---
name: eye-care
description: Use when asked for general educational information about eye care — common issues, general self-care measures, and when to seek medical attention — for education only, not medical advice; always direct the reader to consult an eye care professional or doctor.
---

# Eye Care

> ⚠️ **Ask your doctor or health care professional. This information is AI generated for education and NOT medical advice.**

Eye care covers maintaining vision health and managing common eye
conditions, from minor irritation to conditions that can threaten
sight if untreated.

## Common issues

Dry eyes, eye strain, conjunctivitis (pink eye), refractive errors
(needing glasses/contacts), and age-related conditions like cataracts
or glaucoma.

## General self-care measures

- Have regular eye examinations, even without symptoms — some
  conditions (like glaucoma) progress without early symptoms.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule for screen-related eye strain (every 20
  minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
- Wear appropriate eye protection for relevant activities (UV
  sunglasses, safety glasses).
- Practice good contact lens hygiene if applicable.
- Wash hands before touching eyes, especially with any eye irritation.

## When to seek medical attention

- Sudden vision loss or significant vision change — this can be an
  emergency; see [[urgent-emergency-care]].
- Eye pain, especially with redness or light sensitivity.
- A foreign object in the eye that doesn't flush out easily.
- Sudden flashes of light or a shower of floaters (possible retinal
  detachment warning signs).

## Common pitfalls

- **Ignoring gradual vision changes** — slow changes are easy to adapt
  to unconsciously, delaying diagnosis of a progressive condition.
- **Using contact lenses beyond their recommended wear time or
  hygiene guidance** — significantly increases infection risk.
- **Treating "pink eye" as always the same cause** — conjunctivitis can
  be viral, bacterial, or allergic, with different management for each;
  self-treating without knowing the cause can prolong or worsen it.

## Learn more

- [[ophthalmology-assessment]] for how eye conditions are clinically assessed.
- [[health-care]] for general navigation of health systems.