<keyword id="15160768" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="presvu" source="Orion">PresVu</keyword> eye drops, developed by <keyword id="20007796" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="entod-pharmaceuticals" source="keywords">Entod Pharmaceuticals</keyword>, were launched with considerable media attention earlier this month as a novel solution for <keyword id="23035383" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="presbyopia" source="keywords">presbyopia</keyword>. Presbyopia is a condition where individuals aged 40 and above experience difficulty focusing on nearby objects, often requiring reading glasses. PresVu claimed to reduce or eliminate the need for these glasses, offering an alternative through its active ingredient, 1.25% Pilocarpine, which temporarily contracts the pupil, improving near vision. Entod Pharmaceuticals earlier announced that the product had approval from the <keyword id="20047866" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drug-controller-general-of-india" source="keywords">Drug Controller General of India</keyword> (<keyword id="20046022" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dcgi" source="keywords">DCGI</keyword>). These announcements created substantial buzz, as the treatment promised a non-invasive solution to a common problem affecting millions of people. <h2>Regulatory backlash</h2>The situation escalated when the Drug Controller General of India suspended the marketing and distribution licence of PresVu eye drops. The suspension was issued due to unauthorised promotional campaigns by Entod, which made unverified claims about the drug's capabilities. The company had reportedly promoted PresVu not as a prescription drug, but as an over-the-counter (OTC) solution that could potentially replace reading glasses — a claim that regulators found highly misleading. The DCGI expressed concerns that such promotions could lead to misuse, with patients potentially self-administering the product without medical guidance, raising significant safety concerns. Furthermore, the regulatory body pointed out that while the product had been approved as a prescription drug, the marketing blitz implied it was a quick-fix solution available to anyone, which it was not. <h2>Entod Pharmaceuticals responds</h2>Entod Pharmaceuticals quickly defended itself against these allegations, maintaining that their marketing campaign was based on the information cleared by the DCGI. According to Entod, the promotion highlighted only the approved uses of the <keyword id="4537914" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="eye-drop" source="Orion">eye drop</keyword>, and any misconceptions arose from how the media and public interpreted the information. The company asserted that it would challenge the suspension in court, emphasising that other pharmaceutical companies frequently follow similar marketing practices without facing such scrutiny. In a statement, Entod’s CEO, <keyword id="21011592" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nikkhil-k-masurkar" source="keywords">Nikkhil K Masurkar</keyword>, clarified that the company had conducted phase 3 clinical trials in India to ensure the product’s safety and efficacy. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113251803" title="The next big market for weight-loss drugs: children" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>“Our approval by DCGI was based on a valid controlled clinical trial in 234 patients which was successful in showing efficacy and safety of these eye drops in patients of Presbyopia, who used these drops without eyeglasses and could read additional lines on Snellen's chart which is yardstick of near vision impairment,” Masurkar commented in a statement. He insisted that the product’s promotional activities had followed standard protocols and blamed the viral nature of media reports for blowing the issue out of proportion. Despite these defences, the product remained suspended pending further investigations. "Such eye drops with the same active ingredient and same concentration have been approved by the US <keyword id="19918726" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fda" source="keywords">FDA</keyword> and marketed in the US for the last three years without any serious complications. FDA didn’t take any action on the companies marketing the same in the USA,” Masurkar further elaborated. <h2>Public and expert reactions</h2>The controversy garnered widespread attention, particularly from medical professionals. The Liver Doc, a prominent liver specialist that takes to social media to debunk pseudoscientific claims, criticised the situation on X (former Twitter), warning about the dangers of exaggerated medical claims in advertising. The doctor’s tweet emphasised that blaming Indian media for blowing Entod’s claims out of proportion was “shameless”, noting that the media merely reported exactly what the company had themselves claimed earlier. <div type="twitter" handle="theliverdr" handlename="theliverdr" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1833828866210849170"></div>As of September 12, 2024, the suspension of PresVu's marketing approval remains in place. Entod Pharmaceuticals is preparing to contest the decision in court, hoping to reinstate its flagship product in the Indian market. The regulatory investigation continues, with the DCGI seeking clarification on the exact nature of the promotions and whether they indeed violated ethical standards. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113229771" title="China&amp;#39;s drug regulator clears mpox vaccine; to undergo clinical trial" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Despite Entod’s defence, the controversy has raised important questions about the marketing of prescription drugs in India, with regulators, the media, and the public closely watching how this case will evolve. The outcome could set a precedent for how pharmaceutical companies in India can market innovative treatments, particularly when dealing with sensitive areas like vision correction.

PresVu eye drops: Why has a pharma company fallen in controversy for claiming to cure near-sightedness?

India is on the brink of a significant medical innovation with the upcoming launch of <keyword id="23029757" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PresVu-eye-drops" source="keywords">PresVu eye drops</keyword>, a groundbreaking treatment aimed at reducing dependency on <keyword id="23034012" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reading-glasses" source="keywords">reading glasses</keyword>. Developed by Mumbai-based <keyword id="20007796" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Entod-Pharmaceuticals" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Entod Pharmaceuticals" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Entod Pharmaceuticals">Entod Pharmaceuticals</keyword>, PresVu has recently received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and is scheduled to hit the market in early October 2024. <h3 style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">What is PresVu?</h3>PresVu eye drops are designed to treat <keyword id="23035383" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="presbyopia" source="keywords">presbyopia</keyword>, a common age-related condition that affects the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects. This condition, which typically begins in the early 40s, leads to a gradual decline in <keyword id="23035385" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="near-vision" source="keywords">near vision</keyword>, making reading glasses a necessity for millions. As per estimates, nearly one third of Indian adults suffer from the condition. PresVu offers a novel solution, aiming to restore visual independence to those suffering from mild to moderate presbyopia. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112800837" title="Scientists want to help drug addicts recover — by giving them psychedelics" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>How does it work?</h2>The drug contains <keyword id="23035386" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pilocarpine-hydrochloride" source="keywords">pilocarpine hydrochloride</keyword> — a plant-derived compound that has been used for decades to treat various eye conditions and dry mouth. The drops are intended for daily use, with effects lasting several hours, allowing users to perform tasks like reading without the need for glasses. As per the company, the effects of the drops will be apparent within 15 minutes, but complete benefits are only apparent after 15 days of use. The treatment has been thoroughly tested in clinical trials across India and has shown promising results in improving near vision. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112738885" title="India bans 156 commonly used combination drugs citing possible risks to humans" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Market impact and accessibility</h2>The introduction of PresVu is expected to make a significant impact in India, where the prevalence of presbyopia is rising. As per media sources, each vial will be priced at Rs 345, making it an affordable alternative to reading glasses. Each vial is designed to last about a month, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term use. Entod Pharmaceuticals has ambitious plans for PresVu, targeting not just the Indian market but also emerging markets in Africa and Southeast Asia. The company sees this as a step towards becoming a global innovator in ophthalmology, with future plans to out-licence products in the US market. (Editor's note: PresVu eye-drops have since been suspended by the DCGI for making exaggerated marketing claims related to the product)

