July is UV Safety Month

Did you Know That Electronics Can Damage your Vision?

Modern day as we know it includes electronic devices in nearly every aspect. We work on a computer, are constantly on our phones checking social media, and then go home after a long day to watch television before bed. This may seem like an average day for most, but did you know that electronics can take a toll on your vision?
Digital Eye Strain is a collection of vision-related issues that can occur from prolonged use of electronics. It is a known fact that people spend most of their waking hours on some form of electronic device. That averages out to be 11 hours per day that we are watching, working, streaming, or texting on some form of electronic device. These issues that can arise from prolonged use of electronics show to worsen over time. That means the longer you’re on your computer or phone, the worse these issues can be. Symptoms of digital eye strain include strained eyes, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and shoulder or neck pain.
These symptoms can arise as a result of poor lighting, a glare on the screen, improper posture, or vision problems that have not been corrected. Symptoms are usually temporary and subside once you are no longer using an electronic device. Digital Eye Strain is diagnosed through a typical eye exam that include testing the accuracy of the person’s vision, how well the eyes function, and other tests that may be necessary as deemed by your doctor.
Treatments for Digital Eye Strain can vary greatly, and focus on the causes of the strain. For a lot of people, they are unaware that they have vision issues such as farsightedness. When they have an exam done, their doctor will see the vision issues and correct the problem using prescription lenses or other treatment necessary to correct the vision. For those who do not have undetected vision issues, special lenses specifically for the use of electronics may be prescribed. These lenses block the blue light emitted through screens on these devices.
Although we cannot simply completely cut electronic devices out of our lives, there are ways to help prevent digital eye strain. One way to reduce eye strain is by following what’s called the 20-20-20 rule. This rule consists of taking a 20 second break every 20 minutes, and staring at an object that is 20 feet away. Additionally, frequent breaks should be taken when using electronics for a prolonged period of time. Every two hours, get up from your desk, step away from electronics, and allow your eyes to rest for 15 minutes before returning. You could use the bathroom, grab a snack, go to lunch, or sit outside. It is also important to remember to blink frequently while using electronics to avoid dry eyes. Lastly, but perhaps the most important factor of reducing digital eye strain is proper positioning. The computer should be positioned in a well-lit area, without a glare on the screen. Your screen should be placed only 4-5 inches below your eyes. You should not have to move your head to see the screen. Your feet should be placed on the floor, arms resting on the chair, and your back should be straight while sitting.
All of these factors are important for reducing the risk for digital eye strain.
If you have any questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call us. Our Kansas City location’s phone number is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph office can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

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Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in those over the age of 50. Age Related Macular Degeneration causes a loss of central vision. This vision loss occurs as the macula becomes damaged. The macula is located in the back of the eye, and it is responsible for transmitting signals to and from the brain. The macula is made of over a million light-sensitive nerve fibers.

 

Did you know that our brain is actually involved in a significant amount of our vision? It helps us interpret the images that our eyes see.

 

Since AMD is a common cause of vision loss, we’ve put together the most common questions about the disease and answered them. Here are the most common questions about AMD, answered.

 

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?

Age Related Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision, which lets us see objects directly in front of us. Sharp, central vision is important for daily activities, such as reading, driving, looking at emails, or texting your spouse.

 

What are the Stages of Age Related Macular Degeneration?

There are three stages of Age Related Macular Degeneration. They are Early AMD, Intermediate AMD, and Late AMD. Early Age Related Macular Degeneration is detected through abnormal yellow deposits, called drusen, just below the retina. Those who are in the Early AMD stage do not normally experience vision loss. Intermediate Age Related Macular Degeneration is detected through the presence of Drusen, and/or pigment changes in the retina. Both of which are detected through comprehensive eye exams. Late Age Related Macular Degeneration is detected through the presence of Drusen, in addition to vision loss. There are two types of Late AMD. The first type is what is known as Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration. In Dry AMD, light-sensitive cells become damaged, causing vision loss. The other type of Late AMD is called Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration. In Wet AMD, the abnormal growth of new blood vessels occurs. These new vessels may leak or become damaged, causing the macula to swell or become damaged. It is possible to have both Wet and Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration in the Late Stage.

