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COVID Quarantine May Have Worsened Children’s Vision

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A recent study suggests that pandemic lockdown may have increased myopia, or nearsightedness, in school-aged children.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, can run in families. Still, environmental factors, such as spending too much time indoors, can contribute to children becoming nearsighted.

The 2020 lockdown closed schools across the country and confined millions of children to their homes. While quarantine was essential to protect against the COVID-19 virus, too much time indoors may have negatively impacted children’s vision health.

Lockdown Affected Children Ages Six to Eight the Most

Less time outdoors is a significant risk factor for myopia. According to research published in JAMA Opthalmology, COVID quarantine may have increased myopia in children ages 6 to 13 in China, particularly children between ages 6 and 8. In addition, higher levels of screen time due to online classes and more time spent on electronic devices can directly affect children’s vision according to researchers.

Experts theorize that less time outdoors affects young children more significantly because their eyes are in an earlier stage of development, and myopia may be easier to control in younger children.

Send Children Outside and Limit Screen Time

Parents have an instrumental role in protecting their children’s vision. Encourage your child to play outside every day and limit screen time, even in colder months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time (except video-chatting) in children younger than 18 to 24 months and only educational media for young children.

New research from The Sleep Foundation also suggests blue light from electronic devices can impair children’s sleep. Artificial light disrupts the natural sleep-wake cycle by fooling the brain into not producing melatonin before bed.

Schedule an Eye Exam Before the End of the Year

It’s hard to believe that we’re approaching the end of the year. Have you scheduled eye exams for your family? A comprehensive eye exam is one of the best decisions you can make for your eye health, and it only takes about an hour. Your eye doctor can assess your visual acuity and screen you for common eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Most vision plans include one comprehensive eye exam per year for covered individuals, so don’t let time get away from you. Call today to make appointments for the whole family.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you seeking quality care from a board-certified ophthalmologist? We can help. Click here to find an eye doctor near you. Our physicians are accepting new patients and are ready to care for your vision health.

Schedule Your Cataract Surgery or Eye Procedure at an Outpatient Surgery Center

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Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are delaying elective surgeries and procedures, but it’s important to remember your eye procedure is essential for your vision and health.

COVID-19 Delays Elective Procedures

Was your eye surgery delayed because of the pandemic? With the resurgence of COVID-19, many hospitals are delaying elective eye procedures like cataract surgery and glaucoma procedures.

The term “elective” does not refer to the importance of the procedures. Instead, it distinguishes between surgeries due to emergencies and those you can schedule in advance.

For example, procedures like knee replacements or non-emergency hernia repairs are considered elective because you can schedule them for a future date. Many eye procedures, like cataract surgery, are also considered elective. Although elective, each of these procedures is essential for good health.

Importance of Prompt Eye Procedures

Low vision can prevent you from living an active lifestyle and doing the things you love. A canceled or delayed eye procedure means you may experience:

  • Challenges with reading or driving.
  • Difficulty doing tasks around your home.
  • Increased risk of falls or fractures.

Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center for Eye Procedures

Although many hospitals have pushed back eye surgeries, you have options. Scheduling your procedure at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may be a good choice for several reasons:

  • Outpatient surgery centers dedicate themselves to specific procedures, not emergency or trauma, so your appointment may be less likely to be affected.
  • Because many ASCs are smaller than other health care facilities, they are easily navigable and usually have convenient parking.
  • Your procedure may be more cost-effective at an ASC.

Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Before Your Deductible Resets

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your procedure before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of your health plan’s benefits. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgeries performed today, and it may be less costly than you think.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

When is the last time you made an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam? A board-certified ophthalmologist can give you a full assessment of your vision health and advise you on any necessary eye procedures.

Clear vision is the key to maintaining your active lifestyle. Click here to find an eye doctor near you.

Children Need Sunglasses Too!

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Children often spend more time outside than adults, but have you noticed that most kids on the playground or ballfield don’t wear sunglasses?

Most children receive more annual sun exposure than adults. This increased exposure to sunlight increases the risk of eye damage from ultraviolet (UV) light.

