May is Healthy Vision Month: Keep an Eye on Your Vision

May is Healthy Vision Month and offers up a great opportunity to learn about eye health and to make sure you and your family recognize the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams as a way to maintain healthy vision.

According to the National Eye Institute, millions of Americans are at risk for vision loss due to eye disease. Early detection and treatment are the keys to preventing vision loss. Most of us would agree that eyesight has a huge impact on day-to-day life and is one of the senses many of us fear losing the most. Unfortunately, many people don’t often pay attention to their eye health unless they notice an obvious problem or issue. Many of the most common eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, present virtually no symptoms, or symptoms that are so slight they go unnoticed. That’s why it is important to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams for you and your family.

Regular eye examinations to ensure that eyes are healthy and seeing their best are important for everyone, but the risk of blindness and vision loss is increased for some individuals based on factors such as race, ethnicity as well as other demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Along with having regular eye exams, there are other easy ways for you to keep your vision healthy. Here some quick and easy tips for maintaining healthy eyes:

• Eat healthy by incorporating dark, leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.
• Use protective eye wear when playing sports, working in the yard and during construction projects.
• Know your family’s eye health history.
• Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to such diseases as diabetes, which can result in vision problems.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from unhealthy UV rays.
• Be sure to give your eyes a rest. Especially if you spend lots of your time working on a computer. Take regular breaks and blink to help reduce eye strain.

Have you ever wondered what causes eyes to appear red in photos? Usually this happens indoors or at night when the pupils are more dilated than usual. The light from camera flashes are generally located only a few inches from the camera’s lens. When the flash goes off, light goes straight into the pupil and gets reflected off the back of the eye, and straight in to the camera lens. The effect is magnified with dilated pupils – that’s why the “red eye” mode of cameras involves a pre-flash before the main flash so that pupils become smaller before the real picture is taken and red eyes are minimized.

Why do eyes appear red? As light from the camera flash enters the eye, it’s reflected back into the camera lens. The retina (the nerve tissue in the back of the eye) is essentially transparent, but the underlying choroid (the vascular layer of the eye, containing connective tissue, lying between the retina and the white of the eye) has pigment and a lot of blood vessels. It’s the choroidal blood that gives the reflected light coming out of the eye its reddish hue, hence the appearance of red eyes.

There are ways to minimize the occurrence of red eye besides using the red eye mode for your camera’s flash. Reducing red eye can actually be achieved by using a little bit of physics. If red eye is caused by the flash being sent in a straight line in to the eye and then directly reflected back out, you can decrease it by having the flash source at an angle so less of it will hit your camera’s lens. Using a detached flash that’s located several feet away from your subject will do the trick as well as reflecting the flash off the ceiling.

March is National Save Your Vision Month. While many of us think that having good vision simply means that our eyes are healthy, that is not always the case. Regular comprehensive eye exams can ensure that you not only keep your vision in great shape, but that you keep your eyes, and ultimately your body, healthy as well. Scheduling an eye exam is the first step to take in saving your vision.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor does so much more than just figure out your prescription for eyeglasses or contacts. Your doctor also checks your eyes for common eye diseases, examines how your eyes work together, and also evaluates your eyes as an indicator of your overall health. Eye doctors are often the first health care professional to detect chronic systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Eye exams are a vital part of health maintenance for everyone, no matter your age. Adults should have their eyes tested annually to keep their prescriptions current and to check for early signs of eye disease. Eye exams for children play an important part in ensuring normal vision development as well as academic achievement. Vision is closely linked to the learning process and children with undetected vision issues will often having difficulty with their academics.

