Appearing as a painless swelling on the eyelid, chalazion is often considered an innocent problem. However, due to its recurrent nature and its potential to affect vision, it is an eye health issue that should not be ignored.

What Is Chalazion, Eyelid Cyst?
The meibomian oil glands located in our eyelids keep the surface of the eye moist. These glands can sometimes become blocked. As a result of this blockage, the gland secretion cannot be released, and a round, firm and usually painless mass forms on the upper or lower eyelid. This condition is called chalazion. It is also known among the public as an eyelid cyst or meibomian cyst. Chalazion is often confused with a stye. However, there are important differences between them. A stye develops as a result of a bacterial infection and is usually painful. Chalazion is not caused by infection and generally does not cause pain. For this reason, it may progress more quietly and can take time to be noticed. Chalazion is seen with similar frequency in women and men, and it is more common in adults than in children. Even after treatment, there is a risk of recurrence in some individuals.

What Causes Chalazion, Eyelid Cyst?
The main cause of chalazion is the inability of the meibomian oil glands to function properly and their blockage. However, there are various risk factors that trigger this condition. Especially the hygiene of the eyes and the area around the eyes plays a decisive role in the formation of chalazion. The main factors that increase the risk of chalazion are touching the eyes with dirty hands, sleeping without removing eye makeup, using expired or unhygienic makeup products, long term contact lens use and inadequate lens cleaning, chronic blepharitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and acne rosacea. These factors prevent the regular functioning of the oil glands and prepare the ground for the development of chalazion.

What Are the Symptoms of Chalazion?
Chalazion usually develops slowly and may not cause noticeable complaints in the early stages. The most common symptoms are as follows:

• Painless swelling on the eyelid or at the edge of the eye
• A firm mass felt when touched
• A feeling of heaviness in the eyelid
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision, especially in large chalazions
• Crusting on the eyelid

In rare cases, chalazion may become infected. In such a situation, redness, swelling, tenderness and pain may occur. In this type of picture, an eye doctor should definitely be consulted.

How Is Chalazion, Eyelid Cyst, Treated?
Most chalazions can regress on their own within a few weeks without the need for treatment. However, some methods are applied to accelerate healing and reduce complaints. The most commonly recommended treatment methods are as follows:

• Warm compress: It is applied 4 to 5 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps open the oil glands.
• Eyelid massage: It can be performed gently after a warm compress.
• Medication treatment: This may include drops recommended by the eye doctor or antibiotics when necessary.

If the chalazion does not disappear for a long time, recurs frequently or causes visual impairment and astigmatism, surgical intervention becomes an option. This procedure, performed under local anesthesia, is short and the patient is discharged on the same day. Mild redness and swelling after the operation are normal.

Reminder for Eye Health
The most effective way to prevent chalazion is to pay attention to eyelid hygiene and to regularly clean products that come into contact with the eyes. These habits, which may seem simple, make a great difference in protecting eye health.

January 2026

Children with autism often have difficulty making eye contact. Eye contact is an important way of building connection and communication between people. However, children with autism may feel uncomfortable with making eye contact or may have difficulty understanding its meaning.

Eye contact is essential for strengthening emotional connection, developing empathy and improving communication. For children with autism, developing eye contact is a major step in increasing social skills and helping them understand the world better.

How Can Eye Contact Be Improved
Children with autism are generally interested in games. You can encourage eye contact by using games. For example, while playing with your child’s favorite toys, you can ask them to make eye contact. In this way, you can turn eye contact into an enjoyable experience. You can set eye contact goals together with your child. For instance, you may aim to maintain eye contact for a certain period of time every day. Keeping these goals simple and achievable can increase your child’s motivation. You can be a model for your child through your own behavior. By making eye contact while talking and playing with them, you can show how eye contact is established. Being a model can strengthen your child’s tendency to imitate behaviors. It is important to reward your child when they make eye contact. Simple rewards such as a warm smile, brief praise or doing an activity they enjoy can be used. This will increase your child’s motivation to maintain eye contact. Seeking professional help is also important in improving eye contact in children with autism. A therapist or specialist can develop strategies suitable for your child’s needs and guide you. Be patient and progress with small steps. Remember that developing eye contact may take time and every child is different. Moving forward gradually can make it easier for your child to achieve success. As a result, making eye contact in children with autism is important because it contributes to the development of communication and social skills. Remember that every child is valuable and every step matters. Do not forget the importance of eye contact for healthy and happy communication!

