April is Women’s Eye Health Month

April is Women’s Eye Health Month to educate women about the steps they can take today to help preserve vision in the future.  Women make up most of the 4.4 million Americans age 40 and older who are visually impaired or blind. Some eye conditions can cause vision loss and even blindness. These include:

The easiest way to test for common eye problems is a dilated eye exam – in which your eye doctor uses drops to widen your pupils and check for common issues.  This exam is the best way to detect eye disease’s early stages.

Good Eye Habits to Lessen or Prevent Future Vision Problems

  • Receive an annual eye exam. Regular dilated eye exams help monitor your vision status.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Good nutrition is the key to good health, including your vision. Dark green vegetables have been shown to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) potentially. Also, remember to keep your diet low in sodium and caffeine. Visit our website for eye healthy recipes. discoveryeye.org/eye-cook-delicious-food-health/
  • Quit smoking today. Crushing the habit of smoking can reduce the risk of a host of diseases such as cancer and respiratory issues. Smoking is the most important risk factor for AMD and progression.

Having healthy eyes not only keeps us alert but keeps us safe. It is of the utmost importance to keep our eyes safe and have regular eye exams to check for any problems.

To learn more about the Discovery Eye Foundation’s research, visit discoveryeye.org/research/our-research-projects/

DEF Helps Bring Vision-Saving Treatment To Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa

Director of the Stem Cell and Retinal Regeneration Program at the  Gavin Herbert Eye Institute (GHEI), Henry Klassen, MD, Ph.D., leads life-changing research that will affect and influence vision-saving treatments for years to come.

Watch below to hear from Dr. Klassen on his recent stem cell research:

February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month is observed annually every February. It’s an awareness month targeted at spreading information about AMD and other sight threatening diseases that could lead to visual impairment.

AMD is a disease that is a leading cause of low vision in Americans older than 50 years of age. The macula is the part of the eye affected by this disease, a pigmented, oval-shaped part of the retina. About 5mm in diameter, it is responsible for the central vision required for driving, reading, and fine detail. AMD, is a progressive disease that causes retinal cells to slowly die, though it causes no physical pain.

Medical experts have been able to identify some risk factors that might lead to the onset of AMD, including high blood pressure, high levels of blood cholesterol, obesity, and smoking. Other risk factors that a person has no control over are age, heredity, race, and gender. Symptoms of the disease include blurry vision, blind spots, straight lines appearing wavy, doorways seeming crooked, and objects appearing farther away or smaller. When any of these symptoms present themselves, the concerned individual is advised to immediately visit an ophthalmologist.

Watch the video below to learn more about AMD presented by M. Cristina Kenney, MD, PhD

 

For more information on AMD and other visual impairments – EYE CONDITIONS

The Discovery Eye Foundation is committed to finding a treatment for Dry AMD which makes up 85% of AMD cases and for which there is no FDA approved treatment as yet. This could preserve the vision of millions of people.  Luckily, there are treatments for Wet AMD. Right now, research supported by DEF at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Medical School is on the cutting edge of promising breakthroughs that could make the difference in the lives of so many. 

If you would like to help support DEF’s sight-saving research, click here DONATE NOW.  Your generosity may help save your vision or that of someone you love.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and the perfect time to raise awareness about this disease. Early on there are no symptoms.  In fact, many people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it. Learn about glaucoma and the steps you can take to reduce your risk of vision loss.

There are several types of glaucoma, although the most common type of glaucoma is age-related Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.  It affects people starting at age 40, but can develop anytime later in life.

So, the way to detect if you have it is to get regular thorough eye examinations every two years after age 40.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

Anyone can get glaucoma, but certain groups are at higher risk. These groups include African Americans and Hispanics over the age of 40, and all people over the age of 60. Since it is hereditary, people with a family history of glaucoma and people who have diabetes are at higher risk.

4 GLAUCOMA GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER

1. Glaucoma can affect people of all ages – Although it is generally associated with seniors, glaucoma can strike anyone.

2. Demographics do play a role – Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans; it’s also highly prevalent in Hispanics over the age 65.

3. Is glaucoma hereditary? – The risk of developing primary open–angle glaucoma is up to nine times more likely if parents or siblings have the disease.

4. Hope for future glaucoma patients – Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment can help control the disease and slow or stop the process of vision loss and blindness.

There are many steps you can take to help protect your eyes and lower your risk of vision loss from glaucoma. 

  • If you are in a high-risk group, get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every two years to catch glaucoma early and start treatment. Prescription eye drops, and if that fails, surgery can stop glaucoma from progressing.
  • Even if you are not in a high-risk group, getting a comprehensive dilated eye exams can help catch glaucoma and other eye diseases early.
  • Open-angle glaucoma does not have symptoms and is hereditary. So talk to your family members about their vision health to help protect your eyes and theirs.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, being physically active and avoiding smoking will help you avoid vision loss from glaucoma.
  • Stay aware of the risks and symptoms and remember an annual comprehensive eye exam is key for early detection of glaucoma and other eye diseases.

