What to do for a chemical burn to the eye

 

It has happened to all of us, from time to time you will get shampoo or soap in your eye. It burns and stings for a brief time until you get all of it flushed out, either your body does it with tears or you rinse in the sink or shower. What do you do if it is something harsher? Chemical burns represent 7 -10% of all injuries to the eye.

 

For all chemical injuries to the eye, the first thing you must do is irrigate the eye with cold water if a sterile eye solution is unavailable.

If an eyewash station is not available, get into the shower fully clothed, and save valuable time. When in the shower, aim a gentle stream of water on your forehead over your affected eye. If both eyes aim the stream to the bridge of your nose so the water flows to both eyes.

If no other option is available, use bottled drinking water. Keep flushing as much as you can until help arrives.

The sooner you start flushing your eyes, the better. The severity of the injury depends on the substance that came in contact with the eye and how long the substance had contact with the eye. The longer the chemical remains in your eyes, the more damage can be done. 

Even if it is uncomfortable, hold your eyelids open to let the water inside. DO NOT RUB YOUR EYE(S)!

Rinse for at least 15 minutes or until emergency care arrives. A doctor will examine the eye for damage by the chemical and any foreign bodies that may also be involved with the chemical and remove it. Then instill drops in the eye(s) to relax the muscles. Antibiotics will be given for infection. If the injury is severe the doctor will prescribe steroids and something for the pain.

Every chemical exposure to the eye should be taken seriously. Avoid these incidents when possible. Take initiative when handling chemicals. Be aware of what chemical is in use. All chemicals come with a data sheet. The data sheet provides first-aid instructions, chemical ID, safe usage instructions, and other pertinent information. Make yourself aware of some of this information before use. You should always wear personal protective gear to prevent any of these substances from getting on the skin, clothes, or 

eyes.

• Goggles

• Gloves

• Apron

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Sources:

www.webmd.com

www.aao.org

www.merckmanuals.com

Why is it Important to Get an Optomap Retinal Exam

Let's start with what it is. Optomap is a patient-friendly device and software package that captures a digital ultra-widefield image of the retina. The image is a high-resolution image of the retina in a 200-degree field of view or 82% of the eye. Optos is safe, non-invasive, and not destructive to tissue. 

More than 2,000 published and ongoing clinical trials as well as thousands of case studies and testimonials show the long-term value of optomap imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning.

So why is it important?

When you go to the dentist do you get annual x-rays so your dentist can look for unrecognized problems? Yes, sure you do. This is the same premise, optos gives your optometrist a tool to see a wider range view of your eye. At the present time, it offers a baseline image the first time you get an optomap retinal scan. With these detailed digital images, comparisons can be made from year to year. 

It allows your doctor to detect underlying eye disease early and monitor the treatment progress for existing ocular disease. These images may catch early systemic diseases in the smaller vessels of the eyes. This device allows for an evaluation of your retina for problems such as:

• Macular degeneration
• Retinal holes
• Retinal detachments
• Hypertension
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Optomap can distinguish eye freckles from malignant melanomas of the retina.
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart disease

These conditions sometimes can be present without any other signs or symptoms.

Optomap retinal exam is not covered by insurance unless deemed a medical necessity. The fee that is charged for this exam that could save your sight or possibly your life is quite reasonable. If something is found during an Optomap Retinal Exam and becomes medically necessary, it may be covered by your medical insurance or reimbursement. 

Feel free to discuss this option with us. Call to schedule your exam today at 412.331.9696.

Sources:

www.optos.com

www.comfortvisioncare.com

www.eye-trends.com

www.bvoptometry.com

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Did You Know St. Patrick's Day Edition

 

1. According to folklore, a leprechaun earns gold as a shoemaker.

2. More than 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed on St. Patrick’s Day worldwide.

3.  The current estimated market value of a leprechaun’s pot of gold (1,000 coins) is $1.92 million.

4. The first recorded St. Paddy's Day Parade occurred in St. Augustine, Florida. Not Ireland.

5. Bram Stoker's Dracula was written in an Irish Pub

International Women's Day

 

"For most of history anonymous was a woman"- Virginia Woolf

International Women's Day (March 8th, 2023) is a day to honor the achievements and contributions of women across the world who came before us. Specifically here, on this blog, in the study and care of the eyes. This year's theme for International Women’s Day is innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

Before the mid -19th Century, women were not taken seriously as inventors or innovators in the medical field or any field of science or technology for that matter. 

Female inventors have created many products in what has traditionally been a male-dominated world, that has changed everyday life:

• Marie Curie she was the first woman to win the Nobel prize in physics

• Rosalyn Franklin discovered the double helix of DNA

• Heady Lamar the actress discovered frequency-hopping technology

• Stefanie Kwolek invented Kevlar

• Katharine Burr Blodgett invented non-reflective glass

• Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper

It has only been since 1849 that women have legally been able to practice medicine. One prominent woman who went on to become a leading Ophthalmologist was Dr. Lizzie Maude Carvill, MD. (1873-1934). She graduated from Tuft's College in 1899 and Tuft's College Medical School in 1905 and completed her training in ophthalmology in Europe.

Dr. Carvill was the first woman on the infirmary staff at Mass Eye and Ear in 1914 and was the first woman to hold a surgical appointment at Mass Eye and Ear, retiring in 1933.

Dr. Carvill later joined the ophthalmology staff at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, a hospital founded in 1862 by women for women Until 1923. When she went into her own private practice in Boston and Somerville, specializing in Phlyetenuler Keratitis in children. 

Her research was remarkable in her day for any doctor which included:

• Congenital fistulae of lachrymal canaliculi

• Persistent hyaloid artery

• Tubercular Iritis

• Occurrence of pregnancy-induced bitemporal contraction of the visual field

• Treatment of interstitial keratitis with anti-syphilitic treatment

Many women faced hostility and resistance in their pursuit of medical educations. Dr. L. Maud Carvill was one of them. Women doctors also, exerted a long-lasting influence on the movement towards women’s rights. Many in society considered it wrong if not immoral for women to work outside traditional domestic avenues much less as a doctor. Even after graduation from medical schools, women were refused admittance to medical boards and associations. Dr. L. Maud Carvill went on to become the first female ophthalmologist admitted to the American Ophthalmological Society. 

Sources:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

https://iwda.org.au/

www.aamc.org

www.jamanetwork.com

www.masseyeandear.org

www.library.austintexas.gov/ahc/anonymous-was-woman

#InternationalWomensDay

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Mercury and Vision Loss

Mercury is a substance that naturally occurs in air, water, and soil. Most humans have small measurable amounts in their bodies. These amounts are well below the levels associated with detrimental health effects. In sufficient quantities, mercury can be toxic to humans. Mercury can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Most studies suggest it takes prolonged exposure to certain types of the element. Some of the most common sources of prolonged exposure include work environment, food contamination, or consumer products that contain mercury:

• Unregulated beauty products

• Thermometers & barometers

• Light bulbs & switches

• Auto parts

• Batteries

• Fish and seafood

• Antique jewelry

These products have minimal health threats unless they are damaged, leaking, or heated to the point of separation and causing vapor. If they are damaged and leaking mercury, follow proper clean-up and disposal protocols on the EPA website. https://www.epa.gov/mercury/mercury-consumer-products

The products, generally most concerning to people, is they hear about mercury in fish and seafood. Mercury is emitted into the air from various sources like volcanoes, forest fires, burning fossil fuels and municipal waste. The mercury that is in the air then enters into bodies of water like lakes and streams or on land, where it can run off into the waterways. The level of mercury in fish and seafood depends on a particular species, its place in the food chain, how long they live, and what they eat. Larger species like sharks, swordfish, and mackerel (larger species that are on top of the marine food chain tend to have higher mercury content). The most commonly eaten fish and seafood, that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.

In terms of eye health, high levels of mercury can affect all parts of the eye. Symptoms include:

• Discoloration of the lens

• Blurry vision

• Conjunctivitis

• Tremors of the eyelids

• Peripheral vision loss followed by central vision loss

Despite the minute threat, the truth is, the health benefits of consuming fish and seafood far outweigh the risk. For most healthy people, the risk of mercury from eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Eating fish and seafood is still encouraged for eye health. Fish and shellfish have high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. It is a vital part of a healthy diet. Eating 2 meals a week (12oz) of fish and seafood will give the average person the nutrients they need without having to worry about the level of mercury they ingest.

Sources:

www.aao.org

www.poison.org

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.who.int

www.epa.gov

www.webmd.com

#DrClaudiaWendel

#visionsourcesouthhills

#PittsburghEyeCare

#PittsburghOptometrist

#DrClaudiaWendel

 

Video 4

Everyone Dr. Claudia Wendel introduces just some of the new looks from her new office!
Vision Source Bridgeville (South Hills)! It is time for you to see for yourself!
457 Washington Ave UNIT A, Bridgeville, PA 15017
Call for your appointment today. 412-331-9696 or 412-221-0112

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#PittsburghEyeCare
#DrClaudiaWendel

Presidential Quotes- Who said it?

1. “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.”

2. “Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.”

3. “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

4. “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

5. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

A. George Washington

B. John F. Kennedy

C. Dwight D. Eisenhower

D. Franklin D. Roosevelt

E. Theodore Roosevelt

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Answers:

1. C

2. A

3. E

4. B

5. D