Eye Health Articles

You may think that your eyesight is fine — that the occasional squinting to make things clearer is just a part of getting older or just due to tired eyes. Yet, because we experience a lot of the world through our eyes, we must keep our eyes healthy. Keep your eyes in mind when planning out your yearly health checkups.  Early Diagnosis and Treatment Some eye diseases may have no symptoms at all when developing and can go unnoticed for years, even until irreversible eye damage has been done. So early diagnosis and treatment are extremely critical for common eye diseases associated with age. One of those diseases is cataracts—a clouding of the lens that can lead to vision loss. By eating a healthier diet of leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and by limiting sun exposure, you can slow down the progression of the disease. An early diagnosis of cataracts can help you and your doctor plan the best treatment options.  Age-related macular degeneration can also be seen with increasing age. Although this disease has a slow progression, it can lead to a decrease in central vision, and ultimately blindness, if not diagnosed early by an eye doctor.  Comorbidities such as diabetes put patients at a greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina in the back of the eye. Regular eye exams are especially important in these cases, since the duration of diabetes is the main factor for the development of diabetic retinopathy. Sugar control is paramount to prevent diabetic retinopathy, and a doctor can help manage this, especially early on.  Glaucoma is another eye condition that benefits from early diagnosis because if it is left unchecked, it can lead to vision loss in the affected eye. Risk factors for glaucoma include having a family history of the disease, being African-American, or being older than 60 years of age.  Eye Exam Frequency The American Optometric Association recommends the following eye examination frequency.  Children up to 2 years of age should have their eyes checked at 6 months and 12 months of age.  Children ages 3 to 5 should have their eyes checked at least once.  Children 6 to 17 should have their eyes checked before they start the first grade and then annually thereafter.  Adults 18 to 65 should have their eyes checked at least every two years. Adults 65 and older should have their eyes checked annually.  Other Steps to Take In addition to getting a regular eye exam, it is also important to know your family’s eye history, since family history may affect the likelihood of the development of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.  Protect your eyes from the sun, and wear sunglasses that block out UV-A and UV-B rays when spending time outside, as UV light has been shown to increase the risk of developing cataracts and conjunctival abnormal growths called pinguecula or a pterygium that may cause visual discomfort.  Finally, protect your eyes if you spend a lot of time focusing on any digital screen. If you work in front of a computer screen the whole day or stare at a cellphone or tablet for prolonged periods of time, take frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule, developed by the American Optometric Association and recommended internationally. It recommends taking breaks every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, to stare at an object 20 feet away to allow your eyes to refocus.  So remember, speak with your loved ones about your eyes, eat a healthy balanced diet, minimize sun exposure, get yearly physical exams, and make sure to get your eyes checked regularly so you can continue experiencing the world to its fullest. Gabriel Espinoza, MD, has experience in caring for patients in critical care, primary care, and emergency settings. Some of the topics he has focused on in his medical career include public health, pediatrics, wellness, and fitness. He has co-authored a chapter on the utility of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnoses of eye conditions. The content written by Dr. Espinoza is for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.    References: Comprehensive eye exams. AOA.org. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams?sso=y. Accessed December 6, 2020.  Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/keep-eye-on-vision-health.html. Published October 1, 2020. Accessed December 6, 2020.   Kollias, AN, Ulbig MW. Diabetic retinopathy: Early diagnosis and effective treatment. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2010;107(5):75-84. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2010.0075    

How Do Our Eyes Work? The eye is a sphere with fluid separated into three parts. The whites of the eyes are called the sclera. The middle outermost part is the cornea, a transparent membrane that allows light rays to pass into the eye. Through the cornea, you can see the iris, which is the colored portion part of the eye. The iris contains muscles that change the size of the pupil, the opening in the center where light passes through and hits the lens.   As light passes through the cornea, it passes through the anterior chamber, which is filled with a clear watery fluid that provides nutrients to the lens and surrounding structures. As the light continues its path from the lens to the back of the eye, the retina, it must travel through a thick gel-like substance called the vitreous humor, which makes up most of the eye’s volume and helps give it its spherical shape.  What Are Floaters? As we age, the vitreous thickens and can sometimes shrink. Sometimes clumps or strands build up in the vitreous since it contains cells that remove some blood and other debris that can interfere with light being transmitted to the retina causing shadows. These are termed floaters, and can look like bubbles, bugs, cobwebs, or dark spots that move with your eye movements.  