 

What are the Symptoms of Age Related Macular Degeneration?

In its early stage, AMD often does not entail any symptoms of the disease. In its late stage, AMD may cause distorted or blurry vision. Not all who develop early Age Related Macular Degeneration will develop late Age Related Macular Degeneration. If Age Related Macular Degeneration affects only one eye, you may not notice changes in vision in the late stage. This is why regular eye exams are so important, especially if you have a higher risk of developing Age Related Macular Degeneration.

 

Who is at Risk for Developing Age Related Macular Degeneration?

Those who smoke increase their risk of developing AMD by 200%. This disease is also more common among Caucasians than any other race. If Age Related Macular Degeneration runs in your family, you’re at a higher risk of developing the disease. Genetics can also play a role in who is more susceptible to the disease. Nutrition and lifestyle choices may also put you at a higher risk.

 

How is Age Related Macular Degeneration Treated?

There are no treatment options for Early Age Related Macular Degeneration since vision is not compromised and symptoms are not present during this stage. In Intermediate and Late Age Related Macular Degeneration, supplements, medications, or surgery could be successful in treating this disease. Although, vision loss is irreversible. If vision loss does occur, prescription lenses or glasses could help improve the quality of vision. Low vision devices may also be beneficial to those who suffer from distorted vision. Low vision devices include hand held magnifying glasses, reading glasses with high-magnifying lenses, video magnifiers, computers with large-print and speech-output systems, large print reading materials, talking watches, clocks and calculators, and other technologies used for those with low vision, such as closed-circuit television.

 

If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

Attributions: https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts

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December is Toy Safety Month

We have all seen or read the warning signs on children’s toys. Most commonly, the choking hazards and the recommended ages for playing with the specific toy. However, something less commonly acknowledged on these warning labels is the risk of blindness due to eye injuries.

With the Holidays coming up, this type of injury is very common this time of the year. Although these warning labels are often ignored, toys can be harmful to children. In 2016 alone, there were more than 240,000 Emergency Room visits due to injuries caused by toys*. Since December is the most popular month for gift-giving due to the holidays, it is also Toy Safety Month.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, thousands of children sustain eye injuries and even blindness each year*. Furthermore, nearly 90% of these injuries could have been prevented through the use of protective eyewear*. Due to this increasing number of sustained eye injuries and the unawareness of this issue, it is important for parents, grandparents, and anyone else purchasing toys as a gift to be aware of their abilities in preventing injuries.

The first way to prevent eye injuries sustained from a toy is to only buy age-appropriate toys. If the label on the toy says not suitable for children under the age of 5, then simply don’t buy it for a child under the recommended age. It is also important to consider younger children when purchasing toys for the older kids.

Be mindful of pieces that may easily break off, or other pieces of the toys that can pose a potential choking hazard. When purchasing toys, look for those marked with “ASTM.” This means that these toys meet the National Safety Standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials*.

Another way to prevent eye injuries is to make sure that children are always properly supervised while they’re playing. Having an adult present will decrease the chance for accidents involving toys. In addition to proper supervision, it is important to educate children on how to properly use their toys. Before you allow children to use any of their new toys, read the instructions, and warnings, on the box.

It is also recommended to keep toys put away when they’re not in use. Ideally, potentially hazardous toys should be kept in a spot that children can not get to if they’re not being properly supervised for the specific activity. This can include any board games that may have small pieces. Be sure to inspect toys for loose pieces before allowing children to play with them, and throw away any broken toys to avoid accidental injuries.

The single most common toy that causes eye injuries are those that entail projecting smaller pieces. Toys of this kind include dart guns, toy bows and arrows, and missile-firing toys*. It is important to note that pellet guns, bb guns, and airsoft guns have been reclassified and removed from toy sections due to the hazards they entail. If children will be playing with dart guns or toy bows and arrows, it is important that they wear the proper eye protection. Eye protection should be appropriate for the type of activity that is being performed, and they should meet the national safety standards. You can visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s website for more information about these safety standards.

