Macular Degeneration is a condition is which the eye's macula (which controls all your central vision) breaks down, causing a gradual or sudden loss of central vision. It is usually age-related, affecting people over 65, so the terms are often used interchangeably, Age Related Macular Degeneration, abbreviated to ARMD. However, certain drugs can cause macular degeneration, and some cases are inherited.
Macular Degeneration is a growing problem and some of the reasons for this are more ultraviolet light in our environment due to a thinning ozone layer, people living longer, environmental pollutants, smoking, poor diet, obesity, etc.
Doctors are not sure how to prevent macular degeneration, but research suggests that certain things contribute to putting you at a higher risk for it. Those are if you're over 65, a smoker, white or have a family member with macular degeneration.
Some things you can do to lessen your risks are to wear sunglasses at all times when outside, sunglasses work the same to your eyes as sunscreen does to your skin, and most people don't think about that! A good multi-vitamin, antioxidants, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and essential fatty acids all can aid in preventing macular degeneration.
In our office today we got a new machine that measures the amount of pigment you have in your macula and can tell us if you are at low, moderate or high risk for macular degeneration. This machine is the first of its kind and research is showing that if caught early and the supplements initiated the pigment can be increased in your macular area. If you are at low or moderate risk their is a supplement that contains the proper amount of lutein and zeaxantine the primary supplements needed to keep your macular area healthy. Ask your eye doctor at your next visit about this machine and the supplements he or she recommends
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Sunglasses for Kids
children may not be as interested as adults are in the fashion aspect of sunglasses. However, they need sun protection just as much as adults do and sometime even more, since they are spending more time playing outdoors and in direct sunlight.
The good news about children's sunglasses is that there is much variety available for all tastes, as many sunglass companies have seen an opportunity here and entered this marketplace with great products. Design has been stepped up a notch to appeal more to kids so that they continue to wear the shades purchased for them by their parents.
One important factor to remember is that sunglass lenses are impact resistant (as required by the FDA), but they are not shatterproof. Many parents prefer polycarbonate lenses for their children's eye wear and sun wear since they are strong, durable and impact-resistant. Special sports eye wear and sunglasses designed for rough activities are available as well.
UV protection is also very important for children. Most sunglasses feature 99% or 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays and are suitable for wear by children as well. Be sure to check labels on the lenses or with the salesperson to ensure you have chosen the appropriate frames for your child's health and safety.
***Remember Babies need UV protection too!!!***
The good news about children's sunglasses is that there is much variety available for all tastes, as many sunglass companies have seen an opportunity here and entered this marketplace with great products. Design has been stepped up a notch to appeal more to kids so that they continue to wear the shades purchased for them by their parents.
One important factor to remember is that sunglass lenses are impact resistant (as required by the FDA), but they are not shatterproof. Many parents prefer polycarbonate lenses for their children's eye wear and sun wear since they are strong, durable and impact-resistant. Special sports eye wear and sunglasses designed for rough activities are available as well.
UV protection is also very important for children. Most sunglasses feature 99% or 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays and are suitable for wear by children as well. Be sure to check labels on the lenses or with the salesperson to ensure you have chosen the appropriate frames for your child's health and safety.
***Remember Babies need UV protection too!!!***
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Ultraviolet Rays and Your Eyes
Fashion aside, sunglasses serve a true function - protecting eyes from the harmful rays produced by the sun. You're probably well aware of the needed to protect your skin from the sun, but it's equally important to protect our eyes.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation consists of invisible rays from the sun. The three bands of UV light are UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC rays are of little concern as they are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth's surface.
UVB ray s are the ones that burn the skin and can damage the eyes. Combined with cold wind and snow, UVB has the potential to cause snow blindness (photokeratitis), a temporary (lasting 12 to 48 hours).
Although not all experts and scientists agree, there is some research that suggests that daily exposure to UVB in very bright sunlight over a period of many years may cause cataracts, a gradual clouding of the lens of the eye.
