Eye Health – Page 4 – Westside Optometry

20/20 Vision

September 16, 2015September 16, 2015 Karen Griffith

During an eye examination, I always use the eyechart to measure the distance vision, usually with the most current glasses or contact lenses. This gives me a place to begin and tells me what sort of vision a person has and a quantity to compare.
The classic example of an eye chart is the Snellen eye chart, developed by Dutch eye doctor Hermann Snellen in the 1860’s. There are many variations of the Snellen eye chart, but in general it has 11 rows of capital letters. The top row contains one letter (usually an E). the other rows contain letters that are progressively smaller.

In the United States, the standard placement of the eye chart is on a wall that’s 20 feet away from your eyes. Since most of our exam rooms are shorter than 20 feet we use mirrors to simulated the 20 foot distance. 20/20 vision is considered “normal vision”, meaning you can read at 20 feet a letter that most human beings should be able to read at 20 feet.

In the US a person is considered “legally blind” if his best-corrected visual acuity with glasses or contact lenses is 20/200 or worse. To get a driver’s license in California a person must have at least 20/40 best corrected acuity.

An eye chart is a measure of visual acuity only. It is an aid to prescribing glasses and contact lenses. But eye charts don’t measure peripheral vision, depth perception, or color perception. They also don’t determine the ocular health.

The visual acuity measurements done with the Snellen eyechart are simply a starting place for any eye examination, a method to quantify it.

Are Contact Lenses Dangerous?

September 9, 2015September 9, 2015 Karen Griffith 1 Comment

Contact lenses are safe when you follow replacement schedules, maximum wearing time and other recommendations from Westside Optometry.
A new report from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that millions of Americans who wear contact lenses do things that can significantly increase their risk of eye infections. The findings come from an online survey of contact lens wearers designed to assess the prevalence of contact lens wear and hygeine-related risk behaviors.
According to the study 99% of contact lens wearers reported at least one habit or behavior that increases their risk of eye infection. I know that none of my patients would act in a way to compromise their eye health, but just in case some of you have lapsed, here are some reminders:

Contact lens “wear” risks

Sleeping in contact lenses
using contact lenses for longer than the recommended replacement schedule

Contact lens “care” risks

“Topping off” disinfecting solution in the lens case and using it again
Using the same storage case for more than 3 months
Not using the prescribed disinfection solutions

Not surprisingly nearly one third of the respondents reported having experienced a red and painful eye that required a visit to the doctor.

Contact lens wear is safe when you follow recommendations and use common-sense.

Westside Goes to Seattle

July 21, 2015July 21, 2015 Karen Griffith

It’s been nearly a month since Maureen, Nannette and I came home from the American Optometric Association (AOA) meeting in Seattle. We had amazing weather, it was in the mid-80’s! Besides enjoying the weather, the abundance of coffee and a beautiful city, we attended some excellent classes.
Nannette participated an ocular anatomy workshop where she dissected a cow’s eye to better understand the structures and function of the eye. She and Maureen also went to a lensometry workshop to learn the intricacies of measuring lens prescriptions and parameters such as power, astigmatism and axis postition.
The new buzz in eyecare is the effect of blue light that is emitted from digital devices. It is thought that exposure to the blue light can cause sleep disruption and even macular damage. It’s nearly impossible to avoid our phones, tablets, computers and even TVs so blue light filters and gaming glasses are available.
Maureen went to a contact lens course which emphasized the importance of proper care, cleaning and replacement to maintain successful wear of contact lenses.
All 3 of us spent time looking at new equipment and asking the vendors questions about instruments we use in our office. We found and purchased some items to use for our dry eye treatments. I also bought a device to aid in determing spectacle prescriptions for my pediatric patients.
The courses that I learned the most at were one on glaucoma and another on cataracts. In particular the cataract course described new technology and how it compared to current surgical procedures. The educator also talked about the “premium” intra-ocular lenses (IOLs) that include multi-focal and toric designs to correct most refractive errors.

We returned to Petaluma inspired and ready to implement our new knowledge.

Successful Contact Lens Wear

May 27, 2015April 26, 2020 Karen Griffith

Proper contact lens care is essential for the best contact lens wearing experience

Contact lens wear is quite safe as long as proper lens and storage case care are followed. Improper lens wear and care can put the lens wearer at risk for serious consequences. Sight-threatening microbial keratitis (corneal ulcer) is the most significant adverse event associated with contact lens wear and is largely preventable.
Single-use or daily disposable soft lenses are prescribed to be worn once and discarded. This is the safest soft lens wearing modality because no lens cleaning, lens care or storage case is required.
The contact lens storage case is the most likely potential reservoir for contact lens related ocular infections. Contact lens cases are not meant to be family heirlooms. Replace the case at least every 3 months.

