accent-on-eyes

What Is Inflammatory Dry Eye and How Is It Treated?

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:10:14 GMT

Inflammatory dry eye could be the reason that your eyes feel dry and irritated year-round. Luckily, your optometrist can offer treatment options that reduce inflammation and improve tear production.

What Is Inflammatory Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when tears evaporate too quickly, your eyes don't make enough tears, or the tears your body does make are of poor quality. The condition can be a problem if you spend time in a windy or smoky environment or don't blink often when using a digital screen. In some cases, dry eye can also be caused by inflammation. Inflammation may affect the quantity and quality of your tears and cause chronic dry eye.

You may be wondering how your eyes could be inflamed when you haven't had an eye injury or don't have an eye disease. Inflammation can affect your entire body and doesn't only happen after an injury, disease, or illness. Weight gain, stress, aging, toxins and pollutants, depression, a sedentary lifestyle, an autoimmune disease, or a poor diet can cause inflammation, according to Harvard Medical School.

SIf you have chronic inflammation, you could either have no symptoms or experience:

Aches and Pains
Fatigue
Rashes
Fever
Diarrhea
Nausea
Constipation
Weight Loss or Gain
Insomnia
Trouble Concentrating
Sores in Your Mouth
Headaches
Frequent Illnesses or Infections

According to an article in the January/February 2024 issues of Modern Optometry, inflammation can affect the cornea, lacrimal gland, conjunctiva, and meibomian glands in the eye. The clear, rounded cornea covers your iris and pupil, while the conjunctiva is the white part of your eye. Lacrimal and meibomian glands are involved in tear production. Lacrimal glands make tears. Meibomian glands contribute oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

The article notes that inflammation may affect tear film balance and cause inflamed dry eyes. Once inflammation starts, it may continue to worsen. As inflammation increases, the nerves in your eyes may become irritated, triggering burning and irritation. The condition may also affect the normal functioning of cells in your eyes. If inflammatory dry eye isn't treated, permanent damage to the eye could occur.

How Is Inflammatory Dry Eye Treated?

Depending on your symptoms and the severity of your condition, one or more of these treatments may be recommended:

Antibiotic or Corticosteroid Eye Drops to Reduce Eye Inflammation and Improve Comfort
Eye Drops to Decrease Tear Gland Inflammation
Prescription Nasal Spray, Drops, or Pills to Boost Tear Production
Tiny Plugs Inserted Into Tear Ducts to Prevent Tear Drainage
Rice-Sized, Dissolvable Eye Inserts That Moisten the Eye
Warm Compresses to Unblock Clogged Meibomian Glands
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy to Reduce Inflammation and Improve Meibomian Gland Function

Lifestyle Changes That May Improve Your Inflammatory Dry Eye Symptoms

In addition to the treatments recommended by your optometrist, reducing chronic inflammation in your body can be helpful. You can reduce inflammation by:

Improving Your Diet. Fried, fatty, and sugary foods have all been linked to increased inflammation. Fill your grocery bags with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, and poultry instead. Bake foods instead of frying them, and use healthy fats, like olive, canola, or sesame oil, when cooking.
Making Lifestyle Changes. Stop smoking, limit your consumption of alcohol, get more exercise, lose weight, and prioritize sleep.
Keeping Stress Under Control. Any activity that helps you feel relaxed or calm can help you reduce stress, whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, or practicing yoga.
Adding Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation naturally. Foods that contain these acids include salmon, mackerel, chia seeds, sardines, herring, oysters, flaxseeds, kidney beans, and trout. Supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids are also available.

Are your eyes constantly dry, red, itchy, and uncomfortable? We can help you find a solution for your dry eye symptoms. Contact our office to schedule a convenient appointment with the optometrist.

Sources:

Modern Optometry: The Role of Inflammation and Immune Response in Dry Eye, January/February 2024

https://modernod.com/articles/2024-jan-feb/the-role-of-inflammation-and-immune-response-in-dry-eye?c4src=article:infinite-scroll

International Journal of Ophthalmology: Inflammation and Dry Eye Disease – Where Are We?,5/18/2022

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9091897/

WebMD: Dry Eye and Inflammation, 5/9/2022

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/dry-eye-inflammation

About Vision: Dry Eyes: Symptoms and Causes, 1/28/2023

https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye.htm

Cleveland Clinic: Inflammation, 3/22/2024

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation

Healthy Screen Habits How to Maintain Eye Health in a Digital Age

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:52:48 GMT

Eye health is becoming harder to maintain due to our evolving habits. With the amount of time you spend staring at computer and smartphone screens, it may only be a matter of time before you experience eye issues. At Accent on Eyes, we can help keep your eyes in good condition by providing proper accessories and administering eye exams.

Visit our office in Rockville Centre, NY, if you are looking for an experienced optician and eye doctor near you. Developing the right habits can also reduce the number of times you need to consult an optometrist. Learn more about these healthy habits by continuing below.

Adjust the Settings of Your Electronic Devices

Since completely disconnecting from electronic devices is not an option for many of us in this day and age, the next best thing you can do is limit the damage those items can cause. To do that, you should adjust their settings. Change the brightness levels of your devices or activate eye comfort shields to minimize the strain they can cause. Using night mode is also a good way to reduce the potentially harmful effects of device brightness.