January 2026

GLP-1 injections and similar medications that have become a popular weight loss trend may threaten eye health. Serious risks are involved especially for individuals with diabetic retinopathy.

Ozempic, Mounjaro and similar GLP-1 injections used recently for weight loss provide weight reduction by suppressing appetite. However, these drugs should not be used solely for the purpose of losing weight. Particularly in patients with diabetes, they may rapidly worsen the course of eye diseases such as retinopathy. Even in people without diabetes, rapid weight loss may lead to changes in blood sugar and fluid balance, causing dry eyes, blurred vision and rarely problems with intraocular pressure. Side effects such as headache, nausea or vomiting in some individuals may also affect eye health indirectly. If you notice sudden changes in vision, blurriness or flashes of light, it is vital to stop the medication and consult an eye specialist immediately. Experts emphasize that use for weight loss without medical supervision is risky and that eye examinations should not be neglected especially in terms of eye health. Remember that although rapid weight loss may seem attractive, doctor supervision and regular eye examinations are essential in order not to put your eye health at risk.

January 2026

Although city lights create an enjoyable nighttime atmosphere, taking simple yet effective precautions can help protect your eye health.

While walking through the city in the evening, colorful reflections from shop windows, illuminated billboards, and car headlights create a striking and lively scene. However, this intense artificial lighting can cause eye fatigue, glare, difficulty focusing, and even short-term headaches. At night, the pupil naturally dilates to collect more light, making the effects of bright light sources feel much more pronounced. Experts recommend wearing sunglasses with wide lenses and high-quality coatings when going out at night to reduce glare caused by city lights. In addition, keeping car windows clean while driving and choosing glasses with anti-reflective coatings significantly improves visual comfort and supports driving safety. For eye health, balanced lighting is important not only outdoors but also indoors. Excessively bright or overly dim lighting places unnecessary strain on the eye muscles and may lead to long-term eye fatigue. Using soft, evenly distributed light sources in work and living spaces helps balance the intense light exposure the eyes face throughout the day. While the sparkle of the city can be enjoyable, taking small yet effective precautions to protect your eyes enhances daily comfort and supports long-term eye health.

Tips for improvıng night vision

• Avoid Looking Directly at Light Sources: Car headlights and brightly lit shop windows can cause glare.
• Take Regular Breaks: If you drive at night for long periods, give your eyes short breaks to rest.
• Choose Anti-Reflective Coatings: This feature improves clarity in night driving glasses.
• Maintain a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin such as carrots, spinach, and corn support night vision.
• Keep Your Eyes Hydrated: Dry air can reduce visual clarity at night; staying well hydrated and keeping the eyes moist is important.

December 2025

Red eye, which may occur due to various causes, can be an early sign of conditions that may lead to vision loss or even loss of the eye…

The term “red eye” is not a diagnosis in itself but a general expression used to describe a visible condition affecting the eye. The eye consists of multiple layers, including the ocular surface, the retina, and the uvea. Each of these layers may cause redness as a result of different diseases. Clinical conditions such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis, and increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma) are among the most common causes of red eye. In ocular surface diseases, the most frequent causes of red eye involve problems related to the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, and the tear system. Irritation, infection, inflammation, or functional disorders affecting these tissues may lead to pronounced redness and a sensation of discomfort in the eye. In this context, red eye can represent much more than a simple superficial redness, and early identification of the underlying condition is critical for appropriate treatment and referral.

Take Eye Redness Seriously
Eye redness may occur due to various causes, and treatment options can differ accordingly. If red eye develops suddenly and progressively worsens, it requires greater attention. The presence of pain alongside redness is an indicator of increased severity. When red eye occurs, it is essential to be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible and to receive appropriate treatment. Many conditions that begin with red eye can result in vision loss or even loss of the eye if left untreated. In fact, in many patients presenting with red eye, systemic conditions such as rheumatic, hormonal, and dermatological diseases may also be diagnosed. Red eye is a condition that should never be underestimated. Using inappropriate medication instead of seeking professional eye care may not only be ineffective but can also lead to serious consequences.

