I don't know of any studies that have been done to show the difference between contacts vs. eyeglasses.  It depends alot on the refractive error you have.  One thing that has been proven is that the myopic process is slowed down some with the wearing of the rigid contact lens.  Also with the wearing of contact lenses, you have better vision in that the contact lays on the cornea and you do not have to adapt to the curvature that you have to adapt to in wearing eyeglass.

Question from Northville, MI, USA
**Have you heard of a company in Orlando, FL called "System of Sight"? they provide a dual lens system that reportedly helps significantly people with macular degeneration.  Have you any experience with similar systems?

I have not heard of this company but this is a concern of alot of people that would like to invent something to help those who are suffering with macular degeneration.

Question from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
**Sir, I am wearing contacts. I have a doubt. There is thin layer of fluid between the  cornea and the lens. Does this fluid gets replaced by new fluid on the normal movements of our eyes, in which all other parts of the eye gets washed?   If not will not the cornea gets affected?

The contact lens doesn't ride on the cornea but there should be a thin layer of tears between your cornea and the contact lens.  Every time you blink you wash fresh tears to replace that tear layer.

Question from Japan
**I have recently bought disposable SeeQuence, Bausch & Lomb contacts, however my ophthalmologist is Japanese, and cant speak English.  My eyes stay itchy all the time.  Should I try another type of contact lenses?

It sounds more like you could have a reaction to the solutions not the contact lenses.  If you changed solutions you could be having a reaction.  If you have not changed solutions then I would consult my doctor.

Question from RALEIGH, NC, USA
**I NEED HELP IN FINDING FRAMES THAT FIT ME. AS MY FACE IS VERY WIDE MOST FRAMES CUT ME OFF AT THE TEMPLES AND CAUSE PAIN. CAN YOU SUGGEST SOME VENDORS THAT CARRY FRAMES LARGER THAN 68 TO 70 R to L?

I do not know of any frame vendors  that have a eye size of 68 or larger.   I know Revue International has a frame with a eye size of 64.  The only other choice you may have is a large sunglass frame.

Question from West Hartford, CT, USA
**I have photophobia (which has gotten worse as I have aged).   I am looking for a pair of prescription sunglasses (I have near sighted astigmatism) which has protection from light coming in from the side.  I can find leather or cloth shields which can be put on regular sunglasses but I want something permanently built into the glasses.  Do you know of any sunglasses which give side protection and which are also appropriate for a prescription?

Question from New Hampshire
My eyes are pretty good in the morning but by the end of the day they get blurry. I just got a new prescription and they are still the same. Also one of my pupils is bigger than the other one. I was wondering if you could give me any answers?

When focusing changes from morning to night, this is often a result of excessive eye muscle effort. While this can occur when ones glasses prescription is incorrect, it may simply be a result of the strain from using your eyes to a great degree. Consulting your eye doctor should allow for additional information on your particular situation. It would also be wise to have the size of your pupils evaluated, although a small difference in pupil size can be present in up to 20% of the population. A comprehensive eye examination can determine whether there is any cause of asymmetric pupils in your case.

Question from Texas
Approximately 2 years ago I sufferred an  injury to my right eye.  The injury caused trauma to the retina.  A plastic ring was placed in my eye including 14 stitches.  The doctor also inserted a liquid to keep the retina in place. 

It has now been 2 years since my surgery.  The healing process have been very stressful for me.  I can see from the eye but my vision is some what distorted.   I can even read the number on the basketball players on TV.  I have  have some what inbalanced vision. 

I was told during my last visit which was Feb 8, 99 ....by my doctor the surgery could be done 2 different ways one to have the liquid taken out and have more liquid placed in the eye (detachment of the retina) or I could have the gas bubble surgery....I would like to know what is best?

Unfortunately, determining the exact type of surgery for a complicated retinal injury like yours can only be done after a detailed examination of the retina. While there may be benefits to both types of surgery I would recommend consulting your own surgeon or seeking an additional opinion from another experienced retinal surgeon before making a final determination.

