DES: What's Next?

You feel fire in your eyes, a massive burn. You can’t keep your hands to yourself; all you want to do is itch. Your contacts or glasses can’t help you because your vision is blurred. The glare from the sun is painful; and you ask yourself, “What could this be?” The answer is Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), and it is a disease. DES can be because your eyes stop producing enough tears (composed of oil, water, and mucus) to lubricate and nourish the front surface of your eyes or the tears evaporate too quickly.  Certain autoimmune conditions, medications, and hormones can compromise the tear film.  DES also occurs with advancing age, and is much more common in women than men.  Environment, long term use of contact lenses, and LASIK can cause decreased tear production and dry eye. 

Artificial tears are one of the best ways to treat DES.  If you dislike putting drops in your eyes, there are home remedies to improve your condition. For example, remember to always blink your eyes when reading or staring at a computer screen.  Nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids (Omega-3s) may help decrease dry eye symptoms.  Increasing the level of humidity in the air at work and at home can also be beneficial. Dry Eye Syndrome can be very uncomfortable, so please see an Optometrist for further evaluation and treatment, because nobody deserves to suffer from DES.

Donate your old glasses!

Did you know that the prescription eyeglasses that you've accumulated over the years can help someone in need?  TotalVision participates with local Lions Clubs in collecting old glasses, which are then distributed both nationally and internationally to help those who are unable to access or afford prescription eyewear.  You can read more about this program here:

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/sight-programs/eyeglass-recycling/how-you-can-help.php


Stop in anytime at any of our three locations in Newington, Uncasville, and Mystic to drop off any eyeglasses you may wish to part with.  You'll be spring cleaning and helping a good cause at the same time!

Spring Eye Allergies

Spring is in the air!  ...And so are pollen, ragweed, and a plethora of seasonal allergens.  Several cities in Connecticut were listed on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's top 100 list for "The Most Challenging Places to Live with Spring Allergies" for 2014.

What constitutes eye allergies?  And what can be done about it?


Common signs of eye allergies are itchy, watery, red eyes and swollen eyelids.  However, keep in mind that allergies are not the sole cause of these symptoms; an eye exam is necessary to rule out other alternative or concurrent causes such as dry eyes or an eye infection.

Several over-the-counter allergy medications address eye symptoms as well as those present elsewhere in the body (runny nose, sinus pressure, scratchy throat).  However, these medication have a tendency to dry out the eyes along with the nose.  With symptoms that primarily aggrevate the eyes, it may be worthwhile to look into allergy eye drops.  An eye exam will allow your eye doctor to recommend and prescribe specific eye medications based upon your symptoms.  Additionally, cool compresses over the closed eyelids are often helpful in relieving symptoms of itchy, irritated eyes -- especially for children and others who may be adverse to having drops put into their eyes.


Daily disposable contact lenses (those which are worn for one day and then thrown away) are generally the best option for individuals who wear contacts and also suffer from seasonal allergies.  This is because there is little chance for allergens to adhere to the surface of a contact lens if they are worn for one day only.  Additionally, if daily disposable contacts are not an option, alternative contact lens cleaning solutions (most notably hydrogen peroxide based systems) are often better at removing debris from the surface of a contact lens than others.  Your eye doctor will be able to make some recommendations based on the health of your eyes and your current type of contact lens.


In case you're interested in the top 100 worse citeis for allergies this spring, check out the AAFA's list here: http://www.aafa.org/pdfs/FINAL_public_LIST_Spring_2014.pdf

Sun Protection 101

After a bitter and seemingly endless winter, spring has finally sprung in New England!  In honor of sunny days to come, I've decided to put together some things to take into consideration when selecting sunglasses.  And, more expensive does not necessarily mean better!  Read on for some tips to make your time in the sun safer and more comfortable (and look like a rock star, while you're at it):

1.  UV Protection: 

There are three types of UV light -- UVA, UVB, and UVC.  UVA radiation, albeit less damaging than UVB, is the most prevalent and can contribute to early aging (wrinkles, cataract development).  UVB light is the most intense form of UV light and is responsible for sunburns.  Both UVA and UVB light likely contribute to cataract development, macular degeneration, and cancers of the sensitive skin along the eyelid.  UVC radiation is blocked by the atmosphere and does not reach earth.

It is crucial to note that UV light can easily pass through clouds; so, don't forget sunglasses on an overcast day!  Rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm.  Additionally, things like sunlamps, tanning beds, and photosensitizing drugs increase your risks.  Those that live at high altitudes or near the equator should exercise additional caution.

Look for sunglasses that offer protection from 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. This includes those labeled as "UV 400," which blocks all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers (which covers UVA and UVB light).  Also, wraparound sunglasses are beneficial because they can limit UV rays entering from the sides of the frame.


