Health Topics

Find information on many health topics, listed A to Z.

Eye Health

Your eyes are responsible for providing you with vision, perhaps the most important of the senses. However, the eye is a delicate and complicated structure that needs protection. The ugly truth is that eye injuries can happen at any time and place.

In The News

Additional optometrists see patients in Eau Claire

Two additional optometrists now see patients at the Eye Care Center in Eau Claire.

October 9, 2019
Additional optometrists see patients in Menomonie

Three additional optometrists now see patients at the Eye Care Center in Menomonie.

October 3, 2019

From The Blog

Seeing teamwork at its brightest

Linda Schweikert’s eyesight took a turn for the worse overnight. But thanks to an expert care team working across organizations, she got the vital treatment she needed in time.

September 13, 2019

Eye care visit leads to brain surgery for pain relief

Nancy Hannafin's unexplained head pain was excruciating. But her optometrist suspected the mystery source of pain was neurological and referred her to a neurologist for evaluation.

September 13, 2018

Don’t be fooled by glaucoma — the silent sight thief

Glaucoma, commonly called the silent thief of sight, is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is critical for good vision. Learn what to do to protect and secure your sight.

Matthew Cooke, M.D. By Matthew Cooke May 16, 2018

Seeing is believing with help of retinal specialist, eye surgery

Brad Stevens has had his share of health-related ups and downs through the years. The 37-year-old Boyceville, Wisconsin, man has Type 1 diabetes, which often causes diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease.

January 26, 2018

How to watch the solar eclipse safely

On Aug. 21, weather permitting, a solar eclipse — when the moon blocks the sun — will be visible in North America. While the eclipse is going to be a momentous occasion, it’s something experts say you need to enjoy safely.

Anna Kitzmann MD By Anna Kitzmann August 16, 2017

Protect your eyes from harmful light

Staring at digital screens often leads to tired eyes, blurred vision and headaches, but can also cause eye damage. Knowing the risks and how to safeguard your eyes from harmful blue light is important.

May 19, 2017

Far from lazy: Child’s dedication prevents eye damage

When Saydee learned that she had lazy eye and needed to wear an eye patch to help correct her vision, she realized that dedication was required.

March 1, 2017

Why do I need safety glasses?

Many workers underestimate the importance of eye health, especially when working 9 to 5, five days a week. Who has time to go see an optician to get special safety glasses? Hopefully, you do if your job requires it.

Joseph Dolan MD By Joseph Dolan August 16, 2016

Darkness brings a new perspective on Chippewa Falls resident’s way of life

Renee Kuester-Sebranek wasn’t born blind, but she was aware at 17 that her vision would slowly decline and lead to blindness at some point in her adult life.

June 30, 2016

This Fourth of July, leave fireworks to the pros

Thousands of accidents each year underscore the danger of fireworks. In 2014, 11 people died and an estimated 10,500 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. Statistics show the typical victim of a firework injury is a 25- to 44-year-old male. Here's why you should leave fireworks to the professionals.

Douglas Wesely OD By Douglas Wesely June 28, 2016

What to know about age-related macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a common cause of age-related vision loss. The macula is the central portion of the retina, the back part of the eye which sends information from the eyes to the brain. Just like the infield of a baseball field is where most of the action happens, most of the important vision tasks like reading, recognizing faces and viewing road signs are done by the cells in the macula. 

January 20, 2016

Halloween safety: Decorative lenses can be dangerous

Looking good on Halloween often comes at a price, but that price should be in dollars and cents — not compromising your health. Unfortunately, misuse of decorative contact lenses and supplementing costumes with tinted eyewear may put your well-being at risk.

Robert Friese OD By Robert Friese October 20, 2015