Myth: Sitting too close to the TV is bad for the eyes.
Fact: Although parents have been saying this ever since TVs first found their way into our living rooms, there's no evidence that plunking down right in front of the TV set damages someone's eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) says that kids can actually focus up close without eyestrain better than adults, so they often develop the habit of sitting right in front of the television or holding reading material close to their eyes. However, sitting close to a TV may be a sign of nearsightedness.
Myth: If you cross your eyes, they'll stay that way.
Fact: Contrary to the old saying, eyes will not stay that way if you cross them.
Myth: If parents have poor eyesight, their kids will inherit that trait.
Fact: Unfortunately, this one is sometimes true. If you need glasses for good vision or have developed an eye condition (such as cataracts), your child may inherit that same trait. Discuss your family's visual history with your doctor.
Myth: Eating carrots can improve vision.
Fact: Although it's true that carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for sight, so are many other foods (asparagus, apricots, nectarines, and milk, for example). A well-balanced diet can provide the vitamin A needed for good vision, says the AAO.
Myth: Computer use can damage the eyes.
Fact: According to the AAO, computer use won't harm the eyes. However, when using a computer for long periods of time, the eyes blink less than normal (like they do when reading or performing other close work). This makes the eyes dry, which may lead to a feeling of eyestrain or fatigue. So encourage your kids to take frequent breaks from Internet surfing or video games.
Myth: Two blue-eyed parents can't produce a child with brown eyes.
Fact: Two blue-eyed parents can have a child with brown eyes, although it's very rare. Likewise, two brown-eyed parents can have a child with blue eyes, although this is also uncommon.
Myth: Only boys can be color-blind.
Fact: It's estimated that up to 8% of boys have some degree of color blindness, whereas less than 1% of girls do.
Showing posts with label eye care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eye care. Show all posts
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Inherited color vision problems
Most color vision problems are inherited (genetic) problems with the cone cells in the eye that see color. Inherited color vision problems affect both eyes equally, are usually present at birth, and do not change during a person's life.
The most common color vision problems are inherited problems that make it harder to see red or green, so it becomes difficult to distinguish between shades of these two colors. This type of problem affects about 8% of males and less than 1% of females. A rare type of inherited problem that affects the way a person sees blue and yellow shades occurs equally in men and women.1
Types of inherited color vision problems
There are four main types of inherited color vision problems.
The most common type of color vision problem, called anomalous trichromacy, occurs in people who have all three types of cone cells (for seeing red, green, or blue) but are missing or have an abnormal amount of one type of cone cell, or one type has a flaw in the pigments that the cone cells use to sense color.
* People with this type can see all three colors—red, green, and blue—but not as well as people with normal color vision. That is, they see different shades of colors than people with normal color vision.
* The most common color vision problem is trouble seeing red and green. This problem varies greatly from person to person. Some people have only a little trouble seeing red and green, and they may not even know that they have a color vision problem. Other people may have a very hard time seeing red and green.
Another type of color vision problem, called dichromacy, occurs when one of the three types of cone cells is missing. That is, a person can only see two of the three colors.
* Most people with this color vision problem can tell the difference between blues and yellows but have trouble seeing reds and greens. (A very few people in this category can see reds and greens but not blues and yellows.)
* People with this type of problem have more serious color vision problems compared with the first type (anomalous trichromacy).
The third type of inherited color vision problem, called blue-cone monochromacy, occurs when two of the cone cells (red and green) are missing.
* This problem affects only boys and men.
* Distance vision is often poor, and boys with this condition may have shaky eyes (nystagmus).
* A boy or man with blue-cone monochromacy relies only on his blue cones for color vision.
The fourth main type of inherited color vision problem, called achromatopsia, occurs when all three types of cone cells are missing.
* A person with this color vision problem cannot see any color, only shades of gray, black, and white.
* People who have this type of color vision problem may also have other vision problems, such as poor distance and reading vision and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
* This type of color vision problem is the rarest and most severe.
* This is also called rod monochromacy, because the person must rely on the eye's rod cells for vision.
Genetics of inherited color vision problems
Most color vision problems are inherited flaws in the genes that control the production of the cone pigments of the cone cells in the eye that see color.
