As every good vampire hunter knows (think Buffy), the sun&rsquo;s rays are lethal to the undead, unless they wear a daylight ring made by witches (thanks Vampire Diaries) so they can stroll around during the day. Depending on your budget, they&rsquo;re available on eBay for anywhere between $1 and $110.

But for mere mortals out there, protecting your eyes from the sun means not only getting good UV-blocking sunglasses, but replacing them every two years if you wear them two to three hours <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/video/health-topics-a-z/30-days-of-beauty/wear-sunglasses-every-day">daily</a>. According to a recent report in BioMedical Engineering Online that&rsquo;s what sun-savvy Brazilians do. Here&rsquo;s what they know, and you may not.

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/4-celeb-sunglasses-trends-that-protect-your-eyes">Sunglasses</a> age with time and exposure to sunlight. That means the UV protection originally provided by your shades can break down. Then your eyes are exposed to more potentially cornea- and retina-damaging solar radiation than is healthy. Ten percent of cataracts are directly attributable to UVB exposure and UVA light may contribute to macular degeneration.

Your shades should block as much UVA and B light as possible. The top-notch Brazilian standard: Sunglasses should block out UV light that&rsquo;s got an intensity of 380 to 400&nbsp;nanometers (400 being the strongest UV ray).

True, if you wanted to measure how your sunglasses are holding up, you&rsquo;d have to use a spectrometer, but replacing them every couple years&mdash;and making sure your new ones block out 99-100 percent of UV rays and screen out 75-90 percent of visible light should protect your eyes.

Medically reviewed in July 2018.

How to Protect Your Eyes from Harmful UV Rays

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that causes vision loss. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss among senior adults in the United States.

Below are some key terms to help you understand the anatomy of the eye, how AMD occurs, how healthcare providers diagnose AMD, and what treatments are available.

Central vision loss 
This is the type of vision loss that occurs with AMD. Vision may become blurry at the center, making it difficult to clearly see objects that are directly ahead, while vision may remain clear around the edges. A person may also develop blank spots in central vision, called scotomas.

Retina 
The retina is a part of the eye made up of a thin layer of light-sensitive cells. It converts light into neural signals that can then be processed by the brain. It is located near the back of the eye, near the optic nerve.

Macula 
The macula is the center and most sensitive part of the retina. AMD occurs as the macula and its supporting structures accumulate damage and deposits of waste materials. This occurs to everyone to some degree as they age.

Drusen 
These are yellow deposits of waste materials that accumulate beneath the retina. Most people will develop drusen as they age, though smaller ones will not cause symptoms or interfere with vision. Medium-sized or large drusen can be a sign that a person has AMD.

Early, intermediate, late stage 
AMD is categorized into three stages.

<ul>
	<li>The early stage is diagnosed by the presence of medium-sized drusen, but people do not experience vision loss at this stage.</li>
	<li>Most do not experience symptoms at the intermediate stage (though some do), but an eye exam will reveal large drusen and/or pigment changes in the retina.</li>
	<li>People with late AMD experience vision loss. Late AMD is categorized into two types, dry AMD and wet AMD.</li>
</ul>

Dry AMD 
Also called geographic atrophy. This is the more common of the two types of late AMD. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with AMD have the dry type.

People with this type will experience vision loss due to the breakdown of the cells that make up the macula, and the cells that form the supporting structures around the macula. They may also have large drusen. Dry AMD may develop in one eye initially, but usually affects both eyes.

Wet AMD 
Also called neovascular AMD. This is the less common of the two types, affecting between 10 and 20 percent of people with late AMD. However, it is responsible for the majority of cases of severe vision loss.

Wet AMD is referred to as &ldquo;wet&rdquo; because it involves leakage of blood and other fluids from abnormal blood vessels that have formed beneath the retina. This will occur in one eye, but can occur in both. Most people with wet AMD will have dry AMD first. Vision loss progresses more quickly with wet AMD.

Fluorescein angiography 
This is a test that a healthcare provider may order if they suspect you have wet AMD. It involves injecting a dye into a vein in the arm.

As the blood circulates through the body, it will pass through the blood vessels of the eye. A series of photographs are then taken of the eye. The dye will appear to glow in these photographs. This enables a healthcare provider to get a clear view of the vascular structure of the eye.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) 
This is another imaging test healthcare providers may use in diagnosing wet AMD. With this test, a laser is used to create an image of the internal structure of the eye, including the thickness of the retina and pockets of fluid.

Anti-VEGF 
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, or anti-VEGF, is a treatment for wet AMD. Drugs that prevent blood vessels from leaking are injected into the eye. This can help prevent vision loss and improve vision for some people.

Other treatment options involve using lasers to close off damaged blood vessels, and other types of surgery, though these are much less common.

There are no effective treatments available for dry AMD, but dietary supplements and lifestyle changes may help slow the progression of vision loss.

