Category: Eye Health

Heart Disease and the Eyes

Karen Griffith

heart in hands

The eyes are the window to the soul

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I want to explain why the eyes are the window to the heart.
Abnormalities of the blood vessels in the retina can be used to indicate complications for diabetes, hypertension, stroke and heart disease.
The retina is a membrane that lines the eyeball and receives light and converts it into signals that reach the brain and result in vision. During a dilated eye exam, Drs. Griffith and Staton examine the retina and blood vessels. Changes in the vessels such as narrowing or ballooning is suspicious of cardiovascular disease. Systemic diseases, that affect the body or its organs, such as hypertension, diabetes, AIDS, Graves’ disease, lupus, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and sickle cell anemia often cause changes in the eye that show up as red dots or small blood clots. Blood vessels of the eyes are so predicative because they are part of the brain’s vascular system, so they share anatomical features and respond similarly to stress and disease.

Normal Retina Photo
Normal Retina

In fact, eyes are so transparent compared to the rest of the body that they are the only organ that allows doctors to directly see blood vessels. The use of digital fundus photography allows the doctor to analyze the retina and vessels and compare the pictures to previous photos taken.

Let us gaze into your eyes.

Eye Safety in the Gym

Karen Griffith

liberty-sport-eyeglasses

Basketball is the leading cause of sport-related eye injuries according to Prevent blindness America, Roughly 6,000 Americans each year report eye injuries from basketball. Basketball also leads the 15 and older age group for eye injuries.
The best recommendation for eye injury prevention is wearing protective eyewear that meets the ASTM standards.
The type of eye injury varies depending on the sport but the most common include corneal abrasion, blunt trauma, fractured eye socket and detached retina. The most common injuries occurring on the basketball court are abrasions caused by fingers scratching the eye and surrounding tissues.

Sports goggles can be worn with or without prescription lenses.  Protective EyewearAt Westside Optometry we have sizes for children, teens and adults and they are available in a variety of color combinations.

What Happens at a Dry Eye Evaluation?

Karen Griffith

What happens at a dry eye exam?

If you are suffering from gritty, burning, red eyes; chances are your eyes are dry. The best treatment for your symptoms will depend on the cause of the condition which can be determined during a dry eye evaluation.

A dry eye exam begins with a questionnaire to help the doctor understand how dry eyes is affecting you daily and determine causes. Causes can be hormonal, medication induced, environmental factors and mechanical.

Meibomian gland dysfunctionTear quantity will be measured

Tear quality will be assessed.

The eyelids will be examined for underlying disease and contributing factors.

Once the doctor diagnoses the cause(s) of your dry eye she will develop a treatment plan.

What are dry eye treatments?

Eyelid hygiene is very important to the quality of the tears. The doctor will prescribe a hygiene program which may include hot compresses and a type of lid cleaning depending on the underlying cause of the dry eye condition.

Prescription eye drops may be required to quiet inflammation or improve the quality of tear producing goblet cells.

Non-preserved artificial tears may be prescribed

Oral supplements such as omega 3 can be prescribed to enhance tear quality.

Resolution of dry eyes takes time. Ongoing maintenance is often required to keep the eyes clear and comfortable.

How to Schedule an Evaluation

Westside Optometry is scheduling Dry Eye Visits on Thursdays. We ask that you’ve had a complete eye examination within the last 12 months, before a dry eye work-up. To schedule an exam or dry eye evaluation online hit the appropriate link below or call 707-762-8643

Schedule an Eye Examination

Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation

What is Glaucoma?

admin

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the pressure inside the eye may or may not be elevated. If untreated, vision loss or blindness may occur.

glaucoma prevention

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
Unfortunately, the most common type of glaucoma – open angle, causes no symptoms. Vision doesn’t change, and there is no pain. However, as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her side vision gradually failing. That is, objects in front may still be seen clearly, but objects to the side may be missed. As the disease worsens, the field of vision narrows and blindness results.
Studies have shown that early detection and treatment of glaucoma, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease. So, if you fall into one of the high-risk groups for the disease, make sure to have your eyes examined annually. Individuals at high risk for glaucoma include African Americans over the age of 40, everyone over 60 and people with a family history of glaucoma.

There isn’t a single test to diagnose glaucoma. Drs. Griffith and Staton examine the appearance of the optic nerve, the intra-ocular pressure and visual field results. Further testing such as measurement of the corneal thickness (pachymetry), examination of the anterior chamber and measurement of the  integrity of the nerve fiber layer can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Schedule your appointment.

