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The Pros and Cons of Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear contact lenses are definitely a convenient option, but are they the right choice for you? Taking a look at the advantages and drawbacks of these contact lenses will help you make this decision.

What Are Extended Wear Contact Lenses?

Extended wear contact lenses can be worn for seven to thirty days before removing them, depending on their type. They're made of thin, breathable silicone hydrogel, a material that allows more oxygen to pass through the lenses to your cornea. If the cornea doesn't get enough oxygen, you're more likely to develop inflammation or infection. Some rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are also suitable for extended wear.

Extended Wear Contact Lens Pros

Extended wear contact lenses offer several benefits that may make them a good choice for you, including:

• Convenience. Since you rarely remove extended wear contact lenses, they're an excellent option if your job or hobbies make it difficult to remove or clean your lenses. You might prefer to wear these lenses if you enjoy multi-day hikes on mountain trails or work in a job that requires long hours.

• Less Cleaning. If you hate cleaning your contacts, you'll love extended wear contact lenses. Since they're designed to be worn continuously, you'll spend much less time cleaning them.

• Less Touching. Do you dislike touching your eyes when putting in contact lenses? When you wear extended wear lenses, you'll minimize the time you spend putting in and taking out your contacts.

• Clear Vision Day and Night. If you're severely nearsighted or farsighted, wearing extended wear contact lenses means you can see clearly from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. You'll no longer have to pat your nightstand in search of your glasses in the morning.

• Cost. Daily contact lenses cost significantly more than extended wear lenses. If cost is a concern for you, you may decide that extended wear contact lenses offer a better value.
   

Extended Wear Contact Lens Cons

Extended contact lenses also have a few drawbacks, including:

• Shorter Actual Wear Schedule. Although extended wear contact lenses can be worn for seven to 30 days, not everyone can tolerate wearing the lenses that long. Your optometrist will tell you how long you should wear the lenses during the fitting process.

• Possible Sleep Issues. Some people also find that sleeping in the lenses irritates their eyes. Regardless of how long you wear your extended wear lenses, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration recommends sleeping without the lenses for at least one night after the end of the scheduled removal date. All About Vision notes that a flexible wearing schedule might be a good compromise. If you follow a flexible schedule, you'll remove the lenses at night but can sleep in them occasionally.

• Risk of Infection and Eye Issues. Wearing contact lenses increases your risk of eye infections whether you wear daily or extended wear contact lenses, but extended wear lenses carry a higher risk. According to the British Contact Lens Association, wearing contact lenses to sleep increases the risk of an infection by four times, no matter what type of lens is worn.

• No Swimming or Showering. Any type of contact lens, including extended wear contact lenses, should not be worn while swimming or showering. The lenses can soak up germs in the water that may cause corneal infections. Bacterial keratitis, a common eye infection among contact lens wearers causes eye pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage to your vision if you develop keratitis.
   

Need help finding the perfect type of contact lenses for your lifestyle? We'll help you consider all the options and recommend the ideal lens for you. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

Sources:

U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Focusing on Contact Lens Safety

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/focusing-contact-lens-safety

All About Vision: Extended Wear Contact Lenses: Are They Safe, 2/27/2019

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

British Contact Lens Association: Infection and Contact Lenses

https://www.bcla.org.uk/Public/Public/Consumer/Infection_and_contact_lenses.aspx

Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses: Extended Wear: Still an Option?, 11/15/2017

https://www.reviewofcontactlenses.com/article/rccl1117-extended-wear-still-an-option

CDC: Contact Lens Types, 1/11/2022

https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/contact-lens-types.html

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is a Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)?, 11/21/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-ulcer

Can an Eye Exam Reveal Heart Problems?

Clearer vision isn't the only benefit of scheduling an annual visit to your optometrist. Eye exams also offer important information about the health of your heart. During your exam, your optometrist will look for these common heart disease signs:
 

A Ring Around Your Cornea

A white, blue, or gray ring around your cornea, the clear tissue covering your iris and pupil, isn't automatically a cause for concern. The rings tend to be related to aging, but can also develop in younger people. In some cases, a ring, or arcus senilis, may be a sign that you have high cholesterol, a condition that affects almost 40% of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If your "bad" cholesterol level is too high, fatty plaque begins to build up in your blood vessels, including those in your eyes. Plaque prevents normal blood flow and can be a factor in heart failure or heart attack.
 

