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Eye Health Resources

Patient education and eye-health resources from Park Slope Eye.

Eye-health information from Park Slope Eye

Our resource library covers common patient questions about contact lenses, dry eye, children’s vision, myopia, eye symptoms, eye drops, prescriptions, and everyday eye care.

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Showing all 124 resources.

Published September 13, 2026

Eye Exam vs. Contact Lens Exam: What's the Difference?

A comprehensive eye exam checks vision and eye health; a contact lens exam evaluates the specific lens on your eyes. Learn why the fitting is separate, what each visit includes, and when you need both.

Published September 13, 2026

Is My Child Ready for Contact Lenses?

There is no single minimum age for contact lenses. Learn the maturity, hygiene, motivation, sports, backup-glasses, and fitting factors that help determine whether a child is ready.

Published January 15, 2025

What Eyeglasses Are in Style Now?

Eyeglass style changes constantly, but bold acetate, translucent frames, color, thin metal, tortoise, and geometric shapes remain common directions. Learn how to balance style, fit, prescription, and lens choice.

Published January 15, 2025

Can You Wear Daily Contacts More than Once?

Daily disposable contact lenses are designed for one-time use and should be discarded after wear. Learn why reuse can increase eye-health risks.

Published December 3, 2024

How to Reduce Dry Eyes in Winter

Cold wind, low humidity, indoor heat, and screen use can make dry-eye symptoms worse in winter. Learn practical ways to reduce irritation and when an eye exam may help.

Published October 3, 2024

Does Wearing Glasses Weaken Your Eyes?

Prescription glasses do not weaken your eyes or make them dependent on lenses. Learn why prescriptions change and when correct glasses matter for children and adults.

Published July 24, 2024

Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Reversed?

Some diabetic-retinopathy changes can improve with treatment, but permanent vision already lost from retinal damage may not return. Learn about monitoring and specialist treatment.

Published July 24, 2024

What Are the Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes?

The best dry-eye drop depends on why your eyes are dry, how often you need relief, and whether you wear contacts. Learn the main options and when to get evaluated.

Published July 16, 2024

How To Get New Glasses

Getting new glasses usually means confirming your prescription, choosing frames and lenses that fit your needs, placing the order, and making sure the finished glasses fit comfortably.

Published July 9, 2024

What Is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Pink Eye?

Red eyes are not always pink eye. Learn how allergy, dry eye, blepharitis, keratitis, uveitis, and other conditions can resemble conjunctivitis and when to seek care.

Published July 9, 2024

Can I Wear Blue Light Glasses All the Time?

Can you wear blue-light-filtering glasses all day? Learn what current evidence says about eye strain, sleep, retinal protection, and when these lenses may or may not help.

Published May 28, 2024

How Long Does Dry Eye Last?

Dry eye can be temporary, recurrent, or chronic. How long symptoms last depends on the cause, severity, environment, and how well the underlying problem is managed.

Published March 6, 2024

How Often Should You Get New Glasses?

There is no fixed schedule for replacing eyeglasses. Learn when prescription changes, damaged lenses or frames, fit problems, or changing visual needs may make a new pair worthwhile.

Published February 16, 2024

How to Put in Eye Drops Without Missing

Learn a simple step-by-step technique for putting in eye drops while keeping the bottle tip clean and getting the drop into the lower eyelid pocket.

Published January 18, 2024

Nystagmus 101: Cause, Symptoms and Treatment

Nystagmus is involuntary rhythmic eye movement. Learn about infantile and acquired forms, possible causes, symptoms, evaluation, and treatment options.

Published January 15, 2024

Can Stress Cause Eye Pain?

Stress can contribute to eye strain, headaches, eyelid twitching, and awareness of discomfort, but true eye pain should not automatically be blamed on stress.

Published November 14, 2023

What Are the Causes of Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is chronic eyelid inflammation linked to bacteria, clogged oil glands, skin conditions, and sometimes Demodex mites. Learn about symptoms and management.

Published October 25, 2023

Are Colored Contacts Safe?

Colored contacts can be safe when they are prescribed, properly fitted, purchased from a legitimate seller, and worn as directed. Learn how to use decorative lenses safely.

Published October 25, 2023

When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?