General Contact Lens Care Instructions

Hand washing: always wash your hands before handling contact lenses. Use mild, basic soap and avoid deodorant, scented or moisturizing liquid soaps.
Cleaning, rinsing and disinfection: Digital cleaning (rubbing the lens with your finger on your palm) removes dirt and debris and prepares the lens surfaces for disinfection. Rub and rinse thoroughly, even if the product is labeled “no rub.” Lens storage solutions contain chemicals that inhibit or kill potentially dangerous microorganisms while the lenses are soaked overnight.
Do not re-use old solution or “top-off” the liquid in the lens storage case. Empty the storage case daily and always use fresh solution.
Do not use lens care products beyond their expiration dates. Discard opened bottles after 30 days.
Do not allow the tip of the solution bottle to cone in contact with any surface, and keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Make-up Removal: Insert contact lenses before applying contact lenses. Take contact lenses off before thoroughly removing make-up every night.
Keep contact lens storage case clean, inside and out. Replace the case at least every 3 months.

What’s the Vitreous?

May 12, 2015May 12, 2015 Karen Griffith

The vitreous is a gel like substance that fills most of the eye. It is critical during the development of the eye. After the eye is developed the vitreous simply fills space inside of the eye.
The vitreous is often the cause of many problems in the eye. If the vitreous tugs on the retina and it can cause a retinal tear. This happens when the vitreous detaches (Posterior Vitreous Detachment) or when the eye is injured.
Epiretinal membrane or cellophane maculopathy are microscopic types of vitreous traction on the macula. An epiretinal membrane can distort the vision.
Floaters are the most common annoyance caused by the vitreous. For some people floaters impair the vision by causing spots or blur.
For severe retinal/vitreal complications the vitreous is removed (vitrectomy). Removing the vitreous is not without risk and is often performed as part of other retinal procedures.

Benefits of Ultraviolet Light

April 29, 2015April 29, 2015 Karen Griffith

Usually I am preaching the dangers of Ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and I will do a bit of that, but there are some benefits to sunshine.
Vitamin D – Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods. It is produced endogenously when ultraviolet rays from the sun strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. It is essential for maintaining bone health. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the gut to enable normal bone growth and maintenance. It may also protect against the development of cancer, autoimmunity, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, type I and II diabetes and infectious disease. Although vitamin D can be obtained through vitamin supplementation, most people in the world derive their vitamin D from sun exposure.
Low vitamin D levels may increase the chance of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a minimum exposure to UV light may be necessary for the production of vitamin D. (this does not mean it is OK to stare at the sun). UV exposure should be moderate; too much and the risk for AMD increases, as does the risk with too little UV.
There are acute effects on the eyes from too much sun exposure such as photokeratitis (a sunburn on the surface of the eye). Long-term UV exposure can cause cataracts and pterygium (a growth on the white of the eye). Wearing sunglasses when outdoors is a simple way to prevent over-exposure of UV light to the eyes.

The amount of protection from sunglasses varies depending on the material of the lens and added coatings. For maximum protection look for lenses that block 90% of UVA and 99% of UVB.
Currently, the UV index can be used as a rough guide for knowing when the skin and eyes need protection. Sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 8 or more appear to block vitamin D producing UV rays. Because we typically do not apply sufficient amounts of sunscreen or cover all exposed skin, synthesis of vitamin D probably occurs. The maximum amount of exposure needed to maintain normal vitamin D levels is 30 minutes twice a week. For some people 5 minutes twice a week is adequate. Again moderation, more is not better.

Rosacea Awareness Month

April 23, 2015April 23, 2015 Karen Griffith

Rosacea affects the eyes in many patients, and may result in a watery or bloodshot appearance, irritation and burning or stinging. The eyelids may also become swollen, and styes are common.

April has been designated as Rosacea Awareness Month with the intent to educate the public on the warning signs of this chronic but treatable facial disorder. Rosacea is a common but poorly understood disorder of the facial skin that is estimated to affect well over 16 million Americans — and most of them don’t know it. In fact, while rosacea is becoming increasingly widespread as the populous baby boom generation enters the most susceptible ages, a National Rosacea Society survey found that 95 percent of rosacea patients had known little or nothing about its signs and symptoms prior to their diagnosis.

Rosacea typically presents anytime after the age of 30 and may initially resemble a simple sunburn or an inexplicable blush. Suddenly, without warning, a flush comes to the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. This recurs over and over with the redness lasting longer each time and eventually visible blood vessels may appear. Without treatment, bumps and pimples often develop, growing more extensive over time and burning and itching are common.