Medically reviewed in October 2021.

Sources: 
Merck Manual Professional Version. &quot;Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Drusen).&quot; 
InformedHealth.org. &quot;Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Overview.&quot; 
David A. Quillen. &quot;Common Causes of Vision Loss in Elderly Patients.&quot; American Family Physician. July 1, 1999. Vol. 60, No. 1. 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. &quot;Common Eye Disorders and Diseases.&quot; 
Merck Manual Consumer Version. &quot;Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD).&quot; 
American Academy of Ophthalmology. &quot;Retina.&quot; 
American Academy of Ophthalmology. &quot;Macula.&quot; 
Mayo Clinic. &quot;Dry macular degeneration.&quot; 
Merck Manual Consumer Version. &quot;Tests for Eye Disorders.&quot; 
Cleveland Clinic. &quot;Age-Related Macular Degeneration.&quot; 
Mayo Clinic. &quot;Wet macular degeneration.&quot; 
Johns Hopkins Medicine. &quot;Laser Photocoagulation for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.&quot;

10 Terms to Better Understand Age-Related Macular Degeneration

When Little Red Riding Hood exclaimed, &ldquo;My Grandma, what big eyes you have,&rdquo; the Big Bad Wolf replied, &ldquo;The better to see you with my dear.&rdquo; &ldquo;But, Grandma, I thought you had cataracts,&rdquo; Red replied. &nbsp;&ldquo;I did,&rdquo; said the BBW, &ldquo;but I had LASIK surgery and I&rsquo;m all better now.&rdquo; That&rsquo;s when Little Red Riding Hood realized this wasn&rsquo;t her grandmother; everybody &ndash; except for a stupid wolf -- knows LASIK surgery corrects nearsightedness not cataracts! So Red ran out the door and was safe forever after.&nbsp;

The moral of our story is that knowledge is power and can save you from losing your vision. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and by 2020 more than 30 million of you will have to deal with the cloudy, color-distorted images cataracts cause. Luckily, cataract surgery, one of the most common surgeries done in the U.S., can replace your eye&rsquo;s damaged lens with a permanent artificial one. It&rsquo;s 100% effective over 96% of the time.&nbsp;

But even better -- cataract prevention. The Nurses&#39; Health Study (among others) revealed that women who ate a healthy diet, loaded with <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/antioxidants/what-the-functions-of-polyphenols" target="_blank">polyphenols</a> (specifically leutin and zeaxanthin) from dark green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains were half as likely to develop cataracts as women who didn&rsquo;t. We think it applies to men too! And while diabetes and spending time in the sun can contribute to cataract development, always wearing sunglasses and maintaining good glucose control can slow down their development. Ah! What good eyes you have!

Clear Insight: How to Prevent Cataracts

The health benefits of tea range from lowering stress to improving digestion to aiding sleep, and now you can add eye health to the growing list. Researchers from the University of California have discovered that drinking black, caffeinated tea can substantially lower your risk of developing glaucoma&mdash;a disease in which fluid in the eye builds up and damages the optic nerve.

In a study published in the British Journal of Opthalmology, scientists analyzed data from the 2005 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. What they found was &ldquo;participants who consumed at least one cup of hot tea daily had a 74 percent decreased odds of having glaucoma compared with those who did not consume hot tea.&rdquo; And even though this was an observational study, the researchers pointed out that tea contains anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and flavonoids that may protect the optic nerve. So, do as the Brits do and don&rsquo;t miss your tea time.

Drinking Black Tea Can Help Reduce Your Glaucoma Risk

You take in the world with your eyes&mdash;from paint colors to the perfect autumn sky&mdash;but did you know your eyes also allow for a unique look inside your body?

It&#39;s true. Your eye doc can learn a lot about your health by looking at the blood vessels and nerves in the backs of your eyes. They can provide clues about what&#39;s going on in the rest of your body. Here are just a few examples:

A sign of blood pressure problems: If the blood vessels in your eyes look stiff, form kinks or loops, or look bronze or gray instead of the usual red color, it could be a sign of high blood pressure or diabetes. These two conditions can harm your retinas, causing fluid buildup and bleeding that changes the look of the blood vessels there.

A sign of autoimmune disease: Blocked blood vessels or inflammation of certain structures in the eyes can sometimes be signs of autoimmune disease. These problems may cause symptoms like vision problems, pain, sensitivity to light, and red, itchy eyes. But keep in mind that symptoms like these are relatively common and most often are not associated with autoimmune disease. Still, see your doctor if your eyes are uncomfortable.

A sign of infection: Doctors can&#39;t use eye symptoms alone to diagnose an infection. But sometimes, signs of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection can show up in the eyes. For example, a growth inside the vitreous could be a sign of a fungal infection. And what if the whites of your eyes (the &quot;sclera&quot;) turn yellow? That could be a sign of a liver infection called hepatitis. Viral infections like herpes and AIDS also can cause eye symptoms.

