A Few Facts About Cataracts

Jesselyn Miller • November 11, 2015
Facts About Cataracts

Cataracts are the most common cause of decreased vision in people over age 40. According to Prevent Blindness America (PBA), there are more cases of cataracts worldwide than there are of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined.

Today, cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. As a person ages, their risk for developing cataracts will also increase. On rare occasions, cataracts can also form in children and even newborn babies.

Fortunately, cataract surgery is very successful in restoring a person’s vision. In fact, cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in the United States, with more than 3 million Americans undergoing this surgery each year.

It’s beneficial to gain a basic understanding of what a cataract is, how to limit the risk of developing a cataract and what can be done if one does form.

What is a Cataract?
A cataract is an eye condition where the normally clear lens inside of the eye becomes cloudy. The lens of the eye works like a camera lens, allowing light to pass through and focusing this light onto the retina to provide clear vision. As we age, proteins that make up the inside of this lens start to clump together, creating a cloudy spot in the lens. Over time, this spot can become large and can cause blurred vision, as well as other symptoms. These may include lights seeming too bright, increased glare from vehicle headlights or street lights, or colors may not appear as bright as they once were.

There are different layers in the lens in which a cataract can form, and the speed at which they form depends on their location. Typically, age-related cataracts are slow to form and may take years before a person is ready to have cataract surgery. Others may form quickly and cataract surgery may need to be done much sooner to restore vision.

Preventing Cataracts
There are many steps you can take to limit the risk or delay the formation of a cataract. Staying healthy, avoiding certain lifestyle habits and having regularly scheduled eye exams are at the top of the list.

Research shows eating healthy and nutritious foods has a significant impact on your chances of developing a cataract. Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition state a diet high in fruits and vegetables aids in the prevention of cataract development due to the high antioxidant content of these foods.

Healthy diets and lifestyles also reduce the risk of developing health conditions which increase the chances of a cataract forming. Diabetes is one of the most notable health issues where the risk of early cataract development is increased. High blood pressure, obesity, hormone replacement therapy, some high cholesterol medications, and high doses of steroid medications are also on the list of cataract development risk factors.

Smoking and the over consumption of alcohol may also increase the chances of earlier cataracts. Studies show people who smoke a pack of cigarettes per day may double their risk of developing a cataract.

Ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun can cause a process called oxidative stress, or harmful chemical reactions, to occur within the cells of the lens, and can lead to cataract formation. Therefore, proper sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s UV rays should be worn outside by people of all ages, including children, to protect the eyes. A hat or visor can help too.

Regular eye exams performed by an experienced eye care professional are also critical to limiting the impact on clear vision if a cataract does begin to form.

What to Do If a Cataract Develops
Cataracts won’t just go away. Some cataracts do stop progressing while others continue to grow and progress to the point where they will cause blindness if left untreated.

Cataract surgery is currently the only remedy for removing a cataract. However, the need for surgery is usually not immediate. Cataracts may be properly managed with the use of corrective lenses and it may take many years before surgery is necessary. Only when vision is seriously impaired and is affecting a person’s daily activities will cataract surgery be recommended.

When considering surgery, these are the questions you should ask yourself:
• Can I see to perform my job and drive safely?
• Do I have problems reading or watching television?
• Do vision problems affect my level of independence?

Your optometrist can also assist you in making this decision, he or she is most familiar with your current and past eye health and vision history, and can answer specific questions you may have.

Cataract surgery is a relatively painless and quick surgery in which an ophthalmologist will remove the old, cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial, plastic lens. Sometimes this implant can be selected to contain a person’s prescription, which may reduce their dependency on glasses following surgery. Once the eyes have healed, an eye care professional can evaluate the continued need for glasses or contact lenses. Most people do need to wear glasses after surgery, sometimes only for a few activities.

If a cataract does develop, it is important to seek and follow the care and guidance of a qualified eye doctor. They can help determine if or when cataract surgery is appropriate for you.

Protect Your Eyes Against UV Radiation, Even in Winter!