Learn when babies and children should have comprehensive eye exams, what happens at a pediatric eye exam, and how Park Slope Eye's InfantSEE participation can help families start early.

Published July 7, 2023

Why Am I Waking Up with Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes on waking can be related to tear-film problems, dry air, eyelid inflammation, medications, contact lenses, or incomplete eyelid closure during sleep. Learn what an eye exam can help identify.

Published June 19, 2023

All About Ortho-K Lenses

Ortho-K uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the corneal surface. Learn how it can provide daytime vision and help manage childhood myopia.

Published March 7, 2023

What Can Retinal Imaging Detect?

Learn what Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging can show, how it differs from OCT, and when dilation or additional testing may still be needed.

Published February 18, 2023

Can Stress Cause Dry Eyes?

Stress is not usually considered a single direct cause of dry eye, but stress, poor sleep, screen habits, and related behaviors can overlap with or worsen dry-eye symptoms.

Published January 11, 2023

Is Bad Vision Genetic?

Genes can influence myopia, glaucoma, macular degeneration, color-vision deficiency, and inherited eye disease, but most common vision problems are not determined by genetics alone.

Published November 2, 2022

Can Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?

Dry eye and headaches often occur together, especially with migraine and prolonged screen use, but one does not automatically cause the other. Learn what can overlap and when an eye exam may help.

Published September 29, 2022

How Often Should a Child Get an Eye Exam?

Learn the current pediatric eye exam schedule, when a child may need more frequent care, how screenings differ from comprehensive exams, and when myopia follow-up may be needed.

Published September 23, 2022

Is It Normal for Contact Lenses to Burn?

Contact lenses should not keep burning. Learn common causes of irritation, when to remove your lenses, and which warning signs need prompt eye care.

Published July 14, 2022

5 Eye Care Trends Worth Knowing in 2026

Eye care keeps changing. Here are five trends shaping patient care in 2026, including myopia management, retinal imaging and OCT, AI-assisted technology, specialty contact lenses, and more individualized dry-eye care.

Published June 9, 2022

Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes?

Eye allergies and dry eye can overlap. Allergic inflammation, eye rubbing, environmental exposure, and some antihistamines may worsen dryness even when allergy is not the only cause.

Published April 22, 2022

What Diseases Can Be Detected in an Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam can reveal signs of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal vascular changes, and other eye-health problems.

Published February 14, 2022

When Is Eye Pain an Emergency?

Eye pain can have many causes. Learn which warning signs need prompt evaluation, what to do after chemical exposure, and when to seek emergency eye care.

Published December 23, 2021

How Can You Help Keep Myopia From Worsening?

No treatment can guarantee that myopia will stop progressing, but evidence-based myopia management can slow progression in many children. Learn about outdoor time, Ortho-K, low-dose atropine, and myopia-control contact lenses.

Published December 23, 2021

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Family history can increase your risk of glaucoma, but it does not mean you will definitely develop the disease. Learn how genetics, eye pressure, age, and other factors affect risk.

Published November 24, 2021

Why Are My Eyes So Dry?

Dry eyes can happen when you do not make enough tears, your tears evaporate too quickly, or the tear film does not work normally. Learn about common causes and treatment options.

Published June 25, 2021

What Is Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)?

OCT is a quick, non-contact scan that creates detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve. Learn how it differs from Optos retinal photography and when one or both may be useful.

Published April 7, 2021

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with ordinary glasses, contacts, medicine, or surgery. Learn about causes, aids, and vision rehabilitation.

Published March 2, 2021

Benefits of Wearing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can provide clear vision without eyeglass frames, a wide field of view, and specialty options for many prescriptions. Learn the benefits and tradeoffs.

Published October 1, 2020

How to Get Relief from Eye Allergies

Eye allergies can cause itching, redness, watering, and swelling. Learn practical ways to reduce symptoms and when an eye exam is important.

Published August 11, 2020

Understanding Your Infant’s Vision Development

Baby vision develops rapidly during the first year. Learn how tracking, eye alignment, reaching, depth perception, and visual attention typically change — and which signs deserve an eye exam.

Published May 29, 2020

The Link Between Myopia, Cataracts, & Glaucoma

Higher levels of myopia are associated with greater risk of several eye-health problems, including glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment, and myopic macular changes.