The genes for the cone cells involved in seeing red and green colors are on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes. Males have only one X chromosome and a Y chromosome, and they receive their X chromosome from their mother.
* A male will have a red/green color vision problem if the flawed gene is on his single X chromosome. A female must have the flawed gene on both X chromosomes to cause color vision problems, and this happens much less often.
* A woman who is carrying a gene for this type of color vision problem has a 50% chance of passing it on to her sons (because they will receive one of her two X chromosomes). Her daughters will have the color vision problem if they receive the flawed gene on the X chromosome from both the mother and the father. This is much less likely to happen.
* A woman may carry the gene for red/green color vision problems without being affected but may pass the gene on to her children. This is why a color vision problem may "skip" a generation in families that have a history of color vision problems.
The genes for the cone pigments involved in seeing blue colors are not on the X chromosome but on a non-sex chromosome that both males and females have. This means blue color vision problems occur equally often in males and females. However, these types of color vision problems are relatively rare.
The most common color vision problems are inherited problems that make it harder to see red or green, so it becomes difficult to distinguish between shades of these two colors. This type of problem affects about 8% of males and less than 1% of females. A rare type of inherited problem that affects the way a person sees blue and yellow shades occurs equally in men and women.1
Types of inherited color vision problems
There are four main types of inherited color vision problems.
The most common type of color vision problem, called anomalous trichromacy, occurs in people who have all three types of cone cells (for seeing red, green, or blue) but are missing or have an abnormal amount of one type of cone cell, or one type has a flaw in the pigments that the cone cells use to sense color.
* People with this type can see all three colors—red, green, and blue—but not as well as people with normal color vision. That is, they see different shades of colors than people with normal color vision.
* The most common color vision problem is trouble seeing red and green. This problem varies greatly from person to person. Some people have only a little trouble seeing red and green, and they may not even know that they have a color vision problem. Other people may have a very hard time seeing red and green.
Another type of color vision problem, called dichromacy, occurs when one of the three types of cone cells is missing. That is, a person can only see two of the three colors.
* Most people with this color vision problem can tell the difference between blues and yellows but have trouble seeing reds and greens. (A very few people in this category can see reds and greens but not blues and yellows.)
* People with this type of problem have more serious color vision problems compared with the first type (anomalous trichromacy).
The third type of inherited color vision problem, called blue-cone monochromacy, occurs when two of the cone cells (red and green) are missing.
* This problem affects only boys and men.
* Distance vision is often poor, and boys with this condition may have shaky eyes (nystagmus).
* A boy or man with blue-cone monochromacy relies only on his blue cones for color vision.
The fourth main type of inherited color vision problem, called achromatopsia, occurs when all three types of cone cells are missing.
* A person with this color vision problem cannot see any color, only shades of gray, black, and white.
* People who have this type of color vision problem may also have other vision problems, such as poor distance and reading vision and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
* This type of color vision problem is the rarest and most severe.
* This is also called rod monochromacy, because the person must rely on the eye's rod cells for vision.
Genetics of inherited color vision problems
Most color vision problems are inherited flaws in the genes that control the production of the cone pigments of the cone cells in the eye that see color.
The genes for the cone cells involved in seeing red and green colors are on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes. Males have only one X chromosome and a Y chromosome, and they receive their X chromosome from their mother.
* A male will have a red/green color vision problem if the flawed gene is on his single X chromosome. A female must have the flawed gene on both X chromosomes to cause color vision problems, and this happens much less often.
* A woman who is carrying a gene for this type of color vision problem has a 50% chance of passing it on to her sons (because they will receive one of her two X chromosomes). Her daughters will have the color vision problem if they receive the flawed gene on the X chromosome from both the mother and the father. This is much less likely to happen.
* A woman may carry the gene for red/green color vision problems without being affected but may pass the gene on to her children. This is why a color vision problem may "skip" a generation in families that have a history of color vision problems.
The genes for the cone pigments involved in seeing blue colors are not on the X chromosome but on a non-sex chromosome that both males and females have. This means blue color vision problems occur equally often in males and females. However, these types of color vision problems are relatively rare.