Say bye-bye to reading glasses! Mumbai drug-maker to soon introduce eye drops to treat presbyopia in India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>My mother-in-law didn't want to be labeled as "Grandma" when I had kids.</li><li>I didn't understand why she also dyed her hair blonde or why she took naps during the day.</li></ul>As my due date drew near during my first pregnancy, an unexpected hiccup occurred in a conversation with my <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/i-never-got-to-fight-with-my-mother-in-law-2023-5">mother-in-law</a>. She and my father-in-law were beyond ecstatic with the impending birth of my daughter, but when the subject of grandparent names came up, she threw me a curveball.Her name would not be "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/64-year-old-biohacking-grandma-top-longevity-is-free-2024-6">Grandma</a>" — anything but "Grandma." She was adamant. Irene was over 50 but couldn't come to terms with the label "Grandma," and I was confused. Why wouldn't someone want the honorific?Fast forward two years, and you would have found Irene doting on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/toddlers-first-class-flight-passengers-respectful-2024-5">my toddler</a>, Claire. And as toddlers often do, Claire had a different plan; Irene was not "Mimi" or any modern incarnation. She was "Grandma Irene," so Irene was begrudgingly stuck.I had no idea the weight of a label, until now. I'm carrying a few now myself — "retiree" among them. Now that I'm hitting some <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-gen-z-socks-jeans-brands-aging-cash-advertising-2024-6">senior milestones</a>, I'm beginning to understand my mother-in-law a bit better.<h2 id="a2dbae9e-7896-4a3d-9439-ede66b803e58">I initially struggled to understand my mother-in-law</h2>Irene clung to her artificially <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/celebrities-who-are-naturally-blonde">blond hair</a> far beyond the time that anyone would have expected anything but gray, and I was perplexed. Why would anyone go to the trouble and expense of hair color into their 60s and beyond?Irene was also an active woman and enjoyed spending time at the pool in the summer. I joined her with my children occasionally, and her choice of bathing threw me. She wore a skirted <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/style/best-swimsuits-women">bathing suit</a>. Why would anyone want an extra layer of Lycra clinging to their body getting out of a pool? As far as I could tell, the skirt didn't do much to disguise what I can only assume were flaws she didn't want to be seen.Large-print books were another misunderstood concept. When I saw her with a book that outweighed a regular print version by at least 25%, I didn't get the idea behind toting all that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/septuagenarian-woman-lost-almost-twohunded-pounds-ditched-mobility-aids-2024-6">extra weight</a>. My younger version would think that just holding the book further away would be a much simpler, lighter solution to the small print problem.I just couldn't understand why my mother-in-law acted the way she did.<h2 id="1aa1c95f-001c-47dd-954c-8e626d33ef21">I now understand where she was coming from</h2>Now that I'm approaching 60, with a head full of what I can only assume is gray hair, I get it. I haven't gone more than seven weeks without fresh color on my hair, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/celebrities-who-have-gray-hair-2019-3">going gray</a> is far more nuanced and complex than I ever imagined. I have been coloring my hair since my 30s to cover silver strands in my brunette locks. About five years ago, my hairdresser gently suggested that going blonde would allow me more time between touch-ups. I acquiesced and had a lovely blonde bob that required root refreshing every six weeks.So when is the right time to go natural? It's definitely not now; I have a daughter <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/anant-ambani-wedding-mother-nita-ceo-planned-billionaire-asia-credit-2024-7">getting married</a> in two months. So, on my hair color issue, I've kicked the can down the road until fall, at least.I'm also north of my ideal weight, with freckled legs and a 7" jagged scar from a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/i-survived-cancer-hip-replacement-gall-bladder-arthritis">hip replacement</a>, and I still don't understand the skirted suit. I have, however, fully embraced the tankini, which wasn't an option in Grandma Irene's youth. I may inspire fear in the youthful moms and toddlers at the pool these days, but it won't be because of sopping wet layers of Lycra.And now, with my new sidekick, presbyopia, large print books are a godsend. Who has time to keep track of reading glasses? There's no way I'm wearing them around my neck like a librarian, no matter how groovy the chain is. I've sometimes given up and gone to audiobooks for as long as my hearing holds up.<h2 id="d3f4eb95-01c5-49fc-99cb-2b8a957d62a4">I'm sorry I judged her all those years ago</h2>Finally, I never understood my mother-in-law's afternoon nap. Sure, my toddlers needed naps, but they were <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-parents-set-their-kids-up-for-success-2016-4">growing children</a>, constantly on the go. What did my mother-in-law need a respite from? Sure, she played tennis some days, but nothing on her agenda required exertion. She didn't clean her own home. She didn't cook often. So what wore her down? I'll never know. But like clockwork, she had a daily siesta.And you know what? Now that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/failed-early-retirement-fire-back-to-work-2024-6">I'm in retirement</a>, I do, too.I'm sure my choices are foreign to my children and son-in-law, but give them a few years, and I'm sure they'll catch on. I know I did, and I regret ever judging my mother-in-law. Aging can be difficult, and we all deal with it in our own way.I'm sure I'll also struggle with the label "Grandma" when the time comes, too.

When I had children, my mother-in-law refused to be called 'Grandma,' which confused me. 30 years later, I finally understand.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Vuity is the first and only FDA-approved eye drop for treating blurry near <keyword id="6526661" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="vision" source="Orion">vision</keyword>.</li><li>The drop causes the pupil to constrict, providing up to 6 hours of improved clarity.</li></ul>Can't find your reading glasses? A new eye drop out Thursday could be a game-changer for millions of <keyword id="11984175" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="aging" source="Orion">aging</keyword> Americans who struggle to see up close."It's definitely a life changer," Toni Wright, one of the 750 participants in a clinical trial to test the drops, told <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vuity-eye-drops-fda-approved-blurred-vision-presbyopia/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosvitals&amp;stream=top">CBS News</a> national correspondent Jericka Duncan.Vuity, the first eye drop for sharpening near vision, hit the market this week after the Food and Drug Administration approved it in October. The new medicine is meant to be used once a day and can improve vision for up to six hours at a time.The <keyword id="12712161" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="eye-drops" source="Orion">eye drops</keyword> will work best for people between the ages of 40 and 55, a Vuity spokesperson told CBS. That age group comprised two clinical trials and is most likely to notice the onset of near vision loss. Presbyopia, or age-related blurred near vision, typically sets in after age 40, according to the <a href="https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/adult-vision-41-to-60-years-of-age?sso=y">American Optometric Association</a>. Around 1.8 billion people around the world have presbyopia, according to a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29753495/">2018 estimate</a>, and the condition affects almost half of US adults per <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5253305/">earlier estimates</a>.For this group, Vuity offers a potential alternative to reading glasses. The eye drops might be easier to keep track of, but they are pricier at about $80 for a 30-day supply, according to a <a href="https://news.abbvie.com/news/press-releases/us-food-and-drug-administration-approves-vuity-pilocarpine-hci-ophthalmic-solution-125-first-and-only-eye-drop-to-treat-presbyopia-age-related-blurry-near-vision.htm">press release</a> from <keyword id="12712162" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="biopharmaceutical" source="Orion">biopharmaceutical</keyword> giant AbbVie. The drops must be prescribed by a physician and are not currently covered by insurance.The medicine works by causing the pupil to constrict, which naturally allows the eye to focus at different ranges. About 15 minutes after administering one drop in each eye, participants in clinical trials could see three additional lines on a reading chart.The drops are not meant to be used for night driving, although they worked in low-light conditions for at least three hours after application in the trials. Side effects detected during the three-month trial period included headaches and red eyes, and some users had difficulty adjusting their focus between near and far objects.

The first eye drops that sharpen close-up vision could replace reading glasses for millions of adults

