Published on August 08, 2022
Contact lenses or laser surgery or possibly colored contacts, compare these eye care optionss here
Both the benefits and disadvantages of purchasing contact lenses versus having laser surgery can be boiled down to some simple suggestions. Any call made between getting contacts or laser surgery on your eyes should be made in talks with your eye care pro, naturally.
But getting them to stand still long enough to reply to your queries could be a challenge. Here are some rules that may help you go in prepared. Cost is the 1st consideration for the majority, and it is a valid one.
Whilst everybody rightly considers their health supreme, the general public won't look into the health hazards till they know if they can afford the options.
But, they are comparatively low cost compared to laser surgery and are far more regularly covered by insurance programs. Two lenses may run anywhere from $20 to $100, but there are more expenses related to this option, including cleaning solution and doctor visits. Still, the total might be less than $200 every year, excluding the value of your time expended in the doctor's office.
Laser surgery, in contrast, can cost anywhere from $2,000 per eye to $5,000 per eye. Include doctor visits and the total is about $4,500 to $11,000. On the upside, it's an one off cost and some insurance programs will help in part to offset it. The convenience factor concerned is no little matter to the general public, either.
The idea of having one process that is ( sometimes ) painless, brief and reliable versus having to wear contacts for a lifetime is very attractive to many .
Whilst contacts have developed significantly over time, they need daily to monthly changing and replacement each 2 to 3 years. Disposables are modified from each day to once per month. Still, the health hazards - whilst low for either option - shouldn't be discharged.
But some patients do experience dry eye ( dropped capability to supply tears, leading to discomfort and reduced vision ). More frequently, though still extremely rare, patients report halos, reduced capability to see obviously in mist or lower light, and other issues that meddle with good vision. All contacts cut back the amount of air that gets to the outside of the eye. Modern RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses permit 5 times more oxygen thru than contact lenses of the past.
But it is still not the same as wearing no contacts at all. Contacts can also lead to corneal or sclera scarring. Sclera is the comparatively hard surface tissue of the outer eye that protects the eyeball. That is rather more likely if a chunk of grit gets between the contact and eye. The overpowering majority of people come thru laser surgery with significantly improved vision. Almost everybody who wears contacts of any type daily, if extended wear or daily-wear, have no problems at all. They adjust fast, keep them clean and sanitary, and do not need to think about them during use.
Look to your budget and consult your physician about the options, making sure to have a frank conversation about risks and likely benefits. You'll then arrive at the choice that's best for you.
If you are looking for tips to take care of your eyes, visit Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.
Published on August 02, 2022
Do you think you might need glasses? When you can't see well, it makes life unnecessarily stressful.
But, you don't need to put up with headaches, eyestrain, difficulty focussing or maintaining concentration when you read. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to have an eyetest for glasses. This will quickly tell you whether the problem is coming from your eyes or something else.
You may need glasses because of one or more of these benign eye conditions:
- when you can't focus on close objects any more due to aging and glasses to help you readand the need to squint at everything to make it clearer is called astigmatism.
So if you need glasses or contact lenses, the good news is that there is now a vast array of choices in lens designs to restore the comfort of natural vision.
Hyperopia, also known as long sightedness, is a condition in which a person can see well at long distances, but not so good up close. Small amounts of this condition may not be noticed at all. The larger the degree, the greater the difficulty concentrating on near tasks. If you have quite a large degree, you may also have blurry distance vision.
This is because in the relaxed eye of a hyperopic person, the image you see is actually focused behind the retina. Small amounts can be compensated for by focusing (accommodating) the eyes.
Larger amounts become uncomfortable, leading to eyestrain and headaches, even if the print looks clear. The issue for these people is stamina. The longer they have to focus, the more difficult it becomes and you need glasses to make it comfortable. To feel this effect for yourself: try to read a book while holding it only 10cm from your face!
Your Optometrist has many things to consider when making a decision about treating long sightedness. Symptoms are very important. In general, people who are only slightly long sighted do not have problems. Where they do get symptoms, they may benefit from eye exercises or need glasses, mainly for high demand tasks such as reading and using computers for long hours.
If you are already getting eyestrain and headaches when concentrating on close work like reading, computer or needlework then you will benefit from glasses or contact lenses to take the strain off your eyes.
Astigmatism causes unequal blur. Some directions in an image are more out of focus than others. This is in contrast to short and long-sightednesswhere all directions are equally blurry. Sometimes the image may appear distorted, or even doubled. Text is particularly difficulty to read because there are many angles in our writing. Eg if all the vertical lines in text are blurry, it is quite difficult to decipher.
Most astigmatism is caused by the shape of the front surface of the eye (the cornea). One common way of describing it is to imagine that your eye is shaped like a football (AFL, Rugby or American football) rather than an even shape all over like a Basketball.
The eye being an uneven shape causes it to focus light unequally resulting in blur. This condition is particularly prone to giving eyestrain and headaches. The headaches are commonly (though not always) at the temples.
This condition is treated with glasses or contact lenses.
The second class of problems that can result in fuzzy vision relates to how well your eyes work as a team. For consistently clear, single and comfortable vision, your visual system needs to be both well co-ordinated and efficient.
When things get out of synch, you can experience blurry vision, double vision, eyestrain or headaches; even if you see well on an eyechart. Both eyes have to work together well for prolonged visual comfort. Tasks like using a computer all day long are much more complicated than reading an eyechart!
The best solution for these kind of problems is eye exercises, also known as vision therapy. Depending on your personal needs, this may be done in conjunction with glasses or contact lenses.
If glasses don't improve your vision, you may have an eye disease that makes your vision seem poor. If your Optometrist has not been able to get you to see 20/20 with glasses or you have other symptoms, they will assume there is eye disease until proven otherwise.
Some eye diseases are very subtle in their early stages. Please be patient if your Optometrist is unsure whether you have a disease. This means it is very early and hard to detect. If you've got something, this is when you want it found.
Click here if you are still concerned with your vision, consult an optometrist. However, prevention is better than cure. And creating some changes in your diet is just one option to preserve the health of your vision.
Published on July 23, 2022
The cost of Lasik eye surgery varies, like any other surgery in different countries of the world and also in the same country. The variation in the cost of lasik has several causes. The type of facility available, the expertise of the ophthalmic surgeon, the cost and standard of living in that particular country, degree of refractive error of the patient undergoing lasik eye surgery etc. can be some of the reasons of different cost of lasik surgery in different countries. For example in the United States the lasik surgery can cost anything between $500 to $2,000, but in countries like India (where cost and standard of living is not very high) the cost of lasik surgery may be as low as equivalent of $200 or less. But in India in private corporate hospitals and nursing homes the lasik surgery may be more than $1,000.
The major factors in cost of the lasik surgery are the experience, training, expertise, and the precise equipment used by the ophthalmic surgeon and the fees charged by the surgeon doing the lasik eye surgery. The other factors that can influence the cost of Lasik eye surgery are local taxes levied (as applicable) on the procedure, cost and maintenance expenditure of the surgical equipment, cost of disposables used in surgery, the medicines and other materials used for pre-anesthetic medication, the local salary structure of medical staffs and post-surgical enhancement if required. Another major factor that determines the cost of lasik eye surgery is the efficiency with which the hospital is run by the management.
The type of laser and type of technology used in the lasik eye surgery can increase the cost of surgery. Use of IntraLase laser, in compare to microkeratome blade can increase the cost of lasik eye surgery by more than $250 per eye. Also if customLASIK or CustonVueLasik is used which use “wavefront technology” to map the cornea can increase the cost of lasik eye surgery by $200 to $500 per eye, in compare to not using the technology. The use of latest and sophisticated technology can increase the outcome of lasik eye surgery and many patient find the increase of cost worthwhile, while other find it not that much useful. If you are deciding to find out the cost of lasik, it is important to study in details about the facilities provided by a particular hospital and if it is worth for you. You should also do some research to find out the advantages of new technology and if these new technology has any ill effect.
Are you looking for further information about lasik surgery? We have more articles here at Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.
Published on July 07, 2022
It is very common that doctors i.e. eye specialists suggest surgery for nearsightedness problem to the patients in order to protect them from losing their eyesight. But first of all you should try to overcome on the problem through using different exercises that have been advised by the doctor to the patients. The ultimate and last option for such patients is the surgery for nearsightedness. Through this surgery the doctor placed the eye contact lenses inside the eye of the patient that act like the eyesight glasses that has been used as the solution for nearsightedness. It is not a big surgery and did not take much time.
