated with red eyes come with relatively easy fixes, some can require a trip to your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. 

Learn what may be causing your red eyes and when you should seek out a doctor at Eye Center of Texas to help you clear your red eyes. 

What causes red eyes?

Red eyes are typically not a condition in and of themselves, but a symptom of another issue. In fact, the hardest part of treating red eyes is often finding out exactly what’s causing them. Here are the typical answers you’ll receive when you ask a doctor, “Why are my eyes red all of the time?” 

Allergies

Allergies are the primary cause of red eyes. The body reacts to an allergen—pollen, pet dander, mold, dust—by releasing histamines. Histamines increase the permeability of capillaries to let in more pathogen-fighting white blood cells, but they also cause swelling and inflammation. This swelling can cause the appearance of red veins in the eyes.

So, analyze your environment. Are there things that could be triggering an allergic reaction? And are your red eyes are accompanied by sneezing, itching, and/or a stuffy nose? If so, then allergies are almost definitely the culprit.

Maybe you just got a new pet, or perhaps pollen season has officially rolled in. Or maybe your living space is just a little bit overdue for a good cleaning. Either way, there is no need to call the ophthalmologist. Start with over the counter allergy meds, then visit an allergy specialist if your problems persist.

Dry eyes

When your red eyes are caused by dryness, your eyes may burn, or you may feel a sensation similar to having sand or another irritant caught in your eyes. What’s happening behind the scenes, however, is that your eyes aren’t getting the proper amount of lubrication.

Each time you blink, your eye is coated in a tiny lubricating layer of liquid (made from the same stuff as tears). In today’s screen-heavy world, dry eye syndrome has become increasingly common, because we often blink less when we look at screens. In fact, some people are even turning to special computer glasses to help them deal with this issue. (For more info, check out our article What are Computer Glasses?)

Common dry eye can usually be treated effectively using over-the-counter eye drops. There are also apps that you can download which will remind you to look away from your screen. If your dry eye persists, however, your eyes may be experiencing issues producing tears, and it may be a good idea to visit your eye doctor. 

Pink eye

If your eyes have been bright red/pink for a few days in addition to burning/itching and even occasional discharge, you may be experiencing pink eye, also known as Conjunctivitis. Keep on the lookout for signs of pink eye (especially if you have children) and make sure to see a doctor right away if you’re showing symptoms. Conjunctivitis is very contagious and can easily spread through contact, even with shared items like towels or sheets. 

Burst blood vessels

If you have a sudden bloodshot eye or a bloodshot eye on one side with no associated pain, you may be dealing with a burst blood vessel. This isn’t quite as scary as it may sound. Blood vessels in your eye can burst from simple actions like sneezing, bending over, or lifting a heavy object. 

Burst blood vessels should heal on their own within 1–2 weeks. However, if these symptoms are accompanied by any change in vision or pooling blood at the lower part of your iris, you should make an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. 

Can stress cause red eyes? 

Yes, stress can contribute to red eyes, although it typically does so indirectly. Your body often produces adrenaline in response to stress, which in turn can lead to tension and dry eyes. As discussed, both tension and dry eyes can contribute to your red eyes. If you’re feeling stressed and it’s showing in your eyes, make sure you’re staying hydrated and avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol, as these substances may exacerbate your symptoms.

When red eyes should mean a trip to the doctor

If your eyes are always red, there is a chance that something else is wrong beyond just stress or allergies. If your red eyes are accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms, it may be time to shut down the computer/stop browsing on your phone and call your ophthalmologist to set up an appointment. 

• Persistent and/or frequent pain in your eyes
• Any change in vision
• New sensitivity to light
• Swelling around the eyelid

These symptoms could signal a problematic eye condition like Uveitis, which can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, or even blindness if left untreated. Prescription eye drops can usually clear Uveitis, but your eye doctor will still need to run tests for an accurate diagnosis. 

In general, any sudden changes in vision—especially when accompanied by sensitivity or pain—should be accompanied by a trip to the eye doctor.

How can I clear my red eyes? Get answers at Eye Center of Texas

Sick and tired of everyone thinking you’re sick and tired because of your red eyes? Make this time the last time you have to ask yourself, “Why are my eyes red all the time.”

The experienced doctors at Eye Center of Texas can diagnose what is causing your red eyes and help you implement a solution that can help clear up your eyes. We are your solution for eye health and vision issues, from red eyes to LASIK to UV light eye damage.

Don’t let red eye irritation affect your life any longer. With six convenient locations in the Greater Houston Area, Eye Center of Texas makes it easy to fix your vision in comfort. Call Eye Center of Texas at 713-797-1010, or schedule an appointment online today.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• What is a Corneal Abrasion? 
• How to Lift Eyelids
• How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes? 
• Understanding the Types of Glaucoma 
• Eye Vitamins for Diabetics

Pain around the eye sockets and eyes themselves is one of the top reasons that patients visit Eye Center of Texas. That’s because when you’re experiencing pain around your eye sockets, it’s very hard to concentrate on anything else. 