<ul class="summary-list"><li>With CVS, you might have headaches, light sensitivity, vision problems, and sore or tired eyes.</li><li>Your eyes work harder when you look at screens, and things like glare and poor light don't help. </li></ul>With <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/5-million-people-moved-because-of-remote-work-since-2020-2022-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remote work</a> and schooling at record highs, Americans spend more time on digital screens than ever before — on average, <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v0p66zfyicygg12/AAAtczfb4aN3nvPlGLiZmfENa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">17 hours a day.</a>All that digital time is hard on the eyes, particularly because it can increase your risk of developing a condition called computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain.The good news is, CVS is temporary, and you can take steps to reverse it. Here's how to identify the signs of eye strain, reduce your risk, and manage symptoms.<h2>Signs and symptoms</h2>Some of the most common signs of CVS include:<ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/types-of-headaches" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Headaches</a></li><li>Eye fatigue or soreness</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/why-are-my-eyes-red" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eye redness</a>, dryness, burning, and itching</li><li>Increased sensitivity to light</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/blurry-vision-in-one-eye" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blurred vision</a></li><li>Intermittent double vision</li><li>Eyes that feel heavy, as if you can't keep them open</li></ul>These symptoms usually last only a few hours and improve shortly after you <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/how-much-screen-time-is-too-much" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take a break from digital screens</a>, according to <a href="https://dzeyemd.com/dr-dagny-zhu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Dagny Zhu</a>, a board-certified ophthalmologist and owner of <a href="https://www.nvisioncenters.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hyperspeed LASIK</a>. However, <a href="https://www.denovoeye.com/meet-our-doctor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Luis Rojas</a>, an optometrist at <a href="https://www.denovoeye.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DeNovo Eye</a> and consultant to <a href="https://www.jjvision.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Johnson &amp; Johnson Vision</a>, says symptoms <a href="https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may persist for longer periods</a> if you already have an underlying eye condition, like <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/astigmatism-lights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">astigmatism</a> or eye muscle imbalance.<h2>Why does it happen?</h2>Your eyes have to work harder to focus when you look at a digital screen. The text isn't as sharp as words printed on a page, Zhu says. What's more, digital screens often give off glare, which makes it even more difficult for your eyes to focus.Plus, while you typically blink around 15 times per minute, you'll only blink about half as often when focusing on a digital screen, Rojas says. Blinking helps keep your eyes moist, so when you blink less, your eyes may become dry and your vision foggy — which <a href="https://www.jcor.in/article.asp?issn=2320-3897;year=2014;volume=2;issue=1;spage=61;epage=68;aulast=Bali" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can contribute</a> to eye strain.Because of these factors, you're more prone to CVS if you don't take enough screen breaks, according to <a href="https://www.myeye2eye.com/meet-the-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Dora Adamopoulos</a>, an optometrist at Eye2Eye Optometry Corner and medical advisor for <a href="https://thevisioncouncil.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Vision Council</a>.High screen brightness and looking at screens from too close a distance increase your risk of CVS, according to a <a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/joph/2020/2789376/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 study</a> of undergraduate medical students. Overly bright screens expose your eyes to more blue light, which can cause eye fatigue. Plus, when you stare at screens up close, you don't blink as much, says Rojas. This puts more demand on the ciliary muscle of the eye, which stays contracted without any rest.Other factors that can contribute to CVS, according to Rojas:<ul><li>Poor lighting, which forces you to squint or strain to see</li><li>Reading on devices with poor contrast between the text and the background</li><li>A dry indoor environment</li></ul><h2>Who's most likely to experience it? </h2>CVS affects a whopping <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34160157/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">90% of computer users</a> who spend more than 3 hours a day in front of their desktop or laptop screens. However, it can also affect people who spend a lot of time using any electronic device, according to Zhu.Wearing contact lenses can also increase your risk. Zhu says contact lenses <a href="https://www.jcor.in/article.asp?issn=2320-3897;year=2014;volume=2;issue=1;spage=61;epage=68;aulast=Bali" target="_blank" rel="noopener">often contribute to dry eye</a>, which can exacerbate CVS. Eyeglasses, however, may help reduce airflow across the surface of your eyes and help prevent moisture loss.Important: Though it might go without saying, if you <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-tell-if-you-need-glasses-2019-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">need glasses to see clearly</a>, you should definitely wear them when using digital devices to help prevent eye strain.Zhu also says CVS may be more likely to develop <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/menopause-age" target="_blank" rel="noopener">after menopause</a>, due to <a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/dry-eyes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hormonal changes that cause eye dryness</a>.According to <a href="https://www.premiervisiononline.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Mile Brujic</a>, an optometrist at <a href="https://www.premiervisiononline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier Vision Group</a> and Scientific Advisory Board Member for <a href="https://eyepromise.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EyePromise</a>, other risk factors for CVS include:<ul><li>Incorrect prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses</li><li>History of eye disease</li><li>Uncorrected vision issues</li><li><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/symptoms-causes/syc-20363328" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Presbyopia</a>, or age-related <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/nearsighted-vs-farsighted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">farsightedness</a></li><li>Taking <a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/dry-eyes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">medications that cause dry eye</a>, like certain <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/treatments/antihistamine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antihistamines</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/how-does-birth-control-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">birth control pills</a>, diuretics, heart medications, and ulcer medications</li></ul><h2>How to handle it</h2>One of the best ways to avoid digital eye strain, according to optometrists, is to follow the 20/20/20 rule. "This gives the eyes the opportunity to re-calibrate before focusing on the digital screen again," Brujic says.Quick tip: For every 20 minutes you spend using a computer or other device, you should aim to look at something at least 20 feet away from you for a minimum of 20 seconds.A <a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/joph/2020/2789376/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 study</a> found this method doesn't just reduce your risk of developing CVS. It can also decrease the severity of symptoms.A few other tips to lower your risk of CVS and manage existing symptoms:<ul><li>Keep your devices at arm's length and slightly below eye level (by <a href="https://www.optometrists.org/vision-therapy/guide-to-vision-therapy-for-adults/what-is-computer-vision-syndrome/2021-update-computer-vision-syndrome/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4 to 8 inches</a>).</li><li>Use a <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/home/best-humidifier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">humidifier</a> in the same room to keep eyes moist.</li><li>Try to blink more often.</li><li>Avoid direct or overhead lighting on screens. You can do a quick test by switching your screen off and checking whether you notice any light from windows or lamps reflected in your screen. If so, move your screen to minimize this reflected light. </li><li>Match the screen brightness to the level of light in your surroundings. </li><li>Increase the contrast on your screen and enlarge the font.</li><li>Regularly remove dust from your screen, as it can <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273813532_Computer_vision_syndrome_A_review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">affect the clarity and worsen glare</a>.</li></ul><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/how-to-put-in-eye-drops" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Use lubricating eye drops</a> as needed. Opt for preservative-free eye drops, especially if you use them more than four times a day.Quick tip: Take some time to play with the brightness, contrast, screen background, and font settings on your devices until you find a combination that feels most comfortable for your eyes.It's also wise to take a proactive approach: Schedule annual eye exams to keep your eyeglass or contact lens prescription up to date and make sure you don't have any unaddressed eye conditions, says <a href="https://stanfordranchoptometry.com/our-practice/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Kristyna Lensky Sipes,</a> an optometrist at <a href="https://stanfordranchoptometry.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canyon Ranch Optometry</a>.<h2>Best places to buy blue-light blocking computer glasses</h2><div type="image" title="GlassesUSA.com Elliot Computer Glasses on top of a laptop" height="810" width="1080" msid="93484430" hostid="261" sizebytes="29068"></div>Blue light from computers can cause a strain on your eyes after staring at screens for a long time. If you're not in a position to reduce your screen time, <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/style/blue-light-computer-glasses-brands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blue-light blocking glasses</a> can help. <ul><li><a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffelixgray.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Felix Gray</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.warbyparker.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Warby Parker</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.glassesusa.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">GlassesUSA.com</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mvmt.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">MVMT</a></li></ul><h2>When to connect with an eye doctor</h2>Making some adjustments — like reducing screen time, taking regular breaks from devices, and changing the brightness and distance of your screens — should help with alleviating CVS.If you don't see any improvement in your symptoms, though, Brujic recommends reaching out to an eye doctor. You should also make an appointment for an eye exam if you experience:<ul><li>Symptoms that get in the way of your ability to work or function</li><li>Blurred or double vision that doesn't go away after you stop using your devices</li><li>Sudden vision changes</li><li>Symptoms like eye pain, redness, or dryness that don't improve or get worse</li></ul>Eye doctors can evaluate eye health and vision, make a diagnosis, and provide tailored guidance on how to reduce eye strain and other symptoms. They can also determine if you need to treat an underlying vision problem contributing to CVS. In some cases, Sipes says your eye doctor may prescribe special tinted glasses for computer use that can help reduce glare and increase contrast for easier reading. Other treatment options might include medicated eye drops if over-the-counter ones aren't effective, or a <a href="https://aapos.org/glossary/vision-therapy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vision therapy program</a> to <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/treatments/how-to-improve-eyesight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">help your eyes work more efficiently</a> when using devices.<h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, is an umbrella term for eye problems caused by using digital devices, especially for long periods of time.Although CVS doesn't appear to cause any permanent eye damage, symptoms like eye fatigue and dryness can cause discomfort and make it harder to use devices for work or leisure time. Taking frequent breaks from your screens can help prevent CVS and treat symptoms. It can also help to reduce screen glare and brightness, keep your eyes moist, and adjust your screen angle and text size. If these measures don't help, a good next step involves making an appointment with your eye doctor.

If you stare at screens all day and have sore, tired eyes, you might have computer vision syndrome