Take Frequent Breaks for Your Eyes

Staring at a computer screen for too long is bad for your eyes. As much as possible, you should take breaks to prevent eye strain. You don’t have to take extended breaks from work to protect your eyes. Short 20-second breaks set 20 minutes apart can already make a huge difference. Make it a point to continue taking those breaks while you’re working and turn them into fixtures of your routine.

Start Wearing Computer Glasses

Computer glasses are accessories designed for individuals who must work with computers for long periods. They can help keep you comfortable while you’re staring at a computer screen. Finding computer glasses is relatively easy these days. Simply speak to an optometrist, and they should be able to suggest an optician who can provide those accessories.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams With Your Optometrist

Remember that you don’t have to monitor your eye health alone. Scheduling regular eye exams with an optometrist is ideal because they can identify any concerning developments. If any issues are indeed developing, you can count on your optometrist to provide an immediate solution.

Contact An Eye Doctor Near You

Partner with our eye doctor at Accent on Eyes and let us help with your eye care concerns. Stop by our office in Rockville Centre, NY, so we can provide the eye care services you need.

Choosing the Right Eyeglasses for Your Face Shape

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:02:49 GMT

Have you ever tried on a pair of trendy eyeglasses only to discover the frames don't look quite so stylish on your face? No matter how attractive the frames, they probably weren't the right choice for the shape of your face. Selecting frames that complement your face shape makes frame shopping less stressful.

What Shape Is Your Face?

Before you browse the frame selection at your eye doctor's office, determine which of these shapes best describes your face:

Square. If your chin is as wide as your forehead and cheeks, you have a square face.
Rectangular. Although your cheeks, jaw, and forehead are the same width, your face is longer than it is wide if you have a rectangular face.
Heart. A wider forehead and high cheekbones combined with a narrow chin creates a heart shape.
Triangle. Triangular faces taper from the forehead to the chin, forming a triangle shape.
Round. Round faces are perfectly symmetrical with full cheeks and a rounded jaw. These faces are equal in length and width.
Oval. Oval faces also have rounded features, although the length exceeds the width.

Selecting Frames for Your Face Shape

Not sure which frames are best for your face. Take a look at our recommendations:

Square or Rectangular Face. Try on oval or rounded frames. The frames work well with the angles of your face and provide a softening effect.
Heart Face. Look for frames that balance your narrow chin and wider forehead, like cat eye, aviator, oval or semi-rimless styles.
Triangle Face. Follow WebMD's advice and choose glasses with stronger upper lines that emphasize your forehead. Aviator, cat-eye and semi-rimless glasses are good choices.
Round Face. Counteract the roundness of your face with rectangular, square or geometric shapes to create contrast.
Oval Face. Nearly every style looks good if you have an oval face. In fact, you may have trouble choosing between square, rectangular, rounded, rimless and cat's eye frames.

Things to Remember

When choosing frames, keep these things in mind:

Select Frames You Love. Feel free to forget the guidelines if a pair of glasses you love doesn't follow the rules. After all, life can be more fun if you break a few rules. The ideal frames fit your personality and personal sense of style.
Be Flexible. Try on a variety of frames, even if you don't think a particular style would look good on you. You may be surprised to discover a style you overlooked in the past brings out your best features.
Add a Little Color - Or Not. Consider red, blue, or other colorful frames, or look for a pair that offers more subtle touches of color. Don't want anything to distract from your face? Clear or rimless frames are an excellent option.
Consider Material Choices. Do you prefer plastic or metal frames? Although plastic frames are lightweight and available in many shapes, they can break more easily than metal frames, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Make Comfort a Priority. The eyeglasses may look great, but how do they feel? If the frames hurt your ears, pinch your nose, or slide down your face, they're not the best choice, no matter how amazing you look wearing them.
Think About Your Prescription. The stronger your prescription, the thicker your lenses. Your lenses may protrude past your frames unless you pay a little extra for thinner high-index lenses. Do you have a prescription for bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses? The frames you choose must be long enough from top to bottom to accommodate multiple focal points.

Need help selecting frames? Our staff can help you choose eyeglasses that feel as good as they look. Stop by our office to try on frames, or call us if you need to make an appointment for an eye exam and new prescription.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: How to Choose the Glasses Frame Material That's Right for You

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/eyeglass-frame-materials

WebMD: How to Pick the Right Glasses for Your Face Shape, 8/17/2022

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/how-to-pick-the-right-glasses-for-your-face-shape

CNET.com: How to Pick the Best Glasses for Your Face Shape and Skin Color, 9/19/2024

https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/how-to-pick-the-best-glasses-for-your-face-shape-and-skin-color/

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eyeglasses: How to Choose Glasses for Vision Correction, 6/14/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/glasses

How Your Optometrist Can Help with Computer Vision Syndrome

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:00:17 GMT

Eyestrain, headaches, blurry vision, and sore, dry eyes can be signs of a common vision ailment called computer vision syndrome (CVS). The condition affects people who use computers and other digital devices for hours every day.

Managing Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms

Computer vision syndrome, also called digital eye strain, is a common ailment in the Internet age. Eighty percent of adults surveyed by The Vision Council in 2022 reported experiencing some CVS symptoms. CVS is a problem in children too. That's not surprising since kids 8 - 12 use screens four to six hours per day, while teens use digital devices up to nine hours per day, according to The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

Some symptoms of CVS may not seem to be related to the eyes at first glance. Do your neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles feel sore after using digital devices? The pain could be caused by poor posture, CVS, or a combination of those factors.

