Eye Can Quote You

1. It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.

-Henry David Thoreau

2. One does not see anything until one sees its beauty.

- Oscar Wilde

3. Seeing is believing, but feeling is the truth.

- 17th-century, English clergyman, Thomas Fuller

4. Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.

- Helen Keller

5. An eye for an eye only ends up, making the world blind.

- Mahatma Gandhi

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Observe Earth Day to Protect Vision

April 22^nd is the day Earth Day is observed annually. It was first celebrated in 1970 to promote environmental protection and is now recognized in 192 countries.

Extreme weather changes due to climate change have several negative effects on our health. Climate change contributes to:

·       Wildfires

·       Air pollution

·       Prolonged allergy seasons

·       UV damage from the depletion of the ozone layer

Wildfires can severely damage the eyes due to particulate matter made up of particles, embers, heavy metals, organic microorganisms, water vapor, and gases—many of which are toxic because wildfires burn everything in their path. Some of these particles are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Short-term effects of wildfires on the eyes include burning, stinging, tearing, and redness. Long-term effects can lead to dry eye syndrome, allergies, conjunctivitis, corneal damage, keratitis, and the aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

Air pollution arises from human civilization, industrialization, and globalization. Particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the primary contributors to air pollution, all of which have been proven to be harmful to human eyes.

Climate change has also caused prolonged allergy seasons. Rising temperatures attributed to climate change lead to longer allergy seasons, resulting in alarming and severe allergy events. These worsening allergy seasons can severely impact the eyes and overall quality of life. Some of the short-term effects of allergies on the eyes include:

·       Itchiness

·       Redness

·       Watery eyes

·       Blurred vision

UV damage to the eyes occurs due to the loss of ozone. The ozone layer acts as the planet's sunscreen, protecting us from the harmful effects of UV light from the sun. A significant decrease in ozone leads to more UV-B radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can damage the eyes. Excessive exposure increases the risk of developing eye conditions such as:

·       Cataracts

·       Eye cancers

·       Growths on the eye

·       Snow blindness

·       Sunburned eyes

Earth Day is observed on April 22 and should be recognized every day. If everyone does their part to protect the environment, we could help reverse some of the pollutants that negatively affect our eyes.

Sources:

www.aoa.org

www.ophthalmologytimes.com

www.pmc.ncbi.nim.nih.gov

www.bbc.com

www.aao.org

 

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FAQs for Those Considering Contact Lenses

1. Do I need an exam for contact lenses? Yes, you need a contact lens exam to get a prescription and ensure a proper fit. As contact lenses are medical devices, they require specialized fitting. You will get instructions on how to put in and take out your lenses and care for them. Contacts do come in different sizes.

2. Can I use my eyeglass prescription for contacts? No, because contacts require additional measurements for a proper fit. Glasses and contacts are different distances from the eye.

3. If I need bifocals, can I still wear contact lenses? Yes, there are different options for different people. Between the three available options, there is a way to make contacts work for near and distant vision.

4. Can I use eyedrops while wearing contact lenses? Yes, you can use certain types of eyedrops with contact lenses and use eyedrops that say "safe for use with contact lenses". It is always best to consult with your doctor to make sure the drops you are using are the right product for your needs.

5. Do I need to replace my contacts on a routine schedule even if they feel comfortable? Yes, you should replace your contact lenses according to the recommended schedule, even if they feel fine to prevent issues such as infection.

6. What are contact lenses made of? There are various materials available in the manufacturing of contact lenses. Soft contacts are primarily made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Hard contacts or a rigid gas permeable substance. There are hybrid lenses that offer the best of both hard and soft lenses.

Sources:

www.vsp.com

www.allaboutvision.com

www.warbyparker.com

www.visionsource.com

www.coopervision.com

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Papilledema

 

Papilledema refers to the swelling of the optic discs caused by increased intracranial pressure. It typically occurs in both eyes.

The optic disc, also known as the nerve head, is the area where the optic nerve enters the back of the eye. The optic nerve serves as the pathway connecting the eye to the brain.

Several factors can lead to increased intracranial pressure, including:

• Malignant hypertension
• Tumors
• Head injuries
• Infections, bleeding, or inflammation in the brain or meninges (the protective tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
• Tinnitus (ringing or noise in the ears)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, or by immune cells mistakenly attacking the brain).
• Meningitis
• Blood clots in the brain
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Certain medications
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, where no identifiable cause is found.

It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any vision changes, especially if accompanied by headaches, nausea, or vomiting, as the causes of papilledema can be serious.

When a patient presents with a headache, unexplained nausea, and vomiting, a doctor will examine their eyes using an ophthalmoscope. This device shines a bright light into your eyes, allowing the doctor to observe changes in the appearance of the optic nerve and the blood vessels that pass through it.

Papilledema may be discovered while your healthcare provider evaluates the patient for other conditions associated with headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Papilledema should be monitored closely. It can develop over hours or weeks.

Initially, the concern is less about vision loss. Papilledema resulting from increased intracranial pressure typically does not damage the optic nerve unless the pressure remains high for an extended period. The primary concern is the potential for brain damage, which can be life-threatening. Urgent brain imaging, such as computerized tomography (CT scan), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is necessary. If the pressure is not reduced, papilledema can ultimately lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve and eventual blindness. 

Sources:

www.clevelandclinic.org

www.barrowneuro.org

www.merckmanuals.com

Photo sources:

www.radiopaedia.org

www.ophthalmologyadvisor.com

www.eyerounds.org

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Tips to Stay Safe While Driving at Night

Driving always presents challenges, and it is especially difficult to see potential hazards at night. To improve your night vision and drive with confidence, consider these steps:

• Clean your windshield, lights, and mirrors regularly.
• Adjust the brightness of dashboard lights and LED screens.
• Keep eye drops in the glove compartment.
• Take breaks as needed to rest your eyes.
• Focus on the right lane markings for guidance.
• Turn on the radio to help stay alert.
• Eat foods that are beneficial for your eye health.

Age can significantly affect night driving. As we get older, our ability to see in the dark diminishes. According to the National Safety Council, a 50-year-old driver may need twice the amount of light and have longer reaction times than a 30-year-old. Additionally, some older drivers may experience impaired vision due to conditions like cataracts or degenerative eye diseases.

A question often asked is "Do night vision glasses help?" The jury is out on that question, it cannot be answered straightforwardly. Some studies and visual tests favor them while others show no effectiveness at all. In fact, researchers at Harvard's Schepens Eye Research Institute conducted a study that found that participants reaction time to see pedestrians was measured.

Sources:

www.yahoo.com/yahoolife

www.nationwide.com

www.nsc.org

www.progressive.com

Photos:

www.driving-tests.org

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