Question from New York
I recently got a new prescription to correct my nearsightedness and my slight astigmatism.  I was wondering if it is good/bad for my eyes to keep my glasses on while working on the computer.  Unfortunately I do not have my prescription at hand, but it's something like -120 or there about in both eyes and the correction for astigmatism is slight.

For most people, use of glasses while using a computer is not detrimental. However, some people who are mildly nearsighted find that their near focal point is more comfortable when not using glasses. Generally the more comfortable alternative is the best one for you.

Question from Wisconsin
My mother fell on a bottle with glasses years ago which in end tore her lense is there any surgery to correct this problem?  She can only see shadows through this eye right now.

If your mother has had persistent vision problems from her injury she should have an eye examination to determine whether corrective surgery would be possible. If the injury was primarily to the cornea, there is a good chance that surgery might help her vision. However, if there was permanent retinal damage or other structural damage to the eye, it may be difficult or impossible to restore her vision successfully.

Question from New York
An eye hospital in New York City has quoted me a price of $5,500 for PRK surgery.  Is this a typical price for this procedure?  Thanks in advance.

Prices for PRK surgery vary between institutions in a given area and throughout the country. The figure you quoted is not unusual and is likely to be typical for your area, but it may be that there is some variation that you could discover by comparing quotes from other institutions.

Question from Connecticut
Hi, for the past month or so, I have been experiencing a weird visual disturbance in my right eye.  These black string-like floating things appear in my visual field usually while I"m reading at work.  I'm wondering if it's the lighting because the only other time it occurs is outside when it's bright.  It seems to also occur more when I'm stressed.  For the past few years, I have had a problem with my corneas also.  Some eye doctors have said that it's thygusons disease, while others say that it's related to a form of the herpes virus.  Anyway, I always see halos around lights.  Could this be related to my new problem?  Is it anything for me to worry about?  Thanks.

The string-like objects to which you refer are likely vitreous floaters. These are clumps of material in the jelly-like fluid within the eye that cast a shadow on the retina. If they occur intermittently without other visual symptoms in the majority of cases, they are normal. This is not likely to be related to your corneal problem, which appears to be chronic surface inflammation. While the floaters are unlikely to be a cause of a serious problem, new floaters should always be checked to ensure that there is not any problem in the retina. I would recommend a comprehensive eye examination to confirm that no other eye problem is present.

Question from Georgia
Please explain cause of Occular Migraines and Treatment.

An ocular migraine is generally manifest by a blurry spot surrounded by zig-zag or oscillating lights. This may persist for 10-45 minutes or thereabouts, and then usually resolves completely. Most ocular migraines have little or no headache thereafter.

There is no universally accepted or effective treatment of ocular migraines. Infrequent episodes may not need treatment at all. More frequent bouts can be treated with many of the same medications used for regular migraines, including Imitrex and others. Please contact us if you have further questions.

Question from Connecticut
My son is 6 years old; he had an eye exam last April.  At that time we were told he had a slight problem with the his eye muscles and that we should take a pencil, hold it in front of his face and then slowly bring it towards his nose, in order to help develop the muscles.  Well, now he is reading a lot! and he has allergies and has headaches.  He complains now of some blurring; could he be straining his eyes therefore he is getting headaches?  I would appreciate a response.  Thank you.

If your son has noticed blurred vision while reading, he ought to have another eye examination. At his age his focusing ability may be changing and his headaches may result from visual difficulties. However, some people with perfect vision do get headaches from eye muscle fatigue. The best way to determine which of these is applicable or if any other problem is present would be a comprehensive eye examination with his eye doctor.

Question from Kansas
Have you heard of  an allergic reaction to the use of Celluvisc or carboxmethylcellulose sodium used for dry eye over an extended period of time? Could a reaction appear as a skin rash and/or throat with extra mucous?

