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Family history reveals key info about your eyes

Know-Your-Family-History_HVTip_bigKnowing your family history is an important step in keeping your eyes healthy. Just like eye color, many eye diseases and conditions have a genetic factor.

Glaucoma. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you are four to nine times more likely to be affected by the disease. While there is no cure for glaucoma, you can manage its progression and impact on your vision with early detection and treatment. Untreated glaucoma can result in permanent blindness.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Having a family member with AMD puts you at a 50 percent greater risk of developing the disease yourself. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among people 50 and older in the U.S. Like many other eye diseases, early detection and treatment makes a significant difference in the progression of the disease and a person’s ability to maintain good vision for as long as possible.

Diabetic retinopathy. Type 2 diabetes, one of the fastest growing health conditions in this country, is genetically influenced. While there are a variety of other factors that cause Type 2 diabetes, family history does play a role. You would be surprised how often diabetes is detected through a comprehensive eye exam due to the presence of diabetic retinopathy.

Knowing your family health history can actually save your vision! Make sure to share all the details at your next comprehensive eye exam.

 

Graphic courtesy of National Eye Institute (NEI)

Eye exam misconceptions explained

Eyecare blog

We rely heavily on our sense of sight and need to keep our eyes healthy and fully functioning. Comprehensive eye exams are the foundation of eye care, but some people don’t have the complete story on why. The following addresses three common misconceptions about visits to the optometrist to take care of your eyes.

Vision screenings are not substitutes for comprehensive eye exams.

Vision screenings can help identify individuals who are at risk for a vision problem, but they are far more limited than a comprehensive eye exam. Screenings can be performed by anyone trained to do so, regardless of their experience with eye health. A comprehensive eye exam is done by an optometrist.

While a screening can detect potential vision problems, it cannot address the presence or risk of eye disease and other aspects of eye health. One of the best ways to take care of your eyes is to have yearly comprehensive exams, even if you’ve gone through vision screening that gives you the “all clear.”

Patients who wear contact lenses will have a longer exam.

Occasionally we get questions from our contact lens patients about the extra time and expense of their appointments. Working with patients who wear contacts requires additional testing to make sure their lenses not only correct their vision, but also fit properly and are comfortable. After all, contact lenses are applied directly to the eyes which results in increased risk of injury and infection if the fit isn’t right.

While eyeglass prescriptions are valid for up to two years, contact lens prescriptions expire after one year. This is a federal law designed to optimize contact lens safety.

Even people with “perfect” vision need to have their eyes examined each year.

Comprehensive exams include more than just vision testing, so those who skip them are missing out on tracking other aspects of their eye health, including additional measures of visual performance and the early detection of eye diseases. This is as important for children as it is for adults.

Changes in vision are not always easily detected, especially by children who aren’t aware of what “perfect” vision means. Even adults have a hard time recognizing more subtle vision changes for what they are.

We make it easy to schedule your comprehensive eye exam. Call us or click on the scheduling button to the right.

Early detection is the best defense against AMD

Macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of severe vision loss in the U.S. for people 50 and older. In fact, given the size of the aging Baby Boomer population, experts predict that AMD will reach epidemic proportions in less than 15 years.

Unfortunately there is no cure for AMD, so knowing risk factors and sharing them with your eye care professionals is critical, especially as you approach your fifties and beyond. For patients with AMD, early detection has a significant impact on disease progression and vision loss.

Following are some of the risk factors for AMD. As you can see some are genetic, but others are environmental and within your control.

Age. People 55 years and older are at greater risk.
Race. Caucasians develop the disease at a higher rate than other races.
Genetics. People with a family history of AMD have greater risk than those without.
Smoking. Research shows the more people smoke, the more likely they are to develop AMD.
UV exposure. UV light, and blue light, can damage the retina, the part of the eye effected by AMD.
Unchecked cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. Research indicates a correlation between cardiovascular disease and AMD. The two share common risk factors, such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise.

Because symptoms in the early stages of AMD often go unnoticed, regular comprehensive eye exams are the best defense for addressing the disease. Make sure we are aware of your risk factors, especially family history.

Protect your eyes with the right sports gear

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September is Sports Eye Injury Prevention Awareness Month — just in time for the start of basketball season, the leading sport for eye injuries, according to research by Prevent Blindness.

Basketball is big in this town, both among fans as well as the numerous school and recreational leagues in our area. Prevent Blindness estimates that more than 6,000 people a year suffer eye injuries related to basketball. Water and pool activities, gun sports (air, gas, spring and BB), baseball/softball and, another fall favorite, football round out the top five sports that pose the greatest hazard to the eyes.

The good news is that 90 percent of eye injuries are preventable with proper eye protection, which means gear that is specifically designed for the dangers of specific sports. In the case of basketball, for example, this means protective goggles that feature impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and offer a snug, comfortable fit. Even if you wear contact lenses or do not need vision correction, these goggles should be as much a part of dressing for the game as the right shoes.