Changes in the Retina

A healthy retina is essential for good vision. This layer of cells at the back of the eye captures light rays and converts them to electrical signals that the brain uses to create images.

If you have heart disease, your optometrist may notice these changes in your eyes:

• Red or White Spots. Dilating your pupils with special eye drops helps your eye doctor see your retina clearly and detect signs of trouble, such as red or white spots. The spots may mean that an artery in your retina is blocked due to a heart valve or rhythm issue, a tumor or carotid artery disease, a disease that happens when fatty plaque clogs blood vessels. Blockages in branch arteries may only cause mild blurriness or might not cause any noticeable vision changes. If the central retinal artery is blocked, sudden loss of vision can occur.

• Lesions. Tiny lesions on your retina could occur if cells die when blood vessels are blocked. These lesions, which eye doctors call retinal ischemic perivascular lesions, are significantly associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to the research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2023. AFib is a rapid, irregular heart rate that affects blood flow to the heart. It can raise your risk of stroke, heart failure, or blood clots.
   

Bumpy Eyelids

Do you have yellow bumps on your eyelids? Called xanthelasma, the bumps are another sign of high cholesterol but may also form if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. Xanthelasma may be unsightly, but luckily, they won't cause any changes in your vision.

Preventing new bumps is as simple as getting your cholesterol under control. While improving your cholesterol will stop new bumps from appearing, existing bumps are here to stay unless you have a procedure to remove them. Xanthelasma can be removed with traditional or laser surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), chemical peels, or an electric needle, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
 

Drusen

Like xanthelasma, drusen are fatty deposits. Drusen, unlike xanthelasma, form inside your eye. The yellow deposits collect under the macula and are made up of fatty compounds and proteins. The macula, located in the center of the retina, is essential for color and central vision.

Drusen are often found in people who have age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dry AMD happens when cells in the macula die, while wet AMD occurs due to the growth of abnormal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid. AMD can cause blurry vision and blind or dark spots in your central vision.

In some cases, drusen may be a sign of heart disease, according to research from doctors at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Their study, which was published in Retina in 2022, noted that subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) are linked with blood vessel diseases. SDD are a lesser-known type of drusen that can only be detected with special eye tests.

Regular eye exams not only help you protect your vision but offer an important means of early detection for heart problems. Ready to schedule your visit? Contact our office to make a convenient appointment.
 

Sources:

Journal of the American Heart Association: Retinal Ischemic Perivascular Lesions in Individuals with Atrial Fibrillation, 8/14/2023

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.122.028853

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cholesterol, 9/6/2023

https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/index.htm

Mt. Sinai Health System: Blinding Eye Disease Is Strongly Associated With Heart Disease and Stroke, 7/12/2022

https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2022/blinding-eye-disease-is-strongly-associated-with-heart-disease-and-stroke

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Xanthelasma?, 5/12/2021

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-xanthelasma

American Academy of Ophthalmology:What Is Arcus Senilis?, 4/26/2019

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-arcus-senilis

All About Vision: What Your Eye Doctor Can Tell About Your Heart Health, 2/2/2022

https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/related/how-eyes-can-reveal-heart-problems

10 Tips to Keep Your Contact Lenses Comfortable During the Winter

If you've noticed that your contact lenses don't feel quite as comfortable lately, you're not alone. Many contact lens wearers struggle with comfort during the winter. Following a few of these tips just may make it easier to wear your lenses on dreary winter days.

• Raise the Humidity Level. Dryness is a common complaint among contact lens wearers during the winter when humidity is naturally lower. Unfortunately, the dry air produced by heating systems only worsens the problem. Adding a humidifier or two to your home will increase moisture and reduce your discomfort.

• Stay Out of the Wind. Winter winds also dry your eyes, making your contacts feel hard and uncomfortable. Cut down on wind exposure by wearing sunglasses when you venture outside on a windy day. Any style will help block the wind, although wraparound styles provide the best protection. Make sure the sunglasses you choose block 100% of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays may increase your risk for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

• Avoid Blowing Air. Blowing air, whether it's inside or outside, may dry your eyes. Sit far away from forced air heating vents in your home and aim vents away from your face in the car. Hot air from your hair dryer could also be the reason that your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable. Solve the problem by putting your contacts in until after you style your hair.