When someone comes to us and expresses concern about eye pain and/or pain around the eye sockets, it is our goal to relieve that patient as quickly and safely as possible.

Want to give yourself a head start? Learn about what causes pain around the eye sockets, then call Eye Center of Texas at 713-797-1010 or contact us online today.

What are the two different types of eye pain?

When discussing eye pain, eye doctors place different issues in two umbrella categories for eye pain: ocular eye pain and orbital eye pain.

Ocular eye pain is any kind of eye pain that originates on the surface of the eye. It includes sharp pain or the feeling of having something gritty in your eyes.

Types of ocular eye pain include:

• Pink eye
• Styes and chalazia
• Chemical burns
• Foreign bodies
• Corneal abrasions
• Keratoconus

However, when a patient complains of pain around the eye sockets, they are typically referring to pain that originates deeper within the eye. This type of eye pain—pain that originates from a source within tor behind the eye—is referred to as orbital eye pain.

Orbital eye pain and pain around the eye sockets

The eye is an extremely complex organ, leading to many potential causes of orbital eye pain. The following are the most common conditions and diseases that may cause pain around the eye sockets.

• Glaucoma: When people ask “What does pressure behind the eyes mean?” they are typically referencing glaucoma, a disease caused by increased intraocular pressure. While the most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, is typically painless, a rarer, fast-acting and dangerous type of glaucoma called angle-closure glaucoma can cause redness, severe pain, and vision loss. (For more information, read our article on the types of glaucoma.)
• Iritis: Iritis is a rare condition in which the iris (the colored part of the eye) becomes inflamed. Side effects include deep orbital pain, reduced vision, redness, and light sensitivity.
• Migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches: All three of these types of headaches can create the sensation of pain originating from behind the eye. Note that ocular migraines are different than having eye pain from a migraine; ocular migraines typically last for thirty minutes to an hour and can result in either temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye.
• Optic neuritis: Optic neuritis is the inflammation and/or infection of the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. Pain caused by optic neuritis often increases with eye movement. Patients may also experience temporary vision loss and headaches.
• Orbital cellulitis: Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the inside of your eye socket. It can occur after eye trauma, eye surgery, or as the result of infections spreading from other parts of your body (especially the teeth and sinuses). Orbital cellulitis creates redness, pain, and swelling, discharge, and fever, and can lead to permanent vision loss without immediate treatment.
• Sinusitis/Sinus infection: Yes, your sinuses can also cause pain around your eye sockets—or at least the sensation of eye pain. The congestion and inflammation associated with sinus infections can lead to increased pressure in the sinuses, which can then radiate to your eyes.
• Toothache: A toothache can cause both headaches and eye pain by pain referred via the nerves that run throughout your facial structure (especially the trigeminal nerve).

How do you relieve eye pain? See a trusted Ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas.

It’s impossible to know how to thoroughly treat eye pain and pain around the eye sockets without knowing what is causing that pain. The renowned ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas can help you identify the cause of your eye pain and put you on the road to recovery.

Whether you’re experiencing pain behind your left eye, pain behind your right eye, pain in both of your eyes, orbital pain, or ocular pain, it’s time you found relief. Request an appointment at Eye Center of Texas by calling 713-797-1010 or contacting us online today.

Other Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• How to Treat Excess Eyelid Skin 
• How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?
• Best Foods for Eye Health
• When to See an Eye Doctor
• The Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist

What is a corneal abrasion, how long does it take to heal, and is it possible for a corneal abrasion to heal on its own? The idea of having your eye torn or scratched is not a pleasant one; for many, it’s downright frightening. 

The good news is that most corneal abrasions (aka corneal scratches) are minor and will heal in a few days. However, corneal abrasions should never be taken lightly. Knowing what is a corneal abrasion worth worrying about can help you avoid potential infections and vision loss. 

Let’s review the basics of corneal abrasions so that the next time you get something in your eye, you’ll already know the answer to the question, “What is a corneal abrasion?” 

What are some common corneal abrasion causes?

As you might suspect, there are a variety of ways you can scratch your eye and cause a corneal abrasion. Makeup, sand, and even your own fingers are common corneal abrasion causes. 

Rubbing your eyes can make an abrasion more likely, and failing to wear protective equipment while performing work that involves flying particles (mowing the lawn, construction, etc.) can also make a corneal abrasion more likely. 

Keep in mind that contact lenses are a common culprit, as well. If you wear your contact lenses for too long or if you don’t take proper care of them, they could easily lead to a corneal abrasion. 

How do you know if you have a corneal abrasion? 

How do you know if you actually have a corneal abrasion as opposed to another eye issue? Your cornea — the clear, protective outer layer of your eye — is chock full of nerve endings. So having even a small particle in your eye can feel like somehow you got a boulder wedged in there. That said, corneal abrasions are often accompanied by telltale signs and symptoms.

So, what does a scratched cornea feel like?

• You might feel like there’s something stuck in your eye (like sand)
• You could experience blurry vision or light sensitivity
• You might feel pain when you open or close your eyes
• Your eyes could appear red, start to tear up, or even twitch
• You might feel nauseous or have unexplained headaches

For more extensive information, please read our article regarding scratched cornea symptoms, which outlines what you may be feeling in more detail.