What to look for when you're buying sunglasses; Sunglass standards for lenses place limits solely on UVB and UVA ray, but bear in mind that both the standards and labeling are voluntary, not mandatory. According to these standards, sunglasses must block at least 70% of UVB and at least 60% of UVA.
To best protect your eyes look for sunglasses that provide at least 98% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Some of the higher priced products with polycarbonate, or plastic lenses can claim to block 100% of the UV rays.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation consists of invisible rays from the sun. The three bands of UV light are UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC rays are of little concern as they are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth's surface.
UVB ray s are the ones that burn the skin and can damage the eyes. Combined with cold wind and snow, UVB has the potential to cause snow blindness (photokeratitis), a temporary (lasting 12 to 48 hours).
Although not all experts and scientists agree, there is some research that suggests that daily exposure to UVB in very bright sunlight over a period of many years may cause cataracts, a gradual clouding of the lens of the eye.
What to look for when you're buying sunglasses; Sunglass standards for lenses place limits solely on UVB and UVA ray, but bear in mind that both the standards and labeling are voluntary, not mandatory. According to these standards, sunglasses must block at least 70% of UVB and at least 60% of UVA.
To best protect your eyes look for sunglasses that provide at least 98% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Some of the higher priced products with polycarbonate, or plastic lenses can claim to block 100% of the UV rays.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Glaucoma Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition in which the eye's intraocular pressure (IOP) is too high or is doing damage to the optic nerve. This means that your eye has too much aqueous humor in it, either because it produced too much, or because it is not draining properly. Other symptoms are optic nerve damage and vision loss. If you are experiencing vision loss from glaucoma then it is most likely in the advanced stage.
2. What is the difference between glaucoma and ocular hypertension?
Ocular Hypertension is another term for high IOP; the pressure is not high enough to cause any damage to the optic nerve. If you have ocular hypertension you need to be monitored closely by your eyecare professional as it can turn into glaucoma.
3. Who is at the most risk for glaucoma?
If you are over 60, African-American, diabetic or have a family memeber with glaucoma, you are at a higher risk than others.
4. Is there anyway to prevent glaucoma?
Doctors don't know of any way to prevent glaucoma, but yearly eye exams can catch it before it does any damage at all to your optic nerve therefore you never loose vision. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, eat a healthy diet, keep your weight down, exercise, take nutritional products and be sure to see your eye care professional on a regular basis.
5. What glaucoma treatments are currently available?
Doctors usually prescribe special eyedrops that reduce intraocular pressure. These are used one or several times a day, depending on the medication. If the drops do not reduce your pressure, surgery is the next step.
Glaucoma is a condition in which the eye's intraocular pressure (IOP) is too high or is doing damage to the optic nerve. This means that your eye has too much aqueous humor in it, either because it produced too much, or because it is not draining properly. Other symptoms are optic nerve damage and vision loss. If you are experiencing vision loss from glaucoma then it is most likely in the advanced stage.
2. What is the difference between glaucoma and ocular hypertension?
Ocular Hypertension is another term for high IOP; the pressure is not high enough to cause any damage to the optic nerve. If you have ocular hypertension you need to be monitored closely by your eyecare professional as it can turn into glaucoma.
3. Who is at the most risk for glaucoma?
If you are over 60, African-American, diabetic or have a family memeber with glaucoma, you are at a higher risk than others.
4. Is there anyway to prevent glaucoma?
Doctors don't know of any way to prevent glaucoma, but yearly eye exams can catch it before it does any damage at all to your optic nerve therefore you never loose vision. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, eat a healthy diet, keep your weight down, exercise, take nutritional products and be sure to see your eye care professional on a regular basis.
5. What glaucoma treatments are currently available?
Doctors usually prescribe special eyedrops that reduce intraocular pressure. These are used one or several times a day, depending on the medication. If the drops do not reduce your pressure, surgery is the next step.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Causes of Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome has several causes. It occurs as a part of the natural aging process, especially during menopause; as a side effect of many medication, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications, Parkinson's medications, and birth control pills, or because you live in a dry, dusty or windy climate. If your home or office has air conditioning or a dry heating system, that too can dry out your eyes. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when you are reading, watching television or staring at a computer screen all day.
