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10 Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain During Winter Months

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With the arrival of colder weather, you may have noticed you are spending more time indoors. Staying cozy can mean working from home or just watching movies, streaming your favorite shows and checking social media.

Focusing on a computer or screen without taking breaks can give you headaches and make your eyes feel tired and dry. Digital eye strain does not permanently damage vision, but it can make you fatigued and reduce productivity.

“We focus on one object, especially an object that’s up close, like a computer screen or phone, for prolonged periods of time, and we don’t give our eye muscles time to rest,” said Masih Ahmed, MD, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Baylor.

Adjust Your Habits to Reduce Eye Strain

Being cooped up in winter usually means more screen time, but it does not mean you have to sacrifice your eye comfort. You can protect your eyes from digital eye strain by making easy adjustments to your habits. Here are 10 tips to help you keep your eyes more comfortable in winter:

  1. Blink more often. People blink about 15 times per minute, on average, but blink rate tends to decrease by 50 percent when using screens. Blinking provides essential lubrication to the eyes to provide moisture, so although blinking is an involuntary reflex, it is important to voluntarily blink more often than you think is necessary.
  2. Reduce glare on computers and phones. Most computers and smartphones have glare and can make your eyes irritated. A matte screen filter can help reduce glare in the day hours, so check with your computer or cell phone store. Most electronics include night filters that reduce glare.
  3. Use computer eyeglasses. If you notice that your eyes are bothering you when you work on the computer, you may want to talk to your ophthalmologist about prescription glasses for intermediate distance. Wearing computer eyeglasses can reduce eye strain and prevent eye fatigue.
  4. Adjust the brightness of your screen. Increase the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain and adjust the screen brightness to match the amount of light around you.
  5. Adjust your computer. Try to keep your computer screen at eye level. The optimal distance between your computer and your eyes should be 25 inches.
  6. Use artificial tears. Cold, dry temperatures can make your eyes itchy and tired. Artificial tears can refresh and rejuvenate your eyes.
  7. Adjust your air vents. Position air vents so the air flow does not blow directly into your face. This will help your eyes feel more comfortable.
  8. Use a humidifier. If your eyes feel dry and you notice you are rubbing them often, consider purchasing a humidifier and use it in your office during the winter months.
  9. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Taking regular breaks throughout the workday is crucial and necessary. Every 20 minutes, you should look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  10. Take a break from contacts. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to try wearing your glasses if your eyes get watery, itchy or irritated or if you experience blurred vision (AAO).

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam in 2024

A new year provides opportunities for you to renew your commitment to your eye health. When was the last time you made an appointment with your eye doctor? Yearly comprehensive eye exams can detect changes in your vision and diagnose eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration at an early stage when they are the most treatable. Why not make it a New Year’s Resolution to call your eye doctor today?

Find an Ophthalmologist in Your Area

Make eye care a priority in 2024. Are you looking for a board-certified ophthalmologist? We can help you find a physician in your area who is accepting new patients.

Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam during Glaucoma Awareness Month

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Aging eyes are at increased risk for developing vision problems. More than three million Americans suffer from glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, yet only half are conscious of their condition.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to educate ourselves about this progressive eye disease. Yearly comprehensive eye exams are essential for diagnosing glaucoma early and preventing vision loss.

How Does Glaucoma Affect My Vision?

Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases characterized by elevated levels of intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, which sends visual signals to the brain.

Glaucoma is frequently referred to as “the sneak thief of sight” due to its ability to progress unnoticed or without ocular discomfort. At first, the disease affects the peripheral vision, but most people do not notice the narrowing of their visual field. Unfortunately, vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, and there is no cure.

“Some people say they don’t need glasses, so they don’t need to see an eye doctor,” said Tara O’Rourke, OD, a Pennsylvania optometrist. “It’s important for everyone to have yearly eye exams to monitor the health of the eye, especially for patients over the age of 50” (Medical Xpress).

