The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Approximately 37 million adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, all of which can cause visual impairment or blindness. However, recent studies show that making healthy choices and getting regular eye exams can help reduce a person’s risk of vision loss. In support of Healthy Vision Month in May, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is encouraging everyone to take charge of their eye health and preserve their sight by following some simple tips.

  1. Wear sunglasses (even on cloudy days!). It can help prevent the formation of early cataracts by filtering ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Look for sunglasses that block out at least 99% of both UVA and UVB radiation. Bonus: Add a wide-brimmed hat when you’re out and about for extra protection!
  2. Eating healthy is good for your eyes! In fact, a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables—especially dark leafy greens, like spinach or kale—is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Research also shows that fish high in omega-3 fatty acids—like salmon, tuna, and halibut—can help protect your vision.
  3. Regular physical activity can boost your mood, reduce stress, help you stay at a healthy weight—and protect you from serious eye diseases! Anything that gets your heart beating faster can help keep your eyes healthy—try going for a quick walk after work.
  4. Blinking keeps your eyes lubricated. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or staring at your phone, you may forget to blink—and that can tire out your eyes. Try using the 20-20-20 rule throughout the day: Every 20 minutes, look away from the screens and focus about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This reduces eyestrain and helps your eyes (and you!) feel better at the end of the day.
  5. Are you at risk for eye injuries? About 2,000 people in the United States get a serious work-related eye injury every day and people with sports-related eye injuries end up in the ER every 13 minutes! The good news is that you can help protect your eyes from injury by wearing protective eyewear like safety glasses, goggles, and safety shields. To make sure you have the right kind of protective eyewear and you’re using it correctly, talk with your eye doctor.

Get more tips to keep your eyes healthy and safe. And don’t forget to ask your doctor if you need to schedule an eye exam!

/by

Sports Eye Safety Month

Each year, an estimated 100,000 people are hurt by sports-related eye injuries. About 13,500 of these injuries result in permanent vision loss. In support of Sports Eye Safety Month, this April, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds athletes everywhere that a great majority of sports-related eye injuries can be avoided by simply wearing the proper protection.

Sports-Related Eye Injuries by Age

Activity Estimated Injuries Ages 0-14 Ages 15+
Water and pool activities 6,605 3,573 3,032
Basketball 5,141 1,434 3,707
Guns, darts, arrows and slingshots 2,798 951 1,847
Baseball and softball 2,488 971 1,517
Health clubs (exercise and weight-lifting) 2,253 465 1,788
Bicycling 1,864 648 1,216
Football 1,448 821 627
Other sports and recreational activities 1,445 337 1,108
Soccer 1,390 594 796
Playground equipment 1,180 1,113 67
Table source: Prevent Blindness. Based on statistics provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Directorate for Epidemiology; National Injury Information Clearinghouse; National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Product Summary Report—Eye Injuries Only—Calendar Year 2017.

These sports-related injuries included infections, corneal abrasions, eye socket fractures, swollen or detached retinas, and traumatic cataracts. The source, Prevent Blindness, also offers tips on sports eye protection. Here are some below:

  • Always consult an eye care professional to get the best eye protection for your sport and lifestyle.
  • If you wear prescription glasses, ask your eye doctor to fit you for prescription eye protection.
  • Sports eye protection should be padded or cushioned along the brow and bridge of the nose. Padding will prevent the eye guards from cutting the skin.
  • Try on eye protection to determine if it is the right size. Adjust the strap and make sure it is not too tight or too loose. Consult your eye care professional to ensure it has a comfortable, safe fit.

“Wearing eye protection should be part of any athlete’s routine, just as putting on equipment like shin guards, gloves or a helmet are,” says Dr. Michael Vrabec. “Eye accidents happen so quickly, but the effects can be painful and last a lifetime. Making sure you have the right safety eyewear can reduce serious vision impairment.”

/by

Eye Care at Work

Most workplaces today involve daily computer screen time that can cause continued and persistent eye strain. Individuals using computers for long stretches of time tend to complain about symptoms like dry eyes, blurry vision and eye strain. When using multiple devices, such as computers, tablets and smartphones, there are a number of ways to maintain good eye care and health while you work.

First of all, regular eye exams are important and you should tell your doctor how much online work you do each day. When using your devices, make sure you stop for breaks at regular intervals. It’s a good idea to get up, walk to a window, and focus on various distances. Allowing the eyes to look away from the screen, particularly at something soothing can be very resting for the eyes.

Additionally, computer users find that they don’t blink as frequently as they should, creating dry eyes. When staring continuously at your monitor, you will blink a lot less than normal. While you are working at your computer, make a conscious effort to blink as often as possible. In fact, closing your eyes for a few seconds can help as well. Air conditioning can also add to the problem. If you find your eyes are still dry, applying artificial tears can help to keep your eyes moist. If possible, install a humidifier in your work area.

