Blog

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


What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a distorted shape of the lens or cornea that contributes to blurred vision.  It is not a disease, it does not cause blindness, and nearly everyone has at least some small amount of astigmatism. For example, take a look at the contact lenses below: The contact on the top is “round” and “spherical”.  This… Read More


Corneal Transplant Great for Keratoconus

You might want to know what an eye looks like before and after corneal transplantation for keratoconus. Keratoconus is a hereditary condition where the cornea gets thinner and steeper. This results in high astigmatism and blurred vision. If you have keratoconus, you have probably heard that you may need a corneal transplant at some time… 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


What is the corneal epithelium?

Epithelium: the “skin of the cornea” The epithelium or “epi” of the cornea is a very thin and delicate layer of cells on the outer surface. It has many functions such as defining the shape of the tear film for good vision, protecting the cornea against infection, and refining the eye’s surface. The epithelium should… 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


Is a cataract a film on the eye?

Cataracts are not a film on the eye. The lens is a structure in the front of the eye that has the shape and structure of a peanut M&M. The lens helps to focus light on the retina to make the clear images we see. The center of the lens is hard like the nut… Read More


Why is my vision worse after cataract surgery?

Why would vision be worse after cataract surgery? When performing cataract surgery ophthalmologists are careful to maintain the health of the cornea.  Since I am a corneal specialist, I pay particular attention to protecting the cornea. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgeries performed in the United States.  Some patients who have had… Read More


What is corneal swelling (edema)?

Corneal swelling is also called corneal edema, bullous keratopathy, or corneal decompensation.  The cornea is the clear dome on the front of the eye.  It contains water like a damp sponge.  When the cornea has too much water, it swells.  The swelling makes it difficult for light to pass through the cornea.  This causes blurred… Read More