We carry Liberty Sport eyewear, a leading provider of protective sports goggles, and can work with you to make sure your eyes stay safe when you are on the court, course or field.

Protect your eyes from corneal abrasions

Wear the right eye protection for participation in sports and other hobbies.

Wear the right eye protection for participation in sports and other hobbies.

Corneal abrasions are one of the most common eye injuries. While they generally are not serious, they often cause discomfort and temporary vision impairment. Sometimes eye infections enter the abrasion and lead to more significant damage. In any case, it is important to know how to prevent corneal abrasions and seek treatment when they happen.

The causes of corneal abrasions are numerous. They can result from something as simple as rubbing your eye when there is a foreign object in it, like sand or dirt, or getting poked in the eye. If you’ve ever had a corneal abrasion — and most of us have — you know they can be painful. They also cause light sensitivity, redness, swollen eyelids, excessive tearing and a feeling that something is in your eye.

If you do experience a corneal abrasion, it is important to seek treatment with us right away. We can diagnose the severity of the injury, which isn’t always apparent, and ward off infections, some of which can lead to blindness. We also can give you prescription ointments or eyedrops that help with healing.

Because many eye injuries are preventable, the best thing you can do to keep your eyes safe.

  • Wear protective eyewear if your job, DIY projects or hobbies pose a treat to you eyes. Chemicals, even those used in household tasks, can also injure your cornea.
  • Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports, especially those where elbows, racquets, balls and pucks can cause injury. It was recently reported that a mandate from the National Federation of State High School Associations requiring protective eyewear for field hockey players resulted in a three-fold reduction in injuries.
  • If you wear contact lenses, make sure they are fitted properly and that you are keeping them clean and in good condition. If you wear disposables, stick to the schedule for changing them. Wearing them longer than recommended increases your risk for abrasions.

Talk to us if you have any concerns about corneal abrasions and protecting your eyes from injury. Keep in mind that we are available for emergencies. Make sure you seek treatment as soon as possible for any kind of injury to the eye.

Back-to-school time can reveal vision problems in children

ID-100345769Children’s eyes get a bit of a break during the summer with less time spent in the classroom. The increased visual demands of the new school year sometimes reveal issues that weren’t apparent over the summer break.

Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are the most common issues among school-age children. But other problems also can exist, including misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), reduced vision in one eye (amblyopia or ‘lazy eye’), color vision problems and a variety of others.

Be aware and let us know if you witness your child doing any of the following, as they are signs of a potential issue:

  • Squinting
  • Sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
  • Frequently losing place when reading or using a finger as a guide
  • Closing one eye when reading
  • Frequent eye rubbing
  • Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing
  • Avoiding reading or computer use
  • Complaints of headaches or tired eyes

According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four children has a vision problem that, if left untreated, can affect learning. So if you suspect your child is having vision problems, it’s important to schedule an eye exam.

* Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos/Stoonn

Your child’s eyes — an important tool for learning

As learning becomes more digital, taking care of kids' eyes is important than ever.

As classroom learning becomes more digital, taking care of kids’ eyes is more important than ever.

With back-to-school time approaching, we want to remind patients how important healthy eyes are to learning.

According to experts, 80 percent of what students are taught is presented visually, which makes healthy eyes one of the most important tools for the classroom. But that’s not the only reason to stay on top of regular check-ups and eye care.

  • According to the American Optometric Association, more than 41 percent of parents report their children use digital devices more than three hours a day. With increasing use of technology at school and home, it’s important to stay on top of issues related to digital eye strain.
  • One in four children has a vision problem that could affect learning if left untreated, per Prevent Blindness America. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to detect, prevent and treat vision problems.
  • The Vision Council reports that eye care providers are seeing an increase in myopia among children. Research points to the rise in near-vision activities like using digital devices and a decline in time spent outdoors in natural light as possible contributors.

Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of the importance of annual eye exams for kids. More than half (60%) don’t feel an eye exam is an essential part of a child’s healthy checkup schedule, based on a recent survey of more than 1,000 parents. You can find more information on eye health for children here.

The State of Illinois requires that all students entering a public, private or parochial schools, starting at kindergarten, have their eyes examined by a licensed optometrist. Even if your child is returning to the same school, annual exams are recommended for keeping their eyes healthy.

Second pairs — a great investment in your eyes

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Do you work on a computer? Enjoy time outdoors? Spend a good portion of time driving?

If you wear glasses and do any of these things, you might consider getting a second pair.

When it comes to having an extra pair of glasses, convenience is important, but there are other reasons to build your eyewear collection.

Computer work. People spend time in front of computer screens more than ever before, and for many patients it’s mandatory for their jobs. Unfortunately, computer eye strain is a common outcome.

