Your Eyes Are the Windows To Your Health

Most of you have heard the saying: your eyes are the windows to your soul. But indeed, your eyes are the windows to your health! They are a unique organ which allows the ophthalmologist to see inside the human body without distortion. Many systemic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, auto-immune disorders (when the body’s defense system attacks healthy tissue), arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, multiple sclerosis and HIV/AIDS can cause early changes in the eyes. Of course, other ocular conditions such as pyterigium (a white fleshy growth across the cornea), glaucoma, styes, macular degeneration (deterioration of the central retina resulting in severe blurry vision), presbyopia (need for reading glasses), astigmatism (blurry vision distance and near due to imperfection on cornea curvature), and cataract (clouding of the lens), computer vision syndrome and dry eye syndrome are treated by an ophthalmologist as well. There is no such thing as being too young, too old or too healthy for an eye exam.  

Let’s take a closer look at how some common vision issues are addressed by ophthalmologists:

Cataracts

Cataracts are caused by clouding of the lens of the eye. This is a naturally occurring process that affects everyone if they live long enough. In addition to offering advanced cataract surgery, ophthalmologists can provide baby boomers with a number of lens solutions. Multifocal intra-ocular lens implants (IOL) allow the patients to see better at near, intermediate and far distances, thus significantly reducing the dependency on reading glasses. The overwhelming number of patients that have the ability to see all three ranges of vision without the need for glasses post-operatively. Based on patient feedback, spectacle freedom is the main reason for selecting this lens option. 

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is caused by an irregular shaped cornea, which results in blurry vision at both distance and near. Today you can finally be rid of astigmatism. New technology intra- ocular lens implants called toric IOLs, correct astigmatism and cataracts at the same time. Correcting astigmatism with toric implants has been shown to also improve image quality and nighttime driving. Also, there are now contact lenses that can treat astigmatism and reduce the need for reading glasses.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is group of eye disorders that have few symptoms in their early stages. It eventually leads to damage of the optic nerve, which can then lead to tunnel vision or complete blindness. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. In the United States over 2.2 million people have glaucoma but half are unaware and not being treated. Glaucoma is very common in Africans and African- Americans. Anyone with a family history of glaucoma should be seen by an ophthalmologist by age 35. People of Asian descent, anyone over the age of 60 and steroid users are also at higher risk of glaucoma. Unfortunately, without an annual eye exam, glaucoma can steal your vision like a thief in the night! If left undetected, it can eventually lead to decreased vision and even blindness; therefore, early detection is crucial as it can occur at any age. We are especially vigilant in glaucoma treatment, and utilizes the most advanced technology for early glaucoma detection.

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Diabetes and high blood pressure have both been shown to significantly impair vision. Unfortunately some of these problems can occur early without changes in vision. Many people may be aware that diabetes can cause eye problems. (I think she meant unaware) Actually it can result in blindness from bleeding in the back of the eye. Diabetes can also lead to other eye problems, including cataracts, double vision, and dry eye. High blood pressure can cause the retinal blood vessels to leak fluid, leading to swelling of the retina. When the retina becomes swollen, you lose your ability to see well. If blood pressure is exceptionally high, it is possible for even more serious problems to occur, such as a stroke of the eye. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it is imperative that you see your ophthalmologist at least once a year.

Dry Eyes and Computer Vision Syndrome

Do your eyes feel gritty, tired or get red, watery and irritated? Do you have trouble wearing your contact lenses? If so, your eyes might not be making good quality tears for lubrication or you may have Sjogren’s syndrome. People with Sjogren’s syndrome have decreased function or destruction of the tear glands and the salivary glands. This results in severe dry eye and dry mouth. Dry Eye is one of the early signs and symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome, one of the most common auto-immune diseases. Dry eye syndrome may sound like more of a nuisance than a serious problem. But if left untreated, severe cases of dry eye syndrome can result in permanent loss of sight. These include problems such as inflammation, infection, and scarring of the eye surface. If you have dry eye syndrome, there are numerous treatments available to help protect your eyes and your sight.

Now that you know about the different vision issues you should lookout for, here are some tips on how to keep your eyes healthy...

Seafood is See food!

A diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids is essential to good ocular health. Fish that is high in omega-3 is especially helpful. Arctic char, wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, cod, trout and tuna are high in omega-3. We should eat a diet that has a ratio of one portion of omega-3 for each portion of omega-6. Corn oil, soy bean oil, sweets, commercially processed foods and snacks are very high in omega-6 fatty acids. Unfortunately, in the West, we usually eat about 15 omega-6 portions for each omega-3 portion. A diet high in omega-3 can help to prevent dry eye and may support a healthy retina.

Go Green!

Green tea has vitamins that can protect the eyes. Green teabags soaked in cool water and cool cucumbers placed on your eyes can reduce puffy eyelids. Green tea contains tannin which can reduce inflammation. Cucumbers contain nutrients which can help prevent water retention.

Colorful Food for Colorful Vision!

Mom was right! Colorful fruits and vegetables are high in anti-oxidants, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are essential for retina health. Carrots, greens and other colorful vegetables are really good for your eyes. They can help protect against cataracts and macular degeneration. Flax seed, walnuts, soy beans, and brussel sprouts are high in omega 3 oils which can protect against dry eye syndrome.

20-20-20 Rule!

We use the computers and smart phone at work, at home and everywhere in between. To prevent computer vision syndrome use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look 20 feet in the distance for 20 seconds. Use an anti-glare screen. Adjust your seat and the computer so that you are looking slightly down at the computer rather than up.

Enjoy the Sun Safely!

It is important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 everyday even in the winter. This can help to protect against Basal Cell and other skin cancers around the eye. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA/ UVB protection. Also wearing a wide brimmed hat is protective. Both sunglasses and hats can help protect against cataracts, and pterygium and dry eye syndrome.

Stop Smoking!

Smoking is associated with loss of vision. It can contribute to dry eye syndrome, cataract, macular degeneration and optic nerve problems.

No Messy Makeup!

Replace mascara and liquid eyeliner every 3 months. Vision threatening bacteria can grow. Also, please do not put on mascara while driving for obvious reasons! Cream eye shadow should be replaced every 6months. Eye pencils and powder eye shadows should be replaced at least every 2 years.

Contact lens Cleanliness!

Keep contact lens cases clean or replace them with new ones. ALWAYS wash your hands before handling your contacts. Never use salvia to rewet contact lens. Obtain a prescription for your contact lens from a reputable eye care provider, even if the contacts are only for a color change. Contact lenses are medical devices. Do not gamble with your vision and buy contact lenses form the beauty supply store. They may be inferior quality and are not fit specifically for your eyes.

Fake Eyelash Falsehoods!

If you wear false eyelashes, please have them applied by a licensed cosmetologist or aesthetician in a clean setting. They should wash their hands first. Alternatively, there are FDA approved lash growth medications and other eyelash conditioners that may be safer.

Have an Eye Exam by an Ophthalmologist Once a Year!

Share your family medical and eye history with your ophthalmologist. You are not always destined to have the same diseases that are in your family. You can modify your genetic predisposition by making healthy changes in your diet, exercising and reducing stress. Now is the time to take charge of your health.