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This is our quarterly on-line newsletter. We hope you find the
information useful and interesting. |
Spring 1999
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Volume 2.1 |
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Issue:
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Over 40 million Americans experience allergy-related eye discomfort.
For allergy sufferers, the onset of spring means months of itchy, red, watery eyes.
It's been estimated that over 40 million Americans experience allergy-related eye
discomfort; if you're among them, help is available.
An accurate diagnosis of Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC) is the first step.
Because SAC causes symptoms which are common to several different conditions, it's
sometimes hard to detect.
After a definitive diagnosis, we'll figure out the best course of treatment. A variety
of medications is available: artificial tears and oral or topical antihistamines are among
the most frequently recommended.
Experience has shown, however, that one of the best ways to treat allergies is simply
staying away from the substances causing them. When the body mistakes harmless substances
for foreign invaders, it attacks them. This triggers the allergic reaction which results
in swollen, itchy eyes (as well as other uncomfortable symptoms, like sneezing and stuffy
noses).
If you can successfully avoid the substance which triggers your allergy, you'll
probably lessen your discomfort. Ask us about the best game plan for treating your ocular
allergies.
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Kids are tough on their glasses, but you want them to have the freedom to be as active
as their young lifestyles demand. Polycarbonate lenses are the unquestioned champion of
the durability and comfort contest.
They're the most impact-resistant lenses on the market. That makes them a must for
everyone who participates in sports, especially activities which carry a high risk to the
eyes, like ice hockey, tennis, archery, and other sports which use a projectile. In fact,
some optometrists are recommending that kids who participate in these sports wear
polycarbonate protectors even if they don't need glasses. Kids' eyes are just better
protected from impact if they wear polycarbonate lenses.
They're also scratch-resistant, light, thin, and provide UV protection. Kids need all
these features so their glasses can keep up with them! Do them a favor and make sure their
lenses are polycarbonates.
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It's your eyes, of course! Eyewear can turn heads or make
noses turn up -- this illustration will show you why.
 Debbie had been wearing frames that were big, beige, and boxy. Her
frames didn't complement the shape of her face or her coloring, and even worse, they
didn't fit correctly. They were too wide, slid down her nose constantly, and weren't quite
centered on her face. Debbie just got the same kinds of frames over and over because she
was used to them.
During her recent visit to her optometrist, it was recommended that she try a new look.
After a little persuasion, Debbie decided that her old frames were outdated.
Debbie emerged from the doctor's office a changed woman. She had a new pair of glasses
that looked great on her. The frames flattered the shape of her face. Her new lenses had
anti-reflective, scratch-resistant coating, and they were so light and secure that she
barely knew they were there.
Learn from Debbie's example; wearing glasses can be a fashion adventure. Ask us about
selecting frames that will feel more comfortable and make you look great.
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Anyone who undergoes bypass surgery should be aware of possible (but temporary) side
effects which involve vision. A condition called postpump retinopathy can develop after
cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
This condition, although not permanent, involves groups of damaged platelets blocking
blood vessels. It can actually happen in many different parts of the body; when it affects
the eyes, it results in blurry, hazy vision and a slight loss of side vision.
Again, it's a temporary condition, but it's important that we know about it so it can
be monitored and checked. If it doesn't improve and eventually disappear, the cardiologist
needs to be notified. Because the symptoms aren't unusual, we need to be sure that there
isn't another, potentially more serious, condition masquerading as postpump retinopathy.
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Lighting in our homes that was once thought to be adequate may not be sufficient for
many seniors. Poor lighting is common in older homes. This can make every-day life
difficult and often compounds vision problems in the elderly.
Sometimes the remedy is simply using higher wattage lightbulbs. Make sure the lamps can
handle the additional wattage. Three-way bulbs can often boost light output without
overloading the lamp.
The next step is buying additional lamps and placing them around the house, especially
in dark corners and places where you read or use your eyes for concentrated periods of
time. Installing more lights in closets is another good idea.
Stairways need to be especially well-lit to prevent falls. Light switches, specifically
those near stairs and doorways, should be easy to switch on and convenient to reach.
Finally, night-lights for the bedroom, bathroom, and hallway can prevent further injury.
Do your eyes a favor and increase the lighting in your home. You won't be sorry!
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... but do avoid staring directly at it. Laser pointers are great
teaching tools, especially for those working with large screens. But they aren't meant to
be toys.
There have been several cases of children playing with laser pointers, shining them on
each other's faces or into each other's eyes, and having staring contests to see who can
look directly into the pointer for the longest period of time.
This is a dangerous game. Laser pointers can do serious damage to the retina and
permanently impair vision. Although different lasers vary in the beam strength, even the
pocket-sized ones used for teaching can hurt your vision.
Unless you need a laser pointer for your job, it's probably best to avoid the little
troublemakers entirely. |
Age-related macular degeneration, usually shortened to
"AMD," is the most common cause of vision loss in elderly people. When AMD
occurs, tissue in the center of the retina deteriorates. Damage to the retinal tissue
often leads to leakage in abnormal blood vessels, which causes internal scarring and
visual impairment.
There are two basic forms of AMD: wet and dry. The dry form is more common, and there
is no treatment, since the retina is scarred in the area of involvement. In the wet form,
bleeding is present, and there is damage from both scarring and bleeding.
New research is producing some experimental treatments for AMD such as vitamin therapy
and other methods of surgery. Other steps, like givng up smoking and coming in for regular
eye exams, can be taken to reduce the severity of AMD.
Quitting smoking can help to slow the progression of AMD. Regular vision and eye health
examinations will allow us to follow the condition and recommend treatment when needed. |
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