• My Dashboard My Education Find an Ophthalmologist
  • Home
  • For Ophthalmologists
    • Meetings
      • AAO 2021
        • Meeting Information
          • Past and Future Meetings
          • Contact Information
          • Virtual Meeting Guide
          • Policies and Disclaimers
        • Program
          • Program Search
          • Program Highlights
          • Program Committees
          • CME
          • Meeting Archives
        • Expo
        • Registration
        • Hotels & Travel
          • Hotel Reservation Information
          • New Orleans
          • International Attendees
          • Hotel Meeting Space
        • Presenter Central
          • Presenter Central
          • Abstract Selection Process
          • Submission Policies
          • Subject Classification/Topics
          • Instruction Courses and Skills Transfer Labs
          • Papers and Posters
          • Videos
          • Grand Rounds Symposium
          • Program Participant and Faculty Guidelines
          • Faculty Development Program
        • Exhibitors
          • Exhibitor Central
          • Exhibitor Portal Information
          • New Exhibiting Companies
          • Exhibitor Resources
      • Mid-Year Forum
        • Registration and Travel
        • Congressional Advocacy Day
        • Advocacy Ambassador Program
        • Program
        • Schedule
        • Sponsored Attendees
        • News
      • Ophthalmology Business Summit
      • Codequest
        • Codequest Instructors
        • Claim Codequest CME or CEU Credit
      • Eyecelerator
    • Clinical Education
      • COVID-19
      • Education
        • Browse All Education
        • Courses
        • Cases
        • Learning Plans
        • Interactive
        • Focal Points
        • Wills Eye Manual
        • Disease Reviews
        • Clinical Webinars
        • Diagnose This
        • Self-Assessments
        • Educational Centers
          • Glaucoma Education Center
          • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
          • Laser Surgery Education Center
          • Myopia Resources
          • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
          • Redmond Ethics Center
      • Journals
      • Guidelines
        • Browse All Practice Guidelines
        • Preferred Practice Patterns
        • Clinical Statements
        • Compendium Guidelines
        • Complementary Therapy Assessments
        • Medical Information Technology
        • Ophthalmic Technology Assessments
        • Patient Safety Statements
        • Choosing Wisely
        • Low Vision
        • Eye Care for Older Adults
        • Eye Disease Statistics
        • About the Hoskins Center
      • Multimedia Library
        • Browse All Videos and Audio
        • Clinical and Surgical Videos
        • Presentations and Lectures
        • 1-Minute Videos
        • Master Class Videos
        • Basic Skills Videos
        • Interviews
        • Audio and Podcasts
        • Images
        • Submit an Image
        • Submit a Video
      • News
        • Browse All Clinical News
        • Editors' Choice
        • Headlines
        • Current Insight
      • CME Central
        • Browse All CME Activities
        • Claim CME Credit and View Transcript
        • CME Planning Resources
        • Complete Your Financial Disclosure
        • Joint Sponsorship Portal
        • LEO Continuing Education Recognition Award
        • Safe ER/LA Opioid Prescribing
        • Check Your Industry Payment Records
      • MOC
      • Resident Education
        • All Resident Education
        • OKAP and Board Exam Resources
          • OKAP Exam
          • Board Prep Resources
          • OKAP and Board Review Presentations
          • Study Flashcards
        • Resident Courses
        • Resident Videos
        • Cataract Master
        • Simulation in Resident Education
        • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
        • News and Advice from YO Info
    • Membership
      • Join
      • Renew
      • Current Member
      • Volunteer
      • Physician Wellness
      • Member Directory
      • Member Obituaries
      • AAOE Membership
    • Advocacy
      • Advocacy News
      • Get Involved
        • Ways to Give
        • How to Get Involved
        • Congressional Advocacy
        • Support the Academy's Agenda
        • Research Legislation
        • Find Your Legislators
        • I Am an Advocate
        • Advocacy at Home
        • Advocate Tools