"Don't spend so much time using digital devices," sounds like a simple solution to the problem. Although reducing screen time is certainly helpful, this advice may not be realistic if you must use a laptop, tablet, or smartphone for work or school.

Getting your symptoms under control starts with a visit to the optometrist. Your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye examination and ask a few questions about your digital device habits.

Depending on the results of the examination, your optometrist might recommend:

Updating Your Eyeglass or Contact Lens Prescription. Even slight changes in your vision can worsen CVS symptoms. If your vision has changed since your last eye exam, new glasses or contacts could relieve your symptoms.
Wearing Computer Glasses. Computer glasses provide clear vision at 20 to 28 inches, the distance from your eyes to your laptop or desktop screen. Wearing computer glasses reduces stress and strain on your eyes, helping you avoid CVS symptoms. Do you wear bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses? Although those lenses contain multiple focal points, they may not provide ideal vision when using screens. Swapping your multi-focal lenses for computer glasses when you use digital devices could help you avoid eye pain, headaches, dry eye, and other CVS symptoms.
Choosing an Anti-Glare Coating. Glare, an unavoidable part of using screens, can contribute to eyestrain symptoms. Adding an anti-glare coating to your eyeglasses is a simple way to protect your eyes. You may also want to add an anti-glare filter to devices for additional protection and use shades or blinds to reduce glare.
Taking Breaks. Try the 20-20-20 rule recommended by the American Optometric Association. After using a device for 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet in the distance for at least 20 seconds. If possible, take 15- to 30-minute breaks every two to three hours.
Lubricating Your Eyes. How often do you blink? If you don't blink enough when you use screens, you'll be more likely to develop CVS. Blinking lubricates the eyes by spreading tears over their entire surface. According to the Cleveland Clinic, digital device users may only blink three to seven times per minute instead of the usual 18 - 22 minutes. Remembering to blink more often could improve eye comfort. If your eyes are still dry, use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. Your eye doctor can recommend specific drops and discuss other ways to reduce dry eye symptoms, such as using a humidifier or wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
Changing Settings. Keep screen brightness at the same level as the natural light level in the room. Screens that are too dark or light can lead to CVS symptoms. Your optometrist may also suggest changing the height of your chair, desk, or monitor for easier viewing.

Do you need help with eyestrain, headaches, and other computer vision syndrome symptoms? Contact our office to schedule a comprehensive vision exam.

Sources:

The Vision Council: The Vision Council Releases Focused Insights 2022: Digital Habits, 11/4/2022

https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/vision-council-releases-focused-insights-2022-digital-habits

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Screen Time and Children, 5/2024

https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx

Cleveland Clinic: Computer Vision Syndrome, 2/19/2023

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24802-computer-vision-syndrome

American Optometric Association: Computer Vision Syndrome

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y

All About Vision: Computer Glasses: Custom Glasses for Computer Use, 6/30/2023

https://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/computer_glasses.htm

5 Tips for First Time Contact Lens Wearers

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:59:08 GMT

Have you recently started wearing contact lenses? It's not unusual to feel a little nervous when switching from eyeglasses to contacts. Whether you're concerned about inserting your lenses or identifying an inside-out lens, our tips will make wearing contact lenses a positive experience.

Start a Routine

Are you worried that you'll accidentally insert both contact lenses in the same eye? That's less likely to happen if you always insert the same lens first. Following an insertion and removal routine will also help you feel more comfortable when putting in and taking out your lenses.

Use these insertion steps to put a soft contact lens on your eye:

Pull up on your upper eyelid slightly. This step is easier if you use a finger on your non-dominant hand.
Place the contact lens on the index finger of the hand you use most often and gently pull down the lower eyelid with your middle finger.
Place the lens on the center of your eye and blink a few times to correctly position the lens.

To remove your lenses:

Gently pull down on your lower eyelid and up on your upper eyelid with the opposite hand.
Use your dominant hand, the one you use most often, to gently pinch the lens and remove it.

Do These Things First

Before you put in your lenses:

Take a Shower. Tap water may contain bacteria or amoebas that could cause eye infections if you get water in your eye during a shower. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also notes that soft contacts could swell and stick to your eye when exposed to water. If that happens, you might develop a painful scratch on your cornea.
Dry Your Hair. The heat produced by a hair dryer could dry out your contact lenses and make them feel uncomfortable.
Use Hairspray. Use hairspray and other aerosol products, like perfume or deodorant, before inserting your lenses. These products could contaminate your lenses if used after inserting your contacts.
Wash Your Hands. Reduce your risk for eye infections by washing your hands with soap and water before you handle your contact lenses.

Put makeup on after you insert your lenses. Tiny makeup particles may cling to your fingers even after you wash your hands and could transfer to your lenses.

Learn Which Way Is Up

If your eye feels uncomfortable after you insert a lens, your contact may be inside out. All About Vision recommends looking at the lens from the side. If it resembles a cup with upright edges, it's fine to put in your eye. Your contact lens is inside out if it resembles a soup bowl with a rim.

All About Vision also recommends the taco test. This test involves gently squeezing the contact lens near the center and observing the edges. The lens is fine if the edges point straight up and the contact looks like a hard taco. The edges of an inside-out contact lens will bend outward.

