Spring Allergies and Your Eyes

As winter shifts to spring, and flowers, grasses and trees begin to bloom, spring can take a toll on your eyes if you suffer from seasonal allergies. The spring season has a marked an increase in pollen and allergens in the air, that leave you with congestion, headaches, and itchy, swollen eyes, known as eye allergies.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye allergies are also called allergic conjunctivitis, and are pretty common. They occur when the eyes react to something that irritates them (called an allergen). The eyes produce a substance called histamine to fight off the allergen. As a result, the eyelids and conjunctiva become red, swollen, and itchy. The eyes can tear and burn. Unlike other kinds of conjunctivitis, eye allergies do not spread from person to person.

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Allergies?

The most common eye allergy symptoms include:

  • red, swollen, or itchy eyes
  • burning or tearing of the eyes
  • sensitivity to light

What are Eye Allergy Triggers?

  • Outdoor allergens, such as pollen from grass, trees, and ragweed
  • Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold
  • Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfume

Spring Allergy Management

To combat seasonal eye allergies, you must have a dual focus on both prevention and treatment for symptoms.  By making some minor changes to your environment and activities, you can significantly reduce the amount of allergens you come in contact with, and lessen the symptoms you’re experiencing.  Use these seven methods to soothe your eye irritations related to allergies.

  1. Avoid Allergens

The best strategy to minimize your eye discomfort during the spring is to limit your exposure to allergens. As winter comes to an end, create an actionable plan that helps you avoid seasonal allergens like pollen.

Steps you take may include:

    • Changing your HVAC filters before turning on your cooling system for the first time
    • Purchase and use an in-house air purifier
    • Checking pollen levels online as part of your daily routine
    • Cleaning your home more frequently
    • Keeping your windows closed
    • Spring cleaning before the weather actually warms up

These preventative measures are an important first step to good eye health during allergy season.

 

  1. Don’t Wear Contacts

If you are prone to allergy-related eye irritation, stop wearing your contacts for the first month or so of spring weather. While contacts do not cause allergy symptoms, they can aggravate any symptoms that do appear.

You may want to schedule an eye exam, to prepare for switching to full-time glasses use.  This exam presents a good opportunity for you to check that your glasses prescription is current and to make any necessary updates to maintain your comfort and vision quality.

 

  1. Rinse with Sterile Non-Preserved Saline

Eye allergies can cause changes in tear production. Many individuals experience eye dryness or excess tears due to allergies. In some cases, your eyes may water frequently but still feel dry due to allergens.

Much of this type of irritation occurs when airborne allergens come into contact with the surface of the eyeball. To minimize your allergen exposure, rinse your eyes with saline solution. This may reduce the urge to rub your eyes, which is important because rubbing can trigger a release of more histamines and cause redness, swelling, and blood vessel breakage.

 

  1.  Use Non-Preserved Artificial Tear Drops or Medicated Eye Drops

You may also want to use non-preserved artificial tears to help maintain correct eye lubrication. Before you begin a new eye health regimen, consult with your optometrist to determine which brand and formula is best for your symptoms.

In addition to sterile rinses or lubricant eye drops, using medicated eye drops may help relieve some of the discomfort associated with seasonal eye allergies. Decongestant or antihistamine drops can control redness, itchiness, and other symptoms.

 

  1. Try Cold Therapy

Many individuals notice redness, tenderness, and swelling in the eye area when suffering from allergies. Applying cool or cold compresses can provide immediate soothing relief for these symptoms, including improving the appearance of the skin around the eyes.

Use a clean soft cloth or compress designed for use in the eye area. These compresses are gentler than traditional cold therapy tools and are safer for your eyes. Soak the compress in cool water, wring it out, and place over the eyes. You can refresh the compress with water when the cloth no longer feels cold.  To address more intense symptoms, wet your compress, wring out the cloth, and put it in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This colder compress will last longer and provide relief for more advanced symptoms.

 

  1. Wash Your Hands and Face Frequently

As mentioned above, many eye allergy symptoms come from allergens landing on the eye. In addition to floating airborne allergens, your eyes could also suffer from contact with allergens that are transferred in on your skin or hair.

Wash your hands more frequently during allergy season. You should also wash your face twice a day and rinse the area around your eyes as needed. These steps reduce the concentration of allergens on your skin. You may also want to pin back any hair that may cover your face at eye height to minimize your allergen exposure.

 

  1. Wear Sunglasses

When you do need to be outside, wear glasses to protect the surface of your eyes from direct contact with allergens. You may prefer to wear sunglasses rather than your usual glasses because most sunglasses have larger lenses than everyday eyeglasses and, therefore, provide more protection.