In addition to preventing eye injuries from toys during the holiday season, it is also important for parents, other family members, caregivers, and anyone else who may be supervising children while playing to be aware of first aid when eye injuries are involved.

If an eye injury occurs, do not touch, rub, or apply pressure to the eye. Do not try to remove any debris from the eye. If the debris is a small piece, you can lift the eyelid and ask the child to blink rapidly to try and remove the object. If the object does not come out on its own, close the eye and seek help immediately. Avoid applying any ointment or medication to they eye in the event of an injury. Keep in mind, only eye injury that includes hazardous chemicals should be flushed with water. If a cut or puncture of the eye occurs, it should be gently covered before seeking help to avoid any contamination. If an eye injury occurs, it is always a good idea to call your eye doctor for what they recommend for your injury.

If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

*Attributions:

https://www.preventblindness.org/safe-toy-checklist

https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/toy-safety

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-children

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Toy_Report_2016.pdf?6ZwpKyiwsEdVzWXhH0m0doo5cJALIZFW

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November is American Diabetes Month, but What Does that Have to Do with Vision Loss?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 100 million adults in America are suffering from Diabetes or prediabetes*. This means that nearly 10% of the population suffers from this disease*. Out of these adults suffering from diabetes, 25% of them were unaware that they had diabetes*. Diabetes entails many symptoms, which include frequently urinating, being very hungry or thirsty, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, slow healing process, abnormal weight loss, and tingling/numbness of the hands and feet*. In addition to many symptoms, diabetes also comes with many complications such as high blood pressure, increased risk of strokes, and nerve damage, but did you know that diabetes affects your vision as well?

Diabetic Eye Disease is a group of diseases that affect the vision of people suffering from Diabetes*. These diseases include Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Cataracts, and Glaucoma*. Each type of disease comes with its own list of symptoms, risks, and treatment options. One thing all forms of Diabetic Eye Disease has in common is the risk for severe vision loss, and the potential to cause blindness. Because Diabetic Eye Disease is often unnoticed until vision loss occurs, it is recommended for those who suffer from Diabetes to receive a dilated eye exam at least once a year. You should consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist to discuss how often you need an eye exam. The most common form of Diabetic Eye Disease is Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in people with Diabetes, and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults*. Diabetic Retinopathy is a disease that affects tissues within the Retina that detect light. This is caused from chronically high blood sugar that causes damage to the blood vessels within the eye. Vision impairment can occur through leaking of these blood vessels, or overgrowth of blood vessels. Another common form of Diabetic Eye Disease is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) occurs when fluid accumulates within the macula. The macula is responsible for sharp vision straight-ahead vision that is used when reading, recognizing faces, and driving*. DME is the most common cause of vision loss within people who suffer from Diabetic Retinopathy. Nearly 50% of those who suffer from Diabetic Retinopathy will develop DME*. Anyone who suffers from type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk for Developing Diabetic Retinopathy, including women who suffer from Gestational Diabetes. Gestational Diabetes entails its own risk factors for Diabetic Eye Disease. It is often not caught in its early stages, and is rapidly worsening. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is always a good idea to have an eye exam, just to be safe.

Both Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema can be detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. During this exam, the eyes will be checked for signs of Diabetic Retinopathy or DME, such as leaking blood vessels, swelling of the Macula, changes of the lens or blood vessels, and damage to nerve tissue. Treatment for these conditions can include injections and/or laser surgery.

The best way to prevent Diabetic Eye Disease is to control blood sugar levels with insulin and diet adjustments. Talk to your physician about medications to help control blood sugar levels.

As for diet, there are foods that can help regulate the blood sugar levels. These foods include berries, whole grains with a lot of fiber (such as oatmeal), avocado, cottage cheese, eggs, lean meats, and a variety of vegetables. By adding some of these foods to your diet, you can help control blood sugar and decrease risk for complications that arise with diabetes. Another great way to control blood sugar levels is by choosing complex carbohydrates such as fruits, beans, lentils, and quinoa. Eating healthy snacks rich in fiber during the day can help control hunger and cravings. In addition to choosing healthier carbohydrates, you should offset the amount of carbohydrates you’re eating by adding a lot of fresh, non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. In addition to a healthy diet, daily exercise can help decrease the risk for Diabetic Eye Disease. Daily exercise can help prevent obesity, and reduce the risk for diabetes.