Parents know it can be difficult to get kids to wear shades, but ophthalmologists emphasize the importance of eye protection in developing children. In adults, the lenses of the eyes have matured, but children’s eye lenses cannot filter out UV rays as efficiently. Increased exposure to sunlight can cause short-term problems such as:

  • Photokeratitis, or sunburn of the eye
  • Dry, irritated or bloodshot eyes

Long-term sun exposure may have lasting effects and make children more prone to eye growths known as pterygia or eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Minimizing UV Exposure in Children

According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of children’s UV exposure occurs before turning 18. As a result, parents can take an active role in their children’s eye health to prevent degenerative eye diseases.

There are many ways parents can help care for their children’s eyes. Because sun damage is cumulative, it is best to begin UV protection at an early age. Here are some ways you can decrease your children’s UV exposure:

  1. Purchase sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Sunglasses do not need to be expensive, but they should meet the American National Standards Institute guidelines. Glasses should block between 99 and 100 percent of UVA (long-length) and UVB (short-length) rays. If your child wears corrective lenses, consider photochromic (transition) lenses. Transition lenses offer 100 percent UV protection.
  2. Select a wraparound lens. It is essential to protect the sides of the eyes, so choose a wraparound lens. You can let your child help select the style, but make sure the sunglasses are durable as well.
  3. Choose the right sunglasses for various activities. If your child is in sports, you may want to consider impact-resistant, scratch-proof polycarbonate lenses. Green or amber lenses are also great for contrast.
  4. Buy a spare pair of shades. Everyone forgets things from time to time, so keep a pair of sunglasses in each vehicle or your bag.
  5. Be the example. Parents should wear sunglasses daily to set the standard for proper eye care.
  6. Apply sunscreen and wear hats. In conjunction with sunglasses, have your children wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to minimize UV exposure (Medical Xpress).

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Help your children’s vision stay healthy by making annual comprehensive eye exams for the whole family. A complete eye exam tests for refractive errors, focusing problems and common eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Eye diseases often don’t have symptoms in the early stages, but your eye doctor can detect a developing condition during an eye exam.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Our ophthalmologists are accepting new patients and are ready to care for your family. Use our Physician Locator Tool to call and make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam today.

African Americans Can Reduce Risk for Eye Disease

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Some eye diseases disproportionately affect African Americans. African Americans are more likely to develop certain eye diseases and less likely to receive necessary eye surgery than Caucasians.

Research shows African American individuals are at increased risk for cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Disparities in Cataract Treatment

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 24.4 million Americans over 40 have cataracts. By age 75, at least 50 percent of Americans will have a cataract.

Cataracts are treatable with cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is the most common procedure performed on Medicare beneficiaries, and it has a success rate of over 90 percent. However, studies show African Americans are less likely than Caucasians to have cataracts removed.

African Americans Are at Higher Risk for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. Besides cataracts, glaucoma is the most common cause of vision loss among African Americans and individuals of African heritage. African Americans are six to eight times more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians and the vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible (Glaucoma Research Foundation). Because there is no cure for glaucoma, the only way to preserve vision is to diagnose and treat glaucoma in the early stages.

Diabetic Retinopathy Incidence Is Increasing

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that can develop in individuals who have diabetes. Diabetes damages retinal blood vessels which can cause vision loss and blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults between the ages of 20 and 74.

The longer people have diabetes, the more likely they are to develop diabetic retinopathy. More than 800,000 African Americans have diabetic retinopathy, and experts predict the numbers will increase to 1.2 million by 2030. One of the biggest challenges is encouraging people with diabetes to schedule annual comprehensive eye exams so eye doctors can diagnose diabetic retinopathy early.

Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams

Many eye diseases do not have symptoms in the early stages, but they can cause long-term vision loss or even blindness if they go untreated. Almost 190,000 African Americans suffer from low vision due to undiagnosed or untreated eye conditions.

If it has been over a year since your last comprehensive eye exam, it is time to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. In less than one hour, an eye doctor can assess your vision, test for eye diseases and provide you with helpful information about your eye health.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Enter your zip code to find an eye doctor in your area, and call today to make an appointment.