Keep Contact Lens Supplies with You

Don't leave the house without a contact lens case and rewetting drops. If a piece of dust or an eyelash sticks to your lens while you're out, simply rinse your lens with the rewetting solution and reinsert.

If the lens is still uncomfortable, put it in the case and add rewetting solution to keep it moist. Daily disposable lenses should be thrown away instead. Don't try to reinsert a torn or noticeably dirty lens. Replace your lens cases every three months or sooner if you notice they're dirty.

It's a good idea to bring your eyeglasses with you if you'll be away from home for a few hours. You'll be glad you brought your glasses if your contact lenses become uncomfortable or you need to take them out for any reason.

Let Your Optometrist Know If You're Having Problems

Your eye doctor and optometry staff have plenty of experience helping patients adjust to contact lenses. They can offer helpful suggestions if you're struggling with insertion or removal or make suggestions to improve comfort. Let them know if you're having trouble with lens fit or comfort, even if the discomfort is minor.

Interested in trying contact lenses? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the eye doctor.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Habits: Keeping Water Away from Contact Lense, 4/15/2024

https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/healthy-habits-keeping-water-away-from-contact-lenses.html

All About Vision: How Can I Tell if My Contacts Are Inside Out?, 1/11/2019

https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/faq/inside-out.htm

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Contact Lens Care: You’re Probably Doing it Wrong, 8/1/2018

https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/contact-lens-care-you-re-probably-doing-it-wrong

How to Properly Care for Your Eyeglasses

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:57:44 GMT

Replacing scratched or broken eyeglasses can be expensive, particularly if you've already used your vision insurance coverage for the year. Although accidents may be unavoidable, damage can often be prevented by following these care recommendations.

Use a Hard Case

Soft cases provide some protection from scratches, but aren't as sturdy as hard cases. Hard plastic eyeglass cases offer the ultimate protection from breakage and scratches. Look for hard eyeglasses cases that close securely and include a scratch-resistant lining.

Follow Safe Cleaning Guidelines

Choosing the wrong cleaner or drying method may damage your glasses. Follow these suggestions when your eyeglasses become dirty or smudged:

Remove Dirt. Get rid of dirt and smudges by rinsing your eyeglasses with warm water.
Use a Safe Cleaning Option. Place a drop of mild, non-abrasive dishwashing liquid on each lens and gently rub. Consumer Reports cautions that window cleaner, bleach, ammonia, and vinegar can damage the lenses and shouldn't be used.
Rinse the Lenses. Remove the cleaning solution or dishwashing liquid by rinsing the lenses thoroughly under warm water.
Dry Your Lenses Carefully. Dry your lenses with a clean cotton or microfiber cloth. Don't use anything else to dry your lenses. Although a paper towel, tissue, or the corner of your shirt may be more convenient, fibers in these objects could scratch your lenses.

Don't forget about cleaning the other parts of your eyeglasses. Dip a cotton swab in a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid and clean the nooks and crannies, including the hinges, temples, bridge and nose pads.

Glasses don't just get dirty at home. All About Vision suggests buying eyeglass cleaning solution and spraying it on your lenses if they need a little attention when you're out.

Do you wash your cleaning cloth regularly? Although you may only use the cloth to dry your glasses, it can still become dirty. Dirt or debris from the cloth could transfer to the lenses when you dry your glasses.

Don't Share Your Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are not a one-size-fits-all solution to vision improvement. Everyone has a unique vision prescription, plus frames come in a variety of sizes. Although frames are designed to handle some wear and tear, they can stretch if someone with a larger head tries on or wears your glasses.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

Although you should put your glasses in an eyeglasses case every time you remove them, we know that's not always practical. If you take your eyeglasses off for a moment, find a safe space for them. Place the eyeglasses lens side up to prevent scratches.

Don't put your eyeglasses on a chair, the floor, next to a heat source, or anywhere pets or small children could find them. If you put your glasses in the same place every time, you'll avoid blurry, panicked searches when you realize you can't find your eyewear.

Don't Leave Your Glasses in Your Car

Your glasses can be ruined by heat if you leave them in your car. Heat builds up quickly in a parked car and can soon warp your frames. Warped frames may no longer fit your head correctly and may feel looser than normal. According to VSP Vision Care, heat can also damage polarized lenses or coatings designed to prevent glare or scratches.

Inspect Your Glasses Often

Wear and tear can loosen the screws that hold hinges or nose pads in place. Finding those tiny screws once they fall out is almost impossible. When you inspect your glasses periodically, you'll have plenty of time to tighten loose screws. An inexpensive eyeglass repair kit that contains tiny screwdrivers and replacement screws is a good purchase for anyone who wears eyeglasses.

When you inspect your glasses, check for scratches on the lenses. Tiny scratches, depending on their location, may not cause a problem, but large scratches can interfere with your vision.

Make Protection a Priority

Remove your eyeglasses when applying hairspray or other aerosol products that could damage the lenses. Planning a few weekend home repairs? Wear protective goggles or safety glasses over your eyeglasses to avoid exposure to paint and strong chemicals that could damage the lenses.

Prolong the life of your frames by handling them gently. Place both hands on the temple when putting the glasses on or taking them off. Removing your glasses one-handed can stretch or break the frames.

