Winter can take a toll on your eye health but taking these precautions will help

We understand the last thing on your mind when taking a winter stroll or cozying up at home with a cup of hot tea is your eyes, but winter eye care is more important than you may realize. Damaging sun reflections off snow and dry indoor air conditions can irritate your eyes and impair your vision. Here are some things that can affect our eyes in the winter, how you can care for your eyes this season and help prevent long-term eye health problems.(Related:6 Eye Doctor-Approved Ways to Protect Your Eye Health)

Winter eye care for indoor air conditions

The most common eye complaint in winter is dryness, which creates a burning or itchy sensation or the feeling that a foreign object is in your eye. The cause may be the lower humidity levels inside your home or office when the heat is on and the windows are closed. (Keep this quick fix in mind when you’re experiencing dry or irritated eyes.)People who wear contact lenses are the ones most likely to experience this problem, but it can affect anyone, particularly peri and post-menopausal women who may have eye dryness because of loss of estrogen. Sometimes people come in complaining that their eyes are watering too much, says Dr. Pierre Faber, chair of the department of ophthalmology at Providence Health Care in Vancouver. Thats because their eyes dont tear as they should and when they get dry and irritated, it makes them water like crazy.Over time, dryness can cause blurred vision or damage the cornea, which can also lead to blurriness.

How to protect your eyes

Keep your eyes moist

Drink extra fluids and use a hot or cold air humidifier while youre awake and your eyes are open.

Carry eye drops with you

Lubricating eye drops provide comfort. These saline, tear gels or ocular lubricant drops are available over the counter at drugstores. They help supplement the natural tear layer and keep the tears from evaporating so quickly, explains Ralph Chou, an associate professor in the school of optometry at the University of Waterloo.

Try blinking more often

When youre concentrating on a complex visual task, such as using a computer, you just dont blink as often, which can exacerbate winter dryness, says Chou. If your eyes feel dry at work, make a point of blinking more often.(Related:My Eyesight Is Getting Worse. Could It Be Related to the Pandemic?)

Winter eye care for outdoor glare

When you spend several hours or more skiing, skating or shovelling snow, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the suns reflection on ice or snow can damage the eyes surface, causing an inflammation of the cornea called keratitis, says Dr. Lorne Bellan, head of the department of ophthalmology at the University of Manitoba and president of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society.Keratitis makes the eyes red, sore and sensitive to light, and may require treatment with antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. Too much exposure to UV light also plays a key role in the formation of cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision.Extreme cold is usually not an issue, as our eyes have built-in defences against cold, including tearing up and squinting.

How to protect your eyes

Shield your eyes

Wear sunglasses that protect against UV light. New snow on a ski slope has an almost 100 per cent reflection of UV light, so youre getting a double dose of sun from above and below, says Chou. Look for glasses with a minimum UV 400 protection (they block both UVA and UVB). Since cataracts are the result of cumulative damage, even children should don sunglasses on bright winter days, says Faber. When skiing, wear goggles that have polycarbonate lenses, which block UV radiation.If youre outdoors on a blustery day, sunglasses will protect your eyes from the drying effects of the wind.

Limit your time outdoors

If youve forgotten your goggles or sunglasses, dont spend more than a few hours outdoors on sunny or bright overcast days.Next,7 Foods That May Improve Your Eyesight

The post The Unexpected Thing That Will Harm Your Sight In The Winter appeared first on Best Health.

What is a detached retina?

A retinal detachment can occur when your retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye) breaks away from its normal position. When your retina detaches, it is cut off from its oxygen and nutrient supply, leading to the death of the tissue.”It can cause permanent vision loss if you don’t seek care right away,” Dr. Haller says.

Detached retina symptoms

Often, a retinal tear precedes full-on detachment, and catching it at this stage is the better scenario, Dr. Haller says. Getting ahead of a retinal detachment starts with knowing the four symptoms that can indicate a serious eye problem, including:

Specks, blobs, and lines in your field of vision

As you get older, you may see floaters, which are actually small clumps of fiber or protein inside your eye’s vitreous humor. Your vitreous humor is the gel that fills the space between the lens and retina of your eye, and it shrinks as you age, causing floaters.”Retinal detachment is different,” Dr. Haller says. “This would be an abrupt onset of a significant number of new floaters.”

Flashing lights

A torn or detached retina may also cause flashes of light to appear in one or both eyes.

“These may look like fireworks going off in your eyes,” says Purnima Patel, MD, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Emory University in Atlanta.

(Related:My Eyesight Is Getting Worse. Could It Be Related to the Pandemic?)

Curtains and shadows

As your retina starts to detach, you may see a dark shadow or curtain on the sides or in the middle of your field of vision. “This occurs because fluid goes underneath the tear,” Dr. Haller says. You may notice a darkening of your side or peripheral vision, she says.

Blurry vision

Your retina sends visual signals to the brain via the optic nerve. When detachment occurs, vision may be blurry, Dr. Patel says.There is no pain with a detached retina, Dr. Haller says, but if you notice symptoms that do suggest your retina may be torn or detached, time is of the essence. “The longer it stays detached, the worse your vision will be,” she says.

Understanding your risk for detached retina

About one in 10,000 people experience a retinal detachment each year.Some people are at greater risk for a detached retina, according to the National Eye Institute.Risks include:

• previous cataracts, glaucoma, or another type of eye surgery
• advancing age
• trauma to the eye
• family history of retinal detachment
• diabetic eye disease, a silent sign of diabetes
• extreme nearsightedness
• other eye diseases
• long eyes (“If you have longer than average eyes, your retina becomes stretched, so it is more prone to tears and holes,” Dr. Patel explains.)

(Related:9 Things Eye Experts Wont Tell You About Glasses)

Diagnosing detached retinas

Your eye doctor will perform a dilated eye exam to see if there is a tear or detachment. To do this, your doctor will use eye drops to dilate or widen your pupil and then look at your retina. Sometimes more imaging tests are necessary for a better view of your retina.

What causes retinal detachment?

There are three types of retinal detachment, according to the National Eye Institute.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

This is the most common type of retinal detachment. It occurs when your retina has a tear or break, and vitreous humor gets behind your retina, pushing it away from the back of your eye.

Exudative retinal detachment

This occurs when too much fluid builds up behind your retina and pushes it away from the back of your eye, causing it to detach. There are no tears or ruptures with this type of detached retina.

Tractional retinal detachment

This may occur if scar tissue on your retina pulls your retina away from the back of your eye.

Retinal detachment treatment

“Laser repair is a treatment option,” Dr. Patel says. If you catch a tear before it becomes a retinal detachment, your doctor can use a laser to seal it. Another treatment, injecting air or gas into your eye, can push your retina back into place, Dr. Patel says. Sometimes surgery is necessary if the retinal detachment is large enough, she says. Surgery involves placing a band around the white part of your eye (the sclera) to push the sides of your eye inward toward your retina so it will reattach.For another procedure, vitrectomy surgery, your eye doctor crafts small openings in your eye wall to remove most of the vitreous gel.

When to see your doctor

See an eye doctor if you notice any of the four main symptoms of a detached retina: new floaters, flashing lights, curtains or shadows, or blurry vision.Next: 5 Reasons You Always Have Watery Eyes

The post 4 Detached Retina Symptoms that Indicate a Serious Eye Problem appeared first on Best Health.

What is dry eye?

Every time you blink, tears wash over your eyes. They keep the eyes surface smooth and clear and wash away any debris. But sometimes your eyes dont make enough tears or the quality of tears isnt very good. This is dry eye syndrome. It goes by a few other names too: dry eye disease, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and keratitis sicca.

How tears work

The tear film on your eye is made up of three layers, and each plays a different role.Oily layer: This outside layer keeps the eyes surface smooth and keeps tears from evaporating too fast.Watery layer: The middle layer is most of what we normally see as tears. This cleans the eyes and washes away anything that doesnt belong there.Mucus layer: This inner layer helps tears stick to the eye. It spreads the watery layer across the eyes surface.As you age, your eyes make fewer tears. But sometimes things can affect one of these layers, which impacts how long tears stay on the eyes and keep them lubricated.

What causes dry eye?

There are several reasons your eyes may be making fewer tears. The most common dry eye causes are:

• Aging: Dry eyes typically affect people over age 50. Most people over 65 have some dry eye symptoms.
• Sex: Women are more likely to have dry eyes than men, especially if they use birth control pills or have gone through the hormonal changes of pregnancy or menopause.
• Computer use: Staring at a screen for long periods of time without blinking can decrease tear production.
• Medication: Certain medicines, including antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, decongestants, and diuretics for high blood pressure, can cause you to make fewer tears.
• Laser eye surgery: Having vision correction surgery such as LASIK can decrease the amount of tears your eyes make.
• Medical conditions: Certain health issues, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid problems, can be closely linked to dry eye symptoms.
• Other eye issues: Both blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) and eyelids that turn in or out can eventually trigger dry eyes.
• Contact lenses: Wearing contacts for long periods of time, or not changing them regularly, can impact tear amount and quality. Here’s how to choose the best contacts for dry eyes.
• Wind and smoke: Exposure to smoke, wind, and dry air can increase how quickly tears evaporate.

(Related:18 Contact Lens Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Eyes)

Dry eye symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can come and go, especially early on when the condition is mild. As it gets worse, symptoms typically linger. Dry eye symptoms can include:

• Stinging, burning, or scratching feeling in the eye
• Blurry vision
• Redness
• Watery eyes
• Gritty feeling in the eye
• Trouble wearing contact lenses
• Strings of mucus in eyes
• Light sensitivity

How is dry eye diagnosed?

Your eye doctor will examine your eyes, inspecting the surface of your eyes as well as your eyelids. You’ll have to blink a couple times then answer questions about your symptoms and when your eyes feel dry. Sometimes a doctor will put dye in your eye to watch how your tears flow and/or to highlight the areas of your eyes that are dry. Your doctor may do a procedure called a Schirmers test, putting small strips of filter paper under your lower eyelids to measure the amount of tears your eyes make after a few minutes.You may get blood work if your doctor suspects you have an underlying disorder such as the autoimmune disease Sjogren’s syndrome. If you have this condition, your immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that make tears and saliva.(Related:7 Things That Could Happen If You Keep Rubbing Your Eyes)

Dry eye treatments

The two most common treatments for dry eyes work by adding more tears or saving the ones you have.

Artificial tears

These eye drops for dry eyes mimic your own tears. You can use them many times throughout the day, whenever your eyes bother you. There are many brands available without a prescription. Products without preservatives are less likely to irritate your eyes. Thick gels and ointments can provide more moisture than drops. Because they can make your vision blurry, theyre best used at bedtime.

Conserving tears

Your doctor may suggest saving your tears by blocking your tear ducts. Plugging the ducts keeps tears in your eyes longer and stops them from draining through the nose. For this procedure, a doctor will insert tiny, silicone or collagen plugs (called punctal plugs) into the tiny holes in the corner of your eyes. These holes can also be closed permanently, via surgery, in serious cases.

Medications

Your doctor may also suggest some medications to ease dry eye symptoms. They can include prescription eye drops, such as cyclosporine (Restasis), lifitegrast (Xiidra), and corticosteroids. These medicines encourage your eyes to make more tears.