Glaucoma Treatments Can Prevent Further Vision Loss

While it is not possible to recover vision loss caused by glaucoma, there are various treatments available to reduce IOP to safer levels to slow the progression of the disease. These treatments may include eye drops, which can decrease fluid production in the eye or increase fluid outflow. Other options include oral medication, laser therapy and surgical procedures.

Benefits of Exercise

Regular exercise provides many health benefits, and research shows exercising like walking or jogging three times per week can lower IOP. Consistent exercise is best to get optimal results. Yoga is an excellent fitness activity, but it is best to avoid inverted positions, which can increase eye pressure.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain people have risk factors that make them more likely to develop the disease. You have a higher chance of getting the disease if you …

  • Are older than 60.
  • Have relatives with glaucoma.
  • Are of Hispanic, African or Asian descent. Glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
  • Have high eye pressure.
  • Are very nearsighted or farsighted.
  • Have had an eye injury.
  • Have a thin cornea.
  • Take steroid medications.

Will My Ophthalmologist Test Me for Glaucoma?

Your eye doctor can test you for glaucoma at your next comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor will give you a visual acuity test and evaluate you for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions. A regular eye exam is painless and simple, and most exams take less than one hour.

Find an Ophthalmologist in Your Area

Make good eye care a priority and have your eyes examined. Regular visits to your eye doctor can help preserve your vision for years to come. Celebrate Glaucoma Awareness Month by calling to make an appointment. If you are not under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist, we can help you find a physician in your area.

Eating Grapes Could Help Boost Your Eye Health

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As the holidays approach, it may be wise to substitute apple pie for a new fruit. According to a recent study in Food & Function, eating grapes may improve eye health in older adults and reduce the risk of vision problems.

What Contributes to Eye Disease?

Older age is one of the most common risk factors for eye diseases. Other risk factors include the following:

  • Oxidative stress — This is a bodily condition that happens when your antioxidant levels are low.
  • High levels of ocular advanced glycation end products (AGEs) — These substances can damage the retina and impair cell function. Foods that contain the highest levels of AGEs include meat (especially red meat), fried eggs, certain cheeses, cream cheese, butter and margarine, mayonnaise, oils and nuts.

Antioxidants in Grapes

Eating foods that are high in antioxidants can prevent AGEs from forming and decrease oxidative stress. Antioxidants remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents and protect cells from premature aging. Grapes have high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can improve macular pigment optical density (MPOD).

A new study analyzed 34 people who ate either 1.5 cups of grapes per day or a placebo for 16 weeks. The subjects who ate grapes showed higher levels of MPOD, polyphenols and plasma antioxidant capacity. Participants who did not eat grapes had higher levels of harmful AGEs.

Eat a Diet High in Antioxidants during the Holidays

Antioxidants and polyphenols don’t just preserve your vision. They protect the body against oxidative stress and associated health problems like cancers, heart disease and inflammation. This holiday season, be mindful of what you are putting in your body. With some research and careful planning, you can prepare a savory, healthy meal as well as toothsome sweet treats.

By making small substitutions, you can turn up the flavor and the nutritional profile of your traditional holiday meal. Instead of using butter, sour cream and cream cheese in your vegetable dishes, try using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and herbs. A fresh fruit salad can be just as sweet as a slice of cake or pie without the sugar crash.

Eye Exams for Optimum Eye Health

When was the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam? A full eye exam with dilation takes only an hour, but it provides a year of benefits. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your eye prescription and test your visual acuity as well as screen you for cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

If you are looking for a new ophthalmologist, we can help. Our eye care centers are accepting new patients and are ready to meet your vision needs. Call today to make an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians.

Get Screened for Glaucoma on National Family Health History Day

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National Family Health History Day is Nov. 23. Knowing your predisposition for health and eye conditions can help you make informed decisions about screening and prevention. Yearly comprehensive eye exams can prevent irreversible eye damage from glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness.

Glaucoma, the Sneak Thief of Sight

Did you know you could be losing your vision and unaware of it? Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve and reduces the visual field. This disease is called “the sneak thief of sight” because it can be painless and often does not have symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three million Americans have glaucoma, but only about half know they have it. Both heredity and age can contribute to your glaucoma risk. People older than 50 should get tested for glaucoma at least annually, even with perfect vision.