Published June 17, 2019

A Buying Guide for Prescription Sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses should combine an accurate prescription with reliable UV protection, comfortable fit, and lens options that match how you use them. Learn what to know about UV400, polarization, frame shape, and photochromic lenses.

Published June 10, 2019

Ways the Summer Heat Can Harm Your Eyes

Summer can bring more UV exposure, dry-eye symptoms, allergies, swimming-related contact-lens risks, and eye injuries. Learn practical ways to protect your eyes.

Published May 23, 2019

The Adverse Effects of Smoking on Your Visual Health

Smoking affects more than the lungs and heart. It is also an important modifiable risk factor for several eye-health problems, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Published April 22, 2019

Tips for Minimizing Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain can cause tired eyes, dryness, blur, headaches, and neck or shoulder discomfort. Learn practical ways to reduce screen-related symptoms and when an eye exam can help identify an underlying prescription or eye-health issue.

Published April 17, 2019

Can High Blood Pressure Lead to Vision Loss?

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the eye and, in severe cases, threaten vision. Learn what hypertensive eye changes can look like and why blood-pressure control and eye care both matter.

Published April 8, 2019

Why Is Vision Insurance a Separate Plan?

Vision plans and medical insurance often cover different parts of eye care. Learn how routine vision benefits, medical eye care, eyewear, contact lenses, copays, and plan rules can interact at Park Slope Eye.

Published March 22, 2019

Eye Safety Tips for Older Adults

Vision changes can increase fall and injury risk as we age. Better lighting, safer surroundings, current vision correction, and task-specific eye protection can help.

Published February 22, 2019

An Overview of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula and can reduce central vision. Learn the difference between dry and wet AMD, warning symptoms, how it is evaluated, and when AREDS2 supplements or retinal treatment may be appropriate.

Published December 18, 2018

Debunking 5 Myths About Contact Lenses

Can a contact lens get lost behind your eye? Are contacts always uncomfortable, difficult, expensive, or only for younger people? Here are five common contact-lens myths explained accurately.

Published November 21, 2018

What You Should Know About Low Vision in Children

Low vision is significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Children may benefit from specialist evaluation, school support, assistive technology, and vision rehabilitation.

Published November 14, 2018

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter After 40

After 40, presbyopia becomes common and the risk of several eye diseases rises with age. Learn how exam timing depends on age and risk factors, and what an eye exam can detect.

Published October 24, 2018

Important Facts About Contact Lens Prescriptions

A contact lens prescription is different from an eyeglass prescription because contact lenses are medical devices fitted to the eye. Learn what the prescription includes, when it is released, and why cosmetic contacts also require one.

Published September 14, 2018

A Basic Understanding of Retinal Detachment

Sudden new floaters, flashes, or a curtain or shadow in your vision can signal a retinal tear or detachment. Learn why these symptoms need urgent evaluation.

Published September 4, 2018

A Mission for Vision: Avoiding Eye Injuries at Home

Home projects, yard work, cleaning chemicals, sharp objects, and falls can all put the eyes at risk. A few practical precautions can reduce the chance of an avoidable injury.

Published August 8, 2018

Importance of Back-to-School Eye Exams

The start of a school year is a useful reminder to make sure a child's vision needs are up to date. Learn when a comprehensive eye exam may be helpful and how it differs from a vision screening.

Published July 4, 2018

Understanding LASIK and How It Differs From PRK

LASIK and PRK both use a laser to reshape the cornea, but LASIK creates a corneal flap while PRK treats the surface after the epithelium is removed. Learn how recovery, candidacy, risks, and co-management differ.

Published July 2, 2018

Protecting Your Eyes From UV Rays

Protect your eyes from ultraviolet light with sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB or are marked UV400. Learn why fit and coverage matter, how hats and reflective environments affect exposure, and why dark or polarized lenses are not the same as UV protection.

Published May 14, 2018

Vision Screenings vs. Comprehensive Eye Exams

Vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams both have a role. Learn what screenings can identify, what a full eye exam evaluates, and when a child or adult should have a more complete assessment.