• Skip the Fire. Tempted to make a cozy fire in your fireplace to banish winter chills? Spending time in a smoky room can dry your contacts and make your eyes burn and itch.

• Blink More. Blinking spreads moisturizing tears over your eyes and helps you avoid dry eyes. If you use digital screens at work or home, you may not be blinking enough. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that people using digital devices only blink 5 to 7 times per minute rather than the normal rate of 15 times a minute. Reminding yourself to blink could keep your contact lenses more comfortable.

• Keep Rewetting Drops with You. You may be able to control the humidity at home, but what about when you're out? If you notice your eyes are irritated, remove your lenses and apply a liberal amount of rewetting drops. Preservative-free artificial tears can also help keep your eyes moist.

• Drink More Water. Drinking more water may or may not make your eyes more moist, but it typically won't hurt to increase your water intake during the winter.

• Store Your Glasses Nearby. If your contact lenses become too uncomfortable, don't hesitate to pop out your contact lenses and put on your eyeglasses. You may find that your eyes need more frequent breaks during wintry weather due to wind and low humidity.

• Keep Other Factors in Mind. Winter weather isn't the only cause of dry eye. Hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause could also be to blame, according to All About Vision. Diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and other diseases and conditions can also cause or worsen dry eye.

• Talk to Your Eye Doctor. When dry eyes become a frequent problem, it's a good idea to get in touch with your optometrist. He or she might recommend trying another type of lens that retains moisture better than your current lenses. Your eye doctor can also provide tips that will help you endure winter weather in comfort.
   

Dealing with contact lens discomfort this winter? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
 

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Computers, Digital Devices and Eyestrain, 8/8/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage

Acta Ophthalmologica: The Relationship Between Habitual Water Intake and Dry Eye Disease, 2/2023

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10087849/

All About Vision: Dry Eyes: Symptoms and Causes, 2/14/2023

https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye.htm

American Optometric Association: Dry Eye

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye?sso=y

Medical News Today: Causes of Dry Eye in Winter and How to Treat Them, 11/16/2021

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-winter-cause-dry-eyes#prevention

Does Ocular Hypertension Affect Your Vision?

Ocular hypertension happens when the pressure inside your eye becomes too high. The condition doesn't cause any signs or symptoms but may increase your risk of developing glaucoma.
 

What Is Ocular Hypertension?

Intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye) helps your eyeball keep its round shape. Optometrists become concerned when your pressure is 21 millimeters of mercury (mmHG) or higher. High ocular pressure, also known as ocular hypertension, doesn't always affect your vision or damage your eyes but can be a warning sign.

Some people with ocular hypertension eventually develop glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. Optic nerve damage interferes with the nerve's ability to send electrical signals from the eyes to the brain and makes it difficult for the brain to produce clear, complete images. As a result, you may notice a decrease in peripheral (side) vision or blind spots.
 

What Causes Ocular Hypertension?

Ocular hypertension occurs due to a drainage problem in the eye. Aqueous humor, the clear fluid that fills the inside of your eye, is responsible for maintaining normal pressure inside the eye. If your eye makes too much fluid or the fluid doesn't drain properly, the pressure inside the eye rises.
 

Ocular hypertension risk factors include:

• Age. If you're 40 or older, you have a greater chance of developing the condition.

• Race. Hispanics and African Americans have a higher risk for ocular hypertension, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

• Systemic (Overall) Blood Pressure. Your risk may also increase if your blood pressure is relatively low or higher than normal.

• Family History. Have others in your family been diagnosed with ocular hypertension or glaucoma? Your chances of an ocular hypertension diagnosis may be higher

• Other Factors. You may also be at increased risk of developing ocular hypertension if you have high myopia (nearsightedness), have taken steroid medication for a long time, have a thin central cornea, or have certain conditions or diseases, like diabetes, pseudoexfoliation syndrome or pigment dispersion syndrome.
   