Lid hygiene

Keeping your eyelids clean helps with blocked or irritated oil glands that can affect the quality or quantity of tears you make. Apply warm compresses to your eyelids to open blocked glands and then gently massage them to release natural oils. You can clean eyelids with over-the-counter eyelid scrubs or with a mixture of baby shampoo and water, applied with a cotton swab.(Related:9 Things Eye Experts Wont Tell You About Glasses)

Dry eye prevention

There are home remedies that you can do every day to help prevent and treat dry eyes:

• Take breaks from screen time.
• Use a humidifier.
• Wear wraparound glasses outdoors, especially in windy weather.
• Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, either from supplements and/or foods like oily fish and flaxseeds.
• Avoid warm and dry environments when possible

Next, this is what you need to know about eyelid dermatitis.

The post What to Know About Dry Eye Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments appeared first on Best Health.

Drugstore reading glasses are actually fine

Despite what you may have heard, a little magnifying actioncourtesy of your corner pharmacycan be a good thing. “Many patients come to me panicked because someone told them over-the-counter readers are bad for their eyes and can cause damage, but this is completely untrue,” says Inna Ozerov, MD, ophthalmologist and director of the Miami Eye Institute. “If you’re fortunate enough to have good distance vision but have trouble reading, inexpensive magnifiers are a perfectly acceptable and practical choice. The strength of the magnifiers needed is age-dependent.”

(Related: 5 Reasons You Always Have Watery Eyes)

You’re going to need glasses at some point

Even if you enjoy 20/20 vision for first half of your life, at some point you will start squinting at your phone and asking your children to read you the menu at restaurants. There’s even a name for mid-life vision losspresbyopia, which the National Eye Institute defines as the inability to focus up close. “When you start feeling the need to elongate your arms to see fine print (around age 40), it’s time to purchase a pair of reading glasses,” Dr. Ozerov says. It’s a bit counter-intuitive, but the stronger the magnification, the closer you need to hold your books.” If your vision deteriorates in the other direction in middle ageyou can still read texts but now road signs are like hieroglyphicsyou’ve become nearsighted and drugstore glasses won’t help you. Head to an eye doctor instead for prescription lenses.

(At your computer all day? Here’s what you need to know to reduce your risk of digital eye strain.)

Some people may stop needing glasses temporarily

There’s a surprising phenomenon called “second sight.” “Older patients who develop cataracts may enjoy a honeymoon period where they don’t need to wear reading glasses,” Dr. Ozerov says. “This is because as the natural lens thickens, it makes the eye more myopic (nearsighted), which allows the person to be able to see smaller print without glasses. But only on a short-term basis. As the cataract matures, the overall quality of vision diminishes and ultimately cataract surgery is required.”

Scratches are a deal-breaker

Sure you can still see out through scratched lenses, but straining to see through the scratchy haze can tire out your eyes, Dr. Ozerov says. Fingerprints can be buffed out but scratches can’t, so the only solution is a new pair of lenses, and then it’s a good idea to give them some TLC. “To prevent scratches, don’t place your glasses with the lenses facing down,” Dr. Oserov advises.

(Related: Check out the foods that can help improve your eyesightnaturally.)

New lenses belong in new frames

In your zeal to reduce costsor because you’re still in love with your existing frames, you may want to simply replace the lenses rather than buy a new pair of glasses. Bad idea. “You cannot put new lenses in old frames because of the way the lenses are cut and secured within the frame,” Dr. Ozerov says. The frames need to be heated to remove the old lenses and then reheated to insert the new lenses, which can stress the plastic and increase the likelihood that it will split, crack, or break over time:It’s best to spring for a new pair.

(Related: Do blue light glasses work?)

Eyeglasses aren’t actually glass

Early eyeglasses were made of actual glass, but now they’re made of plastic because glass is too fragile a material for everyday use. Using glass can also be dangerous if brokenno one wants tiny glass shards near the eyeso plastic is the preferred lens material for most eyeglasses.

Buying online can cost two-thirds less

Brick-and-mortar glasses shops tend to charge more for frames because their operating costs are higher, so you may be tempted to buy glasses online, especially because the price can be much less. Aside from the issue of whether or not you’re buying designer knock-offs (check for positive or negative feedback before clicking “buy”), the bigger question is whether buying glasses on the cheap side makes sense for your prescription. “For fairly simple prescriptions, it’s fine to get them online and save money,” Dr. Ozerov says. “For more complex prescriptions, such as bifocals and especially progressive lenses, I think it’s best to go to an optometrist and be properly measured.” Be aware that many lenses automatically come with anti-glare coating, which could trigger a significant up-charge. Make sure to ask about it, whether you shop online or at a local store.

(Related: What to know before buying contacts online.)

Some extras are worth it

UV rays, glare, eye fatigue, and harmful blue light are challenges our eyes face daily, but there are lenses that protect against them without the need for sunglasses. For example, Transitionslenses continuously adapt to changing light, helping protect your eyes from all three challenges. They block 100 percent of the sun’s UVA/UVB rays and reduce harsh glare. The lenses also filter harmful blue light from cell phones, laptops, and LED and fluorescent lights. Tim Gunn, the style guru formerly onProject Runway, is “wowed” by the lenses, which he adds to all his pairs of glasses. “The transition is seamlessand I know I’m protected,” he says. He particularly appreciates avoiding the nuisance of switching to sunglasses every time he heads outdoors. Transitions offers several types of lenses, including ones specifically for driving and for extreme outdoor activities.

Your prescription could change in a matter of months

You may get your eyes checked every few years, when the world starts getting a little blurrier than usual, but your vision could change significantly in the interim. “Many conditions can affect the longevity of your prescription,” Dr. Ozerov says. “Conditions such as cataracts, diabetes, and glaucoma may cause changes in your prescription.” To be safe, see your eye doctor once a year to check that your prescription is suiting your vision needs.

Now that you know the best tips for wearing glasses, learn what your eyes can reveal about your overall health.

The post 9 Things Eye Experts Won’t Tell You About Glasses appeared first on Best Health.

Contact dermatitis

There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. “The eyelids are a very sensitive area because they feature extremely thin skin that is more easily affected by environment irritants and allergens,” says Shawn Kwatra, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Contact dermatitis is fairly common with 50 to 70 percent of people having either an allergic or irritant eyelid dermatitis.

Allergic contact eyelid dermatitis

This form results from an allergic reaction to the eye. It can take a bit longer to show symptoms the scaling, redness, and itching on the eyelids can take a few days to notice. There are all sorts of culprits for allergic contact eyelid dermatitis, but the more common ones include fragrances, trace amounts of metals in jewellery (such as nickel and gold), topical antibiotics, and nail polish especially ones that contain acrylates, Kwatra says.

Irritant contact eyelid dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is a non-allergic reaction with symptoms of itching, burning, redness, and scaling almost immediately. Common irritants are detergents, acids, paints and varnish, hair dyes, and anti-aging products with retinoids, dry air, and extremely hot or cold weather.(Related: 24 Things Your Skin Can Reveal About Your Health)

Treatment

Kwatra recommends gentle skin care regimens and applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the affected areas. For more troublesome cases, consider topical corticosteroids like over-the-counter hydrocortisone or a more potent one you can get by prescription. Just be careful not to use too much, too often. “It is important that a topical steroid only be applied for a few days at a time, as the eyelids have extremely thin skin and are more susceptible to steroid-associated atrophy (thinning of the skin) and telangiectasias (which looks like spider veins on your eyelids), warns Kwatra.Beyond cosmetic reasons, excessive steroid use can cause permanent damage. “Steroids can cause thinning of the skin, cataracts, increased eye pressure, and glaucoma. Glaucoma can lead to a permanent loss of vision, so anyone on long-term steroid therapy should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist,” says Dianna Seldomridge, an ophthalmologist at Duke Eye Center of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Atopic eyelid dermatitis

Atopic eyelid dermatitis is a type of eczema, a condition in which the skin cannot maintain moisture naturally, resulting in outbreaks that make the skin dry, itchy, red, and scaly. Typically, eczema targets the face and neck, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. About 12 to 17 percent of people with eczema can also suffer from this condition. “It is not uncommon to see atopic dermatitis patients presenting with a rash on the eyelids. When this occurs, it frequently affects both eyelids but can be unilateral,” says Richard Browning, MD, a dermatologist at the UCHealth Dermatology Clinic, in Cherry Creek, Colorado. But the symptoms don’t always point to eczema, especially if the rash is on both eyelids, Browning says. Allergic dermatitis could be the culprit.

Treatment

When it comes to do-it-yourself relief, the focus should be hydration. “Applying Vaseline ointment would be the best for symptom relief as the extra hydration from it is often soothing for itch and discomfort. This can be done multiple times daily and is safe on the eyelids,” Browning says. Home remedies, in general, are relatively limited Browning says because once the area is inflamed it will need anti-inflammatory medications to resolve the rash.

Complications

If the medications or home treatments aren’t helping and you’re itching and rubbing your eyes excessively, don’t put off a repeat visit with your dermatologist to get your symptoms under control. Since allergies often go hand-in-hand with eczema, you might need further testing or to try a different treatment to manage allergic reactions. It’s critical to stop rubbing your eyes, which causes friction that can lead to vision problems or, in severe cases, vision loss.People with eczema are also more prone to developing conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis (inflamed cornea), and keratoconus (thinning of the cornea) compared with that of the general population, says a 2017 Danish study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. “Eye rubbing is a major risk factor for keratoconus, a condition in which the cornea is cone-shaped. This condition may prevent someone from being able to correct their vision with glasses or contact lenses,” says Nathan Hamburger, an ophthalmologist in Steamboat Springs and at the UCHealth, Yampa Valley Medical Center.To treat these complications, you might need specialized contact lenses and corneal cross-linking, a treatment using eye drops and UV light to make the corneas stronger. In advanced cases, a corneal transplant might be necessary, Hamburger says. Keratitis, when caught early, can be treated and usually cured. People with eczema also have a greater risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye. “Early treatment of these eye conditions are usually effective at restoring and preserving vision and ocular health,” says Hamburger.(Related: How to Tell Eczema From Other Skin Issues)

Seborrheic eyelid dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory rash on the skin caused by the body’s immune response to an overgrowth of a naturally occurring yeast called Malassezia. It is mostly found on the nose, cheek folds, chin, eyebrows, forehead, and scalp. On the scalp, it’s known as dandruff. Browning says seborrheic dermatitis isn’t dangerous. Yet, for the eight to 16 percent of people who get it, it can be very symptomatic, causing redness, itching, burning, and flaking on the eyelid. The overgrowth of yeast may cause worse symptoms for those with compromised immune systems and people with a history of neurological diseases like stroke or Parkinson’s disease, Browning adds.

Treatment

“Seborrheic dermatitis is treated in two ways by targeting the overgrowth of normal yeast on the skin and/or by targeting the inflammatory response of our immune system to that yeast,” says Browning. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone should do the trick for mild intermittent cases. But dotting your eyelids with hydrocortisone too often can lead to permanent thinning of the skin. Instead, prescription-strength hydrocortisone might be a better option to clear up the rash and avoid prolonged use of topical steroids. “Once clear, maintaining clearance in this often chronic condition is safer with the use of antifungals like ketoconazole (prescription cream),” says Browning.

Practice proper eye care

It’s important to understand the causes of your symptoms in order to seek proper care for your eyelid dermatitis. This will not only help identify the cause of the problem but also help prevent a reoccurrence. Make sure to practice good hand hygiene and be mindful when you touch your face, especially your eyes. If your symptoms persist after treatment, or if you experience a reoccurrence, speak to your doctor to determine what treatment plan may be best for you.Medically reviewed byJessica Wu, MD.Next: Everything You Need to Know About Scalp Care

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There are many reasons for watery eyes

Watery eyes are a symptom of so many health and eye issues. According to Stephanie Marioneaux, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it’s very important to note that some causes of watery eyes could be infectious (like pink eye) or even dangerous. There are also tons of environmental factors (like dust, dry air, and smog) that can cause this symptom.Still, you don’t want to trivialize watery eyes. “The watery eye is often misinterpreted as an annoyance, and the response is to grab a tissue and blot the eye dry until you’ve sussed out every bit of moisture, trying to give yourself relief,” says Dr. Marioneaux. In effect, the eye is bone-dry, and it stimulates more tears, perpetuating a vicious cycle that the patient encourages. She suggests having an ophthalmologist check for any eye problems if symptoms don’t improve after 24 hours. Just keep in mind that your watery eyes could be because of the following reasons.