Usually Celluvisc does not cause allergic reactions as it has no preservatives and the agent itself tends not to be allergenic. Furthermore allergies to eye drops usually result in redness in the eye or occasionally swelling and irritation of the eyelid rather than the symptoms you described. However, an eye examination should be able to determine whether the Celluvisc could be giving you a reaction, as individual responses can vary greatly.

Question from Massachusetts
I am 43 years old, myopic, with a -7 in one eye an -6.5 in the other.  I have seen an optometrist regularly, each year for the past three years.   Last year he told me the pressure in the eyes was the "high side of normal". I took a visual field acuity test, and photos of the retina were taken.   This year, again I was told the pressure was the high side of normal - 27 in each eye.  I went for a seires of pressure checks over the course of the day, another visual acuity test, and more photos.  The doctor said the acuity test and photos had not changed since last year.  The pressure was 24 at 8am, 23 at noon, and 22 at 5pm.   The doctor recommended I return next year for another checkup.  My questions are: 1. Since the last checkup, I have been seeing "glowing" around lights at night, not exactly a halo, but more like a shimmering glow around the lights, same color as the light.  Is this normal?   2.  sometimes at night, when I change position for example, I see a bright ring of light (in each eye)  is this normal?   3.  should I get another opinion from an opthalmologist?

The elevated intraocular pressure you described is unlikely to cause the sensation of "glowing" lights at night or the bright ring of light you have noticed. Nevertheless, because of your chronically elevated pressure it would certainly be wise to have a comprehensive examination to ensure that no other eye problems are developing. Furthermore, a second opinion can often be beneficial in cases where pressure is borderline in order to confirm the findings you have been given.

Question from Minnesota
What causes your eye lid to twitch?  I recently got a new eye glass perscription and have noticed this problem.  Could it be the prescription?

Twitching of the eyelid is a common problem, which can result from fatigue, stress or eyestrain. Visual difficulties certainly are one cause and adaptation to a new prescription could possibly give you such symptoms. It would be wise to consult your doctor to determine whether the prescription is involved or whether other causes may be at fault.

Question from Michigan
I would like to know the hazards, if any, of rubbing eyes many times during the day (even while wearing contacts).

Gentle rubbing of the eyes usually does not cause any permanent harm, although it may worsen any pre-existing itching or exacerbate mild irritation. However, rubbing the eyes while wearing contacts, either soft or hard, can cause damage to the contact or to the eye. Generally it is wise to avoid any rubbing of the eye while wearing contact lenses.

Question from Texas
I went to an eye doctor last month about my eye. It has really been giving me problems lately and I have these sharp shooting pains in my right eye. Back in 1985 I was having nearly the same problem my would hurt real bad and turn real red and I had headackes and vision problems in my right eye.  The doctor said I had Eye ritus and treated me for it.  Well it got better and for the last five years my eye has been having the same problems off and on.  Well anyway when I went to this last doctor a month ago.  He said I didn't have eyeritus and what I had was not an optical problem and for me to go to another doctor and they could help .  I am totally confused, do you think I should get another opinion or what could it be.  My eye hurts so bad somenights I just want to pull it out (I of course wouldn't do that but it hurts really bad and turns real red and now lately I have been having these shooting sharp pains in my eye to.  I can just be turning my head and all of a sudden I get a sharp pain even when my eye is not red and hurting and my vision is terrible in my eye all the time.  Please if you could help me I would appreciate it. Thanks

The pain and redness you describe should certainly be evaluated by an ophthalmologist to determine its source. While sometimes the diagnosis of such a problem can be difficult, the severity of the symptoms you described certainly deserves a detailed evaluation. The only way to determine the exact cause will be with a comprehensive examination.

Question from Illinois
I sustained an eye injury 3yrs ago playing golf. I was struck in the eye by a golf ball. I lost the iris and lens I am looking for safety sunglasses that will provide adequate protection while playing golf. I still enjoy golf but want to be sure my eyes are protected from injury. What do you recommend and where can I purchase?