The surgery for nearsightedness plays a very important role in the life of a patient as he or she could watch very clearly everything from near sight and can also read every kind of thin & thick written contents of a magazine and news paper. He can also watch movie sitting on his computer or in home theater without using any sun glasses like a normal person. After the surgery for nearsightedness the patient need not to use any kind of eyesight glasses for reading contents of any book. From the above points it has been transpired that there is a vital importance of the surgery after trying different kind of exercises for curing the problem.
There are so many people who thought that there are serious side effects of surgery for nearsightedness as the patients could not watch properly after getting the surgery. But this kind of thinking is very wrong as there is no side effect of such kind of surgery for nearsightedness. However, it is true that you should not try the surgery without going in the process of doing exercise for the solution of the problem. The experts and the doctors also claimed as the same that there are no side effects of such kind of surgery. The said surgery has been done in the best interest of the patient so that he may not lose his eyesight for rest of his life.
It is very obvious and natural that humans are afraid from all kinds of surgeries including the surgery for nearsightedness. On the other hand eye is a very sensitive part of our body that is also a reason for scaring for the surgery for nearsightedness. Natural treatment is always better that could be through some herbal products or through doing some natural exercises.
If you are experiencing discomfort or irritation in your eyes, you can check up with our ophthalmologist here at Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.
How do contact lenses work? How do colored contacts work? Find out about the workings of contact lenses and whether contact lenses could be suitable for you
How contact lenses work ? There are millions of contact lens wearers but how many actually know how contacts work.
Understanding how contact lenses work will help you in determining if they are a good match for your vision needs. This is also true if you are simply looking for a cosmetic type of lens that will enhance the colour of your eyes or give you a completely new look.
Currently there are almost as many people wearing contacts for cosmetic reasons as for vision reasons, plus you can also combine both options if you want to both change your look and be able to have crisp, clear vision without the need for glasses.
To clearly understand how contacts work it is first important to know how an eye functions to allow you to see.
The eye is shaped to focus light in through the pupil to the lens and then into the retina which sends the encoded messages to the brain that allows you to see the images. The cornea, which is clear tissue that focuses the eye, actually causes light to bend to focus on specific parts of the retina.
When the cornea is not correctly functioning or incorrectly shaped the light is not correctly refracted and the information is not sent to the brain correctly, leading to blurry or fuzzy images.
The contact lenses get fixed on the eye owing to the pressure exerted from the eyelids as well as the pull of the cornea in combination with tears produced by your eyes naturally.
Every time you blink the contact lens would move up and down slightly allowing the tear to lubricate the lens from underneath, while expelling any debris found in the eye at the same time.
Now that you know how the lenses stick to the eye, we can go on and look up the answer to the question on how do contact lenses work. As you know the contacts are used for two main purposes : (1) for the correction of vision and (2) for changing the color of your eyes.
Changing the color of eyes is easy : all you need to do is wear a transparent or opaque contact lens of the color you wanted over your eyes and you instantly get different color eyes.
However, when it comes to the vision correction the answer on how do contact lenses work is a little more complex. The lenses are recommended for the same reason as the glasses, i.e. bad vision.
Contact lenses are designed based on the specific light focusing problems that are unique to your eye. You may have astigmatism, which is an irregular shape to the cornea, presbyopia or "old eyes", myopia or nearsightedness or hyperopia or farsightedness.
All these conditions occur because of a change in the shape of the eyeball or cornea that focuses the light in the wrong place on the retina for correct vision.
Myopia is caused by an elongated cornea where the light rays are focused in front of the retina. Hyperopia is the opposite with the light rays focusing behind the retina.
The shape of the contact lens and the particular prescription will artificially correct the focusing problem created by the shape of the eyeball. It is exactly the same as wearing glasses, just with the correct lens on the eye instead of away from the eye.
Concave lenses are used to correct mypopia since they are thinner in the centre and thicker at the edges, which moves the focus towards the outer part of the eye and the middle of the retina.
The convex lenses used to treat hyperopia are the opposite, thicker at the middle and thinner at the edges to bring the focal part back onto the correct position on the retina.
Lenses that treat astigmatism are designed specifically for variations in the shape or the cornea that is unique to the individual. They are also designed to stay in one place on the because of these variations in thickness and focusing ability around the entire contact lens.
Since most people with astigmatism have other vision needs these prescriptions are also addressed in the lens to clear up nearsightedness, farsightedness or problems reading small print due to eye aging.
In short, the answer to how do contacts work is based on what imperfection your vision is suffering from. Each problem has different prescription, but the principle remains the same, i.e. the lenses are shaped in such a way that it would facilitate the light to fall correctly on the retina for crystal clear vision.
Consult an ophthalmologist first if you are thinking about using contact lenses.
Cataract is a formation of cloudy inside the eyes affecting the vision. The opacification block the light that passes and focuses on the retina. This eye disorder is the most common reason of blindness and can be treated through surgery, natural medication and using lenses. It can be diagnosed through visual acuity test and some are noticed when there is a glare and vision reduction. Here are some know causes of cataract:
Aging is the most common cause of cataract. As the time passes, the lens proteins degrade and denature which is also triggered by diseases including hypertension and diabetes. The time affects the environmental parts such as radiation, UV light with cumulative effect and toxins. These causes are deteriorated once the restorative and protective mechanisms were lost because of changes in chemical processes and gene expression in the eye.
The blunt trauma is another cause of cataract which is described as thickening, whitening and swelling of the fibers within the lens. The swelling can be resolved but the white color will remain. Severe conditions penetrate the eye which can cause for the capsule where the lens is located to be damaged. This let the water to enter the lens that leads to swelling then whitening and obstructs the light to reach the retina.
Radiation such as Ultraviolet light x-rays and lasers can also cause cataract. Studies have shown that the changes in the heat normally protect the proteins found in the eyes’ lens. It also damages the lens through pressure waves directly and it is induced in aqueous humour. Genetics can also be cause of cataract as there are components that strongly affect the formation of the cataracts. Having cataract at the early age can be because of a syndrome.
Some of the chromosome disorders of cataracts include cri-du-chat syndrome, Patau’s syndrome, Down syndrome, 1q21.1 deletion syndrome, Turner’s syndrome and trisomy 18 or Edward’s syndrome. While, single-gene abnormalities are Conradi’s syndrome, Oculocerebrorenal syndrome, Alport’s syndrome, Lowe syndrome and Myotonic syndrome.
Other factors known as cause of cataract are skin diseases, drug use and medications. The lens and skin have same origin and the embryological aspect can be similarly affected by diseases like eczema and atopic dermatitis. While, drug use and cigarette smoking are known as the most leading causes of two-fold and three-fold sub-capsular cataracts. Patients taking medications with diseases like hypertension, diabetes and poor nutrition have a high risk on lens opacity. Nutrition and metabolic diseases, congenital, genetic syndromes, infections and other eye diseases can also cause cataract.
People who have cataracts usually experience problem with changes in contrast, appreciating the colours, reading, recognizing faces, coping up with bright lights and even in driving. It has great impact on your everyday life so it should be treated as soon as possible. Cataract surgery will only be an option for severe situations. For those who have early signs of cataracts, you can try wearing lens prescribed by professional practitioners together with eating and drinking recommended foods, juices and herbal medicines that is good for eye health. Click here if you are looking for more tips about cataract.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is not the only kind of operation. There are several types of laser refractive surgery for the purpose of reducing dependence on, or eliminating the need for glasses and or contact lenses. If you are considering corrective eye surgery, you should understand the different types of corrective eye surgery options available. Radial Keratotomy or RK and Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK and thermokeratoplasty for example are other refractive surgeries available to reshape the cornea. Lets review each variation of treatment and laser refractive surgery.
There are several variations of Refractive Eye Surgery used to correct the shape of the cornea, required because the eye is not perfectly contoured causing the image on the retina to be out-of-focus or distorted. Such imperfections in the focusing ability of the eyes are called refractive errors. The most common types of refractive errors are, myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Myopia (called nearsightedness) causes difficulty seeing distant objects as clearly as close objects. Hyperopia (called farsightedness) causes difficulty seeing close objects as clearly as more distant objects. Patients with Astigmatism have distortion of the image caused by irregularities in the shape of cornea. Many patients can have a combination of these three conditions. In addition to contact lenses or specticles, surgical procedures called refractive surgery are becoming more and more common to improving the focus of the eyes.
