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Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common eye problem that can afflict children and adults alike. It is highly contagious and spreads quickly in environments like classrooms or offices filled with multiple people in close proximity to one another. The good news is that conjunctivitis is easily treated and can be prevented.
 

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Conjunctivitis gets the nickname pink eye because it gives the affected eye a shade of pink. Symptoms of pink eye vary depending on which of three types of pink eye you have contracted. One or both eyes can be affected by these symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis produces watery and itchy eyes and causes sensitivity to light. It can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

Bacterial conjunctivitis creates a yellow-green discharge in the corner of the eye. It can cause your eyelids to stick together while you are sleeping. This type of pink eye is spread through direct contact with infected hands or objects.

Allergic conjunctivitis leads to watery, burning and itchy eyes. Other associated symptoms include a runny nose, stuffiness, and light sensitivity. Both eyes are affected by it, but this form of pink eye is not contagious.
 

Conjunctivitis Causes

Causes behind a case of conjunctivitis vary based on which type you have contracted. Some types of conjunctivitis are more dangerous to the long-term health of your eyes than others.

Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus. It is a contagious form of pink eye, but typically clears up on its own within a few days. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually connected with allergies, so it typically flares up when exposed to seasonal irritants like pollen or everyday irritants like dust or pet dander.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most dangerous type of pink eye. It results from a bacterial infection. If left untreated by an eye care professional, the bacteria can cause serious damage to the affected eye.
 

Conjunctivitis Treatments

Treatments for conjunctivitis vary based on the type afflicting your eyes. Viral conjunctivitis does not usually require medical treatment. A cold wet washcloth is often enough to relieve symptoms. Allergy medications can be effective in reducing or preventing bouts of allergic conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis can only be treated through applying antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by your eye care professional.

If you wear contact lenses, switch to eyeglasses until your eye care provider has performed an eye exam to determine which type of conjunctivitis is affecting your eyes.

Most people classified as blind still retain some ability to see. They often have significantly impaired vision but can discern light, shapes, or other figures. Low vision refers to a class of visual impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. A number of conditions may cause low vision, and actual visual abilities may vary by individual. A thorough assessment by an eye care provider can help you determine the severity of your visual impairment and identify potential avenues for treatment.
 

What Is Considered Low Vision?

A person is typically considered "legally blind" if he or she has vision that cannot be corrected to better than 20/200. The World Health Organization defines low vision by degree of impairment. Someone whose best corrected vision (in his or her best eye) is 20/70 to 20/160 has moderate low vision; vision in the 20/200 to 20/400 range is considered severe low vision; from 20/500 to 20/1,000 is profound low vision; and less than 20/1,000 is near total blindness. Only if someone cannot discern any light is he or she considered to be totally blind.

So what does this mean for you? If you have a visual condition that prevents your visual abilities to be fully corrected to near 20/20, you may have low vision. Significant loss of visual field, such as the inability to see in peripheral areas, is also considered low vision.
 

Causes of Low Vision

Low vision does not refer to a single etiology of vision loss. Rather, it is a cluster of conditions that significantly impair visual abilities. Common causes of low vision include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, cataracts, or glaucoma. Many of these conditions are associated with aging, and older adults are more likely to experience low vision. However, traumatic brain injury, eye injuries, and some genetic conditions can cause low vision at any age.
 

Diagnosis and Treatment

A thorough optometry exam is the best way to diagnose low vision. Your eye care provider will test your visual acuity, visual fields, and ability to detect color and contrast. Although by definition, low vision cannot be corrected by prescription glasses or surgery, some therapeutic options can help you continue activities of daily living. Magnifying devices, using large-print materials, and increasing contrast may facilitate everyday activities. Other aids, such as books-on-tape or talking watches may also be helpful. Discuss your visual impairment with your optometrist to come up with a plan to improve your quality of life despite low vision.

During the normal aging process, components of your eyes change in shape and flexibility. This frequently corresponds to vision changes that may make it difficult to see close objects. Although not all adults experience these changes, many find that they need reading glasses as they get older. Visiting your eye care provider ensures that you receive prescription reading glasses that work best for your eyes.
 

What Causes Age-Related Eye Changes?

