Long Term Corticosteroid Use May Lead to Cataracts Glaucoma

Long Term Corticosteroid Use May Lead to Cataracts Glaucoma
Corticosteroids are used with countless people by suppressing the immune response and inflammation. They are the cornerstone of treatment for ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, and many other diseases. With long-term use they have serious side effects such as weight gain, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, thinning of the skin, muscle weakness cataracts, glaucoma and many other effects.

Researchers develop photochromic lenses

In Singapore researchers have developed UV-responsive, or lenses that darken when exposed to ultraviolet light, protecting the eyes against the sun’s damaging rays. The lenses contain a novel polymer laced with an intricate network of nano-sized tunnels filled with dyes. The investigators hope to have these photochromic contact lenses commercially available within a year.

Gecko’s Multifocal Vision

Gecko’s Multifocal Vision
Nocturnal helmet geckos are among few living creatures on Earth that are able to perceive and distinguish colors at night. Their eyes feature a series of concentric zones of varying refractive powers comprised of large cones (cells that perceive color) up to 350 times more sensitive than human cones.

Color Vision Deficient Patients

Color Vision Deficient Patients should wear sunglasses
Patients with color vision deficiency must wear sunglasses according to a study published in the April issue of Optometry and Vision Science. Those sunglasses should have ultraviolet protection and polarization to reduce the damaging rays of the sun. Grey lenses were also recommended since grey filters the visible light spectrum equally.

What’s Race Got to Do With It??

What’s Race Got to Do With It??
While each patient is an individual, racial differences exist for certain eye conditions and knowing these differences affects diagnosis and treatment. For example, some forms of glaucoma (primary open angle) is up to 4.3 times more prevalent in blacks compared to whites. In addition, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is twice as high in blacks and Mexican-Americans than in non-Hispanic whites.

Seven out of 10 children...

Study indicates seven out of 10 children, young adults may be deficient in vitamin D.
Low vitamin D levels have been associated with high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels and lowering of the HDL which is the “good cholesterol” which put together put a child at future risk of cardiovascular disease. In a study published in the journal of pediatrics it was mentioned that youngsters are spending more time indoors (reducing sunshine levels (vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin)) and drinking less milk which is also another valuable source of vitamin D.

Corticosteroid Use

Long Term Corticosteroid Use May Lead to Cataracts Glaucoma
Corticosteroids are used with countless people by suppressing the immune response and inflammation. They are the cornerstone of treatment for ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, and many other diseases. With long-term use they have serious side effects such as weight gain, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, thinning of the skin, muscle weakness cataracts, glaucoma and many other effects.

Researchers develop photochromic lenses

In Singapore researchers have developed UV-responsive, or lenses that darken when exposed to ultraviolet light, protecting the eyes against the sun’s damaging rays. The lenses contain a novel polymer laced with an intricate network of nano-sized tunnels filled with dyes. The investigators hope to have these photochromic contact lenses commercially available within a year.

Macular Degeneration

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD or macular degeneration) takes on two basic forms dry and wet. ARMD is the leading cause of blindness in elderly patients around the world. The wet form accounts for 10% of patients with the disease but these patients make up 90% of the patients who suffer severe visual loss. The dry form appears as soft yellowish deposits throughout the central macula (area of cells (cones) that are responsible for daylight vision, colors, letters, etc.) referred to as soft drusen. Patients with large numbers of drusen are at risk of developing wet ARMD. The vision loss associated with wet ARMD is due to neovascular (weak blood vessels) tissues which grow under the retinal tissues causing hemorrhages, scarring and damage to the cells that respond to light (photoreceptors). Treatment is controversial and includes nutritional supplements, laser surgery and injections into the eye (Lucentis, Avastin).

Retina

The old adage is that “the eyes are the windows to the soul”. Developments in modern scientific technology have revealed that the eye is also a window to the body. The innermost region of the eye (retina) provides the key that allows my office to open the door to the diagnosis and management of many systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. One way we document the retinal findings is with digital retinal imaging which provides us with a “footprint” of your eye health. Macular Degeneration should be considered of epidemic proportions. The only “treatment” from the complications of macular degeneration is the usage of low vision devices (magnifiers). It takes some special training to utilize these devices and we can provide these services on Tuesday during routine business hours (9am to 5pm) by Dr. Jean Astorino a specialty trained optometrist (O.D.).

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.

Eyelash Enhancement and Make-A-Wish

As mentioned in previous blogs my office has been using Lumigan (bimatoprost) to enhance the growth of eyelashes. Allergan, the manufacturer of Lumigan (marketed under the name Latisse (includes eyelash liner), has begun a national campaign to generate $1 million to support the foundation. This foundation is dedicated to granting the wishes of children who have life-threatening medical conditions. The campaign launched with an initial donation of $500,000 from Allergan to the Make-A-Wish Fondation. Between now and December 31, 2009, Allergan will donate $5 for each new visitor who registers online for Latisse Wishes at www.latisse.com for an additional $500,000.

similarities between glaucoma and Alzheimers or Parkinson’s

Researchers reveal similarities between glaucoma and Alzheimers or Parkinson’s disease
A new understanding of glaucoma has emerged. “Glaucoma isn’t simply an eye disease but rather a degenerative nerve disorder, not unlike Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.” Glaucoma begins with injury to the optic nerve as it exits the back of the eye the damage then spreading from nerve cell to nerve cell. When the retinal ganglion cells are “sick”, the long axons that project from the eye to the brain are also affected, resulting in changes that we can detect in the vision center of the brain. This phenomenon is called transynaptic damage, which occurs in Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

What are signs and symptoms of glaucoma?

There are 2 major types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and acute closed-angle (also called narrow angle) glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma (about 90% of all glaucoma) usually has no signs or symptoms in its early stages, the first sign is usually loss of peripheral (side) vision. This is why it is so difficult because the vision loss is irreversible. Narrow angle glaucoma is very different. Symptoms of narrow angle may come suddenly and include redness, ocular pain, facial pain, headache, rainbow colored haloes around lights, nausea and vomiting which is why when this happens it is called an attack of acute angle closure and is considered a medical emergency.