LASIK is the the acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It is a surgical procedure that permanently changes the shape of the clear covering of the front of the eye called the cornea. Surgery is performed using an excimer laser. A knife, known as a microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea leaving a hinge at one end of this flap. When folded back the flap reveals the middlesection of the cornea known as the stroma. Pulses from the computer controlled laser vaporize a predetermined section of the stroma before the flap is replaced. This process reshapes the cornea changing its focusing power
Other types of refractive surgery used to reshape the cornea include Radial Keratotomy (RK) where a very sharp knife is used to cut slits in the cornea changing its shape AND Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)which was the original surgical procedure developed to reshape the cornea, by sculpting, using a laser. The same type of laser is used for LASIK and PRK. In PRK, the epithelium, is scraped away to expose the stromal layer, whilst in LASIK, a flap is cut in the stromal layer and the flap is folded back. A further type of refractive surgery is thermokeratoplasty in which heat from a different type of laser is used to reshape the cornea. So lets examine the differences in more detail.
Are you looking for more information about eye surgery? Check out Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region now!
Two basic types of laser eye surgery are now available: LASIK and PRK. No one method of surgery is safer than another, even though different techniques are used to carry out the surgery. The most popular type of laser eye surgery is LASIK and the one most people choose to have. It’s also the most cost effective as more surgeons are involved in this procedure than in PRK. Each procedure does have similarities in a particular area, though, in that the eyes are numbed before the operation takes place and the patient is required to remain wide awake during the operation.
The following is the procedure for PRK laser eye surgery:
Following are the procedures involved in LASIK laser surgery:
Whatever surgical procedure is used, the recommended after care advice should be heeded. Failure to follow the surgeon’s instructions can lead to serious and permanent eye damage. Should the eyesight not be corrected within a reasonable time period, patients should return for a follow up exam to determine the reason for the lack of success.
If you are looking for more information about laser eye surgery, check out Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region now!
Rebuilding your vision needn’t be such hard work. In fact, it’s as easy as letting go of control of you eyes. Let me explain.
Have you ever wondered why you can control your eyes, what to see, how to see (squint, stare etc etc) and even force it to open when it wants to close but you don’t any control over any of your other senses?
You can’t control the sense of touch. You just FEEL whatever you touch… just as you smell any fragrances that reaches your nose. And you hear any noise that your ears and you taste whatever you place in your mouth. There is no such anything as trying to feel, smell, hear or taste. Even you do try, you can’t.
But vision. Vision… or sight is a very special sense. As humans, we are mainly a visual creature. Bats, for example, are auditory creatures. If you remove their ears, they’d die in the wild even though they are not blind. If you remove somebody’s eyes… they couldn’t as well as if you remove their sense of smell. Am I right? Sight is crucial to survival.
More so than any other senses. That’s why evolution (or God) has made us, humans, be able to control sight. But with control, also comes a curse. Because you see, too much effort on your part to control what you see, you place strain on your eye.
Of course, this sort of strain is a reasonable price to pay if it means you can survive a predator’s attack… but if you place them on your eyes day in and day out like most people do today by straing into the monitor, your eyes inevitably deteriorates. To rebuild your vision, therefore, is to let your natural body function to once again regain control of your eyesight.
It manages all your other senses well, so why not sight? But it’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Because after years of placing strain on your eyes, that strain has become chronic. It’s like a backache - your muscles have involuntarily clenched itself. It has become a habit and your body has adapted to your “needs”. But it’s not all doom and gloom.
If you would like to find out how to let your body regain control of your eyes and rebuild your vision, check out Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.
Tablets, Phones and Computers with “Retina Class” Displays Cut Down on Eye Strain, Say Optometrists
When the Apple Retina display was first introduced, there was a lot of buzz about the great experience it gives to users. By packing in enough pixels per inch that the human eye is unable to resolve them, so no pixelation at all is visible, Retina displays make photographs look beautiful, text easier to read, and games appear stunning.
There are obvious benefits to this in terms of how good it looks and feels to use the device, and a lot of leading games developers and software companies have upgraded their products to really take advantage of the Retina displays.This has led to improvements both in terms of how their products can look on screen and, in the case of products like Adobe Illustrator, how good the things their users create can look.
One benefit that hasn’t been explored as much, however, is the difference between standard and Retina displays when it comes to eye strain. It is widely known that long periods of computer use can lead to eye problems and headaches, which is why people who work with visual displays are expected to take regular breaks from their screens. This is a serious problem, and in a lot of countries people who work with computers are considered at risk of eye damage and are therefore entitled to free regular eye tests from their employers.
With smartphones and tablets, of course, users are spending even more time looking at displays than ever before. Rather than just spending your working day at a computer, chances are you now spend many more hours of each day using a screen of some type. Many people now read all of their books, newspapers and magazines on tablets or computers, as well as using them for more traditional “computer” things like gaming and communicating. Optometrists suggest that your eyes will thank you if you do all of this stuff with a Retina screen.
Gary Heiting of optometry website All About Vision, is quoted as saying that one of the key factors when it comes to eye strain and “Computer Syndrome” (a name given to eyesight problems attributed to long periods of visual display use) is screen resolution, and that the extremely high resolution of Apple’s Retina displays will make a big difference to users’ visual comfort.
He states that for the average user, the biggest benefits are going to be noticed when reading static type, especially small fonts such as those used for articles on websites or in documents. He also suggests that the greater color saturation, combined with the high resolution, will make a significant difference when looking at dynamic things like video game interfaces. This means that long gaming periods will have less of a negative impact on your eyes if you do them on a new iPad or MacBook Pro.
The Retina display can’t completely eliminate eye strain from the user experience, however, because another key reason why people’s eyes tire more quickly when using screens is that you naturally blink less when looking at a screen. This means that even if you are using a Retina display, or whatever amazing new screen technology comes next, you still need to take regular breaks.
Apple’s Retina display is currently featured on the iPhone 4, 4S and 5, the current gen iPad, the latest MacBook Pro laptops and the iPod Touch. While Retina is trademarked by Apple, the screens they use are actually sourced from LG and Samsung, and there are other devices on the market, including televisions, with Retina class displays. Choosing products with the highest resolution screens is advisable for the long term health and every day comfort of your eyes.
Looking for an easier and more convenient way to eye care needs? Visit Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region for more details.
In olden days, the frames are just a means of holding lenses that rest on the nose between eyes. That was the period when glasses are used solely as a medical device. But these days, the sunglasses are not a mere medical device. They are a fashion symbol people like to wear sunglasses that suit their face which will make them look good and improve their personality. Keeping this in mind, read on to know what type of sunglass will suit you and will make you look gorgeous.
People with OVAL shaped face are blessed. Any frame and any type of sunglasses will suit this shape. You can try square shaped frames with edges lightly rounded. You can try colors and lenses of your taste.
For ROUND faces, you should go for glasses that elongate your face. Glasses with brow bars will make your face look thinner. Round faced persons can try oversized glasses to make them look elegant.
People with DIAMOND faces can try oval, square or rimless frames. You don’t use oversized frames as they will make your face look much wider. Also be careful in choosing the size of the frame.
For OBLONG faces, try square or round designer glasses. Also frames with long vertical and short horizontal lines will make your face look wider.
With TRIANGLE face, you need to be very careful in choosing your glass. Use those rimless metal frames to suit your look. Marc Jacobs sunglasses or Christian Dior eyeglasses will give you a unique style.
You should also match your nose size to the frames you use as different frames give you a different look. Everybody has a unique facial feature and it is your job to find out what is unique with your face. If you have identified it, then you can choose the best sunglass for you that will improve your personality.
For a LARGE NOSE use oversized glasses to match the shape of the nose. If you choose a smaller one then your nose will fill your face.
For a LONG NOSE you have to shorten the look. So try dark, straight low bridge connecting the lenses. Various designer sunglasses are available with this criterion.
If you have CLOSE SET eyes, you can make it look wider by using a light or clear connecting bridge.
If you have WIDE SET eyes, you can reduce the width by using a dark bridge.
For SHORTER FOREHEAD choose eyeglasses that have rimless frames. This style will blend with your face and you won’t feel like wearing a glass at all.
For a HIGH FORHEAD you can use oversized frames to match the forehead.
As a rule of thumb, whatever the shape of your face is, wear a sunglass with opposite shape. To match the size, you must match the size of the frame with the size of your face. For a round shaped face with large size, you can choose round and oversized frames.
Finally, you can check out whether the latest trendy glass fits your face. If not just prefer the classic style.
Click here if you are looking for more eye care tips.
Cataract surgery is the only way to correct cataracts. The procedure involves the removal of the natural lens in your eye, which the cataract has made cloudy. Your lens is then replaced by a new one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). It’s an outpatient procedure. The whole process usually lasts less than 30 minutes.
