Archive → January, 2012
Watch out for pink eye during cold and flu season
Here we are, in the heart of the cold and flu season. But there is another infection to be on the lookout for during the winter months – Pink Eye.
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common bothersome, but usually harmless, eye disease typically caused by viruses (such as those responsible for the common cold), bacteria, allergens or other irritants, such as chemicals.
In simple terms, conjunctivitis is an inflammation (-itis) of the thin membrane (conjunctiva) covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. Infection causes the small blood vessels to become irritated and enlarged, giving the eye a red or pink appearance.
I can see fine…why do I need an eye exam?
Eye exam time
Blurry vision, red and irritated eyes, and headaches are common symptoms that might prompt a visit to the eye doctor. But what if you can see perfectly fine? Do you still need to get your eyes checked?
Those who wear corrective lenses should visit their eye doctor regularly to update their prescription. But even if your eyes are “perfectly healthy,” it’s a good idea to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to check for potential problems and diseases, which, in their early stages, may not present with any obvious symptoms.
I WEAR MY SUNGLASSES…IN WINTER?
Many people believe that sunglasses are exclusively a summer fashion accessory. In reality, sunglasses are made for sun, not heat, and those ultra-violet (UV) rays that shine down during warm weather are present in the winter as well. In fact, some might argue that it is even MORE important to protect your eyes from the sun and its harsh glare during the winter months.
When purchasing sunglasses, look for a high-quality, comfortable pair that completely shields your eyes and is capable of blocking 100% of UV rays. Polarized lenses can help minimize the surface glare created by water and highways, and are a good choice for those who do a lot of driving or spend time on or near the water. By reducing glare, which causes us to squint, sunglasses help prevent headaches and eyestrain.
Skiers and snowboarders should invest in a pair of quality, properly fitted goggles with polycarbonate lenses, which will protect the eyes from photo-keratitis or “snow-blindness”, a condition similar to a sunburn on the eyes which can eventually lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. Goggles will also provide a barrier from swinging branches, wayward ski poles and other hazards on the slopes.
Sunglasses also protect your eyes from wind, dust and debris, helping to prevent corneal abrasions from windblown particles, and reducing the evaporation of natural moisture.
MORE TIPS TO WINTERIZE YOUR EYES
Spending more time indoors during the winter means more exposure to forced air heating, which tends to rid the air of moisture, causing irritation and dryness in the eyes. Using a humidifier during the winter months can help keep the eyes moist. Lubricating eye drops may also help treat the symptoms of dry eyes, but talk to your eye doctor first to be sure they are right for your condition.
If you wear contact lenses, it is recommended that you use artificial tears and limit your outdoor exposure. Dry lenses can change shape and stick to the eye, becoming painful and cloudy. Drinking alcohol can make the problem worse.
Finally, a good eye cream, applied day and night, will help protect the delicate eye area from the effects of harsh weather.
What are your secrets and tips for keeping your eyes healthy during the cold winter months?
Dr. Ronald J. Martin of VisionHealth Optometry focuses on quality eye care services to family members of all ages. Services include eye exams, contact lens fittings, retinal photography, pre- and post-operative care, and glasses frames and lens selection. Dr. Martin’s office is located at 1440 Medical Center Dr. Suite2, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. He can be reached at 707-206-0290 or email him at questions@vision-health.com. Visit VisionHealth Optometry online at http://www.vision-health.com.
Dr. Martin is a member of the California Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the Redwood Empire Optometric Society, and the Optometry Alumni Association of the University of California.
Can Someone with Astigmatism and Presbyopia Wear Contact Lenses?
You went through the hard contact lenses in the 1970s trying to correct your astigmatism and you could not wear those things another day. They sat for years in your medicine cabinet, didn’t they?
Before I answer your question, I need to give you a few factoids.
Contact lenses have been around for more than 100 years. Yes, I said more than 100 years. Many changes have occurred with them since then. Perhaps after you failed with your hard contacts you were told you couldn’t wear contacts at all. Maybe you had to quit wearing your contacts when you got older and your eyes went through a change. Now you have your bifocal glasses and you feel like you are stuck with them.
