Eye Health: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Eye Health?
An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor who is a medical doctor, is the main specialist for eye health. A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is eye health?
Eye care is about keeping your eyes healthy through good daily habits, regular checkups, and treatment when needed. You use your eyes every day to see and understand the world around you.
Some eye diseases can lead to vision loss without early warning signs. That is why it is important to catch them as soon as possible.
Symptoms
Many eye diseases do not cause early symptoms, so you could have a problem and not know it.
Get your eyes checked if you notice new vision problems. See an eye care specialist right away if you have symptoms like:
- Blurred vision with eye pain.
- Flashes of light.
- Black spots or halos around lights.
These symptoms may represent a serious medical or eye condition.
Causes and who gets it
As you get older, you are at higher risk of age-related eye diseases and conditions. Some eye diseases, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, can run in families. Black or African American adults are at higher risk for glaucoma and may need to start exams earlier.
Other risk factors include:
- Diabetes and high blood pressure can raise your risk for some eye diseases, such as glaucoma.
- Having diabetes puts you at higher risk of diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
- Smoking raises the risk of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts, and it can damage the optic nerve.
- Sun exposure can damage your eyes and raise your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
How doctors diagnose it
Children usually have a vision screening, also called an eye test, in school or at a checkup. But many adults need more than a vision screening. They need a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
A dilated eye exam is the only way to check for eye diseases early, when they are easier to treat. The exam is simple and painless. It includes these tests:
- A visual acuity test to check how clearly you see.
- A visual field test to check your side vision.
- An eye muscle function test to check the muscles around your eyeballs.
- A pupil response test to check how light enters your eyes.
- A tonometry test to measure the pressure in your eyes.
Treatment
Treatment depends on what your eye doctor finds. If your doctor finds signs of an eye disease, you can talk about treatment options and decide what is right for you. If you have a refractive error, which means your eyes do not focus light well, you may get a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Daily habits also help protect your eyes:
- Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
- Wear protective eyewear when playing certain sports, working in jobs such as factory work and construction, and doing home repairs or projects.
- Give your eyes a rest from screens with the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Get regular exercise and do not smoke. If you smoke, a quit plan can help.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a sudden change in vision, such as sudden loss of vision or sudden double vision, or if you have sudden dizziness or weakness.
See an eye care specialist right away if you have blurred vision with eye pain, flashes of light, or black spots or halos around lights.
Also see an eye doctor for regular dilated eye exams. How often depends on your risk for eye disease.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can help manage long-term conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can raise the risk of some eye diseases. They can also help you get an eye exam and refer you to an eye doctor.
Common questions
How often should I get a dilated eye exam?
It depends on your risk for eye disease. You need one every 1 to 2 years if you are over age 60, are African American and over age 40, or have a family history of glaucoma. Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need one at least once a year.
Is an eye test the same as an eye exam?
No. An eye test, or vision screening, is a brief test that mainly checks how well you can see up close and far away. Many adults need a comprehensive dilated eye exam instead.
Does what I eat affect my eyes?
Yes. What you eat and how you take care of your body can have a big impact on your eyes and vision. Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, or collard greens are good choices. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, can also help your eyes.
Can screens hurt my eyes?
Long hours on a screen can make your eyes dry and tired. The 20-20-20 rule can help reduce eyestrain.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Eye Care
- National Eye Institute - Get a Dilated Eye Exam
- National Eye Institute - 8 Things You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Vision
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