You have dry eyes

Although this might seem contradictory, having dry eyes can actually cause watery eyes, says Douglas Lazzaro, MD, an ophthalmologist at NYU Langone Health. Dr. Lazzaro explains that this is a reflex as the eyes tear in response to dryness of the ocular surface, including the outer layer of the cornea, the tears, the conjunctiva, and the margin of the eyelids.”The corneas are very innervated [supplied] with nerves,” he says. So when the eye surface is not appropriately smooth or is dry, the nerves send an impulse to the lacrimal gland to secrete extra, watery tears.

You’re taking certain medications that cause dry eye

Dryness from certain medications leads to watery eyes, and the list of culprits is long, according to Ray Chan, MD, an ophthalmologist at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital. Common offenders include chemotherapy drugs, diuretics, antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and more.”Antihistamines and decongestants work to decrease mucus and aqueous production in the body to help stop a runny nose or itchy skin,” Dr. Chan says. “However, this also decreases the aqueous production of the tear film and leads to tear-film dysfunction and subsequent dry and watery eyes.” Antidepressants cause watery eyes by interrupting the signals between nerve cells, which can affect nerve signals to the brain pertaining to tear production. (Learn the simple habits that can improve your vision.)

You have allergies

Allergies are another cause of watery eyes. Eye problems from allergies often start with itching from the allergen. One of the worst things you can do in this situation is rub your eyes, according to Dr. Marioneaux. That’s because chances are, the hand brought the allergy to the eye in the first place. “Tearing is just what the patient notices,” she says. “The primary reason why the eyes water in an allergy situation is to try and bring forth all the wonderful components of the tears.” These tears will try to dilute or bind with the allergen to break it up, get rid of it, and relieve itching, she adds. (Keep in mind that these are the worst Canadian cities for allergies.)

You have a blocked tear duct

Another counterintuitive reason for watery eyes is a blocked tear duct, according to Dr. Lazzaro. “Blocked tear ducts actually do not allow the normal tears produced to drain into the tear duct, so the patient frequently has tearing down the cheek,” he says. “Patients frequently consider this excessive watery eyes, but in fact, this is normal tearing that is not draining well.”Dr. Chan says that this drainage goes through a passageway into the nose and the back of the throat, which is why you sometimes get the sniffles when you cry. “Any blockage of the tear ducts prevents the eyes from draining excess fluids that are not being used to lubricate the eyes,” he says.

You have an autoimmune disease

Various autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause watery eyes. However, Dr. Marioneaux says that although the association is clear, there isn’t sufficient data yet to explain what triggers this symptom.Next, check out these secrets your eye doctor won’t tell you.

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What is computer vision syndrome (CVS)?

Blurry vision? Tired eyes? Strained neck? Headaches? If you’re experiencing any or all of the above symptoms, you might have computer vision syndrome (CVS). Yes, it’s a real thing. When you stare at computers (or devices like smartphones and tablets) for too long, the muscles in your eyes have to work overtime. And “like any muscle, if you’re constantly using it, it can break down,” says James Stringham, PhD, a research professor at the University of Georgia. In fact, CVS (also called digital eye strain) affects around 60 million people around the world, according to a report inBMC Research Notes. And in this day and age, many jobs involve at least some computer work. What to do? Luckily, research shows that changing just a few daily habits can reduce your risk for computer screen eye strain and improve your eyesight, pronto.

Eat leafy greens

Chowing down on leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli isn’t just a vitamin A fix; it may reduce your risk for digital eye straintoo. Researchers found that special nutrients in leafy green vegetables, also called lutein and zeaxanthin, not only have exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers, but they are also found in high concentrations at the backs of our eyes, protecting them from glare and bright lightsincluding from digital screens, per the Annual Review of Nutrition. “The American diet being the way that it is, we don’t get too much in the way of leafy green vegetables,” Dr. Stringham says.

Practice the 20-20 rule

While a simple solution to computer vision syndrome might be to reduce the amount of time we spend looking at digital screens, “that’s not an option for most of us when our jobs and our productivity is depending on being on a computer,” Dr. Stringham says. Instead, if your eyes start feeling tired or strained while you’re staring at your computer screen, try the American Academy of Optometry’s “20-20 rule:” for every 20 minutes that you spend concentrating on a screen, take a break to look out into the distance for about 20 seconds. Doing so helps to relax the eyes, cuts down on digital eye strain, and prevents headaches. (Here are even more secrets your eye doctor won’t tell you.)

Consider asupplement

Can’t get enough leafy greens in your everyday diet to protect your eyes? It’s totally understandable. “It’s hard to eat a couple of big bowls of spinach every day,” Dr. Stringham says. In that case, he says, supplements are a viable option. Dr. Stringham recommends getting 20 to 25 mg per day of both lutein and zeaxanthin, which is a difficult ratio to find outside of nature, like in vegetables. (Psst: Thishow often you should have an eye exam.)

Limit your blue light exposure

Diet aside, changing your daily habits could be a simple (and quick) fix to reducing your risk for computer vision syndrome. Stringham recommends imposing a limit on the recreational time you spend on the computer or any device with a screen. Doing so can protect you from the short wavelength of energy coming off of your screen called “blue light,” which irritates your eyes and causes you to squint unconsciously, leading to headaches and neck strain. Limiting the amount of time spent on electronics is especially vital for adults over the age of 40, whose eyes are already beginning to strain due to age. Just listen to your body’s cues, Dr. Stringham advises; if you start to feel strain or fatigue in your eyes, back off from the electronic devices. (Find out what blue light is doing to your mental health.)

Wear reading glasses

Over-the-counter reading glasses aren’t just for older people. In fact, they relieve quite a bit of strain on your eyes, regardless of your age. “Over six or seven or eight hours per day,” says Stringham. “When you’re squinting just a little bit, it adds up, and it produces these symptoms of eye strain, eye fatigue, and headache.” Reading glasses can block some of that light and bring the computer screen sharply in focus, which also reduces the amount of straining your eyes have to do.

Chow down on corn and orange peppers

It bears repeating: A rainbow of colourful veggies on your plate does wonders for your health as well as your eyes. Aside from leafy green vegetables, corn and orange peppers contain significant levels of zeaxanthin, the vitamin-packed nutrient that reduces eye irritation and improves visual performance. Try tossing some orange peppers in your next salad. (Want more variety? Chow down on even more of the healthiest foods to improve your eyesight.)

Try blue light glasses, contact lenses, or screen overlays

To keep the blue light from reaching your eyes to begin with, it might be time to invest in some blue light-blocking glasses or contact lenses with a yellow tint, which block the blue light that comes from digital screens. But buyer beware: Dr. Stringham warns that these products can also change the colours on your screen’s display.Next, check out these other things you’re doing wrong when it comes to your eyes.

The post The Eye Issue to Be Aware of If You’re on a Computer All Day appeared first on Best Health.

Secrets your eye doctor won’t tell you

An annual visit to the eye doctor, or optometrist, usually involves reading an eye chart, a cover test to see how well your eyes work together, and other comprehensive exams that test eye movements and depth perception. At the end of your yearly eye visit, your doctor shares the results, and encourages you to maintain good eye health. However, your optometrist may not be so candid when it comes to the way you take care of your eyes.For better eye care, top eye doctors share 11 secrets to help protect your eyes.

Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement

“Most people know that UV radiation can damage skin, but they don’t realize it’s also bad for eyes. You wear your sunglasses only when it’s sunny? That’s like saying ‘I only smoke sometimes.’ Wear sunglasses big enough to block the light from above and belowthey should have thick sides or wrap around. If you wear contacts, ask for UV coating.” Stephen Cohen, OD, past president of the Arizona Optometric Association, Scottsdale. (See the best sunglasses for your face shape.)

Carrots aren’t the secret to eye health

“Despite what generations of parents have told their kids, carrots aren’t the best food for your eyes. That honour goes to spinach, kale, and other dark, leafy veggies.” Andrea Thau, OD, associate clinical professor at the SUNY College of Optometry, New York City.

Polarized isn’t best for every situation

“Polarized sunglasses are great at reducing glare, but they can make it difficult to see the LCD on your cell phone or navigation system. It’s harder to see an ATM screen when you’ve got polarized sunglasses on too.” Janice Jurkus, OD, optometrist at Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago

You’re storing your eye drops incorrectly

“Eyedrops (any kind) sting less if you keep them in the refrigerator.” Janice Jurkus, OD,optometrist at Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago.

(Psst: Check out the contact lens mistakes that could be ruining your eyes.)

You can stop fearing night reading

“Reading in dim light won’t hurt your eyes. The worst that might happen is that you get a headache.” Eric Donnenfeld, MD, cataract specialist, Long Island, New York.

Head to the doctor for pinkeye

“Pink eye isn’t always benign: A number of patients end up with light sensitivity and even vision loss. But many physicians treat it with antibiotics that won’t help if the cause is a virus. We do a rapid test for adenovirusif that’s what you have, we treat it very differently than if your pink eye is bacterial. Robert Sambursky, MD, ophthalmologist, Sarasota, Florida.

(Psst: Check out what you’re doing wrong when it comes to your eyes.)

Don’t wait until there’s a problem

“No, it’s not okay to wait for symptoms to appear. Some blinding eye diseases have few warning signs before they’ve taken away your vision. A yearly exam is the only way to catch things early.” Paul Harris, OD, associate professor at the Southern College of Optometry, Memphis

Here’s what your eyes can tell you about your health.

Don’t just use anything to wipe your glasses

“Never use tissues or toilet paper to clean your eyeglasses. Paper is made of wood, and it will scratch your lenses. I like to use my tie because it’s silk and really smooth.” Robert Noecker, MD, ophthalmologist, Fairfield, Connecticut.

(Psst: Find out if you should get computer glasses.)

Dilated pupils mess with your vision

“Many of you seem to think you can go on with life as normal immediately after I dilate your eyes, but it’ll be two or three hours before you can do anything that requires concentrated visual attention. Sometimes people get irritated that they can’t read a 12-page document.” Paul Harris, OD, associate professor at the Southern College of Optometry, Memphis

Psst: Here’s what you can do to improve your vision.

Stand your ground when it comes to money

“Some doctors pressure patients to have cataract surgery right away, but if it creates financial problems for you, there’s usually no harm in waiting. Cataracts rarely hurt youthey just make it hard to see, like looking out of a dirty window.” Robert Noecker, MD, ophthalmologist, Fairfield, Connecticut

(Guilt of rubbing your eyes? Here’s why you better stop.)

Wait for LASIK

“If you’re over 60 and considering LASIK, wait until you develop a cataract. (Here are silent signs you may have cataracts.) Then we can fix your vision as part of the cataract surgery, and your insurance will be more likely to pay for it.” Robert Noecker, MD, ophthalmologist, Fairfield, Connecticut.

Next, read about why it may not be best to buy contact lenses online.

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Can you improve your eyesight naturally?

