Reasons Why you May be Seeing Spots in your Vision

 

1. Floaters- Eye floaters are spots in your vision. They may look to you like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs that drift about in the visual field. When you move your eyes, they appear to disappear when you try to look at them directly.

2. Migraine aura-migraine auras are considered a "warming stage" that sometimes occurs prior to a migraine.

3. Photo-bleaching-The colored streak or spots you see after looking at the sun or a bright light source. When the photo-sensitive cells of the retina called rods and cones are overwhelmed by the intense light coming through the front of the eye. The streaks and spots will disappear as your eyes readjust to the light.

4. Vitreous hemorrhage-A hemorrhage in the vitreous gel can develop from a bleeding vessel in the retina. Sometimes the bleeding can come from under the retina or from the front of the eye. If you are experiencing this, seek care promptly.

5. Retinal detachment is an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position.

6. Uveitis is a form of eye inflammation. It affects the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall (uvea), between the retina and the sclera.

Sources:

www.mayoclinic.org

www.clevelandclinic.org

www.healthline.com

 

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Temporary Hours

 

Effective 6/27 we will temporarily change office hours from 9 AM to 5 PM

Monday – Friday.


We will be closed Monday, July 4th.

We will return to regular hours Monday, July 11th.

Guide to Choosing Sunglasses

Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory. They are an essential line of defense in protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) damage. Even though the sun is 93,000,000 miles away the ultraviolet (UV) rays it emits can be a factor in causing sunburned eyes, cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths in the eye including cancer.

Choosing the best sunglasses:

1. Don't settle for less than 100% UV protection from UVA and UVB rays.

2. Polarization does not protect against UV exposure. Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare bouncing off of reflective surfaces like glass, road surfaces, or water for example

3. Buy oversized and shaped sunglasses. Sunglasses should have the largest lens possible. Oversized or wraparound style limits UV rays from entering from the sides of the lenses. The most popular shapes are:

• Aviator
• Butterfly
• Cat-eye
• Club master
• Octagonal
• Oval
• Rectangular
• Rimless 
• Round
• Semi-rimless
• Shield
• Square
• Wayfarer
• wrap

4. Don't be fooled by the color - Colored lenses don't block out more sun. Some colors can provide more contrast depending on the activity.

5. Frame materials-choosing a frame material is critical in fitting your needs. It plays a role in comfort, safety, and functionality.

• Acetate
• Aluminum
• Metal
• Nylon
• Plastic
• Titanium

6. Prescription or non-prescription: Instead of wearing your regular prescription glasses and another pair of sunglasses over them, patients can enjoy the convenience of wearing one set of glasses when spending time outside. Patients can avoid the cumbersome and unsightly special lenses used over traditional glasses and enjoy a fashionable pair of sunglasses instead!

7. Don't be fooled by the cost: Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to be safe and effective. Drugstore sunglasses labeled as 100 percent UV-blocking are better than designer store sunglasses with no protection.

8. Don't forget the kids: Children under the age of 10 are at high risk for skin and eye damage from UV rays. The skin on their eyelids and around their eyes is more delicate and vulnerable than adult skin. Up to 80% of exposure to the sun’s damaging rays happens before 18 years of age. Even with larger lenses that cover directly above and below the eyes, you should apply a layer of sunscreen to act as a double layer of protection.

9. Fit:

• Frames should fit snugly on your nose and ears, but not pinch or rub.
• The weight of sunglasses should be evenly distributed between your ears and nose. Frames should be light enough to avoid excess friction on these contact points.
• Your eyelashes should not contact the frame.
• You may be able to adjust the fit of metal or wire-core frames by carefully bending the frame at the bridge and/or temples.
• You may be able to adjust nosepieces by pinching them closer together or farther apart.

10. In special circumstances-regular sunglasses will not offer protection from specific light sources:

• Tanning beds
• Snowfields
• Arc welding
• Staring directly at the sun including during a solar eclipse.

Special lens filters are required for these extreme exposure situations.

Sources:

www.aao.org 

www.evo.com

www.abt.com

www.rei.com

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Reduce Floaters

Check out eyegotcha’s latest post : Reduce Floaters https://bit.ly/3Qr0Ap7

Yes!  eyegotcha is now a local retail outlet for VitreousHealth. We are one of the first outlets in the area to stock this product.  You can purchase a 90-day supply for $60 or a 180-day supply for $100.

*Always consult your doctor before taking additional supplements call for an appointment today. 412.331.9696

Did You Know? Flag Day Edition

1.   The flag always flies at the White House, Fort McHenry, and the Iwo Jima memorial.
2. Pennsylvania is the only state that observes Flag Day as a state holiday.
3. The colors of the flag have important meanings: red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
4. The first time the American flag was flown after being adopted was on Aug. 3, 1777, in Rome, New York.
5. The flag has been changed 27 times. The final star, for Hawaii, was added in 1960.

 

Link Between Cataracts and Alzheimer’s

 

If you didn't know every month of the year has a disease or condition given attention. This is to make the public aware of it. June is no exception as there are so many causes and only 12 months in a year so there are multiple causes every month. This month is Alzheimer and Brain Awareness Month and it is also Cataract Awareness Month. In the past, these two conditions have had no known connections. Recent research has uncovered a possible link. Let's start with a brief description of each of these.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and progressing to disruptions in daily life, and changes in mood, personality, or behavior. Most often diagnosed in adults over 65. The eventual life expectancy for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is 4 to 8 years after diagnosis but can be up to 20 years.

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged window. Cataracts are fairly common for senior citizens and are not a life-threatening condition. It is, however, vision-threatening.

So what is the link between these two so totally different conditions?

Recent research has noted a link between cataracts and dementia. Most cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the clouded lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial lens. The study in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal medicine suggests cataract surgery not only sharpens the vision but may keep the mind sharper too and help prevent Alzheimer's and dementia over time. The research found a 29% lower risk in people who had cataract surgery versus those who did not.

Theories that support why the cataract surgery link to lower dementia risks:

• Reduced input to the brain is detrimental to the brain (the use it or lose it theory).
• Not being able to see may lead people to restrict mental, physical activity, and social engagement.
• Vision loss along with other age-related challenges may contribute to depression.

The research done in the study and past similar studies has been limited. More future studies are needed. Studies that address sensory loss and dementia are both associated with aging.

Sources:

www.cdc.gov

www.mayoclinic.org

www.medicalnewstoday.com

www.health.harvard.edu

www.jamanetwork.com

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#PittsburghOptometrist

#AlzheimersAwareness

#CataractAwareness