Human corneal stem cells may help repair vision

University of Pittsburgh researchers have shown that stem cells injected into the eyes of mice with defective corneas returned the corneas to a more normal appearance. After growing stem cell cultures in the lab, the researchers injected the stem cells into the eyes of mice bred to have defective corneas that mimic scar tissue in humans

Open Your Eyes to Healthy Eating!!

By eating foods rich in six nutrients a person can help protect their sight, according to the American Optometric Association. Those nutrients include lutein and zeaxanthin (colorful fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, green beans, peas, oranges and tangerines), essential fatty acids (fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, or herring, whole-grain foods, chicken, and eggs), vitamin C (fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers, and tomatoes), vitamin E (vegetable oils, such as safflower or corn oil, almonds, pecans, sweet potatoes and sunflower seeds) and zinc (extra-lean red meat, poultry, liver, shellfish, milk, baked beans and whole grains). Approximately 43 million Americans have macular degeneration or cataracts, the two leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Good nutrition has a very strong correlation with prevention of these age related diseases.

FDA approval of eye implant to treat macular edema

Allergan, Inc. announced that the Food and Drug Administration approved the sale of its eye implant Ozurdex, intended to treat the vision disorder macular edema (swelling in the macula-area of retina responsible for quality vision) following blockage of retinal veins. The device is a biodegradable implant that is injected into the eye releasing a cortical steroid called dexamethasone improving vision.

Eating for Eye Health

In a recent article that was published in About.com newsletter they recommended certain vitamins and nutritional supplements for maintaining eye health. Lutein (10mg/day) is one of more than 600 naturally known carotenoids found to be present in a concentrat ed area of the retina (macula) and protects the eyes from oxidative stress and high-energy light. Lutein can be found in dark, green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and collards, and also corn and eggs. DHA (500mg/day) is an essential fatty acid (polyunsaturated fats) playing an important role in bodily functions. Vitamin C (500mg/day) is a water-soluble vitamin with anti-oxidant actions being associated with reduction in the risk of cataracts and seems to play a role in delaying age-related macular degeneration. Vitamin E (400mg/day) is the collective name for a set of 8 fat-soluble vitamins with antioxidant properties and is found in nuts, salads, peanut butter, cereals, sweet potatoes and margarine. Copper (2 mg./day) is a trace nutrient essential to all high plant and animals. It can be an antioxidant, scavenging damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. It can be found in mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, liver, beans and lentils.

Contact lenses coated in stem cells may restore sight to patients with corneal disease

Researchers from Australia’s University of New South Wales have used contact lenses coated in stem cells to restore sight to patients suffering from corneal disease. In the procedure, the investigators removed tissue with regenerative stem cells from patients own eyes and then multiplied them in the laboratory on the surface of a contact lens. Next, the contact lens was placed back onto the cornea for 10 days, during which the cells, which can turn into any other sort of cell, were able to recolonize and patch the damaged eye surface.

Study links low levels of vitamin D to high blood pressure

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that teenagers with the lowest vitamin D levels were more than twice as likely to have high blood pressure and blood sugar and were four times more likely to have metabolic syndrome, defined as having three or more conditions that contribute to heart disease and diabetes including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, big waists and high cholesterol.

Pterygia- Causes and treatment

The fleshy growth that often covers the corner of the cornea is called a pterygium. It usually remains small, but may grow to interfere with the center of the cornea and thus decrease vision. The precise cause is not known but ultraviolet light plays a role and at times this causes the growth of the pterygia toward the center of the cornea. In addition to the sunlight, wind, dust and eye irritation are common causes. The growth actually begins on the conjunctiva (lining of the white part or sclera). The condition can be treated with steroid drops but if it becomes large enough it may be surgically removed.

Shopping for Sunglasses

Wearing proper sunglasses is essential for protecting your eyes from the sun. There are many different types of sunglasses in shapes, sizes and colors. There are sunglasses to suit many different activities including:
Prescription Sunglasses
Polarized Sunglasses
Photochromic (changeable to light levels)
Mirrored Sunglasses

How To Clean Your Eyeglasses

By following these simple tips every day you will prolong the life of your frames and lenses:
1) Rinse your glasses with water before cleaning them which will prevent tiny particles from scratching the lenses.
2) Clean the lenses with an eyeglass spray or liquid cleaner. Gently rub both sides of the lenses and all sides of the frames between you thumb and forefinger.
3) Rinse with lukewarm water and dry the glasses with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth.
4) Never lay your glasses face down
5) Remove your glasses with both hands
6) Always store your glasses in a hard case

Are you putting your eyes at Steak for Macular Degeneration??

According to a study published in the April 2009 issue of American Journal of Epidemiology eating a lot of red meat raises the risk for age-related macular degeneration by 50%! The study examined 6,734 subjects aged 58 to 69 years who lived in Melbourne, Australia concluding that individuals who ate red meat 10 times per week were 50% more likely to develop AMD in old age.

Hypertension and Your Eyes

Just by looking in your eyes during your eye exam your eye doctor can tell a lot about your overall health. Early detection of hypertension or high blood pressure may reduce the long-term costs associated with the disease as well as the complications in the internal structures of the eyes. Hypertension can impact many parts of the body including arteries, heart, brain and kidneys.

7 Good Habits for Eyesight

7 Good Habits for Eyesight
1) Protect Your Eyes with Sunglasses which include anti-reflective (non-glare) coatings, polarization, tint, and UV protection
2) Do Not Smoke
3) Limit Alcoholic Beverages
4) Keep blood sugar within accepted ranges
5) Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control
6) Eat Antioxidant-rich foods
7) Have regular eye exams

How to Buy Eyeglasses

Choosing eyeglasses is a challenge for some people. Trying to figure out which styles match your appearance or lifestyle can be quite stressful. The following tips should guide you in finding the eyeglasses that fit both you and your lifestyle:
1) Go for a comprehensive eye exam which will also determine your eyeglass prescription.
2) Look at a variety of frames with different colors and shapes
3) Find a qualified optician
4) Consider different lens options

Protect Your Eyes during fireworks displays

Each year over the holiday, thousands of adults and children are seriously injured as a result of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. Many burns and injuries affect eyesight, permanently damaging and in some cases blinding victims. Believe it or not, sparklers are the highest cause of fireworks injuries requiring trips to the emergency room.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 50% of the injuries are suffered by bystanders not people igniting these devices.