Most optical shops sell sunglasses with safety lenses that would be adequate for your needs. Often these will have polycarbonate impact resistant lenses. However, your local optician should be able to enlighten you on the specific types available and which ones might be most practical for your needs.

Question from New York
I am a 23 y/o female who has a disc cupping size of .75 to .8 in both eyes.  My pressures are 18 to 19.  I have no nerve fiber damage.  Am I at risk for glaucoma?  I wrote you a few weeks ago and you had written me back stating that you would get back to me with the answer, but I never heard back after that.   Thank You

While it is possible that your cup-to-disc ratio of 0.75 to 0.8 is entirely normal for you, it would be wise for you to be monitored regularly for the development of glaucoma. It appears that all your tests thus far have been normal, but there is a theoretical possibility that the appearance of your disc demonstrates a potential susceptibility to glaucoma in the future.

Question from Canada
Is exercising with weights dangerous for someone who have had retinal detachment surgery?  I had a silicon buckle put on one eye and cryopexy done for the other in 1992.  My previous opthamologist advised against weight lifting, and drinking anything with caffeine (as that causes rapid eye movement).  He is now retired and my new opthamologist tells me that weight lifting is not a problem.

For most people who have had successful treatment for a retinal tear or retinal detachment, strenuous exercise is not a problem, as long as it does not involve any direct contact with or blow to the eye. Normally weight-lifting would not be a problem if there is no active retinal disease present.

Question from Ohio
What tests are used to determine herpes infections of the eyes.   Mine alternate between itching and severe burning which seems to be aggrivated by heat or stress, with a clear "gel" substance on the eye itself by the iris. Patanol, lubricating eye drops, and implants in my tear ducts, and opthamalic eye gel have been ineffective.

Herpes infections of the eye generally have a very characteristic appearance. As a result, laboratory testing is often not necessary to confirm the presence of a herpes infection in the eye. However, if such testing is necessary culturing of the virus or testing for its presence by the use of a fluorescent antibody technique are both quite effective. If you have concerns about such a problem, consulting your ophthalmologist should allow you to determine whether any testing would be beneficial to you.

Question from Turkey
A relative (female age 64) of mine is an Optic Neuritis patient. I would like to learn whether this disease is curable or not.  I would be obliged if you would kindly enlighten me on the above subject.  Best Regards

Optic neuritis is an inflammatory disease of the optic nerve, which results in loss of vision. In most patients vision returns after a period of some weeks and frequently returns to the same level that existed prior to the episode of optic neuritis. However, in some patients, permanent damage is done to the optic nerve and vision never returns to its previous level.

Question from Shalimar, Florida, USA
**I recently purchased a pair of glasses with an AR coating.   The glasses get dirty very easily and I am constantly cleaning them.  Are there any solutions?  Will there be any better AR coatings in the near future?

The best way to clean your AR coated lens is to wet the lenses first use warm water and soap to clean and to break up the oils and grease from your skin.  Dry with a cloth.  Yes there are AR solutions, Reflection Free is a very good one.  They are improving the AR coating.  The Crizal coating is the newest one.

Question from Houston, Texas, USA
**I've been using clear contacts, and recently I went to get color contacts.  The doctor let me try some samples to choose the color I like, but I had I hard time getting them in.  I noticed that they are bigger than my clear contacts (which I can pop in quickly and easily).  When I asked the doctor if he had smaller sizes, he said all color contacts are the same size, that they are bigger than clear contacts.  Is this true?  My friend wears color contacts and hers didn't seem to be as big as the samples I tried. Thanks.

Most cosmetic tinted contact lenses come in a 14.5 diameter.  Ciba Focus is one that comes in a 14.0 diameter.  But that is the smallest one.  Your other option is to have your clear contact lens custom tinted.  These will enhance your eye color but not change your eye color.

