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Do you find yourself squinting or closing your eyes in bright light? It could be photophobia or acute light sensitivity. Eyes are designed to respond to light, but certain conditions can create light sensitivity. Exposure to sunlight, fluorescent light, incandescent light and other bright light sources can irritate a person who suffers from this condition.
 

Photophobia Symptoms

Photophobia can affect anyone regardless of age or gender. It is not an eye disease itself, but is typically a sign of another eye problem. It can be a temporary occurrence or a recurring problem.

When a person suffers from photophobia, they can experience extreme discomfort in bright light. Outward symptoms include squinting, excessively closing eyes, excess tear production, and a burning sensation in the eyes. The severity of light sensitivity is proportional to the seriousness of the underlying eye problem behind the photophobia.
 

Photophobia Causes

Multiple eye diseases and conditions can be a root cause for photophobia. A simple infection or inflammation can irritate the eye and produce light sensitivity. Migraines or other severe headaches can also lead to photophobia.

Eye color can influence light sensitivity. People who have lighter colored irises experience greater sensitivity than people with darker irises. Extra pigment can serve as a protective barrier against brighter lights.

Sometimes photophobia is directly related to a serious eye problem. It can be a symptom of various eye diseases and conditions, including:

• Corneal abrasions

• Uveitis

• Dry eyes

• Contact lens irritations

• Sunburn

• Medications

• Detached retina

• Refractive surgery

• Color vision defects

• Conjunctivitis

• Keratitis

• Iritis

• Botulism
   

Photophobia Treatments

If you are suffering from photophobia, the best thing to do is to treat the underlying cause. Once the factor triggering light sensitivity is dealt with, photophobia will usually go away and your eyes will return to their normal state.

Some prescription medications can cause light sensitivity. If that is the cause of your photophobia, talk with your physician about replacing it with another medication that does not cause that side effect.

You can wear protective eyewear while outdoors or in brightly lit rooms. Sunglasses with polarized or photochromic lenses reduce glare and also block UV rays that can damage eyes. Avoid bright light or harsh light whenever possible if you are suffering from photophobia.

Extreme cases of photophobia may require prosthetic contact lenses colored to resemble your eyes. These lenses reduce the amount of light entering your eyes and alleviate sensitivity.

Characterized by a yellowish raised part of the scleral conjunctiva (the lining of the white part of the eye), a pinguecula usually develops near the cornea (colored part of the eye), but does not extend past it. Similar to a callus on the skin, changes in tissues lead to the buildup of calcium, fat, and/or protein, causing the bump or patch known as a pinguecula.

Pinguecula Symptoms

A pinguecula causes a feeling of irritation – you may feel like something is caught in your eye. In some cases, a pinguecula leads to pingueculitis, a condition in which the pinguecula becomes swollen, irritated, and red. Often exposure to extreme dryness, wind, sun, or dust leads to pingueculitis. Wearing a hat and sunglasses while outdoors will help prevent pingueculitis.

Pinguecula Causes

The exact cause of pinguecula is not fully understood, but the condition has been associated with unprotected exposure to the sun's ultra violet rays.

Pinguecula Diagnosis and Treatment

An eye care professional can diagnose pinguecula with an examination, using a slit lamp to view the eye closely. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms present. Lubricating eye drops might be prescribed to relieve mild irritation, and if inflamed, either steroid eye drops or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, where the pinguecula interferes with blinking, vision, or contact lens wearing, surgical removal might be necessary.

Pterygium

Pingueculae often lead to the formation of pterygia, wedge-shaped growths elevated from the scleral conjunctiva which grow past the cornea. Like pingueculae, pterygia are non-cancerous growths, but pterygia contain blood vessels and have the ability to permanently disfigure the eye, transforming its shape with scar tissue.

Pterygium Cause and Symptoms

A pterygium is spurred on by exposure to the sun and wind. For this reason, the condition is often referred to as surfer's eye. Pterygia often cause a foreign body sensation and can become red and swollen. When a pterygium grows large enough, it can distort the shape of the eye, causing astigmatism and visual acuity problems.

Pterygium Diagnosis and Treatment

An eye care professional will make a diagnosis based on a close observation with a slit lamp. Pterygium treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, whether the pterygium is growing, and its causes. Mild cases can be treated with steroid eye drops. Severe cases require surgical removal, usually performed in the doctor's office with local anesthetics. To prevent regrowth, an eye care provider might perform an autologous conjunctival autografting.