When Is Treatment Needed?

High intraocular pressure doesn't always damage the optic nerve, but it is a concerning sign. Whether you need treatment or not depends on your pressure reading and risk factors. If your pressure is only slightly high, your optometrist may recommend regular monitoring and pressure checks.

If your intraocular pressure is too high, you may be more likely to develop glaucoma. If this is the case, your eye doctor may prescribe special eye drops that lower the intraocular pressure and reduce your risk of glaucoma. You'll need regular exams to check the health of your optic nerve and ensure that the drops are working.

Prescription eye drops could help you avoid vision loss if you have ocular hypertension, even if you haven't noticed any symptoms. According to a research study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, eye drops could delay or prevent primary open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve and doesn't cause sudden vision changes. Unfortunately, the damage is usually permanent by the time people notice vision loss.

More than 1,600 people between the ages of 40 and 80 with high intraocular hypertension participated in the study. One group received prescription eyedrops to lower intraocular pressure, while the only group was only monitored. After five years, 9.5% of people in the observation group had developed open-angle glaucoma, compared to 4.45% who used prescription eyedrops.

Scheduling regular visits with your optometrist can help you avoid the devastating effects of ocular hypertension. A quick, simple test during your exam provides important information on eye pressure and helps your eye doctor determine if you need treatment if you have ocular hypertension.

Reduce your risk of ocular hypertension with a visit to the optometrist. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.
 

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Ocular Hypertension?, 5/15/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-ocular-hypertension

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye Pressure, 5/24/2022

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/eye-pressure

JAMA Ophthalmology: The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: A Randomized Trial Determines That Topical Ocular Hypotensive Medication Delays or Prevents the Onset of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, 6/2002

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/270953

Harvard Health Publishing: Who Needs Treatment for Ocular Hypertension, 9/22/2022

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/who-needs-treatment-for-ocular-hypertension-202209202818

Bright Focus Foundation: Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma, 8/23/2021

https://www.brightfocus.org/glaucoma/article/ocular-hypertension-and-glaucoma

National Eye Institute: Glaucoma, 11/15/2023

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma

Could Hearing Loss and Vision Loss Be Related?

Wondering why you're having trouble seeing and hearing? Unfortunately, these sensory problems can happen at the same time in some cases. Hearing and vision loss can be caused by several conditions and diseases, including:
 

Aging

Tiny hairs in your inner ear pick up sound waves and convert them to nerve signals. The brain receives the signals and changes them to sounds. As you grow older, hair cells die or become damaged, causing hearing loss.

At the same time, you may notice that your vision is worsening. Cataracts are a common age-related reason for poor vision and can be caused by years of sun exposure. Cataracts cloud the lens inside your eye and cause blurry, hazy vision, glare, and faded colors. Cataract surgery improves vision by replacing your cloudy lens with a clear, artificial lens.

Other conditions and diseases that can cause vision loss include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, a condition that affects central vision.
 

Illnesses and Diseases

Measles and chickenpox aren't just harmless childhood diseases. In fact, these diseases can cause complications that affect hearing and vision. Vaccinating your children will help them avoid measles and chickenpox and the lifelong health problems these diseases may cause.

Diabetic retinopathy, a common cause of vision loss in people who have diabetes, happens if your blood sugar levels are too high for too long. When diabetes is poorly controlled for a long time, blood vessels in the retina leak, interfering with vision. The retina captures light rays as they enter the eye and sends them to the brain for processing.

The brain receives incomplete information from the eyes when blood vessels leak, which causes blurry vision or dark spots. Special injections or laser treatment can stop leaks and shrink swollen blood vessels in the retina.

Diabetes-related hearing loss could be caused by damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the ear. If you already have hearing loss, carefully controlling your blood sugar will prevent further damage, while hearing aids and other assistive devices will make your life easier.

Other diseases and conditions that may cause both hearing and vision loss include cancer, Lyme disease, brain tumors, and meningitis.
 

Rare Conditions

Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, affects both hearing and vision. Vision loss occurs due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an eye disease that causes night blindness and peripheral (side) vision loss. Vision changes often start during adolescence and slowly worsen.

