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Focus on Restoring Your Vision During Cataract Awareness Month

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Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness, but surgery can restore cataract-related vision loss.

Cataracts Make Spring Colors Appear Dull and Cloudy

The beauty of nature comes alive in springtime, boasting every shade of green and myriads of colorful blossoms. From the first tulips that emerge on a chilly morning to the hearty zinnias that reach for the sun, spring flowers are a delight to the eyes. Every day is a new opportunity to see Mother Nature’s splendid palate of brilliant hues.

If you notice colors aren’t as bright as they used to appear, you may be developing a cataract. Even though some people don’t experience symptoms at first, cataracts can lead to cloudy vision and fading or yellowing of colors. June is Cataract Awareness Month, a time to learn about how cataracts form and what you can do to preserve your vision.

How Do Cataracts Form?

A cataract is a hazing of the eye lens that impedes the passing of light into the eye. As you age, the proteins and fibers in the lens clump together and cloud the view. Cataracts are extremely common in mid- to late adulthood. More than half of Americans will have a cataract by age 80, according to the nonprofit organization Prevent Blindness. Over time, cataracts can make everyday activities like reading, driving and house cleaning difficult and will cause significant vision loss if allowed to go untreated.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery can restore cataract-related vision loss, and most patients will experience clear vision again. Unlike other eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration, cataracts can be removed to restore eyesight.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgical procedures in the United States and around the world. Eye surgeons perform about four million cataract surgeries every year in the U.S. alone.

The operation includes removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is constructed from silicone, acrylic or other plastic materials and often has a protective coating against UV rays.

In most cases, the procedure is completed in 10 to 20 minutes. You receive mild sedation and eye drops to anesthetize the eye and dilate the pupil, and then your surgeon removes the cataract. Patients affirm the procedure is painless and they do not feel discomfort.

Shortly after surgery, you should notice that colors appear brighter, but you may still experience some blurred vision for the first few days. Your eye doctor will prescribe drops to prevent inflammation. You will return for several post-op visits to make sure you are healing properly.

What Type of IOL Is Best for You?

Several types of intraocular lenses are available including the following:

  • Monofocal IOLs are typically included in Medicare and other insurance coverage for cataract surgery. It is designed for sharp distance vision, so you still may need reading glasses. If you have astigmatism and choose a monofocal lens, you will likely need to wear glasses all the time.
  • Astigmatism-correcting IOL — Astigmatism causes blurred vision because the cornea has an irregular shape. In some cases, a surgeon can make limbal relaxing incisions to alter the shape of the cornea to treat mild astigmatism. Toric IOLs can help with higher levels of astigmatism. This type of lens is not covered by insurance so you will be responsible for paying an extra fee.
  • Multifocal IOL — A multifocal lens can help you see near, intermediate and distance and sometimes correct astigmatism so you may be able to be glasses-free. About 80 to 90 percent of patients with multifocal lenses don’t need to wear glasses. This is the most expensive IOL because insurance will not cover it. However, choosing the multifocal lens potentially will save thousands of dollars you would normally spend on new eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam During Cataract Awareness Month

All adults older than 40 should get a complete eye exam with dilation. Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist during the month of June to evaluate your eye health and screen for cataracts. Some of the symptoms of cataracts include the following:

  • cloudy or blurred vision
  • double vision
  • difficulty seeing at night
  • lamps and headlights seem too glaring and bright
  • seeing halos around lights
  • needing to change prescriptions for contacts and glasses often

Your doctor will also give you a visual acuity test, look for refractive errors and screen you for common eye conditions and vision problems.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you looking for a board-certified ophthalmologist? Our eye care centers are located across the country and are accepting new patients. Observe Cataracts Awareness Month by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam for your family. Healthy vision is a precious gift that requires regular maintenance.

Protect Your Eyes When Playing Pickleball, Other Racket Sports

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Pickleball is one of the most popular and fastest-growing sports, with more than 400,000 players worldwide. A combination of badminton, ping-pong and tennis, pickleball is an energetic sport that is easy to learn and suitable for all levels of athletic ability. Although it is a low-impact, family-friendly activity, pickleball can cause eye injuries or even vision loss, so it is essential to wear eye protection.

Types of Eye Injuries from Racket Sports

Pickleballs have holes like wiffle balls and travel about one-third the speed of tennis balls, but they can still travel up to 40 miles per hour.

“While pickleball is generally considered to be a safe sport due to its non-contact nature, the risk of eye injuries cannot be overlooked,” said Andrew G. Lee, MD, chair of the Blanton Eye Institute at Houston Methodist. “The high velocity of the ball and small court poses a significant risk for eye injuries.”