In addition to evaluating your eyes for contact lenses and glasses, your eye doctor will also check your eyes for diseases and other issues that could contribute to vision loss. Here are some exampled of the conditions your eye doctor will be looking for:

• Eye teaming problems
  It’s possible your eyes do not work together efficiently as a team, even if they appear to be properly aligned. Binocular vision problems can cause eye strain, headaches and other issues that can affect vision.
• Refractive error
  Refractive error refers to nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Refractive errors can be corrected by eyeglasses, contacts or refractive surgery.
• Strabismus
  Strabismus if more commonly known as crossed eyes. Your doctor will check your eyes’ alignment to make sure they are working properly together.
• Eye diseases
  Many eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, have no symptoms in their early stages of development. During your exam, your doctor will check the health of your eyes inside and out for signs of problems. In many cases, early detection and treatment of eye diseases can help reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
• Other diseases
  By looking if your eyes’ blood vessels, retina, and other vital parts, your eye doctor can actually detect the early warning signs of certain conditions and diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and many other problems. For example, diabetes causes small blood vessel leaks or bleeding in the eye as well as swelling of the macula, which can lead to vision loss. Your eye doctor can detect this during a comprehensive eye exam and administer appropriate treatment.

During the month of March the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages individuals to focus their attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits during National Nutrition Month. By eating right, you also increase the opportunity to protect your vision by adding sight-saving nutrients to your daily diet. Fruits, vegetables, and fish make for delicious, healthy meals and snacks that contain nutrients and powerful antioxidants that are essential to maintaining healthy eyes.

Here are some easy tips to help you succeed in eating healthier during National Nutrition Month and beyond:

• Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk
  Fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of essential nutrients and calcium as whole milk, but with less fat and fewer calories.
• Make at least half of your grain intake whole grain
  Choose barley, oats, brown rice and other whole grains for your sides and meal ingredients. Switch to 100% whole-grain breads, cereals and crackers as well.
• Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables
  Eat an assortment of vegetables, especially dark-green, red, and orange colored varieties as well as beans and peas. Purchase “reduced sodium” or “no salt added” canned vegetables when possible. Rinsing fresh vegetables can also reduce sodium levels.
• Cut back on empty calories and sodium from added sugars and solid fats
  Drink water instead of soda, fruit-flavored drinks and sweetened teas and coffees. Choose 100% fruit juice whenever possible.
• Alternate your protein choices
  Eat a variety of foods each week from the protein food group like nuts, beans, and seafood as well as lean meat, eggs and poultry. Also try to incorporate more plant-based proteins into your diet like whole grains, nuts, beans and whole soy foods such as edamame and tofu.

With the New Year in full swing, some of those resolutions we made might have gone by the wayside. But if getting into shape was one of your goals for 2013, there are plenty of reasons not to break that resolution, healthy eyesight being one of them.

Most of us are aware that even just 30 minutes of physical exercise every day can benefit our heart, waistline and energy levels, but it can also do a world of good for our eyes. This makes sense considering that many eye diseases are linked to other health problems, including diabetes, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure so naturally the eyes would receive the same benefits as the rest of your body when you exercise. Exercise not only helps to keep these problems at bay, but will also limit their impact if or when they do occur.

Studies have also indicated that people who exercise regularly are less likely to develop serious eye diseases. In one such study, researchers followed more than 5,000 men and women to find out whether there was a link between moderate exercise and ocular perfusion pressure, a factor in the development of glaucoma. It was found that individuals who engaged in moderate physical activity were 25% less likely to develop glaucoma than those who were inactive. Another study of more than 3,800 people looked to see if there was a relationship between developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and being physically inactive. Researchers found that individuals who exercised at least three times a week were less likely to develop AMD than those who did not exercise.

In many cases exercise has been shown to help those suffering from glaucoma. Moderate physical activity, such as going for a walk three times a week, can actually help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve.

Another great thing about exercise is that you don’t necessarily have to be a marathon runner or professional athlete to reap its benefits. Taking a brisk walk, using the stairs rather than the elevator and even dancing are great ways to get a good work out that will help you and your eyes stay healthy.

Over 9 million people in the U.S. have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a painless eye disease that is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65 years of age. That statistic is expected to double over the next decade as baby boomers begin heading into retirement.