Two of the leading causes of blindness areage-related macular degenerationandcataracts, and they strike more than 25 million people worldwide, reports theAmerican Optometric Association(AOA). However, a robust body of evidence suggests that making some small tweaks to your diet may help stave off vision loss and preserve sightplus theyre tasty and good for other parts of your body as well.

Kale

Rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants and vitamins, kale is also a good source of beta-carotene and is the top combo of vision-friendly lutein and zeaxanthin; one cup of greenscontains 23.8 mg of these eye-friendly nutrients, according to the AOA.Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, collards and spinach are rich in lutein, saysLylas G Mogk, MD, ophthalmologist and medical director ofHenry Ford Visual Rehabilitation Centersin Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Bonus: Green leafy vegetables like kale are also rich in nitrates, a precursor for circulation-enhancing nitric oxide. A study out of the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco found that people who consumed the greatest amount of nitrates wereless likely to develop primary open-angle glaucoma. (The study appears inJAMA Ophthalmology.) Glaucoma is the umbrella name for a group of diseases that leads to progressive damage to the optic nerve. Reduce your risk by using kale in a salad or side dish, blending it into fruit smoothies, or baking the leaves into kale chips.

Corn

Its not just a tasty side dish;corn also contains some lutein and zeaxanthin, according to the AOA. Add it to chilis, soups, and casseroles to help support your vision.

Spinach

One cup of nutrient-dense spinach packs ahealthy 20.4 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin; you can add spinach to sandwiches and wraps, use it as a salad starter, or blend it into green smoothies. (Note: Cooking the greens helps your body better absorb lutein.)

Broccoli

This fibre-rich veggie is high in vitamin C, and also contains eye-boosting beta-carotene, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin. Experts at the AOA explain thatvitamin C reduces the risk for cataractsand slows the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Add cooked broccoli to omelettes and frittatas, or blend it in soups.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins arent just good for Halloween decorations, theyre good for your vision too. Thiswinter squash is rich in vision-boosting vitaminsA, C and E, zinc, fibre, lutein, and zeaxanthin, the AOA reports. Roast it until the edges brown.

Eggs

One of the healthiest ways to start your day, protein-packed eggs are also providing as lutein, vitamin E, omega 3s and zinc, in addition to other nutrients and vitamins.Certain eggs are even better for you: Englands Best eggs, for example, have 38 percent more lutein than regular eggs, and more than double the omega-3s in regular eggs. Omega-3 fatty acids may helpprotect against AMD and dry eye, according to the AOA. Eggs are also a great source of zinc, and theAge-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that taking 40-80 mg/day of zinc, along with other antioxidants may slow the progression of advanced macular degeneration by about 25 percent and visual acuity loss by 19 percent among people at high risk for this blinding condition.

Oranges

Oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers, and tomatoes are chock full of vitamin C, which may help improve the health of your eye tissue, the AOAstates.Adults who regularly drink orange juice and included C-rich foods in their diet are about33 percent less likely to develop cataractsover a 10- year period, according to a study inOphthalmology.Next, learn the silent signs you might have eye cataracts.

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What are eye cataracts?

Eye cataracts, an eye condition that affects about 2.5 million Canadians every year, is one of the most common eye disorders in the world. Cataracts are a cloudy or opaque area on the crystalline lens of the eye that develops over time. Despite being so common, most cataract cases aren’t caught until they’ve progressed because they’re painless and the loss of sight is subtle. Either both or one eyes can suffer. To diagnose the condition, optometrists look for a yellowing in the lens of the eye and an opacity in the back capsule.

To learn the seven warning signs of eye cataracts, see below.

1. Cloudy or blurry vision

With cataracts, you might have a localized blurred spot or a generalized decrease in vision; either way, impaired eyesight will likely be the first thing you notice. A cataract will start out small and initially have very little effect on your vision, though you may notice the world beginning to resemble an impressionist painting or a cloudy piece of glass. “Blurry vision is the number one symptom of cataracts,” says Joseph Fishkin, M.D., comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon. “Blurred vision can be caused by many different problems but, as cataracts develop, vision gets more blurry over time. The natural lens in our eye helps light focus properly, and this normally clear lens slowly becomes more cloudy.” Because this is difficult to differentiate from other diseases such as glaucoma, it’s important to consult your optometrist as often as possible if you notice these changes.

Along with not seeing an eye professional regularly, here are nine more things you may be doing wrong when it comes to your eyes.

2. Decreased colour perception

Due to the clouding of the eye, colours can become less vibrant and increasingly muddy over time. “Real” whites will appear much more yellow in comparison. Because this occurs at such a slow and gradual pace, most patients won’t notice colour changes until after surgery is done to remove one or both cataracts. “When people develop cataracts, there is a marked fading or yellowing of colours, which is sometimes noticed,” says Michael Nordlund, MD of Cincinnati Eye Institute. “One of the most prominent improvements in vision after cataract surgery is a marked improvement in colour vision. Patients often comment following surgery that they don’t ever remember seeing such vibrant colours. In fact, we are just restoring the colour vision of their youth.”

3. Sensitivity to light and glare

You may notice that what used to be a comfortable level of light is now too bothersome and making you cringe. Lamps, headlights, and the sun will become your biggest nemesis, and the light emanating from them will fan out like a halo. Because cataracts scatter much of the light entering the eye, optometrists report that this symptom will be very common. “As a cataract develops, light does not have a clear path to the back of the eye, and it becomes increasingly difficult for a person to see clearly,” saysJames Schumer, M.D., ophthalmologist at ReVision LASIK and Cataract Surgery Center.

4. Difficulty driving at night

Because cataracts make it difficult to balance the contrast between the darkness and bright lights from oncoming traffic, most affected people will experience trouble driving at night. If blaring headlights and luminous streetlamps are giving you a headache, you may want to get checked out, notes Shoshana Ungerleider, M.D., internal medicine physician at Sutter Health’s California Pacific Medical Center. “Patients often complain of a problem with night driving and reading road signs. If you notice these and/or frequent changes in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, make an appointment to see your eye doctor for an exam.”Here’s more on what your eyes say about your overall health.

5. Trouble reading fine print

According to All About Vision, the lens inside the eye is comparable to a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina and letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. This lens is mostly comprised of water and protein, and the protein is arranged in such a way that allows light to pass through it. Because cataracts cause the protein to clump together, small print may become difficult to discern in the eye’s refractive mirror. Scott MacRae, M.D., ophthalmologist and chairman of the Public Health Committee with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cites blurry or waxy reading and distance vision as one of the blaring signs of cataracts. “Things start to look like there is a film in front of your eyes. The sharpness is gone.”

6. Double vision

Diplopia, more commonly known as double vision, can be another silent sign of cataracts. However, this is not to be mistaken as the diplopia that comes from improper alignment of the eyes. The double vision, in this case, will occur even when looking through one eye. “At first, the cataract may cause cloudiness in one’s vision that will affect only a small part of the eye’s lens and may not be so noticeable,” warns Dean Hart, OD, optometrist and professor at Columbia University’s School of Medicine. “But as the cataract grows in size, it will cloud more of the lens and will also distort the light passing through it. As a result, you may get double vision in a single eye if only that eye has the cataract.”

7. Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

When a nuclear cataract first develops, it can actually spark a temporary improvement in your near vision, often referred to as “second sight.” As a result, people who formerly needed reading glasses may no longer need them anymore (this improvement will eventually end), or frequent increases in the strength of your prescription glasses may be required.This indicates that the density of the lenses in your eyes is changing.

Don’t take this as a sign that you can forego your next eye doctor appointment, however; only a doctor can determine whether your sudden eye improvement is due to an eye cataract or an impromptu miracle. “Since these are silent symptoms, it is important to have an annual eye exam because cataracts are diagnosed through high magnification and high illumination examination of the lens,” notes Monica Nguyen, OD. “There is no proven approach to preventing cataracts, but there are preventative strategies, such as UV protection to reduce sunlight exposure, nutritional supplements (antioxidant vitamins and green leafy vegetables), and decreasing or quitting smoking.”

Next, check out some simple habits that can improve your vision.

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Stop rubbing your eyes

If youve got bad allergies or stare at a computer screen all day, sometimes nothing feels more satisfying then giving your eyes a good rub. Theres a reason it feels therapeutic: Rubbing eyes stimulates the vagus nerve, which can slow down your heartbeat and relieve stress.That said, rubbing eyes often can result in significant damage, from causing eye disease to exacerbating existing conditions and increasing your risk of infection. Here are seven things that can happen if you keep rubbing your eyes.

You’ll get a serious eye disease

Chronic eye rubbing can result in the weakening of the cornea and the distortion of the cornea called keratoconus, according to Mark Mifflin, MD, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Utah. Continuous rubbing of the corneal tissue can cause it to thin and become more cone-shaped. If the damage is severe enough, you could require a corneal transplant.Here are 11 things your doctor can tell just by looking at you.

You’ll scratch your cornea

That eyelash or piece of dust in your eye is irritating, and its tempting to rub it. But that can make the situation worse. You run the risk of scratching your cornea, a common condition that typically heals in a day or two but can result in an ulcer if left untreated, according to the Mayo Clinic. Use water or saline to rinse your eye instead. Don’t miss these remedies for dry and irritated eyes.

You’ll make your glaucoma worse

If you already have this serious eye condition, rubbing might make it worse, according to professor Charles McMonnies from the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales. Glaucoma is caused by fluid building up in the front of your eyes, which can damage the optic nerve and eventually cause blindness. Rubbing eyes can disrupt blood flow back to them, leading to nerve damage and permanent loss of vision. Here are some more shocking diseases that eye doctors find first.

You’ll make your nearsightedness worse

People with progressive myopiabetter known as nearsightednessmay find that rubbing eyes results in worse vision. Nearly 9.6 million people are what is known as highly myopic and their eyes degenerate over time, according to research from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Here are 17 things you can do to improve your vision.

You’ll give yourself an infection

No matter how often you wash or sanitize your hands, they can still pick up thousands of germs every day. Touching your eyes with your hands can transfer bacteria that can cause conjunctivitis, or pink eye. If your eyes getinfected, a warm compress may help soothe it. Be sure you’re not also making these 10 eye health mistakes.

You’ll make your eyelid go lax

Rubbing eyes can injure more than your eyeballs themselves. The eyelid can, over time, lose elasticity, Mifflin says. Thats a less serious problem, but still not something we want to happen. Is there any safe amount of rubbing your eyes? Mifflin recommends that you apply the same amount of pressure to your eyes that you would if you were drying your face with a towel. Here’s how to get rid of a stye the right way.

You’ll get bloodshot eyes and dark circles

These may seem like cosmetic concerns, but if you rub your eyes hard enough, you might cause tiny blood vessels in your eyes to break. That could result in bloodshot eyes, according to WebMD. The blood will then flow to surrounding tissue, which might give you those dark circles under your eyes. Next, read about the 56 old-time home remedies we’ve forgotten about but need to bring back ASAP.

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Start using warm compresses

The first tip for how to get rid of a stye is to start treatment the second you feel a stye coming ontenderness and a painful swollen lump along your eyelid are the first indications. “Start warm compresses if you think you may have a stye,” says optometrist Randy McLaughlin,OD, at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “You should use warm compresses as hot as the eyelid can stand for five to ten minutes at a time, four times a day.” (Here’s what your eyes can tell you about your health.)

Toss out your eye makeup

Unfortunately, if you’ve used your mascara or eyeliner in the days leading up to the stye, it’s probably time to toss that item and pick up a new one. Your old eye makeup may be contaminated with the same staph bacteria that caused the stye to form.Here’s the truth about makeup expiration dates and exactly when you need to replace each product.