When the vitreous shrinks and pulls away from the retina in the back of the eye, it is called a posterior vitreous detachment. Floaters are usually the first symptom that you will observe with this condition. Posterior vitreous detachments can occur as we age since the vitreous tends to shrink. Other risk factors include being nearsighted (you need glasses to see far away), having a history of trauma to the eye, having had previous eye surgery (like cataract surgery or LASIK surgery), or having an inflammatory condition in the eye. In some cases, a posterior vitreous detachment can lead to a retinal detachment as well. If left untreated, this can ultimately lead to blindness. Other eye conditions that can cause floaters include posterior uveitis, which is inflammation of the uvea, or the middle part of the eye that contains the iris and retinal tears or detachments. Floaters in your visual field may also be related to other conditions that may not be caused by problems with your eyes alone, like migraine headaches with auras.  Steps to Take If your doctor diagnoses you with a posterior vitreous detachment, you will need to see an eye specialist for a complete dilated eye exam and to carefully examine every aspect of your eye with a special lamp called a slit lamp to rule out a retinal tear or detachment.   With any changes in your vision, it is important to always contact your doctor and get regular eye exams by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. If you are concerned about any changes in your vision and have posterior vitreous detachment, you will be counseled on the severity of your disease and the best treatment option.  Gabriel Espinoza, MD, has experience in caring for patients in critical care, primary care, and emergency settings. Some of the topics he has focused on in his medical career include public health, pediatrics, wellness, and fitness. He has co-authored a chapter on the utility of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnoses of eye conditions. The content written by Dr. Espinoza is for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.  References: Ahmed F. Posterior Vitreous Detachment. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563273/. Published September 27, 2020. Accessed December 6, 2020.   Johnson D, Hollands H. Acute-onset floaters, and flashes. CMAJ. 2012;184(4):431. doi:10.1503/cmaj.110686  Purves D. Anatomy of the Eye. Neuroscience. 2nd edition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11120/. Published January 1, 1970. Accessed December 6, 2020.

When it comes to eye diseases, one that you might hear about often is glaucoma, which is referred to as the silent thief of sight. But what is it, exactly, and what are the causes and symptoms of this condition? We’ve got you covered with info below that can help clear up some of the frequently asked questions about glaucoma.  What Is Glaucoma? It might sound like a single disease, but glaucoma is actually a group of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve of the eye. When glaucoma develops, it can happen in one or both of the eyes. And vision loss may occur if it isn’t caught and treated in time. In fact, the scary thing about glaucoma is that it’s a leading cause of blindness in individuals who are over 60 years of age, even though it can affect people of all ages.  What Are Some of the Causes and Symptoms of Glaucoma? Often, high pressure inside the eye is what damages the optic nerve. But the tricky thing about glaucoma is that it can occur when eye pressure is normal too!  Wait, what’s this about pressure inside your eyes? Basically, there’s fluid in the front part of the eye. Because it’s produced all the time, it needs to drain properly through what’s known as the drainage angle in order to maintain the right amount of pressure in the eye. If a problem develops and the fluid doesn’t drain like it should, eye pressure goes up, and the risk of glaucoma goes up too. Also, the pressure could go up slowly or quickly.  In terms of what can cause glaucoma, the list includes: Having a thin cornea Being extremely farsighted or nearsighted Trauma or injury to the eye Family history of the condition Certain medical problems, such as high blood pressure  Certain medications  There are several types of glaucoma. Here are three of the main types, along with some of their symptoms: Open-angle glaucoma – This develops when the eye fails to drain the fluid in it properly. As a result, pressure starts to increase, and the optic nerve is damaged. This is a type of glaucoma that likely won’t cause any problems with your vision at the beginning, so you may not know there’s a problem unless you see a doctor and get a diagnosis during a routine exam. Once it gets worse, though, you may start to notice changes in your vision, such as blind spots in your peripheral vision.  Angle-closure glaucoma - This is also known as narrow-angle or closed-angle glaucoma. Put simply, the iris of the eye blocks the drainage angle, and that causes an increase in pressure. This type of glaucoma may develop slowly, so you might not notice any signs until it’s advanced. Or, it can cause the pressure to become elevated quickly, causing an acute attack that leads to symptoms like severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, halos or rainbows surrounding lights, and redness in the eye. An acute attack is an emergency that, if not treated right away, might cause blindness.    