Foods to Help Fight AMD
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for those aged 55 and older in the United States, affecting more than 10 million Americans. Age-related macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records images and send them via the optic nerve from the eye to brain. The retina’s central portion, known as the macula, is in charge of focusing central vision in the eye. It controls our ability to read, recognize faces and colors, drive a car, and see objects in fine detail.
Important Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
Are you one of the approximately 36 million Americans who wear contact lenses? Chances are that you went through a mini-course in proper hygiene with your eye doctor when you first obtained your prescription, but if you’re being completely honest, any typical morning might involve waking up, getting dressed, brushing your teeth, throwing in your contact lenses and quickly drinking some coffee before heading out the door to greet the day. That all-too-quick minute used to put in your contact lenses may seem as insignificant and routine as choosing a travel mug for your morning coffee, but think about it, those lenses you are hastily placing in your eyes are custom-fitted, doctor-prescribed medical devices that should be given a whole lot more consideration.
Proper Nutrition Promotes Good Eye Health
We all know that proper nutrition is crucial in maintaining long-term wellness, and as more and more Americans tackle issues associated with obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even premature death, it is becoming more evident that poor nutrition has a negative effect on health. Proper nutrition isn’t just essential for your overall health, it’s also important for the health of your eyes.
Is There a Connection Between Smartphones and Eye Strain?
We probably all heard this one as a kid: “Don’t sit too close to the TV or you’ll strain your eyes!” Now fast forward to the age of smartphones, and everyone is constantly looking at a screen that’s only a few inches away from their eyes.
Glaucoma Awareness Month
This month is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. January is an important time to raise awareness and spread the word about glaucoma, its symptoms and its treatment. The disease is considered the “silent thief of sight” as there are virtually no symptoms associated with it and once vision is lost, it’s gone for good. As much as 40% of vision can be lost before any sort of change is noticed. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Currently there is no cure for glaucoma, but with early detection and treatment, its effects can be slowed down and further vision loss can be prevented. Over 2.7 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of these individuals don’t even know that they have the disease. With these numbers growing, it is very important to not only receive regular eye examinations, but to help raise awareness about the disease as well.
Why You Should Wear Sunglasses in the Winter
Most of us associate sunglasses with warm weather, hanging out at the beach, and other fun summertime activities, and while sunglasses are important for preventing UV damage to our eyes, most of us make the mistake of forgetting to wear our favorite shades during the cold, and sometimes snowy, winter months. Here are some important reasons why it is important to always remember to wear your sunglasses – any time of the year.
Eye Health in the Office
Experiencing red or watery eyes, blurred vision or difficulty focusing after a day at work can often be the result of staring at a computer screen for eight or more hours. Office environments can certainly take their toll on your eyes. Here are some common symptoms and simple solutions to help maintain healthy vision during your work day.
World Sight Day
World Sight Day takes place Thursday, October 10th. It is a global event that focuses on raising awareness about blindness and vision impairment as well as rehabilitation for those living with visual impairments. This event happens every year on the second Thursday in October.
Glaucoma and Why You Should Have Your Eyes Examined
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain, is damaged by the pressure of fluid inside your eye. There are two main types of glaucoma. One is primary open-angle glaucoma and the other is angle-closure glaucoma. These types of glaucoma are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure, or pressure inside of the eye. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease contributes to or causes increased eye pressure.
August Is National Eye Exam Month
August can often be hectic as we rush to fit in the last bits of summer vacation before the school year starts and the weather cools down, but before you get too wrapped up in back-to-school or final summer plans, don’t forget about planning ahead for healthy vision by scheduling an eye exam for you and your family.