Keep your eyelid clean

Cleaning your eyelid regularly can help reduce the amount of bacteria and help speed healing, according to McLaughlin. He suggests cleaning the affected areas with a Q-tip and a small amount of baby shampoo, which won’t irritate your eyes. A lot of gross things can happen if you don’t wash your makeup tools often enough!

Don’t wear your contacts

For the duration of the stye, you should switch back to your eyeglasses until the eyelid heals. And Robert Melendez, MD, of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, recommends thoroughly cleaning your lenses and lens case or, ideally, switching to new lenses to prevent another infection. Here are some things worth knowing before you purchase contact lenses online.

Just say no to “popping”

Even if a stye looks like a pimple, it can be all too tempting to squeeze the pus out of it. But that’s definitely not how to get rid of a styeand it could lead to complications, increasing the time it takes to heal and causing a secondary skin infection that could require prescription antibiotics to clear up. Experts recommend sticking with the hot compresses and letting them work their magic. These are the 10 things doctors secretly wish they could tell you.

Take over-the-counter meds for the pain

They won’t help your stye heal faster, but taking an over-the-counter pain reliever could help make the time it takes to heal a whole lot less irritating for you. (Here’s11 things doctor can tell just by looking at you.)

See a doctor if it doesn’t get better

If your stye doesn’t improve after a few days of following the compress-and-cleaning method, then it’s time to consult a doctor for more advice on how to get rid of a stye. “The biggest mistake people make is waiting too long to seek treatment via an eye-care professional,” McLaughlin says. Learn the best fix for dry, irritated eyes.

Avoid behaviours that make a stye more likely

The best advice for how to get rid of a stye is not to get one in the first place. And that means not only keeping the area around your eyes clean, but also thoroughly cleaning your hands, contact lenses, and anything else that touches your eye. Be sure to swap out your eye makeup regularlyand not share with others; finally, be sure to wash away your eye makeup thoroughly every night. Next, discover how constant screen time is destroying your eye health.

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This is why doctors look in your eyes with a light.

Liz Rodovich was at work last December when she noticed a shimmering, crescent-shaped aura on the periphery of her left eye. She assumed it was caused by eye fatigue, from spending too much time on the computer. But when the shimmering episodes became more frequent, and then she awoke one night with a stabbing pain at the junction of her head and neck, the registered nurse wondered if she was getting a migraine preceded by visual aura or, worse, a detached retina. “I knew that something was wrong,” recalls Rodovich, 59. “My vision didn’t seem right the next morning.”She sought help at the Ottawa General Hospital Eye Institute, where she failed a visual field test, a standard eye test that measures central and peripheral vision. A subsequent CT scan revealed that Rodovich had suffered an embolic stroke in her occipital lobe the brain’s visual processing centre. A clot had lodged in one of the arteries that supply blood to the eyes, affecting her vision. Though she has a background as an ER nurse, the news stunned Rodovich.”The presentation of the stroke was something I never would have guessed,” she says. “Generally you think that if you have vision problems, there must be something wrong with your eyes.” Though symptoms such as blurry vision or foreign body sensation can signal a variety of ocular conditions, your peepers also provide a portal into your whole-body health.Related: 3 Cancers On The Rise And What You Can Do To Protect YourselfEverything from allergies to autoimmune diseases can present with ocular symptoms first. And while red eyes, discharge, itching, light sensitivity or visual changes can be uncomfortable enough to bring patients in to see their optometrists, some symptoms, such as optic nerve or vascular changes, take place inside the eye and can go unnoticed. This is why it’s important for adults to have an eye exam every two years. “There are so many conditions we can find that don’t have symptoms, so coming in every couple of years allows us to look for trends or changes,” explains Craig Meckelborg, an optometrist with FYidoctors in Calgary. Eye symptoms combined with a patient’s medical history will alert doctors to possible systemic diseases. For example, Rodovich was a smoker who had previously experienced a “hypertensive episode” a spike in blood pressure two risk factors for stroke. (She quit smoking after her stroke.) What’s more, women are more susceptible to certain conditions that can present in the eyes, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and thyroid dysfunction, says Setareh Ziai, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Ottawa Eye Institute.Here are five whole-body conditions that can be revealed by looking at this special organ.

Stroke

A stroke is the sudden loss of brain function caused by an interruption of blood flow due to either a clot (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of blood vessels (hemorrhagic stroke). Rodovich experienced an ischemic stroke that temporarily compromised her eye function. Another type of stroke with ocular symptoms is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a mini-stroke caused by a blood clot that travels to the eye.What the doctor sees: Often an eye doctor won’t actually see the clot because vision loss associated with a TIA doesn’t last very long by the time the patient comes in, the clot has cleared and vision has been restored. The doctor can make the diagnosis based on symptoms and medical history.What the patient experiences: A sudden, painless loss or partial loss of vision in one eye that lasts for minutes or hours.What happens next: The patient is sent to a stroke clinic for a full workup. “The risk of stroke is so much higher in these patients because essentially they’ve already had a little stroke. Hopefully we can prevent something bigger from happening by referring them for appropriate testing and systemic management and lifestyle modifications,” says Ziai.

Hypertension

Also known as high blood pressure, this condition puts extra strain on the vascular system. If left unchecked, it can lead to heart attack or stroke, among other systemic ailments.What the doctor sees: Changes within the blood vessels at the back of the eye in the retina, such as leakages or hemorrhages, and alterations in the appearance of the vessels. ‘With chronic hypertension, often we see a narrowing of the arteries in the back of the eye. We can see tortuosity of the vessels. If the arteries are really thickened, they can push on the veins to the point where they cross and actually cause indentations in the veins. And the arteries can change colour “they can start looking silvery or coppery rather than the red colour of normal vessels,” says Ziai.Related: What Canadians Need to Know About Organ DonationWhat the patient experiences: There are seldom any symptoms. In extreme cases, a patient might experience a sudden loss or blurring of vision caused by a sudden spike in blood pressure.What happens next: An optometrist can measure a patient’s blood pressure during an exam and report back to the family doctor. “We interact with who we need to a lot of time it’s the family physician,” says Meckelborg, adding that optometrists sometimes end up being advocates for general health based on their findings.

Diabetes

The most common cause of blindness in North America in patients aged 20 to 65 is diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Diagnosed diabetics visit an eye doctor yearly to monitor the disease’s ocular impact, but sometimes patients come in because of blurry vision or for a routine exam and the eye care professional is the first to suspect diabetes, says Ziai. “In Type 2 diabetes, many adults are unknowingly walking around with higher than normal blood sugar levels. If you don’t go to your doctor for annual examinations and have the blood work done, you could have diabetes for years and not know it.”What the doctor sees: Damage to tiny blood vessels in the retina, such as bleeding and exudation, due to chronic high blood sugar levels. New, fragile vessels can form, which can leak a yellowish, fatty substance beneath the retina. Additionally, patients can have swelling or blood in and around the macula, which is the part of the retina associated with central vision.What the patient experiences: In the early stages, there may be no eye symptoms whatsoever, or the patient might have blurry vision that seems to come and go (the fluctuations are due to blood sugar changes). “Even over the course of a day, their blood sugar levels can fluctuate,” says Ziai.What happens next: The patient is referred back to the family doctor or to an ophthalmologist, either of whom can order blood work to confirm. “My job is to monitor the condition or triage it to the right person, depending on the severity,” says Meckelborg.

Multiple Sclerosis

MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting vision, sensation, balance, strength, coordination and other bodily functions. “Some patients can present ocular symptoms first before they’ve had a formal diagnosis of MS,” says Ziai.What the doctor sees: A condition called optic neuritis, which is inflammation and swelling of the optic nerve. “If we’re seeing an episode of optic neuritis, one of the things we think of is MS, but it’s not necessarily a slam-dunk diagnosis. You have to look at the whole body and whether there are other symptoms, such as tingling of the fingers,” says Meckelborg.What the patient experiences: A variety of symptoms that can include one or more of the following: dimming of vision, changes in colour sensitivity, pain with eye movements and alterations in visual field perception.What happens next: The patient is referred to the family physician or to a neurologist, depending on the symptoms. A detailed patient history and an MRI can help confirm the diagnosis.

Hormonal changes

“Hormones, among many other factors, play an important role in the health of the tear film and ocular surface,” saysZiai.What the doctor sees: Ocular redness, ocular surface inflammation, mucus and dryness on the surface of the eye. What the patient experiences: Blurry vision, burning and irritation, foreign body sensation and difficulty working on the computer (people blink about 30 percent less when looking at screens).Related: 10 Questions You Need to Ask Your DoctorWhat happens next: An eye doctor can prescribe lubricating drops, ointments or warm compresses, lid hygiene or a range of other products, such as omega-3 supplements, to help ease the discomfort.

Keep an eye out for these signs that your health is in trouble

Watch for these additional symptoms and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns:1. Bulging eyes can be a sign of thyroid eye disease, a condition related to autoimmune thyroid disease that is marked by swelling of the muscles and tissues of the eye and orbit.2. Pupil abnormalities where one pupil is larger than the other or where one pupil reacts inappropriately when exposed to light could signify an underlying medical problem.3. Yellow eyes can signal liver disease. Both hepatitis and cirrhosis can turn the whites of the eyes yellow.4. Redness, pain and inflammation of the ocular coats, a condition called scleritis, can be a symptom of a number of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease.5. Eye spasms, or annoying eye twitches, are caused by contractions of the eyelid muscles due to irritation of the muscle fibres. The underlying cause is almost always completely benign and can occasionally be precipitated by stress, fatigue or caffeine.Related: 11 Things Your Doctor Can Tell Just by Looking at You 

The post What Your Eyes Can Tell You About Your Health appeared first on Best Health.

Find out what blue light is doing to your body and your mental health

You wake up. Check your phone. Head to work. Sit at your computer all day. Go home. Maybe watch TV. Or work some more. Go to bed. Check your phone one more time. What does all this blue light screen time mean for your health?According to new research from from Essilor Canada, it is affecting Canadians. 85 % of Canadians have encountered visual health issues over the past year, with symptoms ranging from itchy eyes and eye fatigue to double vision and problem seeing objects close up or from a distance. Only 57 % of those reported getting their eyes checked by an eye care professional.We asked Dr. Jack DiBerardino, an optometrist in Orangeville, ON and one of the researchers of this data, for his insight on how blue light can affect our health, well-being and lifestyles. Did you know what you eat can affect your eye health? Here is what you should be eating to see better.

What does blue light do to our eyes?

There are immediate effects from blue light.The eye expert says: It can make you more alert and increased cognitive load (think better) and boost reaction time. But it can also cause some damage. [In the] short term, when our eyes are exposed to blue light and increased demands it increases eye fatigue and dry eye symptoms, says DiBerardino. Chronic dry eye does lead to irreversible damage to the cells.Here are some natural ways to soothe dry eyes.

When is it good for us?

Some studies that suggest that blue light is helpful for mood, hormonal imbalances, memory and more.The eye expert says: Blue light, as weve said, is good for day-to-day health, improving mood, alertness and brain function. Blue light is very abundant in natural daylight from the blue sky, says DiBerardino. In fact, the intensity of blue light from the daylight is about 1,000 times more lux that a smart phone or iPad. The key message here is that it appears that it is not the intensity which is the concern but to do with exposure time and excessive prolonged exposure.Did you know you can boost your happy hormones?

Can the damage from blue light be as harmful to our bodies as a sun burn?

