Blog

What is Your Vision?

Karen Griffith

SNELLENWhen patients come to see me, I need to have a way to compare how they see in relation to someone with “normal” vision. I also need to have a consistent measurement for year to year comparison. So, like most eye doctors, I use a number system called Snellen visual acuity. This measure of the clarity of vision uses black letters on a white background. This is the part of the eye examination, when I ask you to read the letters on the chart. The letters are called optotypes and they have a very specific design that takes into account the size of the lines and the space between them While there are other types of visual acuity measurements, Snellen acuity is the most common. One of the circumstances when I will use other types of tests is when I’m examining my younger patients. Then I might use shapes or broken wheel charts.Children's Acuity

The measure most people want to achieve with the Snellen visual acuity is 20/20 vision. This is considered normal. But what does 20/20 mean? Take for example a person with 20/40 vision. A person with 20/40 vision is at a disadvantage compared to a person with normal, 20/20 vision. In fact, a person with 20/40 vision would have to stand 20 feet away from something that a person with normal vision can stand 40 feet away from and still see clearly.

A number of factors like eye disease, the eye’s length and curvature, and the quality of connection between the eye and the process centers in the brain come together to determine visual acuity. Some factors, like nearsightedness, come with easy solutions like glasses or contact lenses. Others conditions like macular degeneration, are much more complex and simple solutions like glasses only offer minimal improvement.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Karen Griffith 1 Comment

Allergies are widespread, affecting 30% or more of the U.S. population. Allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis (runny nose) can exact a significant toll on individuals. The most common Allergiessymptom of eye allergies is itching, which can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely bothersome. Itching and other symptoms which include watery eyes, redness, pain, soreness, stinging and swelling, may reduce a persons ability to perform daily routines or activities at school or work.

There are two common forms of ocular allergy,  seasonal and perennial. Of the two, seasonal allergies are the more common. Seasonal allergies are triggered by seasonal items such as tree, grass and weed pollens that abound in spring and fall. People sensitive to these allergens tend to have symptoms most frequently during those seasons. When the allergies are no longer present, a seasonal allergy sufferer doesn’t have symptoms.
Perennial allergies, by contrast, are triggered by environmental allergens commonly found in the home – such as dust mites, mold spores or animal dander – and do not follow a seasonal distributions. As a result, if you have perennial allergies, you suffer all year long.

Treatment
Avoidance of the allergen or cause of the allergy is the most successful, but unfortunately isn’t always possible. Minimizing contact can still reduce symptoms however. Many people have found relieve with air filters that remove airborne allergens from the home or office. Dust mites or animal dander control measures can help. Keeping the house and car windows closed will minimize allergens. Simply wearing sunglasses as a mechanical barrier and washing hair in the evening can help reduce allergen exposure.

If your symptoms are minimal or intermittent, applying a cold compress (10-15 minutes) may relieve symptoms, especially itching. Artificial tears can bolster ocular defenses by flushing out antigens and can relieve mild ocular allergy symptoms. Benefits of these measures include simplicity, minimal expense and no side effects.

Histamine is central to the allergic reaction and symptoms. Antihistamines are intended to block the effects of histamine. Oral antihistamines can relief systemic symptoms, but may have side effects of sleepiness, dry mouth, and dry eyes. Topical antihistamines target the eye allergy and have less side effects.

Some allergy eye drops combine the antihistamine with mast cell inhibitors. The mast cell inhibitors inhibit the release of histamine and prevent the allergic reaction from starting. I recommend starting this drop at the first sign of symptoms.

For severe eye allergies, a steroid eye drop may be necessary to interrupt the allergic cycle. Steroid eye drops are very effective but have many potential side effects and must be used only as prescribed.

Don’t suffer from allergies. Discuss your symptoms and concerns with Dr. Griffith or Dr. Staton.

 

Progressive Lenses

Karen Griffith 1 Comment

If the print keeps getting smaller, you may have presbyopia, a common condition that can be corrected with multi-focal glasses or contact lenses.
The invention of bifocals is credited to Benjamin Franklin in the late 1700’s – that is some old technology. Flat-top or lined bifocals are still available and function well in certain situations. Another alternative to the lined bifocal are progressive lenses. Progressives feature an intermediate or “transition region” that allows your eyes to focus in the area in between near and far distances (a computer screen for example). Progressives, or “no-line bifocals,” have a gradual curvature across the lens surface and provide not only clearer vision at near and far distance, but also smooth, comfortable transitions in between.

comparing standard and HD progressives
Today you can find factory molded progressive lenses at many major retailers and even on the internet. These old-school progressive lenses are made for average prescription powers, standard fitting parameters and limited frame sizes. Fortunately, all progressive lenses are not created equal.
New technology takes the way we use our eyes and the optics of different prescriptions into consideration with the newly designed progressive lenses. More precise and individualized manufacturing provide smoother transitions and wider viewing zones with the elimination of blurring and swaying sensations in the peripheral vision. Free-form or digital high definition lenses utilize computer controlled surfacing. The position of the lens in the frame and the way the frame fits on the wearer’s face are all measured and considered in addition to the prescription.