Know Your Risk for Hereditary Glaucoma

If you have a family member with glaucoma, you should get screened earlier. Genetic mutations can cause inherited glaucoma, affecting the eye’s drainage system and internal ocular pressure (IOP). Some ethnicities like Latinos, African Americans, Asians and Scandinavians have an increased disease risk. There are several types of hereditary glaucoma:

  • Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) — This is the most common type of glaucoma. Elevated IOP damages the optic nerve and slowly deteriorates vision. Individuals of African descent may be more likely to develop POAG.
  • Primary angle-closure glaucoma — When the eye’s drainage system gets blocked, it can increase inner eye pressure. People of Asian descent are at increased risk.
  • Pigmentary glaucoma — Pigment can also accumulate in the eye’s drainage system, and this can increase IOP and cause glaucoma.
  • Congenital glaucoma — Glaucoma can develop at birth if the eye drainage system develops abnormally. This type of glaucoma is rare but can be inherited (Glaucoma Research Foundation).

Comprehensive Eye Exams Preserve Vision, Prevent Injury

National Family Health History Day falls on Thanksgiving Day this year. What an appropriate way to give thanks for loved ones and good health. You can show gratitude for clear vision by making an annual appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. At your eye appointment, your ophthalmologist will screen you for glaucoma using a specific test to determine your eye pressure. You will also get screened for other eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Start your gratitude early by calling to make an appointment for eye exams for the whole family. If you need help finding an ophthalmologist, our eye care centers are nationwide. Our physicians and staff are ready to partner with you on your journey toward better eye health.

Protect Your Vision to Prevent Falls and Fractures

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There is nothing more precious than the gift of clear vision. World Sight Day is Oct. 12, and it emphasizes protecting your eyesight. Taking active steps to preserve and protect your vision can help decrease the risk of falls, fractures and other injuries.

Falls Among Elderly Americans Are on the Rise

The rate of falls in the United States has risen consistently over the past 10 years and is likely to continue increasing as life expectancy lengthens. Between 2001 and 2014, almost one million inpatient hospital admissions had eye injury as the primary or secondary diagnosis. According to a 2021 study, patients with a secondary diagnosis of an eye injury rose 31 percent, and 82 percent of the increase in secondary eye injuries was due to falls among older individuals.

The study found more than half of fall-related eye trauma occurred at home. Falls were more likely to occur during the winter, and women were more at risk than men. For patients whose primary diagnosis was an eye injury, orbital fracture from blunt trauma was the most common type.

Eye Diseases Can Increase the Risk of Falls

Low vision always creates mobility challenges. Common eye diseases that increase the likelihood of missteps and falls include the following:

  • Cataracts — A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens, which can cause blurry vision and make patients more susceptible to falling. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries. One study found cataract surgery can significantly decrease the risk of a hip fracture.
  • Glaucoma — This family of eye diseases deteriorates the optic nerve. Patients with glaucoma often lose their peripheral vision, which can cause them to collide with an object outside their visual field.
  •  Macular degeneration — This condition affects central vision. Patients with macular degeneration can easily trip over objects because they cannot see something in front of them.

Easy Ways to Prevent Falls and Protect Your Eyes

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control makes the following suggestions to keep your home safe and prevent falls:

  1. Remove clutter from your home. Keep your floors clear to prevent tripping.
  2. Avoid using small throw rugs that can shift underneath you.
  3. Use non-slip mats in the shower.
  4. Install grab bars next to your toilets and showers.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Preserve Vision and Prevent Injury

You can protect your vision by making an annual appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with dilation. At your eye appointment, your ophthalmologist will screen you for eye diseases, test your visual acuity and update your eyeglass prescription. Your doctor can also detect and diagnose vision problems during your eye exam and suggest customized treatments for your vision needs.
Are you under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist? We can help. Our eye care centers are located across the country, and our physicians are taking new patients. Tell your loved ones about World Sight Day and offer to accompany them to their appointment. Healthy eyesight requires regular maintenance, so call today to get on the schedule before the end of the year.