Bottom line: If you notice unusual eye symptoms, whether it&#39;s pain or redness or any other symptom out of the ordinary for you, speak to your eye doctor. Your eyes could be trying to tell you something, and with quick care, you might be able to treat an underlying health problem before it causes major issues.

How often should you see the eye doc? <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/vision-screening">Read this article to find out.</a>

Eyes: A Window into Health

Perhaps you&rsquo;re quick to make sure your kids wear sunglasses when you hit the beach or the pool. But do you take the same precaution when they&rsquo;re just playing outside in the backyard or walking around the neighborhood? If your answer is no, you could be putting your child&rsquo;s vision at risk down the road.

According to a 2014 survey by the <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/group/american-academy-of-ophthalmology" target="_blank">American Academy of Ophthalmology</a>, less than a third of parents make their kids wear UV-blocking sunglasses. That&rsquo;s a huge problem because years of overexposure to the sun can raise a child&rsquo;s risk for developing eye problems down the road, including <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-cancers" target="_blank">cancer of the eye</a> or eyelid, <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/cataracts" target="_blank">cataracts</a>, <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/macular-degeneration" target="_blank">macular degeneration</a> or possibly even blindness. It&rsquo;s even more important if a child has blue, green or hazel eyes. While people with any eye color can develop UV-related eye problems, the American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that those with light eyes are more susceptible to developing rare eye cancers, like iris and <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/melanoma/what-is-uveal-melanoma" target="_blank">uveal melanomas</a>.

Why Kids Eyes are More Vulnerable 
All people are at risk for eye damage from being exposed to the sun, but children and teens are the most at risk. The ocular lenses of their eyes aren&rsquo;t mature, which means that their eyes aren&rsquo;t able to filter out as much UV radiation as an adult eye. This can cause serious damage to the <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/what-is-the-retina" target="_blank">retina</a>, the tissue at the back of the eye that makes sight possible.

Protect Kids&rsquo; Peepers 
Don&rsquo;t put your child&rsquo;s eyes at risk of sun damage. Follow these sunglass strategies to protect his or her baby blues (or browns or greens):

<ul>
	<li>Check the label. Not just <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-care/how-choose-sunglasses-protect-eyes" target="_blank">any pair of sunglasses</a> blocks UV rays. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends only buying glasses that are labeled &ldquo;UV400&rdquo; or &ldquo;100% UV protection.&rdquo; These sunglasses filter both UV-A and UV-B rays.</li>
	<li>Color coordinate. You want to find sunglasses that are dark enough to reduce glare, but aren&rsquo;t too dark to distort the colors. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/group/newyorkpresbyterian-hospital" target="_blank">NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital</a> recommends choosing a lens tint that blocks between 80 and 90% of transmissible light. Neutral gray, amber, brown or green are all good color options.</li>
	<li>Make a fashion statement. Pick sunglasses that <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/4-celeb-sunglasses-trends-that-protect-your-eyes" target="_blank">wrap all the way around</a> your child&rsquo;s head. Younger kids may need to wear sunglasses with a Velcro strap that helps keep them on. You also want the lenses to be large enough to completely cover your kid&rsquo;s eyes. These offer the best coverage.</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t let the clouds fool you. Just because it&rsquo;s overcast doesn&rsquo;t mean you should leave the sunglasses at home. Damaging UV rays can go through clouds and burn both your skin and eyes.</li>
</ul>

Sunglasses as Important as Sunscreen for Kids

Eyes can look swollen from allergies, too much partying, too much computer time, too much (or too little) sleep, or loose under-eye skin caused by heredity or aging. Whatever the cause of puffed-up peepers, here&#39;s how to deflate them fast. Just head for the kitchen and . . .

Slice a cucumber. Dermatologists aren&#39;t sure what&#39;s behind the anti-inflammatory effects of cucumbers, but here&#39;s a possible explanation: The veggies contain a combo of mild natural acids that reduce water retention. Some beauty pros say cucumbers work best when they&#39;re cold, which makes sense: Because cukes are 90% water, chilled slices are like delicate mini ice packs.

Reach for the peas. Any bag of frozen food will do, but frozen baby peas have a way of fitting into the nooks and crannies around your eyes. Put a soft cloth around the plastic package to protect your skin from the frigid surface, then chill out for 5 to 15 minutes while the cold shrinks the swelling.

Make a milk bath. Milk is a natural soother if eyes are irritated as well as puffy. &quot;Just don&#39;t use skim milk, since it doesn&#39;t contain fat, one of milk&#39;s most soothing components,&quot; says New York dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. Other ingredients in milk that calm swollen skin: protein, amino acids, lactic acid, and vitamins A and D. Pour milk into a bowl of ice so it gets really cold, saturate a clean washcloth, and apply to eyes for up to 15 minutes. Soak and reapply when the cloth loses its cool.