Sources:

Consumer Reports: How to Take Care of Your Eyeglasses, 8/2012

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/08/how-to-take-care-of-your-eyeglasses/index.htm#

All About Vision: How to Clean Your Glasses, 5/10/2021

https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/how-to-clean-glasses.htm

VSP Vision Care: Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Sunglasses in the Car

https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/lasik-glasses-lenses/frames-sunglasses/frames-in-a-hot-car

How to Protect Yourself from Eye Injuries at Work

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:56:09 GMT

Think eye injuries only happen in factories or on construction sites? Although injuries are certainly more common at those jobs, they can occur in any type of workplace. Luckily, you can avoid injuries that threaten your vision by taking a few precautions at work.

Don't Rub Your Eyes

Have you ever moved a dusty box and gotten something in your eye? Although your natural inclination may be to rub your eye, rubbing grinds debris into your eye. If you don't resist the urge to rub your eyes, you may develop a painful abrasion on your cornea, the clear tissue that covers your iris. More than 59% of work eye injuries were caused by employees rubbing their eyes or foreign objects scaping the eye, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you get something in your eye, follow these tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO):

Blink a Few Times to Naturally Remove the Foreign Object
Gently Pull Your Upper Eyelid Over Your Lower Eyelid (The natural brushing movement of the eyelashes could help remove the object, the AAO says.)
Flush Out Debris with Saline Solution, Eyewash, or Running Water

Call your optometrist or go to the Emergency Room if these steps don't help. Don't try to remove metal, glass, or any objects that have penetrated your eye.

Gear Up

It's much easier to prevent an eye injury than it is to treat it. Put on safety glasses, goggles, helmets, face shields, or respirators before:

Working Around Airborne Debris, Like Wood Chips, Grass, Dust, Dirt, or Metal Shavings
Using Chemicals or Cleaning Products
Operating Machinery
Using Lasers or Other Devices That Produce Visible Light
Working with Blood and Body Fluids

Do you avoid using safety gear because you wear eyeglasses? Although your glasses may offer some protection, gaps on the sides, tops, and bottoms of eyeglasses allow dirt, debris, and foreign objects to reach your eyes. When you wear wraparound safety glasses or goggles, foreign objects and chemicals bounce off your eyewear, protecting your eyes.

If safety glasses or goggles worn over your glasses are uncomfortable, prescription goggles and safety glasses, available from your optometrist, offer a more comfortable option.

Sun exposure can also damage your eyes. Wearing eyewear that offers protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light is a must if you're exposed to sunlight on the job. The longer you're exposed to UV light, the greater your chance is of developing cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. UV light exposure also increases your risk for skin cancer on your eyelids and around your eyes.

Working around snow, sand, or other reflective surfaces increases your risk of developing photokeratitis if you don't wear UV sunglasses. The painful condition occurs when the cornea becomes sunburned.

Sunlight isn't the only problem. Employees who work with lasers, welding tools, and other machinery that produces bright light or radiation are at risk for eye injuries. Wearing protective gear protects your eyes from burns and other injuries.

Be a Rule Follower

Rules are in place to protect you, although it may seem like they only make your job harder. Follow all safety rules, from wearing protective eyewear when required to maintaining machinery. Report malfunctioning equipment as soon as you notice the problem, don't keep using machinery that isn't working correctly, and don't disable safety guards. You never know when a piece of the machine could break away and turn into a projectile.

Don't ignore specific protective eyewear requirements at your workplace. Depending on the type of work you do, you may need specialized eyewear to protect against radiation exposure or fiber optic light.

Keep It Clean

After you remove your protective eyewear, wash your hands before touching or rubbing your eyes. Do you wear a hat when you're working? Take it off before you remove your goggles or safety glasses. Debris from your hat could fall in your eyes if your eyes are unprotected. Remove coveralls or clothing covered with debris before removing your protective eyewear to prevent exposure to dust and debris.

Do you need a new pair of safety goggles or glasses? We offer prescription and non-prescription varieties that will help you protect your eyes. Contact our office for more information.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Workers Suffered 18,510 Eye-Related Injuries and Illnesses in 2020, 3/31/2023

https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/workers-suffered-18510-eye-related-injuries-and-illnesses-in-2020.htm

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Recognizing and Treating Eye Injuries, 4/10/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries

American Optometric Association: Protecting Your Eyes at Work

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/protecting-your-vision?sso=y

Prevent Blindness: Your Sight

https://preventblindness.org/preventing-eye-injuries-at-work/

5 Things an Eye Exam Can Reveal About Your Health

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:54:18 GMT

Optometrists evaluate much more than your ability to read the eye chart during your visit. They also look for subtle changes in your eyes that could mean you have a disease or health condition. Eye exams can uncover these five health issues:

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol increases your risk for heart attacks, heart failure, heart disease, and stroke. These conditions affect the network of blood vessels circulating blood throughout your body. Although none of these conditions usually cause symptoms in the early stages, your health can still be affected even if you feel fine.

If you have high cholesterol, your eye doctor might notice a white, blue, gray or yellow ring around the outer edge of your cornea. The clear cornea covers your iris and bends the light rays that enter your eyes. The ring may be complete or partial. Although these rings don't always mean you have high cholesterol, they can be a warning sign, particularly if you're younger than 40.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure affects your blood vessels and can be just as dangerous as high cholesterol. Potential signs of trouble include narrowed or swollen blood vessels or small clots in the vessels in your eyes. A clot may be small enough that you never notice symptoms. In some cases, clots can cause blurry vision. Clots may also prevent blood from flowing to the optic nerve, the pathway to the brain, and can cause permanent damage and loss of vision.

