Here’s What you Should be Eating to Avoid Vision Loss

It’s Healthy Aging Month

When it Comes to your Contact Lenses, Healthy Habits Mean Healthy Eyes.

This year, August 19-23 is Contact Lens Health Week. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) created this health-observance week in hopes to educate the 45 million in the United States that wear contact lenses. By creating healthy habits, you can maintain healthy eyes. Here are just a few ways that you can help protect your eyes and prevent infections while wearing contact lenses.

First, you should never utilize lenses or their storage containers for longer periods of time than recommended. If you have daily lenses, then they should be thrown out at the end of each day. Likewise, if you have monthly lenses, they should be changed out for new ones at the beginning of each month. Additionally, storage containers can build up bacteria on your lenses if they are not properly rotated. If your contact lens storage case doesn’t come with a recommended time to replace it, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends replacing the storage containers at least every three months.

Additionally, you should also replace the solution in your contact lens case daily. Each time you take your contacts out of the case to wear them, you should dump out the old solution and let it air dry before re closing the case. At the end of the day, you should fill the case up with fresh solution. You should never mix the old and new solution by “topping it off” at the end of the day when removing your lenses. This can cause bacteria to build up and increase your risk of infection.

Speaking of infection, did you know that wearing your lenses while you sleep can increase your risk of infection by 6-8 times? Even if your lenses are 24-hour wear, you should not be sleeping in them. It is important to give your time eyes to rest and your lenses time to get cleaned. When you fall asleep in your lenses, they can become dry or build up bacteria, which increases your chance of infection.

Other don’ts when it comes to wearing contact lenses include mixing water with your contacts. Never rinse storage containers with water. Additionally, you should never shower or swim with your lenses in your eyes. Mixing water with contact lenses can cause them to swell, change shape, or adhere to the eye. Introducing water to your lenses can also introduce bacteria to them as well.

For those who haven’t gotten contact lenses yet, or are new to wearing contact lenses, here are the steps you should take to properly care for and wear your new lenses:

1. Wash and rinse hands before handling contact lenses. Make sure they are thoroughly dried with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses as well.
2. Take the lenses out of their storage container using your fingertips. You should never handle lenses with any other objects such as tweezers.
3. Place the lens in your eye properly. Make sure they’re not inside out before placing them on your eye. You should take them out and place them one at a time.
4. After the contacts are placed in your eyes, dump out the solution remaining inside of the storage container.
5. Place the container and lids right-side-up to allow them to air dry
6. Once you’re done wearing your lenses for the day, wash your hands and let them dry thoroughly before removing them.
7. Remove one lens at a time, and place it into your palm.
8. Squirt enough fresh solution into your hand to cover the lens.
9. Gently rub the lens in circular motions to clean the lens.
10. Place the cleaned lens back into the dry storage container and fill it to the line with fresh solution.
11. Place the correct cap onto the side with the lens in it.
12. Follow steps 7-11 for the other lens.
13. Wash your hands again and place the storage container in a safe spot.

It is important to note that different types of lenses may require additional or different steps for proper care. You should discuss these steps with your doctor.

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's office can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

To read more on Contact Lens Health Week, click here.

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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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