American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart

Fireworks and Your Eyes

Remember, fireworks are not toys

Make this 4th of July memorable for the right reasons by protecting your family from potentially blinding fireworks eye injuries.

Keep Your Family Safe This 4th of July

Fireworks: The Blinding Truth

Suzy the Sparkler and Freddie the Firecracker sure are a blast. But is that always a good thing?

Get more fireworks safety information

Sports Eye Safety

Do you have the proper protection?

Some sports require more eye protection than others. Is your family taking the right precautions?

Eye Health in Sports and Recreation

Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

Sunglasses aren’t just for fashion!

UV light from the sun increases the risk of some eye diseases, including cataract, growths and cancer.

Learn how to keep your eyes safe

Losing Sight: Julian’s Story

Costume contacts blind man in one eye

Julian wanted to look different. Now he does after an infection from non-prescription contact lenses cost him his vision.

Learn more

Eye Diseases and Conditions

Learn about eye diseases and conditions, their impact on your vision and treatments.

Eye Diseases A – Z

Got symptoms?

Use this comprehensive list to learn about what is serious, and what isn’t.

Eye symptoms

Our Mission

The EyeSmart® website (at www.geteyesmart.org) provides public education about eye health from the American Academy of Ophthalmology – the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A trusted source for accurate, timely and relevant eye health information, EyeSmart educates the public about risk factors for eye diseases, infections and injuries. The website contains comprehensive ophthalmologist-reviewed information, including videos and interactive vision simulators to help people understand how ophthalmologists can help prevent, diagnose and treat eye conditions.

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Dr. Aaron P. Weingeist, MD of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
1 Hour Ago

How often do I need an eye exam as I grow older?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends a complete dilated exam by the time you are 40 (if you are not already getting regular eye exams). If you have not had a complete eye exam in the last few years, consider getting one.
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Dr. Aaron P. Weingeist, MD of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
1 Hour Ago

When should I have dilated eye exams?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends a complete dilated exam by the time you are 40 (if you are not already getting regular eye exams). If you have not had a complete eye exam in the last few years, consider getting one. Complaints of decreased near vision and the need to use reading
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Dr. Gary S. Hirshfield, MD of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
1 Hour Ago

How often should I be examined by an ophthalmologist if I take Plaquenil?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendations for screening of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) retinal damage were recently updated in 2011. Plaquenil is more commonly used and the risk for damage increases after a total cumulative dose of 1000 gm or 5 or more years of use....
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American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
1 Hour Ago

How does an ophthalmologist become certified?

After four years of college and eight additional years of medical education and training, an ophthalmologist must pass a rigorous two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
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Dr. George A. Williams, MD of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 09

What causes dry eyes?

Normally, the eye constantly bathes itself in tears. By producing tears at slow and steady rates, the eye stays moist and comfortable. Sometimes people do not produce enough tears or the appropriate quality of tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. The condition is called dry eye. Tear...
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Dr. Michael X. Repka of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 09

Are there new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa?

Exciting research is taking place that may one day revolutionize the treatment of retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa. There have been reports of the transfer of normal genes to the retina of a number of patients with a retinal degeneration similar to retinitis pigmentosa. These genes did...
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Dr. David K. Coats, MD of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 09

Can surgery help my child's lazy eye?

I am assuming that by the term lazy eye, you are referring to a deviation of the eyes such that they are not both pointing in the same direction. In general, strabismus surgery is effective in realigning the eyes of a patient who has a deviating eye, with a very high rate of success. This
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Dr. Michael X. Repka of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 09

Is there an alternative to surgery for estropia for a child?

A second opinion should always be obtained when there is some uncertainty in pursuing a given treatment course, whether that uncertainty is in the mind of the physician, the patient, or the patient's parents. The reason for the surgery might be that there is crossing of the eyes of even a small amou
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Dr. Louis B. Cantor, MD of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 09

Do altitude changes affect glaucoma?

Changes in altitude do not significantly alter the eye pressure or have an effect on glaucoma. Since the eye is filled with fluid instead of air, changes in pressure related to altitude have a negligible effect (including the increased pressure associated with scuba diving).
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American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 09

How does smoking affect fetal and infant eye health?

Studies have also shown a strong association between smoking during pregnancy and the risk of invasive meningitis during early childhood. The risk of bacterial meningitis is five times higher among children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. In addition to other severe health problems, childhood
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American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 09

What causes retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?

Doctors do not know for certain what causes retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Blood vessels in the eye normally finish developing in the last few weeks before birth. Premature infants, however, leave the protective uterus before blood vessels of the eye have had a chance to fully develop. The infant
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American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 09

What are important facts about refractive surgery?

The following are some important facts about refractive surgery provided by the American Association of Opthalmology. More than 95 percent of people who have had refractive surgery can pass a standard driver’s license exam that requires a visual acuity of at least 20/40 without glasses or contacts..
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Dr. Tamara Fountain of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 09

How should an eye injury from paintball be treated?

It is important to call for medical help immediately and have an ophthalmologist or other medical doctor examine the eye as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor at first. In the meantime, while waiting for medical help, if your eye has been cut or punctured, gently place a shield over...
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Dr. Michael X. Repka of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 02

Can children outgrow crossed or misaligned eyes?

It is unusual for a toddler to grow out of crossing. Such a child should have a complete eye examination, including pupillary dilation to determine the cause and treatment. This exam should be performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist or a comprehensive ophthalmologist.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered
On Aug 02

What can I expect if I have open-angle glaucoma surgery?

Before Surgery You will continue to use your glaucoma medications until just prior to surgery. If you take aspirin or any products containing aspirin, these should be discontinued at least seven to 10 days prior to surgery. If you take Coumadin, you will need to discontinue this medication three...
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American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart

Fireworks and Your Eyes

Remember, fireworks are not toys

Fireworks: The Blinding Truth

Sports Eye Safety

Do you have the proper protection?

Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

Sunglasses aren’t just for fashion!

Losing Sight: Julian’s Story

Costume contacts blind man in one eye

Our Mission

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