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Almost every person experiences some form of eyelid twitching in his or her lifetime. Known medically as blepharospasm, eyelid twitching is characterized by the involuntary movement or spasm of the eyelid muscles. Spasms typically occur every few seconds over the course of several minutes. Twitching episodes might occur for several days or weeks at a time. Blepharospasms occur in varying strengths, sometimes the spasm might force the eyelid shut. In other instances, it might only cause a slight fluttering of the eyelid. Typically, eyelid twitching is a harmless annoyance, but in rare cases it can signify a more serious neuromuscular problem.

Since blepharospasm is usually benign, no singular cause has been pinpointed, but several factors have been shown to increase the frequency or duration of eye twitching. These factors include:

• Stress

• Physical Exertion

• Fatigue or Lack of Sleep

• Eyelid or Eye Irritation

• Caffeine

• Tobacco

• Alcohol

• Medication Side Effects
   

Patients who experience chronic eyelid twitching in both eyes have what is called benign chronic blepharospasm. While the causes of this condition are unknown, the following factors may worsen it:

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

• Blepharitis (Inflammation of the Eyelid)

• Entropion (Inward Turned Eyelid)

• Uveitis (Inflammation of the Eye)

• Stress

• Sensitivity to Light

• Fatigue

• Environmental Irritants
   

Though rarely, eyelid twitching can be a sign of a brain or nerve disorder. When this is the case, other symptoms are usually present in addition to blepharospasm. If eyelid twitching accompanies other uncontrollable facial spasms or symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious neuromuscular disorder. These brain and nerve disorders include:

• Dystonia: causes uncontrollable twisting spasms.

• Cervical Dystonia: causes neck and head spasms.

• Bell's Palsy: causes one side of the face to droop.

• Parkinson's Disease: causes balance problems, trembling, muscle spasms, and difficulty speaking.

• Tourette Syndrome: causes involuntary movement, facial tics, and vocal tics.

• Multiple Sclerosis: causes tremors, muscle weakness, and slurred speech.
   

Although these nerve and brain disorders are rare, if any other symptoms accompany eyelid twitching, a person should always see a doctor.

Most cases of blepharospasm will resolve on their own after a few days. To speed up the process or ease the symptoms, try applying a warm compress to the eye, using eye drops to keep the eye lubricated, drink less caffeine, and get more sleep. In extreme, chronic cases, an eye care professional might recommend Botox injections or surgery to remove the twitching muscles.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic (2013). Eye Twitching.

Medicine Net (2014). Eye Twitch.

Conjunctivitis is by no means limited only to children. An infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva -- the membrane within the eyelid and protecting the white aspect of our eyes -- can occur in individuals of any age secondary to an infection, an allergic reaction or chemical irritation. Infectious conjunctivitis can be the result of a bacterial or viral infection.

In children, however, a highly contagious type of bacterial conjunctivitis can often run throughout a school or daycare facility's entire population due to the isolated subpopulation of children available as victims and habits children engage in throughout the day. According to an interview with Dr. Laura Perrin of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians, children are often prohibited from attending school until they have been treated with antibacterial eye drops or ointments for at least 24 hours in an effort to help prevent the infection of an entire school.
 

Teaching Kids About Pink Eye

Both the viral and the bacterial form of infectious conjunctivitis can be transmitted directly by touch. Knowing this aspect of the disease's transmission as well as the frequency with which children rub their eyes -- particularly throughout a school day -- clearly indicates the ease by which the infection can spread throughout a classroom, school or daycare center. Depending upon their age and grade, children should be instructed about the following aspects of this disease:

• "Pink Eye" is the common name for the eye infection known medically as infectious conjunctivitis.

• Germs or bacteria cause most infectious conjunctivitis. Treatment requires antibacterial eye drops or eye ointment to help your body's defenses fight the infection.

• Viral or infectious conjunctivitis can be spread by touch, both direct and indirect. Teach your child never to intentionally touch another child's face or eye area. If this occurs accidentally, your child should wash his or her hands immediately or use an antibacterial gel.