Magnetic Pulses to Brain Improve Lazy Eye in Adults
FRIDAY, July 18 (HealthDay News) -- Correcting lazy eye in adults is supposed to be impossible, but researchers report they have been able to do that -- at least partially and temporarily -- by beaming magnetic pulses into the brain.
Someone with lazy eye -- ophthalmologists call it amblyopia -- has poor vision because one eye is weaker than the other. Early treatment often has a child wearing a patch over the strong eye to strengthen the weaker one, but the problem has been thought to be untreatable in adulthood. Most of the estimated 6 million Americans with amblyopia are adults.
"We know now that visual loss is caused by poor processing in the cortex," said Benjamin Thompson, a postdoctoral fellow in the ophthalmology department at McGill University in Canada, and a member of the group reporting on the new method in the July 22 issue of Current Biology. "Treatment usually addresses the problem with the eye, not with the cortex."
The study was prompted in part by research at a number of institutions showing that changes can occur in the adult brain, which until recently was thought to be impossible.
The cortex is a vital part of the brain, involved in vision among other functions. Work by other researchers has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation, in which a rapid train of magnetic impulses is delivered to the brain through a hand-held coil placed on the scalp, has been effective in stroke rehabilitation and is being tested against depression.
When it was tried on nine adults with amblyopia, 15 minutes of magnetic stimulation improved the sensitivity of the weaker eye temporarily, Thompson said. In visual tests, they were able to see finer details than before the treatment.
"We were surprised by how well it worked," he said. "Vision in the amblyopic eye improved for at least 20 minutes after transcranial magnetic stimulation."
It was admittedly a small trial, but "one of the issues we were addressing was whether amblyopia could be treated in adults," Thompson said. "The adult brain doesn't have the same capacity for change as in children."
There are two ways to exploit the finding, and the McGill group plans to try both of them, Thomson said. One route is to use multiple bouts of transcranial stimulation.
"We've only tried a single dose so far in our study," he said. "Now, we can look at the effect of repeated doses. In depression, it seems they can have an effect."
The other possibility is to use magnetic stimulation to prime the brain for a rehabilitation program, a training regimen in which adults are asked to perform a series of visual tasks. Recent studies have indicated that such a perceptual training program can improve vision in amblyopic eyes.
"We will also have a parallel project, a training regime with stimuli to both eyes, higher-contrast stimuli to the amblyopic eye," Thompson said. "We hope that repeated exposure will bring improvement."
The report is one of several indicating that the adult brain has more capacity for change than had been thought, said Dr. Robert Cykiert, a clinical associate professor of ophthalmology at New York University.
Lazy eye occurs because the proper connections between the eye and the cortex do not form early in life, Cykiert explained. "We thought that if the connections do not form by age 10 or so, it is too late."
The McGill study indicates otherwise, he noted. "The study has very preliminary results, but obviously this may lead to other related or similar treatments that may have a more lasting effect," Cykiert said. "What we might be able to do is to allow people with lazy eye to have treatments that stimulate that part of the brain."
Someone with lazy eye -- ophthalmologists call it amblyopia -- has poor vision because one eye is weaker than the other. Early treatment often has a child wearing a patch over the strong eye to strengthen the weaker one, but the problem has been thought to be untreatable in adulthood. Most of the estimated 6 million Americans with amblyopia are adults.
"We know now that visual loss is caused by poor processing in the cortex," said Benjamin Thompson, a postdoctoral fellow in the ophthalmology department at McGill University in Canada, and a member of the group reporting on the new method in the July 22 issue of Current Biology. "Treatment usually addresses the problem with the eye, not with the cortex."
The study was prompted in part by research at a number of institutions showing that changes can occur in the adult brain, which until recently was thought to be impossible.
The cortex is a vital part of the brain, involved in vision among other functions. Work by other researchers has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation, in which a rapid train of magnetic impulses is delivered to the brain through a hand-held coil placed on the scalp, has been effective in stroke rehabilitation and is being tested against depression.
When it was tried on nine adults with amblyopia, 15 minutes of magnetic stimulation improved the sensitivity of the weaker eye temporarily, Thompson said. In visual tests, they were able to see finer details than before the treatment.
