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Computer Vision Syndrome

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It is hard to escape backlit screens, computers, smartphones, video computer screengames and tablets. The increased use of  technology can put a strain on our eyes and visual systems. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) includes headaches, eyestrain, blur at distance and/or near, dry eyes, irritated eyes, watery eyes and tired eyes.

For some computer users, CVS symptoms are temporary and go away once ceasing computer work. If the symptoms aren’t addressed, they can continue and may worsen upon further computer use.

Ways to alleviate eyestrain from computer use:

  • Adjust your environment so the room isn’t as bright
  • Lower your monitor so you are looking downward
  • Increase awareness of your blinking. Blink more frequently to keep vision clear and eyes moist.
  • Wear appropriate vision correction. A small prescription can have a large impact on your eyes with visually demanding computer work.

To learn more about relieving computer vision syndrome click here.

Sun Protection

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It is important to protect our eyes from the sun. Excessive Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can do significant damage to bodily tissues, including the eyes. Proper protection of the eyes includes a combination of reducing exposures, using caps and visors with a wide brim, in addition to ophthalmic protection (sunglasses and/or UV blocking contact lenses).

Only 6% of Americans know they need sun protection for their eyes. Fortunately, 73% of adults wear sunglasses. What about the kids? Less than 44% of children wear sunglasses. It is more important for children to wear sunglasses than adults. Here are 13 reasons why children should wear sunglasses:

  1. The lens of the child’s eye transmits about 70% more UV than the adult eye, putting their retina at a larger risk.
  2. The cells of the lens of the eye are never replaced; the proteins of the lens are never replenished. The lens cannot repair itself;  Sunglasses in the Pooldamage accumulates over a lifetime causing cataracts and other eye conditions.
  3. Kids under 10 are at a higher risk for both skin and eye damage, because their skin and eyes are more fragile.
  4. Children are outdoors much more than adults, therefore it is likely that over 1/2 of their life exposure to the sun will occur within the first 20 years of their life.
  5. Very bright sunlight – reflected off sand, snow, water  or the pavement – can cause immediate damage to the cornea.
  6. Kids look up more, which means they are constantly looking into the sun.
  7. It is up to adults to train their children about the damage sun can do. Like wearing seat-belts and bike helmets; children can be taught about sunglasses, but only if they have them.
  8. Children will not recognize the injury or damage of a sunburn on the eye like they do with a sunburn of the skin.
  9. The long-term effects of sunburned eyes are cumulative and not completely reversible. The development of  cataract, pterygium and macular degeneration begin with childhood UV exposure.
  10. Hats only protect from above, not below, where reflected UV from water, sand or concrete can do a lot of damage.
  11. With ozone depletion our children are at greater risk of UV exposure than we were growing up.
  12. The variety of sunglasses for kids make them easy and comfortable to wear. Quality sunglasses provide 100% UV protection. Westside Optometry carries Babiators sunglasses for infants and children.
  13. Sunglasses are cool.

Cataract Myths Busted

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There are many myths about cataracts, here are the facts:

  • Cataracts cause blindness. While it is true that cataracts can cause severe vision loss and even blindness if left untreated, in most cases vision can be fully restored by cataract surgery. In fact, people who have needed prescription eyeglasses most of their life often see better without glasses after cataract surgery. cataract
  • Only older people get cataracts. Though the risk for the most common type of cataract increases as we get older, cataracts can occur at any age – even among children. Cataracts developing at an early age can be caused by heredity, certain diseases, medications or eye injuries.
  • A cataract is a film that grows on the front of the eye. Actually, a cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye that is located behind the iris (colored part of the eye) and the pupil. The eye’s natural lens consists primarily of water and protein. When something affects the normal arrangement of protein in the lens, the lens becomes cloudy and causes blurry vision.
  • There is nothing you can do to prevent cataracts. You may not be able to prevent some types of cataracts – such as those caused by an eye injury – but you can reduce your risk of some of the more common types by choosing a healthful diet, protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking.
  • Cataracts have to be fully developed or “ripe” before they can be removed. Cataracts can be removed at any stage. The best time to remove the cloudy crystalline lens (cataract) is when the vision is compromising your quality of life. This includes the inability to drive at night due to excessive glare.
  • Cataract surgery is dangerous. Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest operations performed today. More than 95% of cataract procedures are successful and fewer than 5% of patients have complications such as inflammation, bleeding, infection and retinal detachment, according to the Prevent Blindness America. In most cases, no stitches are required and it’s safe to return to work after a day of rest.

To read more about cataract, click here.

Frame of the Month

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Starting this month Westside Optometry is featuring a “Frame of the Month.”  Malcom with quoteOur first featured frame is a blast from the past, a metal – plastic combination.

 

The Chesterfield frame comes in 2 colors (tortoise and black) and 2 sizes.

Chesterfield 849

 

 

If you like the idea and look of the material combination, but want something rounder, check out our Kate Spade designs.