• While it may be good manners to share school supplies, the practice shares germs and potential infections as well. Provide your child with his or her own supplies and provide instructions on how to combine courtesy with disease prevention.

• Emphasize regularly the importance of your child washing his or hands throughout the day.

• Teach your child the symptoms of pink eye that they may begin to experience before the infection becomes apparent, such as itchy eyes, blurry vision, feeling as if an eyelash or other foreign object is in the eye or light sensitivity. Children may not understand these common terms and they may need to be explained at their level, such as "if bright light hurts your eyes" as opposed to the term "acute photo-sensitivity."

• Teach your child the advanced symptoms of pink eye, such as matted eyelashes, pain with each eye blink and discolored sclera or whites of their eyes. Remove the child's pillowcase and any washcloths or towels used to be laundered so as not to spread the infection among family members.

• Teach your child why the medication they are prescribed must be applied on a regular basis until the entire prescription is complete.
   

Source:

New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians. “Does ‘Pink Eye’ Have You Seeing Red?”

Reading is an instrumental part of your child’s ability to learn. In order to write complete sentences or do mathematical problems, a child must first be able to understand what is on the page in front of them. If your child is suffering from vision problems, it may be drastically interfering with their ability to learn.

Types of Vision Problems

There are several types of vision problems, all of which can affect your child’s ability to read, write and succeed in the classroom in different ways. The following are some common vision problems that children may suffer form.

Refractive Errors. Children and adults with a refractive error have an irregularly shaped cornea that does not bend light properly. This leads to images appearing blurry. Refractive vision problems include farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. If your child holds a book very close to their eyes or squints when trying to read, they may be suffering from a refractive vision problem. If children with refractive errors cannot properly see the chalkboard or a book in front of them, learning becomes difficult — especially if the refractive error goes undiagnosed.

Functional Vision Problems. These refer to problems affecting the way that the eye and brain work together. When neurological control of certain eye functions fail, problems in eye teaming (binocularity), accommodation (i.e., the ability of the eye to change optical power to focus on an object at different distances), hand-eye coordination, peripheral vision or fine eye movements (which are necessary for reading) may occur. A child with a functional vision problem may spend the majority of their time simply trying to focus on a written word instead of comprehending what is being described in the text.

Perceptual Vision Problems. Perceptual vision problems are characterized by difficulty understanding and identifying what one sees and judging the importance of it. Another characteristic of a perceptual vision problem is difficulty relating an image to information that has been stored in the brain. For example, children with perceptual vision problems may not recognize a word that they have already seen, making learning difficult for the child.

If you think that your child may be suffering from a vision problem that is affecting their ability to learn, contact us for help.

Blue light is produced naturally by the sun and generated by computer monitors, smartphone screens and other digital devices. Although the light has some beneficial effects, exposure can increase your eyestrain risk and even affect your central vision.

What Is Blue Light?

The rays of the sun may appear to be colorless, but they're actually made up of red, blue, orange, yellow, green and violet hues. Red and orange are located at one end of the visible light spectrum, while blue and violet are at the other. Red rays have long wavelengths, but produce less energy. At the other end of the spectrum, the wavelengths are shorter, but the energy is stronger. Because blue rays emit higher amounts of energy, they're more likely to affect your eyes.

Most of your exposure to blue light comes from the sun, but you can't avoid exposure simply by staying indoors. In addition to computer monitors and smartphones, blue light is produced by tablets, LED and fluorescent lights, LED light from TVs and compact fluorescent light bulbs. Although blue light plays an important role in maintaining the sleep/wake cycle, regulating your mood and keeping your memory sharp, it may harm your eyes.

Blue Light Exposure Can Cause Eyestrain

Have you ever experienced blurred vision, headaches or burning, itching eyes after spending hours in front of a digital screen? Long exposure to blue light may have been responsible for your symptoms. Blue light lowers the contrast on screens, causing the condition. Other factors that can contribute to eyestrain include poor lighting, failing to take regular breaks, less frequent blinking and dry air.