Can Regular Exercise Delay Common Eye Diseases?

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Several eye conditions, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, are linked to lower activity levels. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, regular exercise could help preserve vision.

Physical Activity Can Protect Against AMD in Mice

Previous research has demonstrated how physical activity can influence overall wellness and disease prevention. A new study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science suggests exercise may help prevent blood vessel overgrowth in degenerative eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Researchers analyzed two groups of six mice, but only one group used an exercise wheel. After four weeks, the research team found the active mice experienced 45 percent less eye damage than the inactive mice.

Today’s Research May Bring New Eye Treatments

This study is unique because researchers could observe how exercise altered tissues and cells in mice. Previous experiments relied on patients’ self-reported physical activity.

“The new study is exciting because it supports previous findings suggesting a link between exercise and prevention of AMD,” said American Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson J. Kevin McKinney, M.D., MPH.

It is unclear whether the team can obtain similar results in human studies; however, they are hopeful that future testing may reveal new treatments for eye diseases.

What Is The Best Exercise for My Health?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. What you do for exercise may depend on your age, cardiovascular fitness and level of mobility. You have many workout choices: from walking, biking and hiking to swimming, yoga or even yard work. Any activity you choose will benefit your eye health and your overall wellness. Talk to your doctor before you begin a new exercise routine to ensure you are choosing safe activities that will not put you at risk for injury.

September is Healthy Aging Month, so it’s important to preserve your vision as you age. An annual comprehensive eye exam is as essential for your vision as daily exercise. During the check-up, an ophthalmologist will test your visual acuity and screen you for common eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. You may need an updated eyeglass prescription, or perhaps you are a candidate for cataract surgery. If you are looking for an ophthalmologist, we can help. Our eye care centers are located nationwide, and you can find an eye doctor in your area who is accepting new patients. Call today to make an appointment.

For Healthy Eyes, Focus on Nutrient-Rich Food

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Good overall health includes eating a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods and regular exercise.

For athletes, focusing on their nutrition is an essential component of their training regimen. Improving their eyesight by enriching their diet may impact their performance in sports.

New research suggests that athletes who eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables could improve their visual range.

Eat lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods.

Studies have shown plant pigments lutein and zeaxanthin, found in many common foods, positively impact eye health and functional vision.

Lutein and zeaxanthin add yellow or orange color to various foods. These foods include cantaloupe, pasta, corn, carrots, orange or yellow peppers, fish, salmon and eggs. Other foods containing these plant pigments are broccoli, peaches, mangoes, berries, spinach and Swiss chard.

Jack Harth, lead author of the study, said this new research discusses the ability of these antioxidants to improve vision in the far distance or how well a person can see a target clearly over distance.

“A lot of the research into macular lutein and zeaxanthin has focused on health benefits, but from a functional perspective, higher concentrations of these plant pigments improve many aspects of visual and cognitive ability,” Harth told Medical Xpress.

Other studies have shown eye health improved by eating foods containing high amounts of these antioxidants. Lutein and zeaxanthin have been linked with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. They protect the retina from blue light damage by acting like sunglasses for the eye. They also protect the macula in the retina’s center.

“Many athletes already take measures to reduce the impact of blue light through eye black or blue blocker sunglasses, but eating more foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can improve the eye’s natural ability to handle blue light exposure,” Harth said in Medical Xpress.

Harth is a doctoral candidate in University of Georgia’s College of Public Health. The paper was published in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews.

Eat healthy, get eye exams

“Good nutrition is essential in keeping current and future generations of Americans healthy across the lifespan,” according to the Centers for Disease Control.

“The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise incorporating more fruits and vegetables into U.S. residents’ diets as part of healthy dietary patterns. Adults should consume 1.5-2 cup equivalents of fruits and 2-3 cup equivalents of vegetables daily.”

Eating nutritious food may help you live longer. Healthy eating keeps skin, teeth and eyes healthy and lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Eating healthy supports muscles, boosts immunity and strengthens bones. Good nutrition supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding, helps the digestive system function and helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

In addition to eating nutrient-rich foods, getting a comprehensive eye exam is also important for your overall health. Many diseases show early signs in the eyes, including cardiovascular health and diabetes.