Need Cataract Surgery? Consider a Multifocal Lens

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Cataracts are a common vision problem that typically occur in both eyes as we age. Although cataracts cannot spread from one eye to another, it is not unusual for a cataract to first develop in one eye and later appear in the other eye.

How Does a Cataract Form?

In a healthy eye, the lens allows light to pass through and focus an image on the retina. As we age, a cataract forms when the lens, predominately composed of water and protein, becomes cloudy due to proteins clumping together. Once a cataract has developed, images typically appear increasingly cloudy, distorted and blurry.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. The procedure is simple, virtually painless and usually has a rapid recovery time. A skilled surgeon will remove your cloudy lens during cataract surgery and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL) customized for your vision needs. Cataract surgery can often provide people with the best vision they have ever experienced. In fact, many patients comment after surgery that they wish they had chosen cataract surgery sooner.

What Type of IOL is Right for You?

There are many types of IOLs from which to choose:

  • Monofocal Lens: This lens is designed to provide sharp distance vision. Medicare and other insurance plans usually cover it. Glasses may still be necessary for reading, and in some cases, distance vision, especially if you have astigmatism.
  • Astigmatism-Correcting Monofocal Lens: your surgeon may be able to correct your astigmatism as well as your cataracts during one simple procedure. With the advanced technology of astigmatism-correcting monofocal lenses, most people only need glasses for reading after surgery.
  • Multifocal Lens: Imagine not needing to rely on corrective glasses anymore! Multifocal lenses can help you see both near and far, so you may have the luxury of being glasses-free after cataract surgery.

Although most insurance and Medicare only cover the cost of a monofocal lens, there are many factors to consider. For example, selecting a multifocal lens may reduce your dependence on glasses after surgery. When making your decision regarding the type of lens you prefer for your cataract procedure, compare the one-time cost of purchasing the multifocal lens with the cumulative cost of buying contacts or glasses for the rest of your life. You may find that a multifocal lens proves to be the most affordable choice.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you interested in cataract surgery? New research shows many benefits of getting cataract surgery at a younger age, so you may not need to wait. There are many choices that exist that may provide you with the desired vision. Consult with your physician and determine the best lens choice for you. Make an appointment with a board-certified ophthalmologist to discuss your options. Connect to one of our many eye care centers located across the country.

Vision Impairment Could Shorten Your Life

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The leading causes of vision loss in the world are cataracts and refractive errors, or the need for glasses. Eighty percent of vision problems are correctable; however, millions of adults and children experience vision impairment.

Your Vision Affects Your Health

According to a recent study published in The Lancet Global Health, vision impairment is linked to mortality. After studying 48,000 people from 17 different studies, the meta-analysis found that patients with severe vision impairment experienced a higher risk of mortality than patients with normal vision or mild vision impairment.

The mortality risk for those with mildly impaired vision and severely impaired vision was 29 percent and 89 percent, respectively, compared to those with normal vision.

Joshua Erlich, MD, MPH, was the lead author of the study. “It’s important these issues are addressed early on because losing your vision affects more than just how you see the world; it affects your experience of the world and your life,” Ehrlich said. “This analysis provides an important opportunity to promote not only health and wellbeing, but also longevity by correcting, rehabilitating, and preventing avoidable vision loss across the globe.”

Comprehensive Eye Exams are Essential for Wellbeing

Have you canceled or delayed your eye exam due to COVID-19? Healthy vision is not just a luxury. It is a medical necessity. A comprehensive eye exam offers so many more benefits than just adjusting your eye prescription. It can detect and diagnose:

  • Focusing problems, including presbyopia
  • Refractive error: farsighted, nearsighted or astigmatism
  • Eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy
  • Vision problems, such as amblyopia, strabismus, or binocular vision
  • Other conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, can often be detected in an eye exam

Need Help Finding a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist?

Perhaps you have not scheduled a comprehensive eye exam because you need to find a new eye doctor. We have a network of board-certified ophthalmologists who are accepting new patients. Our doctors are ready to assess your vision needs and provide you with exceptional care as well as state-of-the-art treatments.