P.S. If puffy eyes are a chronic problem, eye-shaped packs filled with gel that freezes are a worthwhile investment . . . and they don&#39;t drip.

Got dry, irritated eyes? <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/combatting-dry-irritated-eyes">Get help here.</a>

3 Cool Ways to Revive Tired Eyes

Cataract surgery doesn&rsquo;t just give a boost to aging eyes, says one study&mdash;it could actually make you live longer.

Australian researchers examined 354 people, age 49 and older, who had vision loss caused by <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/cataracts/what-is-a-cataract">cataracts</a>. The participants had an initial exam and then follow-up visits five and 10 years later. The study was published in the September 2013 issue of the journal Ophthalmology.

By the end of the study, those who opted for cataract surgery had a whopping 40 percent lower risk of dying compared to those who skipped the operation.

The reason is unclear, but researchers have some theories. One is that people who have the surgery simply live better&mdash;their improved vision may allow them to be happier, more active and independent. Or, perhaps they&rsquo;re better able to read their prescription bottles and take their medications correctly. Another possibility, however, is that people with serious health problems may be too sick for cataract surgery, and those health problems may explain the higher death risk.&nbsp;

Spotting the signs of cataracts 
More than half of Americans develop cataracts by the time they turn 80. Cataracts <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/cataracts/how-fast-cataract-develop">come on slowly</a>, so you may not even notice that you don&rsquo;t see as well as you used to. But watch out for the following signs:

<ul>
	<li>Cloudy or blurry vision</li>
	<li>Faded or diminished colors</li>
	<li>A glare or halo around lights, or lights seeming to bright</li>
	<li>Reduced night vision</li>
	<li>Having double vision or seeing multiple images in one eye</li>
	<li>Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

These symptoms could also signal other eye problems, so see an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/types-of-eye-doctors">eye care professional</a> if you experience them. If your doctor suspects you have a cataract, he or she will give you a comprehensive eye exam that may include a combination of a:

<ul>
	<li>Visual acuity test. The doctor uses an eye chart to help measure how well you see at various distances.</li>
	<li>Dilated eye exam. Eye drops are used to dilate your pupils to help your doctor better examine your eyes.</li>
	<li>Tonometry. This instrument measures the pressure inside of your eye.</li>
</ul>

If you have a cataract, discuss your <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/cataracts/how-are-cataracts-treated">treatment options</a> with your doctor. Not only is it a smart health move on your part, but it could add some precious years to your life.

Cataract Surgery May Add Years to Your Life

Sometime around of after age 40, many people notice that it is getting more difficult for their eyes to focus on nearby objects. For many, the first sign is holding reading materials further away from their eyes than they did in the past. This is because of a condition known as presbyopia, a type of age-related vision loss, and it happens to everyone to some degree.

Why does presbyopia occur? 
As you age, the lenses in your eyes age with you, becoming stiff and less flexible. This rigidity causes changes in eyesight similar to farsightedness&mdash;a condition that is caused by a change in the shape of the eye, resulting in a refractive error, or a change in the way the eye bends light. While presbyopia is an age-related change, farsightedness can occur at any age, and the result in either case is similar&mdash;near objects (such as the printed words in a book or on a phone) start to blur when viewed up close.

Presbyopia is a gradual loss of focus, meaning it gets worse over time. It will usually require correction, which can be achieved with reading glasses, bi- or trifocal glasses, contact lenses or for some patients, surgery.

How is presbyopia treated? 
If you don&#39;t already need eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your eyes for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or other refractive errors, reading glasses may be your best solution for correcting presbyopia. The lenses in reading glasses bend light rays before they enter your eye, to compensate for what your own lenses can no longer do.

Many people with presbyopia can simply purchase reading glasses without a prescription in a drugstore, department store or vision center that also sells prescription eyewear. These glasses are sold in magnifications ranging from +1.00 to +4.00, typically in increments of +.25. Start with lower powers, and then work your way up, trying different magnifications until you have a pair of glasses that allows you to read comfortably; if you choose reading glasses that are too strong, you may end up with eyestrain and headaches.

Even though reading glasses can be acquired over the counter, your eyes still need regular checkups&mdash;which means you need to make an appointment with an eye doctor. It&rsquo;s recommended that people have eye exams more frequently after the age of 40, and you should have your eyes checked anytime there is a change in your vision.

If you already wear corrective lenses for other refractive disorders, bifocals or trifocals will be necessary to correct presbyopia at the same time. Bifocals improve near and far vision, while trifocals improve near, intermediate and far vision.

In addition to corrective lenses, a number of surgical options can treat presbyopia, including procedures that use heat or lasers to reshape the cornea, and others that replace the stiffened lenses of the eyes with synthetic lenses. Remember, not every treatment is right for every patient. If you are experiencing symptoms of presbyopia, speak with your healthcare provider about what treatment option is right for you.