Can a scratched eye heal on its own?

It is possible for a minor abrasion to heal on its own. However, it’s always wise to get a professional opinion regarding the existence or severity of a corneal abrasion, as treatment can help a minor abrasion from becoming worse.

And if you do wind up with a deeper scratch, ignoring it can lead to further complications. Larger abrasions can easily become infected, which in turn can lead to permanent vision loss, scarring, corneal ulceration. 

How do you treat a corneal abrasion?

If you feel as though you have something stuck in your eye, immediately rinse your eye with clean water. Do not rub your eyes or touch your eye with your fingers, as doing so could make a scratch worse (or create an abrasion even if you did not have one before).

If your eye remains uncomfortable after you’ve rinsed it a few times, consider calling a doctor. Most professionals recommend antibiotic eye drops for even a minor abrasion, but other treatments may also be deemed necessary. 

Treatments options for a corneal abrasion:

• Eye drops or antibiotic ointment (to provide a protective layer)
• Special contact lenses (to ease pain and speed up the healing process)
• Steroids (to help with inflammation)
• An eye patch (to protect your eye from further damage)

How long does a corneal abrasion take to heal?

Minor abrasions often heal within a few days — sometimes as soon as 24 hours later. However, deeper abrasions can take up to two weeks or longer to heal. The length of time it takes for your abrasion to heal will depend on the severity of damage inflicted, how quickly you seek treatment, and how diligent you are with aftercare.

Think you might have scratched your cornea? Call Eye Center of Texas. 

If you think you have recently scratched your eye and are just starting to find answers to the question, “What is a corneal abrasion,” consider seeing an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. When it comes to the health of your eyes, it’s not worth it to take risks.

Eye Center of Texas is home to some of the best eye doctors in Houston. Our nationally recognized ophthalmologists can help you determine whether or not you have scratched your cornea, recommend treatments, and follow up with you on your healing. 

We’re here for Houston’s eyes. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 713-797-1010.

Other Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• Best Foods for Eye Health 
• What Are The Signs of Pink Eye?
• When to See the Eye Doctor
• What’s the Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
• Can I Get Cataract Surgery in Both Eyes at Once? 

Excess eyelid skin can be frustrating for more than cosmetic reasons. When your excess eyelid skin begins to hang over your eyelashes, it can cause both discomfort and vision problems. Luckily, patients who are researching how to lift eyelids and eyelid surgery in Houston have an excellent resource in Eye Center of Texas.

Let’s go over what can cause excess eyelid skin and answer a few of the most commonly asked questions regarding excess eyelid skin in the process. 

What is excess eyelid skin called, and what causes eyelids to droop?

In everyday vernacular, most people refer to excess eyelid skin as having “droopy eyelids.” Others refer to the condition as “Lazy eye,” although this nomenclature is more likely to be in reference to amblyopia (a weakness in the eye itself). Excess eyelid skin can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of droopy eyelids, along with clinical names. 

Ptosis 

Ptosis, the loosening of the upper eyelids’ muscle strength, is the most common of these conditions. As you age, the muscle that holds up your eyelid — the levator — can lose its elasticity and/or weaken. When this occurs, your upper eyelid can droop and start to block the pupil and cause vision problems. Ptosis is also a result of congenital conditions (particularly in children), eye diseases, eye trauma, botox injections, or as an aftereffect of eye surgery. 

Dermatochalasis

Like ptosis, dermatochalasis is caused by a weakening and loss of elasticity — but in this case, the weakening takes place in the connective tissue of the very front of the eyelid. Dermatochalasis is called “baggy eyes” informally and can be caused by either separate diseases or a congenital condition. Dermatochalasis often happens in conjunction with blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids caused by the congestion of oil glands found at the base of each eyelash.

Note: Dermatochalasis is often confused with blepharochalasis. Both conditions result in lax, excess eyelid skin, but whereas dermatochalasis is typically involutional (related to aging), blepharochalasis is caused by the atrophy (degeneration) of eyelid tissues after long-term or chronic attacks of periorbital edema (swelling or puffiness of the eyes). Blepharochalasis is a rare syndrome. 

Ectropion and Entropion

When people think of excess eyelid skin and how to lift eyelids, they often have the upper eyelids in mind. However, patients can also suffer from excess eyelid skin in the lower lids, which results in the conditions of ectropion and entropion. 

Entropion occurs when weak lower eyelid muscles allow the skin of the lower eyelid to droop inward. When this sagging occurs, the lower lashes are constantly in contact with the cornea and can cause tearing, irritation, and a sensation of constantly having something in your eye. 

Ectropion occurs when weak lower eyelid muscles allow the skin of the lower eyelid to droop outward. When this sagging occurs, the upper and lower eyelids don’t meet, causing irritation, dryness, and excess tearing. 

What can I do about droopy eyelids? Blepharoplasty and non-surgical options.

While there are a few types of eyelid surgery, the most common is blepharoplasty. Sometimes used as a cosmetic procedure, blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat. Blepharoplasty can also tighten or strengthen sagging muscles when applicable. The procedure can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelid. 