Central Vision May Be Affected by Blue Light

Long-term exposure to blue light may increase your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD occurs when the macula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision, is damaged. The condition is more likely to occur after age 60, according to the National Eye Institute, and is more common in Caucasians and people with a family history of the condition.

You may notice a blind spot or blurriness in your central vision if your macula is damaged by blue light exposure.When researchers studied 838 men who worked on the Chesapeake Bay in 1992, they discovered that the men with advanced AMD had higher exposure to blue light over the previous 20 years.

Your risk for AMD rises if you've recently had cataract surgery. Although your cataracts may have been a huge annoyance, they also prevented a large portion of blue light from reaching your retina. Once the cataract is removed, your exposure increases.

Israeli researchers noted an increase in photodynamic therapy used to treat the wet form of macular degeneration in people who had cataract surgery. Their study, published in the February 2007 issue of Ophthalmology, discovered significant increases in the therapy at both six months and one to 1 1/2 years after surgery.

Protecting Your Eyes from Blue Light

Following these tips can help protect your eyes from AMD:

• Buy a Filter. Adding a blue light filter to your screens can improve contrast and lower the amount of blue light that your eyes absorb.

• Take Breaks: Taking frequent breaks from your computer, tablet or smartphone helps lower your blue light exposure and also gives your eyes a chance to rest. Breaks don't have to be long. If your day is hectic, simply looking away from your computer for a minute or two every 20 minutes can be helpful. When you take a longer break, avoid screens completely. Checking your smartphone after working on your computer doesn't count as a break.

• Try New Glasses. If you spend much of your day working on a computer, you may want to consider buying a pair of prescription computer glasses. The glasses block blue light, improve contrast and help reduce eyestrain.

• Consider Blue Light-Blocking Lenses After Cataract Surgery. Special lenses that reduce blue light transmission can be used in place of clear lenses after your cataract surgery.
   

Are you concerned about the effect of blue light on your eyes? Regular eye examinations and glasses that offer blue light protection can help you protect your eyes. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

Sources:

AllAboutVision: Blue Light: It’s Both Bad and Good for You, 2/17

http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/blue-light.htm

PubMed: Archives of Ophthalmology: The Long-Term Effects of Visible Light on the Eye, 1/92

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1731731

National Eye Institute: Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration

https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts

Ophthalmology: Cataract Surgery is Associated with a Higher Rate of Photodynamic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, 2/07

http://www.academia.edu/17812980/Cataract_Surgery_Is_Associated_with_a_Higher_Rate_of_Photodynamic_Therapy_for_Age-Related_Macular_Degeneration

Prevent Blindness: Blue Light and Your Eyes

http://www.preventblindness.org/blue-light-and-your-eyes

Review of Optometry: The Lowdown on Blue Light: Good vs. Bad, and Its Connection to AMD, 2/14

https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/ce/the-lowdown-on-blue-light-good-vs-bad-and-its-connection-to-amd-10974

Do your contact lenses spend more time in their case than in your eyes? Itching and redness, common complaints among contact lens wearers, can make it difficult to wear the lenses for more than an hour or two. The uncomfortable symptoms often occur as a result of allergies, but may develop due to other reasons. Identifying the source of your itch is the key to finding relief.

Allergies

Allergies are a common cause of itchy eyes. In fact, it's estimated that almost half of the world's population is affected by some sort of allergy every year, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. If your itchy eyes are accompanied by sneezing and congestion, allergies may be to blame.

When you're exposed to allergens, such as pollen, grasses or pet dander, your body immediately switches to defensive mode in an attempt to get rid of the foreign substance. Although these allergens aren't dangerous, your body doesn't see it that way. It produces histamines, chemicals that trigger allergic responses designed to eliminate allergens as soon as possible. As histamines flood your body, your eyes water and itch. Your symptoms can be worse when you wear your contacts, as the lenses may trap allergens.