        • Best Practices for Advocating at Home
        • Social Media Toolkit
        • Letter to Editor
        • Town Hall Guide
        • Guide to Engaging With New Lawmakers
        • Resources
        • Attending a Political Fundraiser
      • OPHTHPAC
        • About Us
        • Join OPHTHPAC
        • OPHTHPAC Blog
      • Surgical Scope Fund
        • Support Surgery By Surgeons
        • Surgery By Surgeons Blog
    • Publications
      • EyeNet Magazine
        • Latest Issue
        • Archive
        • Subscribe
        • Advertise
        • Write For Us
        • Corporate Lunches
        • Contact
        • MIPS 2019
        • MIPS 2020
      • Focal Points
      • Ophthalmology
      • Ophthalmology Glaucoma
      • Ophthalmology Retina
      • YO Info
      • Scope
    • Subspecialties
      • Cataract/Anterior Segment
      • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
      • Cornea/External Disease
      • Glaucoma
      • Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit
      • Ocular Pathology/Oncology
      • Oculoplastics/Orbit
      • Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus
      • Refractive Management/Intervention
      • Retina/Vitreous
      • Uveitis
    • IRIS Registry
      • About
      • Using the Registry
        • User Guide
        • Medicare Reporting
        • Maintenance of Certification
        • Non-EHR Reporting
      • Sign Up
        • Application Process
        • Why Participate
        • Once You've Applied: Getting Started
        • What Practices Are Saying About the Registry
      • Requirements
        • EHR Systems
        • Data & Technical Needs
      • Research
      • Registry Dashboard
      • News
    • Medicare Information
  • For Practice Management
    • Coding
      • Codequest
      • Ask the Coding Experts
      • Coding Updates and Resources
      • Coding for Injectable Drugs
      • ICD-10-CM
        • News and Advice
      • Ophthalmic Coding Specialist (OCS) Exam
    • Regulatory
      • Medicare Participation Options
      • Audits
      • Medicare Advantage Plans
        • Termination Appeal Letter
      • New Medicare Card
      • Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
      • HIPAA Resources
    • Practice Operations
      • Practice Management Advice
      • Lean Management
      • Cybersecurity
      • Private Equity
      • EHRs
        • Overview
        • Planning and Preparation
        • Vendor Selection
        • Implementation and Evaluation
        • Patient Portals
        • Resources
        • Ratings
    • Events
      • Annual Meeting
      • Business Summit
      • Codequest Courses
    • Leadership
      • AAOE Board of Directors
      • Leadership Program (OPAL)
    • Listservs
    • Resources
      • Practice Management Resource Library
      • Coronavirus Resources
      • Patient Education
      • Practice Forms Library
        • Practice Forms Library - Examination
        • Practice Forms Library - Financial
        • Practice Forms Library - HIPAA
        • Practice Forms Library - Human Resources
        • Practice Forms Library - Job Descriptions
        • Practice Forms Library - Patient Forms
        • Practice Forms Library - Protocols
        • Practice Forms Library - Surgery
      • Practice Analytics
        • Benchmarking Tool
        • Salary Survey
      • Consultant Directory
      • Ophthalmology Job Center
      • Practice Management for Retina
      • Reopening and Recovery
    • Get Involved
    • Medicare
      • Quality
        • Overview
        • Reporting
        • Measures
      • Promoting Interoperability
        • Overview
        • Measures
        • Attestation
        • Hardships and Exceptions
        • Audits
        • News and Advice
      • Improvement Activities
        • Overview
        • List of Improvement Activities
        • Attestation
        • Audits
      • Cost
      • Avoid a Penalty
      • Resources
        • 2019 to 2020 MIPS Changes
        • MIPS Solo and Small Practice Survival Guide
        • MIPS Glossary
        • MIPS Resources on EyeNet
        • MIPS Extreme Hardship Exceptions
        • Solo and Small-Practice Roadmap
        • MIPS Manual
        • MIPS Large Practice Roadmap
        • IRIS Registry User Guide
        • CMS Websites
        • 2020 MIPS Payments: Understanding Remittance Advice Codes
        • Final Checklist for EHR/Non-EHR 2019 MIPS Reporting
        • MIPS Tips
        • MIPS Archive
