Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Your Health and Your Eyes

Your Health and Your Eyes

Eye exams are the best way to ensure healthy vision for you and your family. But, there are some behaviors that you can perform everyday to make your eyes, and your whole body, healthier. The information below can help you if you decide you want to take some small steps towards a lifetime of healthy vision.

Smoking
Cigarette smoke enhances oxidants, which are the chemical byproducts in the body that can damage cells, including those in the eyes. There are strong links between several diseases of the eye and smoking. In fact, smokers have double the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to those who do not smoke. The millions of people who have AMD ,or the signs that appear before the disease is diagnosed, need to be aware that smoking is a major risk for this disease. Smoking can cause severe vision loss, even for passive smokers. This is why eye exams are so important for people that smoke. If you are interested in learning more about how to quit smoking, visit www.becomeanex.org to re-learn life without cigarettes.

Antioxidants
According to the American Dietetic Association, antioxidants are dietary substances including some nutrients that can prevent damage to your body cells or repair damage that has been done. Antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Researchers have found that people who eat less than the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables were much more likely to develop cataracts . Visit www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org to discover more reasons to eat fruits and vegetables.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Dark leafy greens and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish and some nuts) are especially important in preventing vision problems, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to a study published in the May 2007 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, eating fish can decrease the risk of developing AMD by as much as forty percent.

Exercise
Working out can help you lose weight as well as reduce harmful inflammation throughout the body, even in your eyes. A recent study found that people who maintained an active lifestyle were 70 percent less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Recent studies have found significant evidence that links obesity to several other major eye diseases that cause blindness, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. If you are new to exercise, you may want to read The American Heart Association’s Top 10 Tips for Starting a Physical Activity Program’.

Blood Pressure
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can affect your eyesight and cause eye disease. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and reducing sodium intake can help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

*All content on this page has been approved by The Better Vision Institute – the medical advisory panel of The Vision Council.

Eye Exams


Eye Exams

Many people put vision care at the top of their list and say that sight is their most important sense. But, a lot of people have never had an eye exam. If you’ve never had an exam, or it has been a long time, the information below will give you an idea of what to expect.

Medical History

Your doctor will ask for information about your vision, the medications you take, your personal health history, and your family's health history (i.e. is there a history of diabetes, glaucoma or hypertension?). Visit https://familyhistory.gov/ or https://familyhistory.gov/spanish to learn how to collect your complete family health history.

Eye Tests

Visual systems
Your eye doctor will perform a number of tests on the internal and external parts of your eyes using several different medical instruments. The purpose is to examine the retina, optic nerve, muscles, cornea, blood vessels, pupils, lens, iris, conjunctiva, eyelids and eyelashes.

During this stage, the doctor will perform the Fundus Evaluation, which examines the interior of the eye, specifically the retina . This procedure can detect vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma , as well as diabetes, high blood pressure and brain disorders. The doctor will also look at your eye muscles at this time, checking their ability to rotate and coordinate properly. Your eye doctor will probably want to dilate your eyes at this stage. When your eyes are dilated, your pupils enlarge, making them easier to examine.

Refractive
This part of the exam consists of many tests to determine your ability to see clearly, focus your eyes and to see whether you need glasses. This is where you read an eye chart at a distance with each eye.

Disposition
At the end of the exam, your eye doctor will make a final diagnosis and determine the treatment plan, if needed. The diagnosis will include the status of your vision and any eye health problems. It will then be determined whether you need any type of corrective eyewear, like eyeglasses.

Scheduling an Eye Exam
Our doctor locator (coming August 2008) can help you find an eye doctor in your area. If you have vision insurance, you will probably want to see a doctor that is in your network.

Vision Insurance

The Vision Council has issued a report, Vision Care: Focusing on the Workplace Benefit, which examines consumer and business perspectives on vision care and trends in vision care coverage. To view a copy of the report, please click here.

*All content on this page has been approved by The Better Vision Institute – the medical advisory panel of The Vision Council.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a very real problem for many people who spend hours daily in front of a computer screen.