Dry eyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome which is a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).
Long term contact lens wear is another cause; in fact, dry eyes are the most common complaint around contact lens wearers. Recent research indicated that contact lens wear and dry eyes can be a vicious cycle. Dry eye syndrome makes contact lenses feel uncomfortable, and the rubbing of the lenses against the conjunctiva seems to be a cause of dry eyes.
Incomplete closure of the eyelids, eyelid disease and a deficiency of the tear-producing glands are other causes. Tears are composed of three layers: the outer, oily, lipid layer; the middle, watery, lacrimal layer; and the inner, mucous or mucin layer. Each layer is produced by a different part of the eye (the lacrimal gland produces the lacrimal layer, for example), so a problem with any of those sources can result in dry eyes.
Dry eye syndrome is more common in women, possibly due to hormone fluctuations. Recent research suggests that smoking and taking multivitamins can increase your risk of dry eye syndrome, and that eating a lot of omega-3 fatty acids may decrease your risk.
Dry eyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome which is a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).
Long term contact lens wear is another cause; in fact, dry eyes are the most common complaint around contact lens wearers. Recent research indicated that contact lens wear and dry eyes can be a vicious cycle. Dry eye syndrome makes contact lenses feel uncomfortable, and the rubbing of the lenses against the conjunctiva seems to be a cause of dry eyes.
Incomplete closure of the eyelids, eyelid disease and a deficiency of the tear-producing glands are other causes. Tears are composed of three layers: the outer, oily, lipid layer; the middle, watery, lacrimal layer; and the inner, mucous or mucin layer. Each layer is produced by a different part of the eye (the lacrimal gland produces the lacrimal layer, for example), so a problem with any of those sources can result in dry eyes.
Dry eye syndrome is more common in women, possibly due to hormone fluctuations. Recent research suggests that smoking and taking multivitamins can increase your risk of dry eye syndrome, and that eating a lot of omega-3 fatty acids may decrease your risk.
Friday, June 1, 2007
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture in the eye. Its consequences range from subtle but constant irritation to ocular inflammation of the anterior (front) tissues of the eye.
Persistent dryness, scratching, and burning in your eyes are signs of dry eye syndrome. These symptoms alone may be enough for your eye doctor to diagnose dry eye syndrome. Sometimes he or she may want to measure the amount of tears in your eyes. A thin strip of filter paper placed at the edge of the eye, called a Schirmer Test, is one way of measuring this, another is by putting a green dye in your eye and the dry spots will take up the dye.
Some people also experience a "foreign body sensation," the feeling like there is something in the eye. And, it may seem odd, but sometimes watery eyes can result from dry eye syndrome, because the excessive dryness works to overstimulate the watery component of your eye's tears.
Tears bathe the eye, washing out dust and debris and keeping the eye moist. They also contain enzymes that neutralize the microorganisms that colonize the eye. Tears are essential for good eye health.
In dry eye syndrome, the eyes doesn't produce enough tears, or the tears have a chemical composition that causes them to evaporate too quickly.
Tomorrow the causes of Dry Eyes.....
Persistent dryness, scratching, and burning in your eyes are signs of dry eye syndrome. These symptoms alone may be enough for your eye doctor to diagnose dry eye syndrome. Sometimes he or she may want to measure the amount of tears in your eyes. A thin strip of filter paper placed at the edge of the eye, called a Schirmer Test, is one way of measuring this, another is by putting a green dye in your eye and the dry spots will take up the dye.
Some people also experience a "foreign body sensation," the feeling like there is something in the eye. And, it may seem odd, but sometimes watery eyes can result from dry eye syndrome, because the excessive dryness works to overstimulate the watery component of your eye's tears.
Tears bathe the eye, washing out dust and debris and keeping the eye moist. They also contain enzymes that neutralize the microorganisms that colonize the eye. Tears are essential for good eye health.
In dry eye syndrome, the eyes doesn't produce enough tears, or the tears have a chemical composition that causes them to evaporate too quickly.
Tomorrow the causes of Dry Eyes.....
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