There doesnt seem to be truth in this myth.The eye expert says: Studies do not seem to suggest this at least not yet, says DiBerardino. Over the long term, blue light exposure can be dangerous for our eye health, as well as other health conditions related to bad sleeping habits. But you wont feel the pain like you would from too much time under the sun.Summertime isnt the only time you should worry about UV rays and your eyes. Heres how to take care of your eyes in the winter.

Is there a safe amount of blue light exposure?

We know that blue light can mess with our sleep (which affects our entire wellbeing and health) and can stress the eyes. But blue light isnt always a bad thing. It can improve mood and boost alertness. So how much is safe for you?The eye expert says: There is no safe recommendation, according to DiBerardino. Instead youll just have to be aware of how much you are looking at blue light, and limit those times that are unnecessary, especially if you arent getting enough sleep. Moderation is the key here, he says. Reducing exposure is essential for maintaining appropriate melatonin levels in our bodies which is important for, as above, circadian rhythm and our ability to fight disease breast, prostate, diabetes, heart.What about red light therapy? Is this anti-aging skin treatment safe?

When should we avoid blue light?

Since it can affect how well we sleep, you dont want to expose yourself to blue light before you go to bed.The eye expert says: As a general rule, we recommend no electronic devices 30 minutes before bedtime and take advantage of features such as night shift andabsorptivefilters, such as Smart Blue and Prevencia, says DiBerardino. (Smart Blue and Prevencia are both Essilor eye glass lenses.)Do computer glasses even work?

What do we do if we cant avoid blue light?

Sometimes we just have to be exposed to blue light. So, what do we do?The eye expert says: Blue light isnt necessarily bad for us. Its when we stare at it for too long when the issues come up. Prolonged exposure is the key, says DiBerardino. Studies do show that wearing glasses which absorb some high energy blue light does make us feel more comfortable if we spend excessive time in front of electronic devices.Do you have Computer Vision Syndrome?

At what age are we at most risk for blue light damage?

Dont worry. You are already passed it.The eye expert says: Developing eyes of children and teenagers are most at risk ofexcessive exposure, says DiBerardino. So, make sure your kids arent having too much screen time.Are you due for an eye exam?

What are tech companies doing to help?

You do have options for limiting your exposure to blue light.The eye expert says: Thanks to some tech innovations to limiting your exposure to blue light, you can download apps or wear computer glasses. Most technology companies are well aware of this [health concern] and have included programs such as the Night Shift from Apple, says DiBerardino. Just swipe up on your iPhone, and adjust the brightness of your screen. You can also do this from your phone settings.We list the best health apps worth downloading.

When shopping for electronics, what should we know?

On your next trip to buy phone, tablet or computer, ask about the blue light controls.The eye expert says: Look for features that have built in Blue Light Smart programming, says DiBerardino. He also recommends checking out this buying guide from whatoptomotiristsdo.com.Here are five ways texting is bad for your health.

The post This Is Exactly What Blue Light Is Doing To Your Health appeared first on Best Health.

Everything you need to know before buying contact lenses online

If youve bought your prescription lenses from a website before, then you know the drill. But its still worth knowing these following tips. And if youve never had the chance to buy your contact lenses online, then youre in luck; our tips are perfect for you, too.Optometrist Lisa Berkowitz, O.D., also a spokesperson for hubblecontacts.ca, helps us breakdown the mistakes that could happen and how to take care of your eyes when your lens provider isnt a brick and mortar store but an online shop.

Buying contact lenses online rule 1: Make sure you can read the prescription

We could make fun of doctors handwriting for prescriptions, but getting the wrong contact lens is no joke.The expert says: Sometimes the prescription entered online does not match the prescribed lens, says Berkowitz about the biggest people make when buying contact lenses online. The patient can receive the wrong contact lens and the lens may not fit the eye correctly. An improperly fit lens can cause irritation, corneal abrasions and blurred vision. Make you order the contact lens fit by your eye doctor. If the prescription is not clear, just ask the eye doctors office what information is needed for your online order.Best Health tip: Berkowitz adds that online contact lens sellers must confirm the prescription with the prescribing doctor, however he or she may not receive the verification request in time to make the correction.

Buying contact lenses online rule 2: Make sure your prescription is up to date

Your contact lenses are only as good as the prescription you need. So, if that changes, you dont want to be buying the wrong one (as outlined in the previous slide).The expert says: What are the signs that your prescription may have changed? Difficulty seeing small details in low light levels at distance and/or near, says Berkowitz, giving examples such as difficulty reading street signs at distance and ingredients on labels.

Buying contact lenses online rule 3: Make sure your lenses fit

Dont make the mistake of buying the wrong material. There are many different types of lenses, including soft, silicone, hybrids and more.The expert says: Heres how to tell if youve bought the wrong contact lenses online or if you need a change in your prescription, according to Berkowitz: Discomfort and itchy eyes can indicate a need for a different lens material or size.

Buying contact lenses online rule 4:Get your eyes checked

The best way to ensure your lenses will work best for your needs is to see your optometrist.The expert says: Contact lens patients should be checked every year, says Berkowitz. Eyeglass wearers should have exams every one to two years. She also adds that children and those 40 or older should have annual eye exams.

Buying contact lenses online rule 5:Double check your prescription before wearing the lenses

What if you accidentally ordered the wrong type or there was a mistake with your order?The expert says: Do not use the lens unless your eye doctor approves [of them], says Berkowitz. Some lenses are similar, and your doctor will know if the lens would be appropriate for you. Wearing the wrong lens can cause eye irritation, abrasions and blurry vision.

Buying contact lenses online rule 6:Make sure you order enough.

How much should you order? Your optometrist can tell you.The expert says: Contact lenses are tested and approved for specific replacement times, says Berkowitz. Replacement should be done according to directions from the eye doctor. But generally speaking, its common to order between a two-week or a months supply.

The post Don’t Go Buying Contact Lenses Online Until You Read This appeared first on Best Health.

Why computer glasses?

Not all glasses are the same. Wearing task-specific glasses, which are designed to maintain the best vision and comfort in different situations, are one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself against digital eyestrain.Essentially, wearing computer glasses will help you to look at a screen for longer periods of time much more comfortably, says Bijan Minbashian, the vice-president of operations at Hakim Optical. With computer glasses, your prescription will be more specific to help you read on the computer. Computer glasses also help youreyes to adjust to the distances of the different screens youre using.Computer glasses look just like regular lenses, except they just have ayellow tint that absorbs the harmful blue light from screens.

Minimize blue light exposure

A lot of screens, mostly with LCD and LED monitors, produce an additional blue wavelength. This wavelength is harmful to the biology and physiology of the eye, says Minbashian.Although wearing computer glasses will assist in blocking this harmful blue light, there are other things you can do to minimize blue light exposure.Tryturning on the night shift, or download a night shift app, on your phone. On night shift, yourphone will switch its blue rays to a warmer light, which isless disruptive to sleep.Its not yet conclusive, but a lot of studies from different scientists are being done about the long-term exposure of blue light, Minbashian explains. Theres a cause for concern because theyre seeing more cancer in the retina and other eye conditions that are happening to people at a youngerage than before.”

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Being on a computer, tablet or phone for long periods of time puts a lot of strain on your eyes. Just like any other part of your body, your eyes will be strained when theyre over worked.Similar to the way that you feel the burn in your biceps when youre lifting heavy weights, your eyes also get fatigued. But instead of a burning sensation, when your eyes are tired, youll experience blurry version, itchy or red eyes.The only way to avoid this eyestrain is to follow the 20-20-20 rule, says Minbashian. For every 20 minutes youre using a device, like your laptop, look at something 20 feet away. Doing this for a minimum of 20 seconds will give your eyes a much-needed break.

Eat foods for healthy eyes

Carrots arent the only foods that are good for your eyes. Dark green vegetables, sweet potatoes and fatty fish contain essential nutrients that help maintain strong, healthy eyesight. Read this list for more foods to eat for optimal eye health.

The post What Are Computer Glasses? appeared first on Best Health.

1. Dark Green, Leafy Vegetables

When it comes to staying healthy, we may tend to focus on our heart, brain and bones, first. But healthy aging also involves seeing well into the future. Keeping our eyes healthy is an important way to help prevent age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, vision loss, dry eyes, cataracts, and problems with night vision. While an overall healthy and active lifestyle is key, adding more of these foods for healthy eyesto your diet will help keep them sparkling and strong.To prevent eye diseases such as macular degeneration-a condition which causes progressive damage to the retina, resulting in a gradual loss of vision-dark green vegetables, such as kale, spinach, collard greens and dark green lettuce (think Romaine), should definitely be on the menu. That’s because they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two important nutrients that have antioxidant functions in the body and help to prevent cell damage. “We have lutein and zeaxanthin as pigments in the back part of the eye,” says Dr. Guillermo Rocha, an ophthalmologist and Medical Director of GRMC Vision Centre in Brandon, Manitoba. “Keeping that part well nourished helps maintain normal physiology at the back of the eye.” Rocha explains that lutein acts like sunglasses, helping to protect the retina from damage.

2. Sweet Potatoes and Yams

Bright orange fruits and vegetables get their colour from beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, that helps promote healthy vision. “It also helps the eyes to adjust to low levels of light at night,” explains Sarah Coulson, a registered dietitian with Pivot Sport Medicine and Orthopaedics in Toronto. She also recommends noshing on squash, carrots, apricots and pumpkin.

3. Fatty Fish

The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel, have all sorts of health benefits-including your eyes. In fact, a 2009 study by the National Eye Institute in the United States found that omega-3 fatty acids helped to protect adults from both age-related macular degeneration and dry-eye syndrome. Rocha says that’s because omega-3 helps modulate the inflammation that can lead to dry eyes. He warns, however, that some omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids can actually cause inflammation in the eyes and suggests those supplements be avoided if dry eyes are a problem.

4. Broccoli

While this hearty cruciferous vegetable has long been touted for keeping cancer and heart disease at bay, it’s important for eye health, too. In addition to containing lutein and zeaxanthin, broccoli is also high in vitamin C. “It’s the synergy of nutrients,” says Coulson. “That particular food and combination of nutrients can actually reduce the progress of age-related macular degeneration and vision loss.”

5. Wheat Germ

Wheat germ is great source of vitamin E, another important antioxidant. “What vitamin E does is protect the eyes from free-radical damage,” says Coulson. This means that it protects cells in the body from oxidation, which can cause deterioration and disease. Vitamin E may also decrease the progression of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wheat germ can be added to anything that you’re baking, or it can be included in your oatmeal, yogurt, salads or mixed with smoothies.”You can even add it to stews,” says Coulson. Almonds, sunflower seeds and hazelnuts are also good sources of vitamin E.

6. Beans

From chickpeas and kidney beans, to lentils, eating beans and other legumes is an easy way to add zinc to your diet. Zinc helps release vitamin A from the liver so that it can be used in eye tissues. Meanwhile, a zinc deficiency can cause deterioration of the macula, at the centre of the retina. Serve up beans in stews and casseroles, or add them to salads. Zinc is also found in oysters, beef, poultry and pumpkin seeds.

What about supplements?

While it may be tempting to add supplements to your diet to boost your eye health, Coulson says that when it comes to getting the right nutrients, whole foods are the way to go. “I always say food first,” says Coulson. “Food provides nutrients in the right amounts. Take them just as nature made, because they are far more effective.”That said, a number of companies make vitamins specifically for people suffering from macular degeneration. Known as AREDS-formula vitamins, they contain antioxidant vitamins in doses that have been shown to help with age-related eye problems. But Rocha warns that their quality can vary, so be sure to consult an eye-care specialist or health practitioner first.In general, he says, good health is the first line of defense when it comes to keeping your eyes healthy. “We should all be eating healthier,” says Rocha. “Avoiding trans fats, lowering calories-it all benefits the eyes.”