Sometimes, simply rearranging your work environment to create better ergonomics is all you may need to do to reduce eye strain and other vision problems related to CVS. In some cases, a good pair of computer eyeglasses may help you see better at just the right distance range needed for viewing a computer screen.

Read more about practical tips to ease computer eye strain, and learn what eye doctors have to say about relieving tired and irritated eyes.

Computer Eye Strain: 10 Steps for Relief
How to find a computer vision specialist, minimize glare, adjust your monitor, and cope with symptoms such as eye strain, eye fatigue, dry eyes, light sensitivity, blurred vision, headaches and more.

FAQ About Computer Vision Syndrome and Computer Glasses
Expert answers to frequently asked questions about computer vision syndrome and eyeglasses that can increase your comfort and productivity when working at a computer.

NEW: Worker Productivity and Computer Vision Syndrome
If you are a computer worker or employer, you may be interested in studies showing that computer glasses or other appropriate vision correction can significantly increase on-the-job productivity.

More About Computer Eyeglasses
Various lens designs and how they can solve computer vision problems.

Children and Computer Vision Syndrome
Your kids may need computer eyewear, too. Read more about how computer use is affecting the eyes of children and teens, and why your child should be examined by a computer vision specialist.

Computer-Related Aches and Pains
A poor ergonomic set-up could be contributing to your computer vision problems. Here are tips for rearranging your work area so it is more comfortable for you.

Eye Doctor Q&A on Computer Vision Syndrome
Readers sent in these questions, which were answered by our advisory board members.

Self-Test
Take this quiz on computer eye strain and computer vision syndrome to see how much you really know about it.

Consumer Guide to Contact Lenses

Consumer Guide to Contact Lenses


Today there are more healthful and convenient contact lens options than ever before. Thinking about contacts? Our contact lens basics article is the place to start. You can also browse types of contact lenses, or read the features below.

Articles about contact lensesContact Lens Wearing Tips
Learn how to apply and remove contact lenses, as well as what to do to protect your eyes when you wear makeup.

Understanding Your Contact Lens Rx
You need a prescription for contact lenses, even if they're just for looks. Here's what all those numbers and terms mean on the Rx form.

SPONSORED SECTION: Teens & Contacts: What Parents Need To Know
Should your teen wear contact lenses? Read this Q&A to help you decide.

Are Your Contacts Uncomfortable? Here's What to Do
We provide solid advice for your specific symptoms or situation.

Contacts for Hard-to-Fit Eyes
Today almost everyone can wear contacts, but sometimes you need a little extra help.

SPONSORED SECTION: Contact Lens Care Quiz
Find out if you really know how to care for your contact lenses.

Where to Buy Contact Lenses
How can you choose between eye doctors, retail stores and Internet sites? Our buying tips and price charts will help.

Buying Contact Lenses Online
Learn how to get the best price and value when shopping for contacts online.

SPONSORED SECTION: Acuvue Bifocal Contact Lenses
Five invisible, concentric zones allow you to see clearly both near and far.

Caring for Soft Contact Lenses
How to make sense of all the different products, and properly clean and disinfect your contacts. Also: Caring for RGPs, and what you need to know about Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Contact Lenses After LASIK
You might still need specially-designed contact lenses after refractive surgery.

30-Day Contacts: A Smart Alternative to LASIK?
Both eliminate hassle. Compare the safety, effectiveness and cost of contacts and LASIK.