The lens of your eye is a flexible disk that changes shape to focus light onto the retina. Over time, the lens naturally becomes thicker and less flexible because of changes to the proteins in the lens. The muscle fibers attached to the lens also change with age, making it less flexible. The result is a harder, more rigid lens that cannot properly refract light and focus on near objects. This leads to blurred vision when looking at close objects, a condition technically called presbyopia.
 

What If My Eyes Are Already Corrected?

In many cases, individuals already wear glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. Whether you had 20/20 eyesight in your younger years or had laser surgery to correct your vision, age-related presbyopia may affect you. The condition often develops after the age of 40, although some people maintain perfect eyesight into older adulthood.
 

What to Look for in Reading Glasses

Reading glasses correct presbyopia by helping light properly reflect onto your retinas, improving your focus on near objects. Typically, reading glasses are worn only when reading, doing needlework, or performing tasks which require concentrating on materials close up. Some reading glasses are full frames, which must be taken on and off when transitioning from close-up work to distance vision. Others are half frames, which permit you to shift your gaze appropriately to achieve the best vision.

Although drug stores and even supermarkets commonly stock reading glasses, it is important to get a thorough eye exam before making a purchase. An eye care provider can detect other age-related changes that may be affecting your vision. Prescription reading glasses can account for differences between your eyes as well as astigmatism. Consult your eye doctor for a thorough optometry exam before investing in a pair of reading glasses.

The Causes, Treatments, and Prevention of a Chalazion

Are you wondering what the red bump on your upper or lower eyelid is? A chalazion could be to blame.

What Causes a Chalazion?

A chalazion forms when a meibomian gland at the edge of your eyelid becomes clogged. These glands make oils that moisturize your eyes and prevent tears from evaporating too soon. As a result of the blockage, oil backups in the gland, forming a noticeable bump on your eye. Styes can also cause bumps on your eyelid, but unlike styes, a chalazion isn't painful. But, it can become painful if it becomes infected.

In addition to being unattractive, a chalazion can affect your vision. They may make your eyesight look a little blurry, but it is also possible for them to have the opposite effect. For example, if you're nearsighted, you may notice that your vision looks a little clearer due to the pressure that the bump exerts on your eye.

The eyelid bumps are most common in adults ages 30 to 50, according to the American Optometric Society. You may be more likely to develop a chalazion if you have any of these issues or conditions:

• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)

• Rosacea (a skin condition that causes facial flushing and small, red bumps)

• Seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that affects the oiliest parts of your body)

• A condition or disease that affects your immune system

• A virus

• Stress

• Skin cancer

• Eyelid injury or surgery

• Tuberculosis
   

How Is a Chalazion Treated?

Applying warm compresses to your eyelid can open the oil gland and help it drain. Washcloths make excellent compresses. Run the washcloth under warm water, then wring out excess water, and place the compress on your eye. Apply warm compresses four or five times a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. After you remove the washcloth, massage the chalazion using gentle pressure.

Although compresses can be very helpful, they don't always help you get rid of the bump on your eyelid. If the chalazion doesn't go away after a few weeks, affects your vision, or causes your entire eyelid to swell, call your optometrist. Your eye doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops or corticosteroid injections that reduce swelling and inflammation that will get rid of the bump.

Stubborn chalazia often need to be drained. During this procedure, your eye doctor numbs your eye, then makes a small incision and drains the chalazion. Because the incision is made inside your eyelid, you won't have any scarring. If the chalazion is infected, you may also need to take antibiotics.

What You Can Do to Prevent a Chalazion

Following these recommendations can help you avoid a new chalazion:

• Clean Your Eyelids Every Day. Dilute baby shampoo in warm water or use an eyelid cleanser to keep your eyelids clean and free of debris and bacteria. Be sure to remove your eye makeup every night before you go to sleep.

• Wear Eye Protection. Use goggles or safety glasses when working around dust, sawdust, or other airborne materials.

• Don't Touch Your Face. Like most people, you probably touch your face throughout the day without even thinking about it. Unfortunately, your hands can transfer germs to your eyes and make it easier for chalazia to form. Making an effort to reduce the number of times you touch your face can reduce your risk.