Hearing loss related to Usher syndrome is caused by abnormal hair cell development, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Loss of hearing may occur at birth or during childhood. Depending on the severity of the syndrome, learning sign language and using hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive devices can be helpful.

Low vision aids and assistive devices can help you make the most of your vision if you have Usher syndrome. Vitamin A supplements could slow the progression of RP, according to the National Eye Institute. However, the supplements should only be taken with the approval of your doctor, as too much vitamin A can cause health problems.

Other rare conditions that may affect vision and hearing include deafness myopia syndrome and Susac syndrome. Deafness and myopia syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes severe nearsightedness and moderate to profound hearing loss. Susac syndrome is an autoimmune condition that damages small blood vessels in the ears, eyes, and brain
 

Down Syndrome

Hearing and vision loss may also affect children and adults with Down syndrome. As many as 75% of children with the syndrome have hearing loss and more than 50% have problems with vision, according to Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Cataracts, myopia (nearsightedness), strabismus (crossed eyes), or involuntary eye movements can impair vision. Cataract surgery, eyeglasses, and hearing aids help people with Down syndrome improve their hearing and vision.
 

Other Causes

A major head injury could damage your eyes and ears, leading to temporary or permanent vision and hearing loss. Temporary or permanent hearing loss might also occur after taking certain medications, like chemotherapy drugs and some antibiotic and cholesterol medications.

Have you noticed a change in your vision? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
 

Sources:

National Eye Institute: Usher Syndrome, 12/14/2021

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/usher-syndrome

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes and Hearing Loss, 5/27/2022

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-hearing-loss.html

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: What Conditions or Disorders Are Commonly Associated with Down Syndrome?, 1/31/2017

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/down/conditioninfo/associated

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Usher Syndrome

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/usher-syndrome

All About Vision: Will My Sight Be Affected by My Hearing Loss?, 1/21/2020

https://www.allaboutvision.com/over60/vision-and-hearing-loss/

MedlinePlus: Deafness and Myopia Syndrome

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/deafness-and-myopia-syndrome/#synonyms

CDC: Diabetes and Hearing Loss, 5/27/2022

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-hearing-loss.html

Cleveland Clinic: Susac Syndrome

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15073-susac-syndrome

The Advantages of Prescription Sunglasses

Sunny days pose a problem if you wear prescription glasses. Drugstore sunglasses don't offer the clear vision you need, while clip-on sunglass lenses rarely fit well. Fortunately, prescription sunglasses are available.
 

Why It's So Important to Wear Sunglasses

Exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVA) light from the sun raises your risk of skin cancer and wrinkles. However, your skin isn't the only part of your body damaged by the sun. Your eyes may also suffer if you don't protect them from the intense rays of the sun.

UVA and UVB light exposure may increase your chances of developing these eye diseases and conditions:

• Cataracts

• Macular Degeneration

• Growths on the Whites of Your Eyes

• Photokeratitis (sunburn on the cornea, the clear, rounded tissue on top of your iris and pupil)

• Cancer In or Around the Eyes

• Wrinkles Around Your Eyes
   

The longer your eyes are exposed to the sun, the greater your risk is for developing an eye disease or condition. You might develop cataracts or age-related macular degeneration after decades of sun exposure, while photokeratitis could happen in a single afternoon if you don't wear sunglasses on the beach or ski slope.
 

How You Benefit from Wearing Prescription Sunglasses

What's not to like about wearing eyeglasses that help you see more clearly and offer built-in sun protection? When you wear prescription sunglasses, you'll enjoy these benefits:

• Complete Protection from the Sun's Rays. The prescription sunglasses your optometrist offers block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, drugstore sunglasses don't always provide 100% protection. Although the glasses shade your eyes, you may still be at risk for developing eye diseases in the future.

• No More Glare. Sunglasses reduce glare that makes driving or playing sports difficult on sunny days. Ask your optometrist about adding polarized lenses to your prescription sunglasses. These lenses have a special coating that filters out the light that causes glare. Polarized lenses are very helpful for outdoor sports and activities, like boating, golfing, water sports, and skiing. Although polarized lenses offer the ultimate sun protection, the American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that they may make it a little harder to see screens that use liquid crystal displays (LCD), like your car's control panel, your cellphone, and automatic teller machines.

