Why are fertility rates declining?
In 1960, the average woman had more than three children. That's dropped to one child —near a record low. Why? And what are the impacts?
LEARN MORESpecialists say more Americans need to get their eyes dilated
Dilated eye exams can help diagnose issues early, like age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness.
Damian Dovarganes / AP
February 13, 2023
New information shows a lot of people over 40 aren't doing everything they should to keep their eyesight as they get older.
A survey by the American Society of Retina Specialists found that 27% of people 40 and up say they haven't had a dilated eye exam in more than five years. That includes 13% who have never had one.
Retinal specialists say there could be a few reasons why. A dilated eye exam is one where the pupil is dilated with drops so the doctor can see all the way to the retina at the back of the eye.
It can help diagnose issues early, like age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness.
"If people have a problem with their vision, they again just attribute it most commonly to needing glasses or having a cataract. I think that's one thing," said Philip Ferrone, a retina specialist. "The second is there's no pain with retinal disease, no pain, no discomfort."
What are some of the signs you might need to have your eyes dilated?
"One is distortion of lines or distortion of images. So a line that you know, should be straight appears wavy. That's a problem," Ferrone said. "You can have little blind spots in your vision."
If you're having these symptoms, or if you're over age 40 and it's been a while since your last dilated eye exam, he says it's time to make an appointment with your eye doctor.
9:14
What living with long COVID is really like
Scripps News talked to a dozen people with long-term COVID symptoms about their current experience and their hope for the future.
Not enough patients disclose cognitive issues to doctors
Disclosing memory and cognitive loss might help treat the early onset of Alzheimer's disease, experts say.
3:03
Research finds climate change is making allergy season worse
A review of data shows the rate of temperature increase correlates to a rise in the number of patients suffering from nasal and sinus problems.
Top Stories
Asteroid to come between Earth and moon this weekend
The asteroid is estimated to be the size of a hockey rink, making it a relatively large near-Earth object.
Jury convicts 3 in 2018 killing of rapper XXXTentacion
After nearly eight days of deliberations, the jury convicted three men of armed robbery and first-degree murder. They face a mandatory life sentence.
Missouri to restrict gender-affirming care for minors
The rule will require an 18-month waiting period, 15 hour-long therapy sessions and treatment of any mental illnesses before providing trans care.