By controlling blood sugar, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise, you will be able to help control your diabetes or prevent diabetes all together. By controlling and preventing diabetes, you are protecting yourself from Diabetic Eye Disease. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us. Our Kansas City location can be reached by calling 816-455-2020. You can reach our St. Joseph location at 816-279-7015.

 

*Attributions:

https://nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/symptoms/?loc=adm

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0718-diabetes-report.html

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The Dangers of Costume Contact Lenses

 Halloween is a fun time of the year for children and young adults. They enjoy dressing up and going out for candy, but what is the scariest part of Halloween? Well, the answer is possibly going blind due to wearing cosmetic contact lenses. The reality is, not many people are aware of the risk that these “cheap” Halloween contacts entail. Sadly, these lenses are often sold illegally, and are marketed to children and young adults as toys or fashion accessories.

Cosmetic contact lenses – otherwise known as circle lenses, colored contact lenses, and Halloween contacts – are not FDA approved. While they may make your eyes look a different color, like a vampire, or your favorite movie character, they should only be worn if you have seen an ophthalmologist/optometrist and have received a prescription. Contacts are not “one size fits all.” People have different eye shapes and unique conditions that may require specific contacts. Even if you have perfect vision, you should never buy contacts without a prescription just because they’re cheap. These costume lenses may cost less money, but they may cost your eyesight.

A recent study shows that wearing these cosmetic contact lenses increase your risk for Keratitis – an infection that can cause blindness by 16 times or more*. The shocking part is that more than 60% of patients who developed Keratitis from these lenses, suffered permanent vision loss*. Keratitis is not the only risk that comes with cosmetic contact lenses. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, these lenses can scratch the eye, causing redness, light sensitivity, discharge, and pain. This scratching occurs due to sizing issues with the contacts. Another way these costume contacts can be harmful is by causing sores on the eyes, known as corneal ulcers*. When these sores heal, scarring can be left behind, which can permanently affect your vision. These cosmetic contact lenses may lead to many different types of infections, including herpes simplex*.

Treatment for these various issues that can arise as a result of wearing costume lenses can range anywhere from medicated eye drops to a corneal transplant*. It is unclear just how many injuries occur each year from wearing these lenses, but a recent study shows that more than 13,500 pediatric cases appear in the Emergency Room each year as a result of cosmetic lenses*. Although there have been no studies conducted to determine the number of injuries these lenses are responsible for, we do know that 17% of Americans have worn these lenses for decorative reasons alone, meaning they did not provide any vision correction. Of these people, 24% of them bought the lenses from an over-the-counter source that did not require a prescription*.

If you are thinking of getting cosmetic contact lenses for any reason, you should first consult your eye care professional. If you have never worn lenses before, they will examine your eyes to determine whether or not you are even a good candidate for contact lenses. Your eyes will then be examined to determine the proper size and fitting lenses that you need. During this exam and follow-up appointments, your ophthalmologist or optometrist will educate you on the proper care for your new lenses, including cleaning them and the duration they can be worn. When seeking cosmetic lenses, do not expect to be prescribed circle lenses, or any other lense that changes the appearance of the shape of your eye because they are not FDA approved*.  

According to the Food and Drug Administration, you can protect your vision by receiving an eye exam for contacts before buying contacts. You can also protect your vision by only buying lenses from sources that require a prescription, online and in person. Of course you will want to follow the instructions from your eye care professional on cleaning and handling your lenses. Lastly, it is vital that you seek medical help if you begin to show any warning signs of infection or injury such as redness, long-lasting pain, and vision loss.

