Get the latest information on eye health and eye care
In the United States, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. Glaucoma actually describes a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss or blindness. The exact cause of glaucoma is not known, though the disease is generally thought to be the result of an increase in the…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. By now, all of us know about the ways that smoking harms our hearts, lungs, skin, and teeth, but in truth, smoking’s effects can be seen throughout our bodies. While we are becoming more…
More than half of all cases of blindness are caused by cataracts. According to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention, approximately 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts; this number is expected to increase to 30 million by 2020. While many people have heard the term cataract and it is an extremely…
We’ve all experienced it, and some of us experience it more often than not. We look at ourselves in the mirror as we’re getting ready to leave for work, school, or an errand, and there they are – dark circles under our eyes. Often, the culprit causing our dark circles may be obvious, especially if…
Most people know diabetes as a condition that interferes with the body’s ability to use and store glucose, or sugar. Diabetes affects how the body regulates sugar, which can cause damage to various systems in the body including vision – in the form of diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease actually refers to a group…
Of all human behaviors, crying is one of the most unique and curious. In fact, emotional crying is the only physiological function that is exclusive to humans. We cry when we are sad, hurt, tired, frustrated, angry . . . but to what end? Why do we cry? Three Types of Tears As humans, not…
The temperature is dropping and so are the varied Minnesota leaves. While many look forward to autumn’s crisp air, colorful foliage, and pumpkin-flavored . . . well . . . everything, those with allergies face fall with an itchy foreboding. Except – what if it isn’t allergies? Allergies that flare up in the autumn months…
Adults remember a time before we all relied on digital devices. We take appropriate breaks from our computers, smartphones and tablets when needed because we recognize the negative effects (like headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision) of too much screen time. For many kids, using these devices for education, entertainment and talking with friends is…
How many hours a day do you stare at a screen? Four? Six? According to CNN, the average American spends about ten and a half hours looking at a screen each day. This number may seem alarming at first, but it adds up easily. Each day we sit at a computer several hours for work…
It’s Healthy Vision Month! Make Your Vision Last a Lifetime. When it comes to our health, we often visit our doctor or nurse regularly to make sure our bodies are healthy. But what about our eyes? They’re not always top of mind, but they’re just as important. During Healthy Vision Month, held each May, the National Eye…