Children and Diabetes

Children and Diabetes
According to a paper published by Transitions Optical, Inc. comprehensive eye care and sight-enhancing eyewear are two ways to protect the eyes of children who have diabetes. The percentage of children who have newly diagnosed type diabetes has increased from below 5% prior to 1994 to 30-50% in subsequent years. Childhood obesity is cited as a key factor in this increase. For protection against ultraviolet radiation and glare, the paper endorses the use of UV-blocking photochromic or fixed-tint lenses combined with anti-reflective coatings.

Link of beta blockers

Link of beta blockers and the increased risk of cataracts.
Researchers in Australia found that taking beta-blockers in tablets to reduce hypertension or intraocular pressure (glaucoma) accelerated cataract formation. The researchers tracked almost 3,700 people aged 49 or older for 10 years looking at a variety of risk factors.

Decorative contact lenses and Halloween

Decorative contact lenses and Halloween
Decorative contact lenses have become quite popular in recent years, with demand increasing during the Halloween season. Fun designs are made to look animalistic including zebra, cat and jaguar eyes. Although cosmetic contact lenses can be fun and safe, they can produce serious eye problems. If you wear special effect lenses keep the following in mind:
-Have a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting by a licensed eye care professional
- Purchase special effect lenses from that licensed eye care professional
- Do not purchase at a convenience store, flea market, gas station or beauty supply store or outlets not licensed to dispense them.
- Do not sleep or swim in decorative contact lenses
- Do not share or swap with your friends
- Always clean and disinfect your lenses before and after wearing them.

AOA recommends sunglasses

AOA recommends sunglasses to shield eyes from damaging UV rays.
According to researchers at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute both types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) can damage various parts of the eye. In addition, extreme UV exposure can cause growths on and around the eyes and increase the risk of cancer around the eye itself. The American Optometric Association recommends sunwear that absorbs at least 99 percent of UV rays.

LASIK and patient satisfaction

LASIK (laser assisted intrastromal keratomileusis) or Laser Vision Correction is a very popular surgery to reduce the dependence on vision correction devices (glasses or contact lenses). The Storm Eye Institute did a comprehensive search of the worldwide clinical literature and identified 19 peer-reviewed studies. The studies covered the period of 1995 (first approved in the United States Oct 23, 1994) to 2003 and included 2,198 subjects. The review found an overall patient satisfaction rate of 95.4%

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) is a condition that can occur when the tear glands production is not sufficient to support the structures of the eye resulting in discomfort, redness and in some cases increased infection and reduced vision. Symptoms include itchy dry eyes, stinging or burning eyes, foreign body sensation, redness and excessive tearing. There are many causes of dry eye including, but not limited to, hormonal changes, medications, medical conditions, contact lenses, environment, chemical burns and computer use.

Gender and Eye Conditions

U.S. women are significantly more likely than U.S. men to experience several eye conditions including cataracts and general eye fatigue and are more likely to identify health and environmental factors, such as diabetes and glare/bright light respectively, that can adversely affect their vision. Transitions Optical, Inc. online survey comprised 2,207 U. S. adults with 52% being women.