Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the leading cause of blindness in adults over age 50, and while treatments exist for advanced stages of the disease, they are not curative or preventive. During Low Vision and AMD Awareness Month, researchers in the Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD and the Apte Lab within the WashU Medicine John […]
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition affecting the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older. Understanding the condition, recognizing early changes, and knowing what support is available can help patients maintain both vision and quality of […]
Carla Siegfried, MD, explains why glaucoma often goes unnoticed and how early screening can protect vision January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to highlight a leading cause of irreversible vision loss that often progresses without warning. Glaucoma affects the optic nerve—the structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain—and damage to […]
Uveitis might sound like a rare eye condition, but it affects thousands of people each year—causing discomfort, vision problems, and concern for long-term eye health. If you’ve recently been diagnosed or are supporting a loved one with uveitis, here’s what you need to know about the condition, its causes, treatment options, and why there’s real […]
Click below to hear Eric Polk, OD from WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center explain why sleeping in your contacts can affect your LASIK candidacy: Why It Matters: Contacts, Sleep, and LASIK Risks Raise your hand if you’ve ever accidentally fallen asleep in your contacts. You’re definitely not alone! But as Eric Polk, OD explains in […]
St. Louis, MO – June 18, 2025 – A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology sheds light on the correlation between the diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and the mental health decline in patients who were previously diagnosed with ocular hypertension. Conducted as part of the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study, this research underscores the imperative […]
Summer brings a high risk of fireworks injuries. Most high-risk injuries occur between mid-June and mid-July. This year, stay safe by leaving fireworks to the professionals. If you’re near fireworks, make sure everyone — users and bystanders — wears eye protection that meets ANSI safety standards. Most fireworks-related deaths are caused by unsafe handling, but […]
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision impairment, especially among older adults, affecting millions worldwide. By learning about what cataracts are, how they develop, and the warning signs to look out for, you can take important steps to protect your sight. What are Cataracts Cataracts occur when the natural lens of your […]
If you’re tired of the hassle of contact lenses and want the freedom to see clearly from the moment you wake up, you’re not alone. In this video, St. Louis LASIK surgeon Dr. Stephen Wexler explains why LASIK may be a safer, more convenient long-term solution for many patients. Here, he compares LASIK surgery vs. […]
If you’ve ever considered LASIK surgery, you may have wondered: Does the laser burn my eyes? It’s a common concern, and according to Dr. Stephen Wexler from the WashU Medicine LASIK Surgery Center, the answer is no. “One of the things I hear about from patients very often after their LASIK surgery is the smell […]
March is Save Your Vision Month—a perfect time to focus on maintaining and enhancing our eye health. Our eyes are our windows to the world, and keeping them in top shape is essential. Here are some tips to help you preserve your vision: 1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for […]
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Under normal conditions, the cornea and lens are smooth and uniformly curved, like a ball, allowing light to focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. However, when astigmatism is present, the cornea or lens […]
Glaucoma Awareness Month shines a light on this “silent thief of sight,” a condition that often progresses without symptoms but can lead to irreversible vision loss. Below, we address the top five questions patients frequently ask about glaucoma, with insights from leading researchers and clinicians at WashU Medicine. 1. What is glaucoma, and how does […]
One of the most common questions people ask about LASIK is, “Does it last forever?” LASIK has given millions of people the freedom to see clearly without glasses or contacts, but understanding the longevity of LASIK results and the role of aging in vision changes can help set realistic expectations. In this blog, we’ll dive […]
November is Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a condition that remains a significant cause of blindness among adults. Affecting millions of people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. At WashU Medicine, researchers are leading […]
For millions of people, the need for glasses or contact lenses can be a daily hassle. Whether it’s misplacing your glasses or the discomfort of wearing contacts all day, vision problems can significantly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, modern advancements in eye care, like LASIK surgery, offer a permanent solution to common vision issues, […]
October is Blindness Awareness Month. Across the world millions of people live with some form of vision loss. While total blindness affects a small percentage, many individuals experience low vision or visual impairment that significantly impacts their daily lives. Understanding the leading causes of blindness can help promote early detection and treatment, which is essential […]
As the days grow shorter and nights lengthen during the fall, many of us spend more time indoors, often in front of screens. Increased screen time exposes our eyes to more blue light, which can lead to digital eye strain and discomfort. Here’s how you can protect your eye health this fall, while separating fact […]
As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy gathering supplies, organizing schedules, and preparing their children for a successful academic year. While shopping for notebooks and new clothes, it’s easy to overlook one critical aspect of your child’s readiness for school: their vision. Good vision is essential for learning and ensuring that your child’s eyes […]
Did you know that what you eat can significantly impact your eye health? A diet rich in essential nutrients like vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and other eye conditions. While research is still ongoing about the role of […]