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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

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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.

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.
Drink a lot of fluids – keeping your body hydrated will also help maintain the moisture in your eyes.
If you spend a lot of time indoors in heated environments, use a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air.
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.
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.
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.
Stop smoking and avoid smoky environments.
Don’t rub your eyes! This will only increase irritation and can also lead to infections if your hands are not clean.
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.
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

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.

5 Most Common Eye Problems

Most people have eye problems at one time or another. Some are minor and will go away on their own, or are easy to treat at home. Others need a specialist’s care. Some eye issues come with age while others may be a serious condition.

If you’ve never had a problem with your eyes it can be easy to forget how important it is to take care of them. The good news is that it’s never too late to start taking care of your eye health. Regular eye health appointments and eye exams can lead to early diagnosis. This is key to correcting or slowing most eye conditions. Always see your eye care professional if your vision problem lasts for more than a few days or worsens.

The five most common eye conditions leading to loss of vision or blindness are:

Dry Eye
Cataracts
Diabetic retinopathy
Glaucoma
Age-related macular degeneration

Dry Eye

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears. Dry eyes can also feel very uncomfortable.

Signs and symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include:

A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Sensitivity to light
Eye redness
A sensation of having something in your eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Difficulty with nighttime driving
Watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes
Blurred vision or eye fatigue

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that typically will affect your vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. People who have cataracts often have other vision problems in one or both eyes that accompany the cataract, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism (blurred vision), and/or presbyopia (reading problems).

The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil. It works much like a camera lens. It focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded and sent to the brain. The lens also adjusts the eye’s focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that normally keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it.

But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud the lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger or more dense making it harder to see. There are no known medications or diets to prevent age-related cataract so currently the only treatment is cataract surgery. Consult an ophthalmologist for a cataract surgery evaluation.

Diabetic Retinopathy

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.

We know that:

Currently more than 4 million Americans aged 40 and older have some form of diabetic retinopathy
There is a higher prevalence in African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, and Alaska Natives aged 20 and older
Preventive measures help and it is highly treatable.

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.

Two important tips for diabetic retinopathy prevention: 1) Diabetic retinopathy is worse in patients with poor blood sugar control, so follow your diet and medication prescriptions carefully. 2) Get a dilated eye exam from your ophthalmologist every year for early diagnosis and treatment.

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.

At age 50 about 2% of the US population has glaucoma, increasing to 4% by age 70 and 10% for those over age 80. While anyone can develop glaucoma, there are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of having this disease, which include:

A family history of glaucoma
Mexican American heritage over the age of 60
African American heritage over age 40.

Often people with glaucoma are unaware they have the disease because there are no symptoms, so it is recommended that you have a dilated eye exam every two years. With early diagnosis there are treatments that can often protect against irreversible damage to the optic nerve that can lead to serious vision loss. Glaucoma can be treated with eye medications, lasers, and various surgical procedures. However, if glaucoma is not controlled can cause debilitating loss of vision.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular degeneration (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.

As the disease progresses color vision and central vision sharpness deteriorates. the gradual destruction of light sensitive cells continues until large areas are totally gone. Peripheral vision remains, but the ability to clearly see straight ahead and to see color is lost.

For many people, the first sign of macular degeneration is something they notice themselves. Straight lines like doorways or telephone wires may appear wavy or disconnected. When you look at a person, their face may be blurred while the rest of them is in focus. Lines of print may be blurred in the center or the lines may be crooked. For some people, there is a sudden blurring or loss of sight in the center of vision. For any sudden change in vision, you should contact your ophthalmologist immediately.

AMD can be classified into Early AMD and Late AMD. In Early AMD, a patient may have drusen, which are small protein/lipid deposits underneath the retina, and they can still have good vision. In Late AMD, there are two common forms that occur—wet (neovascular AMD) and dry (atrophic AMD). The wet AMD has abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina that leak blood which can greatly distort the vision and cause a central blind spot. Approximately 10-15% of patients have the wet form. Fortunately, there are treatments for wet AMD. To date, the dry, atrophic form of AMD does not have any treatments available. In dry AMD, the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which are the posterior-most layer of cells in the retina, undergo extensive degeneration that causes the overlying retina to lose function. We do not know what causes the RPE cells to become unhealthy and start to die. Many research laboratories worldwide are studying the causes of dry AMD and how to treat it.

Help keep your eyes healthy for years to come with regular eye exams, and treatment at the first sign of a problem.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

DEF-Funded Retinitis Pigmentosa(RP) and Age-Related Macular Degeneration(AMD) Projects Converge with Promise

Two hallmark DEF-funded projects are converging, providing great hope for those facing vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The first project, headed by UC Irvine researchers Drs. Henry Klassen and Jing Yang, concentrates on putting human retinal progenitor cells into the eyes of those with RP in order to rescue damaged retinal cells. That project is currently in Phase II clinical trials, progressing toward FDA approval.

According to DEF Research Director Dr. Cristina Kenney, if the project is approved by the FDA for use with RP, the next question is: What other diseases might these retinal progenitor cells be used for? That’s where a second DEF-funded project comes in.

Kenney is working on a “personalized” cybrid cell model to screen agents that specifically target the mitochondria in AMD cells. To date, the researchers have different cybrid cell lines representing 60 different individuals with eye diseases. They are looking for novel mechanisms to protect AMD cells from dying.

Yang and Kenney are now working together to determine whether the retinal progenitor cells can be the agent that rescues AMD cybrids. “When we take the mitochondria from AMD patients and put them into healthy retinal cells, which makes cybrids, we have shown that these AMD cybrid cells will start to die. So we used that model to ask the question: How do we rescue them?” Kenney says.

Kenney and Yang developed a tissue culture model, where the retinal progenitor cells are grown in one part of a chamber, and the AMD cybrids are grown in another part of chamber, surrounded by culture medium. There is a porous separator between the two chambers through which the cells can communicate.

“We are finding that the retinal progenitor cells produce a factor that protects the AMD cybrids,” Kenney says. “This provides promising evidence that these proprietary retinal progenitor cells that are being tested for treating RP also may be helpful in AMD patients.”

“DEF has been supporting both these retina-related projects for quite some time, and it’s very exciting to see them coming together to potentially treat both RP and AMD.”

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