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6 Tips On How To Maintain Good Eyesight

How To Maintain Good, Healthy Eyesight

Maintaining healthy vision is more important than getting a regular vision screening. Your overall health can impact your eyesight. Here are 6 tips on how to maintain good eyesight:

1. Eat the Right Foods To Protect Your Eyesight

Fill your plate with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. These nutrients may help lower your chance of developing macular degeneration or cataracts. If you are looking for ways to indirectly maintain your eyesight, eat a healthy portion of green veggies, salmon, eggs, and citrus fruits. A healthy diet also decreases your chance of diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of blindness.

2. Gear Up with Protective Eyewear

An estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year, so it is very important to wear proper eyewear to protect yourself from eye injuries.

Whether you’re on the job, working on a home improvement project, or playing hockey with the neighborhood, always wear protective eyewear or safety glasses to avoid the risk of anything making contact with your eyes.

3. Always Wear Your Sunglasses

Don’t just use the free pair of shades you picked up at a concert. The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to invest in a decent pair of sunglasses that will actually protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Too much UV exposure increases your chances of cataracts.

When picking out your sunglasses, look for 99-100% UVA and UVB radiation protection. And remember to never look directly into the sun!

4. Throw Away Old Makeup

Getting rid of old makeup is essential for maintaining your eye health, as expired products can harbor bacteria that pose a risk to your eyes. Ensure to adhere to expiration dates on your makeup products and prioritize eye safety by refreshing your makeup collection regularly.

Did you know bacteria grow fast in liquid makeup?
Replace your products every 3 months to avoid developing an eye infection.
Never share cosmetics with others and avoid store samples.
Always clean your face before and after using makeup.

Need Help? Our Ophthalmologists Are Committed to Preserving and Improving Your Vision

5. Take Frequent Screen Breaks for Eyesight Health

When you stare at a computer, tablet, or phone screen too long, you may experience eyestrain, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, and headaches. To avoid these things you should:

Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a screen break every 20 minutes by looking 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
Find a supportive chair and make sure your screen is at eye level
Keep your glasses/contacts prescription up to date and suitable for staring at screens
Remember to blink!

6. Get Regular Eyesight Screenings

Everyone should be getting eye screenings on a regular basis. During the screening, your doctor may recommend you schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist if they believe there is a potential vision or eye problem.

Here are some things you can expect during a comprehensive eye exam:

A review of your health and family history of eye diseases, like glaucoma or macular degeneration
Vision testing
A dilated eye exam to check the retina and optic nerve
A refraction test to determine the sharpness of your near and distant vision

Anyone with symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should schedule an appointment with our team of ophthalmologists to determine how frequently their eyes should be examined.

Need an eye screening? Schedule your appointment with Specialty Eye Institute!

Eye Irritation from Mascara & Eye Makeup

Eye Irritation From Mascara and Makeup Use

Here’s a question we get asked pretty frequently: Is my eye irritation from makeup use? As eye doctors, it’s something important to consider for any of our patients that use eye makeup and mascara products.

In short, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience vision problems from using eye makeup – but it is possible. Let’s outline the basics.

How Can Eye Makeup Hurt My Eyes?

Since everyone’s eye needs and makeup use routines are different, there’s a lot to be aware of. It boils down to being careful, being clean, and being safe. When it comes to your eyes, you only get one pair, so make sure you take care of them if you use eye makeup!

Below are the top things our eye doctors think you should be careful about.

Irritation and Infection From Contacts

If you wear contacts, your mascara or eye makeup can get into your contacts and ruin the integrity of the lens. This can cause an infection. Make sure you put your contacts in before applying mascara or eye makeup. Be extra aware of the sterility of your hands and lenses.

Scratched Cornea During Application

It’s serious and it’s all too common – scratching the corneas happens when people are not careful when applying mascara. Scratching a cornea can lead to dangerous infections, so make sure to be careful when applying mascara or makeup.