At Westside Optometry we want to find the best lens design for your lifestyle and visual demands. Sunglasses are available in the new technology too.

New Generation Transition Lenses

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Transitions 2014

Tuesday night we left the office a little early to attend a seminar on the newest Transition Lenses. Most people are familiar with spectacle lenses that get dark when you go outdoors, and lighten again when inside.
This newest generation Transition Signature VII lens with Chromea7 technology was created with the user in mind. The Chromea 7 molecule is more reactive to ultraviolet in more situations. It gets darker on hot days, under a tree and facing away from the sun. The new Transition 7 also fades back to clear 20% faster.

Like all products in the Transition Adaptive lens family (XTRActive and Vantage) the Transition VII blocks 100% UVa and UVb. All the adaptive lenses help eyes adjust to changing light levels, providing more comfortable vision.

If it has been years since you’ve tried the transition lenses, it may be time to try them again. This isn’t the same lens your grandfather wore.

Spring Trunk Show

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kate spade glasses

 

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Westside Optometry invites you, your friends and family

to our Spring Eyewear Event

Saturday March 8th

10:00 – 2:00

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gucci 2014

We will be hosting  Gucci men and women’s designer frames

and

the fun, colorful Kate Spade collection

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For more details click here or call (707)762-8643

 

 

 

 

 

Examining your Baby’s Eyes

Karen Griffith

Baby Eye ExamsI recommend a baby’s first eye examination by 12 months. Your baby can’t tell you about his eyes, so it’s up to you to make the appointment. I feel so strongly about this first exam that I participate in the American Optometric Association (AOA) InfantSee program. The infant exam is on me!

As your baby grows there are a few signs you can look for that may indicate a vision problem. They include:

  • Frequent eye rubbing
  • Excessive blinking
  • Failure to maintain eye contact
  • Inability to maintain  gaze while looking at objects
  • Crossed or misaligned eyes

Remember some children with poor vision do not show obvious signs and need to have regular comprehensive eye exams to detect any eye health issues.

A history of prematurity and delayed motor skills development, plus a family history of poor vision and eye health are also factors indicating an assessment. If you infant is between 9 and 12 months, call the office now for a free infant exam. (707)762-8643.

Eye Emergencies: What to do?

Karen Griffith

[heading centered=”yes” margin_bottom=”no”]Something in the eye/eye pain[/heading][big_heading centered=”no”][/big_heading]

Are any of the following true?

  • The foreign body can be seen, and remains after gentle washing. Eye Injury
  • The injury has penetrated the globe of the eye.
  • Blood can be seen in the eye.
  • It feels as though something is trapped under the eyelid.

Call the office immediately, especially if the vision is blurry and/or there is eyepain.

[heading centered=”yes” margin_bottom=”no”]Blunt Trauma[/heading][big_heading centered=”no”][/big_heading] [heading centered=”yes” margin_bottom=”no”]such as the eye is hit with a ball, fist or other object[/heading]

Are any of the following true?

  • The lid is swollen shut.
  • There is blood.
  • The front of the eye is hazy or white.
  • The pupil is irregularly shaped, dilated or constricted.

Call the office, especially if the vision is blurry, or there is pain. If none of the above signs are present, apply ice packs for the first 2 hours.

For more information about preventing eye injuries or what to do if something splashes into the eye causing a  chemical burn click on the appropriate link.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

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There are no symptoms for glaucoma. Vision stays normal and there is no pain. However, as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice a decrease in his or her side vision. Once vision is lost to glaucoma, it can’t be restored. That is why it is important to have regular eye examinations with pupil dilation.
Measurement of the “eye pressure” is just one factor in determining glaucoma. In fact, it is the damage to the optic nerve that confirms the diagnosis of glaucoma. The optic nerve is examined by dilating the pupil to view it with stereopsis (with depth). The dilation also allows better, clearer fundus (back of the eye) pictures to be taken for year-to-year comparison.