If you need constant vision correction, but want the benefits of wearing sunglasses, talk to your eye doctor about investing in a pair of high-quality prescription sunglasses.

 

  1. Consult Your Eye Care Professional

If your symptoms continue, consult your eye care professional for help with diagnosis and treatment. There are many prescription medications, not available over the counter, to help control severe allergic symptoms.

 

If your allergies cause vision changes, feelings of a foreign object in your eye, or acute pain, make an appointment as soon as possible.

 

February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month

Low vision affects millions of Americans — including many older adults. People with low vision aren’t blind, but because of their vision loss, they may not be able to do everyday tasks like driving or reading even with glasses.

What is Low Vision?

When your eyesight is impaired to the degree that you struggle with daily tasks like reading or cooking – or that you have difficulty recognizing faces, you may have a medical condition referred to as low vision. Someone with low vision can’t simply put on a pair of glasses or contacts and see well; this condition is beyond the typical loss of vision that occurs with aging.

Individuals experiencing low vision can struggle with maintaining independence; hobbies, reading and even socializing may become challenging as vision loss progresses. Because of the impact low vision can have on your life, it is important to have your eyes checked by a low vision specialist if you have any concerns. Since it is unusual to be able to restore vision once it is lost, screenings can help preserve the vision you have and help you access adaptive lenses and devices if you need them. While there is not a cure for low vision,  a low vision specialist can help you adapt and if needed, create a vision rehabilitation program designed to meet your specific needs.

If you are experiencing trouble seeing even with prescription eye glasses, ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a low vision evaluation. If your practitioner does not perform this evaluation, request a referral to a low vision specialist in a private practice, at a Braille Institute or a University Eye Care Institute. 

Low vision is often caused by one of these conditions:

  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) –AMD is a progressive eye condition affecting as many as 15 million Americans. The disease attacks the macula of the eye, where our sharpest central vision occurs, affecting reading, driving, identifying faces, watching television, safely navigating stairs and performing other daily tasks. Although it rarely results in complete blindness, it robs the individual of all but the outermost, peripheral vision, leaving only dim images or black holes at the center of vision. Read more

  • Diabetes– Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.

In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid or blood inside the eye. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision.  Read More 

  • Glaucoma– Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the major nerve of the eye called the optic nerve, a part of the central nervous system that carries visual information from the eye to the brain

The eye experiences a gradual increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) due to an imbalance of the fluid produced in the eye and the amount of fluid drained. Over time, elevated IOP can cause vision loss. The most common form of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma which affects about 3 million Americans. However, there are other types including narrow angle, congenital, normal tension, and secondary glaucoma. Read more

Reducing your risk for Low Vision

Practicing healthy daily lifestyle habits can reduce your risk for low vision. A healthy diet, not smoking and maintaining healthy blood pressure are important first steps. Other healthy habits that can lower the risk include:

  • Eat a diet with plenty of green, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, and fresh fruit.
  • Fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids is good for eye health. Try to include it in your diet at least once or twice a week. Types of fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and albacore tuna.
  • It’s important to keep your body healthy. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The healthier your body, the more it can foster good eye health. Visit our website for eye healthy recipes Eye Cook.
  • Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses and a hat with a visor in bright sunlight to protect your eyes from potentially harmful ultra-violet (UV) light and blue light.

Low Vision Reading Apps on Your Smartphone

Reading often is one of the most difficult challenges for visually impaired people. Many people with low vision give up reading altogether, because what used to be an enjoyable, effortless activity now requires thought, preparation and a lot of adjustment. In short, reading is just no fun anymore. 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has listed some of the top apps, devices and resources for people with low vision, below are a few listed for reading app, for more apps visit American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Reading

  • KNFB Reader (Android and iOS, $99.99) – This voice-to-text tool lets you take a picture of any text—books, recipes, product labels—and have it read back to you or converted to braille.
  • Audible (Android and iOS, $14.95 per month plus downloads) – Provides downloadable audiobooks, periodicals, newspapers and more. Their collection currently includes 200,000+ books.
  • Kindle app (Android, iOS, PC and Mac, free) – An e-reader app that allows you to download books. Books can be purchased and directly downloaded from Amazon, or downloaded from your library app into the Kindle app. The free Kindle app can be downloaded onto many iOS and Android devices.
  • Bookshare (Android and iOS, $50 per year) – An online library for people with low vision. Currently, the Bookshare collection contains nearly 850,000 titles, downloadable in a choice of formats including ebooks, audio, braille, and large font. Membership requires verification of your print disability, and includes free downloads.
  • BARD Mobile (Android and iOS, free) – A talking book library that offers access to tens of thousands of titles. You must first enroll in the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress. Note that this program may only be available in the United States.