By Jesselyn Miller • February 10, 2016
Light is essential to provide us with good visual acuity. It helps us see contrast, perceive colors, and helps with non-visual functions such as regulating our sleep/wake cycle. This in turn allows us to maintain and regulate memory, mood, and hormone balance. Light can also be damaging to our body and our eyes. UV radiation can damage your skin by causing sunburn and skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. UV radiation also harms your eyes in multiple ways. UV light is a contributing factor to the formation of cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae, pterygia and photokeratitis. Although you cannot see UV radiation, it is there, just as is the warmth you can feel and the bright light you can see coming from the sun. While many people remember to wear sunglasses on trips to the beach or while watching a baseball game on a sunny afternoon, sunglasses should be worn outdoors during all months of the year. You may be surprised to know that fresh snow can reflect 88% of UV rays, almost doubling your overall exposure! Types of UV Rays There are three categories of invisible, high-energy UV rays, they are described below: UVC • UVC rays are the highest energy rays and potentially the most harmful to your eyes and skin. Luckily, the ozone layer blocks virtually all UVC rays, as long as we have an ozone layer. UVB • UVB rays are partially filtered by the ozone layer, but some still reach us here on Earth. UVB rays are thought to cause growths on the outside, white parts of the eye. These growths are known as pingueculae and pterygia. They can be the source of discomfort, corneal problems, and distorted vision. UVB rays can also cause photokeratitis, or “snow blindness,” which is a painful inflammation of the cornea that can cause vision loss for 24-48 hours. Snow blindness occurs most often at high altitudes, but can occur anywhere there is snow if UV-blocking sunglasses are not worn. UVB rays are responsible for stimulating melanin production, which creates a suntan. High doses can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVB rays also cause wrinkles, discolorations of the skin, as well as other premature signs of aging. UVA • UVA rays are lower in energy than UVC and UVB rays; however UVA rays can pass through the front surface of the eye, the cornea, and reach the lens and retina inside the eye. UVA rays are the least damaging to the eye, but they may be linked to certain types of cataracts, and they may also play a role in macular degeneration development. Risk Factors Geographic location – tropical areas near the equator have the greatest levels of UV radiation. Altitude – UV levels are greater at higher altitudes due to a thinner atmosphere filtering out less UV radiation. Something to keep in mind for climbers and trail hikers: for every 1,000 feet ascended in altitude, there is a 5-7% increase in UV radiation! Time of Day – UV radiation is greatest when the sun is high in the sky, but this can change with the seasons. During the summer the highest level of UV exposure is typically between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the winter this is between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. and between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Setting – Greater UV levels are found in wide open spaces with highly reflective surfaces, such as snow and sand. UV exposure nearly doubles when rays are reflected from the snow! Medications – Tetracycline’s, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers are examples of medications that increase your body’s sensitivity to UV and HEV radiation. Cloud Cover – This has no significant effect on UV levels! UV radiation can penetrate clouds, and clouds can further scatter UV radiation to the Earth’s surface. UV exposure risk is still high and may actually be greater on hazy, overcast days! Standing in the shade reduces your overhead UV and HEV exposure to some degree, but remember that UV rays are invisible and are being reflected off of buildings, roadways and other surfaces around you. Here are examples of different surfaces and how much UVB radiation is reflected off of each: • Fresh snow: 88% • Dirty snow: 59% • Sea foam (surf): 25-30% • White house paint: 22% • Dry sand: 15-18% • Concrete pavement: 8-12% • Wet sand: 7% • Black asphalt: 4-9% • Grass in winter: 3-5% • Grass in summer: 2-4% What To Look For In Sunglasses • Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. • Larger lenses provide greater protection to your eyes and the surrounding skin. In fact, 5-10% of all skin cancers occur in the eyelids, which is why this area requires protection as well. • Wraparound styles also limit the radiation reaching your eyes from the periphery. • If you wear contact lenses, invest in a pair of sunglasses that you can wear over your contact lenses. Also, ask your optometrist about which contact lens brands block UV radiation! • If you wear glasses, ask your optometrist or optician about lens materials that inherently block 100% of UV radiation. In addition, prescription sunglasses ensure you’re comfortable in bright sunlight while also protecting your eyes from harmful, non-visible radiation. • If the expense or inconvenience of a second pair of prescriptions sunglasses is an issue, look for fit-over or clip-on sunglasses. Both are 2-in-1 options designed to be worn over prescription frames. • Depending on your lifestyle, sport or performance sunglasses may be a good option. For example, skiers and snowboarders should wear ski goggles with UV protection at all times while on the slopes. • UV protection is not correlated to the color or darkness of the lenses, clear lens materials can block UV too! Your optometrist and optician are happy to help you choose the best sunglasses for your needs! Don't Forget The Kids! After smearing your children with sunscreen, be sure to grab their UV blocking sunglasses before letting them out the door. Children tend to spend more time outside than most adults, increasing their UV exposure. The eye anatomy also makes them more susceptible to retinal damage from UVA rays. This is because the natural lens inside their eye is clearer than an adult lens, allowing more UV radiation to penetrate and reach the retina. Encourage your kids to wear quality sunglasses that block 100% of UV radiation, in addition to wearing a hat or visor while outdoors! For more information about UV rays and the importance of sunglasses to your overall health, please contact us by calling 419-538-6273 or send us a website message. Check out our latest special offers and opportunities to save on quality sunglasses by visiting this link: Special Offers

