I'm bored. So I may as well help out a great community who I owe a lot to.

I'm an optometrist. Ask me anything you want to know about Optometry/Eyes.

I saw yesterday on the Colbert Report that college kids are doing this thing called "Vodka Eyeballing" where they would take a swig of vodka, but in their eye.

Despite not actually getting you drunk, can putting vodka in your eyes really do anything damaging?

Johan: When you say age sight, you mean needing reading glasses when you are older (> ~45yo)? If so, then that is due to the hardening of the lens. The lens is usually flexible and it's shape can change via the muscles pulling on it. Throughout life, the lens grows layers and so becomes less flexible, meaning your focusing up close becomes harder. There is currently no exercise available to treat this.

Mark: I hadn't heard of this until you brought it up. Alcohol in the eye of any sort on the eye causes the top most layer (corneal epithelium) to die.

The epithelium is a protective layer which can withstand a fair bit of punishment (e.g. putting a contact lens on the eye). Much like our skin, the epithelium is constantly shedding cells and regrowing quickly without scarring as a defensive mechanism. When this layer is compromised, the underlying stroma (which is not so good at healing fast or without scarring) is exposed and any physical damage to the stroma or infections that deep may result in scarring and permanent blindness.

Don't think this craze has hit Australia yet. Why not just drink the vodka?

I have a tiny squiggly line just below the focus point on my left eye (that is, I see it "projected" on stuff, depending on light conditions). I've always assumed it's a tiny scratch/imperfection on my cornea. What else could it be?

Trying to "look" at the point can lead to hours of fun

Type568: To my knowledge, most of the studies done in relation to computer use and eyes were done in the 80's when computer use was picking up steam. As with all new tech, people were scared and wanted answers.

A few studies (I know, ref needed, don't have them atm) have correlated close work (including computer work) to becoming more short sighted. I am not aware of recent studies of this nature though and to extrapolate the hardware (i.e monitors) used in an 80's study to todays superior hardware is a stretch.

Most research $ is used on refractive surgery development.

If you are 21 your eyesight is probably still changing. Does your prescription go up every 2 yrs or so when you see your optometrist? If so, then surgery is not a good idea as you may need glasses soon after the procedure as your vision is still changing.

Jonatan: Most likely you're seeing a "floater".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfzVOx2uNQk

which is in the back section of the eye (vitreous). The vitreous is quite homogenous and clear, so light moves through it without interruption. However, it is not unusual for it to become less so.

e.g. The vitreous is made up of hyaluronic acid and collagen which can break down over time and cause "strands" to appear in vision. This is common and nothing to worry about.

Other causes which are more concerning is retinal holes or tears in the back of the eye. This can be sight threatening and you should see an optom just in case.

A floater?

Hey, that's probably it! Interesting.

I see ok overall, but yet I can force the glasses closer with a finger to see better.
Furthermore, with the glasses stuff looks smaller.. With contact lenses I see better.

And the "failure" may cost me my eyes, right? -.-

How to Strengthen my Eyesight?

How can I repair my eyes my self?

I think I'd answer the way I said to you.
I understand it's a yes/no question, but I do not have such a short answer.
Guess it would be "relatively clear".

Why?

I see.. So overall, it certainly is an option worth scaling..

Thanks.

type568: An insider's tip for you: If your optom asks if your specs are clear and you say "yes" (or something positive) they will more than likely give you the same prescription. It is the old mentality of "if it's not broke, don't fix it".

This would make it seem like you're prescription isn't changing when sometimes it is.

Sometimes we would change your prescription even if you're happy with what you have. One situation would be if you're driving and you can no longer pass your driver's test with your current prescription.

Say what?

Nope. Last went a few years ago.

How a single vision stock lens makes my strabismus (congenital concomitant alternating esotropia) disappear?

Also, let's say that if such a professional actually exists in the country, is there anything that can be done for me to see in 3D? I'm getting pretty frustrated at constantly stumbling into things and bumping into walls. I still walk with a slight limp thanks to crushing my toes on a chair earlier this week.