• Wash Your Hands Often. Washing your hands before you put in or take out your contacts or touch your eyes for any reason offers a simple way to reduce your risk of another chalazion.

• Make Eye Makeup Safety a Priority. Don't share makeup with anyone, especially eye makeup. Replace mascara and other eye makeup at least every three months.
   

Could the bump on your eye be a chalazion? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with your optometrist.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Are Styes and Chalazia?, 11/18/2021

American Optometric Association: Chalazion

All About Vision: All About Chalazion, 1/2022

Which Type of Contact Lens Is Right for You?

Contact lenses are the preference of millions of nearsighted and farsighted Americans for good reason. The lenses offer exceptionally clear vision, don't fog up like eyeglass lenses, and can help you feel more confident about your appearance. Not sure which type of contacts lens is the best choice for you? Take a look at these popular lens options.

Soft Contact Lenses

If you're thinking about wearing contact lenses, chances are you're considering soft lenses. Ninety percent of contact wearers in the U.S. wear this type of lens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Soft contact lenses are made of thin, flexible materials that make them a comfortable option for many people.

The lenses are comfortable from the moment you first put them in your eye and are an excellent option whether you're nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism, or have presbyopia. Presbyopia is an age-related focusing issue that makes it difficult to see close objects clearly.

Because the lenses are so flexible, they can tear if you don't handle them gently. Although soft lenses are a good choice for most people, they can increase your risk of dry eye or irritation.

Soft contact lens choices include:

• Daily Wear Lenses. These lenses are designed to be tossed out after you wear them for just one day.

• Extended Wear Lenses. Extended wear lenses are usually worn for several weeks or a month before they're discarded. At the end of the day, you'll clean the lenses and store them in a clean case. Although extended wear lenses can be worn overnight, wearing them while you sleep can increase your risk of irritation or infection. Your optometrist will recommend the ideal wearing schedule for you if you choose extended wear lenses.

• Multifocal Lenses. Bifocals or progressive eyeglasses aren't the only options if you have presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses contain several lens powers, which makes it easy to see well at any distance. Wearing single power lenses with two different prescriptions is another option if you have presbyopia. One lens handles near distances while another helps you see objects in the distance.
   

Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses

Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses aren't as flexible as soft lenses but offer clearer vision. They can be a good choice if you don't feel your vision is sharp enough with soft lenses or have a high degree of astigmatism. Unlike soft lenses, RGP lenses don't cover the cornea completely. The cornea is the clear, rounded layer of cells that cover the iris and pupil. The smaller size of RGP lenses makes it easier for oxygen to reach your eye but also causes the lenses to move slightly every time you blink.

RGP lenses don't feel comfortable immediately. You may need to slowly increase your wearing schedule over the first few weeks until you can tolerate wearing the lenses all day.

Toric Lenses

Toric lenses are an excellent option if you have astigmatism. Astigmatism causes blurry spots in your near and far vision and occurs when your cornea isn't perfectly uniform. Toric contacts contain more than one lens power and are weighted to prevent the lenses from moving. They are available in both soft and RGP forms and may cost a little more than single-power lenses.

Hybrid Contact Lenses

Hybrid contact lenses consist of a gas-permeable core surrounded by a softer outer lens. They provide sharp vision and a comfortable feel but are usually the most expensive contact lens option.

Cosmetic Lenses

Cosmetic lenses offer an excellent solution if you're dressing up for Halloween or attending a costume party and want to temporarily change the color of your eyes. Although cosmetic lenses are readily available at party supply stores and websites, these lenses may not be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration like the lenses offered by your eye doctor. Your optometrist can help you find attractive cosmetic lenses that look natural and won't damage your eyes.

Are you interested in wearing contact lenses or changing the type of lenses you currently wear? Contact our office to schedule a contact lens exam.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Fast Facts, 7/26/18

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Contact Lenses for Vision, 3/4/2021

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Types of Contact Lenses

All About Vision: Contact Lens Basics: Types of Contact Lenses and More, 11/2021

Mayo Clinic: Contact Lenses: What to Know Before You Buy, 10/23/202

Testing Your Eye Pressure

High pressure inside your eyes increases your risk of glaucoma, a disease that can cause vision loss. Although you can't tell when your eye pressure is rising, a simple test conducted at your optometrist's office helps your eye doctor detect and treat pressure changes.