If you encounter these costume contact lenses being sold illegally, there are some ways that you can help. If you discover these lenses being sold illegally, you can report the retailer to the FDA. To do this, you may call 1-866-300-4374 or 301-796-8240 to report the retailer as quickly as possible. If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

*Sources: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/colored-lenses

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/colored-lenses

https://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdate/ucm402704.htm

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/four-ways-costume-contact-lenses-ruin-vision

http://www.aoa.org/newsroom/dont-buy-contact-lenses-from-any-store-or-website-if-it-doesnt-require-a-prescription?sso=y

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September is Fruits & Veggies- More Matters Month!

We’ve all heard that we should be eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. We’re learning that the traditional “Standard American Diet” is actually very poor diet. We hear time and time again that we should be eating better for our health, and that eating healthier can reduce the risk for many diseases, but did you know that your diet can directly affect your vision as well?

September is Fruits & Veggies-More Matters Month, so we have decided to spend this month educating our patients about the importance of eating a nutrient-rich diet. With more than 25 million Americans over the age of 18 suffering from some type of vision loss, improving our diet is one very simple step in preventing further vision loss.

The most obvious way that diet can affect vision is controlling weight and insulin levels. High blood glucose levels have been directly linked to damaging the blood vessels within the eye, as in Diabetic Retinopathy. When a person is overweight, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes significantly increases. In addition to an increased risk of diabetes, obesity also comes with multiple different systemic conditions, which can lead to other eye diseases, such as glaucoma.

According to the National Eye Institute, we should be eating a diet rich in dark, leafy greens, such as spinach and kale. Other foods that provide our bodies-and eyes- with essential nutrients include: fish rich in Omega-3 Acids such as tuna or salmon, fruit filled with antioxidants such as strawberries or blueberries, eggs, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

Each type of food provides our bodies with different antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy eyes. For example, eggs, kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, zucchini, corn, and romaine lettuce provide Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which can aid in preventing cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Other essential vitamins for eye health include Vitamin C (found in raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, bell pepper, spinach tomato and broccoli), Vitamin E (found in vegetable oils, spinach, kale, avocado, sweet potatoes, and whole grains), Vitamin A and Carotene (found in carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, squash, and dark leafy greens), and lastly, Zinc (found in red meat, seafood, dried beans, nuts, and whole grains).

It seems like such a simple step in protecting our eyes, but did you know that 90% of all adults and children fall short of getting enough fruits and vegetables into their diet? According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we should be filling half of our plate up with fruits and vegetables at every meal. A common reason for falling short on getting enough fruits and vegetables into our diet is that we simply don’t enjoy them. Even if you don’t like fruits and vegetables, there are ways to essentially “sneak” them into your diet.

One easy tip for getting in enough fruits and vegetables into your daily diet is adding them to things you already enjoy eating. For instance, you can add fresh or frozen fruit to your morning oatmeal, or yogurt. You can add lettuce, tomato, or cucumber onto your sandwiches or cheese burgers. Eating healthy isn’t just salads and lean protein, so don’t be afraid to try new things. Another tip for getting in enough fruits and vegetables is to try new produce. Every few years, our taste buds and preferences for taste and texture change. So, something you didn’t like when you were 20 may now taste good in your 30s. In addition to just trying new produce, you can try preparing your produce differently. For example, if you don’t like raw broccoli, try seasoning it and cooking it in the oven with a light amount of fat such as olive oil. Another easy tip for eating more fruits and vegetables is to snack on fresh produce, rather than a prepackaged snack.

These tips will not only help you eat more fruits and vegetables throughout the day, but it will help control your caloric intake. If you are a particularly picky eater, and just don’t like vegetables, try drinking a smoothie in the mornings. Making a smoothie can help you get a variety of fruits and vegetables in just one sitting. You can add vegetables that don’t have a strong taste, such as spinach or carrots to your smoothie and incorporate as many vegetables as you can. Lastly, another great option if you don’t enjoy eating vegetables, is to make juice from them. You could add some fruit to make the juice taste sweet, rather than bitter. This is another easy way to incorporate a concentrated variety of fruits and vegetables in just one sitting.

However you choose to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables, the important thing is taking care of our bodies and our overall health. If you have any questions about the health of your eyes, or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

Sources:

https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/0911/

https://nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/eyehealthtips

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