December 2025

Sudden flashes, sparkles, or shimmering sensations in the eye are often dismissed as minor complaints. However, they are not always caused by harmless conditions

Sudden flashes and light streaks appearing in the eye may sometimes be a sign of migraine attacks, but they can also be early warning signals of much more serious eye conditions such as retinal tears. The retina is an extremely delicate neural layer located at the innermost part of the eye and is responsible for the process of vision. Structural abnormalities that may occur in this layer, especially tears, can lead to serious consequences, including retinal detachment, if left untreated. A retinal tear allows fluid to pass from the edge of the tear into the underlying layers. Much like wallpaper peeling away from a wall, this causes the retina to lift from its original position. If this process is not stopped in time, permanent vision loss may occur. Associate Professor Dr. Nurullah Bulut from the Department of Ophthalmology shared important insights on retinal tears and retinal detachment.

Pay attention to curtain-like shadows and light flashes
Patients experiencing retinal tears or retinal detachment typically present with several key symptoms. These include the sudden sensation of a curtain descending over the eye, the appearance of a dark shadow, brief but frequently recurring flashes of light, and small black dots or thread-like shapes floating in the visual field. Some patients report seeing the detached area as a dark or black region when the eye is open, while describing the same area as a bright white region when the eye is closed. It is important to note that not every occasional light flash indicates a retinal tear. Movement of the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance filling the eye, can also cause light flashes from time to time. However, when these symptoms occur suddenly and frequently, are accompanied by an increase in floaters, or are associated with a noticeable shadow in the visual field, a detailed examination of the retina becomes critically important. Diagnosis of retinal tears and detachment is often possible through a biomicroscopic examination performed after dilating the pupil with eye drops. In cases where visualization is obscured, such as when intraocular bleeding is present, ultrasound imaging may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis in retinal diseases is vital, as every minute that prevents complete retinal detachment plays a crucial role in preserving vision.

Treatment is planned based on the retinal damage
The location and size of the retinal tear, the presence or absence of associated retinal detachment, and the patient’s age are among the many factors that directly influence the treatment plan. In cases where a tear is present without retinal detachment, laser treatment can be used to seal the surrounding area of the tear and prevent the retina from detaching. This procedure is quick, and the recovery process is relatively easy. In more severe cases where retinal detachment has occurred, the treatment process becomes more comprehensive. When the tear is located in the upper parts of the eye, special gas substances injected into the eye can help reposition the retina, followed by laser treatment to reinforce the area. The gas remains in the eye for a certain period, pressing the retina back into place and supporting the healing process. In children and young patients, the placement of a silicone band around the eye may also be preferred. This technique provides external support to the eye and can yield very good results in younger patients. If a retinal tear goes unnoticed or untreated for an extended period, a membrane-like tissue may form on the surface of the retina. This membrane can pull on the retina, causing larger detachments and making treatment far more difficult. In such cases, surgery becomes unavoidable.

Vitrectomy surgery restores healthy vision
Today, the gold standard for treating retinal detachment is vitrectomy surgery. During this procedure, all or part of the vitreous gel filling the eye is removed, the retina is gently repositioned, and special gases or silicone oil are introduced into the eye to secure the retina in place. While gas is naturally absorbed over time, silicone oil requires removal through a separate procedure. Vitrectomy surgeries are performed safely and successfully using modern surgical equipment. When carried out in the early days following the diagnosis of retinal detachment, the success rate of vitrectomy is extremely high, with vision preservation rates reaching up to 95 percent. A sudden increase in floaters, more frequent light flashes, the appearance of shadowy or curtain-like vision, and especially individuals with high myopia should seek immediate ophthalmologic examination without delay. These symptoms are often early warning signs of retinal tears, and timely intervention is critical for preserving vision.

December 2025

Professor Huban Atilla, President of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association, warns that prolonged screen time increases the risk of dry eye and strabismus in children.

Once considered an adult condition, dry eye disease is now increasingly common among children. As smartphones, tablets, and computers have become central to daily life, the age of first screen exposure has dropped dramatically. Prof. Dr. Huban Atilla explains, “School-age children spend long hours using computers and tablets to do homework, attend classes, or play games. Unfortunately, the longer the screen time, the greater the strain on the eye surface,” expressing her concern about this growing issue.

The Rising Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease
The incidence of dry eye disease in the general population is increasing every year. One of the main reasons is the frequent use of tablets and smartphones, especially in dark environments during evening hours. Prolonged exposure to illuminated screens not only leads to dryness but also contributes to the rise of refractive errors such as myopia. Extended near work can exacerbate uncorrected vision problems and trigger the development of strabismus. During the pandemic, the increase in online education and gaming hours significantly raised the prevalence of strabismus among children.