Normal-tension glaucoma - This is also known as normal-pressure or low-tension glaucoma. The pressure in the eye will be within the normal range, yet optic nerve damage will occur. This type of glaucoma might be caused by a problem with optic nerve itself, or by blood flow issues that lead to a reduction in blood flow to the optic nerve. Symptoms might include changes in your vision.    You Might Not Know You Have It! The really unnerving thing about glaucoma: you might not even know that you have it because the changes in your vision may occur slowly over time.  By the time you realize that something is off with your vision, it might be too late, and any vision that you lost might be gone for good. So the goal is to catch it as early on as possible, receive treatment, and hopefully prevent, or at least slow, future vision loss.     Worried About Glaucoma? Your Eye Doctor Can Help! How can you be sure you can tackle glaucoma before it has reached an advanced stage? It’s simple: see an eye doctor on a regular basis, such as once a year! He or she will be able to check your vision and keep track of changes as you get older. In addition to that, an eye care professional can use tools to measure eye pressure and look for other signs to see if glaucoma is present. And, if it is, your doctor can recommend treatment options.  Still have questions about glaucoma and whether or not you are at risk? Find an eye doctor you can trust, and enroll in a high-quality insurance like Spirit so you can save money when it comes to keeping your vision sharp! Sources: https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/glaucoma/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839 https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma https://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/questions-answers-normal-tension-glaucoma.php https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/normal-tension-glaucoma#1 https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/glaucoma-symptoms  

Systemic lupus is an autoimmune disease that leads to pain and inflammation in the body. Any area of the body can be affected by this chronic ailment. Although the joints, skin, and various organs, such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys, are commonly impacted, many people don’t realize that lupus is also capable of damaging the eyes.  Below, we take a look at some of the ways that lupus can cause problems that affect your eyes and vision.  The Various Ways That Lupus Can Impact the Health of Your Eyes There are several ways that lupus can harm the eyes, and you can discuss the risks with your doctor, but we’ve put this list together to give you an idea of the different parts of the eyes that can be affected: Some lupus patients might develop Sjogren’s syndrome, which causes insufficient tear production and dry eye. Also, the inflammation associated with lupus might damage the glands that produce tears. When this happens, the eyes aren’t properly lubricated. If your eyes feel scratchy or irritated, if it feels like something is in your eyes, if they burn, or if your vision becomes blurry, let your doctor know. You might be able to receive treatments, such as eye drops, that may help prevent this condition from getting worse.    Lupus is one of the causes of inflammation in the eyes, so there might be a risk of developing conditions like episcleritis, scleritis, or uveitis. Scleritis and episcleritis might lead to symptoms like tearing, pain, tenderness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. Also, the white part of the eye might become swollen or red. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you develop symptoms, as you don’t want to risk vision loss. Symptoms of uveitis might include floaters, blurred or decreased vision, light sensitivity, redness, or pain, so it’s best to tell your doctor right away if you experience these problems as well.    Optic neuritis, which may lead to vision loss, is a condition that develops when there’s inflammation that ends up damaging the eye’s optic nerve. It is yet another eye problem that might occur in some lupus patients.      Some patients with lupus might develop retinal vasculitis, which is inflammation of the retina’s blood vessels. Because this problem might result in mild to severe changes in vision, talking to your doctor as soon as possible is imperative.    If you’ve been diagnosed with lupus, it’s recommended that you see an eye doctor for check-ups and to discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing. Also, if you develop symptoms that are affecting your eyes or vision, let your eye doctor know ASAP so you can receive prompt treatment.  Even the Medication You Take Might Lead to Eye Problems! As if the disease itself wasn’t bad enough, it turns out that some of the medications that are prescribed to treat lupus might also impact your eye health!  One example is hydroxychloroquine, which is also known as Plaquenil. This prescription might result in retinal toxicity. In other words, it might end up damaging the retina of the eye, especially if you need to take a high dose or you need to take it for a long stretch of time.  Having your eyes examined on a consistent basis, such as once a year, while taking medication to treat lupus is wise. If there are any changes, your doctor will notice them sooner rather than later. And the sooner your doctor realizes that there’s a problem, the quicker he or she can act to keep your eyes as healthy as possible.  It’s So Important to Work with Your Eye Doctor Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with a condition like lupus that can adversely affect your eye health, it’s important to find a doctor you can trust. By doing so, you’ll be able to have your eyes and your vision examined regularly. Plus, you’ll be able to receive treatments right away if you need them.  