Many insurances cover blepharoplasty procedures intended to help vision problems. Check with your ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas to see if you meet your insurance qualifications for coverage.

Non-surgical options may include the regular use of artificial tears, eye shields (to retain eye moisture at night), and taping (for entropion only). Your ophthalmologist can instruct you in best practices with regard to these treatments. 

There has been a recent increase in online videos professing to help individuals get rid of excess eyelid skin with the regular practice of facial exercises and the use of tape. These exercises do not work, and patients should only use tape as instructed by a trained professional.  

When should you contact a professional about excess eyelid skin?

Excess eyelid skin can cause your brows to ache (from constantly trying to raise your eyebrows/lids. It can also cause reduced peripheral vision. If left untreated, more advanced cases of droopy eyelids can lead to additional vision issues and complications. 

If your excess eyelid skin causes you pain, affects your vision, or develops suddenly (overnight or in just a few hours), contact your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Suffering from excess eyelid skin? Have more questions?

Whether your excess eyelid skin is bothering you for cosmetic or vision-related reasons, the Houston eyelid surgeons at Eye Center of Texas can help. Our eye doctors, including the esteemed Dr. Mark L. Mayo and Dr. Edward C. Wade, have decades of experience helping Houstonians overcome eye and vision problems. 

We’re here to answer any questions you may have regarding eyelid surgery, as well as more general questions, from “What do I need to know about LASIK surgery recovery” to, “What is the difference between being nearsighted and farsighted?” 

To discuss your options, request an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists by calling 713-797-1010 or contact us online today. 

Other Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• Best Foods for Eye Health 
• What Are The Signs of Pink Eye? 
• When to See the Eye Doctor
• What’s the Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist? 
• Can I Get Cataract Surgery in Both Eyes at Once?

Understanding Diabetes and Eye Care 

How does diabetes affect the eyes? Can diabetes damage your eyes and lead to blurry vision or other long term eye complications? What about treatment – is eye damage from diabetes reversible? 

Whether you’ve had diabetes for years, have just been diagnosed, or are simply doing some investigating into future health concerns, questions like these are bound to cross your mind. Diabetes can cause several complications with your vision, which may start to show up as diabetic eye disease symptoms. These complications can be short term and temporary or long term and very problematic. 

Long story short, diabetes can and often does negatively impact your eyes. In fact, blurry vision can sometimes be a warning sign that a diabetes diagnosis may be on the horizon. Learn the basics of diabetes and eye care covered below, then call the trusted ophthalmologists at Eye Center of Texas for more information.

How does high blood sugar affect your eyes?

When you ask the question “How does diabetes affect the eyes?” you simply can’t get very far into an answer without stumbling upon the role of blood sugar. 

When you suffer from high (or even low) blood sugar, you may experience short term blurriness. Once you’re able to get your blood sugar levels back under control, your blurry vision may start to clear up. In these instances, when the damage to your eyes isn’t permanent, patients may see a reversal in symptoms. 

Health note: Diabetes can lead to cataracts. Learn more about fast-growing cataracts and what the early signs of cataracts are. 

Eye care and diabetic retinopathy 

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in your eyes are damaged permanently due to uncontrolled diabetes. If left unchecked, vision symptoms and issues caused by diabetic retinopathy will become worse over time. 

Diabetic eye disease symptoms often include:

• Floaters
• Blurry vision
• Vision loss
• Dark areas
• Poor night vision
• Impaired color vision

For more information regarding diabetic retinopathy, read our articles regarding your diabetic retinopathy diagnosis, the four stages of diabetic retinopathy, and foods to eat for diabetic retinopathy and eye health.

Have diabetes? Experiencing blurry vision? Eye Center of Texas can help.

The answer to “How does diabetes affect the eyes” isn’t a straightforward one. As we mentioned previously, diabetes-related blurry vision can be temporary, a sign of diabetic retinopathy, or even a symptom of other issues aside from diabetes.

If you have diabetes and have noticed a sudden or gradual increase of blurry vision, it’s time to check in with your eye doctor at Eye Center of Texas. When it comes to your vision, it’s best to play it safe, and that’s especially true if you have diabetes.

For some of the best eye care in Houston, visit a leading ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 713-797-1010 today

Other Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• When to See an Eye Doctor
• What is the Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist? 
• Cataract Surgery for Both Eyes at Once? 
• How Many Times Can You Get LASIK? 
• Best Eye Drops After LASIK

While there are different types of glaucoma, it’s important to remember that each one is serious and can cause permanent and life-long damage to your vision. In some cases, glaucoma can even lead to blindness. So if you think you might be suffering from glaucoma, don’t take the risk of avoiding treatment. 

Let’s take a few moments to cover the different types of glaucoma and different types of medical treatments available for glaucoma patients.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Out of the many different types of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma is the most common. Open-Angle Glaucoma is caused by improper drainage. More specifically, the drainage canals become clogged or blocked due to aqueous fluids moving too slowly out of the eye. 