Departments
Contact Lens News & New Products / Eye Doctor Q&A / Contact Lens FAQ

Types of Contact Lenses:

Bifocal Contact Lenses provide clear vision and varying distances
Colored Contact Lenses give your eyes a subtle or dramatic change
Custom Contact Lenses could work for you if other options fail
Disposable Contact Lenses enable a healthier wearing experience
Extended Wear Contact Lenses for safe overnight wear or naps
Gas Permeable (GP) Contact Lenses for the ultimate in crisp vision
Monovision might work for you if bifocal contact lenses don't
Orthokeratology Lenses enable contact lens-free vision during the day
Prosthetic Contact Lenses mask eye injury or disfigurements
Silicone Hydrogel Contacts transmit more oxygen to your eyes
Special-Effect Contact Lenses let you become a leopard or cheetah
Toric Contact Lenses provide good vision if you have astigmatism

About Contact Lenses

Modern contact lenses fall into two categories: soft lenses that are made from water-containing plastics, and GP or "oxygen permeable" rigid contact lenses.

Contact lenses may also be classified by wearing schedule. Daily wear lenses must be removed, cleaned and stored each night, while extended wear contact lenses are made from materials which are safe for sleep. You may also have heard of "continuous wear" contact lenses, a type of extended wear that can be worn for up to 30 days.

Various lens designs are available for different vision problems. Spherical contact lenses correct nearsightedness or farsightedness and are indicated by a minus or plus in your prescription, respectively. Bifocal contact lenses are similar to multifocal eyeglasses in that they use different optical zones to correct presbyopia (the decreased ability see at both near and far distances). Toric contact lenses correct astigmatism, which can accompany either nearsightedness or farsightedness.

All of the contact lenses mentioned above can be custom fabricated for unusual prescriptions, and many other contact lens designs are available as well, including designs for conditions like keratoconus.

Contact Lens Designs

Many lens designs come in colors that can enhance or change your natural eye color. Special-effect contact lenses are also available for novelty use and are used extensively in theatrical and filmed productions. Prosthetic lenses are colored contact lenses that can cosmetically mask eye disfigurement. Many contact lenses come with an embedded UV inhibitor as well.

Which is the Right Contact Lens for You?

First, your contact lenses must correct your vision problem. Second, each lens must properly fit your cornea, so contact lenses come in tens of thousands of parameters, meaning the combination of size, shape and power.

Your eye care practitioner will evaluate your eyes to determine which lens is right for you, and will take into account your special needs such as dry eyes, a desire for color change or the need for overnight wear.

Read an expanded introduction to contact lenses.

Eye Problems and Diseases

Eye Problems and Diseases

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This section has complete information on eye and vision problems. Jump down this page to alphabetical lists of:

. . . or begin with these general articles:

Common Eye Disorders
How to identify and deal with everyday eye problems.

Eye Symptoms A to Z
Use our list of almost 100 eye symptoms to learn about the problems and diseases associated with each.

Eye Injury: A Guide to Treatment
Accidents cause many kinds of eye injuries, from corneal scratches to penetrating wounds. What to do for an eye emergency.

Clinical Trials Related to Eye Diseases
Consider participating in a clinical trial for treatment of glaucoma, macular degeneration, blepharitis or other eye problems and diseases.

See also: New Products for the Eyes | News About Eyes and Vision

Eye Conditions

Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Poor contact lens hygiene often causes this rare but serious eye infection.

Allergies
Itchy, red, swollen, tearing eyes may mean eye allergies. Get tips for relief.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia usually develops in young children and can mean permanent vision problems if not treated early.

Bell's Palsy
This condition causes sudden paralysis of one side of the face. Because of inability to blink, you may develop severe dry eye.

Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelids can cause chronic eye irritation, tearing, foreign body sensation and crusty debris.

Cataracts
If you live long enough, you will eventually have cloudy vision from cataracts. Learn about causes and about cataract surgery, which replaces your eye's natural lens with an artifical one.
See also: Cataract news | FAQ | Eye Doctor Q&A | Congenital cataracts

SPONSORED SECTION: AcrySOF IOL Quiz
Learn about your best intraocular lens options after cataract surgery.

SPONSORED SECTION: AcrySOF IQ Cataract Lens
A cataract lens for better image quality, increased contrast sensitivity and improved functional vision.

SPONSORED SECTION: AcrySOF ReSTOR Cataract Lens
This new lens is giving cataract patients a chance to live free from glasses.