Those living with AMD often ignore warning signs or wait until their vision has severely deteriorated before they seek appropriate medical help since the progression of the disease tends to be very slow. The most effective thing you can do to protect yourself from this sight-stealing condition is to visit your doctor for an annual eye exam.

Age-related Macular Degeneration affects the macula, the part of the eye used to see fine detail, gradually destroying a person’s central vision. Central vision is necessary for seeing objects clearly and for performing such common tasks as driving and reading.

Age-related Macular Degeneration comes in two different forms: wet and dry. The most common signs of dry AMD is blurred vision. As fewer cells in the macula become unable to properly function, individuals may see a small, but growing, blind spot in the middle of their field of vision. Wet AMD causes individuals to see crooked lines instead of straight ones. This is the result of fluid leaking from blood vessels, which gathers and lifts the macula, causing a distortion in vision. A small blind spot may also appear with wet AMD, resulting in the loss of central vision.

While there is no cure for most forms of Age-related Macular Degeneration, early detection is crucial, so be sure to get your eyes examined annually.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. It is an important time to spread the word and raise awareness about glaucoma, which is considered a thief of sight. There are virtually no symptoms associated with the disease and once vision is lost, it is gone for good. As much as 40% of one’s vision can be lost before a change is noticed. This condition is considered the leading cause of preventable blindness.

There is no cure for glaucoma but with early detection, medication or surgery, it can be slowed down and further vision loss can be prevented. Over. 2.7 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of these invdividuals do not even know they have the disease. With these numbers growing it is very important to receive regular eye examinations.

What is glaucoma?

There are two main types of glaucoma. First is primary open-angle glaucoma and the second type is angle-closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure, or pressure inside the eye. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure.

In a healthy eye, clear fluid is constantly being made behind the iris and leaving the eye through a microscopic drainage canal in the front of the eye. If this drainage channel becomes blocked, the pressure inside the eye goes up and often causes glaucoma damage to the optic nerve. This is the nerve the connects the eye to the brain so damage to it causes loss of vision.

Who is at risk?

While the causes of glaucoma are not completely known, risk factors for its development include a family history of glaucoma, race and older age. Glaucoma may affect people of any age from newborns to the elderly, but is more common in adults as they approach their senior years. African-Americans, Hispanics and people with diabetes are also at increased risk of developing disease.

Each year most of us resolve to make changes that will result in longer, happier and healthier lives. Most people are determined that with the start of a new year they’ll lose weight or kick unhealthy habits. This year why not add eye health to your resolutions? Here’s a list of easy tips and simple solutions for healthier eyes and better vision in 2013.

• Get moving. Research has found that exercise may actually reduce your risk of glaucoma and diabetes-related vision loss.
• Wear sunglasses. Protecting your eyes from UV rays may reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, especially if you wear sunglasses throughout your lifetime. Don’t forget your sunglasses in the winter season as well. UV rays are just as harmful during the cold months as they are in the summertime.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking increases your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other serious eye problems.
• Eat smart. A diet rich in fruits, leafy, green vegetables and Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of dry eye and macular degeneration.
• Wear safety eye wear. Experts says 90% of eye injuries can easily be prevented with safety glasses and sports eye wear. Consider sports eye wear as it will help protect your eyes, increase comfort and improve your performance.
• Reduce computer eye strain. Rest your eyes from computer work to relieve eye strain and avoid dry eyes. An easy rule to remember is the 20-20-20 Rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something 20 feet away.

The holiday season is in full effect and for most of us it’s a time that we all look forward to as it means attending parties, relaxing, and spending time with the people we love most. It is meant to be a time of joy and celebration. Do not let preventable eye injuries ruin your time with family and friends this season. Parents should be especially aware of the potential holiday eye hazards that could affect their children. By simply following a few helpful tips you can ensure that your holidays will be safe, merry, and bright!