Prioritize Your Eye Health for the Sake of Your Loved Ones

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We all have loved ones who need us in their lives, those who rely on us and can’t wait until we can all safely gather together again once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. You owe it to your friends and family to care for your eye health so you can enjoy quality time together.

While it is important to avoid exposure to COVID-19, it is imperative to take care of your eyesight. Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma are usually caught during comprehensive eye exams, which is why it is critical to reschedule eye appointments you may have postponed.

Cataracts, the Most Common Form of Vision Loss

Over 30.5 million Americans have cataracts. A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens. At first, you may not be aware you have a cataract because the cloudiness affects a small part of the lens. Over time, cataracts can cause symptoms like:

  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Glares and halos
  • Difficulty reading
  • Challenges with night driving

If left untreated, cataracts can cause severe vision impairment. The good news is that cataract-related vision loss is treatable with cataract surgery. This procedure offers good long-term results, and about 98 percent of all cases performed by an experienced surgeon are complication-free and successful.

Glaucoma, the Sneak Thief of Sight

Glaucoma refers to a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause permanent eye damage. Usually developing without symptoms or pain, glaucoma has been called the sneak thief of sight. Glaucoma usually affects peripheral vision at first. By the time symptoms are noticeable, much of the visual field has already permanently deteriorated.

There is no cure for glaucoma, but there are effective medical, laser and surgical therapies. A comprehensive eye exam will detect glaucoma, and treatment can begin immediately.

You may not consider a comprehensive eye exam to be a priority during this already stressful time, but neglecting your vision health can have serious implications. Your loved ones want you to be able to see many more major milestones. Don’t delay your eye exam any longer so you can have many years of clear vision. Find a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area.

Blindness and Vision Loss Rates May Double in 30 Years

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Blindness and vision impairment affects an estimated 338 million people worldwide. According to a new pre-print study accepted by The Lancet, the number may reach 900 million people by the year 2050.

Vision loss is a global problem. According to recent research led by Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University:

  • 8 million people have a mild vision impairment
  • 1 million people have a major vision impairment
  • 3 million people are blind

Bourne said although blindness among people age 50 and older has reduced by almost 30 percent in the past 30 years, the number of people who are blind has increased by 50 percent because of population growth.

“It is encouraging that age-adjusted prevalence of blindness has reduced over the past three decades, yet due to population growth, progress is not keeping pace with needs,” said Bourne. “We face enormous challenges in avoiding vision impairment as the global population grows and ages” (Medical Xpress).

What Causes Vision Impairment?

Three common causes of vision impairment are cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among people older than 55. In the U.S., cataracts affect about 20.5 million people. Cataract-related vision loss can be reversed through cataract surgery, an incredibly safe and simple procedure.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and is caused by optic nerve damage. Vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible, so it is imperative to have routine glaucoma screenings. Even though there is no cure for glaucoma, there are many effective therapies and treatments.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects about five percent of Americans 65 years of age or older. AMD affects central vision, which is necessary for activities like reading and driving. Early detection of AMD is crucial to slowing vision loss. There are two types of AMD: wet AMD and dry AMD. There is no cure for dry AMD but vitamin supplements can slow the progression. There are several therapies for wet AMD, and again, these don’t cure the disease but they can slow AMD’s progression.

Find a Local Ophthalmologist

The best way to preserve your vision and prevent vision impairment is to schedule annual comprehensive eye exams for the entire family. Eye exams offer more than just an evaluation of your vision. They offer a window into your overall health.

Our board-certified ophthalmologists are accepting new patients and are dedicated to your eye health. At a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist will make sure your prescription is current and screen you for degenerative eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

If you are not under the care of a board-certified physician, you can access a list of doctors in your area and find an ophthalmologist near you.

New Study Finds Link Between Glaucoma and Depression

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A recent study in Mexico discovered glaucoma patients have a tenfold greater risk of developing depression than the general population.