Scientists developing gene therapies to treat retinitis pigmentosa.

Scientists developing gene therapies to treat retinitis pigmentosa.
A neuroscientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ed Boyden, applied his “novel technology” in making nerve cells sensitive to light using it to activate specific neurons damaged in different diseases including retinitis pigmentosa. This technology centers on channelrhodopsin-2, a light-sensitive protein derived from algae. When it is delivered to the brain or eyes via gene therapy it sits on the cell membrane and opens when exposed to light. Then positively charged ions rush into the cell triggering20an electrical message that is transferred to the next cell in the circuit

Annual Eye Examinations proven to save businesses money.

Annual Eye Examinations proven to save businesses money.
According to several vision care giants “annual eye exams may save businesses nearly $3 billion annually by detecting chronic disease and referring patients for early “intervention”. Vision Service Plan (VSP) states that businesses that offer eye care benefits realize these savings through lower health plan benefit disability, and employee termination costs due to early detection of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

Video Games Increase Real-World Vision

According to research in Nature Neuroscience, Daphne Bavelier (professor of brain and cognitive sciences at University of Rochester), has discovered that very practiced action gamers become 58% better at perceiving fine differences in contrast. Their findings were that action video games train the brain to process the existing visual information more efficiently, and the improvements last for months after game play stopped.

Ultraviolet Eye Safety

We protect our skin with sunscreen, but what about our eyes?? UV radiation, whether from the sunlight or artificial UV rays, can damage the eye’s surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens. Short term effects of UV radiation include photokeratitis (inflammation of the cornea) which can be painful and create symptoms such as red eyes, foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. The long term effects of UV rad iation include cataracts, retinal effects (macular degeneration??), pterygium ( a growth “invading” the cornea from conjunctiva) and pinguecula (yellowish, slightly raised lesion that forms on the conjunctiva). To provide protection for your eyes, your sunglasses should:
1) block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation
2) screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light
3) be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection
4) have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition

Glaucoma Caused by Genetic Teamwork

Researchers have found that glaucoma seems to be caused by two, or more, mutated genes working together. There has been a long suspected link between glaucoma and gene WDR36. Work at the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of Alberta suggests that there must be several different genes that need to change in order for WDR36 to cause the disease. WDR36 plays a role in ribosome RNA creation normally. Glaucoma happens when WDR36 isn’t producing ribosomes properly. Researchers hope that by further understanding genetic causes of glaucoma, they might be able to prevent it.

Eye related diseases are related to blood vessel changes

The vision-robbing diseases of the eyes that come with age (glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, etc.) are all, in a way, related to the depletion of the nutrients the blood carries to the blood vessels of the eye, as well as the deterioration of the vessels themselves. The overall effect can be damage to the retina and optic nerve. When it comes to protecting from this damage a healthy lifestyle and yearly eye exams is the best offense to what can be devastating circumstances.

Presbyopia and Contact Lenses

Presbyopia (loss of focusing happening over 40 years of age) is guaranteed to happen so what’s new in contact lens treatment?? Go to www.goodbyereaders.com for information about presbyopia and multifocal contact lenses.

Study links Flomax to cataract

Study links Flomax to cataract surgery complications
According to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association older men using Flomax (tamsulosin hydrochloride) are more than twice as likely to suffer serious complications following cataract surgery. These complications include floppy iris syndrome which induces dislocation of the implant.

Study of near stereo acuity

Study of near stereo acuity in youth baseball/softball players and non-ball players
Although many aspects of vision have been investigated in professional baseball players, few studies have been performed in developing athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine if youth baseball/softball players have better stereo acuity than non-ball players. The study was of 17 male baseball players (19-24 years old) and 25 male graduate students (23-29 years old) and they found that youth baseball players had statistically significant better stereo acuity than non-ball players.

Eye related diseases

Eye related diseases are related to blood vessel changes
The vision-robbing diseases of the eyes that come with age (glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, etc.) are all, in a way, related to the depletion of the nutrients the blood carries to the blood vessels of the eye, as well as the deterioration of the vessels themselves. The overall effect can be damage to the retina and optic nerve. When it comes to protecting from this damage a healthy lifestyle and yearly eye exams is the best offense to what can be devastating circumstances.

Glaucoma

Most people believe that glaucoma is a disease of eye pressure. There is basically a triad of findings that “point to” a diagnosis of glaucoma. The three variables include eye pressure (intraocular pressure), visual fields and the appearance of the optic nerve (the nerve that “carries” visual impulses to the brain). If a patient has one of three of these variables it is not necessarily a diagnosis of glaucoma.

Alternative To Eye Drops Being Developed

Eyenovations has developed an alternative to eye drops for patients with glaucoma. Co ntact lenses can deliver drugs to the eye for a month or more. Researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston and the Massachusetts Eye And Ear Infirmary modified contact lens materials to carry medication then developed a hydrogel lens with a polymer film inside that contains the medication. The rate of release of the medication can be controlled by altering the properties of the polymer film and lens. Eyenovations is developing contact lenses using materials approved by the FDA that can deliver drugs for up to 30 days (the FDA limit for single use contact lenses).

