Category: Eye Care

Generic vs. Brand Eye Drops: Which is better and how do I know what they are for?

Patients often want to know if generic eye drops are just as good a brand-named eye drops.  This is usually because there is an assumption that the generic eye drops are less expensive.  Everyone is looking to save a buck which is understandable.  The answers here are not always simple.  Dr. Vital is always trying to prescribe the most… Read More


Why can’t I see up close anymore?

Not being able to see well up close is a condition called presbyopia. As we age, the lens of the eye that helps to focus light loses its ability to change shape quickly. This happens over time and gets worse as we get older.   Most people start to experience problems with seeing up close around age 40.  This… Read More


Dr. Vital is now seeing patients in Sugar Land!

Dr. Vital is now seeing patients in Sugar Land.  If you live in the southwest area of Houston, Sugar Land, Fulshear, Richmond, or Rosenberg, Dr. Vital can now see you closer to home in the Houston Eye Associates Sugar Land Flour Daniel location.  If you are experiencing problems with blurred vision or uncomfortable eyes, we can help… Read More


How do I stop itchy eyes?

Itchy Eyes We all want to stop itchy eyes. Itchy eyes are a hallmark of allergic conjunctivitis. Eye rubbing is that uncontrollable urge that makes your eyes feel better in the short term, but worse in the long term. Rubbing stimulates rubbing. Allergies are your immune system trying to protect you from foreign substances. Immune… Read More


Can you explain my eye tests? More than just reading letters.

There are many types of eye tests to detect problems.  Ophthalmologists have to find the problems before we can know what treatments will work best. Cornea Tests Photos:  used to document the appearance, size, and location of eye structures in the front of the eye. Corneal Topography:  used to map the clarity, shape, curves, and… Read More


TearCare for dry eyes, styes, and meibomitis (MGD)

I prefer to use TearCare for dry eyes, styes, and meibomitits (MGD). Nearly all of us suffer from dry eyes at some point and lid styes are not uncommon. Most dry eye symptoms and styes are caused by a problem with the oil glands of the eyelids. These are called meibomian glands. We call it… Read More


What is viral pink eye (Adenovirus)?

Viral conjunctivitis is usually due to a virus called adenovirus. The case shown here is an example of the progression of viral pink eye over the course of just 2 weeks. What most people refer to as “pink eye” is really bacterial conjunctivitis which can be treated with antibiotics. Viral conjunctivitis tends to be must… Read More


“Vital” Eye Research Review: Should scratch equal patch?

Does using an eye patch help when the corneal epithelium is scratched? Some ophthalmologists say yes and others say no. Cochrane is an international group of researchers that review peer-reviewed evidence to make health care decisions better. I value the reviews published by Cochrane because of their comprehensive review methodology and their unbiased reporting of… Read More


Reasons to Choose Dr. Vital to be your Houston Eye Doctor

If you live in Houston and are seeking a new eye doctor or surgeon, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of options out there. So, why choose Dr. Mark C. Vital to care for your vision? Here are quotes from several patients who chose Dr. Vital: “Our family is very grateful to Dr. Mark… Read More


Dry Eye Causes and Solutions

Many think of dry eye as simply being caused by not having enough tears.  However, dry eye disease is generally much more complex than that.  It is important to remember that what you feel does not always match what we as eye doctors see on the eye’s surface.  For many patients, this can lead to confusion… Read More