Smoking causes Eye Damage

Karen Griffith

Crying man with cigarette

We already know that smoking is a significant risk factor for macular degeneration, but a new study shows that it also causes damage to the eye in the same way glaucoma does.
Researchers in Turkey evaluated the effect of smoking on the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) which collects visual impulses from photoreceptors (rods and cones) and ganglion cells in the retina and transmits these impulses to the optic nerve.
A total of 88 adults between the ages of 20 and 50 participated in the study: 44 had smoked at least one pack of cigarettes a day for more than 10 years, and 44 did not smoke. All were in good health and there were no significant differences in age, gender, refractive errors or eye pressure between the two groups.
Examinations of the subjects retinas revealed the mean thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer of the smokers was significantly thinner than that of the non-smokers. Thinning of the RNFL is also associated with eye diseases such as glaucoma which cause loss of peripheral vision and even blindness.
To be clear, smoking doesn’t cause glaucoma, but it does appear to cause the same destruction of the eye which leads to loss of vision. If you don’t smoke now, don’t start and if you do smoke, think seriously about stopping. Make it a resolution that you keep in 2015.

How does Diabetes Damage the Eyes?

Karen Griffith

Vision Loss

Over time uncontrolled blood sugar and poor circulation can harm the internal structures of the eye.
Blurry or Double Vision
Fluctuating blood sugar and fluctuating vision are connected. A change in glucose levels affects the eye’s ability to maintain sharp focus. It may take several months after your blood sugar is well controlled for your vision to stabilize.
Diabetic Retinopathy
The leading cause of diabetes-related vision loss is diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can damages the network of blood vessels supplying the retina or cause the growth of  abnormal  blood vessels on the retina. When these fragile blood vessels leak, the fluid and blood damage the retina and can cause permanent vision loss.
Cataracts
People with diabetes have a much greater risk for developing cataracts and at an earlier age. A cataract is clouding of the eye’s natural lens and results in the inability to focus light, glare and compromised vision,
Glaucoma
Diabetes also increases your risk of developing glaucoma. Glaucoma causes irreversible damage to the retina and optic nerve. If untreated, this damage leads to vision loss.

Scheduling regular eye exams can help detect diabetes-related eye diseases before they cause irreversible damage.
Exercise, a healthy diet and keeping glucose levels and blood pressure controlled can also help control eye problems.

Make-up and Contact Lenses

Karen Griffith

Many contact lens users wear eye make-up. Recent studies at the University of Waterloo Centre for Contact Lens Research has shown that hand creams, mascara and make-up removers can alter the contact lens shape and optics. These changes in the contact lenssoft CL will interfere with lens comfort and performance.
Cleaning lenses with a hydrogen peroxide system such as Clearcare removes some of the cosmetic product from the lens, but not completely. Waterproof mascare was associated with the greatest amount of surface depostition. Clearcare only partially removed these deposits.
Make-up removers induced the greatest changes to the lens diameter or size.
If you wear contact lenses and make-up you can avoid complications from cosmetic deposits and build-up on your lenses by following these rules:

  • Daily use contact lenses are a simple solution to the build-up of cosmetic residues. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option for everyone.
  • Washing your hands before handling your contacts removes lotions and debris from your hands.
  • Insert your contact lenses before applying any lotions or make-up.
  • Remove your contact lenses before removing your make-up. And remove your make-up every night.
  • Replace your contact lenses as prescribed

If you are experiencing contact lens discomfort, poor vision or red eyes, try the above recommendations. If you are still having problems, call the office for an appointment.

Vision Expo West

Karen Griffith

Riding Vespa at Vision Expo

It wasn’t all fun and games in Las Vegas this past weekend. Before Peg and I rode the Vespa under the Arc de Triomphe, we checked out the newest progressive lenses and learned some new measurement techniques.

Between Peg and I we attended 12 hours of education ranging from frame manufacturing to oral medications to nutrition. Here are the highlights of each course we want to share with you:

  • Global Frame Manufacturing. Italy was once the primary country for eyeglass frame manufacturing, but as with other industries, the factories have relocated in China for economic reasons. The next trend is a shift to India.  It takes time to train the workers and get the factories up to standard. The speaker emphasized that the quality of the product isn’t dependent of the country of production, but the individual factory of production. Some frame companies demand the highest standards of skill, environmental impact and human treatment.
  • Corneal Cross-Linking. Corneal X-linking is a treatment to stabilize a diseased corneal. Keratoconus is the primary condition that benefits from this procedure, and the earlier in the disease process it is performed the better the outcome and quality of life for the patient. Unfortunately, the US is the only non-third world country that doesn’t have approval. The FDA has delayed approval because corneal X-linking requires Riboflavin, a drug, and UVA radiation, a device. Apparently the FDA drug department and the FDA device department can’t work together. Until it is approved there are test sites in the US or patients have to leave the country for treatment.
  • Shades of Grey. Peg went to this course aimed at women and their maturing eyes and the tissue around the eye. Topics such as the risks and benefits of permanent make-up, Botox and Fillers were discussed. Common conditions like dry eye, the causes  and treatments were highlighted.
  • Eyefoods. This course was presented by Laurie Capogna, O.D., one of the authors of the book Eyefoods that I reviewed. She talked about preventative eyecare through nutrition and lifestyle. 2 take home points are Eyefoods do not Replace Supplements and Supplements do not Replace Eyefoods.
  • Strong and Unusual Lenses. The gist of this lecture was predicting the thickness and weight of lenses in various prescriptions. Utilizing different materials and lens treatments can improve the appearance and clarity of a high powered lens.
  • Oral Medications. This class included antibiotics, antivirals, steroids and supplements. The ocular complications of systemic medications  was also covered. For example Prozac can cause dry eye, light sensitivity and red eyes. Tamoxifen can cause changes to the macula.
  • Trouble-Shooting Eyewear Problems. The most important point in this class was to start with a good fitting frame. Not all frame designs work with all prescriptions and not all styles fit all faces.

Besides classes, we spent a lot of time in the exhibition hall which was divided into 3 areas: Eyewear & Accessories, Lenses & Processing Technology and Medical and Scientific. I purchased a new piece of testing equipment that I will talk more about when it arrives. We also visited vendors of dry eye treatments whose products Dr. Staton and I will be evaluating so we can better address  our patient’s dry eye issues. Lastly, Peg visited many frame companies. She has a short list of new products that we will transition into our dispensary as we update our frames.

Book Review: EYEFOODS

Karen Griffith

EyefoodsA book review is new to the eyeblog, but I’m not sure why I haven’t written one sooner. As many of you know, I am an avid reader. I have been trying to expand my reading scope beyond fiction. I’ve been picking up the occasional business book, or human interest best seller. The inaugural book I want to share is Eyefoods, a Food Plan for Healthy Eyes by Drs. Capogna and Pelletier. They are Canadian optometrists who obviously have a special interest in nutrition.

I am often asked and many times offer information about how what we eat, smoke and drink effects our eyes.  EyeFoods OpenedMost of my information comes from studies, lectures and my knowledge about vitamins, minerals and other ingested substances. Eyefoods is written for the layperson, it is logically laid out, with beautiful photographs. The reader can find information by eye disease : age-related macular degeneration, cataracts or dry eye, by type of nutrient: Vitamin C, Zinc, or Anti-Oxidant, and by food sources of healthy eyefood. For example, I recommend 10mg of Lutein a day for patients at risk for macular degeneration. The section about “leafy green vegetables” says that one medium leaf of raw kale is enough to achieve your daily goal of lutein and zeaxanthin. So that’s why kale is so popular lately.  The authors also include recipes and simple tips to incorporate healthy choices into your routine.

Healthy lifestyle and food choices not only benefit the eyes, but our over-all health. In fact the book concludes with an Eyefood Lifestyle Plan:

  • Wear good quality sunglasses
  • Take control of your health
  • Get moving
  • Quit smoking
  • Take an eye vitamin
  • Maintain a healthy weight

If you are looking for a food and health resource, check out this book. I know my copy has found its way to everyone’s desk in the office and each one of the Westside staff has gleaned a valuble nugget. From fiber content in cabbage to dry eye prevention, it’s all here.

Eyefood, A Food Plan for Healthy Eyes. Laurie Capogna, OD and Barbara Pelletier, OD

 

Too Much Sun can be Dangerous for Eyes

Karen Griffith

Corneal Sunburn

If the eyes are exposed to excessive amount of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation over a short period of time, “sunburn” called photokeratitis can occur on the surface of the eye (the cornea). This condition Sun and the Eyes may be painful and includes symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign-body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, blurry vision, excessive tearing and extreme sensitivity to light. Photokeratitis is also called snowblindness because it occurs often when enjoying winter sports where the light is reflected from the snow. It is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage, but can take days to heal.
 Premature Aging
Ongoing exposure to UV radiation, however, can cause serious harm to the eyes and age them prematurely. Research has shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over time increases the chance of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and eye cancer.

 Prevention
Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, summer or winter protect your eyes from the sun’s rays in order to decrease the risk of eye diseases and disorders.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to wear sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses with UV protection, apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect the eyes and tissues around them.
And don’t forget your children, their eyes are more susceptible to damage from UV.
A good way to monitor eye health, maintain good vision and keep up-to-date on the latest UV protection is by scheduling yearly comprehensive eye exams.