Over time, this buildup can increase eye pressure, damage the optic nerve, and negatively impact vision. Open-angle glaucoma can often go unnoticed, which is why it’s important to have routine eye exams.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Many patients come to us with the question, “What is the difference between open and closed-angle glaucoma?” Unlike open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma (often referred to as closed-angle glaucoma) is rare, develops quickly, and is very noticeable. In other words, you should notice the symptoms fairly soon and realize you need to seek medical treatment. 

Like open-angle glaucoma, this type of glaucoma is also caused by improper drainage, but there is a narrow angle where the iris meets the cornea (almost as if the cornea is closing). With angle-closure glaucoma, patients might suffer from additional symptoms, including nausea, blurred vision, and headaches.

If you’re in the process of seeking medical treatment, check out our articles regarding glaucoma treatment options and glaucoma surgery recovery.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)

Normal-tension glaucoma is very similar to open-angle glaucoma; however, in this type of glaucoma, the pressure in your eye remains normal. While there is still research as to why this happens, many experts believe normal-tension glaucoma happens when other things are at play (such as a family history of glaucoma or a general sensitivity to normal pressure). 

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma does not occur due to improper drainage. Instead, it is brought on by another eye problem. This “problem” can come in many different forms, with tumors, diabetes, and cataracts being the most common causes.

Have glaucoma and cataracts? Learn more about having glaucoma and cataract surgery at the same time.

Eye Center of Texas treats all types of glaucoma

If you notice symptoms of glaucoma or simply haven’t had your eyes checked in a while, call Eye Center of Texas. Glaucoma can become very serious if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Our experts can go over treatment options such as laser treatment for glaucoma and are happy to answer glaucoma FAQs. 

Request an appointment online or call Eye Center of Texas today at 713-797-1010.

Other Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• When to See an Eye Doctor
• What is the Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist? 
• Cataract Surgery for Both Eyes at Once? 
• How Many Times Can You Get LASIK?
• Best Eye Drops After LASIK

Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes and are concerned about diabetic retinopathy often ask the ophthalmologists at Eye Center of Texas about the best foods for eye health. Often, the foods that are good for your eyes are good for the rest of your body as well, but there are some foods that may be especially good for the health of your eyes. Learn which foods you should put on your next grocery list if you want to “eat for your eyes.”

Foods good for your eyes, brain, and body 

What can you eat to improve your eyesight? Which fruit is good for eyes? Are nuts good for your eyes? What is the best vitamin for eyes? And minerals — which minerals are good for eyes? 

If you’ve started looking into the best foods for eye health, these are the types of questions you’re likely asking. We’ve compiled a list of whole foods, vitamins, and minerals that have been found to promote healthier eyesight. 

Vitamins and minerals: The following vitamins and minerals have high concentrations of antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are believed to help absorb blue light — the type of sunlight that causes damage to your retina. Next to each of these is a list of common fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes high in that particular vitamin/mineral (For a brush-up on the types of vitamins and what they do, we recommend Harvard’s list of vitamins). 

Vitamin A 

Vegetables: Sweet potato, collard greens, turnip greens, kale, Swiss chard, spinach, romaine,  squash, carrot, red pepper, and salmon

Fruit: Mango, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, and papaya

Vitamin C

Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, kale, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, winter squash 

Fruit: Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, chili peppers, yellow pepper, and guava

Vitamin E

Vegetables: Butternut squash, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnip greens

Fruit: Avocado, sweet red pepper, mango, and kiwi

Nuts & seeds: Hazelnuts, pine nuts, peanuts, almonds, brazil nuts, and sunflower seeds

Zinc

Vegetables: Peas, spinach, broccoli, okra, asparagus, shiitake mushrooms

Fruit: Cantaloupe, avocado, apricot. guava, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and kiwi 

Nuts, seeds, legumes: Cashews, pecans, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, brazil nuts, almonds, lima beans, and chickpeas

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, sardines, walnuts, soybeans, yogurt, and flaxseed have also been shown to help maintain healthy eyesight. 

If I have diabetic retinopathy, how can I improve my vision naturally? 

A few of the top eye health tips we can give you have nothing to do with the best foods for eye health. If you haven’t already, start exploring questions like, “What are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy?” and identify the steps you can take toward preventative eye-care, such as learning how to protect your eyes in summer.

Our second (and arguably more important) tip is to know when to seek out natural remedies vs. when to see an eye doctor. If you have diabetes and have not started searching for a “diabetic retinopathy eye doctor near me,” we recommend doing so as soon as possible.  

Keep your eyes healthy at Eye Center of Texas

Eating foods that are good for your eyes is a great step toward achieving better eye health. But for those with diabetes, eating good food, even if it’s only the best foods for eye health, is only part of a comprehensive plan for taking care of your eyes. 

The trained ophthalmologists at Eye Center of Texas can help spot and treat eye issues, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetes-related fast-growing cataracts, macular degeneration, cataracts, and more. Over 275 doctors in Houston refer their patients to Eye Center of Texas, home to some of the best LASIK and cataract surgeons in the country. 

To request an appointment with one of our esteemed doctors, call 713-797-1010 or contact us online today. 