    • Membership
  • For Public & Patients
    • Eye Health A-Z
    • Symptoms
    • Glasses & Contacts
    • Tips & Prevention
    • News
    • Ask an Ophthalmologist
    • Patient Stories
    • No Cost Eye Exams
    • Español
      • A - Z de Salud Ocular
      • Síntomas
      • Anteojos y Lentes de Contacto
      • Consejos y Prevención
      • Noticias
      • Relatos de Pacientes
      • Exámenes de la vista sin costo
      • English
  • AAO 2021
    • Meeting Information
      • Past and Future Meetings
      • Contact Information
      • Virtual Meeting Help
      • Virtual Meeting Guide
      • Policies and Disclaimers
    • Program
      • Program Search
      • Program Highlights
      • Program Committees
      • CME
      • Meeting Archives
    • Expo
    • Registration
    • Hotels & Travel
      • Hotel Reservation Information
      • New Orleans
      • International Attendees
      • Hotel Meeting Space
    • Presenter Central
      • Presenter Central
      • Abstract Selection Process
      • Submission Policies
      • Subject Classification/Topics
      • Instruction Courses and Skills Transfer Labs
      • Papers and Posters
      • Videos
      • Grand Rounds Symposium
      • Program Participant and Faculty Guidelines
      • Faculty Development Program
    • Exhibitors
      • Exhibitor Central
      • Exhibitor Portal Information
      • New Exhibiting Companies
      • Exhibitor Resources
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • What We Do
      • About Ophthalmology
      • The Eye Care Team
      • Ethics and the Academy
      • History
      • Museum of Vision
      • Values
    • Governance
      • Council
      • Board of Trustees
      • Committees
      • Academy Past Presidents
      • Secretariats
      • Elections
      • Academy Blog
      • Academy Staff Leadership
    • Leadership Development
    • Awards
      • Laureate Recognition Award
      • Outstanding Advocate Award
      • Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award
      • International Blindness Prevention Award
      • Distinguished Service Award
      • Guests of Honor
      • Secretariat Award
      • Straatsma Award
      • Achievement Award Program
      • Artemis Award
      • EnergEYES Award
      • International Education Award
      • International Scholar Award
      • Commitment to Advocacy Award
      • Visionary Society Award
    • Financial Relationships
    • Policy Statements
    • Related Organizations
      • Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Directory
      • State Society Directory
      • Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Meetings
      • State Society Meetings
      • Resources for Societies
    • Year in Review
      • 2019 Year in Review
  • Foundation
    • About
      • Funding Allocations and Sources
      • 2019-2020 Annual Report
      • Annual Report Archives
      • News From the Chair
      • Foundation Staff
    • Our Impact
      • Partners for Sight
      • Donor Spotlights
      • Global Ophthalmic Community
      • Sponsorships
      • Patients and the Public
    • Giving Options
      • Our Supporters
      • Estate and Planned Giving
      • Ophthalmic Business Council
    • Orbital Gala
      • Why Attend
      • Photo Recap
      • Corporate Support Opportunities
      • Tribute Gifts
      • Silent Auction
      • Corporate Sponsors
    • Donate
    • Museum of the Eye Campaign
      • Museum Supporters
  • Museum of the Eye
    • Visit
    • Events
    • Explore
      • Research and Resources
      • Collection Search
      • Previous Exhibits
      • Oral Histories
      • Biographies
    • Volunteer
    • Mailing List
    • Donate
    • About the Museum
      • Museum Blog
  • Young Ophthalmologists
    • YO Info
    • Learn to Bill
    • Engage with the Academy
  • Senior Ophthalmologists
    • Scope
    • Practice Transitions
  • International Ophthalmologists
    • Global Programs and Resources for National Societies
    • Awards
    • Global Outreach
  • Residents
  • Medical Students
×
Log In Create an Account
  • For Ophthalmologists
  • For Practice Management
  • For Public & Patients
  • About
  • Foundation
  • Museum of the Eye
  • Eye Health A-Z
  • Symptoms
  • Glasses & Contacts
  • Tips & Prevention
  • News
  • Ask an Ophthalmologist
  • Patient Stories
  • No-Cost Eye Exams
  • Español
    • For Public & Patients /
    • Tips & Prevention
  • Sections
  • Top 20 Eye Care Questions of 2020