Special Eyewear for Our Technology Driven Lives

By Jesselyn Miller • January 12, 2016
We live in a technology driven world where demands placed upon our eyes are growing by leaps and bounds. We depend upon a TV, computer, iPad, or smart phone at school, at work and to socialize with family and friends. The importance of seeing clearly and comfortably at a range of approximately 1-3 feet is more critical than ever. This significance will continue to grow in the future as more and more of life’s tasks and pleasures are conducted using technology. Visual Fatigue Extended periods of time working on a computer, watching videos on YouTube, posting on facebook, searching on Google, tweeting on Twitter, scrolling through Instagram, or texting a friend may lead to visual fatigue. Visual fatigue is typically caused by focusing on objects within a 1-3 feet range for extended periods of time. Symptoms of visual fatigue may include: • Tired Eyes • Eyestrain • Blurred Vision • Dry Eyes • Burning Eyes • Headaches • Neck Pain • Back Pain More and more people are suffering from visual fatigue due to the demands of their technology driven world, which can lead to reduced productivity and the inability to concentrate. Remember to Take Breaks If you are working at a desk all day, whether it is on the computer full time or staring at paperwork, it is important to give your eyes a break. The easy to remember 20-20-20 rule should be a regular part of your day. This simply means that every 20 minutes, you should take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away. Try to stand up and walk around at least every hour. Take regular breaks from your computer screen by leaning back and closing your eyes for a few moments. Another important thing to remember is blinking. Many people blink less frequently when staring at a computer screen; you need to remember to blink in order to spread the tears across the surface of your eyes, which prevents dryness from occurring. Computer Glasses Eyewear designed specifically for technology use is evolving. Computer glasses differ from regular eye glasses in that they are made for the sole purpose of reducing eye strain and fatigue associated with technology. There are several different lenses that are offered with computer glasses: 1. Single vision computer glasses reduce the risk of blurred vision, eye strain, and bad posture. These types of lenses are effective for all ages. 2. Occupational progressive lenses are a multifocal lens that corrects near, intermediate, and distance vision. These lenses give a larger, more comfortable view of the computer, but they are not recommended for distance tasks. 3. Occupational bifocal and trifocal lenses offer a higher zone for intermediate and near vision rather than regular bifocal and trifocal lenses. The position of the intermediate and near vision zones can be customized to your specific computer needs. Glare reduction, an increase in contrast, and the ability to look at a screen for longer periods of time are benefits that come with computer glasses. So are reducing or eliminating eye strain, blurred vision, computer-related headaches, and neck and back strain. Contact Lenses and Technology Many contact lens wearers experience dryness and discomfort with prolonged near work and computer use, however, many of these patients are not ready to give up their contact lenses for computer glasses. Options to improve visual fatigue symptoms in contact lenses wearers also exist: 1. Daily-replacement contact lenses provide improved and longer lasting comfort. They are also one of the healthiest options for our eyes. 2. High quality silicone hydrogel lenses may reduce or even eliminate end-of-the-day discomfort due to their improved hydration and oxygen permeability. 3. Multifocal contact lenses allow patients to experience all ranges of vision, from distance to near, without having to wear reading glasses over top. Discuss Technology Demands with Your Eye Doctor A conversation with your eye doctor can help you to avoid or reduce the effects of visual fatigue that goes along with the demands of today’s technology. For example, tell your eye doctor that you spend 8 hours a day working at a computer with a 15” monitor, or that you spend the majority of your day using an iPad. With this knowledge, your eye doctor can offer valuable guidance on preparing your environment for optimal vision, such as proper lighting and positioning of your electronics. In addition, your eye doctor can recommend and prescribe special lenses that match the demands of your technology driven lifestyle. Technology greatly improves our productivity and ability to communicate with others. Make sure you are equipping yourself with the proper eyewear to keep up with the demands of your digital life and to prevent vision problems. To learn more about eyewear specifically designed for technology use, please call us at 419-538-6273 or send us a message from our website at any time.

Do You See Eye Floaters?

By Jesselyn Miller • September 28, 2015
Information about eye floaters, why they happen and when it's important to get help from your eye doctor.

Can Your Student See The Blackboard - Correction Whiteboard - at School?

By Jesselyn Miller • September 9, 2015
A student's ability to clearly see at school influences that students ability to learn.

Welcome!

By Jesselyn Miller • August 22, 2015
I would like to share all types of useful information with you about eyecare and eyewear topics. I will be making at least one new blog post every month, so check back often for the latest article and information! If you have any questions or eye-related topics you would like me to blog about, please send me a messag e .