Importance of Blinking and Preventive Measures
When using digital screens, the blinking reflex decreases significantly. Normally, we blink about 15–20 times per minute, but during screen use, this number is reduced by half. As a result, tears cannot spread evenly across the eye surface, leading to symptoms such as stinging, burning, watering, and blurred vision. In children, these complaints may appear as frequent blinking, squinting, tic-like movements, or verbal expressions such as “my eyes are burning.” Parents should pay close attention to these signs and seek early evaluation from an ophthalmologist.

Prof. Dr. Huban Atilla recommends a few simple yet effective measures to prevent digital screen–related eye problems in children:

• Total screen time should be limited.
• Every 20 minutes, the child should look away from the screen and focus on a distant object (about 6 meters away) for 20 seconds.
• Devices should be kept at least 40 centimeters from the eyes.
• The room should be well-lit, and screens should never be used in the dark.

In conclusion, dry eye disease has become a significant health concern affecting not only adults but also children, impacting their overall quality of life. As digital screen use continues to increase, awareness of eye health protection is becoming essential across all age groups. Monitoring children’s screen habits and ensuring regular eye examinations play a crucial role in preventing potential vision problems in the future.

November 2025

Sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels affect the retinal vessels that enable vision, posing a serious risk exclusively to the eyesight of people with diabetes.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Adnan İpçioğlu stated that the incidence of diabetic retinopathy increases, especially in people who have had diabetes for more than ten years. “All diabetic patients are at risk of developing this eye disease,” he said. “It is highly recommended that every person with diabetes have an eye examination at least once a year. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.” Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, Dr. İpçioğlu emphasized that patients should have an eye examination immediately after being diagnosed with diabetes and continue routine annual checkups as part of their diabetes management. “Detecting retinopathy findings at an early stage is the key to successful treatment,” he added. “In particular, fundus examination allows early detection of retinal changes and offers patients the chance for effective treatment. After the first five years of diagnosis, diabetic patients should have an eye exam every six months, while those with existing retinal findings should be examined every three months. The frequency of examinations is determined as needed by the ophthalmologist.”

Kasım 2025

The eye contour is often the first area to show signs of aging, mainly because the skin around the eyes is extremely thin and delicate.

The eye contour is one of the most active areas of the face, constantly moving with facial expressions and exposed to light and environmental factors throughout the day, conditions that accelerate the aging process. Over time, collagen and elastin production in the skin decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity and the appearance of fine lines around the eyes. Meanwhile, displacement or reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer can cause hollowness or puffiness under the eyes. Genetic predisposition, sleep patterns, stress levels, and alcohol or salt consumption are also influential factors. Because the skin around the eyes is delicate, it requires special care. Direct exposure to sunlight accelerates skin aging, so using sunscreens with UVA/UVB protection year-round, not only in summer, is essential. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying well-hydrated, and using moisturizers and antioxidant-rich products suitable for the eye area are beneficial habits. Applying cold compresses, reducing salt intake, and limiting screen time can also help maintain eye-area health. When necessary, medical or surgical procedures may be considered under professional supervision. In all such treatments, the priority should be preserving natural expression and overall facial harmony.

Kasım 2025

If left untreated, allergic conjunctivitis may lead to inflammation, corneal deformation, and even vision loss due to continuous rubbing of itchy and watery eyes.

Seasonal changes and the arrival of autumn often bring along various problems such as sneezing, runny nose, and triggered allergies. Allergies that also affect the eyes can cause symptoms like itching, tearing, burning, stinging, and discharge. As one of the organs most exposed to the environment, our eyes can be significantly impacted by these conditions. Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common allergic eye disease, frequently seen in children, young people, and men. A large number of diagnosed patients also suffer from asthma and other allergic disorders. If left untreated, conjunctivitis may lead to vision loss in the long term due to frequent eye rubbing and damage to the cornea.

Contact Lens Users, Mind Your Hygiene!
Sunlight plays a major role in many eye-related conditions. To protect against problems such as conjunctivitis caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, it’s important to wear sunglasses with UV protection. Improper use of contact lenses is also one of the factors that increase the risk of allergic reactions. Pollen and microbes that adhere to the lens surface can lead to serious issues ranging from allergies to infections. Therefore, especially during periods of intense weather changes, contact lens users should be extra careful about lens cleaning and hygiene.

Don’t Rub Your Eyes
The most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include excessive tearing, itching, discharge, redness, and crusting or stickiness of the eyelashes upon waking in the morning. If not treated in time, constant eye rubbing may deform the cornea and lead to a condition known as keratoconus. For this reason, allergic conjunctivitis should never be taken lightly.

October 2025