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Astigmatism occurs when the eye is shaped more like an oval than a sphere, causing blurry <keyword id="6526661" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="vision" source="Orion">vision</keyword>.</li><li>Astigmatism affects about one in three Americans and it occurs more frequently as you age.</li><li>The condition becomes more noticeable at night due to the contrast between dark and light.</li></ul>Astigmatism is an eye condition that causes blurry vision, especially in dim light. That's because astigmatism occurs when the eye is shaped more like an oval than a sphere, which distorts the light that enters. And when there's little light to begin with — like at dusk or night — visual cues are scarce which can exacerbate the problem."The cornea is not perfectly round. It's actually slightly oval. It's a very subtle difference, but it's important from a visual perspective," says Manhattan-based <a href="https://www.rfriedmanmd.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ophthalmologist Robert Friedman</a>. Astigmatism is fairly common — it affects about one in three Americans, according to the<a href="https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics#_edn17" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> American Academy of Ophthalmology</a>. And it occurs more frequently as you grow older. For example, <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/420707#nav" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an estimated</a> 23% of 20- to 39-year-olds, 28% of 40 to 59-year-olds, and 50% of those 60 and older have astigmatism.The condition can occur with nearsightedness (<a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-nearsightedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">myopia</a>) or farsightedness (<a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/hyperopia-farsightedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hyperopia</a>), and there are several methods to treat it. Learn more about astigmatism, how light affects the condition, and ways to help alleviate the symptoms.<h2>What is astigmatism? </h2>Astigmatism is one of four kinds of, what are called, refractive errors, in which the shape of the eye doesn't bend light correctly, causing blurred vision. The other types of refractive errors are: <ul><li>Nearsightedness: Difficulty seeing unless objects are close to the eyes.</li><li>Farsightedness: The ability to see clearly if objects are far away, but close-up vision is blurry.</li><li><a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-presbyopia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Presbyopia</a>, or when you have trouble focusing on objects up close and need reading glasses. </li></ul>Patients can have more than one of these refractive conditions simultaneously. <h3>Corneal vs. lenticular astigmatism</h3>Most people are born with astigmatism. Usually, it's either because their cornea — the clear window in front of the eye — is more oval than round or their lenticular lens — is overly curved.A person could have corneal or lenticular astigmatism or both. In some cases, experiencing distortions in the cornea and lens can counteract each other to cancel out the vision problems. In other cases, the two combined may exacerbate problems. Both kinds of astigmatism can occur in one or both eyes, but corneal astigmatism is most common, says Friedman.<h2>How astigmatism affects light perception </h2>Ophthalmologists say blurry vision from astigmatism is the same no matter what time of day it is. However, blurry vision can become especially noticeable at night because of the contrast between light and dark. "People will say, 'I have trouble driving at night, but not in the day.' And it's not that in the daytime, they don't have the refractive error, it's just that they're able to overcome it a lot easier than at night when there's less light," says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-park-a5752314/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anna Park</a>, an ophthalmologist in the Martin P. Kolsky Group Chartered in Washington, DC, and an attending physician at the Washington Hospital Center. The reason vision may not be as blurry during the day is because there's less light for your eye to focus. To compensate, the pupil dilates to let in more light. A larger pupil means more of the cornea and lens are being used to focus the light. Using more of these surfaces increases the symptoms of astigmatism or other refractive errors."Night vision is the same as day vision, it's just that the light rays aren't focused on your retina as they should be, so the picture you get is blurred and distorted. In general, in lower light, refractive errors come out more often," says Park. Most astigmatisms are mild, Chan says. "So people may not notice the problem during the day. But at night, lights — headlights, stop signs — will seem to come at you." As an aside, Park says that it's important to note that screens and <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/astigmatism/symptoms-causes/syc-20353835" target="_blank" rel="noopener">devices don't cause astigmatism</a> or have any effect on them since it's a physical condition of the eye's shape and not based on behavior.<h2>Symptoms of astigmatism</h2>Experts agree the main symptom of astigmatism is not seeing clearly. That may then cause other symptoms, including:<ul><li>Blurred vision at all distances: People with astigmatism may complain of blurred vision for objects both up close and far away, says Park. </li><li>Eyestrain and headaches: "Eyes muscles are trying to focus, and if things are not clear, you can get eyestrain," Park says. This may lead to headaches.</li><li>Streaky vision: Astigmatism may cause lights to seem streaky, says <a href="https://www.vickichanmd.com/about-vicki" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vicki Chan</a>, an ophthalmologist at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles. While viewing an eye chart in a doctor's office, the "E" may appear offset, or the chart letters may look like one is on top of the other, as opposed to the overall blurriness of other conditions.</li><li>Circular lights appear as ovals: "If you look at a circular light from far away and it [has] an ovoid distortion to it, that would be astigmatism," Friedman tells Insider. But ovoid, or oval, distortions are often difficult to perceive, he says. </li><li>Difficulty functioning at certain distances: Just because a person has astigmatism, doesn't mean all tasks will be impacted similarly. Some people may be able to read if their astigmatism aligns in a certain direction, Friedman says, but have problems with other tasks that require seeing from far away. </li></ul><h2>How to treat astigmatism</h2>If you have a history of vision problems, it may be time to consult a professional."When we prescribe glasses or contacts, what we're doing is providing a prescription that'll help focus the light coming into the eye and to the <a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/retina-103" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retina</a> so that the picture is clear," says Park. Chan agrees. "Any time you have blurred vision, you should see a doctor because a lot of things have similar symptoms," she says. Here are a few common ways astigmatism is treated:<ul><li>Glasses: Prescription glasses refocus the images and lights to correct astigmatism, says Chan. Tinted glasses reduce some glare but won't help with astigmatism.</li><li>Contact lenses: If it's strong enough to require contacts, <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8576-astigmatism/management-and-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">toric lenses</a> have two light-bending powers that cross perpendicularly to treat astigmatism. </li><li>Laser surgery:<a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Lasik</a> laser surgery can be used to correct astigmatism. If a patient has corneas deemed too thin for Lasik, photorefractive keratectomy (<a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PRK</a>) is an option. </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Blurred vision at all distances, eye strain that causes headaches, and streaky vision are a few key signs of astigmatism. Most people are born with astigmatism but in rarer cases, astigmatism can be caused by <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17525647/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trauma</a>.In general, in lower light, refractive errors come out more often, which is why people with astigmatism may have trouble seeing or driving at night. The condition exists in the daytime, too, it's just exacerbated by the dark.Chan says there are no natural home remedies for vision problems, and instead you'll need glasses or contacts to help focus the light to your eye. Surgery is also an option, for more severe cases. Moreover, <a href="https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/astigmatism?sso=y" target="_blank" rel="noopener">astigmatism may change</a> — for the better or worse — with age, so it's important that if you have blurred vision, it's best to see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis

Why astigmatism causes blurry vision, especially at night

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Astigmatism occurs when the eye is shaped more like an oval than a sphere, which distorts the light that enters causing blurry <keyword id="6526661" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="vision">vision</keyword>.</li><li>Astigmatism is fairly common, affecting about one in three Americans and it occurs more frequently as you age.</li><li>Astigmatism causes blurry vision no matter what time of day, but it becomes more noticeable at night due to the contrast between dark and light.</li></ul>Astigmatism is an eye condition that causes blurry vision, especially in dim light. That's because astigmatism occurs when the eye is shaped more like an oval than a sphere, which distorts the light that enters. And when there's little light to begin with - like at dusk or night - visual cues are scarce which can exacerbate the problem."The cornea is not perfectly round. It's actually slightly oval. It's a very subtle difference, but it's important from a visual perspective," says Manhattan-based <a href="https://www.rfriedmanmd.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ophthalmologist Robert Friedman</a>. Astigmatism is fairly common - it affects about one in three Americans, according to the<a href="https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics#_edn17" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> American Academy of Ophthalmology</a>. And it occurs more frequently as you grow older. For example, <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/420707#nav" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an estimated</a> 23% of 20- to 39-year-olds, 28% of 40 to 59-year-olds, and 50% of those 60 and older have astigmatism.The condition can occur with nearsightedness (<a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-nearsightedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">myopia</a>) or farsightedness (<a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/hyperopia-farsightedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hyperopia</a>), and there are several methods to treat it. Learn more about astigmatism, how light affects the condition, and ways to help alleviate the symptoms.<h2>What is astigmatism? </h2>Astigmatism is one of four kinds of, what are called, refractive errors, in which the shape of the eye doesn't bend light correctly, causing blurred vision. The other types of refractive errors are: <ul><li>Nearsightedness: Difficulty seeing unless objects are close to the <keyword id="25202" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="eyes">eyes</keyword>.</li><li>Farsightedness: The ability to see clearly if objects are far away, but close-up vision is blurry.</li><li><a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-presbyopia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Presbyopia</a>, or when you have trouble focusing on objects up close and need reading glasses. </li></ul>Patients can have more than one of these refractive conditions simultaneously. <h3>Corneal vs. lenticular astigmatism</h3>Most people are born with astigmatism. Usually, it's either because their cornea - the clear window in front of the eye - is more oval than round or their lenticular lens - is overly curved.A person could have corneal or lenticular astigmatism or both. In some cases, experiencing distortions in the cornea and lens can counteract each other to cancel out the vision problems. In other cases, the two combined may exacerbate problems. Both kinds of astigmatism can occur in one or both eyes, but corneal astigmatism is most common, says Friedman.<h2>How astigmatism affects light perception </h2>Ophthalmologists say blurry vision from astigmatism is the same no matter what time of day it is. However, blurry vision can become especially noticeable at night because of the contrast between light and dark. "People will say, 'I have trouble driving at night, but not in the day.' And it's not that in the daytime, they don't have the refractive error, it's just that they're able to overcome it a lot easier than at night when there's less light," says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-park-a5752314/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anna Park</a>, an ophthalmologist in the Martin P. Kolsky Group Chartered in Washington, DC, and an attending physician at the Washington Hospital Center. The reason vision may not be as blurry during the day is because there's less light for your eye to focus. To compensate, the pupil dilates to let in more light. A larger pupil means more of the cornea and lens are being used to focus the light. Using more of these surfaces increases the symptoms of astigmatism or other refractive errors."Night vision is the same as day vision, it's just that the light rays aren't focused on your retina as they should be, so the picture you get is blurred and distorted. In general, in lower light, refractive errors come out more often," says Park. Most astigmatisms are mild, Chan says. "So people may not notice the problem during the day. But at night, lights - headlights, stop signs - will seem to come at you." As an aside, Park says that it's important to note that screens and <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/astigmatism/symptoms-causes/syc-20353835" target="_blank" rel="noopener">devices don't cause astigmatism</a> or have any effect on them since it's a physical condition of the eye's shape and not based on behavior.<h2>Symptoms of astigmatism</h2>Experts agree the main symptom of astigmatism is not seeing clearly. That may then cause other symptoms, including:<ul><li>Blurred vision at all distances: People with astigmatism may complain of blurred vision for objects both up close and far away, says Park. </li><li>Eyestrain and headaches: "Eyes muscles are trying to focus, and if things are not clear, you can get eyestrain," Park says. This may lead to headaches.</li><li>Streaky vision: Astigmatism may cause lights to seem streaky, says <a href="https://www.vickichanmd.com/about-vicki" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vicki Chan</a>, an ophthalmologist at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles. While viewing an eye chart in a doctor's office, the "E" may appear offset, or the chart letters may look like one is on top of the other, as opposed to the overall blurriness of other conditions.</li><li>Circular lights appear as ovals: "If you look at a circular light from far away and it [has] an ovoid distortion to it, that would be astigmatism," Friedman tells Insider. But ovoid, or oval, distortions are often difficult to perceive, he says. </li><li>Difficulty functioning at certain distances: Just because a person has astigmatism, doesn't mean all tasks will be impacted similarly. Some people may be able to read if their astigmatism aligns in a certain direction, Friedman says, but have problems with other tasks that require seeing from far away. </li></ul><h2>How to treat astigmatism</h2>If you have a history of vision problems, it may be time to consult a professional."When we prescribe glasses or contacts, what we're doing is providing a prescription that'll help focus the light coming into the eye and to the <a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/retina-103" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retina</a> so that the picture is clear," says Park. Chan agrees. "Any time you have blurred vision, you should see a doctor because a lot of things have similar symptoms," she says. Here are a few common ways astigmatism is treated:<ul><li>Glasses: Prescription glasses refocus the images and lights to correct astigmatism, says Chan. Tinted glasses reduce some glare but won't help with astigmatism.</li><li>Contact lenses: If it's strong enough to require contacts, <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8576-astigmatism/management-and-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">toric lenses</a> have two light-bending powers that cross perpendicularly to treat astigmatism. </li><li>Laser surgery:<a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Lasik</a> laser surgery can be used to correct astigmatism. If a patient has corneas deemed too thin for Lasik, photorefractive keratectomy (<a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PRK</a>) is an option. </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Blurred vision at all distances, eye strain that causes headaches, and streaky vision are a few key signs of astigmatism. Most people are born with astigmatism but in rarer cases, astigmatism can be caused by <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17525647/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trauma</a>.In general, in lower light, refractive errors come out more often, which is why people with astigmatism may have trouble seeing or driving at night. The condition exists in the daytime, too, it's just exacerbated by the dark.Chan says there are no natural home remedies for vision problems, and instead you'll need glasses or contacts to help focus the light to your eye. Surgery is also an option, for more severe cases. Moreover, <a href="https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/astigmatism?sso=y" target="_blank" rel="noopener">astigmatism may change</a> - for the better or worse - with age, so it's important that if you have blurred vision, it's best to see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis<h2>Related articles from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-fat-soluble-vitamins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The different types of fat-soluble vitamins - and how to get enough of them</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-vitamin-b6-good-for" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7 science-backed benefits of vitamin B6 </a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamins-for-hair-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best vitamins to help your hair's growth, thickness, and overall health.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-b12-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 science-backed benefits of vitamin B12 and how to get enough of it</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-does-vitamin-c-do" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What does vitamin c do? 5 science-backed benefits of vitamin C</a></li></ul>