Allergies to contact lens cleaning solutions and the lenses themselves may also cause itching. Keep in mind that allergies can develop at any point in your life. Just because you've never had allergies in the past doesn't mean that they aren't the cause of your itchy eyes.

Contact Dermatitis

Sometimes itching occurs after you come in direct contact with an allergen or irritant. For example, makeup and other products you wear on your face can cause contact dermatitis. If you suffer from this condition, you'll develop an itchy rash where your skin touched the allergen or irritant.

Dry Eye

Dry eyes are another common cause of itching. Other symptoms of dry eye include tearing, burning or the feeling that something is stuck in your eye, even though it looks perfectly fine.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, often accompanies dry eye, but can also occur on its own. If you have blepharitis, you may notice crusty deposits or dandruff-like flakes on your eyelids, in addition to itchy eyelids, watery eyes, burning, stinging and a foreign body sensation.

Contact Lens-Induced Conjunctivitis

Contact lens-induced conjunctivitis, also called giant papillary conjunctivitis, causes small bumps to form on the inner surface of your eyelids. The bumps develop when contact lenses or allergens irritate the lining of eyelids. Failing to clean your lenses often enough can cause the condition, but it may also occur if protein deposits build up on the lenses. Contact lens-induced conjunctivitis causes itching, redness, blurred vision and foreign body sensation. You may also notice an accumulation of string-like strands of mucus.

Try These Tips to Reduce Itching

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to reduce or stop itching and other unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Clean Your Lenses Frequently: During allergy season, you'll need to clean your lenses more often to remove allergens.

• Take Your Allergy Medication: Allergy medication prevents histamines from causing itching and other allergy symptoms. Taking the medication on a daily basis during allergy season can help you avoid itchy eyes.

• Use Artificial Tears: Artificial tears can help combat dry eye. Look for products that are safe to use with contact lenses.

• Change Your Solution: Relieving itching may be as simple as switching to a hypoallergenic solution.

• Try Compresses: Warm compresses will soothe your itchy eyes and help remove crusts caused by blepharitis.

• Wear Your Glasses: If you continue to wear your lenses when your eyes are itchy and uncomfortable, the problem may worsen. Wearing your glasses for a few days will give your eyes the rest they need.

• Don't Rub: Although rubbing your eyes may make them feel a little better momentarily, rubbing can increase irritation and actually prolong the problem.

• Call Your Optometrist: If the itching just won't stop, pay a visit to your optometrist. In some cases, trying a different type of contact lenses can help reduce itching. If you suffer from dry eye, switching to hydrogel lens that retain more moisture may be a good idea. When itching is caused by allergy or protein deposits, wearing daily wear lenses may be a better idea. If you have contact lens-induced conjunctivitis, topical anti-histamines, mast cell stabilizers and corticosteroids can reduce inflammation in your eyes.
   

Are you tired of living with itchy eyes? We offer treatments that can provide relief. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Sources:

AAAAI: Allergy Statistics

http://www.aaaai.org/about-aaaai/newsroom/allergy-statistics

American Academy of Ophthalmology: The Itchy Eye: Diagnosis, Management of Ocular Pruritis, 2/10

https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/itchy-eye-diagnosis-management-of-ocular-pruritis?february-2010

AllAboutVision.com: Remedies for Contact Lens Discomfort, 9/16

http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/cld-remedies.htm

Medscape: Contact Lenses and Allergy, 8/08

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/583607_5

Cleveland Clinic: Are You Allergic to Your Contact Lenses or Solution?, 12/8/16

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2016/12/allergic-contact-lenses-solution/

Common Causes of Yellow Eyes

It's only natural to be concerned if you've noticed that the sclera, the white part of your eye, has become yellow. Yellow eyes can be a sign of an underlying health condition and warrant a visit to the optometrist.
 

What Does the Sclera Do?

The sclera is a tough connective tissue that covers most of the eye. It protects the inner eye from injury and helps your eyeball keep its round shape. Although the sclera is normally white, several diseases and conditions can make it look yellow.
 

Is Part of Your Sclera Yellow? You May Have a Pinguecula

Pingueculae are yellowish growths on the sclera that can develop if you spend a lot of time outdoors without wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) light or are exposed to wind or dust. Although pingueculae are harmless, they can turn into larger growths called pterygia.
 

Jaundice Could Be to Blame if Your Entire Sclera Is Yellow

Jaundice might be the reason that the whites of your eyes are yellow. The condition affects people of all ages but is particularly common in newborn babies. Jaundice occurs in about 60% of newborns, according to the March of Dimes.

An excess amount of bilirubin causes your eyes to take on a yellow hue if you're jaundiced. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms when old red blood cells are broken down in the liver. The cells then leave the body in your urine and feces. If the liver doesn't do a good job of removing the old cells or removes them too slowly, your eyes may appear yellow due to the bilirubin buildup.

Common jaundice causes include:

• Gallstones. Gallstones form when bile, a digestive fluid, hardens into stones. Bile is made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. If the gallstones block the bile ducts between the liver and gallbladder, bilirubin collects in your bloodstream and may eventually turn the whites of your eyes yellow. Gallstones that move into the bile ducts are called bile duct stones. These stones were responsible for 92% of jaundice cases in a study of adults 45 and older with jaundice, according to a cohort study published in Family Practice.

• Hepatitis. Hepatitis inflames the liver, making it harder for the organ to do its job. The infection can occur if you've been infected by the hepatitis A, B, or C virus, but can also happen due to heavy alcohol use, toxins, or use of some medications, like steroids or penicillin.

• Parasites. It's not a pleasant thought, but an invasion of parasites could be responsible for the change in your appearance. Jaundice can occur if roundworms block your bile ducts or liver flukes.

• Cirrhosis. Alcohol-associated cirrhosis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease could kill cells in your liver and replace them with scar tissue, affecting the normal function of the liver.

• Birth Defects. Some people develop jaundice due to a birth defect or condition that affects the body's ability to break down bilirubin. Diseases that can increase the risk of jaundice include Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome and Gilbert Syndrome.

• Pregnancy. In some cases, pregnancy hormones can slow bile flow in the gallbladder and cause jaundice.

• Cancer. A cancerous tumor in the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, or bile ducts may interfere with the normal flow of bile, causing bilirubin to accumulate in your bloodstream.

• Other Causes. Yellow eyes due to jaundice can also occur if you have malaria, hemolytic anemia, an autoimmune disorder, or pancreatitis.
   

What Are the Treatments for Yellow Eyes?

Treatments for yellow eyes vary depending on the cause. Pingueculae or pterygia usually aren't removed unless they interfere with vision or are unsightly. Newborns with jaundice are treated with special lights that help their bodies break down and remove excess bilirubin. Jaundice is usually a temporary problem that improves as the baby's liver becomes more adept at processing blood cells.

If your optometrist suspects that your yellow eyes are related to jaundice, you'll be referred to a general practitioner. Treating underlying conditions, like hepatitis, gallstones, pancreatitis, anemia, or parasites, can return your eyes to their normal color. Blood tests or other types of tests, like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will help your doctor determine the cause of your yellow eyes.

Are you worried about a change in the appearance of your eyes? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.
 

Sources:

March of Dimes: Newborn Jaundice, 1/2024

https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/newborn-jaundice

Family Practice: Jaundice in Primary Care: a Cohort Study of Adults Aged >45 Years Using Electronic Medical Records, 8/2012

https://academic.oup.com/fampra/article/29/4/416/493323

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Why Are the Whites of My Eyes Discolored, 3/9/2022

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/discolored-sclera-whites-of-my-eyes-turn-yellow

WebMD: Yellow Eyes, 5/11/2022

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/causes-of-yellow-eyes

Merck Manual: Jaundice in Adults, 1/2023

https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/manifestations-of-liver-disease/jaundice-in-adult

Protecting your eyesight is an important part of staying healthy overall. Maintaining sound eye health will also help you preserve your quality of life as you age. To keep your eyes as healthy as possible, follow these simple lifestyle practices.