SPONSORED SECTION: AcrySOF Toric Cataract Lens
Now it's possible to correct the cataracts clouding your vision — and the astigmatism distorting your vision — all at once.

NEW: Chalazion
A swollen bump in the eyelid could be a chalazion. Learn about causes and treatments.

Color Blindness
Learn the varieties of color deficiency and how to cope in our color-coded world.

Dry Eye Syndrome
Why eyes get dry. Read about eye drops, tear duct plugs and nutritional supplements for more eye moisture. Ask the dry eye doctor your question. Also read our FAQ on dry eyes and the best contact lenses for them.

NEW: Eye Occlusions (Eye Strokes)
Sudden vision loss can occur when a clot or blockage interrupts blood flow to vital eye structures.

Eye Twitching
Eyelid twitches, tics and spasms are maddening. Here are common causes.

Floaters and Spots
Floaters may be harmless or may signal a serious problem, like a detached retina.

Macular Holes
Suddenly blurry or distorted vision, especially in seniors and diabetics, may mean a macular hole.

Nystagmus
Uncontrollable eye movements from nystagmus often have neurological causes.

Ocular Migraine
Ocular migraine causes a sensation of looking through shattered glass. What's happening?

Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)
Sensitive to light? Many eye conditions can cause this problem.

Pinguecula and Pterygium
Pingueculae and pterygia are growths on the eye. Are they serious?

Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)
Drooping eyelids can be corrected with blepharoplasty surgery.

Retinal Detachment
Flashes of light and floating spots are classic warning signs of a detached retina — get them checked out ASAP. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on retinal problems.

NEW: Sjogren's Syndrome
Dry eye is a common symptom of this autoimmune disorder.

Strabismus
Misaligned eyes include crossed eyes, plus eyes that point outward, upward or downward. Remedies exist for strabismus.

Stye
The best way to get rid of that unpleasant little bump — fast!

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Sudden redness in the white of your eye may be a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Uveitis
Painful inflammation of the uvea causes light sensitivity, floaters and blurred vision.

Eye Diseases

CMV Retinitis
About 80 percent of adults have been exposed to the cytomegalovirus (CMV), but it mostly affects people with poor immune systems, such as AIDS patients.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
What you can do about redness, swelling, itching and tearing of pink eye. Also read about pink eye treatment and the various conjunctivitis types.

Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes causes sight-threatening retinal degradation. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on how diabetes affects your eyes and our diabetic retinopathy FAQ. And read the latest diabetic retinopathy news.

Eye Herpes
Ocular herpes is a recurrent viral infection that may lead to serious vision loss. Read how herpes of the eye is transmitted and treated.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma results in a damaged optic nerve and diminishing field of vision. Learn about narrow-angle glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma and glaucoma surgery.
See also: Eye Doctor Q&A | Glaucoma News & Research | Glaucoma FAQ

Keratoconus
Special contact lenses can help. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on keratoconus. And read about Intacs for keratoconus.

Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Our seven-page section covers this age-related, sight-threatening disease, plus FDA-approved macular degeneration treatments, investigational treatments, macular degeneration prevention and the Lucentis vs. Avastin treatment debate.
See also: News | Eye Doctor Q&A | FAQ

Ocular Hypertension
High eye pressure has no symptoms, but it is easily detected in an eye exam. Take care of it before it develops into glaucoma.

Retinitis Pigmentosa
Poor night vision and a narrowing field of vision beginning in childhood herald this rare disorder. Can vitamin A help? Also read the Eye Doctor Q&A on retinal problems.

Stargardt's Disease (STGD)
Children and young people can develop Stargardt's disease, often leading to central vision loss.

Surgical Eye Procedures

Cataract Surgery
It's the most common non-elective surgery in the United States. Learn about options for intraocular lenses (IOLs), including mixing multifocal IOLs to maximize both near and distance vision.
See also: Cataract Surgery Cost | Choosing a Cataract Surgeon | Cataract Surgery Complications | Multifocal IOLs FAQ | Cataract Surgeon's Personal Experience

Cornea Transplant
Eye injuries and diseases like keratoconus may require a cornea transplant, using healthy tissue from an eye donor.

