News from The EyeMDs

Should I be worried about my eye twitching? For the majority of us, the common eyelid twitch is a brief and minor annoyance. An eyelid twitch (or tic) is when you have a spasm or slight movement of your upper or lower eyelid. It comes on suddenly, and can last for a minute, hours, days or even longer. If you've ever experienced an eye twitch for an extended period of time, you know how annoying it is. Is eye twitching a symptom of a serious condition? Most common eyelid twitches are harmless, slight, and do not affect your vision. However, there are some neurological problems that can make eyelid muscles contract, such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. These less common conditions generally tend to cause the eyelids to close more…

Here’s What Ophthalmologists Want You to KnowThe diabetes drug semaglutide has been making headline news ever since the medication received FDA approval to help with blood sugar control and obesity treatment. Semaglutide medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Results of the Ozempic studies show semaglutide can significantly help people control their blood sugar. But the studies also showed it can cause vision changes, including blurred vision, worsening of diabetic retinopathy and macular complications. So, do the benefits outweigh the risks? What Is Semaglutide and How Does It Affect the Eyes? Semaglutide helps people lose weight and control their blood sugar by releasing the hormone that makes us feel full while eating. This hormone, called GLP-1, also prompts the body to create more insulin, which reduces blood sugar. When the body…

Choosing an Eye Doctor When it's time to get your eyes checked, make sure you see the right eye specialist for your needs. Each member of the eye care team plays an important role in providing eye care, and they often work together in the same office. It's easy to confuse the types of professionals called "eye doctor" and their responsibilities in maintaining your eye health. Here's how they compare. Ophthalmologist vs Optometrist: What's the Difference? The levels of training and expertise—and what they are allowed to do for you—are the major difference between types of eye care professionals commonly called “eye doctor.” An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, and the only eye doctor with a medical degree (MD). An optometrist is not a medical doctor but is often referred…

The Home Office Is Here to Stay: Protect Your Eyes from Digital Strain As the lines between home and office space blurred during the pandemic, many people found themselves spending significantly more time in front of screens. This shift has led to a rise in complaints about eye discomfort—everything from headaches and dry eyes to blurry vision. Many have expressed concerns about the potential long-term effects on their eyesight. According to a survey, two-thirds of businesses plan to make remote work a permanent option. In recognition of Workplace Eye Wellness Month this March, The Eye MDs and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are offering practical advice on how to create a home office environment that minimizes the risk of digital eye strain. What is Digital Eye Strain? Digital eye strain…

Protection is Key! Sunglasses are must-have eyewear. They help reduce brightness and protect your eyes and vision in any season. Sunglasses are more than fashion accessories. They protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays, the radiation energy produced by the sun. These UV rays—including UVA and especially UVB—damage the eye’s surface tissues, cornea and lens. That damage can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and other vision-stealing eye conditions.  Sunglass Selection Tips To help keep your eyes healthy, keep these tips in mind when buying sunglasses. Don’t settle for less than 100% UV protection When buying sunglasses, make sure they have a tag or sticker that says they provide 100 percent UV protection from all UV light. Some labels say “UV absorption up to 400nm.” This is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption. Darker sunglasses…

If you’re like most Americans surveyed in a recent Harris Poll, you probably thought you would notice a change in your vision if you had an eye disease. The fact is some of the leading causes of blindness—such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy—can begin without any symptoms. That’s why The EyeMDs  and the American Academy of Ophthalmology urge all healthy adults to get an eye exam at age 40, even if their vision seems fine. Early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to happen at this age. “Even if you think you have 20/20 vision, set up a time to get your eyes checked. It may save your sight,” said Dianna Seldomridge, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Need more motivation to have your eyes examined? Here are four good reasons to…