 

Regular eye exams are essential for all adults; it is recommended that adults over the age of 60 have eye exams each year. If your vision can not be improved to the point that you are able to see the things you need to see or read, your eye care professional can refer you to a low vision specialist. This specialist differs from a conventional optometrist and is trained to evaluate your low vision problem and offer solutions to help you retain or regain independence and the ability to do things you enjoy again.

 

More Low Vision resources

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

 

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Glaucoma has no early symptoms — that’s why half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it. 

The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There’s no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.   

Anyone can get glaucoma, but those at higher risk include: 

  • Everyone over age 60, especially Hispanics/Latinos 
  • African Americans over age 40 
  • People with a family history of glaucoma 

National Glaucoma Awareness month is important because:

  1. It’s a silent disease – Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, has no symptoms. Without treatment, those affected will slowly lose their peripheral vision. If glaucoma remains untreated, people may miss objects to the side and out of the corner of their eye.
     
  2. It gives others a voice – National Glaucoma Awareness Month helps patients cope. It’s a time to let them share their stories.
     
  3. It’s important to spread the word – The main objective of this month is to keep people in the know about this disease. Not everyone is aware of how easily they can be affected. Eye care organizations use this month to address the risks and provide treatment tips.

 

Questions for your doctor

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with glaucoma, you may have lots of questions. Starting treatment early is the best way to stop the damage and protect your vision. Talk to your eye doctor about your symptoms and treatment options.  

Here are a few questions to ask your doctor:

  • What type of glaucoma do I have?
  • How often do I need to get a checkup for my glaucoma?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What will happen if I don’t get treated for my glaucoma?
  • How will I know if my treatment is working?
  • What are the possible dangers or side effects from treatment?
  • Is there anything I can do to prevent my glaucoma from worsening?
  • Does glaucoma put me at risk for other eye diseases?
  • What can I expect for my vision — now and in the future?
  • Are there any activities I should avoid?

Visiting the doctor can be stressful, especially when you’re dealing with a new diagnosis. It helps to have questions written down ahead of time. 

 

Discovery Eye Foundation is currently funding research to find better treatments for glaucoma. Gifts of any size can make a difference.

Donate Today!

 

Glaucoma simulation video courtesy of NEI

 

 

 

You Can Teach an Old Drug New Tricks

Previously Approved Drug Shows Promise for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Getting FDA approval for new treatments can take years or even decades. But what about repurposing drugs that have already been approved for other diseases? That’s precisely the question DEF-supported researchers are asking about a new treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other aging diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Six years ago, DEF Research Director Dr. Cristina Kenney began collaborating with Parkinson’s specialist Dr. Howard Federoff of the Department of Neurology at UC Irvine. DEF-supported researchers had previously shown that damaged mitochondria are a significant factor in accelerating cell death in AMD, and Kenney developed a cybrid mitochondria model to study AMD. Federoff had set up a screening system to look at drugs previously approved by the FDA that might improve the health of mitochondria, whose demise also contribute to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Of more than a thousand drugs screened, he identified 13 that could rejuvenate mitochondria. Kenney’s cell-culture models and Federoff’s system were a match made in research heaven.

Together, the researchers homed in on one drug, which Federoff named PU-91, because it was the 91st drug he’d tested. “When we added PU-91 to our AMD cybrids, the cells lived longer, they functioned better   the damage to the mitochondria was decreased and it really improved the health of the mitochondria,” Kenney says. “PU-91 is a drug called fenofibrate, which has been used for years to treat high cholesterol. When this drug is modified slightly, it helps sluggish mitochondria regain their health. We’re taking a drug that has been used for many years with FDA approval, and we’re repurposing it for a new target and new types of diseases.”

Benefits of Repurposing

After treatment with PU-91, the AMD mitochondria are greatly increased in number and are healthier (green dye). Blue stains nucleus of cells.

Tremendous savings of time and money are to be had by repurposing a known drug rather than starting with a drug people have never used before. Perhaps most importantly, because it’s been used for so many years in patients, the known drug has a proven safety track record. PU-91 has an additional advantage in that it is taken orally. While there is currently one type of treatment for wet AMD — an injection — there is no treatment at all for the dry form of AMD. An oral treatment for dry AMD is a game-changer.