Try to avoid applying eye makeup or mascara in the car – that’s one of the most common places where people will scratch a cornea.

Avoid using mascara that uses fibers to thicken and lengthen the lashes. The fibers may fall into the eye, scratching the cornea.

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Allergic Reactions to Eye Makeup

If you’re sensitive to certain materials or are known to have allergic reactions, you should always test makeup before putting it on to avoid eye irritation. Some brands will label their makeup as hypoallergenic or ophthalmologist-approved. If you’re having allergic reactions in your eyes to makeup, you should talk to an eye specialist about your options.

Sleeping in Mascara

Some makeups have non-toxic components, like glitter, that could cause irritation, especially if it gets into your eyes while you’re sleeping.

We cannot stress this enough – remove your makeup at the end of the night before you sleep. Try not to fall asleep with any makeup on – especially anything near your eyes.

Eye Irritation From Expired Makeup

A lot of people tend to ignore the expiration dates on their makeup and mascara – but the reason that they’re in place is that makeup tends to have preservatives in it to keep bacteria from building up inside of it. The preservatives do not work after the expiration date. Do not keep expired makeup. The eye irritation is not worth it!

Can Mascara Cause Pink Eye?

If you share your makeup with others or don’t clean your makeup brushes, bacteria can grow. This can cause a bacterial infection, such as conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye.

Make sure not to share your makeup, especially with people who have been around others with bacterial infections.

Also, make sure to properly conceal your makeup when you’re done using it. If you’re using dry makeup, you may be able to sanitize it with alcohol wipes. Be aware that some makeup may dissolve in alcohol.

Caring For Your Vision With Specialty Eye Institute

Our team of ophthalmologists and doctors is committed to preserving and maintaining your vision. Our doctors offer a variety of vision care treatments such as cataract surgery, blepharoplasty treatments, corneal transplants, presbyopia treatments, and LASIK eye surgery. Give our team a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 or book an appointment online to receive support. Our staff will help you choose surgery or treatment that aligns with your issues.

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Supplements & Vitamins for Macular Degeneration

Our eyesight is a precious function that many of us take for granted. While sitting in the doctor’s office may not be something you enjoy doing, a yearly visit with your ophthalmologist is a great way to protect your vision from degenerative eye disease. Supplements and vitamins are used for slowing or stopping the progression of macular degeneration in older adults. Macular degeneration is the most common eye disease. If you are 55 years or older, your ophthalmologist should examine your eyes every year as early diagnosis is the key to a successful treatment plan.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

There are many risk factors for macular degeneration such as heredity and age, smoking, high blood pressure, and vitamin-deficient diets.

The two types of macular degeneration are wet and dry. Both will lead to loss of vision if they are not diagnosed and treated aggressively. For more information on risk levels and the types of macular degeneration, contact your ophthalmologist.

If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, you are not alone. While macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness, it is also treatable. Depending on your level of degeneration and your adherence to a treatment plan, you can slow the development of macular degeneration for many years.

Supplements for Macular Degeneration

There are many treatments available for macular degeneration patients, and your specific treatment options will depend on the type, stage, and personal medical history.

Remember, your ophthalmologist is a trained professional, so regardless of the treatment recommended, following it closely is imperative to maintaining your vision. The first step to stopping or slowing the spread of macular degeneration is adjusting your diet to include supplements to improve your health. Here is a list of the most common changes for your diet:

1. Zinc and Antioxidants

After years of research, studies have shown that taking supplements with high levels of zinc and antioxidants may help slow the progression of macular degeneration. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the right type and dosage of these supplements. If you are at risk of developing macular degeneration or are concerned about this condition, ensure your daily multivitamin contains these vital nutrients.

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2. Other Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to zinc and antioxidants, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a daily supplement with high doses of vitamins C and E, copper, and zeaxanthin. This regimen is based on recent findings that suggest these supplements may stop or slow the progression of intermediate dry macular degeneration from advancing to wet macular degeneration, the stage when loss of vision occurs.

