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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Did You Know? St. Paddy’s Day Edition

 

1. The phrase "Kiss me, I'm Irish," comes from the Blarney Stone legend, which is supposed to bring luck to you if you kiss it. 
2. Patrick's Day was originally meant to celebrate a day honoring Saint Patrick for introducing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century.
3. Leprechauns, mythological beings, are a part of St. Patrick's Day lore and Irish culture
4. According to Irish legends, Saint Patrick changed his name to Patricius after becoming a priest. His name at birth was Maewyn Succat
5. St. Paddy's Day is celebrated annually on March 17, which is the anniversary of Saint Patrick's death, not his birthday, dates are uncertain estimates are 5^th century.

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The Eye of Africa

This phenomena is also known as the Eye of the Sahara or the Richat Structure, this fascinating geological formation is located on the Anrar Plateau in Mauritania, approximately 350 miles east of Mali, in the Western Sahara.

The Eye of the Sahara is a giant rock dome with concentric rings that resemble a large blue eye when viewed from above. Estimates of its dimensions range from 25 to 31 miles.

The eye is a remarkable structure that is visible from space and has been known by astronauts and scientists since the 1950s. For centuries, only a few nomadic tribes were aware of its existence. The first photographs of the formation were taken in the 1960s by Gemini astronauts, who used it as a landmark for landing.

The Eye of the Sahara is one of the most striking geological features on Earth, consisting of a series of concentric rings. Initially, geologists believed this formation to be an impact crater; however, they have since concluded that the Eye of the Sahara is geological uplift exposed by wind and water erosion. It is composed of rocks that are at least 100 million years old, with some dating back to a time before life existed on Earth.

Sources:

www.livescience.com

www.thoughtco.com

www.sciencedirect.com

www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov

Photos:

www.NASA.gov

www.USGS.gov

 

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Relief from Work-related Eye Strain

It is estimated that 104 million working-age Americans spend at least seven hours a day in front of computer screens, according to the American Optometric Association. This prolonged screen time can have negative effects on a person’s eye health, leading to conditions such as dry or watery eyes, blurred vision, headaches, migraines, myopia, and vertigo.

 

This discomfort one experiences caused by eye strain is often due to the ciliary muscle, which helps the eyes focus. The ciliary muscle is a multi-unit smooth muscle found in the eye that adjusts the shape of the lens, enabling us to focus on objects at varying distances. It is made up of longitudinal, radial, and circular fibers that contract during the process of accommodation, allowing the eye to focus on different objects. These muscles should not remain tense for long periods. Which is what occurs throughout the day while focusing on a single spot like a computer screen. 

Here are some tips to reduce eye strain:

 

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule-It states when working in front of a screen for several hours you should take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.

• Adjust Your Desk Setup: Position your computer monitor just below eye level, reduce glare, and adjust your screen's brightness to a comfortable level. Keep screens clean and maintain a distance of 20 to 26 inches from your face.

• Enlarge Font Size- Increasing font size can reduce eye strain while reading on screens. 

• Sleep Soundly by turning off screens one to two hours before bedtime and switching devices to dark mode in the evening.

• Use Artificial tears this can help alleviate eye dryness. 

By implementing these tips, you can help protect your eye health and minimize discomfort caused by excessive screen time.

Sources

www.visualsymptomstreatment.com

www.brownhealth.org

www.optometrists.org

www.health.harvard.edu

www.gmtoday.com

Photos:

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2018/09/13/7-ways-your-office-job-is-destroying-your-body/

https://scribewilcox.com/4280/uncategorized/do-smartphone-screens-damage-your-eyes/

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Are You Joking? - President's Day Edition

 

1. Which U.S. president got the job online?

Abraham LinkedIn

2. Which U.S. president starred in sci-fi movies?

Ronald Ray Gun.

3. Which U.S. presidents were the greenest?

The Bushes.

4. What would you get if you crossed a vegetable with our first president?

George Squashington!

5. How are presidents like diapers?

They need to be changed regularly and for the same reason.

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