    Written By: Ann Delfaro, Daniel Porter
    Dec. 18, 2020

    While 2020 started out as the Year of the Eye, it will undoubtedly be remembered as the year entire nations shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19; the year rubber bullets were fired into crowds of peaceful protestors, causing catastrophic eye injuries; the year smoke from California wildfires blanketed an unprecedented swath of the United States.

    Throughout the tumultuous months of 2020, ophthalmologists fielded questions submitted by the public to EyeSmart's "Ask an Ophthalmologist." Their expert responses guided eye care patients through the uncertainties of sheltering in place and caring for chronic eye diseases at home. Interestingly, some of the most widely read "Ask an Ophthalmologist" questions were submitted in years past — evidence that even in extraordinary times, basic curiosities stay the same.

    Here's a roundup of our 20 most popular and widely read Ask an Ophthalmologist questions of the year, from the evergreen to the uniquely 2020.

    Screen time and children's eyes

    With daycares and schools shuttered during the pandemic, families struggled to balance childcare, housework and professional responsibilities. Children spent the school day in front of tablet and computer screens, then logged additional hours connecting with family and friends online. Screen time became less a reward and more a necessity, fueling concerns about the effects of electronics on young eyes. Pediatric ophthalmologists Jane C. Edmond, MD, and Michael X Repka, MD, MBA, weighed in on this topic.

    • Are computer screens harmful to my newborn baby's eyes?
    • Is FaceTime bad for my baby's eyes?
    • Should I see an ophthalmologist for my 2-year-old's watering eyes?

    Improvising with the medicine cabinet

    Many people avoided crowded shopping centers this year, venturing out only when needed. Most preferred to treat minor health issues at home. Perhaps because of this, the Academy saw a surge of interest in questions about the shelf life of eye drops and the safety of making do with medicines people happened to have on hand.

    • How long is it safe to use a bottle of eye drops?

    This question was answered several years ago by now-retired ophthalmologist Anne Sumers, MD, but her advice holds true today. Read more about the various types of eye drops and how to use them.

    • Can I take my pink eye medication beyond its seven-day course?

    Corneal specialist and refractive surgeon William Barry Lee, MD, comments on the connection between pink eye (conjunctivitis) and COVID-19. 

    • Can you put regular antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, in your eye to treat a scratched cornea?

    Dr. Lee fielded this question about improvising with antibiotic ointment. Remember: If you think you have an eye infection, it's best to consult with your ophthalmologist, who may prescribe antibiotic drops.

    • Is it safe to rinse my eyes with contact solution?

    Surgeon Gary S. Hirshfield, MD, notes that safety issues aside, artificial tears are best for rinsing the eyes.

    Coping with delayed eye care procedures

    When medical clinics closed their doors to routine appointments this spring, patients with chronic eye diseases and their doctors learned to navigate eye health remotely. Ophthalmologists fielded many questions about which issues required urgent, in-person care and which issues could be safely treated at home.

    • Can I still have cataract surgery during the pandemic?

    Cataract surgery is removal of the eye’s natural lens that has become cloudy, usually with age. Learn more about cataract surgery and read what Dr. Hirshfield had to say about cataract care during the pandemic.

    • Do new floaters qualify as an emergency during the pandemic?

    Retinal specialist George A Williams, MD, helped patients understand when to seek urgent care for floaters and flashes.

    • My child may have lazy eye. Should I contact an ophthalmologist during the pandemic?

    Dr. Repka, a pediatric ophthalmologist, advised parents on how best to navigate new concerns while clinics were closed.

    • If I'm at risk for glaucoma, is it safe to postpone my exam during the pandemic?