Each eye surgeon’s procedure may vary slightly, but generally you can expect your surgeon to take the following steps:
Recovery from the procedure is usually very rapid, with most patients resuming normal activities within 24 hours. After surgery, your surgeon will probably talk to you about:
Most surgeons suggest that you don’t drive for 24 hours after surgery. A stinging or gritty feeling is normal; avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your eyes. Reading, walking, watching TV or other light activities are okay as soon as you get home, but you should avoid strenuous activity, like heavy lifting, for at least a week.
If you are looking for more information about cataract, check out Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.
If you have been a wearer of eyeglasses you may be contemplating whether or not you should make the switch or change to contact lenses. Through this article, you will be provided with a contact lenses versus eyeglasses comparison. Of course, if after reviewing the materials presented for you in this article you still have questions about whether glasses or contact lenses are the best choice for you, you should consult with your eye care professional.
First of all, it is important to keep in mind that while contact lenses are considered a safe alternative, many eye doctors do consider eyeglasses to be healthier way of improving your vision when contrasting eyeglasses with contact lenses. Again, it is important to note that contact lenses are a safe alternative. However, even in the best of circumstances, contact lenses can cause stress to the human eye … physical stress, an increase in the likelihood of infection and disease as well as elevating the risk of other eye related problems.
You simply do need to be aware that eyeglasses are the safest choice when it comes to your eye health. However, contact lenses generally are safe -- although they can be stressful to a person’s eye and can lead to some problems in some situations.
Depending on your lifestyle and related issues, some people find glasses more convenient while other people find contact lenses more convenient.
You do need to keep in mind that contact lenses do require cleaning and upkeep that is not necessary with eyeglasses. You must make certain that you follow the care and maintenance requirements relating to your contact lenses in order to prolong the life of your contact lenses and in order to protect your eye health.
Many people who enjoy recreational activities prefer contact lenses. With contact lenses, you do not have to worry about such things as eyeglasses flying off your face or becoming damaged while you are participating in recreational activities or sports.
When all is said and done, most people feel that their looks and appearance are enhanced through the wearing of contact lenses. Most people feel that even the best designed glasses still detract from their overall appearance.
Some people find glasses to be uncomfortable -- in addition to being unflattering. On the other hand, there are people who never seem to adequately adjust to the feel and fit of contact lenses. Therefore, before you make a decision one way or the other, you need to candidly assess which type of eyewear will be most comfortable for you.
By weighing and balancing the factors set out in this article you will be in a better position to determine whether eyeglasses or contact lenses are the best choice for you. In the end, you will be able to select the type of eyewear that will best serve your goals on all levels.
If you are looking for an ophthalmologist to check what's best for your eye to wear, visit Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.
The first step in understanding glaucoma is to know a few basic facts about the eye and how it works. Once you have this information, you will be better able to discuss your condition and treatment with your eye doctor. Working together, you and your doctor will be able to act as a team to protect your vision.
The eye is like a camera. It has a lens which focuses light, just like the lens of a camera. The focused image in a camera is recorded on film, and in the eye the focused image is formed on the retina, in the back of the eye. The image information (color, shape and movement) is then sent to the brain via the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. This is very similar to a digital camera, which can be connected to your computer via a computer cable, allowing the images to be transferred to your computer. In glaucoma, the lens and retina function normally, but the optic nerve is damaged and images cannot be transmitted to the brain.
Let's look at the eye more closely. The sclera is the white outer surface of the eye, a thin, yet tough, protective outer shell, which is covered by the conjunctiva (white-colored outer skin of the eye that contains some blood vessels). At the center front of the eye is the cornea. It is a clear tissue through which light rays enter the eye and it provides the eye with much of its light-focusing power.
The pigmented portion of the eye is called the iris. It is responsible for eye color. It also controls the size of the pupil, the dark-colored area in the center of the iris. Together, the iris and pupil act like the aperture of a camera. When there is a great deal of light, as outdoors on a sunny day, the iris constricts the pupil, making it smaller and limiting the amount of light which passes through the pupil to the retina. When there is little or not light, the iris dilates the pupil, widening it so that more light can enter the eye.
The lens, located immediately behind the iris, adjusts its shape and thickness to focus the light rays onto the retina. (Often, as we get older, the lens gets discolored or hazy, and it is then called a cataract. A cataract can affect the ability of the lens to focus.) The retina, lining the back of the eye, then delivers the image as nerve impulses via the optic nerve to the brain, which processes these signals into a visual image.
The space in the eye that is behind the cornea and in front of the iris is called the anterior chamber. It is filled with a water-like fluid called the aqueous humor, which nourishes the cornea and the lens, providing oxygen and vital nutrients. The aqueous humor also provides the necessary pressure to help maintain the shape of the eye. We call this intraocular pressure or IOP. As you will read, maintaining the right amount of pressure within the eye is very important to protecting your vision. Measuring the IOP is one of the ways your eye doctor tests for glaucoma.
Click here if you are still concerned with your vision, consult an optometrist. However, prevention is better than cure. And creating some changes in your diet is just one option to preserve the health of your vision.
Millions of Americans are discovering a whole new way to see. Freedom from glasses or contact lenses can be achieved with today’s new vision correction methods. Lasik surgery is a great way to improve your sight. It will reduce your prescriptions if you have severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, or give you excellent vision if you have mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
The loss of vision is a scary feeling to most. Learning that there is hope and finding a way to be free from restricting glasses or contacts is a treat in itself. One of the great benefits to Lasik or Laser In Situ Keratomileusis is that is has some benefit in seniors who are experience difficulties due to age. This is called Loss of Accommodation. There are some procedures like Blended or Mono vision which is when they correct one eye improving distance vision and the other improving near vision.
The reason many older people experience difficulty with sight isn’t necessarily do to health conditions. which can have an effect as well. But because when the lens in eye is young it has more elasticity…it bends to the curvatures much better. As we age the eye lens becomes stiffer. The curvatures are not as able to bend. As a result some near vision is affected.
Before you receive Lasik Surgery you must have an evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate for Lasik.
Below are a few things that you should expect in the evaluation:
High Prescription check: The surgeon will often check the strength of your prescriptions because people will high prescriptions aren’t always good candidates for this procedure.
Thin Corneas: If you have thin corneas typically the surgeon will not preform this kind of procedure on you. When your cornea is thin it leaves you vulnerable to weakening of the cornea.
Pupil Size: If you have large pupils you may not be a good candidate for Lasik because you could be at higher risk for night vision problems.
In the end the decision to get Lasik should be researched well. It will provide you will lots of benefits. Lasik can help you have freedom again. It will show you a new way to live and enjoy the beauty we take for granted.
If you are not a good candidate for Lasik don’t despair. There maybe other procedures that might be right for you and provide the visual freedom you are looking for. You might wanna check out Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region to know more about eye care.
The prototypal travel in relieving machine exteroception syndrome is to hit a rank receptor exam. If you ingest a machine on a turn basis, you should hit an period eye exam.
Tell your receptor student that you ingest a computer, and vindicate what identify of computer-related symptoms you are experiencing. Let your student undergo as such as you crapper most your impact environment, including the indifference from your eyes to your machine screen. Also, permit them undergo whether you typically dress eyeglasses or occurrence lenses when using a computer.
Most grouping who ingest a machine for prolonged periods crapper goodness from eyeglasses formal specifically for machine use. These eyeglasses module support your eyes reassert comely pore on your machine concealment with inferior receptor fatigue
If you don’t currently dress eyeglasses or you dress eyeglasses with azygos exteroception (non-bifocal) lenses, your student module probable inflict Single exteroception lenses that wage added magnification for watch your machine screen. These eyeglasses are fashioned for machine impact and another nearby tasks only. The lense noesis in this identify of “computer glasses” module attain your machine concealment country and more easy to feature for prolonged periods, but it module attain objects that are far absent materialize inferior clear. Similar lenses crapper be formal to dress over your occurrence lenses when you are impact at the computer.
If you currently dress bifocals or proportional lense lenses, these lenses are typically dissatisfactory for daylong periods of machine use. Bifocals order you to lean your nous backwards to analyse the machine screen, feat cervix stiffness and eyestrain. Progressive lenses are somewhat meliorate for machine use, but the assets of the lense that contains the comely noesis for watch a machine concealment is typically likewise small, requiring regular nous movements to wager the concealment clearly.
For bifocal and proportional lense wearers, your receptor student haw inflict a primary identify of uncertain pore or proportional lense for your machine work. These lenses substance a such wider earth of analyse for machine use, with the comely turn of magnification for easy watch of the guardian higher up in the lens. The modify conception of the lense has added magnification for datum small printed touchable on your desk.