Click here to get more information on Glaucoma.

Discovery Eye Foundation research is undertaking a new approach to save vision for glaucoma patients.

Read our 2022 Thanksgiving Newsletter to learn more.

CLICK LINK BELOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP SUPPORT DEF’S GLAUCOMA RESEARCH 

Support Discovery Eye Foundation

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023

Thank You to all who helped support DEF this year!!

 Discovery Eye Foundation has been successful in 2022 and all because of very loyal and dedicated donors that continue to support sight-saving research.

  We are thankful for every gift you have given to the Discovery Eye Foundation.

Wishing you and yours a Healthy and Happy 2023!!! 

How to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable During Winter Months

Harsh weather conditions can reduce the natural moisture in your eyes and the irritation usually results in a burning or itching sensation that often leads to rubbing or scratching your eyes which can worsen the symptoms. Sometimes it feels like there is a foreign object in your eye and for some, dry eyes can even cause excessive tearing, as your eyes try to overcompensate for their lack of protective tears. Prolonged, untreated dry eyes can lead to blurred vision as well. Between the harsh winter winds outside and the dry heat radiating inside, our eyes are very quickly irritated and dried in the winter months.  The result is itchy, dry eyes that may cause pain, blurred vision, a burning sensation, or even watery vision as our eyes try to compensate for the dryness.

What Are The Symptoms?

  • Uncomfortable, stingy, burning or scratchy feeling.
  • Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
  • Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind
  • Eye fatigue
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye redness
  • A sensation of having something in your eyes
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Periods of excessive tearing
  • Blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period

10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR EYES COMFORTABLE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

Whatever the symptoms, dry eyes can cause significant discomfort during the long winters and relief can seriously improve your quality of life.

  1. To keep eyes moist, apply artificial tears/eye drops a few times a day. If you have chronic dry eyes, speak to your eye doctor about the best product for your condition.
  2. Drink a lot of fluids – keeping your body hydrated will also help maintain the moisture in your eyes.
  3. If you spend a lot of time indoors in heated environments, use a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air.
  4. Try to situate yourself away from sources of heat, especially if they are blowing. While a nice cozy fire can add to the perfect winter evening, make sure to keep your distance so dry eyes don’t ruin it. 
  5. Staring at a computer or digital device for extended amounts of time can further dry out your eyes. If you spend a lot of time staring at the screen, make sure you blink often and practice the 20/20/20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Use artificial tears often to lubricate eyes during long periods of using your eyes.
  6. Avoid air blowing in your eyes. Don’t direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward your eyes. In your car, direct heat to floor vents and away from your eyes once your windshield is defrosted.
  7. Stop smoking and avoid smoky environments.
  8. Don’t rub your eyes! This will only increase irritation and can also lead to infections if your hands are not clean.
  9. Give your eyes a break and break out your glasses. If your contact lenses are causing further irritation, take a break and wear your glasses for a few hours or days. Also talk to your optometrist about switching to contacts that are better for dry eyes.
  10. Protect your eyes. If you know you are going to be venturing into harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or wind, make sure you wear protection. Try large, 100% UV protective eyeglasses and a hat with a visor to keep the wind and particles from getting near your eyes. If you are a winter sports enthusiast, make sure you wear well-fitted ski goggles.

If you find that after following these tips you continue to suffer, contact your eye doctor.

A Thanksgiving Spread that Promotes Eye Health

Thanksgiving is almost here; a meal that nourishes the family bonds and traditions.  It’s the one time of the year where you can guarantee your eyes will be bigger than your stomach. This meal also has another added bonus — almost every item on the Thanksgiving table is healthy for your eyesight!

Here are several of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes and their corresponding benefits to your eye health:

Turkey –

No Thanksgiving is complete without a turkey, roasted golden brown and stuffed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Turkey is loaded with zinc and B-vitamin niacin, which helps prevent the formation of cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, so gobble up!  You are “preventing” cataracts with every bite.

 

Spinach, Green Bean Casserole, Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts –

These foods and other leafy greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that protect the retina, which may also help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

 

Sweet Potatoes –

Sweet potatoes are full of Beta-carotene, which is a carotenoid and antioxidant that promotes night vision and overall good eyesight. Sweet potatoes are also loaded with vitamins C and E. Diets that are rich in these vitamins can help prevent or delay the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

 

Cranberry Sauce –

Cranberries contain bioflavonoids, a large class of antioxidants. Bioflavonoids are found in the pulp, skin and rinds of foods that contain vitamin C. Both flavonoids and vitamin C help protect the eyes from free radical damage caused by pollution and the body’s normal metabolic processes.