• When trimming the tree, do not use any ornaments that are breakable, have metal hooks, or any detachable parts.
• If you have small children, keep the lower branches of your tree trimmed back so the risk of them accidentally poking their eyes is reduced.
• Outdoor winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and even snowball fights can cause trauma to the eyes if not properly protected. Be sure to wear proper eye protection to prevent potential eye injuries when engaging in these kind of winter activities.
• Fireplaces or other open flames can cause burns to both children and adults. Candles should be kept out of reach of curious children as they can drip or splatter hot wax and burn children’s eyes if they get too close.

‘Tis the season for gift giving. Adoring relatives, especially grandparents, love surprising little ones with the coolest toys to start off the New Year. Since no one chooses gifts that will intentionally harm, it’s important to remember that some popular children’s toys can cause serious eye injuries.

• Purchase gifts that are age appropriate. Check labels on toys for age recommendations and be sure to select gifts that are intended for a child’s specific age and maturity.
• Inspect toys to make sure that they are well made and there are no sharp corners. Avoid purchasing toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.
• Make sure that children have appropriate supervision when playing with potentially hazardous toys or games that could result in an eye injury.
• When appropriate, make sure children use eye protection to avoid serious harm or injury during play time.

The holidays can also mean a lot of time behind the wheel. Blurry vision can become a concern for many drivers during long journeys. The best way to avoid this occurrence and to be as safe as possible is to make plans ahead of time. Be sure to get enough rest or find a place to stay nearby your destination. Here are some tips to avoid fatigue and improve alertness during your holiday drives:

• Use artificial tears that will help soothe and refresh tired eyes.
• Plan rest breaks every couple of hours. Be sure to get out of your vehicle to stretch and take a short walk if you can.
• If possible, share the driving. Breaking up long distance travels between drivers can prove to be very beneficial.

In today’s fast paced and hectic world it is very common to miss out on getting enough restful sleep each night. The challenge of balancing proper rest with everything else that needs to get done in a day can be very tricky. However, many are not aware that not getting enough rest can wreak havoc on your eyesight. While it’s obvious that lack of sleep can cause dark circles to appear under your eyes, not getting enough rest can interfere with your eye health.

Vision Problems Caused By Lack Of Sleep

Studies have shown that the eye needs at least five hours of sleep per night to properly replenish. Without enough time to revive themselves, your eyes cannot work at their full potential. A common side effect associated with lack of sleep is eye spasms. Have you ever had one of those mysterious twitches in your eye that just won’t go away? Those eye twitches occur when you have an involuntary spasm in your eyelid. These involuntary spasms are known as myokymia. While eye spasms are not painful and actually do not damage your vision, they can be very aggravating and disruptive. Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of eye spasms. Thankfully, they are not a serious problem and can easily be corrected by making sure you get enough quality rest each night.

Over time, however, lack of sleep can lead to many different consequences, including popped blood vessels in the eye due to eye strain. For example, a shortage of sleep can cause dry eye. When tears do not adequately lubricate your eyes, dry eye can set in and you may experience some pain, light sensitivity, itching, redness, or even blurred vision.

Extended amounts of sleep deprivation have also been attributed to other serious eye conditions such as Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION). This usually occurs in middle aged to elderly individuals who suffer from a history of sleep apnea. This condition is an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels that occurs especially with aging. Over time, damage to the optic nerve from insufficient blood supply to the eye can eventually cause vision loss.

Suggestions For Better Rest

As studies have shown not getting enough sleep can cause serious eye health problems. To avoid complications associated with insufficient rest, make sure that you make sleep a priority. If you have difficulty finding time for shut-eye, it’s suggested to make a plan to schedule your sleep and stick to it. If you find that falling asleep at night is the problem, there are various options to use to remedy the situation. One thing you can try is drinking a cup of chamomile tea shortly before you plan to go to bed. This is a great way to relax. Another method that works for many is reading a book in bed until you become drowsy. Some other suggestions include not exercising before bed, reducing stress levels, and limiting caffeine intake during the day.

It’s important to remember that your eyes are kept busy all day long and sleeping is the only time they have to really get a break and replenish themselves, so make sure they get their rest so you can continue to have healthy vision.