A sort of assorted brands of these primary determine “computer progressive” lenses are available, including Cosmolit Office (Rodenstock), Hoyalux Desk (Hoya Lens), Gradal RD (Zeiss), TruVision Technica (American Optical), Access (Sola), Interview (Essilor), and Shamir Office (Shamir Insight).
Like azygos exteroception lenses for machine use, these lenses are fashioned for machine impact and another nearby tasks only. Distant objects module materialize noticeably blurred. You should ready these eyeglasses nearby your machine and dress them when you organisation to impact at the machine for prolonged periods.
All lenses attrited for machine ingest should allow anti-reflective (AR) coating. This vacuum-applied anorectic flick color keeps reddened from reflecting soured the lense surfaces, thereby preventing an added maker of glare. Studies exhibit that grouping who impact for prolonged periods at a machine encounter their eyes are more easy if they dress lenses with AR color (compared to act the aforementioned lenses without the coating).
In whatever cases, your receptor student haw also propose primary receptor exercises to meliorate your receptor encounter or centering skills for machine use.
If you need more tips about eye care, visit us at Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.
Presbyopia, also called the “aging eye condition” is the gradual diminishing ability of your eye to focus actively on nearby objects. Unfortunately, Presbyopia is as common as gray hair with aging.
Although the exact reason why is unknown it is believed to develop because of a loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens. Additional speculated reason is the change in the lens curvature from continual growth, and loss of power in the muscle that bends and straightens the lens – the ciliary muscle. The ineffective lens causes light to focus behind the retina, causing reduced close-up sight.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended you visit a doctor for a dilated eye examination. If you have glasses or contact lenses, a new prescription is probably necessary.
Anyone over the age of 40 is at risk of developing presbyopia. Everyone experiences loss of vision and ability to focus on nearby objects. Some experience it more than others.
There is no prevention for presbyopia as it is naturally occurring and affects everyone, even if you have always had perfect vision. However, you can be diligent about your eye care to prolong the symptoms as long as possible.
Recommended test: Examination of the retina, Muscle integrity test, Refraction test, Slit-lamp test, Visual acuity test
There is a natural way to strengthen your eye and reduce presbyopia through eye exercises.
There are natural eye exercises that are recommended for presbyopia prevention. These exercises can be started at any age and will help develop your eye muscles to prevent deterioration with age.
The most common exercise is known as “conduction”. Basically, you use any hand held object and stretch your arm out while holding the object. Move the object up and down, side to side, and keep your eyes completely focused on this object. These exercises will strength your eyes muscles and also engage your eyes to stimulate focus change.
These simple exercises are not only great for prevention but can reverse muscle loss of the eye after presbyopia symptoms have already started.
It is possible to train your eyes to focus so that you do not have been dependent on glasses or bifocals for vision. These eye exercises are simple, and require very little time. The eye exercises are designed to help strengthen the muscles in your eyes so that they can once again function as they did in your youth.
One exercise is to simply focus your eyes on two different objects around a room and an exercise as simple as that can help rehabilitate problems with age-related farsightedness.
A popular exercise for presbyopia is “flexing”. In this eye exercise simply focus your eyes on two different objects around a room and move your focus between these objects as often as possible. Generally it is recommended you perform this exercise for about two minutes. It is essential keep your focus on these two objects and nothing else.
Don’t get discourage if you don’t see immediate results with your vision. Similar to exercise your body muscles, the eye muscles take time to rebuild and develop strength. Furthermore, like your arms or abs muscles; the exercise is most effective when formed on a regular basis.
However, even though you are strengthening your eye muscle, you will not experience muscle building related aches when you first begin the program. Keeping with the eye exercises should improve your vision naturally, without pain, and without surgery or glasses.
Exercises are a great way to slow down the process of presbyopia; however, it is a natural part of the aging process. Therefore, it is important for presbyopes to exercise their eyes to improve the circulation and reduce the risk of disease, and to prevent further deterioration of vision.
If you want to learn an eye strengthening exercise, check out Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.
Your vision is one of the most important parts of your body, it stands to reason then that you need to be cautious when it comes to your eyecare. It is very important to see an eyecare professional at appropriate times including check-ups and when vision problems manifest. Taking care of vision problems promptly often means keeping your eyes healthy, to delay getting your eyes taken care of when there are symptoms of problems is a very risky thing.
There are many types of vision problems, they can range from infections and trauma to hereditary diseases and other diseases with many causes including environmental harm and dietary problems. Lets categorize some of them for quick reference.
Eye infections – Sinusitis type infections which can involve one or both eyes can be very painful and manifest themselves with pain, swelling, redness and tearing or even discharge. Antibiotics are usually the order of the day when a sinus infection gets so bad as to involve the eyes.
Conjunctivitis or “pink eye” is a very common and highly contagious disease causing redness in the eye and lining with a discharge that tends to be pus-like and includes itching and a sandpaper type pain of the eyes. This is such a contagious infection that when kids get it in schools they are usually sent home to avoid infecting others. There are many remedies for pink eye including herbal and home remedies that work well but it is advised to get medical treatment.
Allergies - Hay fever and other types of allergies such as smoke or even sand can cause vision problems, often there is a blurring of the vision because of discharge and painful, itchy eyes. Antihistamines and removal of the allergen is the normal treatment for this type of vision problem.
Diseases affecting the eyes – Diabetes is a major factor in many eye problems, even blindness. As diabetes gets worse, the vision symptoms do as well. Proper treatment in diabetes is of all importance.
Glaucoma is a very serious eye disorder in which the pressure inside the eye can cause nerve damage leading to vision problems and even blindness. One of the routine tests done by optometrists is a glaucoma test. It is important to see your eye care professional if there are any signs of glaucoma such as halos around lights and peripheral vision loss.
Cataracts - A common malady of older eyes, it is characterized by blurred and clouded vision that can lead to blindness if not treated by a medical professional, oftentimes surgery is the best remedy.
Dietary issues - When an improper diet is followed there will generally be symptoms occurring that are widely varied. One of the most common symptoms is the night vision problem. The proverbial carrot can do more to help this than drugs. Poor night vision is just one of the many vision issues that can be cured simply by diet as long as diet is the cause. Sometimes diet can help in the cure of other vision diseases and disorders but it shouldn’t be relied on for total vision treatment in these cases.
Click here if you need an ophthalmologist to check your eye.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Age-related cataracts develop in two ways:
1. Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.
The lens consists mostly of water and protein. When the protein clumps up, it clouds the lens and reduces the light that reaches the retina. The clouding may become severe enough to cause blurred vision. Most age-related cataracts develop from protein clumpings.
When a cataract is small, the cloudiness affects only a small part of the lens. You may not notice any changes in your vision. Cataracts tend to "grow" slowly, so vision gets worse gradually. Over time, the cloudy area in the lens may get larger, and the cataract may increase in size. Seeing may become more difficult. Your vision may get duller or blurrier.
2. The clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish/brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision.
As the clear lens slowly colors with age, your vision gradually may acquire a brownish shade. At first, the amount of tinting may be small and may not cause a vision problem. Over time, increased tinting may make it more difficult to read and perform other routine activities. This gradual change in the amount of tinting does not affect the sharpness of the image transmitted to the retina.
If you have advanced lens discoloration, you may not be able to identify blues and purples. You may be wearing what you believe to be a pair of black socks, only to find out from friends that you are wearing purple socks.
The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
Yes. Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract:
Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:
This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.
Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.
An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.
Your eye care professional also may do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eye.
The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or make the surgery more difficult. You do not have to rush into surgery.
Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
If you choose surgery, your eye care professional may refer you to a specialist to remove the cataract.
If you have cataracts in both eyes that require surgery, the surgery will be performed on each eye at separate times, usually four to eight weeks apart.
Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.
There are two types of cataract surgery. Your doctor can explain the differences and help determine which is better for you:
A small incision is made on the side of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by phacoemulsification, also called "small incision cataract surgery."
Your doctor makes a longer incision on the side of the cornea and removes the cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by suction.
After the natural lens has been removed, it often is replaced by an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.
Some people cannot have an IOL. They may have another eye disease or have problems during surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens, or glasses that provide high magnification, may be suggested.
As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision.
Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. One sign of a retinal detachment is a sudden increase in flashes or floaters. Floaters are little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, see an eye care professional immediately. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If necessary, go to an emergency service or hospital. Your eye must be examined by an eye surgeon as soon as possible. A retinal detachment causes no pain. Early treatment for retinal detachment often can prevent permanent loss of vision. The longer the retina stays detached, the less likely you will regain good vision once you are treated. Even if you are treated promptly, some vision may be lost.