<img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b3ec86bb3f7c87a3c96d7-1024-681/5684204776_e8d3ba956f_b.jpg" alt="eye exam" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavy/5684204776/in/photolist-9Ei33C-6TwHYz-8ir6D4-6TwL4v-6Uzyhv-4pcnAg-5J7Jj5-2TKEid-8BFBHb-mTcQEH-acK7QF-adf7nv-6TALYJ-9XJE7s-ae67Bg-9XFLuR-GTFgY-8TiHEX-dMGUvS-9Ef82B-7fgB23-7fgB97-7fcJ9X-7fcJdV-GTDKi-6TAMh5-dMGUW7-6TwKKB-8BFByE-8Ph6ut-6tjjRP-bnUfpm-HBCW7-6TAoa9-bu1Wvh-6Twnrc-8BFBCy-8BCvBt-8BCvHk-8BCvQF-6TwKUn-dJCtUx-dbNFPF-4zMaMG-6BBdKz-51RBwg-aVMAJT-7kgeta-64ZnDF-5QMgtK">Official U.S. Navy Page/flickr</a>What will be revealed?When you look into your eyes, you may be trying to steel yourself for an interview. Or maybe you're just checking to see if they are red and bloodshot, irritated by allergies or perhaps a long night out.But when doctors look into your eyes, they can see a lot more. The eyes might be the proverbial window to the soul, but they are also a clear window to your health, and the amount of information they can reveal is astounding.Many conditions cause symptoms throughout the body - some show up in the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/signs-of-disease-on-skin-2017-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">skin</a>, others in the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/signs-of-disease-in-the-teeth-and-mouth-2014-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mouth</a>, and some even in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/signs-of-disease-in-the-nails-2014-5">fingernails</a> - but the eye is one spot that reveals a particularly large percentage of health issues."Looking in an eye really is a fabulous experience," Dr. Charles P. Wilkinson, a retina specialist and clinical spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, told Business Insider. "It's the only place you can see blood vessels bouncing along their merry way, you can see the optic nerve, which is part of the brain."With so much visible, more than 30 conditions show symptoms in the eyes. That's why eye doctors - ophthalmologists - and optometrists are frequently among the first to spot certain problems.<img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b3bbceab8ea85072c5ca3-1024-683/4678952790_cf5a82beed_b.jpg" alt="eye" width="400" /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/e_monk/4678952790/in/photolist-88sRDQ-7CJ9EL-2HMFqw-hm594q-6m5jdp-dieMY4-hoV6h-8cfxXd-bzFXA-8nfoc5-mva8n-5EaRRK-3ETPMb-4VgC5Z-7SqziC-2otYLn-49t9ZX-64UQxA-LVeCd-6jcnsn-4UyYZ-65rorC-bdyvf-e7KuCr-fFUea-aQF6a-6Kaevd-4TDru4-95B8z4-SiFF-7RT2Vy-7YGqS-9NzcL-5RGgKm-dx3bqz-chyZJs-nvqGL3-riDDb-9HYNCh-mSQoV-8Vixoq-e543U-4z5ezb-92A8s-bxPC6n-7My6HZ-R7NKU-7CuTY1-5Qzi4-6KkeQJ">e_monk/flickr</a>An eye exam can frequently be the first indicator of serious health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or even a brain tumor, according to <a href="https://www.vsp.com/comprehensive-eye-exam.html">the insurance company VSP Vision Care</a>.VSP president Jim McGrann told Business Insider that these findings showed that for many of these patients, "if people hadn't gone to see their eye doctor, they'd be walking around with time bomb diseases."Here are irregularities that show up in your eyes - and sometimes mean that something more serious is at stake.1. Red spots, caused by dots of blood in the eye, can be a <a href="https://www.vsp.com/diabetes.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sign of diabetes</a> - a terrible disease that the <a href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(14)70161-5/abstract">CDC predicts 40% of Americans will develop</a> in their lives. If blood sugar builds up too high, blood vessels begin to get <a href="http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp">blocked and to swell up</a>. This can burst the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing bleeding. If it's not treated, this can potentially lead to impaired vision or even blindness.<a class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b33666bb3f7af4f3c96d1-960/bloodshot-eye.jpg"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b33666bb3f7af4f3c96d1-1200-924/bloodshot-eye.jpg" alt="bloodshot eye" width="400" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/grange85/5965006676/in/photolist-a67dEG-2N8y7-7ndE1o-xiaTu-nTJH8Z-5WhTr-5WYxiQ-JgLji-3CTqk3-5pWWZA-5NNDGf-38DvLr-5NGVar-KS515-4FicA-71DuSG-9s88Ys-6c5gan-gsM9oa-8LW9LG-7KiNpg-5W7Yox-xi9pb-2JKLPw-59xf9L-5srks9-g51BDM-37Nitv-PgG3Q-7bAQXk-2AQkw-72v9SB-2fUWkj-72v9SF-29UpHA-43Qg9k-4ZBLLe-24zpxv-653LbE-vcady-a64mEz-7Azexm-4q2mCP-4QfJWv-89xqxG-4pcp-5ik9sb-72v9Sz-2aFUaC-QzHnt">Andy Aldridge/flickr</a>Conditions that cause bleeding in the eye range from benign, like that shown here, to the quite serious.2. But <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/symptoms/blood-in-eye.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bloodshot eyes can be caused by many</a> other conditions, too - ranging from an intense cough to pinkeye to a fungal infection.3. Itchy, swollen, red eyes are common giveaways that a patient is suffering from allergies, frequently triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander. Eyedrops can help, especially if they include an antihistamine, though <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/allergies-treatment.cfm">be careful of oral antihistamines</a>, as some can cause eyes to dry out, worsening the problem.4. Dry eyes are a side effect of both computer usage and many medications, like sleeping pills, pain relievers, or anti-anxiety medications. Autoimmune diseases can cause dry eyes as well, <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/dry-eye/risk.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">especially one called</a> Sjögren's syndrome, which destroys moisture-producing glands and mostly affects older women.5. Most people lose the ability to focus on close-up things like the print on restaurant menus as they age, but certain medications - antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics - can cause this condition, called presbyopia, to <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/basics/risk-factors/con-20032261" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">happen prematurely</a>.6. Blurry vision can be caused by <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/symptoms/blurriness.cfm">a long list</a> of eye conditions, but for those already at risk of high blood pressure, it can be a sign that someone needs to <a href="https://www.vsp.com/high-blood-pressure.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">get to the doctor</a> immediately. Once a person's sight is obscured by side effects of hypertension, that person needs treatment quickly, as vision and more is at stake.<a class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b3b116da811eb6abb3e11-960/slit_lamp_photograph_showing_retinal_detachment_in_von_hippel-lindau_disease_eda08.jpg"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b3b116da811eb6abb3e11-900-688/slit_lamp_photograph_showing_retinal_detachment_in_von_hippel-lindau_disease_eda08.jpg" alt="Detached retina" width="400" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_detachment#mediaviewer/File:Slit_lamp_photograph_showing_retinal_detachment_in_Von_Hippel-Lindau_disease_EDA08.JPG">National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health</a>A torn retina can cause the retina to detach, like this one - though this was caused by an illness.7. Suddenly seeing specks or flashes of light can be a sign of a torn retina. Some people experience these symptoms with migraines or simply as they grow older. But a sudden increase in the size and number of specks or flashes of light you see can be caused by a torn retina, which <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/floaters-flashes/causes.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">needs to be treated</a>. That's especially the case if the flashes or spots are accompanied by a shadow or loss of peripheral vision, which very likely indicates a detached retina.8. Eye doctors can be the first ones to detect some cancers. An eye doctor can check for <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eye-melanoma/basics/definition/con-20027875">ocular melanoma</a>, a rare form of melanoma but one that usually can't be detected by looking in the mirror. If other causes of pressure or pain in the eye are ruled out, Wilkinson says, an eye doctor may check to see if a brain tumor is a possibility.9. High cholesterol can frequently cause white rings to develop around the eyes, and <a href="http://www.nhsinform.org/health-library/articles/c/cholesterol/symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">can also cause yellowish bumps</a> to appear in the eyelids. Older patients are <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/arcus-senilis/faq-20058306">likely to also develop</a> similar white rings, but in any case, it can be a sign that cholesterol needs to be checked by a doctor.McGrann says the large number of diseases that cause symptoms in the eye should convince people that an annual eye exam is worthwhile. An annual exam is especially necessary for anyone over 40, Wilkinson says - though he notes that many of these health conditions are frequently detected first during routine medical screening.At that point, changes in the eye and body mean that eye doctors have important conditions to monitor, even if vision is stable. And new problems can surface at any time. Many can be treated before they cause a problem - but only if a doctor has a chance to examine the eye in the first place.This is an updated version of an older post.