The research is going so well that a company has been formed specifically to bring this drug to market for dry AMD. “As we become more successful, this type of drug can also be used for neurodegenerative diseases that have damaged mitochondria, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease,” Kenney says. “Potentially, it might even be used for something, such as glaucoma, that causes cell death of the retina ganglion cells in the eye. There are a lot of potential uses for it.”

Bench to Bedside

DEF currently is supporting ongoing studies to optimize PU-91’s formulations for maximum effectiveness in patients with AMD. “It’s exciting, because this is the goal for translational researchers,” Kenney says. “Take what you’re doing at the bench and bring it to the bedside.”

If you would like to support our sight saving research click here, DONATE NOW

Beware of Costume Contacts this Halloween

Costume Contact Lenses such as cat eyes or zombie may make your Halloween costume a bit more frightful although wearing those lenses without a prescription can be more terrifying, as it could result in vision loss or even blindness.

You can buy contact lenses, including decorative contact lenses, from your eye doctor or on the Internet.  It’s very important that you only buy contact lenses from a company that sells FDA-cleared or approved contact lenses and requires you to provide a prescription.  Even if you don’t wear corrective lenses you still need to get fitted properly.

Remember — Buying contact lenses without a prescription is dangerous!

Right now there are a lot of products that you can buy without a prescription but they may not be safe or legal.

You should NEVER buy lenses from:

  • street vendors
  • salons or beauty supply stores
  • boutiques
  • flea markets
  • novelty stores
  • Halloween stores
  • convenience stores
  • beach shops
  • internet sites that do not require a prescription

Know the Risks –

Wearing costume contact lenses can be risky, just like the contact lenses that correct your vision. Wearing any kind of contact lenses, including costume lenses, can cause serious damage to your eyes if the lenses are obtained without a prescription or not used correctly.

These risks include:

  • A cut or scratch on the top layer of your eyeball (Corneal Abrasion)
  • Allergic reactions like itchy, watery red eyes
  • Decreased vision
  • Infection
  • Blindness

Signs of possible eye infection:

  • Redness
  • Pain in the eye(s) that doesn’t go away after a short period of time
  • Decreased vision

If you have any of these signs, you need to see a licensed eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) right away!  An eye infection could become serious and cause you to become blind if it is not treated.

This Halloween season DEF wants to remind you of the importance of eye safety and to make sure to take the proper steps in ensuring the proper contact lenses. 

Tips To Protect Children From Digital Eye Strain

With COVID-19 and a shift to online learning by many schools, children are spending even more time looking at screens. Staring at digital screens for a long period of time can cause hazy, blurred vision and can make eyes burn and feel dry, itchy and irritated. This condition is known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Other symptoms of digital eye strain can include:

  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Words moving on the screen (due to underlying eye alignment issues)

What Parents Can Do:

  • Monitor screen time. Find some balance between the digital and real world. Two especially important aspects of this are making sure screens don’t cut into:
    • Sleep. Not getting enough shut-eye leads to tired, sore eyes. Avoid exposure to screens for 1 hour before going to bed. Using devices past bedtime, especially for violent video games or shows, can interfere with sleep.
  • Putting down the device or stepping away from the computer or TV can help avoid eye and vision problems from too much screen time. Children age 6 years and older should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Active play is the best exercise for young children. Outside play can also be a great “workout” for children’s vision—giving them a chance to focus at different distances and getting exposure to natural sunlight.
  • Take frequent breaks. Children frequently get so absorbed in what they’re doing that they don’t notice symptoms of eye strain. Remind them to take breaks. Use the 20/20/20 rule: look away from the screen every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. In addition, children should walk away from the screen for at least 10 minutes every hour. A simple timer can help your child remember, and there are even software programs that can help by turning off the screen in regular intervals.

