Newsletter Articles/Education

UV Rays and Eye Health

With summer right around the corner, more people will be spending time outdoors and UV protection will be top of mind. Unfortunately, most people think about the protection of their skin, when they should also be considering the safety of their eyes. In fact, according to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) American Eye-Q® survey, only one-third of Americans said UV protection is the most important factor they consider when purchasing sunglasses. Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, summer or winter, the AOA urges Americans to take measures to protect their eyes from the sun’s UV rays in order to decrease the risk of eye diseases and disorders. “Overexposure to UV rays is quite serious and can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, or, in some cases, skin cancer around the eyelids,” said Sarah Hinkley, O.D., the AOA’s UV protection expert. “Other disorders that can occur are abnormal growths on the eye’s surface and even sunburn of the eyes. These conditions can cause blurred vision, irritation, redness, tearing, temporary vision loss and, in some instances, blindness.” Even more concerning is the lack of awareness surrounding the potential effects of overexposure to UV radiation. According to the American Eye-Q® survey, 35 percent of adults are unaware of the eye health risks associated with spending too much time in the sun without the proper protection.

The following top five tips may help prevent eye and vision damage from overexposure to UV radiation:

“The lenses of children’s eyes are more transparent than those of adults allowing shorter wavelength light to reach the retina,” said Dr. Hinkley. “Because the effects of solar radiation are cumulative, it’s important to develop good protection habits early, such as purchasing proper sunglasses for young children and teenagers.” According to the AOA, parents should purchase sunglasses for all children, including infants. The American Eye-Q® survey found 66 percent of Americans purchase sunglasses for their children, but more than one in four parents do not check to make sure the lenses have proper UV protection. Additionally, less than one third (29 percent) of parents make sure their child wears sunglasses while outdoors.

Eyes and Seasonal Allergy

For most Americans, the start of spring is welcomed by thoughts of warmer weather, beautiful flowers and picnics in the park. But, for the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, the early signs of spring more closely resemble sneezing, coughing and itchy, watery eyes. Eye allergies, also called “allergic conjunctivitis,” are a reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens – pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander – that get in the eyes and cause inflammation of the tissue that lines the inner eyelid.

While eye allergies can affect anyone, the spring can be particularly hard on contact lens wearers. Extended wear time and infrequent lens replacement are two of the main reasons contact lens wearers face more severe symptoms. Contact lens wearers consider the following to make the spring season more comfortable:

When it comes to treating symptoms of allergies, the American Eye-Q®, a recent nationwide survey conducted by the American Optometric Association (AOA), found more than one-third (36 percent) of allergy suffers use antihistamines or other medications to treat their symptoms. While antihistamines can help with typical symptoms like runny noses and sneezing, the medication can make ocular symptoms worse by reducing tear quality and quantity.To effectively treat and relieve the symptoms caused by eye allergies, patients should see their optometrist. In most cases, we can soothe allergy-related conjunctivitis with prescription or over-the-counter eye drops depending on the patient and his or her medical history.

While eye allergies can be a nuisance and affect job performance, leisure and sporting activities, symptoms of allergies can be curtailed and prevented by following these recommendations from the AOA:

Beyond discussing allergy relief with your optometrist, the AOA also recommends adults age 60 and under have a comprehensive eye exam every two years. Adults over age 60 should have eye exams annually. Based on an individual’s eye health and the severity of their eye allergies, the eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits.

Red Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” is a common eye disease, especially in children. It may affect one or both eyes. Some forms of conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and easily spread in schools and at home. While conjunctivitis is usually a minor eye infection, sometimes it can develop into a more serious problem. Conjunctivitis may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can also occur due to an allergic reaction to irritants in the air like pollen and smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, and ingredients in cosmetics or other products that come in contact with the eyes.

People with conjunctivitis may experience the following symptoms:

The cause of conjunctivitis varies depending on the offending agent. There are three main categories of conjunctivitis: allergic, infectious and chemical.

Allergic Conjunctivitis occurs more commonly among people who already have seasonal allergies. At some point they come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in their eyes. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis is a type of allergic conjunctivitis caused by the chronic presence of a foreign body in the eye. This condition occurs predominantly with people who wear hard or rigid contact lenses, wear soft contact lenses that are not replaced frequently, have an exposed suture on the surface or the eye, or have a glass eye.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis is an infection most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system. Infection can also occur by transmittal from insects, physical contact with other people, poor hygiene (touching the eye with unclean hands), or by use of contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions.

Viral Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by contagious viruses associated with the common cold. The primary means of contracting this is through exposure to coughing or sneezing by persons with upper respiratory tract infections. It can also occur as the virus spreads along the body’s own mucous membranes connecting lungs, throat, nose, tear ducts, and conjunctiva.