Published May 11, 2018

Things to Consider When Buying Sunglasses

The most important sunglass feature is verified UV protection, not lens darkness or price. Learn how UV400, fit and coverage, polarization, lens material, and your activities should influence your choice.

Published April 11, 2018

4 Tips on Preventing Eye Injuries When Playing Sports

Sports-related eye injuries can often be reduced with the right protective equipment and safe habits. Learn what kind of eye protection matters and when an injury needs urgent evaluation.

Published February 9, 2018

What You Need to Know About Childhood Myopia

Childhood myopia, or nearsightedness, often progresses while the eye is growing. Learn the signs, why progression matters, how outdoor time fits in, and how myopia correction differs from active myopia management.

Published February 5, 2018

Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK candidacy depends on more than age or prescription. Learn how prescription stability, corneal shape and thickness, dry eye, health history, medications, pregnancy, and realistic expectations affect whether laser vision correction may be appropriate.

Published December 6, 2017

Common Age-Related Visual Changes

Presbyopia, dry eye, cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma become more common with age. Learn which changes are expected, which are eye diseases, and when new symptoms need prompt evaluation.

Published October 27, 2017

Things You Need to Know About Strabismus

Strabismus means the eyes are not aligned in the same direction. Learn common types, how it can affect children and adults, how amblyopia relates to it, and why treatment depends on the cause.

Published October 20, 2017

How to Prepare Your Child for an Eye Exam

A pediatric eye exam is easier when children know what to expect. Learn how to use simple language, what history and eyewear to bring, why children do not need to know letters, and how to avoid accidentally coaching their answers.

Published September 15, 2017

Computer Vision Syndrome & Digital Eye Strain Q&A

Digital eye strain can cause tired eyes, dryness, blur, headaches, and neck or shoulder discomfort. Learn what contributes, what blue light does and does not do, and practical ways to feel better.

Published August 14, 2017

How Often Should I Have an Eye Exam?

How often you need an eye exam depends on age, symptoms, contact lens wear, medical and family history, prescription changes, and prior eye-health findings.

Published August 11, 2017

Common Childhood Vision Problems

Common childhood vision concerns include refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism, amblyopia, strabismus, and eye-health problems such as conjunctivitis. Learn what these terms mean and when an exam is useful.

Published July 24, 2017

4 Steps for Safely Cleaning Reusable Contact Lenses

Reusable contact lenses need cleaning and disinfection with the prescribed care system. Learn how to wash and dry your hands, rub and rinse lenses, use fresh solution, care for the case, avoid water, and follow the replacement schedule.

Published May 16, 2017

Should Kids Wear Sunglasses?

Yes. Children should have UV protection outdoors. Learn what to look for in kids' sunglasses, why 99–100% UVA/UVB protection matters, and how fit, comfort, and impact resistance affect whether a child will actually wear them.

Published May 9, 2017

4 Signs You Need a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Persistent blur, frequent eye strain, changing vision, or important eye-health risk factors are good reasons to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Learn what an exam can evaluate and which sudden symptoms should not wait for a routine visit.

Published April 25, 2017

4 Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem

Children do not always recognize or describe blurry vision. Persistent squinting, an eye turn, unusual head position, difficulty seeing at distance or near, or a failed screening can be reasons to schedule a pediatric eye exam.

Published February 10, 2017

4 Ways to Protect Your Vision at the Workplace

Workplace eye safety depends on the hazards involved. Learn how protective eyewear, safer work practices, screen-comfort habits, and prompt first aid can help protect your eyes.

Published January 9, 2017

What Are Scleral Lenses?

Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that vault the cornea and rest on the sclera. Learn who may benefit and what a specialty fitting involves.

Published December 27, 2016

Park Slope Eye and Our Park Slope Community

Park Slope Eye is an independent, doctor-owned optometry practice founded in 2008. Learn how we support local families through eye care, patient education, and InfantSEE.

Published December 6, 2016

What to Expect from a Comprehensive Eye Examination

A comprehensive eye exam checks more than whether you need glasses. Learn how Park Slope Eye evaluates your history, vision and prescription, eye coordination, front-of-eye health, retina and optic nerve, and when imaging or dilation may be useful.

Published November 10, 2016

Finding the Right Corrective Eyewear

Eyeglasses and contact lenses can both provide clear vision, but the best choice depends on your prescription, eye health, comfort, activities, and preferences. Here are the main differences to consider.