"We were surprised by how well it worked," he said. "Vision in the amblyopic eye improved for at least 20 minutes after transcranial magnetic stimulation."
It was admittedly a small trial, but "one of the issues we were addressing was whether amblyopia could be treated in adults," Thompson said. "The adult brain doesn't have the same capacity for change as in children."
There are two ways to exploit the finding, and the McGill group plans to try both of them, Thomson said. One route is to use multiple bouts of transcranial stimulation.
"We've only tried a single dose so far in our study," he said. "Now, we can look at the effect of repeated doses. In depression, it seems they can have an effect."
The other possibility is to use magnetic stimulation to prime the brain for a rehabilitation program, a training regimen in which adults are asked to perform a series of visual tasks. Recent studies have indicated that such a perceptual training program can improve vision in amblyopic eyes.
"We will also have a parallel project, a training regime with stimuli to both eyes, higher-contrast stimuli to the amblyopic eye," Thompson said. "We hope that repeated exposure will bring improvement."
The report is one of several indicating that the adult brain has more capacity for change than had been thought, said Dr. Robert Cykiert, a clinical associate professor of ophthalmology at New York University.
Lazy eye occurs because the proper connections between the eye and the cortex do not form early in life, Cykiert explained. "We thought that if the connections do not form by age 10 or so, it is too late."
The McGill study indicates otherwise, he noted. "The study has very preliminary results, but obviously this may lead to other related or similar treatments that may have a more lasting effect," Cykiert said. "What we might be able to do is to allow people with lazy eye to have treatments that stimulate that part of the brain."
5 Revolutions in Vision
A new way to diagnose glaucoma
As we age, nerve fibers may be damaged by a buildup of fluid that exerts pressure within the eye, resulting in a loss of peripheral vision. More than two million Americans are diagnosed with this condition—called glaucoma—each year, often after permanent vision loss has occurred. Now, new technology allows doctors to capture an image of the optical nerve fibers, detecting damage before pressure builds and symptoms appear. "We want to find early damage to the nerve fibers and begin treatment before any vision is lost," says Dr. Steven Odrich, an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at Columbia University.
Major advances in laser surgery
Refractive (or laser) eye surgery has been used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism for more than 30 years, and new technology is making the procedure even safer. LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is the most common form of laser surgery, followed by PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). Each uses lasers to change the shape of the cornea.
In PRK, an eye surgeon completely removes the top layer of the cornea. With LASIK, a hinged flap is surgically created to get to the middle layer, where the correction in vision is made. A new diagnostic tool called "wavefront technology" creates a map of the eye, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat vision problems with more precision. If you have LASIK surgery, a new type of laser (called a femtosecond laser) has been developed to make an exact point of entry to the middle cornea.
Better lenses for cataracts
When the lens of your eye becomes cloudy and vision is impaired, you may need cataract surgery. The lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure—one of the most popular and safest in use today—was developed after World War II, when doctors noticed that plastic fragments lodged in the eyes of bomber pilots did not cause inflammation. Eye surgeons then developed lenses that could be placed directly into the eye to restore vision, but only for distance.
Today, the latest IOLs imitate multi-use glasses like bifocals and trifocals, which allow the wearer to see at a distance, up close, and in between. Similar IOLs even have been approved by the FDA for use in patients with extreme nearsightedness that is not caused by cataracts.
New research on macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of vision loss for people over 55, occurs when either leaky blood vessels ("wet") or other debris ("dry") cloud the macula, a tiny part of the eye responsible for 80 percent of vision. Laser surgery now can be used to treat the first type, and two new drugs injected into the gel behind the lens can help restore vision. For "dry" macular degeneration, new research from the National Eye Institute shows that dietary supplements with high levels of vitamins C, and E, along with beta-carotene and zinc, can minimize effects by 25 percent.
A clearer picture
Some ophthalmologists use digital retinal photography to more easily and accurately diagnose eye disease. Using high-resolution lenses and magnifiers, these cameras are able to observe and record nerve damage caused by a buildup of pressure in the eye (glaucoma) as well as a host of other eye problems that could lead to loss of vision if untreated.