What doctors can tell about your health just by looking in your eyes

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"><html><body><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54ede1496da811ee1a79c08e-1200-924/man-in-pain.jpg" border="0" alt="Man in pain">Getty ImagesSeveral new startups are developing technologies that could drastically change the medical world.</img></div></div></div>Medical technology is about to blow your mind - and potentially transform how you manage your health.Soon you'll be able to soothe chronic back pain with the injection of a microchip, lower your blood pressure with radio-frequency energy, and get dental implants that reduce swelling in your gums. There will also be a gel-based device that helps remove tumors, customized contact lenses for vision disorders, a diagnostic for neurological diseases, and clothing that helps people recover after hip- and knee-replacement surgery. All of these groundbreaking technologies are making medical procedures more accessible and less invasive. And some of the startups behind them - Nasseo, Stimwave, Yolia Health, Kulira Technologies, Verve Medical, Saccadous, and Hildeez - have another surprising thing in common: They share the same working space in Peoria, Arizona.That's because they're members of <a href="http://bioaccel.org/programs/signature-2/bioinspire/" target="_blank">BioInspire</a>, Arizona's first biomedical incubator and accelerator program. BioInspire provides a rent-free facility, seed funding, mentorship, and other resources to select medical device companies that commit to staying in Peoria for at least five years.BioAccel, a nonprofit for early-stage life-science technologies, teamed up with the city of Peoria to bring the incubator to life. The hope is that BioInspire will stimulate the biomedical industry within Peoria and create more high-wage jobs.Here are more details on what the companies are developing:<a href="http://www.nasseo.com/" target="_blank">Nasseo</a> is creating cost-effective, better-performing dental and orthopedic implants using proprietary surface-modification technology. The company's first product, the Nasseo TiArray™ Dental Implant System, was cleared by the FDA in August 2013.<a href="http://stimwave.com/" target="_blank">Stimwave</a> has invented the <a href="http://stimwave.com/products/freedom-4-scs-system" target="_blank">Freedom-4 Spinal Corld Stimulator System</a>, the world's first wireless device for chronic back and leg pain relief. It's a tiny, injectable microchip that sends pulses of energy to electrodes near surrounding nerves and is 95% smaller than the smallest implantable battery. As of January 2015, it's available for purchase in the US.<a href="http://www.yolia.com/" target="_blank">Yolia Health</a>'s True Vision Treatment® targets presbyopia (farsightedness), a common age-related vision disorder that causes blurring, with customized contact lenses and formulated eye drops that can be administered at home. It alters the cornea's topography to improve vision.<a href="http://www.kuliratech.com/" target="_blank">Kulira Technologies</a> aims to improve the lives of patients who undergo surgical treatments for cancer. They develop tools to help oncology specialists, such as SolidX™, a gel-based medical device that improves tumor preparation for faster surgical cancer removal.<a href="http://www.verve-medical.com/" target="_blank">Verve Medical</a> is creating a medical device that uses radio-frequency energy to prevent overactive nerves from causing high-blood pressure. A transurethral catheter is guided to the kidney to deactivate nerves in the areas.<a href="http://www.saccadous.com/" target="_blank">Saccadous</a> uses high-speed cameras to track involuntary eye movements, which can help diagnose neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Its technology is cloud-based, compatible with mobile, and noninvasive.<a href="http://hildeezinc.com/" target="_blank">Hildeez</a> makes hip- and knee-recovery garments that allow patients to recover on the go, with built-in stabilizing ice pockets, stabilizing pockets, Velcro openings, and elastic waistbands.Armed with resources and funding from BioInspire, these ambitious startups are making significant progress in the realm of medical technology. They're redefining what it means to "take your health into your own hands" - one device at a time.<a href="http://bioaccel.org/programs/signature-2/bioinspire/" target="_blank">Learn more about BioInspire</a>.This post is sponsored by <a href="http://www.azcommerce.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Commerce Authority</a>.Find out <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/sponsor-posts">more about Sponsored Content</a>.</body></html>