Talk to your eye care professional about these risks. Make sure cataract surgery is right for you.Many people who need cataract surgery also have other eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma. If you have other eye conditions in addition to cataract, talk with your doctor. Learn about the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected results of cataract surgery.
A week or two before surgery, your doctor will do some tests. These tests may include measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps your doctor choose the right type of IOL.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.
At the hospital or eye clinic, drops will be put into your eye to dilate the pupil. The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed.
The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is almost painless. Many people choose to stay awake during surgery. Others may need to be put to sleep for a short time. If you are awake, you will have an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around your eye.
After the operation, a patch may be placed over your eye. You will rest for a while. Your medical team will watch for any problems, such as bleeding. Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.
Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear.
For a few days after surgery, your doctor may ask you to use eyedrops to help healing and decrease the risk of infection. Ask your doctor about how to use your eyedrops, how often to use them, and what effects they can have. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
When you are home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores.
In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your progress.
Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur. These problems can include infection, bleeding, inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), loss of vision, double vision, and high or low eye pressure. With prompt medical attention, these problems usually can be treated successfully.
Sometimes the eye tissue that encloses the IOL becomes cloudy and may blur your vision. This condition is called an after-cataract. An after-cataract can develop months or years after cataract surgery.
An after-cataract is treated with a laser. Your doctor uses a laser to make a tiny hole in the eye tissue behind the lens to let light pass through. This outpatient procedure is called a YAG laser capsulotomy. It is painless and rarely results in increased eye pressure or other eye problems. As a precaution, your doctor may give you eyedrops to lower your eye pressure before or after the procedure.
You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye needs time to adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye has a cataract. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving.
If you received an IOL, you may notice that colors are very bright. The IOL is clear, unlike your natural lens that may have had a yellowish/brownish tint. Within a few months after receiving an IOL, you will become used to improved color vision. Also, when your eye heals, you may need new glasses or contact lenses.
If you have lost some sight from cataract or cataract surgery, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision. Ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. Many community organizations and agencies offer information about low vision counseling, training, and other special services for people with visual impairments. A nearby school of medicine or optometry may provide low vision services.
The National Eye Institute is conducting and supporting a number of studies focusing on factors associated with the development of age-related cataract. These studies include:
Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.
If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. In addition to cataract, your eye care professional can check for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision disorders. Early treatment for many eye diseases may save your sight.
You can protect yourself against vision loss by working in partnership with your eye care professional. Ask questions and get the information you need to take care of yourself and your family.
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With the increased no. of digital devices and the major chunk of time we spend on them, this calls for everybody to invest some time on their eyes and ways and methods to have healthy eyes. So for our readers I have assembled some must-follow tips in their daily routines for having healthy eyes.
Read them and incorporate them in your daily lives for healthier eyes and vision.
No no, this does not mean I am advising you to not to do any work on your computer, just asking you to give your eyes a break after a regular period of interval. Continuously staring can cause a lot of problems like headaches, eye strain, dry eyes and many more but it is in your hand if you wish to have healthy eyes. So for that do the following:
Make sure you regularly go for the eye-check up that has been recommended and also see to it that if all your lens prescriptions and glasses are up to date.
The most basic thing that can be done by yourself, is to place the monitor in such a way so that you don’t look straight into the monitor but instead look slightly downwards to view it.
It is always advised to use anti-glares on monitors.
If you suffer from dry eyes due to constant viewing of the monitor, try to increase your blinking rate. If possible try to rest your eyes after every 20 minutes of monitor viewing by just looking away at a distance of around 20 feet for 20 seconds.
Now direct sunlight is not at all good for having healthy eyes. Many times due to excessive exposure to sunlight a person can go blind, suffer from cataracts, painful cornea burns and in extreme cases it can cause the cancer of the eyelid.
So from now on whenever you step outside, even if it is cloudy, try to wear sunglasses that reflect the deadly UV rays of the sun. The basic sunglasses are good enough if you are not able to afford the high quality and a bit expensive ones.
What you eat every day, somehow also determines how healthy your eyes are or how healthy you vision is. Foods containing nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E certainly help in delaying the onset of age-related eye problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Try to be regular in eating foods with high concentration of these nutrients:
Eating a balanced diet will not only help in keeping your eyes healthy but will also keep you away from conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Even if not for your eyes, smoking is bad for each and every reason that is known out there. Smoking increases the chances of you having nervous damage, macular degeneration and as well as cataracts.
According to health.com, smoking propagates the appearance of bags under one’s eyes due to nightly nicotine withdrawal symptoms. So try to quit smoking and if you have tried and failed, keep trying because studies have shown that the more time a person tries to quit smoking, the more likely he is to succeed.
To have healthy eyes and clear vision, you, me and everybody has to work for it. These exercises help in relaxation of eye muscles, strengthening the eyes muscles, increasing the focusing power of your eyes and in the long term helping you to have healthy eyes and vision. Some of the exercises are:
So for today these were the 5 essential tips, which if incorporated in your daily life can give you beneficial results and help you in possessing healthy eyes.
Want to know more about eye care? Click here for more details.
The eyes are the most copernican faculty organs which should be usurped decorous tutelage of to secure longness and abstain irritations and remaining specified problems. One should adhere to comely and anicteric diets to desist indelible consequences in prospective. The eye desire products helpfulness an being to stance against the natural ailments related with the eyes.
One of the most wonderful things in nature is a look of the eye, it beautifully transcends reprehension and is the corporeal symbol of sameness. An eye can threaten suchlike a unexploded gun, or it can wound similar sibilation and kicking or in its revised status by beams of mercy, it can pretend the hunch dance for joy. Isolated spatiality these, there are various otherwise reasons for which the eyes should by confiscate secure fix of. As a entity of fact, the eyes cannot be usurped for acknowledged. An accident or a disease can symptom the process of your eyes which can direction to ineradicable consequences. In mostadded much sobering problems. Fill should bear patron scrutiny invoice ups and give specific attending to their eyes. In this discourse, the eye repair products show healthful.
The carrots are specially referred by the doctors as according to them carrots helpfulness to compound the vision of the group. One should brook fitting want of the eyes and desist large danger to the LCD or the computer screens. Grouping should hold rhythmic breaks flatbottom if for a few minutes to restrict the troubled substance of the eyes. Eye sights can also be hampered due to uncomely lightening. Notwithstanding, one of the most serious things which a organism should determine aid quietus to render the required rest to the eyes.
There are different things which deport solemn threat to the eyes much as inordinate exposure to beamy sun, ventilation and fat etc. These are fundamentally those factors which can be usurped reparation of and moldiness be dominated. It is fortunate told that bar is always better than aid. Moreover, prudish nutrition and lusty diet eyeglasses can wittiness a unspoiled part in the eye firm foods contains careful assets of anti oxidants which serve in the processing the seeing of the fill. A person should always stay pledged to a proportionate diet along with the hectic daily schedules. Vitamins and minerals can also taken in the signifier of syrups and tablets. Vitamins A, E, and C are real healthful to the eyes. Vitamin A can effectively change the secretion membranes and serve in the management of nighttime sightlessness, spell the vitamins C and E can be stolen to avoid muscular decadence and glaucoma rattling effectively.
In bunco, the eyes are the most important sagacity meat and one should use formal eye mind products to avoid boost irritations and assure longness at assuage.
Click here for more tips on how to take care of your eyes.
Most cases of infant reflux are caused by immaturity of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) or muscle between the stomach and esophagus. When working properly, this muscle opens to allow food to pass through into the stomach and closes again once it has. Most babies with reflux will simply have minor coordination problems with this muscle that will eventually improve in time.
If you are an adult experiencing GERD, your condition may be more difficult to treat. Luckily, you have options for treatment such as lifestyle changes or an anti-reflux procedure (such as the kind offered at IES Medical Group).
As previously mentioned, more than likely, yes. Many children will outgrow their reflux within the first few months and by twelve to eighteen months, most of them will have outgrown it.
Because infant reflux is so common, many times reflux is diagnosed simply by the symptoms the infant is presenting. Some doctors prefer to have tests confirm reflux before prescribing medication.
This is usually easily determined by the infant's quality of life and the complications (if any) they are experiencing. For more information, see the article on the decision to medication.
This is where the coined phrase "Reflux Roller Coaster" applies. It does tend to have ups and downs. Sometimes it can be attributed to something the child ate not agreeing with them, teething can irritate reflux many times, as can colds, cases of flu, and other common illnesses. Other times, it can get worse for a day or more with no apparent reason. The good news is, that just as these lows come, they go again and things do improve.