Glaucoma Surgery
New options for controlling glaucoma with surgery.

Intacs for Keratoconus
These tiny corneal inserts often work when glasses and contacts don't.

Strabismus Surgery
These procedures adjust eye muscles to straighten misaligned eyes. Also, read an Eye Doctor Q&A about what to expect.

NEW: Vitrectomy & Vitreoretinal Procedures
These delicate surgical procedures for macular holes, retinal detachments and other conditions are performed in the eye's deep interior.

Vision Problems

Astigmatism
Don't despair: distorted vision is usually correctable with eyeglasses, contacts or surgery. Also see the Eye Doctor Q&A on astigmatism.

Double Vision (Diplopia)
Many conditions cause double vision, including stroke and cataracts. What to do.

Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs)
Higher-order aberrations are vision errors causing poor night vision or double images.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Farsighted people can have poor near vision or blurred vision at all distances.

Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Nearsighted people can see fine up close, but distant objects are a blur.

Presbyopia
Presbyopia means difficulty seeing close up for people 40 and older.

EYE CARE

Eye Care is a serious concern that is often neglected by people who lack health insurance.

What eye care can do for you?

eyecare123.com provides resources and information about Eye Care, basic eye care, eye care and fashion, eye care terms, vision needs, contact lens, eye care products

eyecare123.com is constantly placing new information, articles, pictures, and more about eye care. Be sure to check us out constantly as we are always trying to post the most useful eye care information for our visitors. We are always looking for eye care professionals who would like to post articles.

Caring for Eye Care

Personal Reasons of Eye Care

Eye care is essential to maintaining the health of our eyes. People with eye diseases that greatly affect their vision face many problems. They are physically hampered by impaired vision. They are not able to perform daily activities like driving or working. Some are barely able to see or have lost their vision entirely. They are also faced with emotional stress. People with dramatic eye problems face many issues that can lead to solitude and depression. This strain also affects friends and families.

They are not able to enjoy everyday moments or special events. Eye problems can also be very costly to individuals. The need for eye wear, eye surgeries, and other needs can greatly affect a person or a family is income. Some people are not even able to work because of their eye problems. There are several steps everyone can take to help prevent eye diseases and the problems related to them. It starts with knowledge of keeping the eye healthy and following good guidelines for maintaining good eye health.

There are many eye diseases that can be prevented or whose progression can be slowed down with proper precautions and healthy eating. Eating a lot of Vitamins A, E, C, and some Zinc and Selenium can help prevent many diseases including those that affect the eyes. Visit the nutrition page on what foods contain these vitamins and minerals. Certain diseases might be causes by other factors such as obesity, diabetics, exposure to ultraviolet light, smoking, certain medications such as steroids, and many other factors. It is a good idea to ask your eye care doctor for specific steps you can take. People with obesity or who are diabetic should have more routine checkups since they are more likely to develop certain eye diseases.

Those who are outside most of the day should use protective sunglasses or eyeglasses to prevent heavy exposure to ultraviolet light. People who smoke or take certain medications should ask their doctor if they are more likely to have eye diseases because of family background. These little measures can help your eyes healthy and keep all the emotional, physical, and financial problems that come with eye problems away.

Health Concerns | Eyes

Your search for dry eye relief is over!

If you have been searching for a treatment for chronic dry eyes on Google and elsewhere, we know that you are seeking an immediate solution for an agonizing condition.

We also know that you are overwhelmed with many treatment options.

So how do you best choose? How do you make the most informed choice?

Actually, it’s easier than you think.

Of all the non-surgical treatments for dry eyes, only the TheraLife formulation has been clinically proven to be safe and effective. No other company or product can make that claim.

Scientifically demonstrated in a six site, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted by leading ophthalmologists and optometrists, TheraLife Eye Therapy relieves dry eyes and eye fatigue in cases where other treatment modalities fail. In fact, improvement with TheraLife Eye Therapy was seen in as little as one week.