 

Pumpkin Pie –

Pumpkin is one of the best sources of vitamin A, so pumpkin pie is an eye-healthy dessert. In fact, one cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. Vitamin A provides nourishment and protection to the eye’s lens, cornea and macula (part of the retina), so it improves night vision. 

 

A diet that’s full of the right nutrients is a great start to keeping your eyes healthy, but don’t forget that regular eye exams are equally important! We hope you enjoy a happy and delicious Thanksgiving with family and friends.

*For more eye healthy recipes click here EYE COOK

October is Eye Injury Prevention Month

You may be surprised to learn that more than 1 million people suffer an eye injury every year in the United States. You may be even more surprised to learn that most of these eye injuries happen at home and can be avoided and for that reason the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has set aside the month of October for a public health awareness campaign aimed at preventing eye injuries.

Unfortunately, only about three out of ten people wear protective eyewear during home projects that can cause an injury to their eyes.  Wearing protective eye wear will reduce your risk for eye injury by 90 percent!  The AAO urges every household to have at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear. (“ANSI-approved” means the protective eyewear is made to meet safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.)

The AAO has listed some of the most common places that eye injuries happen as well as prevention tips for these indoor and outdoor activities:

  • In the house: When using household chemicals, read the instructions and labels carefully, work in a well-ventilated area and make sure to point spray nozzles away from you. Many chemicals are extremely hazardous and can permanently damage the surface of your eyes, resulting in some loss of vision or even blindness.
  • In the garage/workshop: Wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks and splashing chemicals. Power tools can also send wood chips or other substances flying into the air. Many objects can fly into your eyes unexpectedly and cause injury.
  • In the yard/garden: Put on protective eyewear before you use a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger and be sure to check for rocks and stones because they can become dangerous projectiles as they shoot from these machines.

 

 

Learn how to recognize an eye injury and get the right care when you or a family member is injured at home. If you or a family member experiences an eye injury, seek immediate emergency medical attention or call an ophthalmologist near you.

 

September is Healthy Aging Month

As your body ages, it’s common to experience changes to your eye health and vision. According to studies, over 10% of Americans over age 40 will experience permanent age-related vision loss — and almost everyone experiences normal age-related changes such as loss of close vision so that they require reading glasses.  As the U.S. population gets older, it’s important to spread the word about ways to prevent vision loss in older adults.

Genetics and the natural aging process play a role in long-term eye health. But research shows that there are controllable factors that help either lower your risk of visual impairment or slow its progress.

What Happens to Vision as You Age?

Over time your eyes will experience physical changes that will affect your vision.  On average, these changes begin around age 40 and impact the eye’s focusing ability — a natural change in vision called presbyopia. The most common effect is experiencing more difficulty in clearly seeing nearby objects, especially in dim lighting.

It’s normal for the age-related eye changes to cause:

  • Difficulty in distinguishing colors
  • A need for more light to see well and a slower adjustment between dark and bright settings
  • Headaches or tired-feeling eyes while reading or other up-close activity 

Other common causes of age-related visual decline include conditions:

Eye Floaters: Floaters are tiny spots or specks that drift throughout your field of vision. They occur when the vitreous, a jelly-like substance inside the eye, becomes more liquid as you age. This causes ocular fibers to clump, casting tiny shadows. If there is a sudden appearance of many new floaters, you should seek a dilated eye exam to rule out retinal detachment.

Dry Eye: As you age, your eye tear production decreases and this is called ‘dry eye’. Lack of enough lubrication to the surface of the eye can cause blurred vision and light sensitivity. Dry eyes can also cause uncomfortable stinging, scratching, or burning sensations.

Cataracts: As you age the clear proteins within the lens of your eye slowly become more and more cloudy interfering with the images that reach your retina. The cloudy lens causing poor vision is called a cataract. Luckily, modern eye surgery can remove the clouded lens material, which is then replaced with a man-made substitute lens that clearly focuses the image on the retina, restoring normal vision.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma causes damage to the major nerve of the eye called the optic nerve. This nerve is part of the central nervous system, that carries visual information from the eye to the brain.  In glaucoma, the eye experiences a symptom-free increase of intraocular pressure due to an imbalance of the fluid produced in the eye and the amount of fluid drained. The asymptomatic increase in pressure over time damages the optic nerve, slowly decreasing your peripheral (side) vision and can result in total vision loss. If you have glaucoma, you may experience changes to your peripheral or side vision as the eye disease progresses.  Glaucoma can be detected by a careful eye examination and the loss of vision can be stopped with medication or/and surgery.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): In the developed world, AMD is the most common retinal disorder and the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people over 50. AMD is due to loss of retinal cells in the macula, an area of your retina responsible for detailed vision, necessary for tasks such as driving, reading and facial recognition. In advanced cases, patients cannot recognize faces or read books without special visual aids. The good news is that there are good treatments for AMD and patients retain “getting around” peripheral vision and don’t go completely blind.