Why It's Important to Keep Your Pressure Under Control

Your eye is filled with a clear fluid called aqueous humor that delivers nutrients to the cornea and lens and removes waste products. The pressure produced by the fluid helps your eyes keep their round shape.

Drainage channels constantly remove old aqueous humor and make room for a new supply of fluid. If the drainage channels become blocked, your eye pressure rises, which can cause optic nerve damage.

The optic nerve carries electrical impulses from your eyes to your brain. Once the impulses reach the brain, they're processed and transformed into images. If the optic nerve becomes damaged by high pressure inside your eyes, the impulses may not reach your brain. This can cause partial or complete vision loss.

Unfortunately, you probably won't notice any symptoms if you have a common type of glaucoma called open-angle glaucoma. Despite the lack of symptoms, open-angle glaucoma can slowly damage your vision. Angle-closure glaucoma, the more severe form of the condition, occurs suddenly and does cause symptoms. Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include pain, sudden loss of vision, nausea, headache, halos around lights, and blurry vision.

So how high is too high when it comes to eye pressure? The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that pressure between 10 and 21 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is normal and anything above that is too high. Some people who have eye pressure that's technically in the normal range may also be at risk of developing glaucoma.

3 Ways to Test Eye Pressure

Eye doctors use several methods to test eye pressure, including:

• Non-Contact Tonometry. Commonly called the "air puff" test, non-contact tonometry measures how much your corneas flatten when exposed to a burst of air. While you look at a light, a puff of air flattens your cornea. Generally, the more force needed to flatten the cornea, the higher the pressure inside your eye.

• Goldmann Applanation Tonometry. Before this test begins, your eye doctor puts drops in your eyes that numb them and also adds a few drops of a blue dye. After your eye is numb, your doctor looks in your eyes with a special machine called a slit-lamp microscope. You'll notice a glowing blue light that makes the dye added to your eyes visible. The test is conducted by pressing the tip of a small probe against your cornea. The tonometer measures how much pressure it takes to flatten the cornea.

• Electronic Tonometry. An electronic tonometer looks a little like a pen. During the test, the device is briefly held against your eye after it's numbed with eye drops. Your eye pressure reading appears on a small screen on the device.
   

What Happens If Your Pressure Is High

A higher-than-normal pressure reading doesn't necessarily mean that you have glaucoma. Some people naturally have higher pressure readings than others, yet have no damage to their optic nerves.

If you have a high eye pressure reading, your eye doctor will take a close look at your optic nerve. Dilating your pupil with special drops makes it possible to view the optic nerve and spot damage. They may also take a few pictures of the nerve. In addition to checking out your optic nerve, your eye doctor measures the thickness of your corneas. A thick cornea could make your pressure measurement seem higher than it really is. As part of your examination, your eye doctor will also test your side vision and check to see if the drainage channels inside your eye are blocked.

If your pressure is too high, you may need one or more of these glaucoma treatments:

• Eye drops to decrease pressure

• Laser eye surgery to improve drainage

• Traditional eye surgery if laser therapy isn't helpful
   

Annual eye examinations and eye pressure tests help you protect your eyesight and ensure that you get the treatment you need should you ever develop glaucoma. Contact us to schedule your next comprehensive eye examination.

Sources:

Bright Focus Foundation: How Is Eye Pressure Measured?

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye Pressure Testing, 2/26/18

All About Vision: Do I Have to Get the Air Puff Test, 10/21

Glaucoma Research Foundation: The Importance of Corneal Thickness, 10/29/17

Tips On Picking the Right Sunglasses for Eye Health During UV Safety Month

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory. The glasses decrease your exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays produced by the sun and may help you lower your risk of developing several serious eye diseases. If you'll be shopping for sunglasses soon, these tips will help you select a pair that offers maximum protection for your eyes.

