We’ve all seen the advertisements on television for corrective eye surgery and in other media outlets claiming its success rate, being an effective alternative to glasses or contacts (for those who need prescription glasses). Vision Correction Surgery is a growing trend amongst those afflicted with any eye disorder. Do you wonder if Vision Correction Surgery is right for you? Let’s take a look at the different types of corrective surgery. LASIK (which stands for laser in situ keratomileusis) is one of the more popular forms of vision correction surgery. LASIK works by re-shaping the cornea so that light rays refocus and improve vision. LASIK is typically used to treat both near and farsightedness along with individuals affected by an astigmatism. The procedure itself is relatively painless and the cost is anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the procedure and method used. PRK or Photorefractive Keratectamy was a popular method used back in the 80’s which was usually painful and slow to recover. However, now the difference between the LASIK procedure and PRK is virtually nonexistent, a few things do differ depending on what your particular vision needs are. Finally, another alternative to lenses is Implant Refractive Eye Surgery. The procedure involves putting in an artificial lens to help restore and improve vision. It’s popular among 40-50 year olds who have to wear lenses or, are starting to have cataracts. The cost of each of these procedures does vary as does the outcome. You should consult your doctor if you feel vision correction surgery might be for you. Check out Web MD for more information.
Macular Degeneration:
Macular Degeneration is the degeneration of what is known as the Macula which is at the center of your Retina. Typically, the most common form of Macular Degeneration is Age Related. Age Related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness amongst Americans over the age of 65. Around 1.75 million Americans are estimated to be effected by this. There are two types of Macular Degeneration: Dry M.D and Wet M.D. Dry M.D accounts for around 90% of all cases diagnosed while Wet M.D is less common but leads to quicker vision loss. Who’s at risk for this disease? Well, unfortunately everyone is at risk for this particular eye disorder due to aging however; there are certain steps you can take in order to prevent it. It has been shown in people who either are smokers, overweight, or with hypertension are more likely to develop this disease. If you smoke, are overweight, or have hypertension you should consult with your doctor to help with any necessary lifestyle changes that might be needed to prevent Macular Degeneration. Check out All About Vision for more information.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects around 4 million Americans and half might not even know they have it. What are we talking about? Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease in which too much fluid pressure builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve. This eventually will cause blindness. Most individuals have no symptoms of glaucoma which means a delay in treatment that can delay the onset of blindness caused by the disease. It’s very important to have an eye exam regularly to detect this early. There are two types of Glaucoma: Open Angle Glaucoma and Closed Angle Glaucoma. Open Angle is responsible for 90% of Glaucoma Patients and Closed Angle is around 10%. In Open Angle Glaucoma, there are no warning signs that something is wrong except the gradual loss of vision. Closed Angle Glaucoma typically comes along with sudden ocular pain, seeing halos, nausea and vomiting, along with a decrease in vision. Risk groups for Glaucoma are: People with African American, Irish, Russian, Japanese or Scandinavian descent, are over 40, have poor vision, or a disease such as Diabetes. Glaucoma cannot be cured but, it can be controlled which means you should see your eye doctor today if you have any of the above symptoms. Check out Web MD for more information.
National Mosquito Control Awareness Week
It’s National Mosquito Control Awareness Week! To raise more awareness on the diseases that mosquitoes can spread, the American Mosquito Control Association created National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. Mosquitoes carry viruses like West Nile and Malaria. Be sure to get rid of any standing water that you might have! Check out www.mosquito.org for more information.
Cataracts
In modern culture, we’ve heard the term “cataract” in different sources of media and, maybe in our own homes but, what exactly is a cataract? A cataract is the clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. This commonly occurs among the elderly known as a Senile Cataract. However, there are numerous other types of Cataracts raging from the Senile Cataract to the Congenital Cataract. Cataracts usually occur due the denaturation of the protein which can be caused by, but not limited to: exposure to UV light, radiation, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, advanced age, or trauma will cause the lens protein to weaken. Also, genetics play a big role in pre-determining who will and won’t contract cataracts at an older age. The best thing you can do to prevent this? Protect your eyes while you are out in the sun. It’s been shown that wearing protective eye-wear that blocks out UV light will slow the progression and prevent cataracts. Check out All About Vision for more information.
National Week of…
National Flag Week: In honor of Flag Day and our nations flag overall, President Barack Obama has declared that starting June 13th, it will be National Flag week. Check out the official statement by The White House by clicking here.
Sun Protection
Sun Protection:
Sunglasses and sunscreen are usually what we think of when we are gearing up for a day in the sun. However, 20 minutes in the sun can cause a sunburn! There’s an epidemic of skin cancer in this country and the NIH introduced A.W.A.R.E to help. What’s A.W.A.R.E? It’s an acronym to make sure you are taking the steps to prevent yourself from harmful sun exposure which could lead to skin cancer. It stands for:
A – Avoid unprotected exposure during the peak UV hours between 10 AM and 4 PM.
W – Wear sun protective clothing including a shirt, a hat with a 3-inch brim and sunglasses. If possible, stay out of direct sunlight.
A – Apply broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all unprotected skin 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours while in the sun.
R – Routinely check for and report suspicious changes to a physician.
E – Express the need for sun protection to your family and community.
Check out Sun Safety Alliance for more information.
National week of…
National Sun Safety Week: Protect your skin out there at the beaches this summer. Don’t forget to protect your eyes as well!
Sunglasses- A brief history Part II
Sunglasses- A brief history Part II:
In our last post, we went over a tiny history of sunglasses. From Ancient Rome to China- Eyewear was used in some form or another. However, in the 1800’s that all would change with James Ayscough. Asycough recommended tinted lenses for the treatment of some eye disorders which would lead to Sam Foster bringing them to America en masse in the 20th century. Polarized Sunglasses didn’t become available until Edwin H. Land, in the 1930’s, began experimenting making lenses with his Polaroid filter which brought about Polarized Sunglasses. In the 1960’s, Sunglasses started becoming a part of fashion and gained popularity to what we know today as a fashionable way to protect your eyes!
Sunglasses- A brief history
Sunglasses- A brief history:
Sunglasses can be seen everywhere around the world from your local gas station to the expensive boutique that caters to the well off. Today, the primary use of sunglasses is to protect our eyes from harmful UV Rays and it’s become chic to wear sunglasses as an accessory. It wasn’t until the 1800’s that the notion of corrective eyewear was even conceived. In 12th century China, Chinese Judges would wear lenses of smoky quartz while they would question witnesses to hide their facial expressions. Also, they were used to protect the eyes from glare as well. In ancient Rome it is said that Emperor Nero wore emeralds when he would watch the gladiators. Going back a bit further, the Inuit used walrus ivory flattened with slits to protect their eyes from the glare of the sun. Part two on sunglass history to come next week!