If you’re worried about being able to afford trips to the eye doctor, or you’re concerned about being able to pay for expensive glasses and contacts that you need to see clearly, don’t fret! With the right vision insurance, such as the plan offered by Spirit, you can get the financial support you need so you won’t have to miss any appointments. Sources: https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-lupus https://www.lupus.org/resources/how-lupus-affects-the-eyes# https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/can-lupus-affect-my-vision https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/dry-eyes-immune-system-disorders https://www.lupusuk.org.uk/medical/lupus-diagnosis-treatment/clinical-aspects-of-lupus/the-eyes-and-lupus/ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-scleritis https://www.eyecaretrust.org.uk/view.php?item_id=79 https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/retinitis-types-symptoms-treatment#1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uveitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378734 https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/hydroxychloroquine-induced-retinal-toxicity https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/optic-neuritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354953 https://www.verywellhealth.com/lupus-and-the-eyes-3422110 https://www.medicinenet.com/retinal_vasculitis/definition.htm  

The macula is the central part of your eye’s retina, and it allows you to have clear, sharp vision. Macular degeneration, which is also referred to as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a condition that causes you to lose your central vision. With AMD, even though you’ll still have peripheral vision, your ability to see what is in front of you will be impacted. And this can make everyday tasks like recognizing faces, reading, and driving, pretty much impossible.  Should you take the risk of developing macular degeneration seriously? Absolutely! This condition is a top cause of vision loss, and it affects many older people. Seeing your eye doctor regularly, such as every year, is an important step in diagnosing this condition as early on as possible. But, in addition to that, getting to know the warning signs is also wise. That way, you can more readily recognize changes in your vision and get help right away. The First Thing You Should Know: There Are Two Types of Macular Degeneration Before we dive into the symptoms that are associated with AMD, let’s take a quick look at the two types of macular generation: Dry macular degeneration is the more common type, and it might progress into wet macular degeneration. People with dry AMD might notice that their vision gets progressively worse, but this occurs gradually. Wet macular degeneration is more of a threat to your sight, so people who have this form of AMD might experience more severe vision loss than those who have the dry form, and the loss might occur suddenly as well.   Now, Let’s Cover the Symptoms and Warning Signs of AMD Here’s the scary thing about macular degeneration: in its early stages, you might not even know that you have it if you don’t notice any symptoms. This is just one of the many reasons why it’s best to make appointments with an eye doctor on a regular basis to have your eyes, including your retina, examined by a professional who can spot the signs of AMD.  When symptoms do occur, you will likely begin to notice that your vision isn’t as clear as it should be, and this might happen gradually or suddenly. Also, symptoms of AMD might include the following: Straight lines appear wavy, bent, or distorted When reading, the words appear wavy  Changes in color perception, such as colors appearing paler  Areas in the center part of the visual field appear shadowy, dark, empty, or gray Blurry spots or blind spots in the center of your vision Vision that becomes fuzzy, hazy, or blurry When in low light, experiencing more difficulty seeing details  Objects might appear smaller than they are Note: Macular degeneration might occur in one eye or both eyes. And, when it occurs in both eyes, it might not affect both of them in the same way. Also, it’s important to be aware of the fact that you might not notice any symptoms if the condition develops only in one of your eyes. You can test your vision by closing one eye at a time to ensure you aren’t missing any signs while both eyes are open.  Take Care of Your Eyes by Seeing Your Eye Doctor Regularly! It can’t be stressed enough: seeing an eye doctor regularly is an integral component of keeping your eyes as healthy as possible as you get older. Whether or not you notice any warning signs of macular degeneration, an ophthalmologist can take a look at the interior structures of your eyes to see if there is any evidence that this condition is developing. And, in the event that you do have AMD, your doctor will be able to discuss treatment options.  Also, let’s not forget that seeing an eye care professional will help you see clearly because you can get prescription glasses and contacts that will sharpen your vision. This could help make it easier to notice changes in your eyesight, even if they are minor at first—such an important step when it comes to watching out for signs of AMD!  Final tip: At Spirit, you can easily enroll in vision insurance that will help make it more affordable to see your eye doctor for checkups and prescriptions. With this type of coverage, you won’t have to skip an appointment because you’re worried about how you’ll pay for it. And you can rest assured that you’ll be able to take smart steps to keep your peepers as healthy as possible. Sources: https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd.htm https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/macular-degeneration/age-related-macular-degeneration-symptoms https://www.macular.org/symptoms-macular-degeneration https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wet-macular-degeneration/symptoms-causes/syc-20351107 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-macular-degeneration/symptoms-causes/syc-20350375 https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw176039  