Get regular eye exams. Some eye problems — including age-related macuar degeneration, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma — may not show any warning signs until they have progressed into their advanced stages, limiting the treatment options. However, by undergoing regular eye exams, your eye doctor can help detect eye problems in their early stages and suggest appropriate treatment options sooner.

Learn your family eye health history. If other members of your family have been diagnosed with eye conditions, you may be more at risk of developing them. If you have a family history of eye disease, alert your eye doctor, so he or she can monitor your eye health.

Eat a healthy diet. It’s not just carrots that are good for your eyes. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can help keep your eyes healthy. This includes dark, leafy greens, such as collard greens, kale and spinach. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids may also help protect your eye health; these include halibut, salmon and tuna, among others.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of certain eye conditions, such as diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you lose weight and keep the weight off. If you still have trouble, talk to your doctor.

Give up smoking. Smoking tobacco increases your risk of several eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, these eye conditions can lead to blindness.

Wear sunglasses. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can damage, not only your skin, but alsoyour eyes. To keep your eyes safe, wear sunglasses whenever you are outside. Make sure the glasses are certified to block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Let your eyes rest regularly. If you read, use a computer or do close-up work for long periods, give your eyes frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Keep your contact lenses clean. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow their cleaning instructions closely. In addition, wash your hands thoroughly before you take out or put in your contact lenses. This will reduce your risk of developing an eye infection.

Be eye safe at work. If your workplace requires protective eyewear, be sure to wear them at all times. In addition, know what to do if you, or one of your coworkers, has an eye injury or is splashed in the eyes with harsh chemicals.

Ophthalmology addresses the physiology, anatomy and diseases of the eyes. Pediatric ophthalmology focuses on the eyes of children. Pediatric ophthalmologists examine children’s eyes to see if they need corrective lenses or other treatments to improve their vision.
 

Training for Pediatric Ophthalmologists

Pediatric ophthalmologists graduate from medical school just like other types of doctors, but they decide to specialize in children’s eye health. In addition to studying about the structure and disorders of the eyes, these specialists undergo additional training in examining children. They go to extra lengths to make sure that children feel safe and comfortable within the medical setting and with the sensitive proceedings of an eye exam.
 

Benefits

Vision develops neurologically until a child is about 12 years old. Early detection of problems can make them easier to solve during these crucial years of growth. For example, diagnosing and treating strabismus — commonly known as being cross-eyed — in a young child ensures she has the best chance of developing and maintaining good vision. Nearsighted children will do better in school once they have glasses. Pediatric ophthalmologists also address diseases elsewhere in the body that affect children’s eyes.
 

What to Expect During Your Child’s Visit

Expect your first visit to be longer than your average doctor’s appointment. Allow at least 90 minutes for a thorough exam. If the pediatric ophthalmologist orders special testing, the appointment could take even longer.

The doctor will ask about your child’s health history and any eye-related concerns you might have. Be sure to bring your insurance information and a list of any medications your child takes. Notify the doctor of any allergies.

Pediatric ophthalmologists have different ways of testing children’s eye health, depending on their ages. These may include looking at pictures and reading eye charts. The doctor will check each eye separately as well as both together, and test muscle function around the eyes. Expect the ophthalmologist to use an ophthalmoscope, an instrument that shines a powerful light into the eyes.

Your child’s eyes will probably be dilated with eye drops so the doctor can check how the pupils react to light, and to measure the eye’s focusing system. These drops can sting and cause blurry vision. Reassure your child that this is temporary, and necessary to let they doctor see inside his or her eyes.

Once testing is through, your pediatric ophthalmologist will recommend treatment, if needed. This could include exercises, glasses, medications or surgery.

Pediatricians and family doctors should check children’s vision as a routine part of an examination. If a doctor has referred your child to a pediatric ophthalmologist, call us today so we can optimize your child’s developing vision.

