Eye Condition Treatments

This page provides general education and does not replace an examination or an individualized treatment plan. The options below may be provided by an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, or another clinician depending on the diagnosis and severity.

Astigmatism can often be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Toric contact lenses are designed to remain oriented correctly while compensating for astigmatism. Some adults may also be candidates for refractive surgery after a complete evaluation by a qualified surgeon. The best option depends on the prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Blepharitis is inflammation along the eyelid margins. Management may include eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, treatment of associated dry eye or meibomian gland problems, and prescription medicine when clinically appropriate. Eye pain, vision change, marked swelling, or redness extending beyond the eyelid should be evaluated promptly.

Treatment for strabismus (crossed eyes) depends on its cause, the degree of misalignment, symptoms, and the patient's age. Options may include eyeglasses, prism lenses, exercises for selected problems, or eye-muscle surgery. Patching or atropine drops may be used when amblyopia is also present, but those treatments address reduced vision in the weaker eye rather than aligning the eyes by themselves.

Treatment for dry eye depends on what is causing the tears to be insufficient or unstable. Options may include artificial tears, changes to the environment or daily habits, prescription medicine, treatment of eyelid or oil-gland problems, and punctal plugs for selected patients. An examination helps distinguish dry eye from allergies, infection, contact lens complications, and other causes of irritation.

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is commonly corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some adults may be candidates for refractive surgery or lens-based procedures after a surgical consultation. The recommendation depends on the prescription, focusing needs, age, corneal health, and other examination findings.

Many eye floaters are related to normal changes inside the eye and do not need treatment. A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow can signal a retinal tear or detachment and requires immediate eye care. Treatment, when needed, depends on the underlying cause found during a dilated examination.

Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss. Treatment cannot restore vision already lost to glaucoma, but prescription eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery can lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of further damage. The treatment target and follow-up schedule are individualized and require ongoing monitoring.

Keratoconus may be managed with eyeglasses or specialized contact lenses when vision can be corrected adequately. Corneal cross-linking may be recommended to slow progression in appropriate patients. Advanced disease, significant scarring, or contact lens intolerance may require evaluation for other procedures, including corneal transplantation.

Amblyopia develops during childhood when the brain and an eye do not work together normally. Treatment starts by correcting the underlying vision problem when possible and may include eyeglasses, contact lenses, patching the stronger eye, or atropine drops prescribed by a clinician. Early diagnosis and consistent follow-up are important because treatment is generally more effective during childhood.

Treatment for age-related macular degeneration depends on its stage and whether it is dry or wet. Specific nutritional supplements may be recommended for some people with intermediate or late AMD, but they are not appropriate for everyone and do not prevent AMD from starting. Wet AMD often requires prompt treatment by a retina specialist, commonly with medicines injected into the eye to limit abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.

Myopia (nearsightedness) can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some adults may be candidates for refractive surgery after a complete evaluation. For children, myopia-management options may be discussed when clinically appropriate, with the goal of slowing progression rather than promising that myopia will stop.

Treatment for nystagmus depends on its cause, age of onset, symptoms, and effect on vision or head position. Management may include correcting refractive error, treating an underlying condition, low-vision support, medication for selected cases, or specialist evaluation for surgery.

Ocular hypertension means the pressure inside the eye is higher than expected without detected glaucomatous damage. Some patients are monitored, while others may be offered pressure-lowering treatment based on their overall risk. Regular examinations are important because the condition can increase the risk of glaucoma.

Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near focusing ability. Options include reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or monovision correction. Some adults may consider surgical options after discussing expected benefits, limitations, and risks with a qualified surgeon.

Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye and can threaten vision if it is not treated. Eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, floaters, or blurred vision should be evaluated promptly. Treatment depends on the part of the eye involved and the cause, and may include anti-inflammatory medicine, treatment for an infection, other immune-modifying medicine, or specialist care.

This educational overview was updated on September 2, 2026 using patient information from the National Eye Institute, including its guidance on dry eye, glaucoma, floaters, amblyopia, age-related macular degeneration, and uveitis.