Cataract Surgery Poses no risk of progressive macular degeneration

Cataract Surgery Poses no risk of progressive macular degeneration
The frequency of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy and congenital geographic atrophy did not differ between patients who had cataract surgery and those who did not. Physicians at the National Eye Institute reviewed data from the Age-Related Eye Disease

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

CVS is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms caused by prolonged computer use. The eyes and brain react differently to words on a computer screen than th ey do to printed text. Characters displayed on a computer screen are made up of several small dots, or pixels. The eyes cannot easily focus on pixels, so they must work harder to see the computer screen clearly. The constant struggle to focus leads to fatigue and tired, burning eyes. To compensate many people try to compensate by leaning forward or by tipping their head to look through a portion of their glasses which can result in a sore neck, sore shoulders and sore back. Computer glasses are lenses designed to allow patients to work comfortably on a computer

Tailored dry eye treatment for each patient

Dry eye is a chronic disease that requires adjustments to treatment, follow-up, re-testing, monitoring of progress, and changes in medication. Managing eyes that sometimes are irritated, red, burning, stinging, itching, dry, blurred, sensitive to light or watering requires consistent treatment. The treatment can include eye drops, nutritional supplements, punctal occlusion, environmental management, etc. but might have to modified along the treatment course.

Age related changes in eye color

Age related changes in eye color do occur among 10-15 percent of Caucasians. The eyes become lighter as a result of the progressive decrease in the number of pigment granules in the connective tissue (stroma) of the front layer of the iris. In children eye color changes in about 43 percent of patients between the ages of 3 months and six years as the iris is exposed to light to which the pigment granules react. In rare cases eye color changes can also accompany diseases of the eye, including macular degeneration, pigmentary glaucoma and Horner’s syndrome.

FDA approves first human embryonic stem cell study

The FDA has approved Geron (biotechnology company) to utilize embryonic stem cells to coax them into making spinal cord tissue, heart muscle, cartilage and other organs and tissues. The injections will be made into the spine at the site of the damage of patients who have been paralyzed within 14 days of their injury. Previous studies on animals have shown that once the injected cells mature they will repair what is essentially a lack of insulation around damaged nerves, and also pump out substances that nerves need to function and grow.

Coping with computer vision syndrome (CVS)

Coping with computer vision syndrome (CVS)
If you are having trouble with your eyes while using a computer, the following tips are worth a try:
- consider a pair of computer glasses
- blink, breathe and break
- use artificial tears for dry or irritated eyes
- reduce screen glare by adjusting light levels
- increase font size on your computer screen

Allergic Eye Disease

Allergic disease is the 5th leading chronic disease in the United States. It is the 3rd most common chronic disease among children under 18. A nationwide survey found that more than half (54.6%) of all Americans tested positive to one or more allergens, of these, 83% suffer ocular (eye) symptoms.

In general, allergy is a complex disorder. Simply put, an allergic response is an unwarranted overreaction of the body’s immune system to foreign substances (allergens), which the body perceives as a potential threat. The process is set in motion by IgE antibodies that are fixed to the surface of mast cells. When the IgE encounters the allergen the cell membrane of the mast cell ruptures causing degranulation of the mast cells. The mast cell dumps chemical markers, known as histamine, into nearby tissues stimulating a variety of changes. To use a football analogy, the “quarterback” in the allergic reaction is the mast cell. The type of histamine receptors in the eye and adnexa (surrounding tissue) that stimulates dilated arterioles and veins (red eye) is called H3. The H1 receptor mediates itching and some vasodilation (redness).

Allergic eye disease is typically divided into five primary subcategories:
1) Seasonal allergies
2) Perennial allergic conjunctivitis- year round symptoms because the causative allergens are always present.
3) Atopic keratoconjunctivitis- patient usually has a history of eczema that has persisted since childhood.
4) Vernal keratoconjunctivitis- primarily a disease of childhood that is seen predominately in boys and young men ranging from 3-20 years of age.
5) Giant papillary conjunctivitis- not a true allergy however it is classified as an allergy because it is caused by the mechanical irritation and is aggravated by an allergy. It is usually associated with contact lenses, ocular prosthesis, exposed sutures and other “foreign bodies”.

Treatment is usually “aimed” at stabilizing the mast cells and preventing the release of histamine. Ocular allergy treatment often requires a multi-prong approach:
1) Avoid allergens
2) Treat topically
3) Avoid over the counter (OTC) vasoconstrictors
4) Target topical treatment

Ocular allergy is a highly prevalent eye disease, one that patients often self-diagnose and self medicate. While the disease process itself is rather complex, the treatment is rather straightforward and highly successful, particularly for seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis.

Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration (AMD)

In a study of twins regarding AMD it was found that 5.6% of the 12,126 twins surveyed had reported AMD. The director of the study, Johanna M. Seddon, MD, ScM, stated that family history and genetic factors play a large role. Modifiable factors also contribute. Smoking 25 cigarettes a day increases risk 2.4 times, and a past history of smoking increases it twofold. About 29% of AMD has been attributed to smoking. Overall and abdominal obesity increases risk, while healthy eating and exercise reduce it.

Playing Video Games May Cause Eyestrain

Playing Video Games May Cause Eyestrain
Playing video games for extended amounts of time can cause children to experience many of the same symptoms seen in “computer vision syndrome” in adults. These symptoms include eye discomfort, fatigue, blurry vision and headaches. Prolonged game play without significant breaks can cause eye focusing problems, as well as eye irritation. If your children enjoy playing video games, encourage them to take frequent breaks. Set a timer for 20 minutes, have them do something else for 5 minutes when the buzzer sounds. In addition, make sure your children sit as far as possible from the video screen. The minimum recommended distance in the case of console games is 6 feet.