Chemical Conjunctivitis Chemical Conjunctivitis can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals.

Treatment of conjunctivitis is directed at three main goals:

The appropriate treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause:

Allergic conjunctivitis – The first step should be to remove or avoid the irritant, if possible. Cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Cases of persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid eye drops.

Bacterial conjunctivitis – This type of conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Improvement can occur after three or four days of treatment, but the entire course of antibiotics needs to be used to prevent recurrence.

Viral Conjunctivitis – There are no available drops or ointments to eradicate the virus for this type of conjunctivitis. Antibiotics will not cure a viral infection. Like a common cold, the virus just has to run its course, which may take up to two or three weeks in some cases. The symptoms can often be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tear solutions. For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation, but do not shorten the course of the infection.

Chemical Conjunctivitis – Treatment for chemical conjunctivitis requires careful flushing of the eyes with saline and may require topical steroids. The more acute chemical injuries are medical emergencies, particularly alkali burns, which can lead to severe scarring, intraocular damage or even loss of the eye.

High Altitude Affects Cornea but not Vision

Living in Colorado, it's natural to wonder about the effects of altitude on vision. As reported in the Archives of Ophthalmology, mountain climbing at high altitudes can cause swelling of the cornea but does not appear to affect vision, according to a new study. Study results show that, at high altitudes, a decrease in oxygen can cause mountain sickness and cornea changes. Researchers at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, studied 28 volunteers who climbed Mount Muztagh Ata in western China. Participants reached about 6,300 meters or 20,670 feet. Mountain climbers had an increase in corneal thickness but no change in visual acuity at over 20,000 feet. One group of climbers had less time to acclimate before ascending. The researchers studied the climbers' corneal thickness, visual acuity and blood oxygen levels before, during and after ascent. In both groups, corneal thickness and blood oxygen levels increased as the altitude increased; they decreased after descent. The researchers also found a correlation between corneal thickness and mountain sickness. The group that had less time to acclimate had a greater increase in corneal thickness. Altitude did not affect visual acuity significantly in either group. The researchers noted that although vision was not affected at 6,300 meters, more extreme altitudes may cause damage to the cornea that could potentially lead to vision loss.

Colorado Drye Eyes

Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or have a poor quality of tears. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults. With each blink of the eyelids, tears are spread across the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye, and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts, in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain in the back of the nose.

Dry eyes can result from an improper balance of tear production and drainage.

The development of dry eyes can have many causes. They include:

Dry eyes can be a chronic condition, but your optometrist can prescribe treatment to keep your eyes healthy, more comfortable, and prevent your vision from being affected. The primary approaches used to manage and treat dry eyes include adding tears, conserving tears, increasing tear production, and treating the inflammation of the eyelids or eye surface that contributes to the dry eyes.

Steps you can take to reduce symptoms of dry eyes include:

 

3D-ready TVs are one thing, but 3D-ready eyes?

It’s a serious question. Apparently, although 3D-ready TVs will hit the mass consumer market this year, many people are unaware that they can’t actually see 3D images properly. Research by leading optometrists has shown that more than half of people between the ages of 18 and 38 suffer from abnormalities in their binocular vision, or their ability to use both eyes together. This can, in a small number of cases, lead to a lack of depth perception, which is of course crucial to seeing 3D images. The research also found that five percent of the tested population suffered from amblyopia and/or strabismus, both of which render 3D viewing impossible, according to information published by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD).

But what does this mean for the new wave of 3D content cresting towards us in 2010? The problems caused by these conditions can occur intermittently, allowing the viewer to see 3D only some of the time. As Dr. Bradley Habermehl, president of the COVD, explained: “This can definitely cause headaches or at least make viewing very uncomfortable.” 3D content is making its way into the living room, but not everyone will be able to see it. The statement suggests that many people are unaware they cannot see fully in 3D, and that 3D content such as current blockbuster “Avatar” might highlight to them that something is wrong. Another condition that might become apparent in this way is known as visual motion hypersensitivity (VMH), which is characterised by feelings of dizziness when watching a film – even just in 2D – at the cinema.

According to the COVD, this effect will be stronger for those watching content in 3D, making viewing such content a particularly stressful experience. Another researcher, Dr. Susan R. Barry, a professor of neurobiology at Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts, underwent optometric vision therapy at the age of 48 to correct her so-called “stereo blindness” – her inability to see in three dimensions. Now that Barry can see 3D normally, she said of Avatar: “The scenes of the forest receding way into the distance and the seeds from the Tree of Life floating in front of the screen were fantastic.”

 

updated 05/17/2010

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