Eye injuries are surprisingly common. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, roughly 2.5 million people suffer these injuries each year. Many of them occur at home, as well as while playing sports. And the scariest part is that an eye injury can lead to vision impairment or blindness.  How can you reduce the odds of harming your eyes? Below is a list of tips that you can implement into your daily life when performing a variety of tasks that may put you at risk of hurting yourself.  Wearing Protective Eyewear Is Simple Yet Effective One of the easiest things that you can do to avoid eye injuries is wear gear that will provide protection on all sides of your peepers. Yes, it’s that simple!  There are so many scenarios in which wearing protective eyewear can be super helpful. Here are some examples: when you’re working on your car in the garage, when you’re gardening, and when you’re doing anything that might cause dust or objects to get into your eyes.  Safety goggles can come in really handy when you’re using cleaning products around the house, or when you’re using any chemicals, detergents, or other substances that might splash into your eyes by accident, causing harm.  When you’re playing sports, it’s a great idea to use protective eyewear that boasts the ASTM F803 designation. This indicates that the product is designed to help protect the eyes during various activities, such as basketball, soccer, baseball, and tennis.  But, wait, won’t regular prescription eyeglasses, or maybe even sunglasses, protect you? Put simply, no, they aren’t designed to give you the level of protection that you need to keep your eyes as safe as possible. Plus, if you’re ever hit in the eyes with a large object, your glasses might even cause a more serious injury. Ouch! Pro tip: If you need to wear prescription eyeglasses, and you don’t wear contact lenses, you can simply purchase protective eyewear that’s designed to fit over your glasses. Or, with the right vision insurance, you might be able to get your hands on high-quality, affordable prescription safety glasses! Protect Your Eyes in Your Home and in Your Own Backyard  Here are some of the activities during which protective eyewear is recommended when working around the house or in your yard: When you’re cleaning and disinfecting with harsh products, such as bleach and chemical-based supplies (when using a spray bottle, be sure you spray away from your face). When you’re mowing the lawn, removing leaves, and pruning plants.    When you’re using pesticides or fertilizers in your garden, even if they are natural. When you’re cooking and there’s a risk of hot oil splattering and getting into your eyes. When you’re using household items, like rubber bands and wire hangers, that can accidentally hit you in the eye and cause harm. Protect Your Eyes While You’re Working Let’s not forget that eye injuries can also occur in the workplace, and these can result in serious damage, such as permanent loss of vision.  If you work in an environment that exposes you to chemicals, if you use tools, or if there’s the risk of being hit in the eye with objects like glass, dust, or metal, always wear the appropriate protective gear to help reduce the risk of harm. Examples include face shields, goggles, welding helmets, and full-face respirators. Take Action Right Away If You Injure Your Eyes! You can’t always prevent accidents, even when you do your best to protect yourself. If you end up hurting an eye, see a doctor or ophthalmologist right away, as this isn’t something that you should try treating on your own at home.  Even if the injury appears to be minor or you don’t have symptoms, see a medical professional ASAP because some problems, such as increased pressure or retinal tears, might not be obvious at first.   After calling your doctor to let them know about your injury, you may be told to avoid touching your eye. And if there’s an object in the eye, you might be told to leave it alone until you get to the doctor. Also, wait until you’re given instructions before using any medications. And, when appropriate, flush your eye with water if a substance, such as a cleaner, got into it (read product labels carefully to be sure this is what you should do).  Your eyes are delicate, so take care of them, not only by seeing your eye doctor for checkups, but also by protecting your peepers during everyday activities that might lead to injuries.       Sources: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/preventing-eye-injuries https://www.theeyeclinic.net/2018/10/03/eye-injury-prevention/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/eye-injury/art-20047121 https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/preventing-injuries https://preventblindness.org/eye-safety-at-home/ https://preventblindness.org/preventing-eye-injuries/#1585701895414-4712076d-209f https://rx-safety.com/2019/12/what-does-the-eyewear-designation-astm-f803-stand-for-and-why-is-it-important/ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries