For the layperson, it can seem like you need a Ph.D. just to understand some of the terminology the specialists throw around when it comes to eye health. You might even be more health-conscious than the next person and try to eat right when you can, but making heads and tails of nutrition these days can seem like a full-time job.

When the modern version of eyeglasses was invented in the late 18th century, the event was hailed as a technological triumph. Now, poorly prescribed and fitted glasses can cause more trouble than they’re worth. In fact, laser vision correction procedures have advanced to the point where eyeglasses are now the low-tech option.

Everyone has probably noticed some redness in the white of their eyes at one point or another. This condition is appropriately called red eye, and is the main sign of eye inflammation. The majority of the time, painless red eye is caused by conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the thin layer of tissue covering the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids.

People who live an active lifestyle are often searching for an alternative to contact lenses. Contacts offer many benefits over glasses, but have many shortcomings of their own. 

Most people don’t realize the importance of properly fitting contact lenses. As the name suggests, the whole point of contact lenses is for them to contact your eyes—which brings some inherent risks compared to standard glasses.