Other Helpful Blogs from Eye Center of Texas:

• Difference Between Optometrist and Ophthalmologist 
• Student Chronicles LASIK Experience 
• Can Cataract Surgery Be Done on Both Eyes at Once? 
• How Many Times Can You Have LASIK? 
• How to Take Care of Someone After LASIK

What are the signs of pink eye? Can these signs be similar to other signs of eye issues? Exactly how long does it take for pink eye to show up so that you can be sure of what you’re dealing with? 

If your child has recently come home from school complaining that their eye is bothering them, chances are that you may be Googling questions like these at a frantic pace. 

Find the answers to questions like “What are the signs of pink eye?” and more, in Eye Center of Texas’s overview of all things pink eye. 

What is pink eye? 

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye (aka the conjunctiva). Inflammation may be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergies, irritants, your eyes’ negative reaction to eye drops, or even prolonged contact wear. Sexually transmitted diseases can cause rare and dangerous versions of conjunctivitis. 

Note: when most patients and doctors refer to pink eye, they’re likely talking about viral pink eye, which is by far the most common type of pink eye. 

OK, what are the signs of pink eye? 

Your pink eye symptoms will vary according to the cause behind the inflammation. However, we can create a general list of pink eye symptoms to answer the question, “What are the signs of pink eye?”

Typical pink eye symptoms include:

• Swollen, irritated conjunctiva
• Itchy, burning eyes 
• Blurred vision and sensitivity to light 
• Green, yellow, or white discharge (removable with a warm washcloth). 
• Frequent tears 

If you or your child has a viral pink eye infection, they might also experience swollen lymph nodes. (This is true particularly for the nodes found beneath your jaw or near the front of your ear). 

How do you know if you have pink eye or “just allergies?”

Technically, if the conjunctiva of your eye is inflamed because of allergies, that is still considered pink eye. 

That said, it can be difficult to tell the difference between pink eye caused by allergies vs. pink eye caused by a virus. For that reason, if you want to know whether your pink eye is caused by allergies, a viral/bacterial infection, or other irritants, it’s best to visit your optometrist. 

If your doctor tells you that your child’s or your conjunctivitis is caused by irritants, you may find the following resources to be helpful: 

• Most Common Vision Problems 
• Itchy, Dry Eyes in Winter
• Does Looking At Your Phone Hurt Your Eyes? 
• How to Protect Your Eyes in Summer?  
• Are Computer Glasses Helpful?

Is pink eye contagious? How do you treat pink eye? 

Once people have the answer to the question, “What are the signs of pink eye?” their follow-up questions tend to be something along the lines of, “How long is pink eye contagious?” or “Can you go to school with pink eye?”

The answers to these questions depend on what kind of pink eye you have.

Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis, the type of conjunctivitis that is typically brought on by the same bacteria that causes strep throat, is contagious once symptoms appear. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treatable with antibiotics. After the first 24 hours of antibiotics, bacterial conjunctivitis ceases to be contagious, and patients may return to normal activities. 

Viral conjunctivitis: Unfortunately, the most common type of pink eye is also highly contagious It cannot be treated by antibiotics and must wait for it to run its course before you are no longer contagious. Viral pink eye is also often accompanied by a cold or other sinus issues. 

Conjunctivitis caused by allergies/other irritants: These types of pink eye are not contagious and can be treated using allergy medication and limiting your exposure to the offending irritants. 

How long does pink eye last? If possible, how do you get rid of pink eye overnight?

Again, your pink eye’s incubation time will depend on the type of conjunctivitis you have. 

It is not possible to get rid of pink eye caused by a virus or bacteria overnight. With the help of antibiotics, patients will likely experience relief from pink eye caused by bacteria in a few days. Pink eye caused by a virus must run its course — typically 10–14 days — before symptoms clear.

Patients with allergic conjunctivitis can experience relief from symptoms within 24 hours by avoiding allergens and irritants and/or using doctor-prescribed medication. 

What kind of eye doctor should I see for pink eye?

If you or your child has pink eye, it’s best to visit an optometrist as soon as possible. Doing so means you will get an accurate diagnosis of what’s causing your conjunctivitis. Please visit our optometrist webpage to find a suitable optometrist near you (and check out our page on the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists if you need clarification). 

If you’ve been told your vision problems are not due to pink eye, but another eye disease, Eye Center of Texas is here to help.  Request an appointment online or call Eye Center of Texas today at 713-797-1010.

Other Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• One Student’s Account of LASIK
• Cataract Surgery in Both Eyes at Once? 
• How Many Times Can You Have LASIK? 
• Caring for Someone Who Has Had LASIK
• Why Use Preservative-Free Eye Drops After LASIK

If you aren’t a doctor who specializes in the treatment of eyes, it’s only natural that you might not understand what’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. 

But if you suddenly find yourself in need of an eye doctor, you need to learn about the differences between these two types of eye specialists. 

When should you see an ophthalmologist vs. an optometrist? What can an optometrist detect that an ophthalmologist cannot and vice versa? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more.