Take a Minute to Read the Label

You may be more likely to develop cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, growths on your eye, or eye cancer if you don't protect your eyes from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

Manufacturers usually include information about UV protection on a label or sticker attached to the sunglasses. For complete protection, look for labels that mention that the glasses provide 100 percent protection from UVA or UVB rays or note that the lenses offer 100 percent protection against UV400. If you don't see this information on the label, the sunglasses may not adequately protect your eyes from the sun.

More expensive isn't necessarily better when it comes to UV protection. Inexpensive lenses can block UV light just as effectively as more costly options.

Consider Lens Color Options

Any sunglass lens color can block UV light. Of course, some lens colors may be better choices than others, depending on how you'll use the glasses. Gray and green lenses are good everyday choices that decrease glare and improve contrast without making colors look dull. Red lenses can improve depth perception, while yellow lenses may make it easier to focus in hazy conditions, according to All About Vision.

Wearing sunglasses year-round offers the best protection from the harmful effects of UV rays. Ultraviolet light can damage your eyes just as easily in the winter as in the summer.

Your risk of developing an eye disease due to UV exposure increases if you have blue, green, or hazel eyes. More than 54 percent of Americans have these light-colored eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Evaluate Fit

Fit is an important consideration when buying sunglasses. If the sidearms or too tight or the nose pads pinch your nose, you probably won't wear the glasses as often as you should.

For maximum sun protection, choose wraparound sunglasses. These glasses prevent UV rays from leaking in around the top, bottom, and sides of the frames.

Wear Hats

Combining sunglasses with a hat offers even more protection for your eyes. Whether you prefer a baseball cap or a large sun hat, look for hats with large brims that extend over your face.

Talk to Your Optometrist About Prescription or Non-Prescription Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses can be a hassle if you normally wear prescription eyeglasses. Everything looks blurry if you put on a pair of drugstore sunglasses, but clip-on sunglass lenses aren't necessarily a better choice. It's not always easy to find clip-ons that fit your lenses perfectly, and clip-ons may not be the most attractive option.

Fortunately, prescription sunglasses offered by your optometrist provide a better option. Sunglass lenses can be added to many fashionable frame styles. Transition lenses offer another option if you wear eyeglasses. The prescription lenses darken when you go outside, then turn lighter after you return indoors.

If you play sports or swim, prescription goggles with UV protection protect your eyes from the sun and provide clear vision.

Would you like a pair of high-quality sunglasses to wear with your contact lenses? Your eye doctor also offers non-prescription sunglasses that reduce glare and increase your comfort.

Do you need a new pair of glasses sunglasses? UV Safety Awareness Month in July is the perfect time to select a new pair. Contact our office to make an appointment for a comprehensive vision examination if you need a new prescription. You can also pay a visit to the office to pick out your new sunglasses if you already have a prescription.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Sun Smart UV Safety Infographic, 4/30/14

All About Vision: Types of Sunglasses: A User's Guide

American Optometric Association: Ultraviolet (UV) Protection

American Academy of Ophthalmology: How to Choose the Best Sunglasses: Six Things to Consider, 4/30/15

AARP: How Sunglasses Can Protect Your Eyes, 5/7/19

Indoor Tanning May Increase Your Risk of Certain Eye Conditions

A higher risk of skin cancer isn't the only disadvantage of indoor tanning. Spending time in a tanning bed can also harm your eyes.

How Indoor Tanning Affects Your Eyes

The ultraviolet (UV) rays produced by tanning beds are just as harmful as those produced by the sun. Although UV light does play a positive role in physical and mental health, frequent or prolonged exposure damages the tissues in the body, including those in the eyes. In many cases, the damage isn't apparent for decades.

Indoor tanning can increase your risk of developing these eye conditions and diseases:

• Cataracts: Cataracts form when the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Symptoms include blurry vision, glare, halos around lights, poor night vision, and faded colors. According to a study funded in part by the National Eye Institute, UV light damages lens proteins, triggering the changes that cause cataracts.

• Photokeratitis: Photokeratitis is a type of sunburn caused by natural and artificial UV light sources, including those found in tanning beds and lamps. Photokeratitis affects the sensitive tissues of the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye, and the cornea, the clear, rounded tissue that covers the iris and pupil. In addition to redness, symptoms of photokeratitis can include pain, blurred vision, tearing, sensitivity to lights, headaches, and halos around light.