Medically reviewed in July 2019.

Presbyopia: Correcting Age-Related Vision Loss

Finding it harder to read fine print as you get older? Don&rsquo;t worry&mdash;you&rsquo;re probably not missing anything. A new study shows that seniors adapt to their declining vision by reading in a different way.

In a recent study, published in the journal Psychology and Aging, researchers measured eye movements in adults as they read digitally manipulated lines of text. The text was displayed in different ways, with some of the lettering either blurred or sharply defined. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/9-warning-signs-your-child-has-vision-problems">(Take a look at 5 ways to prevent blurred vision.)</a>

The researchers found that younger adults (between 18 and 30) had an easier time reading visually detailed text. On the other hand, seniors 65 and up actually found it easier to read the blurred text. And their reading comprehension was just as accurate as the younger readers&rsquo;.

The researchers explain that older adults employ a different reading strategy than younger adults, relying more on general cues&mdash;like word shapes&mdash;as they figure out the meaning and identity of words. The finding may help eye doctors identify new ways to help seniors who have trouble with reading, say the authors. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/types-of-eye-doctors">(Learn more about different kinds of eye specialists.)</a>

Remember, your eye health is an important part of your well-being. Good eyesight gives you a window to the world and helps you live life to its fullest. Try these tips to keep your peepers sharp as you age:

<ul>
	<li>Eat more salad. Adding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/salad-bar-a-sight-for-healthy-eyes">more mixed greens to your diet</a> is a great way to get antioxidants that ward off the eye disease macular degeneration.</li>
	<li>Deflect dry eyes. Keep your eyes hydrated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/combatting-dry-irritated-eyes">these preventive tips.</a></li>
	<li>Curb computer eyestrain. Find out how to <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/protect-your-eyes-from-computer-eyestrain">protect your eyes</a> while working on the computer.</li>
	<li>Get educated and be proactive. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/aging-eye">Boost your eye health</a>&nbsp;by keeping a close watch on vision changes, learning more about your eye issues and sticking to healthy habits to minimize age-related vision loss.</li>
</ul>

Aging Eyes Find a New Way to Read

Regular vision checkups are key, since many eye diseases have no symptoms. According to the National Institutes of Health, adults over 40 should be examined every 2 to 4 years. Adults 55 to 64 should see a doctor every 1 to 3 years. And if you&#39;re 65 or older, you should see your eye doc every year or two. If you&#39;re unsure what type of doctor you need to see, you&#39;ll be happy to know that both ophthalmalogists and optometrists are qualified to examine your eyes.

If you have any risk factors, you&#39;ll need to see your eye doctor more often. People with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and a slow thyroid fall into this group. So do people with a family history of eye disease and members of certain ethnic groups. African-Americans, for instance, have about a five-times-greater risk of glaucoma. People of Asian ethnicity or Japanese descent may be more likely to develop certain types of glaucoma. Long-term steroid use can also raise your risk of eye problems. Contact lense-wearers should also see their doctors every year.

Here, the four eye tests you&rsquo;ll get during your checkup&mdash;and what to expect.

Dilated Pupil Exam: Your doctor will place <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-care/when-to-have-eye-exams">drops in your eyes to widen your pupil</a>. The extra light, along with a special magnifying glass, will allow your doctor to spot evidence of disease, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma, on the back of your eye. After the exam, your up-close vision may remain blurred for several hours. While some people prefer not to drive with dilated eyes, a recent study showed that distance vision and driving performance are not usually affected. Glare is a bigger problem, since dilated pupils are more sensitive to light&mdash;so be sure to bring sunglasses with you.

Tonometry: This eye test measures eye pressure. Higher eye pressure may be a <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/glaucoma-diagnosis/is-tonometry-effective-screening-glaucoma">sign of glaucoma</a>, a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. Your doctor will direct a quick puff of air into your eyes, or gently apply a pressure-sensitive tip to your eye. If you don&rsquo;t like the idea of something touching your eye, ask your doctor to use numbing drops.

Visual Field Test: A visual field test measures your peripheral vision, since reduced side vision is a sign of glaucoma. Some doctors may simply ask you to look straight ahead, while presenting objects at various places in your field of vision. Others may use a device called a perimeter.

Visual Acuity Test: During this test, your doctor will use an chart to measure how well you can see through each eye at various distances. This will help your doctor accurately prescribe corrective lenses and monitor any changes in your vision that could be a sign of vision loss or disease.

Medically reviewed in July 2018.

Which Eye Exams Do You Need?

For brighter eyes and clearer vision, these foods can help. 