Every baby is different so it's difficult to pinpoint one specific formula that is the best for reflux. If the baby has a milk allergy or sensitivity then soy-based or hypoallergenic will likely help the reflux improve. As well, hypoallergenic formulas are pre-digested (either partially or completely) so they tend to move through the stomach faster than standard formulas. Moving food out of the stomach faster can be beneficial for two reasons. If the baby is a picky eater it may help them get hungry again faster. It also means the food isn't sitting around in the stomach waiting to be refluxed.
The short answer is definitely not. Unless your doctor specifically tells you otherwise, breast milk is the best thing for reflux. Its proteins are more hypoallergenic than that of formula and it's much more easily digested than formula. If there is a concern about the baby having a reaction to breast milk, try eliminating milk and milk products from the diet first. Also, it may be beneficial to eliminate other foods that can make reflux worse.
This is truly the million-dollar question for most parents with refluxers. Babies with reflux are notoriously poor sleepers. Propping them can be helpful, small frequent meals, and try not to feed them too close to bedtime. If they are on medications, administering the meds a half hour or so before bed may be helpful.
Read our tips for getting taken seriously, getting a diagnosis, and try some of the tips we mention. If that doesn't work, try videotaping the infant or keeping a diary of the crying.
PAGER would likely be the best place to start to look for local support groups. Otherwise, we have a member who has been discussing starting one in Hawaii, contact us for information on that, or try posting on our message boards...some of our members may know of local groups.
Some babies have reactions to rice that can make their reflux worse. In these cases adding oatmeal instead has proved to work. Speak to the pediatrician about trying this option.
Actually, both are right. Goat's milk can be easier to digest and many babies can do better on it than cow's milk formula. In the UK you can even get Goat's Milk-based infant formula.
The problem with Goat's Milk is that there are certain aspects of it that are not nutritionally complete or even safe for a baby. The protein is too high which can create too much work for the kidneys and damage them, as well, there are certain deficiencies in some vitamins and minerals. It can be safe if properly diluted and mixed, but it's not safe to give it to a baby as it's sold in stores.
Bile reflux is a common disease and is actually somehow related to acid reflux, a more common type of gastrointestinal disorder. This happens when the enzyme which we call bile, backflows into the stomach, which doesn’t happen in a normal person’s gastrointestinal tract. Bile, as an enzyme functions in breaking down fats and fatty acids into forms absorbable by our body. When this backflows to the stomach it can be toxic and may irritate the lining of our stomach; thereby causing Bile Reflux Gastritis.
Bile Reflux Gastritis can present with signs and symptoms which may be very inconvenient. Because of the irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining, a patient is always expected to exhibit severe abdominal pain. Some other manifestations may include vomiting that contains bile, heartburn, as well as nausea.
Because of these discomforts and possible complications that may arise when Bile Reflux Gastritis remains untreated, you have to seek medical help to have this condition corrected.
Antacids like Maalox, Rolaid or Mylanta can provide quick relief from pain. These antacids neutralize the acidic environment of the stomach which causes irritation and inflammation. However, if the pain becomes severe and unrelieved, ask your physician for stronger analgesics that will treat the pain.
These types of medications decrease the production of acids by the stomach thus decreasing the triggers for pain and stomach discomfort. Examples of H2 Blockers are Cimetidine, Ranitidine, and Famotidine.
PPIs are more problem-specific and target the cells that produce the particular acids that cause gastritis. Some types of PPIs are Omeprazole and Lansoprazole.
This is more into the treatment of Bile Reflux Gastritis because this drug facilitates an uninterrupted flow of bile from the bile ducts to the small intestines, avoiding its backwash into the stomach.
In worst cases, when Bile Reflux Gastritis just wouldn’t respond efficiently to medications and initial treatments, a surgical approach may be presented as an option to the patient and his family. These surgical procedures are aimed at correcting the physical defects that may contribute to bile reflux.
Bile Reflux Gastritis needs immediate treatment, otherwise, it can lead to more dangerous complications like gastric ulcers. For treatment done by highly skilled professionals with advanced technology, click here. Bile reflux has also been related to the occurrence of esophageal and gastric cancer in patients whose conditions have been left untreated so in order to steer clear of these health hazards, early prevention and treatment are always the way to go.
Please, first and foremost, do not confuse Vision Therapy with eye exercise programs you have seen in infomercials on all-night cable stations. Do not confuse in-office, professionally administered Vision Therapy with self-help, self-directed exercise programs you see on lurid internet banners.
Vision care professionals supervise every aspect of Vision Therapy, including scientifically proven training techniques and use of prescription optical appliances.
Assessment, Diagnosis, Consultation, and Prescription
Vision Therapy begins with a comprehensive examination—not just the usual “read the letters on the chart” exam, but a series of sophisticated diagnostic tests designed to assess and evaluate every ocular function. Reviewing test results with patients, vision care professionals discuss Vision Therapy and other treatment options. In these consultations, optometrists may recommend or prescribe therapeutic, corrective, or prism lenses; optical filters, occluders, or eye patches. If an optometrist and patient agree Vision Therapy represents the most appropriate treatment, the optometrist may advise vestibular or balance equipment, timed electronic targeting mechanisms, visual-sensory-motor integration aids, or specialized therapeutic computer programs.
Physical Therapy for Common Visual Complaints
Vision Therapy provides patients with a non-surgical alternative, enabling them to overcome crossed-eyes, double vision, so-called “lazy eye,” and convergence insufficiency.
Many pediatric ophthalmologists and child psychologists recommend Vision Therapy as part of comprehensive treatment for learning disabilities. Although Vision Therapy alone cannot remediate a learning disability, it effectively supplements cognitive and behavioral therapies and courses of medication.
Vision Therapy, always performed under a doctor’s supervision, includes a progressive series of “exercises” individualized to meet each patient’s needs. This attention to development and management of a personalized treatment program also distinguishes legitimate Vision Therapy from commercial imitations. Vision Therapy does not come nicely packaged in “small, medium, and large.” The series of exercises, more often called “procedures,” typically helps patients develop their visual efficiency and ease, strengthen their essential visual abilities and skills, and alter how patients process, comprehend, and interpret visual data. In most Vision Therapy programs, the patient works with her optometrist in the office for 30 minutes to an hour once or twice each week. Most Vision Therapists also assign follow-up care or “homework” for their patients.
Vision-Care Professionals: Optometrist? Ophthalmologist? Does It Matter?
Both vision care practices involve diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. Both kinds of eye doctors earn advanced degrees from the world’s best colleges and universities, and neither specialty demands more intelligence, better grades and test scores, or more scientific proficiency than the other.
The two eye care professions differ according to how they treat eye disease: optometrists follow a functional, behavioral protocol, and ophthalmologists learn eye surgery, a more “organic” approach. Experienced, enlightened professionals prefer you think of the two disciplines as complementary rather than mutually exclusive; and, under ideal circumstances, the two specialties often collaborate in inter-disciplinary eye care teams.
Because Vision Therapy emphasizes function and behavior, the preponderance of exceptionally well-qualified Vision Therapists come from the ranks of optometrists. The distinction becomes especially important in treatment of learning disorders and developmental delays, because psychologists and eye care professionals collaborate to help patients overcome impediments to learning and social interaction. Parent groups very strongly recommend optometric care for children and adolescents coping with these problems.
Strong Scientific Support for Vision Therapy
An average, ordinary, everyday patient should know a little bit about biases, prejudices, and misinformation among some eye care professionals. Several recent studies clearly have demonstrated that rank-and-file ophthalmologists know very little about Vision Therapy. Often motivated by their own professional self-interest, ophthalmologists frequently discourage patients from Visual Therapy; they often do not know about or decline to mention several carefully controlled investigations that conclude eye muscle and refractive surgery have little or no effect on visual disorders Vision Therapy corrects.
The Mayo Clinic, working in concert with the National Institutes of Health and the National Eye Institute, recently released results of a long-term study in which researchers concluded supervised Vision Therapy stands-out as by far the best treatment for pediatric Convergence Insufficiency. Just as significantly, hundreds of professionally and peer-reviewed studies have proven Vision Therapy’s efficacy in treating and correcting the most common eye problems.
Patients must understand the limits of Vision Therapy as well as its considerable advantages. Vision impairments that develop as complications of disease will not respond to Vision Therapy, and many vision problems resulting from serious trauma require surgical rather than behavioral correction. Even with those caveats, patients ought to consult both a knowledgeable, trustworthy ophthalmologist and an experienced optometrist before choosing and beginning a course of treatment.