• Cancer: UV light exposure may also increase your risk of cancer in your eye and in the skin around your eye. Depending on where the cancer is located, temporary or permanent vision loss could occur.

• Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration causes blurry or blind spots in your central vision. Years of sun exposure can lead to the death of cells in the center of your retina, the layer of light-sensing cells at the back of your eye. Macular degeneration is the top cause of vision loss in the U.S., according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. In addition to central vision changes, macular degeneration symptoms can include trouble recognizing faces, difficulty seeing in low light, and faded colors.

• Pterygium: Growths called pterygium may form on your eyes if you frequently use indoor tanning beds or lamps. The growths often develop on the inner or outer edges of the conjunctiva, the whites of your eyes, but can spread across the eye without treatment. Symptoms of pterygium include redness, pain, itching, and burning.
   

How to Protect Your Eyes

Tanning lotions or spray tans are a safer option for your eyes and your skin. If you decide to try a spray tan, be sure to wear goggles to prevent the spray from irritating your eyes.

If you're not quite ready to give up indoor tanning, reduce your risk of eye damage by wearing goggles every second you're exposed to the UV light. A good fit is essential. The goggles should fit tightly against the skin to prevent light from leaking into your eyes. If you're concerned about lines from the straps, adhesive eye protection may be an option. Look for goggles or protection that block 99 percent of UV light rays from entering your eyes.

Regular visits to the optometrist can help you improve and protect your vision. Contact us to schedule your appointment if it's time for an eye exam or you're concerned about pain, a change in vision, or other symptoms.

Sources:

National Eye Institute: New Research Sheds Light on How UV Rays May Contribute to Cataract, 6/3/14

American Macular Degeneration Foundation: What is Macular Degeneratio

Is a Healthy Diet Important for Vision?

Improving your eating habits offers benefits you may not have considered. In addition to reducing your risk of heart disease, lowering your cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight, good nutrition also helps you keep your eyes healthy.

How What You Eat Affects Your Vision

Vitamins and minerals found in foods and supplements nourish every part of your body, including your eyes. If nutrient levels are too low, you may be more likely to develop certain diseases that can damage your vision or even cause vision loss. Numerous studies have shown that a healthy diet or use of supplements can have a positive effect on these eye conditions and diseases:

• Cataracts. A cataract develops when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision, fading colors, and sensitivity to light and glare.

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD occurs when cells in the macula, the center part of your retina begin to degenerate. The condition can cause blurriness or blank spots in the center of your vision. Taking AREDS and AREDS 2 supplements may slow the progression of AMD if you already have it, according to the National Eye Institute. The supplements contain a mixture of vitamins and minerals most helpful for AMD.

• Dry Eye. When your eyes aren't moist enough, burning, redness, headaches, and blurry vision can make you very uncomfortable. Dry eye is more common as you age, although it can also be related to medications, medication side effects, or using digital devices for hours.
   

Nutrients That Promote Good Vision Health

Boost your eye health by adding foods that contain these nutrients and minerals to your shopping list or taking supplements:

• Vitamin E. Eating foods that contain this vitamin may lower your risk of cataracts and AMD or slow the progression of cataracts. Vitamin E could also protect your eyes from the damaging effects of free radicals, molecules that play a part in many diseases. Vitamin E is found in sunflower seeds, pecans, almonds, cereal, sweet potatoes, salmon, spinach, collard greens, avocado, mango, red bell peppers, wheat germ, and sunflower and safflower oils.

• Vitamin C. Found in citrus fruits, potatoes, papaya, pineapple, strawberries, guava, broccoli, peppers, and Brussels sprouts, vitamin C helps keep your vision sharp, reduces your risk of developing cataracts, and may slow AMD.

• Vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight prompts your body to make Vitamin D, a vitamin necessary for a healthy metabolism and bone and heart health. A vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk of developing AMD, dry eye, or uveitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the middle of your eye. Salmon, mackerel, and fatty fish are good sources of vitamin D, as are fortified milk, orange juice, and cereals. Of course, sun exposure can also help you improve your vitamin D level, provided you use sunscreen and wear sunglasses that filter out ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVA) rays.