 

Kate Spade Ivonne

 

Handling Contact Lenses

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The last thing to touch your contact lens before it goes into your eye is your finger.

hand-washing
I can’t stress enough the importance of proper hand-washing before handling contact lenses. Wash  your hands thoroughly with mild soap, rinse completely, and dry with a clean lint-free towel.
Recent studies reinforce the importance of clean hands:
1. Poor or no hand-washing before handling contact lenses increased lipid deposits on the lenses. This can adversely affect contact lens comfort, fit, wearing time, and visual acuity – not to mention attract microbial contamination to the contact lens surface.
2. Poor hand-washing results in increased bacterial deposits on the lens and/or eye. There may also be an inflammatory response to the bacteria, including redness and inflammation of the anterior surfaces of the eyes. Ultimately, less frequent hand-washing is a risk factor for microbial keratitis (eye infections and ulcers). Good hand hygiene, meanwhile, removes hand lotions, makeup, and other oils, which can make lenses uncomfortable or blurry.

To maximize contact lens comfort and longevity, wash your hands.

Eye Damage from the Sun

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How does UV affect the eyes?

One of the most common conditions I see due to UV radiation is pinguecula. This is a raised nodule that appears on the white of the eye. It can become inflamed, discolored, and dry with chronic sun exposure.

Pterygium

Pterygium is a similar condition to pinguecula, but is grows onto the cornea (the clear part of the eye). Pterygia can grow and affect the vision. Removal is possible, but there is a high recurrence rate.

Photokeratitis is like a sunburn on the cornea, also known as “snow blindness.” Photokeratitis is directly attributed to environmental UV radiation exposure and generally occurs 8 to 24 hours after being in the sun. It is more typical in individuals who have not used sunglasses or hats. The primary symptoms include photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light) and pain.

One of the causes of cataracts is UV exposure. The crystalline lens is made up of proteins. These proteins can be altered or denatured by exposure to UVB or UVC radiation.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is another eye condition associated with UV exposure. The worldwide prevalence rate of ARMD resulting in impairment and blindness is 8.7%, making it one of the most common causes of blindness in patients over age 60. Studies have shown that many individuals with macular degeneration have had greater UV exposure over their lifetime.

Skin Cancers can present on and around the eyelids. Removal and excision is complicated by the importance of proper blinking and eyelid closure. Malignant melanoma can appear in the choroid (under the retina), the iris (colored part) and the conjunctiva (white of the eye). These tumors can be very aggressive. In fact, malignant melanomas of the choroid are the most common intraocular malignancy.

UV Radiation

To read more about how the eyes are effected by UV Radiation click here.

What to Expect during your Eye Exam

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Welcome to Westside Optometry!
Your eye exam will include questions about you, how you use your eyes, your health and visual challenges. Preliminary testing includes keratometry  (measure of the surface of the eye), photographs of your fundus (retina, macula, optic nerve head), and visual field testing.

Normal Retina Photo
Drs. Griffith and Staton will refract your eyes (find spectacle prescriptions for distance, near and possibly the intermediate range). We will thoroughly exam the health of your eyes. This includes dilating the pupils to do a complete examination of the inside of the eyes. The dilation typically lasts 3-4 hours. Most people are comfortable driving afterwards, we recommend sunglasses. Working on a computer or at near may be difficult immediately after your exam so schedule your day accordingly.

The doctors will discuss their findings and recommendations with you. This may include, treatment for dry eye, glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, safety glasses or referral for cataract consultation.

Play Safe

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Westside Optometry is a Sports Eye Injury Prevention Center. We have added a complete collection of sports frames in all sizes, styles and colors. Nearly all sports related eye injuries are preventable.
If your child wears prescription glasses, what does she do with them before Soccer Goggle Girlwalking out onto the soccer field? Take them off so they don’t get broken. Now she can’t see to play her best. I bet she has a pair of cleats, shin guards… Doesn’t a pair of sports goggles sound like a good idea?

F8 Rec SpecsChildren between 5 and 14 are at most risk for eye injuries playing baseball and softball. Basketball represents the greatest risk for eye injury for older children.

Come by to see the options.

Optimize your Visit

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“Dr. Griffith, why are you so nosy?”

I do ask a lot of personal questions butPhoroptor 1945 they are relevant to your health and how you use your eyes. Changes in medications, your health, occupation, hobbies and interests all effect your eyes. Did you know that many medical conditions can affect your eyes? Some  diseases like rosacea, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and diabetes can have a negative impact on the eyes and related structures. Smoking affects the circulation in your retina and dries out the surface of your eye. Topical and systemic medications can also affect the eyes. For example, many drugs contribute to dry eyes and blurry vision. Some medications even cause cataracts, glaucoma and retinal changes.
How you use your eyes is also very important. If you work on a computer many hours a day, your needs are different than someone who is in a retail setting or a classroom. Other activities such as playing music, bike riding and fishing all can be enhanced with the right pair of glasses or correction. If you play certain sports, protective eyewear is important. So at your next visit, give me as much information as possible so that I can provide you with the best vision care.

Eye Charts for Airplanes

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Even the eyes in the sky need to check acuity once in awhile. There are a number of “eye charts” throughout California for this purpose. Airplane eye charts provide a platform for aerial photography to calibrate and focus aerial cameras traveling at different speeds and altitudes. Works for satellites too.