TheraLife's treatment is a unique oral formulation that stimulates the secretion of natural, salt-based tears. Unlike eye drops, which evaporate quickly and are often messy and inconvenient to use, relief with TheraLife Eye Therapy is sustained over time. Actually, prolonged use of eye drops may cause the eye to secrete fewer tears, further aggravating the condition.

TheraLife Dry Eye Enhanced®

Treats dry eye and eye strain conditions including irritation, redness, blurred vision, burning, and excess tearing caused by




Normal aging Contact lens use Lasik
Sjogrens Medications Diseases
Refractive surgery Menopause Environment
Allergies Computer displays And other factors

The herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in this formula increases circulation to ocular tissue, improves tear quality, and maintains healthy function of the lens and retina of the eye. This formula is optimized to bring accelerated relief for dry eye discomfort.

Have you tried Restasis or punctal plugs without any success? TheraLife Eye Enhanced has even provided dry eye relief where Restasis and punctal plugs have not.

"I've never had dry eyes before until I had Lasik performed in June. Doctors put in punctal plugs six times and put me on Restasis. None of it worked. I have been on TheraLife now and am so happy with the results!" - R.J. Stafford, VA

The TheraLife Eye Difference

Extraordinary Benefits

Lasting relief for chronic dry eyes

  • Restores your eyes ability to produce its own natural tears

Clinically Proven

  • 86% of patients in a Phase IIb Clinical Study showed increased tear production

More than fish oils or flax seed oils - unique, patented formulation of nutrients, phytochemicals, and proprietary herbal extracts that

  • Improves ocular micro-circulation - to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the eye while carrying out more harmful waste products
  • MitoActivation - to boost intracellular metabolism and restore normal cell function

Keeps your eyes healthier, stronger, and feeling younger

  • Revitalizes and strengthens the eye's capillaries
  • Anti-inflammatory agents to reduce irritation and inflammation of the tear glands, eye surface, and eyelids
  • Contains all the anti-oxidant ingredients in the National Eye Institutes Age Related Macular Degeneration Study (AREDS)

Safe, 100% pure, natural ingredients

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On-Line Price $39.95 for 2 bottles (120 capsules)

Retail Price $44.95

Dosage Instructions for TheraLife Eye Treatment

TheraLife Eye Product Brochure

Compare Theralife® Eye Therapy With Other Competitive Treatments

Click Here to Submit Questions or Comments Online

Ingredients:
Beta-Carotene An antioxidant that can be converted into Vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy eyes, bones, hair and skin. It protects the brain cells from free radical damage, and maintains eye structures such as the retina.
Vitamin E It protects cell membranes, proteins, fats, and Vitamin A from destructive oxidation. Vitamin E preserves Vitamin A in the eyes, protects red blood cells, and boosts the nervous system and immune system.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) An antioxidant that inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C helps to maintain bones, teeth, hair, nails, and blood vessels. Works together with Vitamin E and Beta Carotene to deactivate free radicals.
Riboflavin (B 2) This vitamin is necessary for healthy eyes and skin.
Zinc A mineral that is important in healing wounds.
Copper Required for red blood cell and hemoglobin formation and acts in enzyme systems.
Selenium An antioxidant that stabilizes vitamin E.
L-Carnitine This vitamin increases circulation and metabolism in the body.
Fructus Lycii Known as the "eye-brightening herb", it is used for poor eyesight, eyestrain, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye disorders. The fruit provides antioxidant protection for the eyes against free radicals.
Billberry This herb helps the eyes and cardiovascular system by stimulating and increasing overall circulatory health.
Chrysanthemum This is an "eye-brightening herb" that is often used in conjunction with Fructus Lycii to treat eye conditions. It improves blood circulation, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory affects.
Notoginsheng Notoginseng is used to treat wounds and soft tissue injuries. It aids the healing of wounds, bruises, and improves blood flow.