Top 4 Reasons to Have an Eye Exam

Top 4 Reasons to Have an Eye Exam
1)Visual Acuity- headaches or general fatigue are often caused by slight over or under correction
2)Eye Disease- many eye diseases often have no symptoms (for example glaucoma is known as the “sneak thief of sight”.
3)Developmental problems- uncorrected vision problems in children often cause learning and reading difficulties or contribute to other medical problems
4)Eye fashion trends- primary reason for visiting your eye doctor should always be eye health, but there is nothing wrong with a little fun

Allergic Red Eye Treatments

Allergic Red Eye Treatments-
Avoid triggers, the most common way to treat eye allergies is to avoid the substances, or antigens, things that are causing your symptoms (dander, dust, grasses, etc.)
- Cold Compresses- apply compresses to closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes several times per day.
- Chilled Eye Drops- keep a bottle of doctor recommended artificial tears for instillation, it just feels better.
- Prescribed eye drops- there are drops that have both anti-histaminic and mast cell destabilization as their properties, check with your optometrist or visit our website at www.drrsterling.com
- Steroid drops- there are times that steroids might be used to “quiet” the allergic reaction

Diabetes Control

Diabetes Control can greatly reduce diabetic related eye disease.
Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportion across the globe and the United States has nearly 24 million people already diabetic and more than 50 million “pre-diabetes”. Blindness is the most prevalent side effect of diabetes. There are many modifiable risk factors for diabetic retinopathy including high blood pressure, blood glucose levels and obesity. A United Kingdom study showed a slower progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients who demonstrated intense HbA1c control (this is a test which yields the average glucose level during the preceding 3 months (appropriate goal is 6.5 to 7%).

Type II diabetes epidemic

The type 2 diabetes epidemic that continues to sweep across the United States has left an estimated 24 million20Americans struggling with the disease, up more than 3 million people since 2005. Alongside this epidemic comes the wave of illnesses and disabilities brought on by the diabetes (heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nervous system damage). The medical community is continuing on 2 fronts to “reverse the tide”, by pressing the public to adopt healthy lifestyle changes and trying to develop new drugs to help people manage their diabetes more effectively.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know...

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About
Progressive (No-line) Multi-Focal Lenses (PAL’s) but Were Afraid to Ask
A progressive lens is not designed to have clear vision throughout the entire lens. In learning to wear a progressive lens you must remember that like an hourglass the corridor is narrower in the middle than the top and bottom. To use the middle portion you need to use your nose like a pointer and turn your head slightly to look directly at your object to get the full advantage of the intermediate area. If you glance to either side you will run into the blended area and your vision will blur slightly. To adjust the power between the distance and the near you must move you head slowly up or down which changes the power according to how far away the object or reading material is from you. Generally your near distance is measured at about 16 to 18 inches or elbow distance. The intermediate distance is between you elbow and about 6 inches beyond your finger tips. The far vision is anything beyond the ends of your finger tips. When wearing a progressive for the first time you must tilt your chin toward your chest and look over the intermediate blend to see the floor since it is beyond your fingertips. Sometimes, people who try progressive prescription lenses for the first time have a difficult time learning to look through the appropriate portion of the lens at the right time. Often a simple fitting adjustment to your prescription eyewear by your local optical professional can make all the difference.
In order to use a progressive lens, you must learn to move your head to see things; you cannot just move your eyes because you will be looking through a blurry part of the lens. This is called adapting to the lens. Most people can adapt within a month, but some people never adapt. It is common to experience dizziness and headaches during the time that you are adapting. Getting accustomed to progressive prescription glasses can be difficult, and you must have proper instruction by an eyecare professional.
Because of the relatively narrow vertical band of prescriptively accurate optics characteristic of progressive lenses, wearers may have some difficulty becoming used to the co-ordination of horizontal head movement necessary to retain focus when reading across a computer screen or a paper page. This is particularly true when the reading add power is strong (+2.00 or above). The experience has been described as "moving your head back and forth as if you are watching a tennis match". This can be mitigated by using high quality lenses, and by having your glasses made and fitted by a competent optician who is experienced in fitting progressive lenses. It is also beneficial to avoid the shallow eyeglass frames (i.e. the frames with very small vertical dimension) and choose a frame that is somewhat larger instead.
People who will work with the progressive lenses and learn to use them usually end up liking them.

Researchers identify protein...

Researchers identify protein that may prolong lives of retinal cells
Researchers from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have identified a protein (histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) that is naturally produced typically involved in the regulation of bone and muscle development. Researchers found that increasing quantities of this protein to above normal levels appears to protect the lifespan of these “vision cells”. If this finding can be replicated in humans (done in mice) it could someday lead to preventing blindness.

Linking Websites

Over the past few years I’ve been researching ways to increase “market share” and have spoken with many experts in the field. In my quest to find ways to improve my internet marketing I’ve found ways to help any business increase their market share. I've recently learned that linking our websites together will benefit us in several ways.

1: Google values inbound links to a website and uses them in their calculation of a websites importance - so if we all link to each other, Google will rank our websites higher so that when people search for our business we will appear before our competitors.
2: Providing links to other businesses may actually send visitors from your website to their websites, free publicity.

I'm having my webmaster create a links page where I will start linking to your websites, provided you link to mine.
My webmaster provided me with the code. Please contact me and I will e-mail it to you. drrsterling@comcast.net

You can use this, or have your web person use this to link to my site. It will work anywhere on your site, but if you are considering exchanging links with other sites, you may want to create a "links page" like I did. Let me know if you'd like to exchange links. You can do so by sending me your website address and business name. Also, please let me know from where you have linked to my site. In addition, tell your friends and colleagues and please, include me in on that network.

Let's help strengthen our business network and help make each other a little more successful!

Researchers use laser light technique...

Researchers use laser light technique to detect earliest formation of cataracts
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the National Eye Institute are using a NASA device to tell if a cataract is “brewing”. The laser light used determines that the alpha-crystalline protein is decreasing which is essential to keep the transparency of the crystalline lens.

Shopping Considerations for Sunglasses

When shopping for sunglasses, many people tend to look at fashion first, rather than function. I urge you to keep in mind that the most important reason for wearing sunglasses is to protect your eyes. Ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from he sun can be very dangerous, with constant exposure resulting in irreversible damage to your eyes. With this in mind here are a few things to look for while shopping for those new “shades”.
* UV protection
* Tinted lenses
* Polarization
* Photochromatic (changeable plastic lenses)
* Polycarbonate lenses

Running may decrease risk...

Running may decrease risk for cataracts, age-related macular degeneration
Researchers from the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory concluded that exercise could provide similar protective benefits for the eyes as it does for the heart and other systems. People who ran an average of two to four kilometers per day had a 19% decrease in their risk of AMD when compared with people who ran less than two kilometers per day and people who ran more than four kilometers per day had a 42-54% decrease in risk. A second study found that men who ran 64 or more kilometers a week had a 35% lower cataract risk than those who ran less than 16 kilometers per week.