Eye doctors recommend regular screenings beginning at age 40 or earlier if you have eye disease risk factors, including family history, diabetes and high blood pressure.

It is important to protect your vision and not to delay your eye care. Schedule your exam with one of our eye care professionals.

Busy Schedule? Prioritize Your Vision With an Eye Exam.

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Do you feel like you are too busy to get your eyes checked? Fun-packed summers give way to hectic fall school schedules, and we often forget preventive care. However, eye exams are essential for overall wellness, so scheduling yearly visits to your ophthalmologist is critical. With a few minutes of preparation, you can breeze through your eye exam and be out of the office in no time.

Routine care prevents eye disease and vision loss

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 93 million Americans are at risk for significant vision loss, but only half visited their eye doctor in the past year. Many adults say they are too busy to check their eyes, while others say eye exams are expensive or unnecessary.

Early detection of eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can prevent eye damage and preserve vision. However, these diseases may not have symptoms early, so you cannot rely on warning signs to alert to a problem.

How to be efficient on your eye exam day

Yearly comprehensive eye exams can prevent chronic conditions, increase productivity and enhance quality of life. You can take some easy steps to streamline your eye exam.

  1. Fill out any necessary paperwork online before your appointment, or print it at home and bring it with you. Preparing beforehand will streamline your appointment.
  2. Schedule your appointment at the beginning of the day. Your wait time will more likely increase later in the day for reasons such as the following:
  • Some patients arrive late, which can affect all subsequent appointments.
  • Certain appointments take longer than their allotted time.
  • Doctors have to accommodate eye emergencies and last-minute appointments.
  1. Bring all vital information with you:
  • Medical and vision insurance card
  • Current prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • List of your current medication and any allergies you have
  • Eye drops you use
  • Notes about family history of chronic medical issues, eye conditions or vision problems
  1. Begin looking at the eyeglass frame selection before your doctor calls you back for your appointment. You don’t have to wait until you have your new prescription to decide on a designer frame; start shopping while you wait!

Meeting your deductible can decrease medical costs

Studies show most patients meet their deductible by May, so you might have already met your annual deductible. If this is the case, don’t delay getting an eye exam or scheduling an eye procedure, like cataract surgery. Call your insurance company to verify whether you have met your deductible or are close to meeting it. You can also ask for an estimate of benefits to prepare financially.

Other ways to reduce cost

If you need to schedule a procedure, it is wise to ask your doctor about your options for the medical facility you will visit. An ambulatory surgery center (ASC) is an outpatient facility that offers high-quality medical procedures in a home-like setting. ASCs can save money because they are almost always less expensive than hospitals. You can also use a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to use pre-tax money for your qualified medical expenses. Both of these decisions will result in more cash in your pocket.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with dilation

Life is busy, so don’t delay essential preventive care and eye procedures before the end of the year. There is nothing more important than maintaining healthy vision. Annual comprehensive eye exams can prevent conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts before they impair your vision. If you are not under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist, we can help you find an eye doctor in your area who is accepting new patients.

Eye Care: Cataracts May Link to Glaucoma

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No matter your age, it is important to protect your eyes and preserve your vision.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. When proteins in the eye’s natural lens clump together and cloud the lens, this cloudy or blurry spot is called a cataract.

Cataract Awareness Month is celebrated in June to focus on this common eye condition that affects more than 24 million Americans.

Eye conditions share risk factors

Cataracts and glaucoma may occur at the same time in a patient’s eyes. Learning facts about both conditions and seeking treatment early may prevent vision loss.

Like cataracts, glaucoma can lead to blindness through damage to the optic nerve. About three million people in the U.S. have this disease.

Generally, both eye conditions are unrelated. According to the National Eye Institute, however, cataracts can increase elevated eye pressure risk, possibly leading to glaucoma. Similarly, some treatments for glaucoma may make cataracts worse or quicken their formation, according to Glaucoma UK.