3. Eye-Healthy Foods

While supplements are the most common treatment for macular degeneration, remember that simply taking a daily vitamin will not prevent or slow the progression of this destructive disease.

Ophthalmologists also recommend, in addition to daily supplements, eating a diet rich in nutrients that promote healthy eye function and slow the advancement of macular degeneration. When choosing fruits and vegetables, choose colorful vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens like spinach and kale.

Preventing Macular Degeneration

Your best defense against developing a degenerative eye disease is to practice preventative measures, so macular degeneration will not be a threat to your eyesight. Regular eye exams and tools like the Amsler Grid test can help detect any changes in the retina and macula. Our staff of ophthalmologists provides dependable eye care solutions such as macular degeneration treatments, cataract surgery, dry eye treatments, LASIK eye surgery, and presbyopia treatments. Yearly examinations with our team of ophthalmologists will verify that your eyes are healthy. If they’re not, yearly exams allow for early detection of eye degeneration.

We’ll help you to utilize the many treatments, supplements, and vitamins for macular degeneration if this condition affects you. Our team of ophthalmologists offers eye treatment options in areas of Michigan and Ohio such as Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Bryan, and Toledo. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (877) 852-8463.

Chalazion Treatment & Self-Care

What Is A Chalazion?

A chalazion is a benign bump inside the eyelid. These cyst-like nodules form around the meibomian oil glands and lead to red swollen eyelids. Unlike a stye, it’s farther back on the eyelid, and is generally painless, though it may be unsightly. Chalazion treatment can be done at home so most of the time, there is no need to see an eye doctor.

What Causes Chalazion?

A chalazion forms when one of the small oil glands in the eyelid becomes blocked. These glands (meibomian glands) play a role in keeping the eyes lubricated. When a gland is obstructed, it traps oil and starts to swell. Over time, the fluid drains, irritating the surrounding eyelid skin. This irritation can result in a firm lump filled with oil and fluid on the eyelid.

Monitoring Chalazion

While anyone can get a chalazion, they tend to be more common in 30-50 year-olds and people with rosacea and blepharitis.

While many chalazia drain on their own, it’s important to monitor them and see your eye care provider. They can swell and even cause vision problems including temporary astigmatism or blurry vision.

Chalazion Self-Care and When To See A Doctor

Most Chalazions drain by themselves, so unless they start to pain you, you probably don’t need to seek treatment. However, you can get blurry vision and inflammation from them. If you wear contacts, it could be very painful to correct your vision. You may need to see an eye doctor to clear a chalazion faster.

Treatments for a chalazion include:

Warm compresses
Antibiotics
Steroid shots
Surgery

Schedule An Appointment With Specialty Eye Institute

If you’re experiencing blurry vision or inflammation, schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors. We’ll make sure that you get the treatment that you need for relief from a chalazion.

What is Tunnel Vision? The Causes & How to Treat It

As you’re reading this right now, can you see objects to your left or right? Or is your vision constricted into a circular tunnel? If unable to see objects to the left or right, you may have tunnel vision, also known as peripheral vision loss. Those with tunnel vision cannot see peripherally. They have to turn their heads to look at them head-on. If you are wondering what tunnel vision is, we have created a list of its causes, treatment options, and conditions.

Keep reading to learn the causes and the treatment options available to you.

What is Tunnel Vision?

Tunnel vision is a condition where a person loses their peripheral (side) vision while retaining central vision, making it seem as if they are looking through a narrow tube or tunnel. This can make daily activities like driving, walking in crowds, or even reading more difficult, as objects outside the direct line of sight become harder to detect.

What Does Tunnel Vision Look Like?

Tunnel vision alters how a person perceives their surroundings by restricting what they can see outside their central field of vision. While some experience a gradual darkening or blurring of their peripheral vision, others may have a sharp cutoff, similar to looking through a straw or a dark tunnel.