In severe cases, especially in men, the nose may become enlarged from the development of excess tissue. This is the condition that gave comedian W.C. Fields his trademark red, bulbous nose. The eyes can be affected too. Ocular involvement includes watery, burning and bloodshot eyes.

Ongoing research has suggested that rosacea may be caused by various possible factors, including defects of the immune system, nervous system, facial blood vessels and genetics. Most recently the presence of microbes and Demodex mites on the skin can trigger symptoms. Demodex are normal inhabitants of human skin but occur in far greater numbers in people with rosacea. It is believed that an immune response to bacteria associated with the mites may lead to the inflammatory bumps and pimples.

A study by a dermatologist at Duke University found a significant association between the relative presence of the mites and the development of rosacea, suggestion that the microscopic mites may be involved in the disease process. The study authors also proposed that increased mite density in the skin might trigger inflammatory response, block hair follicles or help transmit other bacteria in the skin , leading to signs and symptoms of rosacea.

Demodex mites also live in the eyelash follicles. they survive on dead skin and protein. We have found that reducing the number of Demodex living on the eyelid can reduce dry eye symptoms of burning and waterness. Controlling the Demodex requires a special cleaning solution containing a derivative of Tee Tree Oil. If you have or suspect you have rosacea and are suffering from burning red eyes, make an appointment in our dry eye clinic for evaluation and treatment.

Although the definitive cause of rosacea remains unknown, a vast array of lifestyle and environmental factors have been found to trigger flare-ups of signs and symptoms in various individuals. Common rosacea triggers include sun exposure, emotional stress, hot or cold weather, wind, heavy exercise, alcohol, spicy foods, heated beverages, humidity, certain skin-care products and potentially an overabundance of Demodex mites.

Signs and Symptoms of Rosacea

Redness on the cheeks, nose , chin or forehead
Small visible blood vessels on the face
Bumps or pimples on the face
Watery or irritated eyes

Omega-3 Eye Benefits

April 2, 2015April 2, 2015 Karen Griffith

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA). EFAs are important nutrients critical for the normal production and functioning of cells, muscles, nerves and organs. Fatty acids also are required for the production of hormone-like compounds that help regulate blood pressure, heart rate and blood clotting.

Several studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help protect adult eyes from macular degeneration and dry eye disease. In a large European study , participants who ate oily fish like salmon at least once a week had half the risk of developing wet macular degeneration, compared with those who ate fish less than once a week.

In India a study was done with computer users. Half of the group were given 2 capsules of omega-3 fatty acids and the other group was given 2 capsules of a placebo. Each group took the supplements for 3 months. At the end of the 3 month trial a survey of the participants revealed dry eye symptoms diminished after dietary intervention with the omega-3 supplements . The omega 3 users also reduced abnormal tear evaporation and increased the density of the conjunctival goblet cells on the surface of the eye. The goblet cells secrete substances that lubricate the eye during blinks, stabilize the tear film and reduce dryness.

The typical American diet, characterized by significant amounts of meat and processed foods, tends to contain 10 to 30 times more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance of fatty acids appears to be a contributing cause of a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, cancer, asthma, arthritis and depression.

One of the best steps you can take to improve your diet is to eat more foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fewer that are high in omega-6 fatty acids.

The best food sources of a beneficial omega-3 FA are cold-water fish. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of two servings of cold water fish weekly to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and many eye doctors likewise recommend a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and/or supplements to reduce the risk of eye problems.

If you don’t care for the taste of fish, another way to make sure your diet contains enough omega-3 is to take fish oil supplements. These are available in capsule and liquid form and many varieties feature a “non-fishy” taste. The best time to take the supplement is with a meal so it is absorbed better.

Other good sources of omega-3 include flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts and dark leafy vegetables. However, your body can’t process the vegetarian sources as easily as the fatty acid found in fish.

Too much Omega-6 can interfere with the body’s absorption of omega-3. To reduce your intake of omega-6s, avoid fried and highly process foods. Many cooking oils including sunflower oil and corn oil are very high in omega-6 fatty acids. High cooking temperatures also create harmful trans-fats.

Trans fats may contribute to a number of serious diseases, including cancer, heart disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, arthritis and immune system disorders.

For a more nutritious diet and potentially better eye health try theses simple changes:

Replace cooking oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids with olive oil, which has significantly lower levels of omega-6 fatty acids.
Eat plenty of fish, fruits and vegetables.
Avoid hydrogenated oils (found in many snack foods) and margarine.
Avoid fried foods and foods containing trans fats.
Limit your consumption of red meat.