Understanding what’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist (and an optician)

Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians… try saying that five times fast! All three of these titles are used by eye care professionals and the difference between their areas of expertise isn’t always obvious to the average person. Let’s break it down.

Ophthalmologist 

• Education: Undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, 3-8 years of residency, with an additional possible 1-year internship
• Title: Medical Doctor (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Are licensed to: Perform eye exams and vision tests; diagnose and treat eye conditions; prescribe medications and corrective lenses; perform eye surgery; provide post-operative care
• Other: Subspecialties in the study of specific eye diseases and surgical techniques, may also conduct and contribute to research regularly 

Optometrists

• Education: Undergraduate degree, four years of optometry school
• Title: Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Are licensed to: Perform eye exams and vision tests; prescribe corrective lenses and contacts; prescribe some medications (an optometrist’s scope of practice is dependent upon each state’s board of optometry)

Opticians 

• Education: Opticianry training (Only in some states — including Texas)
• Title: Opticians are not doctors and thus do not have a medical title
• Are licensed to: In Texas, opticians are licensed to take a prescription (written by an optometrist or ophthalmologist) and create glasses that match your specifications 

Do I need to see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist? 

If you have no medical history of eye and vision problems and/or simply want a routine eye exam, you will likely have all your needs met by visiting an optometrist.

However, if you do have a history of eye and vision problems and are experiencing additional symptoms, it may be in your best interest to visit an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists often provide a wider range of treatment options, including surgical solutions. For example, here are some of the procedures performed by the ophthalmologists at Eye Center in Texas: 

• PRK surgery in Houston 
• LASIK eye surgery in Houston
• Cataract surgery in Houston 
• Eyelid surgery in Houston 
• Laser eye surgery for glaucoma 

Very often, you will come across clinics where optometrists and ophthalmologists work together as a team.

Please note that the ophthalmologists at Eye Center of Texas do not perform routine eye examinations. We encourage our patients to visit our partner Optometrists, available on our recommended optometrists page.

Visit the Ophthalmologists at Eye Center of Texas

At Eye Center of Texas, we understand that a visit to any doctor — be it an ophthalmologist, optometrist, dentist, or even your GP — can be stressful. That’s why our doctors always take their time with patients and prioritize their comfort and care.

If you have a pre-existing eye condition or are on the lookout for top eye surgeons in your area, request an appointment online or call Eye Center of Texas today at 713-797-1010.

Related Resources:
Cataract Surgery for Both Eyes at Once: Is it Safe?
How Many Times Can You Have LASIK?
How to Care for Someone After LASIK
Why Use Preservative Free Eyedrops After LASIK?
After LASIK, Does the Flap Heal?

May 2019 was a busy month for Curtiss Chapman. In the span of 31 days, he received LASIK from Eye Center of Texas, graduated with a doctorate in Cognitive Neuroscience from Rice University, got married, moved to Germany, and started a new job — all in that order.  

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Curtiss’s friends and family questioned his decision to receive eye surgery before so many major life changes. But he and his wife had already decided to move ahead: The benefits of the procedure far outweighed the risk. 

“My wife and I, we had a lot going on,” says Curtiss, “but in the end, that wound up being another reason to get LASIK. We figured, LASIK is incredibly safe whether we’re busy or not, so why not go for it? Why not go through all these important events and start this new phase of my life without glasses?”

The couple had another reason to go ahead with the procedure: “We’d done our research, and we knew that the doctors at Eye Center of Texas are some of best LASIK doctors in Houston and the country. Waiting meant going elsewhere. It meant worrying more.”

Happily, Curtiss agreed to document and share his LASIK experience, both pre and post-surgery. Curious about what preparing for and living a glasses-less life entails? Follow Curtiss on his exciting journey to new eyesight and new beginnings!

Meet Curtiss!

Hello! Curtiss here, writing to you sans glasses on my face… meaning yes, my LASIK procedure went well. Better than ‘just’ well: I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes! I’m hoping that these videos/this post will help encourage individuals interest in LASIK to go ahead and take the plunge if they can. So much can change in just 10 minutes on the operating table.

Before the procedure 

Before you can get LASIK, you have to verify whether you’re a good candidate for the surgery or not. I went in for a consultation and the doctor patiently and candidly answered all my questions (I ask a lot of them, so… that’s no small feat). 

I was given the green light. The next day I called to arrange the date of my surgery as well as the acquisition of the medicated eye drops that I would need to use to help prepare my eyes for the surgery.

That was the easy part. The hard part was talking to everyone about the surgery. People meant well, but it felt like everyone had heard that their cousin’s best friend’s dad’s sister had something “go wrong.” What that something was they could never say… but considering less than 1% of LASIK patients have complications, and the vast majority of those are treatable, I took these stories with a grain of salt.

… until a couldn’t anymore, and then I called Eye Center of Texas in a bit of a panic. They were able to shine light on many of these stories and, essentially, talk me down, and get me back on track to looking forward to life after LASIK. Including… 

During the procedure

The day of my procedure, I met with Dr. Roach for a consultation before and after the surgery. Dr. Mayo performed the actual LASIK procedure. This video should give you an idea of how the day went.