Question from Ireland
**Could you please tell me who makes full hard contact lenses or prothesis.  Designed to cover a misformed eye and obviously made to match as perfectly as possible.

Try:  Narcissus Foundation
       66 San Pedro Road  Suite #E
       Daly City, CA 94014
       414-992-9224

Question from Arizona
My ophthalmolgist tested my eyes for cataracts by putting a yellow colored drop in each eye, causing them to dilate.  I was extremely uncomfortable for the entire evening and the next morning.  Terrible headache, queasy stomach, light-headed.  What caused this and is this a typical reaction?

Dilating drops generally do not cause any reactions, but in rare cases, symptoms like yours can occur. One component of dilating drops is similar to a medication that affects nerves elsewhere in the body. Although very little is absorbed from the eyedrop occasionally this is enough to cause your reaction. You should mention to any future eye doctors that this problem occurred. That may allow for use of a different eyedrop or avoiding the use of these drops unless it is particularly necessary.

Question from California
MY SON IS 11 YEARS OLD AND HAS DECIDED TO TEST THE AFFECTS OF VIDEO GAMES ON KIDS EYES AS HIS SCIENCE PROJECT THIS YEAR.  COULD YOU GIVE HIM SOME HINTS ON HOW TO GET ACCUIRATE RESULTS AND WHERE HE CAN GET SOME OF THE EYE CHARTS THAT THEY USE TO TEST EYES.  ANY HINTS OR HELP YOU CAN GIVE HIM WOULD BE A GREAT HELP.

Most optical shops or medical supply houses would have access to charts for visual acuity testing. One important factor your son might want to consider is effects on quality of vision at distance and at near, ideally measured at 20 feet and at approximately 14 inches. Good luck.

Question from Illinois
For the past 4 to 5 years, I have been experiencing thinning to no eyelashes along the inner 1/3 upper lid of my left eye.  I am 43 years old, healthy, and not on any medications.  As a matter of fact, right now I have a small bald spot which is devoid of lashes.  Can you tell me why this is happening and how I can correct the problem?

Loss of eyelashes is usually the result of inflammation in the eyelid, which causes damage to the lash follicles. However, there are some other rarer conditions that can create the same problem. A comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist should help to delineate the source and best treatment for your problem.

Question from New York
Hi.  I have been having a pulsating twitch in my lower right eye for about a week now.  It has been happening on and off during the day.  It is not painful, but it is rather annoying.  Once in a rare while, I would get this type of a twitch, but it would be more pronounced to the point where you could see the eyelid twitching.  However, it never lasted more than a day.  This "new" twitch, however, seems to be pulsating at a more subtle rate.   Whenever I go to look in the mirror to see it, the twitch would either stop or, if my eyes continued to twitch, you couldn't really see it--but you could definitely feel it.   I do not take vitamins (I know...I know..) and don't have the "best" diet.  Someone at work told me that taking vitiman B6 would eliminate this problem, and that I'd just have to find out the correct dosage.  I have seen references to this type of problem on your site.  I know there is a name for it, but I don't remember it.  My computer is very slow and I didn't want to have to waste too much time finding out where the answers are to this question.  Can you please provide me with feedback?  I am concerned that, although the twitching is not painful, that it may be indicative of some other serious problem.  Thank you.

The twitching you are describing is referred to as blepharospasm. This is almost never a serious eye problem, but if it is new or persistent, a comprehensive eye examination can help to delineate any possible source. There is no universally effective treatment, but fatigue, eyestrain and stress may be related and it is always wise to check whether your eyesight is normal or if some assistance is helpful.

Question from New Jersey
I've read that the conjunctiva can absorb tears.  If that is true, can the conjunctiva absorb too many tears, making the eyes dry?  How would you treat this problem?

Although dry eyes are a common problem, this almost always results from inadequate secretion of tears, rather than excessive re-absorption. A mucous membrane such as the conjunctiva can absorb fluid, but usually the amount absorbed is relatively small and does not diminish the quantity of tears to an insufficient level.