7 Foods for Healthy Eyes

In 1967 when Hair opened at the Public Theater in New York, no one thought Let the Sunshine In would become a world-wide chart-topper (sung by the 5th Dimension). And certainly no one imagined that song could be the Rx for <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/myopia-nearsightedness">nearsightedness (myopia)</a>. But it turns out kids 14 to 19 and adults 20 to 39 who put down the books, walk away from the computer and TV, and let the sunshine in &ndash;their eyes&mdash;are far less likely to become nearsighted. And those with the highest blood levels of lutein, a carotenoid you get from green leafy vegetables and from outdoor time, are the most protected. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The research, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, found getting outdoors was key to preventing myopia. We&rsquo;re not sure if it&rsquo;s because of exposure to sunshine (UVB rays) or because you often look at far distances when you&rsquo;re outside. We do know, however, that lutein is deposited in high quantities in the retina, which contains the macula. And that nutrient, along with the antioxidant zeaxanthin, plus DHA-omega-3 also offers protection from age-related macular degeneration. That&rsquo;s a double advantage.

So we recommend at least 90 minutes of physical activity daily for high schoolers, as much outside as possible. It not only benefits their eyes, it fights obesity, builds self-confidence and helps them regulate emotions. Adults&mdash;aim for 10,000 steps a day (again, outside if possible!) or equivalent. And everyone should enjoy multiple servings daily of lutein-rich greens such as kale, spinach, collards and/or watercress, and touch of basil! See our point?&nbsp;

Medically reviewed in July 2018.

A Walk Outdoors Can Improve Your Vision

Your eyes work closely with your brain to help you see, and any interruptions in the circuit could spell trouble for your vision.

At the most basic level, the retina, a layer of tissue in the back of the eye, is responsible for capturing the light we see and sending it through the optic nerve to the brain, where the images we see are processed. But what happens when a portion of the retina&mdash;more specifically, the macula&mdash;doesn&rsquo;t work as it should? This is known as macular degeneration, and is the leading cause of irreversible impairment of close-up vision&mdash;responsible for reading&mdash;among people 65 and older.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/macular-degeneration/definition-of-macular-degeneration">Macular degeneration</a> affects the center of a person&rsquo;s vision&mdash;typically the area of sharpest vision&mdash;and destroys the ability to see objects clearly. Peripheral vision is not affected by macular degeneration. In early cases, vision may become blurred, and can progress to complete loss of sharp vision in those with advanced cases. Those with severe macular degeneration are considered legally blind. &nbsp;

Types of Macular Degeneration 
Macular degeneration develops in two forms: wet and dry. A majority of cases&mdash;between 85 and 90 percent&mdash;are dry. Dry macular degeneration is categorized by the breakdown of the macula and the supportive tissue. Dry macular degeneration may begin in one eye before affecting both, and, over time, may affect a person&rsquo;s ability to read and recognize faces. Other symptoms include hazy vision and the need for bright lights to see clearly. Dry macular degeneration doesn&rsquo;t always lead to complete loss of vision, however.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although less common, wet macular degeneration affects between 10 and 15 percent of those with the condition. This form of the disease begins like dry macular degeneration. In later stages,&nbsp;abnormal blood vessels behind the retina&nbsp;leak blood or fluid into the macula. This form of macular degeneration happens more suddenly, and can be more severe. Symptoms of wet macular degeneration include distorted vision, dark spots in your vision and the inability to view colors as brightly. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Stages of the Disease 
Macular degeneration progresses over time. There are three stages: early, intermediate and late. These stages are categorized by the size and number of <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/drusen">drusen, fatty, yellow deposits</a> beneath the retina. Although drusen don&rsquo;t cause macular degeneration, the presence of these deposits ups your risk for the condition.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Early: Vision loss is unlikely during the early stage of macular degeneration, a period where drusen are about the width of a human hair. Drusen are detected and measured during an eye exam, making regular examinations important. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Intermediate: By this point, drusen are large and there may be changes in the pigment of the retina. The occurrence of both are possible. These changes cannot be detected with the naked eye&mdash;an exam is necessary. Although vision loss during the intermediate stage is possible, it may not even be noticeable. &nbsp;

Late: During the later stages of macular degeneration, vision loss becomes apparent. This loss of sight is caused in one of two ways: the deterioration the macula and surrounding tissue (dry) or leakage of abnormal blood vessels into the macula (wet).

Causes and Risk Factors 
There is no definitive cause of macular degeneration, but experts believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors are to blame. Macular degeneration is more common among older adults and is more common among Caucasians than members of the Hispanic or African American population. In 2010, Caucasians comprised nearly 90 percent of macular degeneration cases. A family history of the condition also ups your risk.

Your genes aren&rsquo;t entirely to blame, however. Smoking, obesity and cardiovascular disease have also been linked to a higher risk of macular degeneration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Diagnostic Process 
Macular degeneration is diagnosed with an eye exam. Your doctor will likely identify any changes to the retina or macula, including the appearance of drusen and changes in pigmentation. Through a series of procedures, your ophthalmologist will also look for the presence of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. The presence of these abnormalities may warrant a diagnosis of macular degeneration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Treatment and Prevention Options 
There is no cure for macular degeneration, and vision loss can&rsquo;t be restored with treatment. Lifestyle changes, vitamins, injections and surgery may be possible treatment options, depending on the severity of the condition.