    Glaucoma rarely has symptoms and leads to vision loss without treatment. During the pandemic, some patients worried about the disease progressing without prompt care. This question was answered by James M. Heltzer, MD, a glaucoma specialist and cataract surgeon.

    • Will idle LASIK machines work after the pandemic?

    Some patients wondered if surgical equipment would work properly after long months in storage. Cataract and refractive surgeon Jeffrey Whitman, MD, OCS, fielded this question about LASIK surgery, which can correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness).

    • Can you do an OCT scan remotely?

    An optical coherence tomography, or OCT, scan can photograph the inside of your eye. Ophthalmologists use these scans to diagnose eye disease and determine the best treatment for an eye disease. Retinal specialist Paul Sternberg Jr., MD, weighed in on whether this procedure can be done remotely.

    Dining, learning and working outdoors

    As COVID-19 wore on, some schools and workspaces began holding meetings outdoors to allow for better air circulation and greater social distance. Restaurants, healthcare facilities and businesses followed suit with outdoor spaces for safer service. At the same time, people began spending more time in nature to stave off cabin fever and improve their mental health. So it comes as little surprise that these outdoor-related questions surged in popularity.

    • A bug flew into my eye. How can I make the irritation go away?

    Glaucoma specialist Andrew George Iwach, MD, addressed the perennial topic of insects and the eye.

    • I have poison ivy in my eye. What should I do?

    This age-old question was answered by comprehensive ophthalmologist Richard G. Shugarman, MD, FACS, who passed away in May 2020.

    Navigating routine eye issues from home

    Though 2020 inspired plenty of unexpected questions, ophthalmologists fielded dozens of questions about routine issues as well.   

    • Why do my eyes feel glued shut when I wake up?

    This lesser-known symptom of dry eye, described here by corneal specialist Ivan Schwab, MD, develops when there are not enough tears to keep the eye lubricated and comfortable.

    • Why do I feel like something’s in my eye when I’m not wearing contact lenses?

    Corneal specialist Omar Chaudhary, MD, suggested this may result from a corneal abrasion, a scratch or scrape on the front of your eye.

    • What are the bright, wavy lines that were in my vision for a half-hour?

    Aaron P. Weingeist, MD, a comprehensive ophthalmologist, fielded this question about possible symptoms of ocular migraine.

    • How can I make a broken blood vessel in my eye heal faster?

    Though it was easier to conceal a red eye in 2020, with most meetings held online instead of face to face, this question about clearing blood from the whites of the eye still attracted a lot of attention. Comprehensive ophthalmologist Richard E Bensinger, MD, weighed in on ways to hasten healing of a broken blood vessel.

    • How long can pink eye "live" on surfaces?

    Interest in pink eye remained high throughout 2020 due to the possible connection with COVID-19. Dr. Hirshfield advises on the best way to clean surfaces and avoid spreading infection.

  • Related

    Photos Can Help Diagnose Children’s Eye Problems and Save Sight
    Feb 25, 2021
    What Is Convergence Insufficiency?
    Feb 12, 2021
    Home Vision Tests for Children and Adults
    Feb 08, 2021
    Severe Eye Infections Increasing as Opioid Crisis Continues
    Feb 04, 2021
    Hand Sanitizer in the Eye: Is It Dangerous?
    Jan 29, 2021
  • Find an Ophthalmologist
    Advanced Search
  • Ask an Ophthalmologist

    Browse Answers
  • Free Newsletter

    Get ophthalmologist-reviewed tips and information about eye health and preserving your vision.

 
  • Contact Us
  • About the Academy
  • Jobs at the Academy
  • Financial Relationships with Industry
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Help
  • For Advertisers
  • For Media
  • Ophthalmology Job Center

OUR SITES

  • EyeWiki
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY

Medical Professionals

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Public & Patients

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Museum of the Eye

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Trip Advisor
  • Yelp
© American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021
Also of Interest
  • Ask an Ophthalmologist
  • About The Eye
  • Perfect Vision? 20 Tips to Keep It That Way