Choroidopathy, the build-up of fluid under the retina, can also occur due to high blood pressure. The condition can distort your vision or create scars that interfere with your eyesight, according to the American Heart Association.

Diabetes

Your eye doctor also looks for signs of diabetic retinopathy during your exam. Diabetic retinopathy affects more than 9 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Almost 2 million people have diabetic retinopathy that's so severe that it threatens their vision.

Diabetic retinopathy happens when your blood sugar level is consistently too high. Glucose clogs the blood vessels in the light-sensitive retina, restricting blood flow. Leaking blood or fluids from the blocked blood vessels may cause blurry vision. Your eyes may also form new blood vessels if a vessel becomes completely blocked. Unfortunately, these new vessels are often weak and prone to leaking.

Swelling in the lens, the clear structure inside your eye behind the iris and pupil, may occur if you have high blood sugar. The swelling can cause blurry vision that improves once your blood sugar level drops to a normal level.

Thyroid Disease

Protruding eyes could be a sign that you have thyroid eye disease, which most often affects people whose hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves' disease. This autoimmune disease occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. In addition to protruding eyes, thyroid eye disease may cause dry or red eyes, grittiness, tearing, double vision, or sensitivity to light.

You may have hyperthyroidism and not be aware that anything is wrong. Early symptoms, like difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, and nervousness or anxiety, can easily be dismissed as stress symptoms. During your exam, your eye doctor may notice that your eyes have begun to bulge slightly even if you haven't experienced any noticeable symptoms of thyroid disease.

Autoimmune Disorders

Other autoimmune disorders can also be detected during your annual visits to the optometrist. Ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory type of arthritis, may cause changes to your irises. Fifty percent of people with ankylosing spondylitis develop iritis (inflammation of the iris) or uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) at least once, according to the Spondylitis Association of America.

Eye changes may be among the early signs of other autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Protect your health with an annual visit to the optometrist! Contact our office to schedule your eye exam.

Sources:

American Heart Association: How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Vision Loss, 5/8/2024

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-lead-to-vision-loss

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prevalence Estimates for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), 5/15/2024

https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health-data/prevalence-estimates/dr-prevalence.html#

Spondylitis Association of America: Iritis or Anterior Uveitis

https://spondylitis.org/about-spondylitis/possible-complications/iritis-or-anterior-uveitis/

Prevention: 3 Serious Health Conditions Your Eye Doctor Can Detect, 9/14/2021

https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a37387204/health-conditions-eye-exam/

The Healthy: 6 Surprising Diseases That Eye Doctors Find First, 8/7/2020

https://www.thehealthy.com/eye-care/shocking-diseases-eye-doctors-find-first/

UV Safety Month: The Benefits of Sunglasses with UV Protection

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:18:30 GMT

Style isn't the only thing to consider when you try on a pair of sunglasses. Glasses that don't offer adequate sun protection may cause issues ranging from dry eye to a greater risk for eye disease.

Reduced Risk for Eye Disease and Skin Cancer

Sun exposure is necessary for good health, but too much unprotected time in the sun increases your risk for skin cancer and eye disease. Invisible ultraviolet (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light rays have a shorter wavelength than visible light, meaning they carry more energy. These energetic rays cause more damage to the sensitive tissues of your eyes than lower energy, longer wavelength light.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts are two eye diseases that can occur after decades of unprotected sun exposure. AMD destroys cells in the macula, the central part of the retina. The retina, located at the back of the eye, turns light rays into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. AMD causes blurry or blind spots in your central vision.

Sun exposure also contributes to cataract formation. Cataracts occur when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, causing hazy vision and muted colors. If you don't wear sunglasses outdoors, no matter the season, your risk for cataracts and AMD may increase.

Interestingly, North Americans are more likely to develop cataracts in the left eye, the side exposed to the sun while driving. In a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2016, researchers tested 29 makes and models of cars to determine how much UV protection windshields and side windows provided. On average, windshields blocked 96% of UVA light, while side windows only blocked 71%. Stashing a pair of sunglasses in your car offers a simple way to decrease your risk for cataracts.

Adjust the Settings of Your Electronic Devices

Take Frequent Breaks for Your Eyes

Start Wearing Computer Glasses

Schedule Regular Eye Exams With Your Optometrist

Contact An Eye Doctor Near You

Partner with our eye doctor at Accent on Eyes and let us help with your eye care concerns. Stop by our office in Rockville Centre, NY, so we can provide the eye care services you need.

Tips for Traveling with Contact Lenses

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:14:40 GMT

Style isn't the only thing to consider when you try on a pair of sunglasses. Glasses that don't offer adequate sun protection may cause issues ranging from dry eye to a greater risk for eye disease.

Reduced Risk for Eye Disease and Skin Cancer

Exposure to UVA and UVB light also increases your risk for cancer in your eyes or in the skin surrounding the eyes. For the ultimate UV protection, use wraparound sunglasses. Unlike traditional frames, these glasses prevent light from entering your eyes from the sides and tops of the frames.

