Eye Strain

Eye strain affects most of us at some point in time. In recent years computer use has surpassed the most common causes of the past, which included activities such as reading, needlework, and watching TV.

Eye strain is more common, or at least more often complained about, in adults, but can affect children as well. If your child frequently complains of eye strain have his or her vision checked.

Holding your eyes in one position for too long, failing to blink, and poor vision can all cause eye strain. Usually it is a combination of the three.

The good news is that the best remedy and prevention for eye strain is also good for your vision. Eye exercises keep the muscles in your eyes flexible, helping you to focus more easily and relieving the strain.

Click here to read more about Vision Disorders on The LASIK Directory.

Seeing Stars

The phenomenon of seeing stars, flashes of light, or sparkles, is most often associated with a blow to the head. However, you may see stars for no apparent reason. Most of the time it is a normal harmless event, but severe episodes can indicate vision-threatening emergencies.

There are three basic underlying causes for seeing stars: abnormal stimulus to the retina, abnormal stimulus to the part of the brain that interprets vision, and reduced blood flow or oxygen to the brain.

As we age the vitreous fluid inside the eye thickens. This causes floaters and can push or pull on the retina causing flashes of light. More seriously a detached or torn retina can cause a cascade of flashing lights. Being hit in the eye will cause you to see stars for the same reason.

Migraines and ocular migraines affect the blood flow to the bran often causing people to see stars. Standing up too fast and other events which cause a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain can also cause the effect.

For more information on eye and vision disorders, click here to read more at The LASIK Directory.