  • Remember to blink. Staring at a computer can cut blinking rates by half and cause dry eyes. Encourage your child to try to blink extra, especially when they take breaks. Your pediatrician or eye doctor may recommend moisturizing eye drops or a room humidifier if your child continues to be bothered by dry eyes.
  • Screen positioning. Make sure the screen on your child’s desktop or laptop computer is slightly below eye level. Looking up at a screen opens eyes wider and dries them out quicker. Some experts suggest positioning device screens based on the 1/2/10 rule: mobile phones ideally at one foot, desktop devices and laptops at two feet, and roughly 10 feet for TV screens (depending on how big the screen is). Adjusting the font size—especially on smaller screens—so it’s twice as big as your child can comfortably read may also help reduce eye fatigue.
  • Spotlight on lighting. To cut down on glare and eye fatigue, consider the level of lighting in a room when using a computer or other screen. Ideally, it should be roughly half what it would be for other activities such as writing on paper or working on crafts. Try to position computers so that light from uncovered windows, lamps and overhead light fixtures aren’t shining directly on screens. Decrease the brightness of the screen to a more comfortable level for viewing. Some optometrists recommend special computer glasses with orange lenses that may also help reduce glare. Children who wear prescription eyeglasses may have an anti-reflective coating added, as well.
  • Get regular vision screenings. If your child is having blurry vision or similar eye problems, he or she may not speak up. That’s why regular vision screenings are important. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend children have their eyes checked by a pediatrician at well-child visits beginning at birth. If a problem is found during one of these routine eye exams, your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist.

Children, especially younger ones, will likely need help and reminders to use digital screen devices in an eye-friendly way.  If you have any questions about keeping your child’s eyes and vision healthy, talk with your pediatrician.

Eye Care Tips for Travelers

Proper eye care is one of the most essential aspects people tend to ignore during, or when planning their travel. The following tips might help you in keeping your eyes healthy when traveling:

1.    Pack accordingly

Pack the following:

    • Lubricating eye drops: Consider packing allergy-specific eye drops that are specially formulated for allergies.
    • Eye wash solution: If you have something in your eye — an eyelash, a fleck of dust — you might be tempted to head to the nearest restroom to wash out your eye with tap water. Stop. That tap water could contain impurities or minerals which may further irritate your eyes or cause an infection. Use a sterile eye wash instead—purchased at your drugstore.
    • Sunglasses and a hat – Goggles if you plan to go swimming
    • Sleep mask

2.   Don’t wear contacts for long-haul trips.

If you’re about to take a long road trip or get on a plane, play it safe by opting for glasses from the start.  Make sure to aim air vents away from your eyes, constant temperature fluctuations and lack of humidity could irritate your eyes.

3.    Apply a warm compress at the end of each leg of the trip

Once you reach your destination, wet a washcloth with warm water and drape it over your eyes for 5-10 minutes. If your eyes feel like they have something in them, try an eye wash solution to irrigate your eyes.

4.   Take steps to manage eye strain.

Eye strain is common, and when you’re a tired traveler, it could get the best of you. The best ways to manage eye strain include limiting screen time and adjusting your lighting, so whether you’re working on your computer or watching in-flight movies, be sure to take frequent breaks. A simple approach is the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes look away from your screen for 20 seconds and focus on something 20 feet away.

5.    Invest in good sunglasses and wear them

Sunglasses help you avoid glare and air borne foreign particles. They also protect from UV rays. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you should buy glasses that are 100% UV-resistant.  The term “polarized” means they cut glare, not UV rays. AAO recommends buying sunglasses that are large to provide optimal coverage.

Tips for beating dry eyes when traveling

  • Eat a healthy diet of foods that nourish your eyes like Omega 3s and foods rich in Vitamin A. Always make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this will ensure you stay hydrated.
  • Always make sure you are taking proper care of your contact lenses and putting them in correctly.
  • Wear glasses on a windy day to protect your eyes from becoming dry or irritated. You should also make sure your sunglasses are polarized and filter out 100% of harmful UV rays and block harsh glare off of different surfaces.
  • Avoid areas where there is lots of smoke from fires or cigarettes, as smoke can irritate and make dry eyes feel sore.
  • Make sure you pack lubricating eye drops and medicated eye drops if you require them so that you can treat your eyes immediately when they begin to feel dry. Some users recommend Bausch & Lomb anti-red drops, Lumify.
  • Pack oral allergy medication that will combat any allergies to new pollens or allergens.

These tips will help you take good care of your eyes while traveling.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, studies show that long-term exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer.

UV rays reflected off sand and water can cause eyes to sunburn, potentially resulting in temporary blindness in just a few hours. In support of UV Safety Month this July, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds the public of the importance of shielding eyes from the sun’s harmful rays with 100% UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats.

Here are some tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

  • Don’t focus on color or darkness of sunglass lenses: Select sunglasses that block UV rays. Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag or how dark the sunglass lenses are.
  • Check for 100 percent UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV-A rays and UV-B rays.
  • Choose wrap-around styles: Ideally, your sunglasses, either the lenses of the frame, should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side.
  • Wear a hat: In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.
  • Don’t rely on contact lenses: Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, remember your sunglasses.