 

How to Care for Your Vision as You Age

Most age-related visual conditions today can be treated with medicine or outpatient surgery. A dilated eye exam performed by an eye care professional is the only way to find some common eye diseases while they’re easier to treat and before they cause permanent vision loss.

If you don’t have any symptoms or vision problems, doctors recommend getting regular eye exams based on your age:

  • Ages 20 to 39: Every 5 years.
  • Ages 40 to 54: Every 2 to 4 years.
  • Ages 55 to 64: Every 1 to 3 years.
  • Over 65: Every year

For people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of glaucoma or vision loss, the National Eye Institute recommends you get dilated eye exams yearly.

Diet and lifestyle choices can also impact your long-term eye health. To help maintain good vision as you age, you should:

  • Be alert to the early signs of vision problems.
  • Eat healthy foods – for eye healthy recipes visit: Eye Cook
  • Protect your eyes from the sun – make sure you wear UV protected sunglasses and a hat.
  • Get regular comprehensive eye exams.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Exercise regularly to maintain healthy weight.
  • Control your blood pressure.
  • Give your eyes a break – if you work on a computer, it is recommended to take a 20-30 second break every 20 minutes. This will give your eyes a chance to relax.

Being Proactive Is the Key to Successful Aging Eye Care

There are many ways you can practice positive aging eye care. Aging may be inevitable, but exercise, a healthy diet, and positive lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, can prolong the health of your eyes.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL EYE CARE FOR KIDS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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It’s back-to-school time! As your child prepares to start another school year, don’t forget to take care of one of their most important learning tools — their eyes.  Find out how you can help keep their eyes healthy, and why an eye exam is so important.

Be aware of vision problems:

Your kid may be spending more time in front of the screen than usual — and that could put him or her at increased risk for certain vision problems or eye conditions.

  • Nearsightedness: If your child is not already nearsighted, doing a lot of “close work” (using a screen or even in a book) can increase their likelihood of developing this condition. Encourage them to hold books or screens at least 18 inches away.
  • Dry Eye Syndrome: When we stare at a screen all day, our blink rate decreases significantly. The blinking action secretes an oil called meibum (one of the three layers of tear film), which keeps our eyes moist. When we don’t blink as much, our eyes can become overly dry and irritated.
  • Eye Strain and Fatigue: Excessive screen time can also lead to strain, fatigue, blurry vision, itchy eyes, and headaches.

Watch for behavioral changes that may signal vision trouble, for example:

  • Talk to your child about their new classroom or where they’re sitting to gauge whether they’re having issues seeing.
  • Ask them whether their eyes ever feel tired after watching something on a screen.
  • Watch for blinking, squinting and tearing of their eyes.
  • Pay attention to headaches or fatigue.

Help minimize any risk to your child’s eyes by doing the following:

  • Make sure they take frequent screen breaks. Instead of focusing directly on the screen, encourage your child to look around the room every now and then, or take some time to stare out the window (at least 20 seconds is recommended by the American Optometric Association). You can even remind them to blink.
  • Position the monitor or screen so it’s about 25 inches away, and also position it so their gaze is slightly downward.
  • Adjust the room lighting so that the screen isn’t brighter than the surrounding light. If it is, your child’s eyes will have to work harder.
  • Sharpen your child’s vision skills with “traditional” non-screen-based activities, like puzzles, blocks, drawing and painting, and playing catch.

Don’t Forget the Eye Exam

It’s easy for us to forget about our eyes let alone our child’s, but it is very important to get your child’s eyes checked regularly.

It is absolutely critical to ensure healthy eye development and that they have the visual skills necessary for successful learning. No matter where your child will be participating in school this year — don’t skip the trip to the eye doctor.

The American Optometric Association recommends children have an eye exam by the time they reach one year old, at least once between 3 and 5 years old, and once a year after first grade until they graduate. Your eye doctor can recommend the best frequency for your child.

Your child should still receive a comprehensive eye exam, whether or not they have received a vision screening at school or even at their pediatrician’s office.  While vision screenings can indicate some vision trouble, they often only test your child’s ability to see things that are far away, such as a classroom whiteboard.  Also, keep in mind the school screeners usually do not have all the necessary equipment or training to detect many eye health problems in children.

A comprehensive eye examination looks at complete eye health, and includes tests for the following, in addition to an understanding of patient and family health history:

  • Visual acuity
  • Depth perception
  • Color vision
  • Peripheral vision
  • Refractive errors (like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism)
  • Eye focusing, tracking, teaming and other eye movement abilities

Specialists state that 80% of what your children learn in school is taught visually. Untreated vision troubles can put children at a substantial disadvantage. Be certain to arrange that your child has a complete eye exam before school starts.