• A More Comfortable Experience. Prescription sunglasses are ideal for outdoor activities ranging from gardening to hiking to walking along a beach. Since the glasses are adjusted to fit your face, you won't have to worry that they'll slip or rub when you're climbing a hill or watching dolphins play in the ocean.

• A Variety of Styles. Your optometrist probably offers many types of sunglass frames, in addition to the usual frame selection. Sunglass and polarized lenses can be added to most frame styles, allowing you to choose sunglasses that not only shade your eyes but also look stylish. Want a little more protection from the sun? Wraparound styles prevent the sun's rays from entering at the sides, top, and bottom of the frames. If you don't want to keep switching from your everyday glasses to your prescription sunglasses, consider transition lenses. These prescription lenses darken in response to sunlight and lighten when you return inside.

• Multiple Tints. The tint is one of the most important aspects of your new sunglasses. Tints aren't just an aesthetic choice but can sharpen your vision on sunny days. Gray lenses reduce glare and help your eyes feel less fatigued, while green lenses improve contract and reduce glare and eyestrain, according to All About Vision. Wearing brown sunglass lenses could improve contrast, particularly on cloudy days. Your eye doctor can discuss the benefits of tints with you and help you choose the best tint for you.

• Better Sports Experience. A second of glare can ruin your day if you participate in an outdoor sport, like baseball, pickleball, tennis, golf, skiing, or snowboarding. Prescription sunglasses prevent glare, ensuring that you don't miss a crucial shot. For extra protection, ask your optometrist to add prescription sunglass lenses to shatter-proof goggles.
   

Need a pair of prescription sunglasses or goggles? Call our office to schedule an exam with the optometrist or stop by to take a look at our frame selection.
 

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Are Polarized Lenses For?, 6/15/2022

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/polarized-lenses

All About Vision: Why Different Lens Colors in Sunglasses?, 6/19/2023

https://www.allaboutvision.com/sunglasses/color-lenses/

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

WebMD: How to Pick Prescription Sunglasses, 8/17/2022

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/how-to-pick-prescription-sunglasse

Eating right is essential for keeping your body healthy. This is as true for your eyes as it is for your heart. A diet that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and is low in saturated fat, can reduce your risk of heart disease. This will also keep your arteries healthy, so they can continue to supply your eyes with oxygen-rich blood.

In addition to eating an overall healthy diet, though, some foods in particular are excellent for your eye health.

Green, leafy vegetables. Kale, spinach, collards and other leafy greens are all high in lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients may reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. These nutrients are also found in broccoli, corn, eggs and peas.

Cold-water fish. Salmon, halibut and tuna are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat that may reduce your risk of developing AMD. If you are vegetarian, walnuts and ground flax seeds will provide some types of omega-3 fatty acids, but you may need to take microalgae supplements to obtain DHA omega-3s.

Citrus fruit. Oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and lemons are all high in vitamin C. This antioxidant is essential for healthy eyes and may slow down the formation of cataracts and onset of AMD. You can also obtain vitamin C from other foods, including peaches, red peppers, strawberries and tomatoes.

Legumes. Black-eyed peas, lima beans, kidney beans and peanuts are all rich in zinc. This mineral, which is found in the eye in high concentration, may help prevent your eyes from being damaged by light. Zinc is also found in lean red meat, poultry, milk and whole grains.

Nuts. Almonds, pecans and other nuts are rich in vitamin E, a nutrient that may slow the progression of AMD and may prevent the formation of cataracts. You can also find vitamin E in avocados, spinach, sunflower seeds and whole grains.

Carrots. Rich in beta-carotene, carrots keep your night vision working properly. This nutrient is also found in other orange-colored fruits and vegetables, such as apricots, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes.

To learn more about protecting your eye health, contact us today.

Optometry warnings about the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation on our eyes have not yet reached the degree of public awareness of that of skin damage. Yet, the sun can be just as damaging upon our eyes with unprotected exposure. Short-term exposure to very bright sunlight can result in a type of sunburn to our eyes regardless of the season. Photokeratiitis -- also known as "snow blindness" and "flash burns" -- is a sunburn to the eye's cornea and conjunctiva, the membranes lining the eyelids and the outermost lining of the eye. Like a skin sunburn, the initial inflammation, pain and redness can last up to 48 hours before subsiding. Treatment such as cold cloths over the eyes and an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve some of the painful symptoms, but the best treatment is prevention best obtained by wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim.
 