  • Don’t be fooled by clouds: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime.
  • Protect your eyes during peak sun times: Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside, and it’s especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense.
  • Never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy, damage to the eye’s retina from solar radiation.
  • Don’t forget the kids: Everyone is at risk, including children.
  • Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, if possible, try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

In addition to the proper safety eyewear, regular eye exams for early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases are essential to maintaining good vision at every stage of life.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children with a family history of childhood vision problems should be screened for common childhood eye problems before the age of 5. If eye problems such as visual changes, pain, flashes of light, seeing spots, excessive tearing and excessive dryness occur, they should see an eye doctor. Adults between the ages of 40 to 65 should have an eye exam every two years. Adults over the age of 65 should have an eye exam at least every one to two years.

 

Your Vision: Getting Fit Post-Pandemic

The past year has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of millions of people.  While we were rightly focused on slowing the spread of the pandemic, widespread shutdowns brought about a more sedentary, inactive lifestyle, which has led to increased weight gain and worsened mental health for many.  As we look ahead and as more people receive the vaccine, it is time to start reprioritizing physical activity and placing much needed attention on our health.

It’s no secret that exercise is the best way to get in shape and to prevent serious health conditions, especially after this pandemic. But did you know that you can actually exercise your way to healthy eyes too?  By eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you can help prevent eye conditions linked to obesity and being out of shape.

Below are a few tips on how to get your fitness regimen back on track.

  • Set Goals – The first step to getting back in shape is deciding what you want to achieve. Take a personal inventory and write a contract with yourself, put it someplace where you can see it every day.
  •  Start Small – Getting too ambitious when planning goals can set you up for failure. Instead, ease into the changes. A lot of people get discouraged because they try to change their whole routine immediately.
  • Build Momentum – Mini daily victories create a sense of accomplishment.  A few daily successes will create a snowball effect.  Add more challenges, then a few more and that’s what will keep the momentum going.
  • Enjoy Your Workout – The best way to stick with an exercise routine, is enjoying it. You’re more likely to stay on schedule and exercise more often if you enjoy what you are doing.  Hiking, swimming, boxing, dance or yoga are great options—and create atmosphere that’s inviting.
  • Stretching Matters – It preps your muscles for exercise and cools them down after, guarding against injury. Stretching also improves your posture.
  • Invest In Equipment – You don’t need to spend a lot of money—a few weights are enough to deliver results.  Even minimal equipment allows for more intense and effective workouts.
  • Make it a Habit – Exercise should be part of your daily routine, it should be as normal as showering or brushing your teeth.
  • Get A Workout Buddy – If you can’t recruit a family member or friend, join a Zoom class or an outdoor club. 

Stay active, get plenty of exercise and keep a healthy diet. When you’re tempted to slack off, or quit exercising all together—give yourself a day off to relax.  Just remember how terrific you’ll look and feel when you keep moving.

You’ll probably agree it’s worth working out a few minutes each day to reap the rewards of good health and great vision!

 

Click here for Eye Healthy Recipes.

May-Healthy Vision Month

When it comes to our health, we may visit our doctors and nurses regularly to make sure our bodies are healthy. But what about our eyes? They’re not always top of mind, but they’re just as important! May is Healthy Vision Month, an observance coordinated by the National Eye Institute to motivate Americans to make their eye health a priority and educate them about steps they can take to protect their vision.

Here are a few ways you can help protect your vision

  • Get an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam.
  • Know your family’s eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with an eye disease or condition, since some are hereditary.
  • Eat right to protect your sight: In particular, eat plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, albacore tuna, trout, and halibut. Visit Eye Cook for eye healthy recipes.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home, such as painting, yard work, and home repairs.
  • Quit smoking or never start.
  • Wear sunglasses that block 99 -100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
  • Wash your hands before taking out your contacts and cleanse your contact lenses properly to avoid infection.
  • Practice workplace eye safety.

Taking care of your eyes also may benefit your overall health. People with vision problems are more likely than those with good vision to have diabetes, poor hearing, heart problems, high blood pressure, lower back pain and strokes, as well as have increased risk for falls, injury and depression.

In addition to your comprehensive dilated eye exams, visit an eye care professional if you have

  • Decreased vision.
  • Eye pain
  • Drainage or redness of the eye
  • Double vision
  • Diabetes
  • Floaters (tiny specks that appear to float before your eyes)
  • Circles (halos) around light sources or if you see flashes of light

For this Healthy Vision Month, take care of your eyes to make them last a lifetime.