• Beto-Carotene. Your parents were right when they told you that eating carrots might help your eyesight. Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, a pigment that is converted to vitamin A by your body. Vitamin A keeps the surface of your cornea healthy, lubricates your eyes, and may reduce vision loss due to AMD.

• Omega Fatty Acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help keep your retinas healthy and your eyes moist. The acids may also protect against AMD and reduce the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy, a condition that causes leaky blood vessels in the retina that interfere with vision. Omega fatty acids are found in salmon, shrimp, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, oysters, chia seeds, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, tofu, soybeans, flaxseed oil, and canola oil.

• Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These nutrients are found in eggs, green leafy vegetables, grapes, pumpkin, peas, broccoli, asparagus, and squash. Lutein and zeaxanthin may offer some protection from AMD and cataracts.
   

Regular eye exams, in addition to good nutrition, will help you keep your eyes healthy and reduce the likelihood that you'll develop an eye disease or condition. If it's been a while since you've had an exam, call our office and schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Review of Optometry: Vitamin D Deficiency and Dry Eye Go Hand in Hand, 10/10/18

National Eye Institute: Nutritional Supplements for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

All About Vision: Eye Benefits of Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene

American Optometric Association: Diet and Nutrition

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Diet and Nutrition, 11/2/20

Is That Bump On Your Eyelid a Stye?

Styes may not be very big, but they can certainly cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Fortunately, most styes go away in a few days with home treatment. If your stye lingers, your optometrist can offer treatments that will help.

What Is a Stye?

Styes are red, painful bumps that form as a result of a bacterial infection. The bumps usually appear on or inside your eyelid. If you have a stye, you may notice:

• Eyelid Swelling

• A Feeling That You Have Something in Your Eye

• Crusty Discharge Along the Eyelid

• Pus in the Center of the Stye

• A Burning Sensation

• Sensitivity to Light

• Tearing
   

How Did I Get a Stye?

Styes appear when the oil glands underneath your eyelashes become inflamed and blocked by bacteria. The bump may appear if you absentmindedly touch your eyes or insert or remove your contact lenses without washing your hands first.

Other risk factors include forgetting to take off your makeup before you go to bed or using skincare products or makeup that has expired. If you have rosacea or blepharitis, a chronic condition that inflames the eyelids, you may also be more likely to develop styes.

What Can I Do to Treat a Stye at Home?

Warm compresses applied to the eye several times a day can help your stye drain and heal. Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and hold it against your eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes. Warm tea bags can also be used as compresses if you prefer.

Don't share the washcloth with other members of your family. The bacterial infection that causes styes is contagious and can spread to other family members if they use the same washcloths or towels.

Avoid wearing makeup on and around your eyes while you wait for your stye to heal. Makeup could irritate the stye and slow healing. Throw away your eye makeup, even if it's not expired. If the makeup is contaminated by bacteria, you may develop a new stye if you continue to use the product.

Clean your eyelids several times a day with a wet washcloth, or use eyelid cleanser pads or makeup pads from the drugstore. A diluted solution of baby shampoo will keep your eyelids clean without irritating your eyes. Wash your hands before cleaning your eyes, and try to keep your hands away from your eyes during the day.

If pain is an issue, over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful.

What Treatments Do Eye Doctors Offer?

Most styes begin to improve within about a week of home treatment. If it's been a few weeks and you still have a stye, it's time to visit your optometrist.

He or she may recommend one or more of these treatments:

• Antibiotic Drops or Cream. Antibiotic eye drops or cream kill the bacteria that caused your stye.

• Oral Antibiotics. If your stye doesn't get better after you use the eye drops or cream, you might need to take oral antibiotics.

• Draining: Stubborn styes may need to be drained. This minor surgical procedure involves making a cut in the stye to allow the pus to drain. Once the pus is gone, your stye will begin to heal. You'll receive a local anesthetic before the surgery to ensure that you feel no pain.
   

Do you have a stye that just won't go away? We can ease your discomfort and help your stye finally heal. Contact our office to schedule a convenient appointment.

Sources:

All About Vision: Eye Styes: Causes and Symptoms, 2/20

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Are Chalazia and Styes?: 8/29/19

Mayo Clinic: Sty