Certain lifestyle changes, like <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/macular-degeneration/article/nutrients-that-prevent-macular-degeneration">enjoying a nutritious diet</a> rich in leafy greens and fatty fish, kicking your smoking habit and getting more exercise may prevent macular degeneration and could help slow the progression of the disease.

The <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/macular-degeneration/which-supplements-prevent-macular-degeneration">Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS)</a> found certain vitamin supplements&mdash;including vitamins C and E, zinc and copper&mdash;may slow the progression of the condition in those with intermediate and late stage macular degeneration. But don&rsquo;t go running to the pharmacy before speaking with your doctor.

There are other treatment options for wet macular degeneration, such as injections and laser surgery or therapy. Although these treatment options won&rsquo;t cure the condition, they may prevent further vision loss, by stopping the leakage from abnormal blood vessels.

Drugs that prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels may be injected directly into the eye over the course of several months. Varying types of lasers may also be used to close the openings of abnormal blood vessels to prevent further leakage into the retina. Laser treatments are less common than other treatment options, and may result in some permanent damage to healthy tissue.

Not all treatment options are safe for everyone, but low vision rehabilitation may be beneficial to many. Macular degeneration generally doesn&rsquo;t cause total blindness, but it can diminish your ability to do things like drive and read. Your eye doctor, rehabilitation specialist and occupational therapist can help you find ways to live with your changing vision.

Medically reviewed in August 2018.

What You Need to Know About Macular Degeneration

Wet AMD is the less common form of age-related macular degeneration, but it can progress quickly and can cause severe vision loss.

If you or a loved one has wet AMD, it&rsquo;s important to seek treatment from an ophthalmologist, a healthcare provider that specializes in the care of the eye and the treatment of disorders that affect the eyes.

Understanding the eye 
Before going to an appointment, it can help to have a basic understanding of the parts of the eye that are affected by wet AMD:

<ul>
	<li>The retina. This is a layer of light-sensitive nerve cells located in the back of the eye, near the optic nerve. The retina takes light that enters the lens of the eye and converts it into nerve signals that are transmitted to the brain.</li>
	<li>The macula. This is the center and most sensitive part of the retina. The macular allows the human eye to read fine print, discern different shades of colors, and see things in sharp detail.</li>
	<li>Blood vessels. Like all other parts of the body, the eyes depend on a continuous flow of blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients in order to function.</li>
	<li>Drusen. These are deposits of cellular byproducts that can build up near the retina. These byproducts come from the metabolic processes that occur when the eyes use energy.</li>
</ul>

Understanding wet AMD 
While it is not fully understood why AMD occurs, it is believed to be the result of drusen blocking oxygen and nutrients from reaching the eye.

Cut off from this supply, cells in the retina die. As the eyes try to cope with this problem, new, abnormal blood vessels may grow beneath the retina. These blood vessels can leak blood and fluids into the eye and damage the retina.

Anti-VEGF therapy 
There are treatments for wet AMD that can stop blood vessel leakage, which will slow the progression of vision loss. Some patients also see an improvement in vision with treatment.

The most commonly used&mdash;and preferred&mdash;treatment for wet AMD is something called anti-VEGF therapy, which is short for &ldquo;anti-vascular endothelial growth factor&rdquo; therapy. This approach uses drugs that inhibit the growth of new blood vessels.

Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the eye, which can be an intimidating prospect for new patients. The procedure is not painful&mdash;patients describe feeling pressure against the eye&mdash;and it only takes a few seconds. Injections are typically given every four to six weeks.

There are several anti-VEGF drugs available, and the decision of which one to use will be made by you and your healthcare provider.

Other treatment options 
Photodynamic therapy and laser coagulation are two other treatment options. These are less commonly used&mdash;they are less effective and have a greater risk of side effects.

With photodynamic therapy, a drug is injected into a vein in the arm. This drug is designed to absorb into growing blood vessels. Once the drug has reached the abnormal blood vessels growing in the eye, it is activated using a laser. Activating the drug causes it to close off the abnormal blood vessels.

A type of laser surgery called laser coagulation uses a thermal laser to burn and close leaking blood vessels.

Staying healthy 
Following a healthy lifestyle can also play an important role in managing AMD and keeping your eyes as healthy as possible. A healthy lifestyle includes:

<ul>
	<li>Eating a heart-healthy diet</li>
	<li>Getting regular exercise</li>
	<li>Maintaining a healthy weight</li>
	<li>Quitting smoking (if you smoke) and avoiding second-hand smoke</li>
	<li>Managing other health conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes</li>
	<li>Protecting the eyes from the sun</li>
	<li>Taking nutritional supplements recommended by your healthcare provider</li>
</ul>

Healthy habits can help slow the progression of dry AMD and are also important to your overall health.