The post These Are the Foods You Should Be Eating for Stronger, Healthier Eyes appeared first on Best Health.

The Optometrist Says…

This sounds like dry eye syndrome. One possible factor is inflammation, which can lead the tear-producing glands in the eyelids to malfunction, resulting in dryness. Inflammation in the body can be caused by a number of things, from lack of sleep to poor diet to chronic irritation from dust or paint fumes that eventually damages the delicate glands in the lids.Another possible cause of dry eye is an imbalance in the layers of tears. There are three components to tears the water layer that hydrates the surface of the cornea, the mucous layer that provides nutrition to the cornea, and the oil layer that keeps the tears from evaporating and if these are disturbed, the result is dry eye. There are a number of environmental causes, too, including seasonal changes, which can cause irritation due to cooler temperatures, and dry air once the furnace turns on.With mild cases, over-the-counter eye drops and lubricants can be helpful, but if youre using them more than four times a day for an extended period of time, this is a sign that the condition is becoming more severe and should be discussed with your eye doctor. You can try applying heat to the lids every evening, whichcan be done with a hot washcloth covering the eyes for about five minutes. Heat opens blocked glands in the lid, restoring the natural balance of tears.If you have exhausted all over-the-counter and home remedies and are still suffering from the condition, it’s time to see your eye doctor to rule out possible diseases and disorders, including arthritis, Sjgrens syndrome and thyroid disorders, which may require additional therapy. Whatever you do, dont ignore the problem, as severe dry eye can threaten your vision in the long run.Dr. Harvey Bass is an optometrist in Grand Falls, NB

The Holistic Nutritionist Says…

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when tears arent able to provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. Environmental conditions like dry indoor air can be a factor, as well as many other circumstances, such as the natural aging process, the side effects of certain medications and poor nutrition.Diet can play a huge role in the treatment and prevention of dry eye. Foods that are rich in essential fatty acids, such as evening primrose oil, oils made from corn and soybeans, fatty fish (such as salmon, sardines and herring) and flaxseed, help restore the lipid layer of the eye and prevent tears from evaporating quickly. Drinking an adequate amount of water about eight to 10 glasses a day is essential, too. Dry eye sufferers can also benefit from taking a glucosamine sulfate supplement. For most people, taking 500 milligrams three times a day will help build up the cornea and prevent corneal damage related to dryness (but talk to your doctor or nutritionist first to ensure that this dosage is right for you).To treat an ongoing problem, its important to avoid known irritants, such as smoking and staring at computer screens for extended periods (use the 20/20/20 rule and look out a window or across the room 20 metres away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to give your eyes a break, and blink often!), and prevent sun damage by wearing sunglasses outdoors. Getting regular sleep is also key, as it gives your eyes the rest they need and your body a chance to repair and detoxify, which in turn helps reduce inflammation.Jennifer Perry is a registered holistic nutritionist in Halifax 

The post The Best Fix For Dry, Irritated Eyes appeared first on Best Health.

Citrus fruit

Citrus fruit is full of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that inhibits damage to the body caused by free radicals. Recent research has shown that the retinas of our eyes require vitamin C in order for their nerve cells to function properly and to maintain better eyesight.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which help retina cells ward off free radicals and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Orange veggies

Carrots, sweet potatoes and other foods high in beta-carotene can help protect eyes. In the body, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, and in the retina, it converts to a protein essential for perception of light.

Related:
6 ways to fall in love with Kale
Our best healthy carrot recipes
Can you get a sunburn on your eyes?

The post 3 foods to eat for healthy eyes appeared first on Best Health.

For redness caused by dryness

Examples: Clear Eyes Redness Relief; Refresh Redness Relief Redness Reliever and Lubricant Eye Drops; Visine Original for Red Eye

How they work: These drops are vasoconstrictors, which reduce redness by causing blood vessels to shrink, making eyes look whiter. Ingredients include naphazoline hydrochloride (Clear Eyes), phenylephrine hydrochloride (Refresh), or tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride (Visine).

Need to know: Redness is usually caused by dryness, says Dr. Greg Moloney, an ophthalmologist and clinical assistant professor in the department of visual sciences at the University of British Columbia. “These drops treat the symptoms, not the cause.” Prolonged use can decrease oxygen supply to the eyes and lead to even more redness, so they’re appropriate only for one-off occasions (such as before a job interview). You can safely apply one to two drops up to four times a day, but not for longer than 48 hours. Otherwise, it’s better to use lubricating eye drops. Never use vasoconstrictors while wearing contact lenses, and if you have glaucoma, check with your doctor before using them.

For dry eyes

Examples: GenTeal Gel Drops; Bausch & Lomb Duo-Lube Ointment; Hypotears Lubricant Eye Drops; Refresh Lacri-Lube Lubricant Eye Ointment; Systane Lubricant Eye Drops; Tears Naturale Forte Lubricant Eye Drops; Visine Enduring Moisture

How they work: These “artificial tears” mimic the viscosity, pH and lubricating effect of natural tears, says Alicia Chin, a pharmacist and pharmacy professional services advisor at Remedy’sRx in Markham, Ont. Common ingredients include petrolatum and mineral oil (Bausch & Lomb and Refresh), hypromellose (GenTeal and Tears Naturale Forte), Tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide (Visine), or combinations of polyethylene glycol with polyvinyl alcohol (Hypotears) or propylene glycol (Systane). Consider a gel or ointment format if you have very dry eyes, says Moloney. “They’re thicker, last longer and require less frequent application.”

Need to know: Use one to two drops per eye as needed. Gels and ointments can temporarily blur vision, so may be better suited for bedtime use. To minimize the chance of irritation, choose a preservative-free product such as Bausch & Lomb if you need drops more than four times daily. Unless ?the product is labelled “preservative-free,” always remove contacts before using. If your dry eyes have a quick onset and are associated with a dry mouth, see a doctor.

For dry eyes if you wear contact lenses

Examples: Boston Rewetting Drops; AQuify Long-Lasting Comfort Drops; Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops; Clear Eyes Contact Lens Multi-Action Relief; Opti-Free Rewetting Drops; TheraTears Contact Lens Comfort Drops

How they work: Besides acting like artificial tears, these do not contain irritating or harmful ingredients that can be absorbed by or trapped behind lenses. “Most are sodium chloride-based,” says Chin.

Need to know: While you are wearing your lenses, insert one or two drops and then blink; repeat as needed. Some products, such as Boston Rewetting Drops, are not compatible with soft contact lenses, so read labels carefully before using. If you don’t get relief after two days, stop using the drops, remove your contacts and see a doctor.

For itchy eyes caused by allergies

Examples: Similasan Allergy Eye Relief; Alcon Naphcon-A Eye Drops; Cromolyn Eye Drops; Visine for Allergy Advance with Antihistamine

How they work: “Antihistamine eye drops counteract the histamines your body releases when you’re exposed to allergens, and which are responsible for symptoms such as itchiness and redness,” says Chin. Alcon and Visine contain the most common ingredient, pheniramine maleate. Another way to counteract histamine is to block its release with mast cell stabilizers, such as sodium cromoglycate (Cromolyn). Similasan is a homeopathic formula that contains extracts of apis and euphrasia; it stimulates the eye’s natural ability to fight allergy symptoms.

Need to know: It’s safe to use one or two drops up to four times daily. Never use these products while wearing contact lenses. If your condition persists for more than 72 hours without improvement, see a doctor. Some formulas, including the Visine and Alcon products in this section, contain vasoconstrictors, which reduce redness by causing blood vessels to shrink, so don’t use them for more than 48 hours.

For minor bacterial or viral conjunctivitis

Examples: Polysporin Antibiotic Eye Drops; Similasan Irritated Eye Relief

How they work: Polysporin contains the antibiotics polymyxin B and gramicidin, which can help clear a bacterial (but not viral) infection. Similasan is a homeopathic eye-drop formula with belladonna, euphrasia and hepar sulphuris; it is designed to stimulate the body to fight off the symptoms of pink eye caused by viruses.

Need to know: Since conjunctivitis can be difficult to diagnose, it’s always best to get a medical evaluation before you begin treating it. However, if symptoms are not severe and you suspect it is bacterial (because of a sudden redness and sticky discharge), it’s reasonable to try treating it with the Polysporin drops for the first 48 hours, says Moloney. Viral and allergic conjunctivitis won’t respond to antibiotic eye drops; instead, try Similasan to soothe symptoms. Polysporin may be used up to four times a day, one to two drops per application, while Similasan may be used for up to 72 hours, two to three drops per application as needed.

In either case, if you see no improvement after two days, if the condition gets worse or if there is pain, see a doctor. Don’t use the drops while wearing contact lenses, and toss opened bottles after 30 days. “Once opened, they will lose their effectiveness over time,” says Chin.

Related:
Is laser eye surgery right for you?
6 foods for healthy eyes
Can you get a sunburn on your eyes?

The post The best remedies to soothe eye irritation appeared first on Best Health.

Source: Best Health magazine, March/April 2013: Image credit: David Gabber/PR Photos

While on assignment in Portugal, CNN’s Anderson Cooper (pictured) says he suffered an eye sunburn.

He described the experience on a December 2012 episode of his talk show, Anderson Live. ‘I wake up in the middle of the night and it feels like my eyes are on fire’my eyeballs!’and I think, oh, maybe I have sand in my eyes or something. Anyway, it turns out I have sunburned my eyeballs.‘

Yes, it can happen’and at any time of year. According to Dr. Cheryl Zimmer with the Canadian Association of Optometrists, ‘The front clear surface of the eye, called the cornea, is composed of epithelial tissue similar to the skin. It’s very susceptible to the elements‘wind and sun, in particular.’

Extensive UV exposure can even come from skiing without protective eyewear, says Zimmer. ‘The resulting condition, known as keratitis, can cause blurry vision and very sore eyes.’ It can take 24 to 72 hours for the eyes to heal. ‘During that time vision may be reduced, but it’s unlikely to cause full blindness,’ she says.

While an eye sunburn can be treated with drops and rest, prolonged exposure to UV light can contribute to a number of different health conditions, including macular degeneration and cataracts, says Zimmer. ‘Plus, tissues in the eye are susceptible to melanomas just like the skin.’

Squinting may protect your eyes, but it can lead to headaches and eye strain, so the best protection is a pair of sunglasses, says Zimmer. She suggests a pair that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. According to Health Canada’s website, manufacturers follow voluntary industry standards when labelling sunglasses. Those labelled ‘General purpose’ block 60 to 92 percent of visible light and UVA rays, and between 95 and 99 percent of UVB rays.

This article was originally titled "Can your eyes get sunburned" in the March/April 2013 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!

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Source: Best Health Magazine, September 2011

For practically every condition that affects eyesight, clusters of scientists are working on exciting new treatments. Best Health researched advancements being made around the world, and found one of those breakthroughs is restoring vision for people who suffer from a genetic condition.

When the patch was lifted from Dale Turner’s right eye two days after experimental surgery in 2008, the 24-year-old literally couldn’t believe his eyes. ‘It was amazing when I walked outside,’ recalls Turner, who lives in Richmond Hill, Ont. ”I was able to see extremely bright colours in a way I never had before.’

Turner has been legally blind (a term used to describe people who can’t see better than 20/200) since birth due to a genetic eye disease called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). One in 80,000 people has the condition, which affects the way a retina senses light. ‘But Turner has been enjoying dramatically improved vision in the one eye he had treated as part of a clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania three years ago. A team of three ophthalmologists and a molecular geneticist injected a virus carrying copies of the healthy gene into a small area of Turner’s right retina.