The severity of tunnel vision varies by individual. Some may retain a small degree of peripheral vision, while others experience a nearly complete loss of side vision. If you’re experiencing symptoms of tunnel vision, an eye exam and diagnostic tests can help determine the cause and potential treatment options.

What Causes Tunnel Vision?

Although the following conditions could lead to tunnel vision, the best way to determine the exact cause is to consult with your eye doctor.

1. Cataracts

Cataracts form as part of our aging process and simply put is the clouding of the natural lens in the eye. A nuclear cataract can damage the edges of the lens, leading to tunnel vision. Symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, a yellowish tint to objects, and difficulty seeing at night.

2. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the buildup of pressure and fluid in the eye's drainage canal. With this pressure, the optic nerve can be damaged. A damaged optic nerve can create blind spots and lead to tunnel vision. In addition, other symptoms include blurred vision, light halos, eye pain, and nausea.

3. Retinal Detachment

The retina sends images through the optic nerve to the brain where they are interpreted. If the retina tears or detaches from the back of the eye, it can lead to blurred vision, tunnel vision, or blindness. Floaters in vision can restrict peripheral vision, which you can experience as tunnel vision.

4. Choroideremia

This rare genetic disorder mainly affects men and leads to vision loss over time. The symptoms start with difficulty seeing at night, followed by blind spots that affect peripheral vision, experienced as tunnel vision. Over time, the field of vision continues to shrink and can result in blindness.

5. Brain Injuries

Both concussions and strokes can be causes of tunnel vision. During a brain injury like a stroke or concussion, blood flow to the brain is disrupted. The brain does not have enough oxygen, and dizziness and peripheral vision loss can occur.

6. Hallucinogenic Drugs

Drugs that contain hallucinogens such as LSD, ecstasy, magic mushrooms, and more can alter perception. While this does wear off, the effects can lead to temporary or permanent peripheral vision loss.

Treating Tunnel Vision

Losing peripheral vision can affect your quality of life. It makes everyday tasks incredibly difficult. Luckily, depending on the cause of your tunnel vision, there are treatment options available.

Treatment Options for Cataracts

If your eye doctor has determined cataract is the cause of your tunnel vision, surgery could be your best option. During cataract surgeries, your natural lens, which has become cloudy, is replaced with an intraocular lens.

Traditional Cataract Surgery is performed by an expert ophthalmologist. This technique is safe, efficient, and does not require stitches.
Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery is performed using a highly-accurate laser to create a precise incision. This can also reduce the effects of astigmatism.
Bladeless Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery has revolutionized cataract surgery through the use of femtosecond lasers. Each individual’s eye characteristics are taken into account, allowing for even more precise results.

Treating Glaucoma

Following a glaucoma diagnosis, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops to reduce the pressure. Depending on the severity of glaucoma, laser or traditional eye surgery may be required to drain the fluid build-up.

Reattaching the Retinal Tear

The majority of patients with retinal detachment need surgery to reattach the retina to the wall of the eye. The goal of retinal detachment surgery is to hold the wall of the eye and the retina together until the scarring can heal the tear.

Pneumatic Retinopexy does this by injecting a gas bubble into the space between the wall of the eye and the retina.
Vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel and replaces it with a gas bubble.
Scleral Buckling inserts a flexible band called a scleral buckle around the eye to hold the retina in place.

Tunnel Vision Care From the Eye Specialists

Having tunnel vision is frustrating and difficult. Not to mention, it can upend your daily life. Our team of eye doctors and ophthalmologists offer eye care solutions to help you preserve and improve your vision. Our doctors provide innovative eye care treatments such as LASIK eye surgery, retinal detachment treatments, cataract surgery, astigmatism treatments, and refractive lens exchange surgery. The eye doctors and ophthalmologists at Specialty Eye Institute are here to diagnose the cause of your tunnel vision. In addition, we will create a treatment plan that meets your requirements. Your vision health is our top priority. Schedule your exam with an eye expert. Schedule Appointment online or by calling (877) 852-8463.

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