Additionally, low vision rehabilitation can also help people who have experienced vision loss adapt to changes and make the best use of their vision.

Medically reviewed in October 2021.

Sources: 
Cleveland Clinic. &quot;Age-Related Macular Degeneration.&quot; 
American Academy of Ophthalmology. &quot;Retina.&quot; 
American Academy of Ophthalmology. &quot;Macula.&quot; 
Merck Manual Consumer Version. &quot;Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD).&quot; 
Merck Manual Professional Version. &quot;Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Drusen).&quot; 
InformedHealth.org. &quot;Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Overview.&quot; 
Mayo Clinic. &quot;Wet macular degeneration.&quot; 
Johns Hopkins Medicine. &quot;Laser Photocoagulation for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.&quot; 
PreventBlindness.org. &quot;What Is Low Vision Rehabilitation?&quot; 
NYU Langone Health. &quot;Lifestyle Changes for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.&quot; 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. &quot;Learn About Age-Related Macular Degeneration.&quot;

Treatment Options for Wet AMD

Your eyes may be a window into your soul, but they can also give your doctor a look into the health of your heart. A study has linked micro-damage to the tiny blood vessels of the eyes to a higher risk of a common heart rhythm disorder.

Time to get your eyes checked? <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/types-of-eye-doctors">Here&rsquo;s how to find the right doctor</a>.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University presented the study at the November 2013 annual meeting of the American Heart Association. They followed more than 10,000 middle-aged people for about 14 years. They found that people who had damage at the microvascular level (that is, in the smallest blood vessels) of their eyes were at higher risk for developing a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation.

The lead researcher says the study suggests that <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/circulatory-system-health/coronary-microvascular-disease">microvascular disease</a> (MVD) may be a trigger for developing atrial fibrillation, though it&rsquo;s not clear why. Atrial fibrillation is common in older people and can lead to strokes and other problems. The <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/atrial-fibrillation-symptoms/symptoms-of-atrial-fibrillation">symptoms</a> can be easy to miss, and getting checked out early can help you manage the condition.

The eyes are a convenient place to look for MVD, because it <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/circulatory-system-health/coronary-microvascular-disease-diagnosed">can be tricky to spot</a> in the heart. In addition to atrial fibrillation, MVD increases your chance for a heart attack. Luckily, you can prevent MVD, and if you&rsquo;ve already got it, <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/circulatory-system-health/coronary-microvascular-disease-change-lifestyle">you can take steps to stop it from getting worse</a>.

So what does that mean for you and your eye doctor? If your next eye exam reveals some micro-bleeds or micro-aneurysms in <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/what-is-the-retina">your eye&rsquo;s retina</a>, you may want to see a cardiologist next.

Your eyes can actually <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eye-vision-health/article/eyes-and-your-health">reveal several early warning signs about your health</a>. Did you know that small yellow patches around your eyes are actually cholesterol deposits? About half of the time, those bumpy eye patches are the only warning signs of a serious heart problem. The blood vessels in your retina can also provide clues about high blood pressure, diabetes and certain autoimmune diseases.

Medically reviewed in August 2019.

Are Your Eyes a Window Into Heart Trouble?

Changes in your vision may be signs of other medical conditions.

10 Things Your Vision Reveals About Your Health

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize, a civil rights anthem from the 1950s recorded by everyone from Pete Seeger to Bruce Springsteen, calls for folks to pay attention to their goals and to have faith they can win the fight.

Well, for the past decade ophthalmologists have been telling folks at high-risk for <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/macular-degeneration">age-related macular degeneration (AMD)</a> to keep their eyes on another prize&mdash;preserving their vision by taking supplements of lutein (10mg) and zeaxanthin (2mg) (as well as DHA-omega-3, zinc, copper, vitamin C and E). &nbsp;&nbsp;

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, vitamin-like pigments, that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers and are thought to neutralize light-induced eye damage. (They&rsquo;re also the reason eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps keep you young!)

Carotenoids&rsquo; red, orange, green and yellow colors are found in tomatoes, carrots, apricots and dark leafy greens like kale. You can also get them by taking supplements (Dr. Mike takes DHA-omega-3 combined with lutein and zeaxanthin&mdash;his eye doc found his retina needed them).

But be careful of supplements. Folks without any risk for, or indication of, AMD sometimes take lutein and zeaxanthin in amounts greater than what&rsquo;s recommended for at-risk folks. And overdoing it, say researchers in the journal Ophthalmology, can trigger crystal deposits in the retina&rsquo;s macular region (crystalline maculopathy) that can interfere with visual acuity. Don&rsquo;t take more than minimal supplements unless your eye doc says to and keep a sharp eye out for a colorful variety of 5 to 9 servings of fruits and veggies daily.

Eye Health