These startups could completely change how we manage pain and treat cancer

Welcome to Digital Health Briefing, a new morning email providing the latest news, data, and insight on how digital technology is disrupting the healthcare ecosystem, produced by BI Intelligence.<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/digital-health-briefing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up and receive Digital Health Briefing free to your inbox.</a>Have feedback? We'd like to hear from you. Write me at: <a href="mailto:lbeaver@businessinsider.com">lbeaver@businessinsider.com</a>.<hr />NOKIA REMAINS BULLISH ON ITS DIGITAL HEALTH OFFERINGS: Nokia remains confident in the potential of its digital health business, despite having to writedown 141 million euros ($164 million) in the third quarter, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nokia-health/nokia-says-sees-potential-in-digital-health-after-write-down-idUSKBN1CW13V?il=0">according</a> to Reuters. The Finnish telecommunications company dipped its toes in the digital health market in 2016, <a href="https://www.nokia.com/en_int/news/releases/2016/05/31/nokia-completes-the-acquisition-of-withings">purchasing</a> Withings, a smart health and fitness wearables maker, for 170 million euros ($197 million). Nokia's confidence likely comes from the rapid growth of the booming global healthcare market, which is projected to grow at an annualized rate of 25% between 2017 and 2024 to reach $379 billion, <a href="https://www.medgadget.com/2017/07/digital-health-market-set-to-register-25-cagr-during-2017-2024.html">according</a> to Global Market Insights.While new to digital health, Nokia's experience with mobile devices positions it well to succeed in the mobile health (mHealth) market. mHealth includes all aspects of digital healthcare that involve mobile devices, including apps and health monitoring devices, like fitness trackers. This segment of digital health is expected to outpace the overall digital health growth rate - from 2017, it's forecast to grow at an annualized rate of 35% to $200 billion by 2024.Nokia's has made a number of moves in the digital health space beyond its acquisition of Withings:<ul><li>The company launched its Health Mate <a href="https://health.nokia.com/us/en/health-mate">app</a> in June. The app will serve as a central hub for consumers to evaluate data collected from Withings' existing health tracking wearables line-up as well as forthcoming products.</li><li>The business unit's growth strategy is focusing on patent, technology, and brand licensing to facilitate faster growth in the market. That's according to Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri on the company's Q3 2017 earnings call Friday. While the company took a hit from the Withings purchase, Suri reaffirmed Nokia's plans to leverage its global brand name and technological experience to take advantage of the digital health opportunity.</li></ul>Enjoy reading this briefing? <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/digital-health-briefing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sign up</a> and receive Digital Health Briefing to your inbox.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="BI Intelligence" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59f72c393e9d2591628b46ef-960/bii wearables forecast 2.png"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59f72c393e9d2591628b46ef-2342/bii wearables forecast 2.png" alt="bii wearables forecast 2" data-mce-source="BI Intelligence" /></a>BI Intelligence</div></div></div>NEW ZOCDOC FEATURE USES AI FOR APPOINTMENT BOOKING: Zocdoc, the online medical scheduling company, <a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/about/blog/company/introducing-zocdoc-insurance-checker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">launched</a> an AI-powered insurance checking feature, which aims to reduce major scheduling pain points for both patients and providers. Patients will now be able to quickly add their insurance data and get coverage information just by uploading a picture of their insurance card. Zocdoc, using an artificial intelligence (AI) model that recognizes patterns on thousands of types of medical insurance cards and can match them with a known carrier and plan, reducing a primary pain point for the majority of US consumers - 77% of insured Americans stated they would like an easier way to ensure their doctor is in-network when booking appointments, <a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/about/blog/uncategorized/insurance-confidence-survey-by-the-numbers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according</a> to a Zocdoc-Kelton Global Insurance Confidence survey. AI technology has the potential to transform the patient experience by providing the means to create a more tailored, personalized experience at scale - 84% of healthcare executives believe AI will revolutionize the way they will gain <a href="https://www.accenture.com/t20170522T072616Z__w__/us-en/_acnmedia/PDF-45/Accenture-Digital-Health-Technology-Vision-2017.pdf#zoom=50" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">data</a> from and interact with customers, according to Accenture.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="BI Intelligence" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59f72c50bcf93d1d008b5622-960/bii top insights from insurance customers.png"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59f72c50bcf93d1d008b5622-2342/bii top insights from insurance customers.png" alt="bii top insights from insurance customers" data-mce-source="BI Intelligence" /></a>BI Intelligence</div></div></div>SAMSUNG LEVERAGES ITS START-UP INCUBATOR TO PUSH FURTHER INTO DIGITAL HEALTH: Samsung <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-announces-support-for-seven-new-startups-spinning-off-from-c-lab-program?utm_source=feedly&amp;utm_medium=direct" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">announced</a> that it will support two digital health start-ups that will be spinning off from the firm's C-lab incubation program.<ul><li>PixelRO helps people with presbyopia (an eye condition) use their phones. The company uses a transparent screen cover and a mobile app to sharpen the display, essentially replacing glasses for older citizens.</li><li>1Drop is a low-cost blood glucose measurement solution. Users place a device on the back of their smartphones over their camera, which is then used to perform colorimetric analysis of a blood sample.</li></ul>The two companies will likely bolster Samsung's larger digital health push. In 2014, the firm launched the Samsung Digital Health Initiatives, which uses open hardware and software platforms to accelerate the development of digital health technology. Samsung also invested $50 million into a start-up fund for digital health companies. The tech giant's strategy is to farm innovative startups and then invest, acquire or partner those that show potential. In contrast, Samsung's top competitor Apple, uses its deep pockets to develop digital technologies internally. GROWING USE OF CONSUMER HEALTH APPS AND ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS DRIVES PRIVACY CONCERNS: The lack of transparency and regulation around how health and wellness apps collect and use personal information should be a big concern for consumers, <a href="https://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/health-wellness-apps-pose-risks-to-consumer-privacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according</a> to Rice University medical media expert Kirsten Ostherr. Speaking at a Department of Health and Human Services symposium in Washington last week, Ostherr suggested that this could lead to broader data privacy issues, particularly given the lack of awareness around how data breaches, such as the one experienced by Equifax, could affect internal electronic health record (EHR) systems. EHRs are becoming increasingly widespread, particularly by hospitals in the US. BI Intelligence <a href="https://intelligence.businessinsider.com/digital-disruption-in-healthcare-a-look-at-the-foundations-and-opportunity-areas-in-digital-health-2017-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">forecasts</a> that the rapid spread of electronic health records (EHR) will continue, with more than 760,000 physicians in the US, or upwards of 80% of all doctors, working at a facility that uses an EHR system by 2019. By 2025, nearly all facilities in the US will use EHR, with only a small fraction of private offices, generally owned by older physicians, still relying on physical records. Even the laggards may be phased out faster than expected should governments, either national or local, implement regulations that make the use of EHR systems a requirement.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="BI Intelligence" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59f72c653e9d251d008b68db-960/bii ehr usage forecast .png"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59f72c653e9d251d008b68db-2356/bii ehr usage forecast .png" alt="bii EHR usage forecast " data-mce-source="BI Intelligence" /></a>BI Intelligence</div></div></div>PARTNERS CONNECTED HEALTH IS MAKING IT EASIER FOR PATIENTS TO SHARE DATA: Partners Connected Health, a part of integrated health systems company Partners Healthcare, is <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/partners-connected-health-and-validic-announce-collaboration-to-bring-patient-generated-data-to-patient-care-300543932.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">working</a> with data connectivity provider Validic to give its clinicians and researchers access to patient-generated health data from over 420 consumer and clinical health devices. Physicians can use this data to provide efficient, evidence-based care. It can also be integrated into care plans and electronic health records (EHR) for patients. Increasing adoption of fitness devices will contribute to a spike in consumer-generated data. The global wearable medical devices market is poised to grow at an annualized rate of 17% over the next eight years to reach approximately $23.8 billion by 2025, <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171020005260/en/Global-Wearable-Medical-Devices-Market-Analysis-Trends" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according</a> to Research and Markets. The resulting patient health data sets will likely speed the development of artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare use cases. These datasets can be used to train algorithms to process more accurate results more quickly, <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/artificial-intelligence-nhs-patients-medical-records-data-sharing-google-deepmind-a8000856.html">according</a> to a study by the National Health Service.

DIGITAL HEALTH BRIEFING: Nokia remains bullish on digital health efforts - Zocdoc uses AI for insurance checker - Samsung spins out two new digital health startups