Since the procedure, he has found it much easier to distinguish colours and see in dim light, both things he had difficulty with before. ‘It’s been an extremely positive experience,’ says Turner, who knows that his participation in the study has helped pave the way for other people with his condition to be treated. (He’d love to have the procedure again on his other eye, but has to wait until it is widely available.)

Artur Cideciyan, a research professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Scheie Eye Institute and co-investigator on the trial, says he has seen equally impressive results with some other human subjects: After the surgery, day vision was up to 50 times better in people with LCA, and night vision up to 63 thousand times better. ‘The effects of the treatment have been proven to last unabated for at least one year,’ Cideciyan says. (Since no human gene therapy has yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it may be years before this becomes used as a standard treatment.)

Corneas made in the lab

Genetic diseases aren’t the only cause of blindness. Many types of vision loss stem from damage to the cornea’the transparent, dome-shaped ‘window’ at the very front of the eye’resulting from injury or disease. And although a corneal transplant can sometimes be a cure, ‘there’s a worldwide shortage of corneas, which is expected to grow as the population ages,’ says May Griffith, a tissue engineer affiliated with the University of Ottawa Eye Institute.
Currently working at Linkping University in Sweden, Griffith has performed groundbreaking work with biosynthetic corneas that were developed in Canada. The corneas are made from recombinantly produced human collagen that is chemically treated and moulded into the shape of a normal cornea. Once the patient’s damaged tissue is removed and the biosynthetic corneas are placed, the patient’s own nerves and cells grow into the implant and begin to work properly.

Griffith and her colleagues recently tested the safety of the biosynthetic corneas on 10 subjects, six of whom saw their vision improve from an average of 20/400 to 20/100. Compared to patients who receive donor corneas, Griffith says, ‘we found that our patients could have their sutures removed sooner, and they could also get off anti-rejection steroids a lot sooner.’ All 10 subjects can now wear contact lenses comfortably, something that hadn’t previously been possible with their damaged corneas. Griffith plans to refine the technique in future trials to help a wider range of people. It will be at least five years before the treatment becomes available for more widespread use in clinical trials, which she hopes will include centres in Canada.

In another study, published last year in The New England Journal of Medicine, a research team in Italy has been able to use patients’ own stem cells to restore their sight after their corneas were burned in accidents. The stem cells were cultured in the lab and then grafted onto the damaged eyes. Astoundingly, three quarters of subjects were able to see again with 20/20 vision within a year, and results were stable for up to 10 years.

A tooth for an eye?

A new procedure known as MOOKP, or modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, can give sight to people blinded by severe corneal damage’by inserting one of their own teeth into their eye. Sound strange? The extracted tooth and surrounding bone, which is sculpted into a flat base, actually holds a prosthetic lens that allows the person to see. Since the base is made from the person’s own tissues, there’s little risk of rejection. A version of the procedure was pioneered in the 1960s, but more recent development by an Italian ophthalmologist has led to restored vision in people who aren’t candidates for a corneal transplant. In 2009, a 60-year-old woman from Mississippi whose corneas were badly scarred by Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a skin disorder that causes damage to skin and tissues) became the first person in the U.S. to undergo MOOKP. After the procedure, she saw her youngest grandkids’ faces for the first time. MOOKP is not yet performed in Canada.

Microchip implants

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have been working on a microchip implant for the eye. The implant receives images from a camera mounted on a pair of glasses the person wears, then sends information directly to the brain through the optic nerves. It may not produce ‘normal’ vision, just as a cochlear implant doesn’t restore regular hearing. But the team is hoping the visual information provided by the implant will offer more independence to people with common forms of blindness such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. Researchers expect to try their implant on blind subjects within the next two years.

This article was originally titled "Breakthrough treatments for blindness" in the September 2011 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!

The post New cures for blindness appeared first on Best Health.

Source: Best Health Magazine, January/February 2011

If you wear glasses, you know that buying a new pair of specs can put a sizable dent in your savings account. For a premium pair of prescription glasses, the cost of the lenses alone can range from $500 to $1,000. When you add on the price of frames, you might wonder if those top-of-the-line products are really worth their hefty price tags.

You might be able to get by with a $10 or ‘$20 non-prescription pair of glasses if you need something only for reading or distance. But because the frames haven’t been fitted properly so that they are centred for your eyes, and the left and right lenses haven’t been prescribed to correct your vision specifically, you could experience blurred vision, eye strain or headaches. Wearing custom-fit single-vision glasses (about $150 to $200 with a basic frame and $250 to $350 with a designer frame) means you’re looking straight through the middle, which makes vision crisper.

The price of glasses starts to go up with progressive lenses (also known as invisible bifocals), which have a continuous change ‘of strength’for the different distances we encounter’in one lens. "The surface of the lens needs to be custom shaped," says Ralph Chou, associate professor in the school of optometry at the University of Waterloo.

Says Halifax optician Robert Dalton, executive director, Opticians Association of Canada, "The progressive lens brings your vision as close to normal as possible, with less distortion and less need to move your head to find the sweet spot." If you’re paying $700 to $1,000 for the lenses, you’re getting technology that conforms to the individual topography of your eye, he says. "It’s not that you couldn’t get along with something else, but you would have to make a compromise and adjust your head" to see clearly.

The price of both single-vision and progressive lenses also reflects production costs, starting from research and development, to labour in the manufacturing stage, to dispensing. “At every stage, incremental costs creep in, and they add up,” says Chou.

Looking at the extras

A UV (ultraviolet) filter, which protects the eyes from sun damage, can be relatively in’expensive, as is anti-scratch coating. Other specialized coatings that are more technically complex to produce (such as anti-reflective coating, which reduces glare from computer screens and while driving) might range from $100 to $225, depending on the number of coats; the greater the number, the more dur-able and effective the product. You’ll pay extra ‘$100 or more’for lighter, thinner lenses made from "high-index" plastics. With such lenses, light passing through them is refracted at a sharper angle, generating more glare, so an anti-reflective coating is a good investment, says Dalton.

Optometrist or optician?

Where you live may also affect the price. In Ontario, for example, regulations require optometrists to dispense all frames and lenses at their wholesale cost, whereas opticians typically work in a retail setting and can mark up materials. Optometrists may charge a fee to cover the cost of preparing and fitting a patient’s glasses, but it’s not related to the brand name of the frame or lenses. Glenn Campbell, executive director of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, says there’s more flexibility for optometrists in other provinces, such as Alberta and Nova Scotia, where they respond to the market in setting fees and pricing, which can mean either higher or lower pricing depending on the community.

The time it takes to prepare your glasses shouldn’t affect the quality of the product ‘and usually doesn’t impact on price either, says Dalton. "All licensed opticians and optometrists have a standard of practice and a set of tolerances that a product has to meet." Because most single-vision lenses are finished lenses, they can be put into frames in one hour, but progressive lenses can take a week or more, says Chou.

Tips for saving

"If you want anti-reflective coating or "high-index" lenses, maybe you can compromise ‘by purchasing a less expensive frame," Dalton says. So check what’s on sale. Today’s better frames are often made from titanium, a light, impact-resistant material. "Sometimes a titanium frame ends up on a sales rack," he says. "Just keep in mind that whatever the material, if it’s a discontinued style, you may not be able to get a replacement part for it. Ask what the odds are of running into a problem if you buy a discontinued frame."

This article was originally titled "Jeeper$" in the January/February 2011 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience ‘and never miss an issue!’and make sure to check out what’s new in the latest issue of Best Health.

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Source: Web exclusive, October 2010

If you begin every morning by fumbling for your glasses, then you may have already fantasized about having your vision corrected with laser eye surgery. The procedure involves re-shaping the cornea, which plays an important role in allowing your eye to focus correctly. Laser eye surgery has proven highly effective in most people with vision problems’in fact, as many as 70 percent of patients will experience better than 20/20 vision once they’ve had the procedure. However, despite the fact that approximately 75,000 laser eye surgeries were performed in Canada last year, not everyone is an ideal candidate. Here are a few factors that can help you determine if laser eye surgery is right for you.

1. You have a stable prescription and healthy eyes

If your prescription fluctuates every couple of years, then laser eye surgery probably isn’t for you. It’s also important that you have healthy eyes. ‘The corneal shape needs to be normal,’ explains Dr. Guillermo Rocha, an ophthalmologist and Medical Director of GRMC Vision Centre in Brandon, Manitoba. He says there should be no evidence of a condition called ‘keratoconus,’ which is a degenerative disorder that causes the cornea to be thin and more conically shaped. The laser essentially reshapes and thins the cornea, so if it’s not thick enough to begin with, then it won’t hold the new shape.

Also, if dry eyes are a problem for you, laser surgery is not your best bet, because you need a good ‘tear film.’ The process is also not suitable if you suffer from cataracts.

2. You’ve got the right motivation

Because it’s an elective surgery (in other words, it’s seen as non-essential, or cosmetic) having the right motivation is key. ‘You have to really want to do the procedure,’ says Dr. Daryan Angle, an optometrist with IRIS, the Visual Group in Waterloo, Ont. If you have a high prescription and you don’t like the restriction of glasses, if you don’t want the trouble of contact lenses, if you’re a sports enthusiast, or if you just prefer the way you look without glasses, laser eye surgery may be for you. But if your glasses are only a minor inconvenience, you may not be sufficiently motivated. After all, while laser eye surgery is considered low risk, it is still surgery and should not be taken lightly.

3. Your overall health is good

If you suffer from collagen vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, Rocha recommends avoiding laser eye surgery. That’s because, he says, people with diseases that affect the immune system may have complications when it comes to healing.

4. You have the right kind of prescription

Laser eye surgery tends to work best for people who have myopia, or near-sightedness‘meaning they can see things up close, but everything else is blurry. It can also be used to correct hyperopia (far-sightedness) and astigmatism. But if you’re over 45 and are finding yourself squinting when you read’a condition called presbyopia, which becomes more common as we age’laser eye surgery may not be the best solution. ‘It can be corrected in certain circumstances,’ says Rocha, ‘but it’s not as well established.’ In some cases, you may still need reading glasses, even if you’re had your distance-vision corrected.

5. You’ve explored the options

The two most common types of laser eye surgery in Canada are LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photo-refractive keractectomy). Though both procedures have been in use for at least 20 years (PRK since 1986 and LASIK since 1990), LASIK has become the most popular in North America. While both surgeries use the same kind of laser, the difference is in how the surgeon goes about preparing the eye. With PRK, the surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea with a blade, then uses the laser beam to vaporize the tissue just under the surface of the cornea. With LASIK, the surgeon cuts a flap in the cornea, then lifts that flap to let the laser in. Though LASIK surgery may be viewed as more complicated for the surgeon, the eye recovers more quickly and doesn’t take as long to heal. In fact, Rocha says you can be ‘back in business’ by the next day.

6. You know the risks

Though complications from laser eye surgery are rare (current statistics indicate less than one percent of surgeries), they can happen. ‘Basically, when you remove that flap [in LASIK], and send the laser into that middle tissue [of the cornea], it can become inflamed,’ says Angle. ‘But it’s not serious as long as it’s treated appropriately with steroid drops and careful monitoring.’ Rocha says that with PRK, there can be a small risk of scarring, but that overall, it is very rare to completely lose vision with any kind of laser surgery.

Once you’ve had eye surgery, you’ll still need to have your eyes examined regularly to make sure they’re still in good shape. And no matter what kind of laser eye surgery you’re considering, you should start by consulting a qualified optometrist who can advise you on what’s best for your eyes.

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