Uveitis refers to the inflammation of the eye's middle layer, which consists of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Several fungal, viral, or bacterial infections lead to uveitis, as do certain autoimmune (systemic) and inflammatory conditions. In most cases of uveitis, however, the exact cause is unknown.
 

Types of Uveitis

Four classifications of uveitis exist. The exact parts of the eye affected by uveitis differ by classification.

• Anterior uveitis (iritis) occurs closer to the front of the eye, and refers to inflammation of the iris or the iris and ciliary body.

• Intermediate uveitis (cyclitis) refers to the inflammation of the ciliary body alone.

• Posterior uveitis (choroiditis) refers to the inflammation of the choroid, located closer to the back of the eye.

• Panuveitis (diffuse uveitis) refers to the inflammation of the entire middle layer of the eye.
   

Uveitis Symptoms

Uveitis symptoms vary depending on which type of uveitis the patient has. Anterior uveitis usually results in sensitivity to light, eye pain, redness, and a reduction in visual acuity. Interior and posterior uveitis cause floaters and blurred vision, but usually do not result in any pain. A combination of all these symptoms often accompanies panuveitis.

You should visit an eye care professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms around the eyes. If left untreated, uveitis can lead to cataracts, permanent vision loss, glaucoma, detached retina, and optical nerve damage.
 

Diagnosis and Treatment

In order to diagnose uveitis, an eye care professional will conduct a complete eye exam and a thorough consideration of your health history. Although the exact cause of uveitis is not always clear, a determinable cause is extremely helpful for treatment. If an eye care professional suspects an underlying cause for uveitis, he or she might refer you to a specialist for treatment.

In addition to receiving treatment for any condition causing uveitis, uveitis itself is usually treated with a steroid to reduce inflammation. Depending on the type of uveitis, a steroid is administered in eye drops, orally, or with injections. As anterior uveitis occurs closer to the surface of the eye, steroids in the form of eye drops are usually sufficient. Other forms of uveitis require oral steroids or injections. Sometimes, a small surgical drug implant is recommended for the administration of the anti-inflammatory steroid. An eye care professional might also prescribe eye drops to dilate the eye and reduce pressure.

Ocular rosacea, an inflammation of the eye and/or eyelid, occurs in conjunction with rosacea of the skin. A chronic inflammatory condition, rosacea primarily affects the face, cheeks, forehead, and chest area. When rosacea affects the eyes and/or eyelids, the condition is known as ocular rosacea.
 

Ocular Rosacea Symptoms

Ocular rosacea primarily occurs in conjunction with rosacea of the skin, appearing either before, after, or at the same time as a skin flare up, but ocular rosacea can also develop independently. Symptoms of ocular rosacea include itchy, dry, burning, or stinging eyes; red or swollen eyelids; frequent sties; excessive tearing; eye redness (erythema); visible blood vessels on the whites of the eye; sensitivity to light; blurred vision; and the feeling of having something caught in the eye. Individuals with rosacea often do not realize they are also experiencing ocular rosacea, as eye symptoms are not always as severe as skin symptoms.

Who is at Risk?

Individuals with fair skin, a family history of rosacea, or who are prone to blushing or flushing are at a higher risk of developing rosacea. Among those who develop ocular rosacea, most are women between the ages of 30 and 60 or undergoing menopause.

When to See a Doctor

Individuals who experience any discomfort or symptoms of rosacea around their eyes or eyelids should visit an eye care professional at once. Patients who have been diagnosed with skin rosacea should visit an eye care professional periodically to rule out the possibility of ocular rosacea. If left untreated, ocular rosacea can lead to further medical complications such as blepharitis or chronic dry eyes, which can permanently damage the cornea and lead to vision loss.

Diagnosis and Treatment

An eye care professional diagnoses ocular rosacea simply by reviewing symptoms, looking over medical history, and examining the patient's eyes and eyelids. As the exact cause of ocular rosacea is not yet understood, no cure exists. The symptoms, however, can be managed with oral antibiotics and regular cleaning of eyelids with a prescription solution. Sometimes an eye care professional might recommend artificial tears.

Eye care professionals also recommend patients with ocular rosacea make a few lifestyle adjustments, as certain activities have been shown to aggravate the condition. Activities that may aggravate ocular rosacea include consuming hot or spicy foods and beverages, drinking alcohol, undergoing both physical and emotional stress, getting too much sunlight, taking drugs which dilate the blood vessels like blood pressure medication, and exposing the skin to extreme cold or hot temperatures.