There are two primary ways that computer work impacts vision. One is that computer screens are situated in what is called the “intermediate” zone for vision. Most vision correction addresses distance or near vision, not intermediate, so there is a good chance your current prescription isn’t quite right for computer work. Second is that computers emit “blue light,” which studies indicate is harmful to the eyes because of its high level of UV rays.

Glasses specially prescribed for computer work factor in the typical distance of a monitor or laptop screen and include tints to reduce glare and block blue light. They are an ideal solution for anyone who spends four or more hours on the computer most days of the week.

Time spent outdoors. While photochromatic lenses that darken when exposed to UV rays are an option for people who wear glasses, a second pair in the form of prescription sunglasses is sometimes preferred. Contact lens wearers should consider opting for prescription sunglasses in places like the beach and the pool, where contacts can be less convenient.

Time spent behind the wheel. One place that photo chromatic lenses aren’t as effective as prescription sunglasses is in the car. Because the windshield blocks a certain amount of UV rays, these lenses do not darken enough for most drivers’ comfort. Prescription sunglasses do a better job of reducing glare while driving.

Participation in sports. The vast majority — an estimated 90 percent — of sports-related eye injuries are preventable. If you wear glasses and participate in sports, make sure you have the proper eyewear. Most protective eyewear for sports is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate, which also offers the bonus of being UV protective, and has features to boost comfort and wearability during the action.

To make it easier on our patients, we offer 20 percent off second pairs. This is also a great way to use any healthcare flex spending funds you have. Please schedule an appointment if you’d like to talk more about your second pair needs.

*Photo courtesy of usamedeniz/freedigitalphotos.net.

Tips for keeping summer fun easy on the eyes

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Summer is a beautiful season here in Chicago, but it can be hard on the eyes. Following are some common summertime eye health issues and ways to avoid them.

  • After-swim irritation. If you hit the pool, make sure you wear goggles or a mask during swims or water play. Chemicals used in pools can cause a high level of discomfort. Even “natural” water environments, like lakes and ponds, can contain irritants that affect the eyes.
  • Harmful UV rays. We recommend wearing sunglasses year round and especially in the summer. Longer days and more time spent outdoors leads to greatest exposure to UV rays, which has been linked to the development of eye diseases like cataracts and AMD. In the short term, lack of protection can result in photokeratitis, which is sunburn of the eye. Symptoms are pain, redness and a feeling that something gritty is in the eye.
  • Fireworks. According to the American Academy of Opthalmology, 2,000 fireworks-related eye injuries happen every year, and one third end up causing permanent damage. Leave the fireworks to the professionals, and if you are one, protect your eyes with safety goggles.
  • Insect bites. Insect bites around the eye can cause swelling and irritation, often more so than on other parts of the body, as skin around the eye is more tender. Never use any products to prevent or soothe insect bites that aren’t recommended for use around the eye. Use a cold compress to decrease swelling. Call our office if you are concerned about any insect bites near the eye. We have several options for treatment.
  • Sports-related injuries. Summer sports such as baseball, water sports and racquet sports have some of the highest rates of eye injury. If you or someone in your family participates in any of these, talk to us about options for protective eyewear. We can counsel you on what works best for specific sports. Keep in mind that 90 percent of sports-related eye injuries are estimated to be preventable.

As always, please get in touch with us for eye health concerns you have over the summer or any time of year.

* Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos/zirconicusso

Decrease your risk of cataracts this summer

Cataract Awareness Month

One of the most common eye health problems people encounter is cataracts. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and even in the U.S. where we have effective treatment options, more than half of all Americans will have cataracts by the time they turn 80.

June is National Cataract Awareness Month. As with any health issue, there are misconceptions about cataracts, including that it is only a concern for elderly people. The truth is there are risk factors for developing cataracts at a younger age, and the earlier you start taking good care of your eyes, the better your chances of avoiding cataracts.

  • Wear your sunglasses. Studies indicate that exposure to harmful UV rays is linked to the development of cataracts.
  • If you smoke, stop. Smoking is linked to so many health issues, including cataracts.
  • Protect your eyes from injury and disease. Make sure you have an annual check-up to stay on top of eye health issues, and wear protective lenses any time your eyes are at risk during sports, on the job or with other activities.
  • Stay on top of your health. Other diseases such as diabetes and hypertension increase your risk for developing cataracts.

One of the most challenging aspects of treating cataracts is that symptoms often aren’t noticeable in the early stages. Regular eye exams are critical for early detection. Some symptoms to be aware of are:

  • Cloudy or blurry vision.
  • Faded colors.
  • Glare. Light from headlights, lamps and sunlight may appear too bring. A halo effect may appear around the lights.
  • Night vision problems.
  • Double vision or multiple images in the eye.

If you need to schedule your annual exam, summer is a great time to do it. If you have questions about the level of UV protection your sunglasses provide, we are happy to take a look. As always, please get in touch with any questions or concerns you have about your eyes.