Question from Maine
My fathers physician had told him that he was developing cataracts due to an abnormally high glucose level.  Could you explain how this works?  My father is too intimidated to ask the doctor.

Cataracts from high blood glucose or diabetes are relatively common. They can occur either in the early phase when blood sugar is dramatically elevated, or over a longer period of time, due to chronic but milder elevations of blood sugar. The first step in addressing this issue is always controlling blood glucose by whatever means the patient's physician recommends. This may help to retard the development of cataracts, but cataract surgery can be very effective, even in a patient with diabetes, should the cataract become sufficiently bothersome.

Question from Indiana
My opthamologist said I was practicaly blind in my left eye because of a blood vessel not forming  from birth.  Iam 47 years old and hadn't had my   eyes checked since  I was in grade school and am not a driver.  Is this condition called "analyopia" or "anomalopia"?

I believe the term to which you refer is amblyopia. This means that the nerve connections from the eye to the brain did not develop properly. There are a number of causes, but this always has its roots in childhood. If you wish to get more information a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist should be helpful.

Question from the United Kingdom
I have been diagnosed as having asteroid haliosis.  The condition is getting steadily worse. I am told there is no remedy.  It this true.

Asteroid hyalosis is a condition in which distinctive spots or floaters appear in the vitreous of the eye. Unfortunately, there is no medical cure for this condition. Should it not bother vision greatly, no treatment is generally recommended. However, if it were to become exceedingly severe, surgical correction could be considered. However, removal of the tissue involved is a major and sometimes risky operation. A retinal specialist can give you additional information on your particular case.

Question from North Carolina
I have had severe myopia since I was a child.  My eyes are large so I have a difficult time with contact lenses.  My glasses, which I rarely use, have very thick lenses.  My retina is very thin.  17 years ago I had a retinal tear (fron being hit in the eye) that resulted in a detached retina.  I had surgery with a sceral buckle.  Scar tissue resulted in some central vision distortion. A few years later I had some cryotherapy to fix a small tear.  I am using betoptics drops even though I do not have glaucoma because my retinal specialist thinks that in my eyes even normal pressure may be too much for my retinas.

Because contacts are difficult to fit, my opthalmologist has recommended that I have LASIK surgery to improve my eyesight to the point that fitting contacts would be a lot easier.   He said my vision wouldn't be perfect with the surgery, but that I would have an easier time correcting my vision with light glasses or contacts.

My retinal specialist does not like the idea of LASIK, but is recommending cataract surgery to permamently put in lenses that would go a long way to improving my vision.   He has also said I would probably need some additional aids.  Further justification for this surgery is that I get a lot of glare while night driving, so I avoid driving at night.  I am 47 years of age.  What would you advise me to do?

Your question is a challenging and complex one. Unfortunately, in a situation such as yours, there is no surgery which is entirely predictable or without risk. If you are developing cataracts, which are currently interfering with your vision, it is likely that cataract surgery would be necessary and/or beneficial at some point. If your retinal specialist does not feel that cataract surgery poses an additional threat to the health of the retina, it may be the most definitive procedure. However, cataract surgery does involve an incision into the eye whereas Lasik does not.

Generally Lasik is not thought to have any negative effects on the retina, although some surgeons have suggested that a previous scleral buckle can make the procedure more difficult and slightly more risky. However, even with successful Lasik treatment, you may eventually need cataract surgery if the cataract continues to develop.

Based on what you have described, I do not think there is a single right answer, but perhaps this information will allow you to consult your ophthalmologists and help you to make a decision in conjunction with their advice.