Can Contact Lenses Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays?

Skin cancer isn't the only harmful consequence of sun exposure. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light also increases your risk of several eye diseases and conditions. Choosing contact lenses that offer built-in UV protection can reduce your chances of developing some sun-related eye conditions.
 

How Does UV Light Affect the Eyes?

UV light exposure increases your risk for these diseases and conditions:

• Cancer. You may be more likely to develop squamous or basal cell skin cancers if you don't protect your eyes from the sun's rays. These types of skin cancers can cause cancerous growths on your eyelids or the skin surrounding your eyes.

• Cataracts. Sun exposure is also a factor in cataract development, a condition that happens when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts make colors look faded and causes cloudy or blurry vision, light sensitivity, and glare.

• Growths. Exposure to ultraviolet light increases your risk for developing growths on the conjunctiva of your eyes. These growths can affect your vision if they cover your cornea.

• Macular Degeneration. Sun exposure is a risk factor in macular degeneration, an eye disease that affects your central vision.

• Photokeratitis. Photokeratitis is a type of sunburn that affects the eyes. Symptoms include tearing, redness, and sensitivity to light. Although symptoms only last a few days, the condition can be very painful.

• Presbyopia. UV light exposure may also raise your risk of presbyopia. This age-related vision problem happens when the eye's lens becomes less flexible, which makes it difficult to focus on close objects without reading glasses. According to a 20/20 article, people in countries located closer to the equator develop presbyopia earlier than people in less sunny locations. The article notes that the average age people develop presbyopia in India (latitude 10 - 30) is 37, while people in England (latitude 51 - 54) don't need reading glasses until about age 43.
   

Protecting Your Eyes with Contact Lenses

Several manufacturers offer contact lenses with built-in UV protection. Some companies even sell photochromatic contact lenses that darken when exposed to the sun and lighten when the wearer returns inside.

Wearing lenses with UV protection may reduce your risk of certain eye diseases, like macular degeneration, cataracts, and presbyopia. The lenses could even delay the onset of presbyopia, according to a study published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. The study authors noted that wearing contact lenses that block ultraviolet light could help maintain the lens' focusing abilities, which might delay presbyopia.

Two types of UV contact lenses are available: Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 contact lenses block 90% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays, while Class 2 lenses offer protection from 70% of UVA rays and 95% of UVB rays, according to a research study published in the Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research.
 

Pair Contact Lenses with Sunglasses for Ultimate Protection

Although contact lenses certainly reduce your risk of diseases that could damage your eyesight, they don't provide complete protection. The American Academy of Ophthalmology points out that the lenses don't protect the conjunctiva, the eyelids or the skin around the eyes. Wearing sunglasses with your contact lenses offers a simple way to fully protect your eyes from the sun's rays.

When you shop for sunglasses, pay attention to the sun protection information on the tag. If the glasses don't block 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, keep shopping. Prescription sunglasses, available from your optometrist, offer an excellent option when you'll be spending time outdoors but don't want to wear your contact lenses.

Talk to your eye doctor about the sun protection benefits of contact lenses during your next visit. Give our office a call if you're ready to make an appointment or aren't sure if your current lenses offer ultraviolet protection.
 

Sources:

20/20: Presbyopia & Sun Exposure, 10/2018

https://www.2020mag.com/article/presbyopia-and-sun-exposure

Science Direct: Contact Lens and Anterior Eye: International Multi-Centre Study of Potential Benefits of Ultraviolet Radiation Protection Using Contact Lenses, 12/2022

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1367048422000315

Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research: Do UV-Blocking Soft Contact Lenses Meet ANSI Z80.20 Criteria for UV Transmittance?, 10 - 12/2015

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4795395/

Review of Optometry: 5 Patients Who Need UV Protection and Why, 3/15/2014

https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/5-patients-who-need-uv-protection--and-why

All About Vision: How Photochromic Contacts Shield Your Eyes from Ultraviolet Rays, 3/29/2020

https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/do-photochromic-contacts-protect-from-uv/

National Eye Institute: Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun's UV Light, 7/5/2022

https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/protecting-your-eyes-suns-uv-light

Tired of Contacts? Consider Orthokeratology

Contact lenses make it possible to see clearly without eyeglasses, but they're not the best choice for everyone. If wearing contacts makes your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable, or you're looking for a simpler solution, orthokeratology may offer a good option. Orthokeratology involves wearing special contact lenses at night that reshape your cornea and sharpen your vision.
 

