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Albinism and Your Eyes
Albinism is a rare group of genetic disorders that are often characterized by decreased pigment in the skin or eyes. It is caused by a mutation in one’s genes that control production of pigment throughout the body. That amount of pigment in one’s skin determines their...
How Do Tears Work?
One of the most important components of the eye that our optometrist may assess is your tear film. This layer of fluid that is excreted in response to debris, emotions, or cutting onions has a variety of important functions such as keeping the eye lubricated and...
Iritis, Uveitis, and Eye Inflammation
Uveitis is a common ocular condition that involves inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, otherwise known as the uveal tract. The inflammation may be focused in one part of the uvea (at the front, middle, or back of the eye) or all of them at once. This...
Benign and Malignant Eyelid Lumps
Lumps on our eyelids and around our eyes are common, especially as we grow older. These can be hardly noticeable or quite unsightly, and they can be completely innocent or bode important health issues. This article explains the differences between benign and malignant...
What is “Lazy Eye” and Amblyopia?
A “lazy eye”, otherwise known as amblyopia, is a commonly discussed topic among the general public. At times, it is not entirely understood what a lazy eye is referring to or what the causes and symptoms of it are. Below, an introduction to amblyopia is discussed....
Can a Low Vision Exam Help Me?
No one wants to lose their vision, and our eye doctors are always taking care to keep you seeing your best. However, for a variety of reasons, sometimes people can permanently lose much of their vision and nothing can be done to prevent it. People very rarely go...
Do I Need Reading Glasses?
Have you surpassed age 40 and now having more trouble reading up close? You are not the only one. The inevitable need for reading glasses is a common tale that may have been told to you by your parents, grandparents, or coworkers. You may have even observed their...
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that result in gradual and progressive loss of peripheral vision. It is a leading cause of worldwide irreversible vision loss, especially in our older populations. If left untreated, it can progress to take away one’s vision...
What You Need to Know About “Pink Eye”
"Pink eye” is an eye problem that results in a pink, or bloodshot, and uncomfortable eyes. The phrase “pink eye” is commonly used to describe the condition known to eye care providers as conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis occurs when the clear membrane that covers the...
Tips for Treating Dry Eyes
There are many different options for treating the symptoms of dry eye disease. The most common treatment option is lubricating artificial tears. In moderate or severe cases, prescription eye drops or other medications may be necessary. Even with these treatment...
Your Guide for Buying New Glasses
Purchasing your next pair of glasses may seem like an overwhelming task. There are so many factors to consider, from choosing the right frame and lenses, to finding an option that fits your budget. Here at Nittany Eye Associates, we want to make the experience of...
What is Myopia (Nearsightesness) Control?
Nearsightedness is a vision condition that causes objects that are far away to be blurred and difficult to see. This condition, also called myopia, is becoming increasingly common at an alarming rate. More and more kids are developing nearsightedness, and the amount...
Understanding OTC Eye Drops
If you have ever wandered through the eye care aisle of a drug store or pharmacy, you know there are thousands of products that are available without a prescription. Doctors can recommend many of these products to help treat eye conditions like dry eye disease,...
How to Prevent “Lazy Eye” and Amblyopia
The term “lazy eye” is frequently used to describe one eye that does not see as well as the other. This condition is referred to by eye care providers as amblyopia, when one eye or both eyes have reduced vision that is not attributed to a problem with the health of...
Don’t Overlook Your Eye Exams
When most people think about eye examinations, they think about vision tests and getting a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses. While this is certainly a significant part of eye exams, it is only a small aspect of what your optometrist evaluates. One of...
Headaches and Vision Problems
Can your eyes or your vision problems be contributing to your headaches? Some people may notice that visually demanding activities, like extensive reading or completing homework, can cause headaches. While most of these eye or vision related headaches can be...
A Guide to Specialty Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses have become one of the most popular options for vision correction. While they are an excellent alternative to glasses and can provide clear vision to many people, soft contact lenses may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Some people choose to...
How Sleeping Can Worsen Dry Eyes
Do you wake up in the morning with dry eyes? Do uncomfortable symptoms such as burning or grittiness ever cause you to awaken in the middle of the night? If you have experienced either of these, you may be affected by nighttime dryness. While you may believe that...
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a very common vision condition that can cause blurred vision. While there are oftentimes misconceptions about this condition, it is a harmless finding that can be easily diagnosed and treated. Astigmatism is a simple vision condition that has no...
What is Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the country. This condition causes progressive damage to the retina and can result in significant changes in central vision. Because Americans are getting older and living longer, more and...