Glaucoma is one of the world’s leading causes of vision loss and a leading cause of blindness. It can be a psychological and financial burden and cause significant stress. According to a study published in the Journal of Glaucoma, glaucoma severity directly impacts depression incidence and severity, as well as patient compliance.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a family of diseases characterized by optic nerve stress caused by spikes in inner eye pressure. More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the disease. Often, glaucoma does not cause any noticeable symptoms until vision loss occurs.

Depressed Glaucoma Patients Are Less Compliant

The study examined 111 patients with glaucoma, and about half of the patients were depressed. The researchers found a direct relationship between the worse eye’s glaucoma severity and the severity of depression. Patients who were depressed were 38 times more likely to not adhere to their treatment plan than patients who were not depressed.

Researchers suspect patients with the most severe glaucoma may fall into a dangerous pattern. The associated depression with severe glaucoma may cause these patients to resist taking medication and attending eye doctor appointments, thereby exacerbating glaucoma and depression.

The authors of the paper wrote, “Patients with a decreased visual field become physically impaired due to the chronicity of their disease such as when they perform certain daily activities such as driving. The possibility of becoming blind generates anxiety and social withdrawal and the elevated cost associated with medical and surgical treatment adds to their stress” (Journal of Glaucoma).

The study suggests patients with glaucoma should create a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist, psychiatrist and psychologist to produce the best outcome.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Anyone can develop glaucoma, and it is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat. Are you familiar with the risk factors of glaucoma? You may be at increased risk for glaucoma if you:

  • Are 60 or older
  • Are diabetic
  • Are severely nearsighted
  • Have a family member who has glaucoma

Call Your Ophthalmologist

An annual comprehensive eye exam includes a glaucoma screening. During your exam, your ophthalmologist can perform a test to evaluate your inner eye pressure and let you know if you are at risk for developing glaucoma.

Optic nerve damage is permanent, so there is no cure for glaucoma. Therefore, it is imperative to detect glaucoma early. Early detection allows for immediate intervention to stop the progression of glaucoma. There are many treatments available to manage the condition such as:

  • Laser treatments
  • Medication
  • Traditional surgery
  • MIGS-minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

A board-certified eye doctor can help carefully manage your glaucoma so you can maintain your active lifestyle.

Visit Your Eye Doctor to Treat Your Pandemic-Related Dry Eye

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More patients are visiting the eye doctor during the pandemic due to increased screen time and subsequent dry eye syndrome.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. It results when the tear glands do not make sufficient tears to lubricate the eyes. Untreated, dry eye can cause significant discomfort and vision problems, so it is best to visit an eye doctor for relief.

Dry Eye Cases Increasing in the United States

Eye care specialists are seeing increased numbers of patients during the pandemic. COVID-19 quarantine and lockdowns have forced much of the American workforce and school systems to go remote, and eye health is suffering. Staring at computer and smartphone screens all day can decrease the blink rate by 33 percent and cause eye fatigue, eye strain and dry eye (Medical Xpress).

It is essential to seek treatment for dry eye because, when severe, it can lead to severe vision complications, including:

  1. Surface damage to the eyes. Severe dry eye can result in inflammation, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers and loss of vision.
  2. Eye infections. Natural tears protect the eyes from infection. Inadequate tear production can put the eyes at risk for invasion from germs and bacteria.
  3. Decreased quality of life. Dry eye can make it challenging to perform daily tasks like reading and driving.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Anyone can get dry eye, regardless of age. Typical symptoms of dry eye include:

  • Red eyes
  • Stinging or burning of the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • A scratchy feeling in the eye

Natural Treatments for Dry Eye

If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome symptoms, call your eye doctor to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. In the meantime, you can try some of these natural treatments:

  1. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
  2. Take regular breaks from screens. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your screen and look at something at least 20 feet away to refocus your eyes.
  3. Position your computer screen below eye level. You will not have to open your eyes as wide.
  4. Quit smoking or avoid areas where people smoke.
  5. Try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops.

Call Your Ophthalmologist

Annual comprehensive eye exams are an essential part of preventive care. Eye exams offer a window to your overall health, and your ophthalmologist will test you for several eye diseases as well as evaluate your eye prescription. Find an eye care specialist in your area.