Comfortable Eyes

Moist eyes are comfortable eyes. Unfortunately, spending even an hour in the sun without sunglasses can speed up evaporation of the tear film that lubricates the eyes, causing dryness, itching, burning, and redness. Sunglasses shade your eyes and help slow evaporation.

Think darker is better when it comes to sunglasses? Dark lenses cause your eyes to dilate, making it easier for ultraviolet light to reach your eyes, according to The Vision Council. If your dark lenses don't offer UV protection, wearing them could do more harm than good. Be sure to check labels when shopping, and choose sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB light. Gray, green, and brown UV lenses are also available and can provide more contrast than dark lenses.

Fewer Wrinkles

Limiting sun exposure may help you avoid premature signs of aging around your eyes and painful sunburn. UVA light causes visible signs of aging, while UVB rays burn the skin, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. You're not safe even if you tan. In addition to increasing your skin cancer risk, tanning damages the skin and can be a factor in wrinkles and age spots around the eyes.

No Unsightly Growths

Sun exposure may also trigger the formation of fleshy bumps called pterygium on the whites of your eyes. Pterygium are generally harmless, though they can cause astigmatism or interfere with vision.

Reduced Risk for Sunburned Eye

If you think sunburned eyes sound painful, you're right. Called photokeratitis, this condition is more common in people who spend time around reflective surfaces, like snow or sand, but can affect anyone who doesn't wear sunglasses with UV protection. Although photokeratitis pain improves within a few days, enduring pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and watery eyes for even a few hours can be very uncomfortable.

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is the best way to protect your eyes year-round. Need a new pair of prescription or non-prescription sunglasses or goggles? UV Safety Awareness Month, observed every July, is the perfect time to upgrade your eyewear. Stop by our office and take a look at our sunglass selection, or call to schedule an appointment with the optometrist if you need an exam.

Sources:

JAMA Ophthalmology: Assessment Levels of Ultraviolet A Light Protection in Automobile Windshield and Side Windows, 7/2016

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2522190

Oculofacial Society: Eyelid Skin Cancer

https://www.asoprs.org/periocular-skin-cancer

American Optometric Association: The Heat Is On: Ensure Patients’ Protective Eyewear Is, Too, 5/22/2024

https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/health-and-wellness/protecting-patients-eye-summer?sso=y

National Eye Institute: Keep Your Eyes Healthy: Wear Sunglasses

https://nei.nih.gov/hvm/healthy_eyes_glasses

The Vision Council: Hidden Dangers of UV: Keeping Your Eyes Safe, 2011

https://thevisioncouncil.org/sites/default/files/members/VCUVReportv7lrg.pdf

The Pros and Cons of Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:13:22 GMT

Extended wear contact lenses are definitely a convenient option, but are they the right choice for you? Taking a look at the advantages and drawbacks of these contact lenses will help you make this decision.

What Are Extended Wear Contact Lenses?

Extended wear contact lenses can be worn for seven to thirty days before removing them, depending on their type. They're made of thin, breathable silicone hydrogel, a material that allows more oxygen to pass through the lenses to your cornea. If the cornea doesn't get enough oxygen, you're more likely to develop inflammation or infection. Some rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are also suitable for extended wear.

Extended Wear Contact Lens Pros

Extended wear contact lenses offer several benefits that may make them a good choice for you, including:

Convenience. Since you rarely remove extended wear contact lenses, they're an excellent option if your job or hobbies make it difficult to remove or clean your lenses. You might prefer to wear these lenses if you enjoy multi-day hikes on mountain trails or work in a job that requires long hours.
Less Cleaning. If you hate cleaning your contacts, you'll love extended wear contact lenses. Since they're designed to be worn continuously, you'll spend much less time cleaning them.
Less Touching. Do you dislike touching your eyes when putting in contact lenses? When you wear extended wear lenses, you'll minimize the time you spend putting in and taking out your contacts.
Clear Vision Day and Night. If you're severely nearsighted or farsighted, wearing extended wear contact lenses means you can see clearly from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. You'll no longer have to pat your nightstand in search of your glasses in the morning.
Cost. Daily contact lenses cost significantly more than extended wear lenses. If cost is a concern for you, you may decide that extended wear contact lenses offer a better value.

Extended contact lenses also have a few drawbacks, including:

Shorter Actual Wear Schedule. Although extended wear contact lenses can be worn for seven to 30 days, not everyone can tolerate wearing the lenses that long. Your optometrist will tell you how long you should wear the lenses during the fitting process.
Possible Sleep Issues. Some people also find that sleeping in the lenses irritates their eyes. Regardless of how long you wear your extended wear lenses, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration recommends sleeping without the lenses for at least one night after the end of the scheduled removal date. All About Vision notes that a flexible wearing schedule might be a good compromise. If you follow a flexible schedule, you'll remove the lenses at night but can sleep in them occasionally.
Risk of Infection and Eye Issues. Wearing contact lenses increases your risk of eye infections whether you wear daily or extended wear contact lenses, but extended wear lenses carry a higher risk. According to the British Contact Lens Association, wearing contact lenses to sleep increases the risk of an infection by four times, no matter what type of lens is worn.
No Swimming or Showering. Any type of contact lens, including extended wear contact lenses, should not be worn while swimming or showering. The lenses can soak up germs in the water that may cause corneal infections. Bacterial keratitis, a common eye infection among contact lens wearers causes eye pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage to your vision if you develop keratitis.