As we age, nerve fibers may be damaged by a buildup of fluid that exerts pressure within the eye, resulting in a loss of peripheral vision. More than two million Americans are diagnosed with this condition—called glaucoma—each year, often after permanent vision loss has occurred. Now, new technology allows doctors to capture an image of the optical nerve fibers, detecting damage before pressure builds and symptoms appear. "We want to find early damage to the nerve fibers and begin treatment before any vision is lost," says Dr. Steven Odrich, an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at Columbia University.
Major advances in laser surgery
Refractive (or laser) eye surgery has been used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism for more than 30 years, and new technology is making the procedure even safer. LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is the most common form of laser surgery, followed by PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). Each uses lasers to change the shape of the cornea.
In PRK, an eye surgeon completely removes the top layer of the cornea. With LASIK, a hinged flap is surgically created to get to the middle layer, where the correction in vision is made. A new diagnostic tool called "wavefront technology" creates a map of the eye, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat vision problems with more precision. If you have LASIK surgery, a new type of laser (called a femtosecond laser) has been developed to make an exact point of entry to the middle cornea.
Better lenses for cataracts
When the lens of your eye becomes cloudy and vision is impaired, you may need cataract surgery. The lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure—one of the most popular and safest in use today—was developed after World War II, when doctors noticed that plastic fragments lodged in the eyes of bomber pilots did not cause inflammation. Eye surgeons then developed lenses that could be placed directly into the eye to restore vision, but only for distance.
Today, the latest IOLs imitate multi-use glasses like bifocals and trifocals, which allow the wearer to see at a distance, up close, and in between. Similar IOLs even have been approved by the FDA for use in patients with extreme nearsightedness that is not caused by cataracts.
New research on macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of vision loss for people over 55, occurs when either leaky blood vessels ("wet") or other debris ("dry") cloud the macula, a tiny part of the eye responsible for 80 percent of vision. Laser surgery now can be used to treat the first type, and two new drugs injected into the gel behind the lens can help restore vision. For "dry" macular degeneration, new research from the National Eye Institute shows that dietary supplements with high levels of vitamins C, and E, along with beta-carotene and zinc, can minimize effects by 25 percent.
A clearer picture
Some ophthalmologists use digital retinal photography to more easily and accurately diagnose eye disease. Using high-resolution lenses and magnifiers, these cameras are able to observe and record nerve damage caused by a buildup of pressure in the eye (glaucoma) as well as a host of other eye problems that could lead to loss of vision if untreated.
5 Ways to Better Take Care of Your Eyes
Staring at the small screen
All that time spent using computers and PDAs can lead to eyestrain, dry eyes, and blurred vision. To combat these problems, check your work station: Ideally, your monitor should be 5 to 9 inches below eye level. This brings your lids downward, maintaining the healthiest blink rate, says Susan Resnick, an optometrist in New York City. If you can't move the monitor, measure the distance between it and your eyes, then consult your eye-care professional about the right pair of glasses for that distance, says Dr. Gail Royal, an ophthalmologist in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Also make sure there's no glare on your screen. And obey the 20/20/20 rule: For every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to maintain your eyes' focusing system.
In flight
Airplane cabin air is very dry, so keeping your eyes moist is important. Direct air vents away from you, and use artificial tears once every hour, suggests Dr. Royal. But avoid drops that reduce red eye, because they constrict blood vessels. If possible, wear glasses during the flight. If you choose to wear contacts, look for a new class of lenses made with silicone hydrogel, a permeable plastic that allows more oxygen to reach the eyes. Resnick often recommends Acuvue Oasys because they have added wetting agents to help keep the eyes moist.
In the sun
Did you know that UV rays can hurt your eyes as much as they hurt your skin? Overexposure can increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygia, little bumps on the whites of the eyes. "Every 15 minutes outdoors—even on cloudy days—adds to the cumulative effect of radiation damage," says Resnick. Make sure both sunglasses and contact lenses are UV-protective. (Even with contacts, though, you'll still need sunglasses to protect the whites of your eyes.) Lenses should cover from the forehead down to the cheek and ideally wrap around the temple region, says Dr. Robin Vann, chief of comprehensive ophthalmology at Duke Eye Center in Durham, N.C.