Color blindness, also known as color vision deficiency, occurs when an individual cannot distinguish between certain colors like red and green or, less commonly, blue and yellow.
 

Cause of Color Blindness

Light-sensitive tissue, the retina, lines the back of the eye and consists of two types of light distinguishing cells: rods and cones. While rods detect or see light and dark, cones are responsible for detecting color and sending the information to the brain for processing. Your eye has three types of cones; one for perceiving red, another for blue, and third for green. In a healthy eye, the cones work together to facilitate your ability to see a broad range of colors. When one or more type of cone functions abnormally, color deficiency occurs.
 

Color Blindness Symptoms

Depending on which cones are affected, the symptoms of color blindness range from mild to severe. Mild color blindness is defined as difficulty distinguishing colors in low light, and severe color blindness can leave someone seeing only a range of grey tones. Symptoms of color blindness include having difficulty seeing colors or their brightness, and the inability to distinguish between different colors. People with color blindness most frequently have a hard time telling the difference between red and green or blue and yellow.
 

Risk Factors for Color Blindness

Most individuals with color deficiency are born with it. Congenital color blindness is usually inherited as a genetic trait passed down from mother to son. Males are much more likely than females to inherit color deficiency, experiencing color blindness from birth.

Color blindness, however, can develop as the result of disease, medical conditions, trauma, or as a side effect of medication. Conditions that may lead to color blindness include macular degeneration, glaucoma, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and alcoholism. Color blindness which develops later in life as the result of a condition is known as acquired color deficiency.
 

Diagnosis and Treatment

An eye care professional diagnoses color blindness with a simple test. The patient is shown diagrams comprised of differently colored dots. Color blind individuals will not be able to distinguish shapes or numbers hidden among the dots in a different color.

While there is no cure for congenital color blindness, special lenses for glasses or contacts have been developed to help color deficient individuals distinguish between colors. Acquired color blindness can sometimes be treated by addressing the underlying cause

The condition known as a macular hole refers to a tiny break in the macula that results in blurry or distorted vision. To fully understand the condition, one must understand eye anatomy. The macula is a spot located in the center of the retina (the back portion of the eye). Located where light comes to a focused point in the eye, the macula is the portion of the eye most concentrated with color detecting cones and responsible for seeing clear color vision. The rest of the retina is covered with photosensitive rods, which detect darkness, light, or movement.
 

Symptoms

Macular hole development usually occurs gradually. As a result, the first symptoms include slight distortions of vision. For example, straight lines might appear wavy or you might have difficulty reading or recognizing faces. A sudden loss of vision in one eye usually follows these early symptoms.
 

Causes

A gel-like substance called vitreous fills most of the eye's interior. Millions of fibers attach the vitreous to the retina, holding it in place and maintaining the eye's round shape. Vitreous begins to shrink with age, and pull away from the retina, leaving pockets of space which become filled with fluid. Normally, this process occurs with no adverse effects. However, if the vitreous shrinks and the fibers are firmly attached, it can tear the retina. The fluid which then fills the void space can seep through the retina and pool on the macula, distorting and blurring vision.

Since most cases of macular holes develop as the result of age, individuals over the age of 60 are at the highest risk. Macular holes, however, can also develop due to injury, severe nearsightedness (myopia), retinal detachment, or macular pucker.
 

Diagnosis and Treatment

If left untreated, a macular hole can worsen over time, leading to permanent vision loss. If you notice any unusual eye symptoms, you should seek treatment with an eye care professional right away.

The most common treatment for a macular hole is a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy, and is performed by a retinal specialist. In this procedure vitreous gel and fibers are removed from the middle of the eye to prevent further tearing of the retina. A mixture of air and gas is then inserted into the space once filled with vitreous, putting pressure on the macular hole and allowing it to heal.

As we age, our eyes—like the rest of our bodies—begin to lose flexibility and strength. When this happens to the lens of the eye and its surrounding muscles, your lens will become stiff. This makes it harder to see close objects clearly because the eyes can't focus properly. It's a natural part of aging that typically begins around age 40. Presbyopia can be corrected easily with eyeglasses or contact lenses from an optometry clinic.
 

Is Presbyopia the Same as Farsightedness?

No. Farsightedness is caused by distortions in the shape of the eyeball. Presbyopia occurs when your lens becomes stiff.
 