Published November 4, 2016

Preparing for Laser Eye Surgery

Preparing for LASIK or PRK starts with determining whether you are a good candidate, following the surgeon's contact-lens instructions, reviewing dry eye and medications, arranging transportation, and understanding realistic risks and follow-up.

Published November 2, 2016

What Is Amblyopia?

Amblyopia, often called lazy eye, is reduced vision caused by abnormal visual development in childhood. Learn how unequal prescriptions, strabismus, or blocked visual input can cause it and how glasses, patching, atropine, or specialist treatment may help.

Published October 10, 2016

4 Practical Tips for Choosing Your Child's Eyewear

Children's glasses should fit well, stay comfortable, use appropriate lens materials, and work with the child's prescription and daily activities. Learn four practical ways to choose frames and lenses a child can actually wear.

Published September 20, 2016

How to Choose Toys That Protect Your Child’s Eyes

Toy-related eye injuries can happen with projectiles, sharp or rigid parts, lasers, chemicals, and unsafe play. Learn what to look for when choosing toys and what to do if an eye injury occurs.

Published September 13, 2016

4 Common Vision Problems Among Aging Adults

Vision changes with age, but significant vision loss is not inevitable. Learn about presbyopia, cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and why regular eye care matters as we get older.

Published September 6, 2016

Common Questions About Myopia

What causes myopia, is it hereditary, how is it diagnosed, and can progression be slowed? Get clear answers about nearsightedness and current myopia-management options.

Published July 10, 2016

3 Common Sources of Eye Infections

Eye infections can spread through contagious exposure, contact-lens and water-related risk, or injury and ocular-surface problems. Learn warning signs and when prompt eye care is important.

Published July 8, 2016

3 Myths About Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are specialty rigid gas-permeable lenses used for selected irregular corneas, ocular-surface disease, and difficult contact-lens fits. Learn why they are not only a last resort, why comfort varies, and why safe wear still requires careful fitting and hygiene.

Published June 17, 2016

Pediatric Eye Care: Why Is It Important?

Children may not realize when their vision is blurry or their eyes are not working together normally. Pediatric eye exams can identify refractive error, amblyopia, strabismus, eye-health problems, and progressive myopia during visual development.

Published April 28, 2016

Most Common Pediatric Eye Exam Questions

Answers to common parent questions about pediatric eye exams, including when children should be examined, what tests are used, whether dilation is needed, and what happens if a vision problem is found.

Published April 25, 2016

5 Practical Steps for Healthy Eyes

Healthy-eye habits include appropriate eye exams, knowing your family history, managing overall health, protecting your eyes from UV and injury, and using screens and contact lenses safely.

4 Ways to Protect Your Eyes This Spring

Spring can bring eye allergies, more UV exposure, wind and dryness, and more time outdoors. Here are four practical ways to keep your eyes comfortable and protected.

Are You Using Your Eye Makeup Safely?

Practical eye-makeup safety guidance, including hygiene, sharing, application, contact lenses, and what to do after an eye infection or irritation.

Diabetes and Its Effects on Your Eyesight

Learn how diabetes can affect vision and eye health, including temporary blur, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and the importance of regular eye exams.

Eye Care Myths and Facts: What Actually Matters

Four common eye-care myths explained, including what 20/20 vision means, whether glasses weaken your eyes, what screens do to vision, and why symptoms are not the only reason to have an eye exam.

Learning-Related Vision Problems in Kids

Learn how vision problems can affect reading and school comfort, what an eye exam can evaluate, and why vision problems should be distinguished from dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

Pink Eye: What to Do and When to Get Checked

Learn how conjunctivitis is managed, why treatment depends on the cause, when antibiotics may or may not help, contact-lens precautions, and which symptoms need urgent evaluation.

What You Need to Know About Cataracts

Learn what cataracts are, common symptoms and risk factors, how they are diagnosed, when surgery is considered, and how cataract care fits into a comprehensive eye exam.

What Causes Bad Eyesight?

Learn why vision can become blurry or reduced, including refractive errors, age-related focusing changes, eye disease, childhood vision problems, and when an eye exam is important.