Eye injuries from rackets are potentially high risk for older people who may lack quick reflexes and have a longer reaction time than younger participants. Less skilled players of all ages are also at increased risk.

The potential for eye injury increases when playing doubles (two against two) in racket sports, like pickleball.

“A lot of people stand very close to the net when they’re playing pickleball,” said Raj Maturi, MD, ophthalmologist and member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “A ball directed to the eye can come faster than you have time to reflexively react to, causing significant vision impairment.”

Pickleball and other racket sports can cause several types of eye injuries, including the following:

  • Retinal tear or detachment from being hit in the eye with a pickleball or racket
  • Corneal abrasion from the ball or the edge of a racket scratching the eye’s surface

Protect Your Eyes When Playing Racket Sports

About 90 percent of serious eye injuries could be prevented by wearing appropriate eyewear. People who play racquetball and squash are more likely to wear eye protection, but pickleball players rarely wear protective glasses. The most effective eyewear are polycarbonate safety goggles with front and side coverage. Sunglasses were not made to prevent eye injuries, but they offer more protection than no glasses at all.

Easy Ways to Maintain Clear Vision

A healthy lifestyle can help you preserve your vision for years to come. Here are some tips on how to care for your vision from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  1. Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports, outdoor activities, home repairs or yard work.
  2. Wear sunglasses that wrap around your face and that have 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.
  3. Quit smoking or never start smoking.
  4. Wash your hands before you touch your eyes or before you remove your contact lenses.
  5. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for contact lenses and do not over-wear your contacts. Replace them as directed.
  6. Maintain a healthy weight.
  7. Eat plenty of dark leafy greens like kale, spinach and collard greens and fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, trout, halibut, sardines and albacore tuna).
  8. Know your family’s eye health history and be aware of any eye conditions that run in your family.
  9. See your eye doctor every year.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam during Healthy Vision Month

Getting your eyes checked is as important as having an annual well checkup with your primary care physician. May is Healthy Vision Month, a time to prioritize your optical health.

Approximately 37 million adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma, all of which can cause visual impairment or blindness. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to find out if you have eye problems, need a new prescription or are in the early stages of a chronic eye condition or disease.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Has it been over a year since you had a complete eye exam? Healthy Vision Month is the perfect time to call your eye doctor and schedule appointments for your family. If you have recently moved or need a new eye care professional, we can help. Our vision centers are located nationwide and are accepting new patients. Make a renewed commitment to your eye health and schedule a visit today.

Vaping and Smoking Can Cause Eye Problems

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About 28.3 million people in the United States smoke cigarettes. Smoking causes disability and disease and damages almost every organ system in the body. We’ve known for decades that smoking can cause health problems and damage the eyes, but the combination of smoking and vaping can pose a heightened threat to eye tissues.

How Are E-Cigarettes Different Than Cigarettes?

Regular tobacco cigarettes contain more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic. E-cigarettes heat nicotine from tobacco, flavorings and chemicals to create an aerosol. Vaping is more popular among young people. Reports indicate, however, that 40 percent of high school and middle school students use two or more tobacco products.

“Vaping has risks that are different from smoking,” said J. Kevin McKinney, MD. “Vaping solutions often have much higher nicotine levels than cigarettes. While they do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, they do have other chemicals with known and unknown negative effects. We are still learning the type and magnitude of the risks of e-cigarettes.”

Study Reports More Severe Symptoms for Dual Users

A recent study found that young people who smoke and vape are more likely to experience pain, redness, dryness, blurred vision, headaches and sensitivity to light. Symptoms were worse for adolescents and young adults who smoked both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, compared with those who only smoked one type.

The study examined more than 4,000 people aged 13-24 about their smoking habits in the last month, week or ever. About 900 participants said they smoked cigarettes and/or vaped in the last week.

Among the respondents who vaped, 55.9 percent said they also used cigarettes. Dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes had more frequent and severe eye symptoms compared to users of only one type of product.

The research team suspects that eye issues caused by vaping and cigarettes are being caused by oxidative damage. When combustion occurs in cigarettes and the e-cigarette solvent propylene glycol, the reaction creates free radicals, causing oxidative stress, which damages the eye surface.

The findings of this study were observational and cannot confirm that dual use definitely causes eye damage, but they do provide additional strong reasons to stop smoking or never begin the habit.