How the Curvature of Your Cornea Affects Vision

Your iris and pupil are covered by the cornea, a clear layer of rounded tissue. The cornea bends the light rays that enter your eyes, ensuring that they're properly focused on the retina. It's the retina's job to turn the light rays into electrical impulses and send them to the brain via the optic nerve. Once the impulses reach the brain, they're processed and converted into recognizable images.

If your cornea isn't perfectly curved, it won't be able to bend light rays properly. A cornea that curves more than normal causes myopia (nearsightedness). Due to the increased curvature, light rays focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. When this happens, objects in the distance look blurry.

The opposite problem is responsible for hyperopia (farsightedness). Light rays focus behind the retina because the cornea is too flat. If you're farsighted, distant objects are sharp, but objects up close look blurry. Astigmatism, another problem that affects the cornea, occurs when the cornea is abnormally shared. Astigmatism causes blurry vision when you look at near and far objects.
 

Correcting Your Vision with Orthokeratology

During orthokeratology treatment, you'll wear special gas-permeable contact lenses while you sleep. These lenses exert gentle pressure that changes the shape of the cornea.

Unlike other contact lenses, these lenses are specially made to address your particular issues. Before you receive the contact lenses, your optometrist will use a corneal topography machine to create a surface map of your cornea. While the mapping is performed, he'll ask you to look at a bowl-shaped machine that contains a series of rings. Mapping only takes a few minutes and is painless.

In addition to improving poor vision caused by myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, orthokeratology is also used to slow the progression of myopia in children or improve near vision if you have presbyopia. Presbyopia is an age-related problem that makes it difficult to see small print.

It may take a few days to see an improvement in your vision after your start wearing the contact lenses. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you may not notice the full effects of orthokeratology for two weeks or longer. As long as you continue to wear the contact lenses at night, your vision will remain sharp during the day. If you decide to stop wearing your lenses, your vision will become blurry again in two or three days. You should wear the lenses for at least six hours every night, although eight hours is even better.

Caring for your contact lenses is simple. You'll simply place them in a cleaning and disinfecting solution every morning and put them back in your eyes in the evening.

Wondering if orthokeratology is a good choice if dryness is a problem for you? Gas-permeable lenses allow more oxygen to reach your eye than soft contact lenses and cover a smaller area of the eye. Their smaller size means that your eye stays moister during the night.
 

Who Can Benefit from Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology can be a good idea if:

• Wearing Contacts Irritates Your Eyes or Worsens or Causes Dry Eye

• You Are Allergic to Contact Lens Solutions

• You Work or Live in Dry, Dusty or Smoky Areas that Make Contact Lens Wear Challenging

• You Want to Exercise or Swim Without Worrying About Your Contact Lenses

• You're Looking for an Alternative to Laser Refractive Surgery

• You Want to Prevent Your Child's Nearsightedness from Getting Worse Quickly
   

Would you like to find out if orthokeratology is right for you? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.
 

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Orthokeratology?, 9/13/2018

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/what-is-orthokeratology

All About Vision: Ortho-K and Corneal Refractive Therapy: Overnight Contacts to Correct Myopia, 2/27/2019

https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/orthok.htm

Review of Myopia Management: Prescribing Orthokeratology for Adult Patients, 12/15/2021

https://reviewofmm.com/prescribing-orthokeratology-for-adult-patients/

WebMD: What Is Orthokeratology?, 8/24/2022

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/what-is-orthokeratology