Here are some additional takeaways from the morning of the procedure:

• You put your nametag on upside down because that’s the direction the surgeon sees it from. 
• Before the procedure, you will be given I was given the prescription for the eye drops you’ll need for after the surgery (and a very handy schedule for when to take them), an eye shield, and sunglasses.
• You need someone to go with you to your surgery so that you can get a ride home.
• I was very calm during the procedure because I was given a Valium. The valium also helped me sleep later when I got home (I don’t nap often, so that was a relief).
• I didn’t feel any pain during the procedure, but I did feel a kind of “pressure.” The sensation isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but it’s normal (and really not that bad).
• The doctor warned me that my vision may go black at some point during the procedure. This doesn’t happen to everyone – it didn’t happen to me – but I was still glad that I knew about it.
• If you are offered a stuffed animal, take it. I didn’t, and I regretted not having something to hold… not because I needed to be comforted, but because it gives you something to do with your arms.
• Eye Center of Texas will help you donate the glasses you don’t need anymore to someone who can use them.

After the procedure

I was told that patients are to avoid opening their eyes as much as possible on the day of a LASIK procedure. Dr. Mayo and Dr. Roach also told me that the best thing to do would be to sleep (wearing the eye shield). 

As I said, thanks to Valium, I was actually able to sleep. The rest of the day I listened to podcasts, put in my eye drops, and used Tylenol PM to make sure I slept at night. 

All said, the day went really well because my wife and I had done a little bit of planning. If you’re about to get LASIK, Eye Center of Texas has a pretty comprehensive list of good things that you (or your spouse/friend/parent) can do to help you through your first day post-LASIK. 

A day after the surgery, I could see clearly again. Isn’t that crazy?

I did have dry eyes, but the eye drops helped with that, and dry eyes post-LASIK are pretty par for the course. Writing to you from around a month out, I can tell you that my dry eyes have gotten (and are continuing to get) a lot better, although I do occasionally need eye drops throughout the day.

Graduation

A few days after the surgery, a good number of my immediate family came into town for my graduation — 16 total, if you include the kids. That was the first time that any of them saw me without my glasses, including my nephews, who were quick to tell me, “you look different, Uncle Curtie!”

I was able to walk the stage without wearing the glasses that had seen me through 6 years of study — not something I ever imagined would happen. But the fact that I no longer needed glasses didn’t really hit home until I saw several of my colleagues get their glasses knocked off of their face as they were being hooded.

The move pt. 1

My wife and I moved in stages: first, from Houston to San Antonio, where we would stay a few weeks until we got married there, then we went on our honeymoon, and then we moved to Germany.

As we packed up our belongings for the first stage of the move (Houston to San Antonio) Houston, ever the cooperative city, decided to rain. The rain was not ideal, but it was a lot less frustrating than it normally would be because I was no longer wearing glasses. Where before I would have been either staring through raindrops or constantly taking my glasses off to wipe them, I could now simply focus on not dropping the sofa.

The wedding

I didn’t take a video of me not wearing glasses on my wedding day proper, but when the pictures get developed, I won’t be wearing glasses in any of them.

I wasn’t wearing glasses when I looked out on the crowd of our friends and family who gathered to celebrate my wife and me, I wasn’t wearing glasses when I saw my beautiful wife walking down the aisle, and I wasn’t wearing glasses when I danced like crazy during the reception.

In fact, I didn’t even think about my glasses at all on my wedding day, and that was awesome. 

But, for your viewing pleasure, here’s a video of me and my wife the day AFTER our wedding, right before we hung out at the lazy river (in sunglasses but not glasses… because UV rays and cataracts are definitely a thing).

The move pt. 2

My wife and I just finished our honeymoon, and while I’ve grown accustomed to living without glasses, I still occasionally forget that I no longer need them. 

I have now reached for phantom glasses in the following cities (so far): Houston, San Antonio, Denver, New York, London, Vienna, Salzburg, and our new hometown in Germany. I have pushed phantom glasses up my nose on planes, in the mountains, and while drinking delicious German beer.

It’s strange to think that my colleagues here will never see me wearing glasses. Strange, but good.

My wife has also gotten used to seeing me without glasses. And with everything that has happened between my LASIK surgery and now, this huge change to my everyday life does sometimes seem like it happened a long time ago, in a different life.

But every once in a while my wife will look at me, smile, and say, “no glasses!” and both my joy at living without glasses and my gratitude for Dr. Mayo and the staff at Eye Center of Texas comes rushing back, all over again.    

Life after LASIK at Eye Center of Texas

Patients like Curtiss (aka Dr. Chapman) are one of the main reasons the team at Eye Center of Texas loves coming to work every day. Even with 75,000 successful LASIK surgeries under our belts, we never get tired of hearing how LASIK has changed the daily lives of our patients.  

Curious about what it’s like to work with some of the best LASIK eye surgeons in Houston? Wondering, “Am I a good candidate for LASIK?” or what the average LASIK recovery timeline looks like? Request your LASIK appointment online or call us today at 713-395-1515 for more information.