In the dark
Pupils enlarge at night, so any slight blur on the retina becomes exaggerated. Get a thorough eye exam to make sure you're seeing clearly. When driving, minimize glare by looking to the bottom right of the road, use the night setting on your rearview mirror, and keep your car in tip-top nighttime shape (clean headlights, taillights, signal lights, and windows—outside and in). Also, move your eyes from the road to the dashboard and back again to avoid "highway hypnosis" and maintain a keen sense of depth perception. If you read in bed, make sure the light is bright enough that you can see the words without straining, but not so bright that you get a glare. A 60- or 75-watt bulb is best.
Working up a sweat
Some 325,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year—many resulting in permanent vision loss. More than 90 percent of those accidents could have been prevented with proper eyewear. Choose protective lenses designed for your specific sport. Look for polycarbonate lenses or a new material called Trivex—both are thin and won't shatter. Check the product's certification seal: It should meet the requirements of the American Society for Testing Materials, which vary for each sport. For outdoor sports, polarized lenses help you see more clearly.
All that time spent using computers and PDAs can lead to eyestrain, dry eyes, and blurred vision. To combat these problems, check your work station: Ideally, your monitor should be 5 to 9 inches below eye level. This brings your lids downward, maintaining the healthiest blink rate, says Susan Resnick, an optometrist in New York City. If you can't move the monitor, measure the distance between it and your eyes, then consult your eye-care professional about the right pair of glasses for that distance, says Dr. Gail Royal, an ophthalmologist in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Also make sure there's no glare on your screen. And obey the 20/20/20 rule: For every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to maintain your eyes' focusing system.
In flight
Airplane cabin air is very dry, so keeping your eyes moist is important. Direct air vents away from you, and use artificial tears once every hour, suggests Dr. Royal. But avoid drops that reduce red eye, because they constrict blood vessels. If possible, wear glasses during the flight. If you choose to wear contacts, look for a new class of lenses made with silicone hydrogel, a permeable plastic that allows more oxygen to reach the eyes. Resnick often recommends Acuvue Oasys because they have added wetting agents to help keep the eyes moist.
In the sun
Did you know that UV rays can hurt your eyes as much as they hurt your skin? Overexposure can increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygia, little bumps on the whites of the eyes. "Every 15 minutes outdoors—even on cloudy days—adds to the cumulative effect of radiation damage," says Resnick. Make sure both sunglasses and contact lenses are UV-protective. (Even with contacts, though, you'll still need sunglasses to protect the whites of your eyes.) Lenses should cover from the forehead down to the cheek and ideally wrap around the temple region, says Dr. Robin Vann, chief of comprehensive ophthalmology at Duke Eye Center in Durham, N.C.
In the dark
Pupils enlarge at night, so any slight blur on the retina becomes exaggerated. Get a thorough eye exam to make sure you're seeing clearly. When driving, minimize glare by looking to the bottom right of the road, use the night setting on your rearview mirror, and keep your car in tip-top nighttime shape (clean headlights, taillights, signal lights, and windows—outside and in). Also, move your eyes from the road to the dashboard and back again to avoid "highway hypnosis" and maintain a keen sense of depth perception. If you read in bed, make sure the light is bright enough that you can see the words without straining, but not so bright that you get a glare. A 60- or 75-watt bulb is best.
Working up a sweat
Some 325,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year—many resulting in permanent vision loss. More than 90 percent of those accidents could have been prevented with proper eyewear. Choose protective lenses designed for your specific sport. Look for polycarbonate lenses or a new material called Trivex—both are thin and won't shatter. Check the product's certification seal: It should meet the requirements of the American Society for Testing Materials, which vary for each sport. For outdoor sports, polarized lenses help you see more clearly.
10 Tips to Protect Your Eyes
1. Regular checkups. When was the last time you had an eye exam? If it was age 3, chances are you’re due. The AAO recommends an eye exam before age 5 to check for childhood problems like lazy eye or crossed eyes, and then on an as-needed basis (vision problems or injuries) up to age 19. One exam in your 20s, and two in your 30s can catch problems for early treatment. It’s normal for vision to change with age, plus serious eye problems like glaucoma and macular degeneration (deterioration of retina that causes loss of detail vision) can be treated if detected early. So step up the eye exams when you hit 40 to every two to four years; after 65, every one to two years. Anyone with diabetes, with a family history of eye problems or African-Americans over 40 should check with their doctor about more frequent visits. (In middle age, African-Americans may need more frequent checkups because of an increased risk for glaucoma.)