Here’s another interesting fact. Among Americans who need vision correction there are around 20 percent wearing contacts. You have heard that they correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, but what if you now have all three? Don’t think your only choice is surgery or eye glasses. Times have changed and so have contact lenses.
Even a few years ago you might have been told that contact lenses for astigmatism, called “toric” contacts did not come in disposable, frequent replacement, multifocal or colored varieties. Those statements are no longer true. If you don’t have a very complex prescription, you can get all the things you need to see clearly.
The first correction is to your astigmatism. Fitting for them, whether you choose toric soft lenses or toric gas permeable lenses, will take longer for your eye care practitioner’s time and he needs to have even more expertise than just for fitting regular contacts.
The next major correction will be correcting both astigmatism and presbyopia. The kind of lens for this is the rigid GP lens even though there are some soft toric brands. Chances are they wouldn’t be what you need.
If you have astigmatism and are interested in wearing contact lenses, visit an eye care practitioner who is comfortable fitting toric lenses to see if they meet your needs and work best for you.
Dr. Ronald J. Martin of VisionHealth Optometry focuses on quality eye care services to family members of all ages. Services include eye exams, contact lens fittings, retinal photography, pre- and post-operative care, and glasses frames and lens selection. Dr. Martin’s office is located at 1440 Medical Center Dr. Suite2, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. He can be reached at 707-206-0290 or email him at questions@vision-health.com. Visit VisionHealth Optometry online at http://www.vision-health.com.
Dr. Martin is a member of the California Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the Redwood Empire Optometric Society, and the Optometry Alumni Association of the University of California.
Contact Lenses Today
Did you try contact lenses years ago and give up after being frustrated? You might want to reexamine your information.
Contact lenses today are of two types: soft lenses that are made from water-containing plastics and GP, “oxygen permeable” rigid contact lenses.
There are different kinds of wear cycles. Daily wear contacts have to be removed nightly, cleaned and stored properly. Extended wear lenses are safe for wear overnight. Some lenses are continuous wear and can be worn for up to 30 days.
Contacts can also be described by how often you throw the old pair away and replace them with new ones.
Daily disposables are discarded nightly, requiring no care, cleaning or case. Other replacement intervals of time include weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly. All of these are classified as disposable. Non-disposable lenses need to be replaced once a year but this kind usually are unusual or difficult-to manufacture prescriptions.
These days contacts come in various designs for different vision problems. Spherical ones correct nearsightedness or farsightedness and are indicated by a minus or a plus on your prescription. Bifocal contact lenses are like multi-focal eyeglasses in that they use different optical zones to correct the age-related, decreased ability to see both near and far, known as presbyopia. Do you have an astigmatism? There are contacts for it that correct either nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Tired of your eye color? Many lenses come in colors that enhance or even change your natural eye color along with making the corrections you need. There are even special effect lenses that are for fun or theatrical and film productions. Prosthetic lenses are colored ones that can cosmetically mask eye disfigurement. Many contact lenses come with an embedded UV inhibitor as well.
So what are the right lenses for you?
Your contacts need to do three things: properly fit your cornea, give you clear vision and provide any of the “extra” benefits you want, such as color, disposable or multiple powers.
There are more than tens of thousands of combinations of size, shape and power. For this reason they are a prescription item and must be fitted by a skilled professional. This will ensure a comfortable fit and great vision. Only an eye care practitioner can evaluate your eyes to tell which lens is right for you while taking into account your special needs, such as dry eyes, color requests or overnight wear.
Dr. Ronald J. Martin of VisionHealth Optometry focuses on quality eye care services to family members of all ages. Services include eye exams, contact lens fittings, retinal photography, pre- and post-operative care, and glasses frames and lens selection. Dr. Martin’s office is located at 1440 Medical Center Dr. Suite2, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. He can be reached at 707-206-0290 or email him at questions@vision-health.com. Visit VisionHealth Optometry online at http://www.vision-health.com.
Dr. Martin is a member of the California Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the Redwood Empire Optometric Society, and the Optometry Alumni Association of the University of California.