Springtime Allergies

March 5, 2015March 5, 2015 Karen Griffith

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, develop when the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen that gets into the eyes. This is worse on windy days because the environmental irritants are blowing all over the place. There are mast cells under the upper eyelid. The allergens cause the mast cells to release histamine and other substances or chemicals that cause blood vessels in the eyes to swell and itch.

Although allergic conjunctivitis can’t harm your vision, it can be extremely uncomfortable, annoying and disruptive. You may become intolerant to wearing your contact lenses due to the swelling and discharge. The best way to treat your eyes for allergies is to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. The most common outdoor allergens include grass, trees and weed pollens. Indoor allergens include pet hair/dander, dust mites and mold.

Complete avoidance is impossible, so treatment may be indicated. Many sufferers choose to treat their symptoms with over-the-counter allergy medication. Unfortunately, antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays commonly used for allergies are not designed to relieve eye symptoms; in fact, 73% of patients who take oral or nasal allergy medication still suffer from itchy, red eyes. Clinical research has shown that these antihistamines can cause drying of the eyes, resulting in a reduction of tear flow of up to 50%. This means there is the potential for symptoms to be more severe and longer in duration because pollens aren’t rinsed as quickly from the eyes and may accumulate.

Over-the-counter eye drops may provide some relief, but many consist of a short-acting vasoconstrictor with an antihistamine, which result in a short duration of action (usually 2 hours) and a masking of the redness rather than a treatment of the cause. There are combination drops which treat the mast cells and inhibit the histamine. To work properly, correct usage is required.

Additionally, self-diagnosis and treatment can make other conditions such as an eye infection or dry eyes worse as some of the symptoms are the same.

Contact lens wearers may suffer added discomfort because allergens can get on the lenses, and can also cause the eye to produce excessive amounts of discharge that adhere to the contact lenses too. Clinical studies have shown that contact lens wearers suffering from allergic conjunctivitis who used prescription eye drops before inserting their lenses had significantly greater comfort. Call to make an appointment at the first hint of allergies. Treating the condition sooner results in faster and less complicated relief.

For temporary relief before you can get an eye examination, use a cold compress ( a clean washcloth with ice cubes) over the eyes for ten minutes. An artificial tear or sterile saline solution can remove allergens from the eyes. Chilling the solution adds even greater comfort.

What do you need to know about Contact Lenses?

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 Karen Griffith 4 Comments

The tiny disc of plastic on your eye is one of the most amazing and complex scientific advances in vision correction. Whether you’re nearsighted or farsighted, if you have astigmatism or presbyopia, contact lenses can bring everything into focus for you.

Drs. Griffith and Staton will select the best lens material and design for your prescription and the best care products for your lenses.

LENS CARE DO’S & DON’TS

DO… wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint free towel before handling your lenses.

DON’T… use hand soaps that contain lotions or oils. Those ingredients can transfer to your lenses and leave a filmy residue.

DO… replace your lenses as prescribed. Lenses that are past their prime won’t give you the best vision and can compromise the health of your eyes.

DON’T… add new solution to used solution in your lens case.

What’s in those Bottles?

If you scan the eye care aisle at your local retail pharmacy or big box store, you’ll see a row filled with contact lens products. This can be confusing, so here’s a quick look at the main categories and what these products do:

MULTI-PURPOSE SOLUTIONS…These solutions contain everything you need for daily lens care – cleaning, rinsing, disinfection and storage – but each brand has a unique formulation. They’re not all the same. Some multi-purpose solutions include extra ingredients, such as wetting and condition agents, which are designed specifically to help keep lenses comfortable, so you can wear them all day.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SYSTEMS… Not only is hydrogen peroxide a great disinfectant, but contact lens care systems that use it have no added preservatives, which is ideal for people who have sensitive eyes and allergies.

SALINE SOLUTIONS… The most important fact you need to know about saline solution is that it will not clean or disinfect your contact lenses. Saline solution is basically sterilized salt water, and it’s mainly used for rinsing contact lenses. Never store your lenses in saline.

GENERICS… Even though store-brand contact lens solutions look almost the same as the name-brand product, some ingredients may differ just enough to cause a sensitivity reaction. And the ingredients in a store-brand product can differ from retailer to retailer – even though the packaging is similar – depending on which manufacturer is supplying the product.

Today’s contact lenses are designed to give you comfortable, sharp vision all day. You should forget you’re even wearing them. If your eyes look red or feel dry or irritated, or if your lenses are so uncomfortable that you need to remove them before the end of the day, it’s time to call us. Your lenses may not be the problem. The culprit could be your solution. Changing solutions is a remedy, but switching to a daily use lens will eliminate contact lens solution altogether.

Category: Eye Health