2. SPF for the eyes. Sunglasses don’t just prevent crows’ feet from squinting, they also block harmful ultraviolet and other rays than can play a role in cataracts and macular degeneration. Fair-skinned Caucasians are at the greatest risk for the latter. Be sure your sunglasses have 100 percent UV protection. “The blue wavelengths--violet and blue--hit the retina,” says Dr. Lylas Mogk, co-author of Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight. “The best filters against blue are in the amber-orange-brown range of commercial sunglasses.” You should always wear sunglasses when outside (and not just in the summer) but especially in high glare areas like snow or water. A wide-brimmed hat is great for blocking rays—even if it counteracts the cool of your aviators.
3. Eye protection. Sunglasses aren’t the only protective eyewear you should don. Obviously anyone working around construction, manufacturing—any job with machinery and flying particles—must wear eye protection. But even when you’re working around the house, you should guard your eyes. “Hanging a picture, plaster or even a nail can fly into your eye,” warns Dr. Iwach. Any hardware store sells inexpensive clear plastic eye protection.
4. Contact care. “Contacts are a great tool but they come with responsibility,” says Dr. Iwach. Be sure to have a pair of glasses with a recent prescription so that if you get any irritation you can change over. Wearing your contacts when your eyes are irritated can turn a simple problem (irritation) into a significant problem (ulcers). Make sure you care for the lenses properly. “I can’t believe people who pop a lens in their mouth and then put it in their eye. That is not a good idea unless you want to be seeing the eye doctor a lot,” warns Dr. Iwach. Make sure your solutions aren’t expired, keep your contacts clean—and don’t suck on them.
5. Eye candy. Are carrots really good for your eyes? “Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which the retina needs,” says Dr. Lylas Mogk. “But we’re not in the least bit in danger of having vitamin A deficiencies.” However, green leafy veggies like kale, collard and mustard greens, and spinach are good for the eyes because they contain lutein, which studies indicate can reverse symptoms of macular degeneration. And getting plenty of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flax can help prevent dry eyes. But avoid omega-6 fatty acids, which is tricky in the American diet. Omega-6s are in vegetable oils. “There are very few processed or packaged foods that don’t have vegetable oils,” notes Dr. Mogk. “And the omega-6s counteract the good omega-3s.”
6. Eye lube. Our eyes get dryer as we age. “The biggest reason people have dry eyes is that the tear film doesn’t have the right consistency of water, mucus and oil,” says Dr. Mogk. The oil part of your tears comes from little glands around your eyelids. As you blink, oil is supposed to coat the eyes. But if you don’t have a good eye slick, the tear film evaporates and eyes feel dry. This triggers extra tear glands, which is why your eyes tear up when they get dry and irritated. Omega-3 helps with this. Also, heat and air conditioning can cause dry eyes, especially if you sit near a vent or fan unit. Make sure your car’s vent isn’t blowing toward your face.
7. Quit smoking. Need another reason to quit smoking? You got it: Smoking increases the risk and accelerates the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and optic nerve damage. “I’d be more afraid of losing your vision than lung cancer,” says Dr. Iwach.
8. Eye strain. Any focused work means you don’t blink as frequently. And all the computer work and Internet surfing can take a toll. It’s always good to take a break, change focus. And artificial tears can help with eyestrain, lubricating the eyes to help you work longer.
9. Talk to your family. Eye problems are often hereditary. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma or another eye condition, share that information with your immediate and extended family. “It’s a way to give the gift of vision for the rest of their life,” notes Dr. Iwach. The sooner people are diagnosed, the more that can be done to treat and prevent further damage.
10. Stay healthy. We’ve already seen how eating right (veggies over processed foods) helps with eye health. Exercise increases circulation, which can lower pressure on the eyes, which helps with those who have glaucoma. Getting regular overall physicals may lead to early detection of diseases like diabetes or other systemic conditions that can lead to eye problems. And most important, if something bothers you or feels wrong, get it checked out. As Dr. Iwach puts it, “You get your oil checked regularly, so get your eyes checked regularly.”