Question from North Carolina
I have recently got the ability to see the blood cells from behind the eye (entopic phenomenon).  It is driving me crazy to see hundreds of cells in my vision all the time.  Do you know of any way I can retrain my brain to not see this crazy stuff?  If you do please email me. Thanks

Although many people cannot see the phenomenon you describe, if it is apparent it can be quite bothersome. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any way to teach your brain to ignore this phenomenon. If you have not already had a comprehensive eye examination, that would be worthwhile to ensure that there is no other cause for the visual symptoms you report.

Question from Maine
I am interested in having prk done and my vision is about 2700 in both eyes.  On the vision scale of good to bad,1-10, where does my vision rank?   My sister also had about 2700 in both eyes and had prk done December 10, 1998.   She wanted to have lasik done but the doctor advised against that due to her corneas being to thin.  Does that happen very often?  She has to put Fluorometholone Opthalmic Suspension .1% drops 3 times a day in her eyes.  What do these drops do?  She had her eyes checked this past week and she is possibly developing a stigmatism due to the way her left eye is healing.  Since the eye is still healing the doctor wants to recheck her eyes in March to see if it has healed correctly by then.  He said if it needs a retreatment they can do it at that time.   Is there any problems with prk a second or more times?  She also feels that her sight degrades later in the day and through the evening.  She uses Thera Tears 6 times a day thinking her eyes were drying.  She said  even using the drops her vision later in the day is like looking through old wavy glass.  Are her eyes getting tired
as the day goes along?  What could be the problem?

Let me briefly address the questions you offered.

1. Your myopia appears to be in the median range, based on the description you offered.

2. Because Lasik involves making a corneal flap, a thin cornea is often a contraindication to that procedure.

3. Fluorometholone drops are an anti-inflammatory, which help to enhance the healing process after laser surgery.

4. A re-treatment with PRK generally works well although it is always wise to wait for the full healing process to take place, at which time it may no longer be necessary.

5. The vision difficulty your sister is having could be associated with the healing of her cornea, or with dryness. It is not likely to be fatigue alone.

Please let us know if you have additional questions.

Question from the United States
What is the structure of the eyes? The inner layer, the outer layer, and the middle layer?  And can you tell me what they do?

Although the structure of the eye is exceedingly complex, a brief description is as follows. The outer layer of the eye is the strong collagen layer which protects the internal structure and allows light to enter the eye through the cornea. The middle layer is the uvea, which has a number of functions including nourishing the inner parts of the eye. The inner layer is primarily composed of the retina, which is nerve cells that detect light and send electrical impulses to the brain.

Question from India
A person having eye sight will have his dream in normal colours.   What will a blind person dream who had lost his eye sight in an earliar age when he was not familiar with the colours say one year old or who is blind at birth? If at all he dreams will his dreams be coloured?  Sir, i would be very happy if i am able to know the answer to my question.  Thanking you.

Because the brain of a person who is not familiar with the visual sensation of color does not have an identifiable response, the description of a dream would not include color as we know it. However, this does not mean that the images might not have some variants in appearance, which would be analogous to the color that is familiar to those with normal eyesight.

Question from the United Kingdom
Thank you for replying my previous question. Would you give some information on other techniques such as plus lens therapy, using a devise called myopter for close work, exercises etc to prevent increasing nearsightedness. The internet is full of sites ( mainly in the US) advocating different methods to help myopic people.  Are there eye doctors in England who use alternative techniques.

Because there has not been a consistently effective technique for preventing increasing myopia, I do not generally utilize such treatments in my practice, thus I am not familiar with many of these recommended therapies.  However, if you are interested in looking into the possibility, I would recommend contacting your local or national ophthalmology society for recommendations on practitioners who have an interest in this area.

Question from Singapore
Hi, I am a 28 year old male who have high degree in myopia (Right : -875 and Left : -900) and astigmatism (Right : -175 and Left : -200).  I have been wearing lenses since I was Seven.  I always feel dizziness and my eye will get teary   :
1) After I have exercise
2) After reading for than 45 minutes
3) After carry something that is heavy and walk for a distance
I will appreciate very much if you could please kindly advise me what problems
I am having (is this common) and what can be done to overcome this problems.
In the meantime should I avoid doing vigorous exercise and reading for an extended
period of time ?  What other precautions can I take to alleviate my problems ?
Thank You in advance for your advice.  Best Regard

The symptoms you describe do not indicate clearly a definite source. Given that this problem occurs as a result of several different activities, I would recommend a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist to assess what the likely cause and best treatment for your problem is.