The Damage Adds Up

One day on the beach and a couple of days of sore eyes doesn't seem like much, but eye care providers warn that the effect is cumulative and the damage increases with every day of unprotected overexposure. Long-term damage goes beyond crow's feet from squinting in the bright sunlight. Years of unprotected exposure to the sun can result in increased chances of cataracts, damage to the retina, macular degeneration, cancer of the eye itself and cancer of the eyelid. Pterygium, a recurring condition where the conjunctiva grows over the cornea to restrict vision, requires repeated surgeries to keep in check is also common.
 

Not All Sunglasses Are Equal

Any pair of sunglasses is better than wearing none at all, but not all sunglasses provide the same degree of protection to the eye. Ask your eye care provider for recommendations to fit your lifestyle and your budget.

All About Floaters

Are you worried about those wispy cobwebs and strings that drift through your vision? These drifting shapes are called floaters, and are usually related to normal age-related changes deep inside your eye.
 

How Floaters Form

Floaters form due to changes in the vitreous humor, the clear, gel-like substance that helps the eye maintain its round shape. The vitreous humor fills the space between the light-sensing retina at the back of the eye and the clear lens located behind your iris and pupil.

Fibers inside the gel clump together as the vitreous humor shrinks with age. These fibers create shadows that seem to float in front off your eyes as they drift throughout the vitreous humor. Floaters are most obvious when you're looking toward the sky or a light.

Floaters take on a variety of shapes, in addition to cobwebs and strings. They may also look like lines, dots, rings, dark specks, or circles. It's only natural to feel a little worried the first time you see a floater. Although floaters can be a little annoying, they don't cause any serious vision problems in most cases.

Have you noticed flashes of light in addition to floaters? If the vitreous humor bumps against the retina or pulls on it, you may see quick bursts of light. You may also notice flashes when a small section of the vitreous humor detaches from the back of the eye. Although small detachments aren't a problem, retinal detachment or retinal tears can occur if a larger section of the vitreous humor detaches.

A few floaters or occasional flashes are common and perfectly normal. More than 75% of smartphone users reported seeing floaters, according to survey results published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology.
 

Floater Risk Factors

Several factors increase your risk of developing floaters, including:

• Age. Most people notice floaters in their 40s or 50s, but can form earlier in life as well.

• Being Nearsighted. Nearsightedness is caused by an elongated eye shape. This oblate shape of the eye may put pressure on the vitreous humor, which can lead to floaters.

• Diabetes. People who have diabetes and develop diabetic retinopathy are more likely to develop floaters. Diabetic retinopathy causes vision changes when blood vessels inside the retina leak.

• Other Factors. Your floater risk may be higher if you had cataract surgery complications, injured your eye, or the inside of your eye became infected or inflamed.
   

When to Worry About Your Floaters

Although floaters are usually harmless, they can be a sign of a retinal detachment or tear, serious eye conditions that can cause permanent loss of vision. Retinal detachment happens when the retina peels away from the back of the eye, while tears happen when the vitreous pulls on the retina, creating a rip in the retina. Both detachments and tears interrupt the flow of information from the eye to the brain, causing vision loss.

Retinal detachments may be partial or complete. If your retina detaches or tears, you may notice a sudden increase in floaters and flashes, loss of peripheral (side) vision), or a dark area in your vision.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your eye doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. The sooner the retinal detachment is treated, the more likely your vision will be restored.
 

Treating Floaters

Floaters don't need to be treated unless they interfere with your vision. If this happens, your eye doctor may recommend laser treatment to break up floaters, or a procedure called a vitrectomy. During a vitrectomy, the vitreous humor is removed and replaced with a gas bubble or saline solution.

Don't wait to call the eye doctor if you notice any changes in your vision, including floaters and flashes. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.
 

Sources:

NCBI: International Journal of Ophthalmology: Prevalence of Vitreous Floaters in a Community Sample of Smartphone Users, 6/18/2013

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693028/

National Eye Institute: Floaters, 9/22/2020

https://nei.nih.gov/health/floaters/floaters

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Are Floaters and Flashes, 11/29/2022

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-floaters-flashes

American Optometric Association: Floaters & Spots

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/floaters-and-spots?sso=y

All About Vision: What Causes Eye Floaters and How to Treat Them, 3/4/2019

https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/spotsfloats.htm

Scratched Your Cornea? See Your Eye Doctor Right Away!

A tiny scratch on your cornea could cause a serious eye infection without prompt treatment from your eye doctor. Known as "corneal abrasions," these scratches affect the clear, rounded tissue that covers your iris and pupil.
 

Corneal Abrasion Causes and Symptoms

A corneal abrasion usually happens when something rubs against your eye, scratching the outermost layer of cells in the cornea. Corneal abrasions can be due to:

• A Torn Contact Lens

• A Speck of Dirt or Other Foreign Body Under a Contact Lens

• A Scratch from Your Fingernails or a Makeup Brush

• Sand, Dirt or Other Debris in Your Eye

• A Sports Injury (Another player's fingers or a stick or stone on the ground could scratch your cornea.)
   

Corneal abrasions are very painful, even if the scratch is small. In addition to pain, you might notice some of these symptoms:

• Sensitivity to Light

• Trouble Opening Your Eye

• A Feeling That Something Is Stuck in Your Eye

• Watery Eye

• Blurred Vision

• Red Eye
   

Treating a Corneal Abrasion

If you have any of these symptoms, call your optometrist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could increase your risk of an infection that could temporarily or permanently affect your vision. Your optometrist will prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment that will kill germs and prevent infection. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication will help ease your pain.

Fortunately, corneal abrasions usually heal within a few days. Your optometrist will probably schedule a follow-up appointment within a day or two of your injury to make sure that the abrasion is getting better. During the appointment, he or she will check your cornea to make sure it's healing as it should.

If the abrasion becomes infected, you may develop an ulcer, or sore, on your cornea. Infected corneal ulcers are also treated with antibiotic drops, in addition to antibiotics (or antiviral or antifungal) drops.

If your eye doesn't start to feel better in a few days or gets worse again after you've seen your eye doctor for your follow-up appointment, let your optometrist know. Since corneal ulcers can scar your cornea and permanently damage your vision, it's important to begin treatment as soon as possible.
 

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Corneal Abrasion and Eye Infection

Avoiding a corneal abrasion can be as simple as:

• Examining Your Contact Lenses Before Wearing. Throw away any lenses that are torn or have ragged edges.

• Following Wear Suggestions. Don't sleep in your contact lenses or wear them while swimming or showering.

• Cleaning Contact Lenses Thoroughly. Follow your optometrist's cleaning recommendations and only use products intended to clean contact lenses. Don't clean or re-wet lenses by placing them in your mouth. Be sure to wash your hands before touching your eyes or contact lenses.

• Wearing Eye Protection. Wear goggles or safety glasses when you use machinery or power tools, whether you're at work or around your home. It's also important to wear eye protection when working with chemicals.

• Avoiding Rubbing Your Eyes. It's only natural to want to rub your eyes if they feel uncomfortable. Unfortunately, rubbing can cause a scratch on your cornea if dirt, dust or another foreign object is trapped under your eyelid. Flooding your eye with saline solution or artificial tears could help flush out the object. If you can't remove it easily, call your eye doctor.
   

Worried about an eye injury or blurry vision? No matter what your vision problem, we're here to help you protect your eyesight. Give us a call to schedule your appointment with the eye doctor.
 

Sources:

NCBI: National Library of Medicine: Corneal Abrasion, 7/12/2022

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532960/#:~:text=A%20corneal%20abrasion%20(also%20called,foreign%20bodies%20trauma%2C%20or%20spontaneously.

American College of Ophthalmology: Corneal Abrasion and Erosion, 9/26/2022

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-corneal-abrasion

American Optometric Association: Corneal Abrasion

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/corneal-abrasion?sso=y

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is a Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)?, 10/13/2022

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-ulcer

Prevent Blindness: Keratitis

https://preventblindness.org/keratitis/