2. SPF for the eyes. Sunglasses don’t just prevent crows’ feet from squinting, they also block harmful ultraviolet and other rays than can play a role in cataracts and macular degeneration. Fair-skinned Caucasians are at the greatest risk for the latter. Be sure your sunglasses have 100 percent UV protection. “The blue wavelengths--violet and blue--hit the retina,” says Dr. Lylas Mogk, co-author of Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight. “The best filters against blue are in the amber-orange-brown range of commercial sunglasses.” You should always wear sunglasses when outside (and not just in the summer) but especially in high glare areas like snow or water. A wide-brimmed hat is great for blocking rays—even if it counteracts the cool of your aviators.
3. Eye protection. Sunglasses aren’t the only protective eyewear you should don. Obviously anyone working around construction, manufacturing—any job with machinery and flying particles—must wear eye protection. But even when you’re working around the house, you should guard your eyes. “Hanging a picture, plaster or even a nail can fly into your eye,” warns Dr. Iwach. Any hardware store sells inexpensive clear plastic eye protection.
4. Contact care. “Contacts are a great tool but they come with responsibility,” says Dr. Iwach. Be sure to have a pair of glasses with a recent prescription so that if you get any irritation you can change over. Wearing your contacts when your eyes are irritated can turn a simple problem (irritation) into a significant problem (ulcers). Make sure you care for the lenses properly. “I can’t believe people who pop a lens in their mouth and then put it in their eye. That is not a good idea unless you want to be seeing the eye doctor a lot,” warns Dr. Iwach. Make sure your solutions aren’t expired, keep your contacts clean—and don’t suck on them.
5. Eye candy. Are carrots really good for your eyes? “Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which the retina needs,” says Dr. Lylas Mogk. “But we’re not in the least bit in danger of having vitamin A deficiencies.” However, green leafy veggies like kale, collard and mustard greens, and spinach are good for the eyes because they contain lutein, which studies indicate can reverse symptoms of macular degeneration. And getting plenty of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flax can help prevent dry eyes. But avoid omega-6 fatty acids, which is tricky in the American diet. Omega-6s are in vegetable oils. “There are very few processed or packaged foods that don’t have vegetable oils,” notes Dr. Mogk. “And the omega-6s counteract the good omega-3s.”
6. Eye lube. Our eyes get dryer as we age. “The biggest reason people have dry eyes is that the tear film doesn’t have the right consistency of water, mucus and oil,” says Dr. Mogk. The oil part of your tears comes from little glands around your eyelids. As you blink, oil is supposed to coat the eyes. But if you don’t have a good eye slick, the tear film evaporates and eyes feel dry. This triggers extra tear glands, which is why your eyes tear up when they get dry and irritated. Omega-3 helps with this. Also, heat and air conditioning can cause dry eyes, especially if you sit near a vent or fan unit. Make sure your car’s vent isn’t blowing toward your face.
7. Quit smoking. Need another reason to quit smoking? You got it: Smoking increases the risk and accelerates the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and optic nerve damage. “I’d be more afraid of losing your vision than lung cancer,” says Dr. Iwach.
8. Eye strain. Any focused work means you don’t blink as frequently. And all the computer work and Internet surfing can take a toll. It’s always good to take a break, change focus. And artificial tears can help with eyestrain, lubricating the eyes to help you work longer.
9. Talk to your family. Eye problems are often hereditary. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma or another eye condition, share that information with your immediate and extended family. “It’s a way to give the gift of vision for the rest of their life,” notes Dr. Iwach. The sooner people are diagnosed, the more that can be done to treat and prevent further damage.
10. Stay healthy. We’ve already seen how eating right (veggies over processed foods) helps with eye health. Exercise increases circulation, which can lower pressure on the eyes, which helps with those who have glaucoma. Getting regular overall physicals may lead to early detection of diseases like diabetes or other systemic conditions that can lead to eye problems. And most important, if something bothers you or feels wrong, get it checked out. As Dr. Iwach puts it, “You get your oil checked regularly, so get your eyes checked regularly.”
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