The groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring this year. And with spring weather, comes spring allergies. Before you know it, flowers will be blooming, grass will be growing, and pollen will fill the air. For many people, this change of season means itchy red eyes in addition to sneezing and wheezing. If you are one of the millions of Americans who experiences ocular allergies each year, read on to learn how to best prepare yourself this spring, and how to protect your eyes from uncomfortable symptoms.
The eye is the only place in the body where blood vessels and nerves can be directly and noninvasively observed. This means each time you go to the eye doctor, they are evaluating important factors about your overall health. An overwhelming number of systemic diseases can have significant effects on the eyes, and these effects can be identified in comprehensive eye exams. Diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes can wreak havoc on ocular blood vessels if not properly controlled. It is not uncommon for autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis to cause ocular problems. Even some neurological conditions, like multiple sclerosis, can have distinct eye-related symptoms and signs. Your eye doctor is well trained in how these systemic conditions can affect your eyes, and keep your overall health in mind each time they evaluate the health of your eyes.
Contact lenses are one of the most widely used medical devices in America. As developmental advancements have improved the selection of contact lenses, millions of people have chosen contacts to provide clear vision on a daily basis. In the wake of these advancements that make contact lenses safer, more versatile, and more comfortable, many misconceptions surround this popular corrective option. Today we’re separating the facts about contact lenses from the fiction.
Dry eye disease is a complicated disease process which can cause symptoms such as irritation and burning, in addition to visual disturbances like blurred vision. Millions of people are affected by dry eye syndrome, but they may not know the cause of their symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with dry eyes, or suffer from ocular irritation and blurred vision, read on to learn more about what could be causing your problems.
The idea of an “online eye exam” may sound very appealing; the convenience of receiving an updated prescription for new glasses, or even contact lenses, without ever leaving your home. New online services brag that by simply logging on to your computer, answering a few questions and completing an easy online task, an accurate prescription can be in your hands, signed by a doctor, in a matter of minutes. Sound convenient? Don’t be fooled – these online eye exams are far from the perfect solution for eye care.
Many of you have probably heard the term "glaucoma" before but are unsure of what it actually is. In truth, many patient confuse cataracts and glaucoma quite often. There are many different forms of glaucoma, many of which can be managed with simple medications if caught early on.