2.  Impact Resistance:

By FDA standards, all sunglasses must meet certain impact standards.  However, no lens is truly unbreakable.  Plastic lenses are less likely to shatter when compared with glass (virtually no glasses are actually made of glass, as ironic as it sounds).  Lenses made of material like polycarbonate or Trivex are used in many sports sunglasses.  These materials are incredibly tough (ie they will not shatter), but may scratch easily.  If you buy polycarbonate lenses in particular, look for those with scratch-resistant coatings.

3.  Polarization:

Polarized lenses cut reflected glare, such as that reflected off water or pavement.  They are especially helpful for water activities (fishing, boating), and skiing.  They are also particularly useful for driving on a sunny day.  Keep in mind, polarization has nothing to do with UV protection; though, some polarized lenses are now combined with a UV blocking substance.  If you opt for polarization, also make sure the lenses include UVA and UVB protection. 

One other thing to keep in mind regarding polarized lenses is that they may reduce the visibility of images produced by LCDs or LEDs found on the digital screens of ATMs, self-service gas pumps, and the dashboards of some cars.  With polarized lenses, you will likely also have trouble seeing your cell phone or GPS device.  In particular, pilots generally should not get polarized lenses as it can render LCD displays on instrument panels nearly invisible.


4. Lens color/darkness

This is mostly a matter of personal preference.  While you may be more comfortable in bright sunlight with a darker tint, keep in mind the lens color says nothing about UV protection.  In fact a dark tint without UV protection can cause more harm than a lighter shade without UV protection, as the pupils of your eye will dilate more with the darker tint allowing more UV light to pass through and damage your lens and retina!  So, again, regardless of the color of the lenses, make sure they also include 99-100% of UVA and UVB protection.

Athletes like skiers and target shooters may prefer yellow tints because they work well in low light, can reduce haze and improve contrast for a sharper image.

4.  Mirror-coated lenses

Mirror-coated lenses (also called "flash-coated") are highly reflectived surfaces on the front of lenses so they limit the amount of light entering the eye.  They are very useful for outdoor activities in bright sunlight.  Mirror coatings are available in nearly any color, and the choice as to which color is purely cosmetic; they all work the same way.  The color of the mirror coating in no way affects your color vision (though the lens color/tint itself can have some effect on color perception).

5.  Photochromic lenses:

Often referred to by a popular name brand, "Transitions," photochromic lenses are the type of lenses that darken in sunlight.  The amount they darken is based on the amount of UV light to which they are exposed.  While there are some newer types of photochromic lenses that will darken inside a vehicle, most do not achieve an adequate amount of darkening (since the windshield blocks UV light), making them a  less than ideal choice for driving.  They are great for people (especially kids) who wear prescription glasses and prefer not to have a second set of prescription sunglasses.

6.  Gradient and double gradient lenses:

Gradient lenses are darker at the top of the lens than the bottom.  They are popular for driving, as the darker portion allows for greater comfort when looking at the road, but the lighter shade on the bottom still allows the dashboard to be seen easilty.  Double gradient lenses are tinted from the bottom up, in addition from the top down.  They can help shield your eyes from both overhead light and light reflecting from water or pavement.


7.  Blue-blocking 

 

While it is still controversial if blue light (from electronics) is damaging to your eyes, lenses are now available that block this wavelength.  The jury is still out, but this may be a good option for those who currently have, or have a strong family history of, macular degeneration or cataracts.



While everyone can benefit from sun protection, keep in mind that certain people have a greater risk for eye conditions stemming from UV light exposure.  Certain medications -- Psoralens (used in treating psoriasis), tetracycline, doxycycline, allopurinol, and phenothiazine  -- can make your skin and eyes more sensitive to light, raising the risk for eye disease.  Contact lens wearers should investigate whether their contacts offer UV protection (some do!); similarly, those that have undergone cataract surgery may want to ask their surgeon whether their artificial lens includes UV protection.  If they do not, sunglasses are even more crucial. 

Additionally, sunglasses cannot protect your eyes from certain intense light sources such as arc welding, tanning lights, snowfields, or sun gazing, especially during a solar eclipse.  Looking at any of these light sources without adequate protection can cause painful changes to the cornea as well as loss of vision if the retina is affected.


I hope this guide was helpful!  Happy spring to all; enjoy those rays of sunlight safely!

some information sourced from:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/faq/sunglasses.htm
http://www.aao.org/eyecare/tmp/sunglasses.cfm

Nutrition and your eyes

One of the most common questions I get during a routine eye exam is, "What foods or supplements are best for my eyes?"  While there are numerous "eye vitamins" available, and greater levels of certain nutrients may be indicated with certain eye conditions, a balanced diet is a good way to start for anyone.  The following is a list of beneficial nutrients and some foods in which they are found:

Beta-carotene: found in carrots, sweet potatos,  spinach, kale, butternut squash

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring; freshly ground flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: found in spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, squash.

Bioflavonoids (Flavonoids):  found in tea, red wine, citrus fruits, bilberries, blueberries, cherries, legumes, soy products.