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b3ec86bb3f7c87a3c96d7-1024-681/5684204776_e8d3ba956f_b.jpg" border="0" alt="eye exam"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavy/5684204776/in/photolist-9Ei33C-6TwHYz-8ir6D4-6TwL4v-6Uzyhv-4pcnAg-5J7Jj5-2TKEid-8BFBHb-mTcQEH-acK7QF-adf7nv-6TALYJ-9XJE7s-ae67Bg-9XFLuR-GTFgY-8TiHEX-dMGUvS-9Ef82B-7fgB23-7fgB97-7fcJ9X-7fcJdV-GTDKi-6TAMh5-dMGUW7-6TwKKB-8BFByE-8Ph6ut-6tjjRP-bnUfpm-HBCW7-6TAoa9-bu1Wvh-6Twnrc-8BFBCy-8BCvBt-8BCvHk-8BCvQF-6TwKUn-dJCtUx-dbNFPF-4zMaMG-6BBdKz-51RBwg-aVMAJT-7kgeta-64ZnDF-5QMgtK">Official U.S. Navy Page/flickr</a>What will be revealed?</img></div></div></div>When you look into your eyes, you may be trying to steel yourself for an interview. Or maybe you're just checking to see if they are red and bloodshot, irritated by allergies or perhaps a long night out.
But when doctors look into your eyes, they can see a lot more. The eyes might be the proverbial window to the soul, but they are also a clear window to your health, and the amount of information they can reveal is astounding.
Many conditions cause symptoms throughout the body - some show up in the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/signs-of-disease-on-skin-2014-6" target="_blank">skin</a>, others in the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/signs-of-disease-in-the-teeth-and-mouth-2014-8" target="_blank">mouth</a>, and some even in <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/signs-of-disease-in-the-nails-2014-5">fingernails</a> - but the eye is one spot that reveals a particularly large percentage of health issues.
"Looking in an eye really is a fabulous experience," says Dr. Charles P. Wilkinson, a retina specialist and clinical spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "It's the only place you can see blood vessels bouncing along their merry way, you can see the optic nerve, which is part of the brain."
With so much visible, more than 30 conditions show symptoms in the eyes. That's why eye doctors - ophthalmologists - and optometrists are frequently among the first to spot certain problems.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b3bbceab8ea85072c5ca3-1024-683/4678952790_cf5a82beed_b.jpg" border="0" alt="eye" width="400"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/e_monk/4678952790/in/photolist-88sRDQ-7CJ9EL-2HMFqw-hm594q-6m5jdp-dieMY4-hoV6h-8cfxXd-bzFXA-8nfoc5-mva8n-5EaRRK-3ETPMb-4VgC5Z-7SqziC-2otYLn-49t9ZX-64UQxA-LVeCd-6jcnsn-4UyYZ-65rorC-bdyvf-e7KuCr-fFUea-aQF6a-6Kaevd-4TDru4-95B8z4-SiFF-7RT2Vy-7YGqS-9NzcL-5RGgKm-dx3bqz-chyZJs-nvqGL3-riDDb-9HYNCh-mSQoV-8Vixoq-e543U-4z5ezb-92A8s-bxPC6n-7My6HZ-R7NKU-7CuTY1-5Qzi4-6KkeQJ">e_monk/flickr</a></img></div></div>A <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/240319966/VSP-HCMS-White-Paper-Study?secret_password=WYXzze2C7r2ITaWzg6mJ">study of 120,000 patients by insurance company VSP Vision Care</a> found that an eye exam was the first indicator of 34% of diabetes cases, 39% of high blood pressure cases, and a shocking 62% of high cholesterol cases.
VSP president Jim McGrann says that these findings showed that for many of these patients, "if people hadn't gone to see their eye doctor, they'd be walking around with time bomb diseases."
Here are irregularities that show up in your eyes - and sometimes mean that something more serious is at stake.
1. Red spots, caused by dots of blood in the eye, can be a <a href="https://www.vsp.com/diabetes.html" target="_blank">sign of diabetes</a> - a terrible disease that the <a href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(14)70161-5/abstract">CDC predicts 40% of Americans will develop</a> in their lives. If blood sugar builds up too high, blood vessels begin to get <a href="http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp">blocked and to swell up</a>. This can burst the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing bleeding. If it's not treated, this can potentially lead to impaired vision or even blindness.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right click-to-enlarge" style="width:400px"><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Andy Aldridge/flickr" title_caption="Conditions that cause bleeding in the eye range from benign to quite serious." class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b33666bb3f7af4f3c96d1-960/bloodshot-eye.jpg"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b33666bb3f7af4f3c96d1-1200-924/bloodshot-eye.jpg" border="0" alt="bloodshot eye" width="400" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/grange85/5965006676/in/photolist-a67dEG-2N8y7-7ndE1o-xiaTu-nTJH8Z-5WhTr-5WYxiQ-JgLji-3CTqk3-5pWWZA-5NNDGf-38DvLr-5NGVar-KS515-4FicA-71DuSG-9s88Ys-6c5gan-gsM9oa-8LW9LG-7KiNpg-5W7Yox-xi9pb-2JKLPw-59xf9L-5srks9-g51BDM-37Nitv-PgG3Q-7bAQXk-2AQkw-72v9SB-2fUWkj-72v9SF-29UpHA-43Qg9k-4ZBLLe-24zpxv-653LbE-vcady-a64mEz-7Azexm-4q2mCP-4QfJWv-89xqxG-4pcp-5ik9sb-72v9Sz-2aFUaC-QzHnt">Andy Aldridge/flickr</a>Conditions that cause bleeding in the eye range from benign to quite serious.</div></div>2. But <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/symptoms/blood-in-eye.cfm" target="_blank">bloodshot eyes can be caused by many</a> other conditions too - ranging from an intense cough to pinkeye to a fungal infection.
3. Itchy, swollen, red eyes are common giveaways that a patient is suffering from allergies, frequently triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander. Eyedrops can help, especially if they include an antihistamine, though <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/allergies-treatment.cfm">be careful of oral antihistamines</a>, as some can cause eyes to dry out, worsening the problem.
4. Dry eyes are a side effect of both computer usage and many medications, like sleeping pills, pain relievers, or anti-anxiety medications. Autoimmune diseases can cause dry eye as well, <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/dry-eye/risk.cfm" target="_blank">especially one called</a> Sjögren's syndrome, which destroys moisture-producing glands and mostly affects older women.
5. Most people lose the ability to focus on close-up things like the print on restaurant menus as they age, but certain medications - antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics - can cause this condition, called presbyopia, to <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/basics/risk-factors/con-20032261" target="_blank">happen prematurely</a>.
6. Blurry vision can be caused by <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/symptoms/blurriness.cfm">a long list</a> of eye conditions, but for those already at risk of high blood pressure, it can be a sign that someone needs to <a href="https://www.vsp.com/high-blood-pressure.html" target="_blank">get to the doctor</a> immediately. Once a person's sight is obscured by side effects of hypertension, they need treatment quickly, as vision and more is at stake.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right click-to-enlarge" style="width:400px"><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health" title_caption="A torn retina can cause the retina to detach, like this one - though this was caused by an illness." class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b3b116da811eb6abb3e11-960/slit_lamp_photograph_showing_retinal_detachment_in_von_hippel-lindau_disease_eda08.jpg"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/541b3b116da811eb6abb3e11-900-688/slit_lamp_photograph_showing_retinal_detachment_in_von_hippel-lindau_disease_eda08.jpg" border="0" alt="Detached retina" width="400" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_detachment#mediaviewer/File:Slit_lamp_photograph_showing_retinal_detachment_in_Von_Hippel-Lindau_disease_EDA08.JPG">National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health</a>A torn retina can cause the retina to detach, like this one - though this was caused by an illness.</div></div>7. Suddenly seeing specks or flashes of light can be a sign of a torn retina. Some people experience these symptoms with migraines or simply as they grow older. But a sudden increase in the size and number of specks or flashes of light you see can be caused by a torn retina, which <a href="http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/floaters-flashes/causes.cfm" target="_blank">needs to be treated</a>. That's especially the case if the flashes or spots are accompanied by a shadow or loss of peripheral vision, which very likely indicates a detached retina.
8. Eye doctors can be the first ones to detect some cancers. An eye doctor can check for <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eye-melanoma/basics/definition/con-20027875">ocular melanoma</a>, a rare form of melanoma but one that usually can't be detected by looking in the mirror. If other causes of pressure or pain in the eye are ruled out, Wilkinson explains that an eye doctor may check to see if a brain tumor is a possibility.
9. High cholesterol can frequently cause white rings to develop around the eyes, and <a href="http://www.nhsinform.org/health-library/articles/c/cholesterol/symptoms" target="_blank">can also cause yellowish bumps</a> to appear in the eyelids. Older patients are <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/arcus-senilis/faq-20058306">likely to also develop</a> similar white rings, but in any case, it can be a sign that cholesterol needs to be checked by a doctor.
McGrann says that the large number of diseases that cause symptoms in the eye should convince people that an annual eye exam is worthwhile. That's especially true for anyone over 40, according to Wilkinson.
At that point, changes in the eye and body mean that eye doctors have important conditions to monitor, even if vision is stable. And new problems can surface at any time. Many can be treated before they cause a problem - but only if a doctor has a chance to examine the eye in the first place.

You Searched For "presbyopia" and got 11 results

PresVu eye drops: Why has a pharma company fallen in controversy for claiming to cure near-sightedness?

BI India Bureau

Say bye-bye to reading glasses! Mumbai drug-maker to soon introduce eye drops to treat presbyopia in India

BI India Bureau

When I had children, my mother-in-law refused to be called 'Grandma,' which confused me. 30 years later, I finally understand.

Laura Landsbaum

The first eye drops that sharpen close-up vision could replace reading glasses for millions of adults

Andrea Michelson

If you stare at screens all day and have sore, tired eyes, you might have computer vision syndrome

Rebecca Strong,Howard R. Krauss

Why astigmatism causes blurry vision, especially at night

Soo Youn ,Benjamin Bert

Why astigmatism causes blurry vision, especially at night

Soo Youn ,Benjamin Bert

What doctors can tell about your health just by looking in your eyes

Kevin Loria

These startups could completely change how we manage pain and treat cancer

Sponsor Post

DIGITAL HEALTH BRIEFING: Nokia remains bullish on digital health efforts - Zocdoc uses AI for insurance checker - Samsung spins out two new digital health startups

Laurie Beaver,Ayoub Aouad

9 Things Doctors Can Tell About Your Health Just By Looking At Your Eyes

Kevin Loria