The distance to your computer or device also plays a big role in the health of your eyes. Make sure the monitor is about 20 inches away from your eyes. The top of the monitor should be tilted a little below your eye level. Keep your monitor free of dust and fingerprints, as these can greatly reduce clarity.

Your eyewear is important too. Consider an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and ease eye strain. Talk with your doctor about the best options for the way you use your eyes.

A healthy lifestyle and eating well can improve the health of your eyes. Eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits as well as getting a good night’s sleep are all important ways to preserve the health of your eyes. During this Workplace Eye Wellness Month, it’s important to take the necessary steps toward better eye care.

/by

Keep an Eye Out for AMD

The National Eye Institute projects by the year 2050, 5.4 million people in the United States will suffer from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), more than double the number in 2010.

What is AMD?

Diagram showing 2.1 million people affected by AMD in 2010 and 5.4 million in 2050

Each eye represents a total of 80 million people, the estimated number of Americans who will be 65 and older in 2050, the population most affected by eye disease.

AMD is a common eye disease affecting people over the age of 60. It damages the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina that focuses images and translates them to the brain. In some people, AMD advances so slowly that vision loss does not occur for a long time. In others, the disease progresses faster. When the macula is damaged, the center of your field of view may appear blurry, distorted, or dark. AMD by itself does not lead to complete blindness, with no ability to see. However, the loss of central vision in AMD can interfere with simple everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, drive, read, write, or do close work, such as cooking or fixing things around the house.

Who is at risk?

Age is a major risk factor for AMD. The disease is most likely to occur after age 60, but it can occur earlier. Other risk factors for AMD include:

  • Smoking: Research shows that smoking doubles the risk of AMD
  • Race: AMD is more common among Caucasians than among African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos
  • Family history and genetics: People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk. At last count, researchers had identified nearly 20 genes that can affect the risk of developing AMD. Many more genetic risk factors are suspected.

Researchers have found links between AMD and some lifestyle choices, such as smoking. You might be able to reduce your risk of AMD or slow its progression by making these healthy choices:

  • Avoiding smoking
  • Exercising regularly
  • Maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Eating a healthy diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and fish

The early and intermediate stages of AMD usually start without symptoms. Only a comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect AMD.

What are the stages of AMD?

Early AMD

People with early AMD typically do not have vision loss.

Intermediate AMD

Intermediate AMD may cause some vision loss, but most people will not experience any symptoms.

Late AMD

There are two types of late AMD:

  • Dry AMD: There is a gradual breakdown of the light-sensitive cells in the macula that convey visual information to the brain, and of the supporting tissue beneath the macula. These changes cause vision loss.
  • Wet AMD: Abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina. These vessels can leak fluid and blood, which may lead to swelling and damage of the macula. The damage may be rapid and severe.

AMD has few symptoms in the early stages, so it is important to have your eyes examined regularly. If you are at risk for AMD because of age, family history, lifestyle, or some combination of these factors, you should not wait to experience changes in vision before getting checked for AMD.

Source: National Eye Institute

/by

Protect Your Sight with a Glaucoma Evaluation

Have you made a resolution to stay healthy this year? Don’t forget about your eye health!

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because there are often no symptoms until there is visible, permanent damage. Routine eye exams can diagnose this condition and allow for early treatment so blindness can be prevented. Here are some facts about glaucoma:

  • Nearly three million Americans have glaucoma. Half of them don’t know it.

    Glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness, which can’t be reversed. Glaucoma causes fluid to build up in your eye, causing pressure that can damage the optic nerve, which transfers visual images to your brain. But, you can save your vision with early detection and treatment.

  • There are no early symptoms. Glaucoma often has no early warning signs. No pain. No discomfort. No blurry vision. Only advanced glaucoma will affect your vision. Don’t wait for symptoms to visit your eye doctor!
  • In the United States, half of the people who have glaucoma don’t know they do. Nearly three million Americans have glaucoma. Half of them don’t know it. Lack of awareness and the absence of symptoms are preventing people from detecting the disease early. You can change that! Find out if you have glaucoma.
  • Some people are at higher risk than others. African Americans over 40, adults over 60—especially Hispanics/Latinos—and people with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk, making early detection especially important. Are you at higher risk? Talk to your family about glaucoma.
  • There is only one way to know if you have glaucoma—by getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During the exam, an eye care professional places drops in your eyes to widen the pupils and looks for signs of the disease in the optic nerve.

Now that you’ve got the facts about glaucoma, make a resolution for healthier vision. Call (800) 344‑4443 to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam today and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.

Sources: National Eye Institute, National Eye Health Education Program

/by