Need help finding the perfect type of contact lenses for your lifestyle? We'll help you consider all the options and recommend the ideal lens for you. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

Sources:

U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Focusing on Contact Lens Safety

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/focusing-contact-lens-safety

All About Vision: Extended Wear Contact Lenses: Are They Safe, 2/27/2019

https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/extended.htm

British Contact Lens Association: Infection and Contact Lenses

https://www.bcla.org.uk/Public/Public/Consumer/Infection_and_contact_lenses.aspx

Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses: Extended Wear: Still an Option?, 11/15/2017

https://www.reviewofcontactlenses.com/article/rccl1117-extended-wear-still-an-option

CDC: Contact Lens Types, 1/11/2022

https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/contact-lens-types.html

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is a Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)?, 11/21/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-ulcer

Causes and Treatments for Sticky Eyes

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:11:32 GMT

Do your eyelashes stick together in the morning? Sticky eyes aren't uncommon and can be caused by a variety of conditions. Luckily, your optometrist offers several treatments to relieve your symptoms.

 Sticky Eye Causes

Sticky eyes are usually most noticeable when you first try to open your eyes. Overnight, mucus or discharge builds up and makes your eyelids feel as if they're glued together. Sticky eyes can be a symptom of several conditions that affect the eyes, including:

Illnesses. Did the stickiness start when you had a cold or the flu? Your body produces extra mucus when you have a virus. The sticky stuff traps germs and helps your body get rid of them. Increased mucus production not only affects your nose but can also make your eyes feel sticky. Are your eyes sticky and red? You may have conjunctivitis (pink eye), an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that covers the whites of your eyes and the insides of your eyelids.
Allergies. Allergies are a common cause of sticky eyes. Whether you're affected by seasonal allergies or allergies are a year-round problem, you may suffer from allergic conjunctivitis. The mucus in your eyes may look stringy and white if allergies are to blame for your symptoms.
Infections. Thick yellow, gray, or green mucus could be a sign of a bacterial infection, like bacterial conjunctivitis, or bacterial keratitis. Bacterial keratitis, an infection that affects the clear cornea covering the iris and pupil, is common in contact lens wearers. You may be more likely to develop bacterial keratitis if you don't wash your hands before handling your lenses or don't follow cleaning instructions.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis. Giant papillary conjunctivitis could be responsible for that sticky feeling, particularly if you wear contact lenses. The condition causes large red bumps on the inner side of your eyelids. Other symptoms include itching, pain, and discharge. Giant papillary conjunctivitis can be caused by protein buildup on your contact lenses or an allergy to the lenses, lens solutions, or cleaning products. If your lenses rub against your eye, you may also be at risk for the condition, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Blepharitis. Blepharitis happens when the edges of the eyelids become inflamed. You may notice crusty deposits that look a little like dandruff on your eyelids. Blepharitis can also cause redness, burning, itching, light sensitivity, and tearing. Oily skin, rosacea, dandruff, or allergies may increase your blepharitis risk, according to the National Eye Institute.
Stye. Sticky eyes can also happen if you have a stye on your eyelid. A stye is a hard bump on the eyelid that forms due to a blockage in an oil gland.
Dry Eyes. As strange as it sounds, sticky eyes could be a sign that your eyes are too dry. If you have dry eye, you may notice stringy white mucus in your eyes. Other dry eye symptoms include pain, burning, sensitivity to light, or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye.

Sticky Eye Treatments

Treatments for sticky eyes vary depending on the cause. Stickiness due to viral conjunctivitis usually improves on its own. Until it does, lubricating eye drops and warm compresses can be helpful. Warm compresses also help unblock oil glands if you have a blockage in your meibomian glands.

If your symptoms are caused by allergies, allergy medication and cold compresses may relieve your symptoms. Contact lens-related problems can be improved by changing the type of lenses or solutions if you're allergic or paying more attention to contact lens hygiene.

You'll need to use prescription antibiotic or antifungal drops or ointment if you have bacterial conjunctivitis, bacterial keratitis, or another bacterial or fungal infection. Baby shampoo or a gentle eyelid cleanser can be helpful if you have blepharitis. Daily eyelid cleaning removes crusts, flakes, and oils that can cause symptoms. If your blepharitis symptoms are severe, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops that reduce inflammation and irritation.

Wondering when you should call the optometrist? Let your eye doctor know if you have blurry vision, severe pain, an eye injury, or thick yellow, gray or green mucus in your eyes. It's also a good idea to call if sticky eyes last more than a week for any reason.

Are your eyes sticky and uncomfortable? Your optometrist can offer a diagnosis and recommend helpful treatments and eye care strategies. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis, 4/27/2023

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-giant-papillary-conjunctivitis

National Eye Institute: Blepharitis, 11/15/2023

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/blepharitis

All About Vision: Sticky Eyes: Causes and Treatment, 5/15/2021

https://www.allaboutvision.com/symptoms/eye-discharge/sticky-blurry-eyes/

American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is Sleep Crust, 3/29/2021

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-sleep-crust

Verywellhealth.com: What Causes Goopy Eyes and How to Treat Them, 7/26/2023

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-causes-goopy-eyes-1192186

American Optometric Association: Conjunctivitis

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/conjunctivitis?sso=y