Question from California
What could cause a shooting pain in the eye and what would cause floaters ever so often?

A very brief pain in the eye is often caused by surface dryness and usually can be eliminated or prevented by the use of lubricating eye drops. Floaters are a different problem, which usually result from clumps of vitreous in the back of the eye casting shadows on the retina. Both of these conditions can be evaluated by your eye doctor in order to determine if any other cause is present or any treatment may be beneficial.

Question from Washington
My right eyeball has been throbbing off and on all day for a few weeks now.  It's the acutal eyeball itself..my left eye is fine. My vision hasn't changed. I sit in front of a computer screen all day, could it be stress? Or should I get it checked out? Thanks so much.

If the throbbing in your eye has persisted for some time, it would be wise to have it checked by your eye doctor. Usually this is not a serious problem, but there are a number of things that could cause this symptom and it would be difficult to discern which is the likely source without the tests involved in a complete eye examination.

Question from Pennsylvania
Today my husband had some type of growth removed from the inside of both eyelids.
The doctor called them polyps but was unsure of what they were.  They were white and very sharp which caused pain because they were scratching him.  I am wondering if they could be a calcium deposit of some sort because he is very prone to kidney stones and has had crohns disease since he was 7 years old.  By the way he is 36 now. Please let me know what you might think they could be. He was unable to remove all of them because some are really embedded in his eyelid but they are still
small and are not causing any pain at this time.  Thank you in advance for your help.

The most likely source of the problem you describe is conjunctival concretions. These are calcium deposits and can occur in any individual, but certainly would be more common in someone prone to kidney stones. These are generally not dangerous but can be quite irritating. Those that are covered by the mucous membrane do not need to be removed because they do not generally cause discomfort. Please contact us if you have any further questions.

Question from Georgia
My daughter is five years old and she was told she has a condition called EKC.  My question is what can be done to take care of this?  Is there a cure other than a steroid drop she has been given called prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension usp, 1%?   I'm very concerned for her vision.  She has been on the drop for four months.  Please reply with advice.  Thank you for your help.

EKC is the abbreviation for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. This is a very severe form of viral eye infection, which causes inflammation in the cornea as well as the conjunctiva. While it can resolve spontaneously, most people with EKC do need anti-inflammatory eye drops and many need them for extended periods of time. While long term use of eye drops should always be done carefully, if your daughter is being monitored routinely, it is unlikely that any long term side-effects will occur. Unfortunately, there is no other more immediate cure known at the present time for EKC.

Question from Massachusetts
My 78 year old mother recently had cataract surgery. The first eye was corrected without complications but the second one now requires a cornea transplant. Apparantly an undiagnosed preexisting condition resulted in infection and so the cornea must be replaced. What is the success rate for this type of transplant given her age, how long is the recovery and will drops have to be taken always to prevent rejection or just during the recovery period. I appreciate very much your attention to my questions and would also appreciate any comments you think may be helpful. Thanks

A cornea transplant has a success rate greater than 90% and this should not be affected by your mother's age. Recovery from a cornea transplant is longer than from some other eye surgeries, including cataract surgery, but the immediate postoperative recovery may encompass four to eight weeks while the eye may need to be monitored closely for up to a year. Most patients use anti-inflammatory drops for an extended period of time, often six-12 months, but they may not have to be taken indefinitely depending on the individual's response. Fortunately, corneal transplant surgery has now become the most successful transplant surgery available and depending on the individual, it is very rare that a condition requiring corneal transplantation cannot be successfully treated.