Both eye conditions typically occur in adults older than 55 and often in people with a family history. Some medications, past eye injuries or certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing both.

Lifestyle factors that increase your risk of cataracts include the following:

  • Excessive exposure to sunlight
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
  • Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Risk factors for glaucoma include the following:

  • African-American heritage
  • History of steroid use, either in the eye (drops) or systemically (orally or injected)
  • Nearsighted (myopic)
  • Farsighted (hyperopic)
  • History of elevated intraocular pressure

Symptoms and treatments vary

While cataracts and glaucoma both negatively affect one’s vision, the symptoms and treatments vary for each.

Symptoms of cataracts may not be visible at first, but eventually, you may notice your vision has become cloudy or blurry. You may also have difficulty seeing at night, especially while driving. You may see halos around lights, faded or yellow colors or even experience double vision.

When cataracts start affecting your lifestyle, they are treatable with a simple surgical procedure, which has approximately a 98 percent success rate.

In its early stages, glaucoma often has no symptoms. Elevated pressure inside the eye creates stress on the optic nerve, and if it is damaged, vision loss occurs.

Early detection is critical for glaucoma because there is no cure for the disease. Treatments include medicated eye drops, laser surgery or conventional glaucoma surgery.

New developments in Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) allow patients to undergo treatment for both glaucoma and cataracts during one procedure. The surgery is safe and effective in helping treat primary open-angle glaucoma and cataracts.

Don’t delay your diagnosis!

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 39 million Americans will have cataracts by 2032.

Glaucoma is expected to affect more than four million Americans by 2030, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

At least 75 percent of disease-related vision loss can be avoided through prevention or treatment. If you are at risk, you should schedule a comprehensive exam offered by an ophthalmologist. During an exam, your doctor looks at both your eye health as well as your vision.

Doctors recommend regular eye exams beginning at age 40 or earlier if you have disease risk factors, including family history, diabetes and high blood pressure. Don’t delay your diagnosis; schedule an exam with an eye care professional at a center near you.

Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease May Experience Eye Damage

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A new study found that brain and cognitive changes in patients with Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to changes in the retina.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

More than three million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. The disease is progressive, and it affects memory and cognition. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and treatments only slow its development.

Experts know that dementia can affect vision, but this new research may be pivotal in understanding how Alzheimer’s disease affects the retina, especially in the early stages of the disease.

Link between Alzheimer’s disease and retinal health

Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Hospital examined retina and brain tissue samples from 86 donors with confirmed Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. They compared those samples with samples from donors with normal brain function and those with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

The research team analyzed the patients’ retinas, measuring proteins in retinal and brain tissue and looking for markers of inflammation and functional cell loss. In the retinas of patients with mild cognitive impairment, the team found the following:

  • An excess of amyloid beta 42 protein, which in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease binds together and disrupts brain function
  • A buildup of amyloid beta protein in ganglion cells, which transmit visual input from the retina to the optic nerve
  • Molecules that are responsible for inflammation and cell death

The changes in the retina corresponded with changes in parts of the brain that control memory, navigation and the perception of time.

The team suggested the retina can be seen as “a developmental extension of the brain” because it offers a non-invasive and less expensive way to observe and monitor neurological health.

“These findings may eventually lead to the development of imaging techniques that allow us to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more accurately and monitor its progression noninvasively by looking through the eye,” said Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui, PhD, professor of Neurosurgery, Neurology and Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai and senior author of the study.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with dilation

May is Healthy Vision Month. The National Eye Institute established this observance in 2003 to stress the importance of preventive vision care and the dangers of ignoring your eye health.

Taking care of your eyes is equally important as a nutritious diet and regular exercise. To maintain healthy vision, you should have a comprehensive eye exam with dilation every year. Your eye doctor will use eye drops to widen your pupils and check for eye diseases or vision problems. A comprehensive eye exam with dilation can help your ophthalmologist detect chronic conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.

Celebrate Healthy Vision Month by making an appointment at one of our eye care centers nationwide. Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and friendly staff are equipped to meet your vision needs and help you preserve your eyesight for years to come.