B vitamins lower risk of age-related macular degeneration

Study indicates B vitamins lower risk of age-related macular degeneration in women
A study performed by Brigham and Women’s Hospital by collecting data from=2 0a cardiovascular disease trial involving more than 5,200 women over 40 who reported that they did not have AMD at the start of the study. These women had been randomly assigned to take either a daily combination of folic acid (B-6), and B-12 supplements or placebo. Over seven years 55 cases of AMD were confirmed in the vitamin group compared to 82 cases in the placebo group. In other words those who took supplements had a 41% lower risk of being diagnosed with AMD. The mechanism is still being researched but it is believed that B6 and B12 reduce the levels of homocysteine (an amino acid that contributes to plaque buildup.

Treatment for a Black Eye

The appropriate immediate treatment for a black eye is ice and rest. The ice will help to reduce the swelling by constricting blood vessels and decreasing fluid accumulation. Apply the ice or a cold compress to the eye for 15 minutes every hour for 24 hours. A medical=2 0evaluation by an eye doctor should be performed. A blow severe enough to cause a black eye can also cause a fracture of the skull surrounding the eye, called the orbit. Medical evaluation of a eye trauma should never be delayed, as serious eye conditions can worsen if not treated early.

Diet, exercise, and weight control may prevent some cancers

According to a report from the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research eating a nutritious diet, being physically active and keeping body fat under control may prevent: 38% of breast cancers, 45 percent of colorectal cancers, 36 percent of lung cancers, 39 percent of pancreatic cancers, 47 percent of stomach cancers, 69 percent of esophageal cancers, 63% of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, or larynx, 70% of endometrial cancers, 24 percent of kidney cancers, 21% of gallbladder cancers, 15% of liver cancers and 11% of prostrate cancers.

Dilated Eye Exam

Dilation of the eyes is the most important part of a comprehensive eye exam, especially if it is the first time seeing that eye doctor. Dilation of the pupil enables the eye care practitioner a better look in the periphery of the eye/retina. There are some drops that do not last long but still enable the doctor to evaluate you for any retinal problems.

What is a stye??

A stye, or hordeolum, is a small bump that can appear on the outside or inside of eyelid which develops from an eyelash follicle or oil gland becoming clogged from excess oil, debris or bacteria. The usual complaint is watery eyes, with pain and tenderness and redness around the stye. Pain usually subsides if the stye ruptures and pus is drained. The treatment includes warm compresses, gentle massage and antibiotic ointment or drops.

Device would allow visually impaired to access Internet thru telephone voice commands

Audiopoint (automatic speech recognition software business in Rockville, MD) has developed a system that would enable the visually impaired to surf the web as quick as everyone else. The company developed the Voice Terminal Service (VTS) to fully access the Internet through voice commands via any type of telephone.

Top 4 Ways to Delay Cataracts

1) Don’t smoke- Researchers suspect that smoking may lead to cataracts
2) Limit sun exposure- Sun exposure speeds the development of cataracts, wearing sun lenses with a brimmed hat to block UV light will help.
3) Eating green leafy vegetables, fruit and other foods with antioxidants will help.
4) Control diabetes- studies suggest that people with diabetes are at risk for developing cataracts

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in U.S.

Glaucoma affects more than 3 million Americans, half of which may not even realize they have the disease. Those at highest risk for the condition include people over 60, African Americans 40 or older and people with a family history of glaucoma. Glaucoma happens when eye pressure leads to optic nerve damage and reduced peripheral vision.

Managing Your Diabetes

The first part of “managing” your diabetes is to accept the fact that glucose (sugar) is not “processed” safely by your body and that the buildup of the blood glucose can damage many parts of the body, including the eyes.

There are many different strategies for living with diabetes. Finding the right one for you involves experience, consultation with knowledgeable health care professionals and education. A good way to approach this is to regard yourself as a “work in progress”. You will change as medical knowledge advances, as you learn more, and as your body changes over time. Good diabetes management means preventing complications to the greatest extent possible while living your life to the fullest.

Diabetes currently affects more than 17 million Americans of which the American Diabetes Association estimates 5 million have not been diagnosed. One and one-half million (8.8%) have Type I diabetes (insulin dependant diabetes mellitus) and 90% of the diabetics are Type II (non-insulin dependent or adult onset diabetes) with the remainder getting diabetes as a result of a specific genetic defect, medications, tumors and other diseases. The incidence of diabetes has increased 44% over the last 10 years.

One point can’t be stressed enough; controlling the “ABC’s” is the key to diabetic management. “A” stands for HbA1c, “B” stands for blood pressure and “C” stands for cholesterol levels.

Diabetes is an endocrine (gland) disorder characterized by either a deficiency of endogenous (substances naturally produced by your own body) insulin, a loss of cellular response to insulin, or both, resulting in a state of chronic hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar or blood glucose). All cells within the body require a source of energy which generally speaking comes from the foods we eat. Once in the digestive tract sugar molecules are extracted from food and enter the blood stream after absorption by small intestine. To use blood sugar for energy requires that cells bring glucose “inside” of them for nourishment. The outer walls (cell membranes) must become permeable to blood glucose. Too much blood glucose can cause cell damage or death. This process is analogous to the architectural design of a bearing wall being cut in half, the foundation would collapse and diabetes is essentially the breakdown of the vasculature (blood vessels) supply. In this manner elevated blood glucose can have an effect on every organ and gland in the body and controlling that blood glucose is essential to ward off damage. The risk of diabetic complications increases the longer a person has had diabetes and the higher the average blood sugar levels are over time.

The single most important laboratory test for all diabetic patients is Hemoglobin A-1-c. This test averages the minute-by-minute changes in a person’s blood sugar levels over two to three months, and correlates very highly with the risk of diabetes complications. It is essentially the same as poking your finger and measuring your home blood glucose levels every minute of every day for at least two solid months and then averaging all of those readings. The test works by measuring the amount of blood glucose that is bound to hemoglobin molecules on the red blood cells circulating throughout the body. Because individual red blood cells normally last only 8-12 weeks the amount of glucose bound to old red blood cells shows the average blood glucose level over that period of time. Normal HbA1c values are 4-6% (equivalent to blood glucose average of 60-120mg/dl). An easy way to figure out what percentage equals what blood glucose level is to remember that an HbA1c of 6% equals a blood glucose average of 120/mg/dl and that every 1% change in HbA1c correlates with a 30mg/dl change in average blood glucose (7% equals 150, 5% equals 90, 9.5% equals 225mg/dl). Most diabetics should be 6.5% or less.

Elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can have a deleterious effect on the eye (cataracts, glaucoma, cornea, optic nerve disease (optic neuropathy), liver, kidney, heart and most of the glands and organs of the body. As mentioned earlier the key to reducing damage is to control the ABC’s:
1) HbA1c
2) Blood pressure
3) Cholesterol (blood lipids or fats)

Controlling your diabetes is not a job that you’ll have to do on your own. A team approach consisting of your primary care physician, endocrinologist, eye care provider, dentist, pharmacist, podiatrist, nutritionist and psychologist will be there to assist you. In order to keep yourself in good health, it is imperative that you have routine health care examinations with your team to prevent the negative effects of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Please feel free to contact me or my office if I might be able to assist you on this path to managing your diabetes and maintaining your good health.

Eyewear that protects the eyes

According to Prevent Blindness America, approximately 40,000 sports-related eye injuries each year in the United States are severe enough to require emergency room care- that’s one every 13 minutes! Experts agree that 90 percent of these injuries could be prevented by wearing protective eyewear. For children, eye injuries happen mainly during sports and other active play. Kids should wear eye protection, impact resistant lenses that offer adequate eye coverage are a must as are durable, properly padded frames and elasticized sports bands. Trivex and polycarbonate lenses are considerably more shatter-resistant than standard plastic lenses making them the best choice for safety and sports eyewear. Sufficient UV protection is also critical for any outdoor sport, particularly20one that involves snow or water. UV rays and excessive sunlight bouncing off snow and ice can lead to a painful sunburn of the eyes called photokeratitis. Long term exposure to UV rays has been associated with cataracts and macular degeneration. On January 11, 2006 the New Jersey State Senate and general assembly enacted a bill requiring children who wear corrective lenses to wear protective eyewear that meets the frames standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials and lens standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

FDA approves bimatoprost (Lumigan) for treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis

The glaucoma drug bimatoprost has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis (la shes that are not long, thick or dark enough). The drug will be marketed under the name of Latisse and is applied to the base of the upper eyelashes and increases growth within eight to 10 weeks.

Diabetes Related Vision Problems

According to a study by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the Archives of Ophthalmology, the “prevalence of retinopathy, glaucoma, and other vision problems related to diabetes is projected to rise dramatically over the next four decades”. These projections are based on a steady increase in the total US population, an increase in the average age of the population, and disproportionate growth in the number of Hispanics and blacks, among whom the prevalence of diabetes is higher than among whites.

Presbyopia

The ability to see things up close is dependent on the natural lens of the eye (crystalline lens) changing its shape to accommodate every distance you’re looking at. Over the age of 40 the lens’s ability to change its shape diminishes and people find that “their arms have gotten to short”. A study published by Archives of Ophthalmology in Dec. of 2008 reported that “more than 1 billion people worldwide had age related presbyopia. The authors predicted that by 2020 563 million people worldwide will have disability associated with uncorrected presbyopia.

Sports Protection

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 38,000 sports-related eye injuries are reported every year. Most sports demand eye protection. Impact-resistant lenses that offer adequate eye coverage are a must—as are durable, properly padded frames and elasticized sports bands. Sufficient UV protection is also critical for any outdoor sport, particularly one that involves snow or water.
On January 11, 2006, the New Jersey State Senate and general Assembly enacted a bill requiring “any child who wears corrective eyeglasses while participating in racquetball, squash, tennis, women’s lacrosse, basketball, women’s field hockey, badminton, paddleball, soccer, volleyball, baseball or softball, sponsored by a school, community or government agency... to wear protective eyewear that meets the frames standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials and lens standards of the American National Standards Institute.”

Eyewear That ProtectsYour Child's Eyes

Each year, thousands of eye injuries could be prevented if more people would wear safety glasses or protective eyewear.
Eye injuries happen all too frequently when adults and kids are enjoying sports or working around the home. Children are especially vulnerable to eye injuries because they often don't consider that their eyes, and possibly a lifetime of healthy vision, are at stake.
According to Prevent Blindness America, approximately 40,000 sports-related eye injuries each year in the United States are severe enough to require emergency room care — that's one every 13 minutes!
And experts agree that 90 percent of these injuries could easily be prev ented by wearing protective eyewear. For children, eye injuries happen mainly during sports and other active play. Kids should wear eye protection for the following sports and recreational activities:
baseball, softball, racquetball, tennis, badminton, soccer, ice hockey, paintball, street hockey, basketball, lacrosse, archery, fencing, boxing, & karate.
By Gretchyn Bailey

Multiple Sclerosis and Eye Care

MS is the most common disorder (demyelinating) of t he central nervous system. More than 350,000 people in the United States are estimated to have MS and the prevalence of this in increasing. Almost half of the patients present with ocular (eye) findings. Early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying therapies can delay the development of future clinical events and overall disease progression. The eye findings include optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), eye movement dysfunction, nerve palsies (beating eye movements), uveitis (inflammation of the blood vessel layer of the eye and blood vessel inflammation (retinal periphlebitis).

Would you like longer, thicker eye lashes?

On December 26, 2008 the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved LATISSE as a treatment for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes (inadequate or not enough eyelashes) by enhancing the prominence of the eyelash as measured by increase in length, thickness and darkness of eyelashes. All hair follicles go through a growth cycle (length of time before the hair falls out of the follicle). There is the growth phase, transition phase and resting phase before the hair falls out. The eye lash goes through all of these phases in 45 days (hair on the head goes through its cycle in 6 years) but LATISSE extends the growth phase of the eye lash follicle by 30 days, resulting in longer, thicker lashes. In addition, the lashes are also stronger and less likely to break. LATISSE is a once-daily prescription treatment applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with an eyeliner brush or Q-tip. LATISSE (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is used in the treatment of open angle glaucoma and is a prostaglandin analog and it is designed to bind to prostaglandin receptors (PG) which are thought to be involved in the development and re-growth of the hair follicle.

Ultraviolet (UV) treatment:

Just as you use sunscreen to keep the sun's UV rays from harming your skin, UV treatment in eyeglass lenses block those same rays from damaging your eyes. Overexposure to=2 0ultraviolet light is thought to be a cause of cataracts, retinal damage, dry eyes and other eye problems. High index and Polycarbonate lenses have 100% UV protection built-in. But with regular plastic lenses, a lens treatment is required for these lenses to block all UV rays. This UV treatment does not change the appearance of the lenses and is quite inexpensive.

Transitions Lenses Feature “Transitions VI”

Transitions Lenses Feature “Transitions VI”
There have been plastic eyeglass lenses that get dark when exposed to direct Ultraviolet light for qu ite some time. The newest generation is able to get clearer and darker faster than ever before for clarity vision indoors and at night. And with100% UV 400 protection, its universally the best lens on the market. Transitions also blocks 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.

Ultraviolet (UV) Rays

Ultraviolet (UV) rays damage causing pterygium amongst young Australians
Australia’s Newcastle Herald reported that Australia’s beach culture and outdoors lifestyle is causing more young adults to develop aggressive pterygia growth. Pterygia is basically a breakdown of the conjunctiva (outside lining of the eye, in front of the sclera (white part of the eye)) causing a lumping of tissue. If the lumping continues growth onto the cornea it may distort the cornea and create blurred vision. Scientists believe “great amounts of sun exposure in the first 10 years of life can increase the risk of pterygium by up to 40 times.

Eyelash Enhancement

The drug Lumigan (bimatoprost) has been used “off-label” and has been shown to be effective at increasing eyelash length and thickness. Lumigan’s primary purpose is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. During the studies for that treatment researchers found the drug seemed to stimulate eyelash growth. After four months of once-daily application of the drug to the base of the eyelashes “78% of participants had at least a “minimal” eyelash growth, compared with just 18% for patients taking a placebo. The manufacturer (Allergan) has received the Food and Drug Administration approval in 2009.

Fewer car crash deaths

Fewer car crash deaths among elderly Floridians since mandated vision screening tests.
Since the instillation of mandatory vision screening laws the death rate reduced by 17 percent among drivers over 80. The study performed by the University of Alabama-Birmingham compared death to drivers in Florida to neighboring states Alabama and Georgia which don’t require vision tests for Florida drivers. The neighboring states showed no decrease in death rates among their elderly drivers.&nbs p; It seems that a screening law might remove visually impaired drivers from the road.

Tips for Buying Kids Glasses

These days children’s glasses come in a variety of cool styles and kid-friendly colors. Your child should help in the selection process because the more he or she likes the glasses, the more they’ll like wearing them. The following are the top six things to keep in mind when picking out eyeglasses for children:
1) Polycarbonate lenses
2) Scratch resistant lenses
3) Silicone nose pads
4) Spring hinges
5) Tints
6) Warranties

Retina

The old adage is that “the eyes are the windows to the soul”. Developments in modern scientific technology have revealed that the eye is also a window to the body. The innermost region of the eye (retina) provides the key that allows my office to open the door to the diagnosis and management of many systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. One way we document the retinal findings is with digital retinal imaging which provides us with a “footprint” of your eye health. Macular Degeneration should be considered of epidemic proportions. The only “treatment” from the complications of macular degeneration is the usage of low vision devices (magnifiers). It takes some special training to utilize these devices and we can provide these services on Tuesday during routine business hours (9am to 5pm) by Dr. Jean Astorino a specialty trained optometrist (O.D.).

Contact Lens storage case contamination

Researchers from the Soroka Medical Center in Israel conducted tests of contact lens disinfection solution in storage cases and discovered that Pseudomonas was the most common pathogen (disease causing- 41%) with fungal pathogens accounting for 3.3% of the contamination. These pathogens can cause keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) which can lead to vision loss. This study advised contact lens users to closely adhere to contact lens care guidelines, including frequent cleaning and replacing of lenses and lens case in order to prevent contamination.

Ultraviolet rays harm eyes

If your employees or job entails being exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays you should protect yourself with ultraviolet coatings on your eyeglasses lenses. UV can speed up the progression of disease such as cataracts and macular degeneration. In addition, UV rays are also responsible for an increase in the risk of skin cancer.

Non-Glare Lens

Non-Glare: Better vision, better appearance
All eyeglass lenses reflect some light, reducing the amount of light that enters the eye to form visual images. This can have an impact on vision, especially under low-light conditions, like when driving at night. Lens reflections can also cause glare, further reducing vision in these situations.
The amount of light reflected depends on the lens material. Conventional glass or plastic lenses reflect about 8% of incident light, so only 92% of available light enters the eye for vision. Thinner, lighter lenses made of high index materials reflect up to 50% more light than regular glass or plastic lenses (up to 12% of available light).
Non-glare reduces lens reflections and allows more light to enter the eye for better night vision. Regardless of the lens material, eyeglass non-glare lenses transmit over 99% of available light to the eye.
By eliminating surface reflections, non-glare also makes your lenses nearly invisible. This greatly improves the appearance of your eyewear and allows others to see your eyes, not the reflections in your glasses.
When cleaning non-glare lenses, be sure to use the products recommended by our optician. Because non-glare eliminates reflections that can hide small scratches, you’ll want to take care not to scratch non-glare lenses, as scratches on these lenses may be more visible than scratches on a lens that is not non-glare.