Glaucoma

Visual field testing measures the nerve fiber layer in the eye and can detect loss of important nerve tissue before optic nerve changes occur.

Studies have shown that early detection and treatment of glaucoma is the best way to control the disease. To learn more about glaucoma and how it is treated, click here.

 

2014 Eye Resolutions

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[big_heading centered=”no”]Your vision and eye health  are important every day of the year. Make changes now for a lifetime of good vision.[/big_heading]

Eat Smart. Diet and nutritional supplements go a long way in promoting eye health. Studies show a diet rich in fruits, leafy vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of eye problems like macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome.

Get Moving. Research has shown higher levels of physical exercise can reduce certain risk factors for glaucoma, as well as macular degeneration. iStock_000023582367Small
Quit smoking. Put simply, smoking harms your vision. Studies show smoking dramatically increases the likelihood of developing cataracts, macular degeneration,uveitis and diabetic retinopathy.
Wear Sunglasses. Protect your eyes from the sun (and make sure your kids do, too). Always wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors — no matter what time of year — to shield your eyes from UV rays. This may reduce your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.
Start using safety eyewear for lawn-mowing, home repairs and other chores. Experts say 90 percent of eye injuries requiring a visit to the emergency room can be prevented with proper safety eyewear.

Properly Care for your Contact Lenses. Dirty contact lenses, even if they are not uncomfortable, can cause serious eye infections. Clean your contact lenses and contact lens case properly, and always replace your contacts as recommended.
Reduce Computer Eye Strain. Rest your eyes from computer work every 20 minutes to relieve computer vision syndrome and avoid dry, red eyes. Also, ask Dr. Griffith or Staton about stress-relieving computer glasses.
Improve Your Vision. If you’ve been putting up with contact lens discomfort, dry eyes, eye allergies or blurry vision, talk to us about changes you can make to improve or eliminate these problems.

Upgrade your contact lenses. Contact lenses come in a wide variety of materials, replacement schedules and wearing times — not to mention the array of color contact lenses and special effect contacts available. With the advancement in contact lens technology, there’s sure to be a type of contact lens that suits your individual requirements and lifestyle.

Improve Your Appearance. Upgrade your eyewear. Get with the times and refresh your look, as well as take advantage of the latest in lens and frame technologies. Try eyeglass lens coatings. Various lens coatings keep your field of view clear by reducing reflections, fogging and scratches. And eliminate glare during outdoor activities with polarized sunglasses. If you have a strong prescription, try high index eyeglass lenses. High index lenses provide the same optical power as regular ones, but are thinner and lighter.

Considering LASIK? If you’re tired of wearing glasses or contacts, ask your us if you are a good candidate for LASIK or other vision correction surgery.

Schedule an Eye Exam for everyone in your family. Kids and seniors, especially, should have comprehensive annual eye exams to monitor vision changes. Also, have your family doctor screen you for diabetes and hypertension — if left untreated, these diseases can lead to serious eye problems. (707)762-8643.

Winter Eyes

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Winter winds and moisture zapping heaters can cause dry, red and irritated eyes.
Tears are essential for good eye health and clear vision. They bathe the eye, washing out dust and debris, and keep the surface moist and clear. The natural tear film also contains enzymes that neutralize microorganisms, reducing the risk of eye infections.
Tear FilmThe most common signs and symptoms of dry eyes are persistent dryness and irritation, scratchiness, a burning feeling in your eyes and red eyes. Oddly enough, dry eye syndrome also can make your eyes watery, as dryness can cause a protective overproduction of the watery component of your tears.

How to prevent dry eyes in winter

Cold winter wind outdoors and dry heat indoors can cause or worsen dry eyes. Follow these tips to keep dry eyes at bay.

  • Wear sunglasses or goggles. Wearing close-fitting sunglasses outdoors reduces exposure to sun and wind that can dry out your eyes. If it’s especially cold and windy, try foam-lined goggles that provide even greater protection from tear evaporation.
  • Supplement your diet. Fish oil and other nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent or relieve dry eye symptoms.
  • Drink more water. Mild dehydration often makes dry eyes worse, especially during dry and windy weather.
  • Switch contact lenses. If your contact lenses feel dry and uncomfortable, ask me about trying different lenses that are replaced more frequently and/or are better for someone with dry eyes.

Dry eyes may not be completely curable in certain cases, but the unpleasant Oasis Tearsdryness, scratchiness and burning sensation can be managed. We are carrying a new artificial tear called Oasis that contains long-molecule hyaluronic acid which keeps the moisture on the eye longer. Click here to read more about dry eye syndrome.