Smoking and Vaping Can Worsen Existing Eye Conditions

If you have eye problems presently, smoking or vaping could exacerbate them. Here are some eye issues that could get worse with the use of cigarettes or e-cigarettes:

  1. Dry eye — Smoking can leave your eyes feeling more irritated, scratchy or stinging.
  2. Diabetic retinopathy — Smokers who have diabetes are more likely to damage the blood vessels of the eyes, which causes blurred vision and vision loss.
  3. Cataracts — Smoking increases oxidative stress, which may cause cataracts to form more quickly.
  4. Optic nerve problems — Smoking can damage the optic nerve, which sends visual images to the brain. Glaucoma is a family of diseases characterized by optic nerve damage.
  5. Macular degeneration — This is a problem with the central retina, the part of the eye that allows us to see images clearly. There is a strong link between smoking and the worsening of macular degeneration.

Schedule Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams

Your eye health is a gift that is easy to take for granted. We rely on clear vision to do almost every task in our day. Annual eye exams are essential because good eyesight can improve the quality of day-to-day life.

At a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist will check for the following:

  • Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
  • Focusing problems like presbyopia (gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects)
  • Eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Do You Need an Eye Doctor? We Can Help.

If it has been over a year since your last comprehensive eye exam, you should make an appointment for an eye exam with dilation. Many people assume they only need to see an eye doctor when they have vision problems, but issues can develop slowly and without notice. Eye diseases are not always symptomatic in the early stages, but an eye doctor can diagnose them sooner when they are easier to treat.

Make a new commitment to healthy vision and make eye appointments for your whole family. If you need a new ophthalmologist, we can help locate an eye doctor in your area. A healthy lifestyle and annual eye examinations will help you preserve your vision for years to come.

Focus on 3 Tips for Healthy Eye Care

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You use vision more than any of your senses, but how well are you caring for your eyes? Your movements, activities and interactions all rely on your ability to see clearly. Protecting your eyes helps lower the chances of vision loss, blindness and the development of eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

Schedule Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams

Lots of people assume they only need to go to the eye doctor if they have a vision problem. However, many eye conditions do not have symptoms in the early stages. Diseases like glaucoma can develop without notice but can cause permanent eye damage. Gradually, glaucoma reduces the visual field, but most people don’t notice the loss in peripheral vision.

Yearly comprehensive eye exams will allow your doctor to diagnose and treat eye conditions early to prevent vision loss. Diabetic eye disease is another common condition that can damage the blood vessels in the eyes. Detecting eye changes caused by diabetes at an early stage can significantly decrease the chances of blindness by 60 to 90 percent.

Protect Your Eyes from the Elements, Objects and Digital Devices

The eye is a small, delicate part of the body and can sustain injury quite easily. Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can damage part of the retina called the macula, which is responsible for central vision. Wearing sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays can help prevent macular damage.

Safety goggles can protect your eyes from foreign objects while gardening, woodworking or playing sports. Safety goggles are not expensive, and it is wise to buy several pairs and have them accessible in your garage, car and utility room.

Digital eye strain will not permanently affect your vision, but it can be irritating or painful. Staring at screens can reduce blink rate and cause dry eye. To address this issue, you can experiment with placing a sticky note on your monitor or scheduling a prompt on your mobile device to encourage frequent blinking.

Whenever you are using digital devices, it’s helpful to remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise and nutrition are important for your overall wellness, but they’re also essential for optimum eye health. Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving.

According to the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults should get 150 minutes of moderate-level exercise and two days of muscle strengthening activity each week. It’s all about getting up and moving. Adults who sit less and engage in exercise will enjoy health benefits (CDC).

Consuming foods abundant in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the likelihood of developing conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye as you grow older.

Here are some examples of nutrient-rich foods in each category (AAO):

  • Vitamin C — oranges, strawberries, grapefruit, tomatoes, kiwifruit, broccoli and red and green peppers
  • Vitamin E — almonds, avocadoes, olive oil and sunflower seeds
  • Zinc — legumes (beans and lentils), seafood, meat, eggs and dairy
  • Lutein and zeaxanthin — broccoli; asparagus; leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach and Swiss chard; papaya; peaches; raspberries and mangos

Call an Ophthalmologist for an Appointment

Quality vision care isn’t time-consuming or expensive. A regular eye exam takes about an hour, but it provides a whole year of benefits. Your ophthalmologist will give you a visual acuity test, check for refractive errors and evaluate your prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

You will also receive a screening for eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. When detected at an early stage, eye disease is easier to treat and less costly.

Find an Ophthalmologist in Your Area

Have you recently moved or need a new eye doctor? We have eye care centers all over the country and can assist you in locating a doctor near your residence. With proper care, you can have clear vision for years to come.

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.