Vision Therapy Exercises
Skilled, experienced Vision Therapists choose among more than 200 eye procedures, administering some with eye patches, beaded strings, or targets. Several of the simplest, most common therapeutic exercises benefit people who suffer eye-strain from close work. Especially “Palming” relieves, soothes, and restores clear sight to tired eyes. Run your hands together for fifteen seconds, getting them warm; then, cup them over your eyes, curving them enough that they do not touch your lids. Hold them over your eyes, breathing deeply and completely exhaling until your palms cool. The technique refreshes better than eye drops and helps maintain your visual health.
Looking for an ophthalmologist to check your eyes, check out Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region.
Vitreous humour is the jelly like, clear substance that fills the eyeball between the retina and the lens of the eye. It works to help maintain the shape of the eyeball and cushions and protect the lens and the retina from impacts, infections and irritants.
When there is damage or degradation of the vitreous humour different types of vision problems can occur that can be corrected with various types of medical and non-medical treatment options.
The vitreous humour is very unique in the body because of its composition and make up. Unlike other body organs and parts there are very few blood vessels at all in the vitreous humour, which is sometimes known as the vitreous body.
It is literally a round ball of colourless gel without any specific functioning cells.
There are some cells in the gel but these are responsible for cleaning any microscopic debris out of the gel that would interfere with the light transferring from the lens to the retina. The gel itself is made up of mostly collagen and water, with approximately 99% of the total volume of the body being made up with water.
Unlike tears which are known as aqueous humour, the vitreous humour gel is not replaced and it does not circulate through the eye itself.
This means that when there is a contamination of the vitreous humour it will be there until it is removed. Blood can easily get into the vitreous humour due to an injury of the eye or an infection and this blood will remain in the vitreous humour until it is removed by medical means.
Other conditions of the vitreous humour may result in the formation of floaters in the field of vision.
Floaters are not a sign of a problem with the eye under most circumstances. They form when organic materials clump together in the vitreous humour and actually form a shadow that is perceived as an actual strand or object floating in the field of vision. There are also some types of floaters that are present from the embryonic stage.
Almost all people have some floaters and, unless they change in size or frequency, they are typically not treated medically. In some cases where floaters suddenly become more prominent or increase in size or number it can be a sign of a collapse of the vitreous humour or problems with the retina. Please consult a retina specialist in New York if this persists.
Typically people with myopia tend to have more frequent floaters and more significant visual problems with floaters in the field of vision.
Myopia is related to a weakening or liquefying of the vitreous humour that allows the shape of the lens to shift, changing the focal point in front of the retina. When people age there is also a greater risk that the vitreous humour may tear away from the retina creating spots in the field of vision that are abnormal.
This can be associated with flashes of light and increased floaters as protein and organic cell clumps tear off the retinal and move into the vitreous humour.
Check out Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region for further information about eye care tips.
Blepharitis is a kind of inflammation of the eyelids suffering from eye redness and scurfy eyelids and blepharitis is a kind of skin disease [eczema]. Blepharitis causes redness and itching in the eye which can be very irritating and troublesome. Research proves that scientifically there are three forms of blepharitis, and all the forms are inveterate and chronic in nature.
One of the forms of blepharitis is called staphylococcal and is caused by staphylococcus bacteria, happens with people at the mid age of 42.
Other forms is called seborrheic, a condition in which over activity of the sebaceous glands causes the skin to become oily and occurs with people of older ages.
The last one is called MGD [Meibomian Gland dysfunction] and this also happens with age old people who have a longer history of visual symptoms.
Symptoms and curing to perfectionThe first one among the different blepharitis symptoms is numbness in the eyes. As blepharitis can affect both the eyes, in such cases the symptoms would not differ from one eye to another. There will be a slight burning and itching sensation for the very first time and then can lead to excessive tearing and thereafter affecting the other eye if the infection was only with one eye for the first time.
This is other wise also called conjunctivitis where the inflammation causes irritation and itching in the eye. Blurred vision, frothy tears, loss of eye lashes, dry eye, eyelids glued or shut are also one of the blepharitis symptoms.
Blepharitis can be frustrating and inconvenient and needs a lot of patience in bearing the irritation. There are lots of medicines and home remedies identified for blepharitis treatment but unfortunately there is no permanent and immediate blepharitis cure as it is a chronic disease and as and when you notice the blepharitis symptoms, you got to be very attentive.
You will not be able to prevent the disease, but can definitely be able to reduce the damage and prevent causing further damage. Red eyes, glued eyelids will lead to dry eyes blepharitis and in order to protect the eyes from being dried, we need to make use of lubricants and medicated eye drops.
Hordeolum or stye [a bacterial infection] can be one of the blepharitis complications and abnormal or excess tearing that happen due to decreased oil secretions, which in turn lead to corneal infections, can be said as one of the major complications as well. So to avoid these consequences and complications, one must follow some important steps that are used in blepharitis treatment.
If still your eyes remain red and you feel very irritable, then your optometrist may have to check your eyes in a clinic as the most likely cause for this particular symptom is dry eyes blepharitis.
Click here to find more tips for other eye treatment.
Parents around the world admonish their children for spending too much time playing video games. One of the most revered reasons is the possibility of eye damage. We understand that gaming is known to modify reaction time and even alter visual attentiveness, but consider the possibility that gaming can actually improve eye function.
There is a difference in video game styles known as action and non-action video game players. Studies have shown that action video game playing greatly improves many states of vision including low level vision.
Many of the factors that influence the improvement come from cerebral mechanisms that gamers learn to control through the very process of playing a game. Gamers learn to enhance the game playing experience by controlling or altering their surroundings and perceptions where possible to maximize their ability to beat the game.
External noise exclusion and internal noise reduction is part of the concentration process. When gamers are “in the zone” experiencing a high level of concentration, noise is channeled appropriately by the brain into relevant and irrelevant divisions.
The strengthening of this cognitive “muscle” allows the gamer to process visual information more effectively and apply the training to other conditions outside of a gaming environment. There is evidence to suggest that this kind of brain training can impact both adults and children, which is an important note since for many years, the adult brain was perceived as fixed in neural organization. We now understand that the brain is a fantastic organism that can reassign sensory data to fit current conditions and make up for lack of other sensory data.
While trained or learned perception from most stimuli has not been documented as constant across all tasks and activities a person with low level vision might be presented, it is suggested that players of action video games specifically, might experience improvements across the spectrum.
Action video games require selecting a target amongst distractions, attention to the peripheral field, tracking of multiple targets and fast visual to motor coordination. All of these skills directly impact perceptual learning and how the brain perceives stimuli and thus opens the door to a more permanent modification of visual perception or how someone sees and experiences the world around them.
There are many sensible reasons to limit the amount of video game play we indulge in. And of course children should be monitored and introduced to many forms of stimuli but considering the probable positive impact of action video gaming, don’t beat yourself up too hard next time you log in to your World of Warcraft account or your child requests just five more minutes of HALO.
Having problems with your eyesight and looking for an ophthalmologist? Check out Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region to have the best doctor for eyes.
Most people who wear glasses will tell you that they feel lost without them. For many of us, our glasses are a part of our daily routine and we can't imagine leaving the house without them. But why is this? What are the benefits of wearing glasses? In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the reasons why glasses are so important.
If you have ever been told that you need to start wearing eyeglasses, you may have been really resistant to the idea. Glasses can be a hassle to keep track of and they can be expensive. You may have even been self-conscious about how you look in them. However, there are many good reasons to start wearing eyeglasses if you have been prescribed them by an eye doctor. Here are just a few of those reasons.
The most obvious reason to wear glasses is that they can improve your vision. If you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, eyeglasses can help correct your vision and allow you to see more clearly.
If you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, it can be very tiring to try to see things without corrective lenses. This is because your eyes are having to work harder than they should to focus on what you are looking at. This can cause headaches and eye fatigue. Wearing glasses helps take the strain off of your eyes so that they can rest.
Another important benefit of wearing glasses is that they protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time outdoors or if you have light-sensitive eyes. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is a good way to protect your eyes but if you also wear prescription glasses, adding a pair of clear lenses with UV protection will give you the best protection possible.
If you wear glasses, there is less risk that you will injure your eyes in an accident. This is because glasses act as a barrier between your eyes and the potential source of injury. For example, if you are playing sports and you get hit in the face with a ball, there is a much lower chance that the impact will injure your eye if you are wearing glasses.
If you are one of the many people who suffer from blurry vision, it’s time to make an appointment with Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region. Our optometrists can help you find the perfect pair of eyeglasses that not only correct your vision but also make you look and feel great.