What Are the Symptoms of Presbyopia?

• A need to hold things at arm's length to read them

• Blurry vision when reading things at a normal distance

• Fatigue or headaches after doing work at a close distance
   

How Is Presbyopia Diagnosed?

Your eye care provider will conduct a thorough eye exam and check for presbyopia.
 

How Is Presbyopia Treated?

To help correct the symptoms, your eye care provider may advise you to use aids such as:

• Prescription eyeglasses

• Contact lenses

• Reading glasses

• Progressive lenses

• Bifocals
   

Most commonly, bifocals or progressive lenses are recommended. The top portion of the eyeglass lenses correct vision at long distances, and the bottom portion helps you see clearly up close. Bifocals have a distinct edge between the two prescriptions, but progressive lenses have a graduated transition between the areas.

Over time, if your presbyopia continues to change your vision, then you may need to update your eyewear periodically to maintain clear vision.

If you prefer a more permanent treatment, ask your eye care provider if you're a good candidate for conductive keratoplasty. In this procedure, precise radio waves reshape your cornea to improve your vision of nearby items.

As a sign of natural and healthy aging, presbyopia can be annoying, but it's easy to address. Whether you prefer glasses, contact lenses or surgery, talk with your eye care provider to find out which options are best for you.

If you find yourself struggling to see both at far distances and nearby reading materials, then it may be time to consider bifocals. Your eye care provider and the trained optometry staff will work with you to determine the best way to meet your needs while helping you to look and feel your best.
 

What are bifocal eyeglasses and multifocal eyeglasses?

These eyeglasses combine two or more prescriptions into one pair of glasses to correct vision problems at different distances. Most commonly, bifocals are recommended so the wearer does not have to switch between separate eye glasses for distance viewing and for reading.
 

How are bifocal eyeglasses made?

Traditional bifocal lenses are constructed by molding the reading segment into the primary lens, which is used for distance viewing. The resulting lens contains a visible line where the two lens prescriptions meet.
 

What are progressive bifocal lenses?

Progressive bifocal lenses transition gradually from the reading lens to the distance prescription to eliminate the horizontal line that is visible in traditional bifocals.
 

How can I put on bifocal eyeglasses without the line getting in the way?

Try putting the glasses on, then looking through the upper segment for a moment to focus for distance. Next, without moving your head at all, lower your eyes to look through the bottom segment; hold this article or a book 18 inches away from your face and downwards by a 30-degree angle, and read through the bottom portion of the lens. The more you repeat this procedure, the more easily your eyes and brain will adapt to the new reading technique.
 

How long will it take to get used to bifocals?

As you adjust to bifocal or multifocal eyeglasses, you will need to learn to tilt your head or move only your eyes in order to bring the appropriate lens into the center of your visual field. For most wearers, it takes about 3 weeks to develop and use these new habits naturally. However, most people find the convenience and clear vision well worth the effort.

Why do I need to see an eye care provider?

Many “silent” diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetes, can only be detected through regular eye exams. When these conditions are discovered earlier rather than later, they become easier to treat or manage, allowing for better long-term preservation of eyesight.

In addition, reading glasses from the drugstore often do not work well because most people have astigmatism and/or different prescriptions in each eye. As a result, many of these individuals experience persistent eye fatigue and headaches. Forgoing the eye exam also sacrifices the opportunity to screen for treatable diseases, as mentioned above.
 

How often do I need to get new eye glasses?

This depends on a number of personal factors, such as changing needs, tastes or lifestyle, but you should visit your eye doctor at least once each year. If you notice problems with vision or headaches, then it’s best to consult your doctor right away for a full evaluation and new glasses, if needed.
 

How can I tell if I need bifocals?

Bifocals and progressive lenses are most often prescribed for presbyopia in those over age 40 and for individuals who have trouble seeing clearly both at a distance and when reading. Bifocals can also help a person who over-crosses his or her eyes when viewing close objects. An eye exam with a qualified eye doctor can assist you with determining whether bifocals are right for you.
 

Instead of bifocals, can I use progressive lenses and choose a smaller eye glass frame?

Yes. Progressive lenses offer more precision in your viewing range within a smaller lens diameter. However, some frames are too small for a proper fit; a trained optician can work with you to find a frame that is sized correctly for both your lens and your face shape.
 

Why are the lenses so thick?