Selenium: found in seafood (shrimp, crab, salmon, halibut), Brazil nuts, enriched noodles, brown rice

Vitamin A: found in beef or chicken liver; eggs, butter, milk.

Vitamin C: found in sweet peppers (red or green), kale, strawberries, broccoli, oranges, cantaloupe.

Vitamin D: found in salmon, sardines, mackerel, milk; orange juice fortified with vitamin D; also produced upon exposure to sunlight

Vitamin E: found in almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts.

Zinc: found in oysters, beef, turkey (dark meat).

A healthy diet can go a long way toward protecting your eyes.  If you plan to start taking eye vitamins, you should discuss this with your optometrist or ophthalmologist, as too much of certain supplements may be more harmful than beneficial.





Some information sourced from:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/nutrition_summary.htm

Computer Vision Syndrome

Do your eyes feel tired or dry by the end of the day?  Are you prone to achy headaches on your forehead or around your eyes?  Does your vision ever seem to go in and out of focus, especially after a long day at work?  Do you work all day on a computer?

Many people assume their tired, dry eyes and blurry vision are an unavoidable consequence of working in today's technology-based workplace.  Computers are notorious for causing numerous vision problems including eyestrain, headaches, blurry vision, double vision, and dry eyes.  Additionally, they are often responsible for neck, shoulder, and back pain, depending on the workstation set-up.  Because of the prevalence of eye-related computer problems, they have been grouped together and given a name: "Computer Vision Syndrome," or "Digital Eye Strain."  And, there IS something that can be done!

An eye exam can identify problems that can predispose a person to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).  Trouble with eye teaming (the ability of the eyes to work together, especially when reading), an underlying Dry Eye Syndrome, and uncorrected refractive errors, namely nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all make time spent looking at a computer screen a very difficult and uncomfortable experience.  Some solutions to CVS include vision training ("eye exercises"), customized glasses or contact lens prescriptions based on your computer workstation set-up, and various treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome.  Check out the chart below to see if you might suffer from CVS.


Computer Vision Syndrome: Common Symptoms

“Tired eyes”	Blurry Vision
Eye burning	Double Vision
Watery Eyes	Headache
Dry Eyes	Frequent blinking
Eyestrain	Neck/shoulder/back ache

Additionally, here are some tips to help minimize any digital eyestrain:


• Follow the "20/20/20 Rule": for every 20 minutes on a digital device, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away (essentially, look out a window or walk away from your computer every 20 minutes.)


• Do not tilt a computer monitor.  Rather, adjust your screen so it is directly in front of your face but slightly below eye level.


• Position yourself or your device so there is sufficient distance between your eyes and the screen.  An arm's length is generally an adequate distance for a desktop computer.


• Adjust the screen brightness.  Consider changing your background color from bright white to cool gray.


• Lessen the amount of overhead and surrounding light competing with your device's screen.  If possible, avoid fluorescent lighting directly overhead.


• Increase text size to allow for greater comfort if needed.


• Remind yourself to blink more often. Staring at a digital screen generally causes people to blink less than they should, which can cause eyes to become dry.


• Parents should limit the amount of screen time for children and encourage them to take breaks (see 20/20/20 Rule above).

A New Look for a New Year

What's new in eyewear trends for 2014?  Oversized frames, bright colors, "mathematical" and "cat-eye" shapes, rose-tinted sunwear, extra detailing, vibrant blues and earthy greens. 

 

But, how does one know what looks good?  Things like face shape, eye and hair color, skin tone, and personality all are important.  Looking for new glasses and sunglasses can be overwhelming, especially when you cannot see, either because you're not wearing your prescription or because you've had dilating drops inserted.  But, have no fear; I'm here to help!

Probably the single most important factor has to do with face size and shape.

People with oblong face shapes, which are much longer than they are wide, look best in frames that are larger. Those with round faces typically want to choose frames that add angles; those which are are structured and slim.  Darker colors and lenses that are wider than they are deep help define a round face.

Square face shapes generally want to avoid glasses with hard lines, as this could make the face appear boxy.  Often, a frame that is wider than the widest part of the face can help to balance the angular features of a square face.

Heart-shaped faces, those with a chin much thinner than their forehead, should opt for shapes that balance the width of their face.  Frames that widen at the bottom are a good choice for heart-shaped faces.  Oval faces can pull off almost any style.  Current trends in choosing square, rectangular or upswept glasses can help balance the curves of an oval face.


A generalization is that juxtapositions work best: the more angular your features, the rounder your glasses should be and vice versa.  Keep in mind that your glasses also speak of your personality.  You may wish to try a bright color to show off you upbeat attitude, or a darker subdued shade for a more mature look.  Rimless options often work well for small faces as they are less obtrusive. 

The possibilities are endless!  Update your wardrobe with eyewear: it's functional AND fashionable.