Every time you blink, your healthy eyes get a bath from a fluid that's a combination of oil, water, and mucus. This fluid, or tears, helps protect and moisturize the eyes. When something irritates your eyes or interferes with the production of tears, it can result in irritated dry eyes that are vulnerable to corneal abrasions.  

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD), describes a variety of conditions that affect the macula, and thus, central vision. While peripheral vision is what you see toward your sides, central vision is what you see directly in front of you. 

A routine eye exam is not the same as a contact lens exam. For contact lens wearers, a contact lens exam is necessary to ensure the lenses are fitting both eyes properly and that the health of the eyes is not harmed by the contact lenses.