The final lens thickness depends on the strength of your prescription, the size of your frame, and your personal measurements. Fortunately, recent innovations in lens designs and materials have made lenses thinner by up to 60% in some cases. If lens thickness is a concern for you, notify the optometry staff member; he or she will help you select a frame and lens that allow you to use a thinner lens.
 

Will I have to wear eye glasses forever?

Unfortunately, you probably will unless you elect to use contact lenses or corrective laser eye surgery. The great news is that there are lens and surgical advancements in optometry everyday.

The Importance of Nutrition in Maintaining Your Eye Health

Food is more than just fuel for your body. The foods you eat could help you improve your health and reduce your risk of a variety of health conditions, including disorders and diseases that affect your vision.

A Healthy Diet Protects Your Eyesight

Food provides nutrients that help to keep every part of your eye healthy. If your diet consists mostly of fried, fatty, processed, or sugary foods, your eyes may suffer, as a teenage boy in the United Kingdom discovered a few years ago. The boy ate a diet that consisted solely of French fries, ham slices, sausage, potato chips, and white bread for years. The diet decreased his B12, vitamin D, copper, and selenium levels while raising his zinc level.

By the time he was 17, his poor diet choices had caused permanent vision loss due to optic nerve damage, according to University of Bristol researchers. The optic nerve carries electrical impulses from the eyes to the brain.

Fortunately, you can avoid a similar fate if your diet includes foods that contain:

• Vitamin C. Add oranges, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other foods high in vitamin C to your diet to sharpen your vision and reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration. AMD causes blurred or blank spots in your central vision and is the leading cause of loss of vision in older people, according to the National Eye Institute.

• Vitamin B. Vitamin B6, B12, and other B vitamins are essential for a healthy retina and optic nerve. They also lower your AMD risk. Increase your intake of B vitamins by choosing recipes that feature salmon, spinach, liver, beef, chicken, turkey, yogurt, black beans, milk, oysters, collard greens, and clams.

• Vitamin D. Vitamin D lubricates your eyes and relieves dry eye symptoms. It may also reduce your risk of AMD and uveitis. Uveitis is a painful inflammation in the middle of the eye that causes blurred vision, floaters, and red eyes. Foods that contain vitamin D include tuna, mackerel, salmon, fortified orange juice, cereal, and milk.

• Vitamin E. Vitamin E also reduces your risk of AMD and may slow the progression of cataracts. Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Add red bell peppers, sunflower oil, spinach, avocados, pecans, cereal, mangos, and wheat germ to your shopping list to protect your eyes.

• Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These nutrients also offer protection against cataracts and AMD. They can be found in squash, broccoli, asparagus, eggs, grapes, peas, pumpkins, and green leafy vegetables. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two of the ingredients included in AREDS2 supplements recommended for people who have AMD. The supplements may prevent intermediate AMD from turning into late AMD, according to the National Eye Institute. AREDS2 supplements, available at drugstores, also contain zinc, copper, and vitamins C and E.

• Omega Fatty Acids. Omega fatty acids keep your eyes comfortably moist and are essential for the health of your retina, in addition to offering some protection from AMD and diabetic retinopathy. Stock up on flaxseed oil, canola oil, tofu, oysters, salmon, shrimp, trout, and soybeans to ensure that you're getting enough of these crucial fatty acids.

• Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A. Eye-friendly beta-carotene is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, cantaloupe, broccoli, lettuce, and tomatoes. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, a vitamin essential for eye health.
   

The ideal diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, healthy fats, poultry, fish, and lean meats. Although everyone enjoys a sweet treat from time to time, including too much sugar or carbohydrates in your diet could increase your risk of developing diabetes.

High levels of glucose (blood sugar) not only raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage but can also lead to vision loss if you have diabetes. As your blood sugar rises, blood vessels inside your eye may leak, causing blurred vision. Luckily, a healthy diet will reduce your risk of developing diabetes-related eye conditions and other diseases that affect your vision.

In addition to making healthy food choices, regular visits to the optometrist will help you protect your eyes. Are you due for an eye exam? Give us a call to arrange your visit.

Sources:

University of Bristol: Poor Diet Can Lead to Blindness, 9/3/2019

National Eye Institute: Age-Related Macular Degeneration, 6/22/2021

National Eye Institute: AREDS2 Supplements for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, 6/22/2021

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

Review of Optometry: Vitamin D Deficiency and Dry Eye Go Hand in Hand, 10/10/1