Archive for the ‘Read Our Blogs about Eyecare — Point Grey Eyecare’ Category
Proper contact Lens Usage May Prevent a Corneal Ulcer
The corner is the clear center of the eye that allows images in. A corneal ulcer is an infected cornea, that, left untreated, can lead to blindness. It’s an open sore on the eye that can be extremely painful, yet it’s treatable when found early on.
Common causes of a corneal ulcer include:
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Improper content lens usage
- Chemical injury
- Dry eye
- Herpes virus (similar to strain found in a cold sore)
- Tiny tears in the cornea
As a result of these problems, a corneal ulcer can present pain, tears, squinting, pus, blurred vision, swelling, and vision loss. It can also be recurring, so it’s important to resolve the underlying issues.
The main thing to gain control over in preventing corneal ulcers is the proper use and storage of contact lenses. Proper hygiene is vital to preventing and healing eye sores. Pay special attention to the doctor’s recommendations and product labels. Don’t wear contact lenses to bed or for a period longer than the recommendation.
Once the corneal ulcer is present, review treatment options to see what works best. The following treatment methods can be helpful:
- Topical ointment
- Over-the-counter medicine to control the pain
- Medicated eye drops
- Cool compresses
- Nutritious diet
- Vitamin A and C
In most cases the corneal ulcer can last for several weeks. In some extreme cases, hospitalization may be necessary for corneal transplant surgery. Don’t hesitant to seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Tips for Maintaining Good Eyesight
Once vision loss occurs, it can’t be repaired. That’s why it’s so important to practice preventative care to maintain 20/20 vision. Doing so means taking extra precautions to reduce the strain on the eyes and prevent eye related diseases.
- Watch your diet. Nutrition plays a key role in eye health. A high fat diet and sugar spikes can cause damage to the eye. Follow a heart-healthy diet that’s high in whole grains, lean meats and fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants found in many plant-based foods are able to fight off the free radicals that cause eye damage.
- Quit smoking. Smoke causes macular degeneration. Quit smoking and limit your exposure to secondhand smoke to reduce the risk.
- Use caution in regards to screen time. Spending too much time in front of the TV, computer, iPad, and smart phone puts undue strain on the eyes. Use electronic in brightly lit rooms and take frequent breaks from the screens.
- Wear glasses when needed. Wearing glasses or contact lenses when they are necessary will also cut down on the unnecessary strain on the eyes.
- Protect the eyes from the sun. Avoid directly looking at the sun and wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors, even while in the car and on mostly cloudy days. The suns rays can cause vision loss down the road.
- Protect the eyes. Wear protective eye goggle when working with hazardous materials to minimize the risk of eye injuries.
- Get eye exams regularly. It isn’t always possible to see changes in the eye just by looking in the mirror and symptoms of eye diseases often appear only after some damage has occurred. To maintain healthy vision, get regular eye exams to rule out any issues and receive care as soon as possible if something irregular shows up.
The Effect of Smartphones on Eye Health
It is hard to go in public without seeing a majority of people using their smartphones. People spend two or more hours, on average, texting, plating game, and surfing the web on their smartphones. They are considered a modern convenience and most people would feel lost without theirs. There are consequences to pay for this convenience though. New studies are coming out that question the effect on the brain. One thing researchers have confirmed is the damage smartphones can do to eyesight.
Smartphones, when used excessively and at a short distance, can cause myopia and nearsightedness. In addition, it can cause:
- Eye strain
- Dry eyes
- Inability to focus
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
A recent study by eye surgeon, David Malayalam shows that shortsightedness is up 35% since smartpones became available in 1997. He predicts that percentage to rise to 50 over the next decade. This especially alarming for kids and teens who are using smartphones at a younger age and are at risk for permanent and irreparable vision loss. He also found that users were holding their phones too close, when compared to reading materials.
While smartphones aren’t going away anytime soon, there are some things that can reduce the strain on the eyes while using them:
- Hold the phone further away from your face
- Use the phone in a brightly lit room so the back-light isn’t the only source of reading light
- Refrain from using in the middle of the night when eyes are sensitive to light
- Reduce screen time and take frequent breaks
- Get more sunlight, which can also reduce shortsightedness
- Increase font size to reduce squinting and straining
Stem Cell Research Provides Hope for Curing Blindness
Stem cell research has been a hot topic for many years because despite what opposers have to say about objecting to the use of embryos, it has the potential to save many people and cure many diseases. It is thought to treat cancer, spinal cord injuries, ms, muscle damage, Parkinson’s disease, and more. It is also thought to be a future cure for blindness.
There are several eye diseases that cause vision loss and blindness, which at this point cannot be repaired. Macular degeneration is permanent and vision can’t be restored once it’s lost. A majority of eye care surgeries are simply to prevent further loss of vision and correct other problems like cloudy vision or astigmatisms. They can’t undo the damage once it’s done.
Stem cells are formed by taking cells from 4 to 5 day old human embryo and placing them in a culture dish. As they grow, they replicate into new cells. A stem cell line then develops. Once it matures it can be used in photoreceptor transplants. When the cones and rods in the eye are replaced, the sensitivity to color and light are restored.
This can truly change the future of eye surgeries. As of now, the only replacement operations being done rely solely on organ donations, but there are not enough organs compared to those who need them. Stem cells would make it possible for more people to undergo the surgery and enjoy regaining their vision. The future will tell how far stem cell research can go.
Refractive Lens Exchange Improves Vision
A refractive lens exchange is a lens replacement surgery that uses an Inraocular Lens Impant (IOL.) This procedure is similar to a cataract surgery, the only difference is that the natural lens being taken out is clear, not cloudy. There isn’t a cataract present. The same surgical process, high success rate, and minimal risk for side effects still apply.
The 15 minute process begins with numbing the eye with droops. The natural lens is then destroyed and removed. Then the artificial lens is set in place. Minimal discomfort can be expected, including scratchiness, burred vision, and sensitivity to light.
There are three types of replacement lenses that can be used in the procedure:
- Mono-focal. These lenses offer clear vision at any distance, near or far, just not simultaneously.
- Multi-focal. These lenses offer clear vision at various distances simultaneously.
- Accommodating IOL’s. These lenses allow patients to see at various distances as long as the eye position changes.
Refractive lens exchange is used for patients with presbyopia and extreme farsightedness. It’s especially useful for patients who don’t qualify for LASIK eye surgery. It is ideal for older patients, but the preferred candidate is at least 21. It is not ideal for those with diabetes or autoimmune diseases. Glaucoma and other eye problems can also worsen after a reflective lens exchange, so it is not recommended. An ophthalmologist can confirm if the surgery is right for a specific candidate or not based on a recent eye exam and their medical history.