Living With Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when either the cornea or the lens of the eye has a slightly different surface curvature in one direction than the other. Instead of being even and smooth in all directions, the surface may be flatter or steeper in some areas.
Slight amounts of astigmatism usually don't affect vision and don't require treatment. However, some people with astigmatism seem to have significant difficulty driving at night or working under certain light conditions.
If you have astigmatism, take a look at the following helpful tips.
How to Avoid a Stye
Eye styes can be very annoying and sometimes quite painful. If you've ever had one, you'd probably go to great lengths to avoid another one.
If you are prone to developing styes, the following tips may help you avoid them.
Experts Declare Need for Eye Health Education
The Ocular Nutrition Society (ONS) issued the following statement regarding the urgent need to educate Americans about the role of nutrition in supporting eye health:
Significant scientific evidence exists to support the role of certain nutrients, including zinc, vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, to help promote health in the aging eye. The displacement of nutrient-dense foods by processed foods in the Western, or American, diet is disconcerting, as is the lack of awareness of key nutrients and other modifiable risk factors that impact eye health. The lack of key diet-derived nutrients is a modifiable risk factor for protecting eye health, and eating a healthy diet rich in these nutrients is encouraged.
The National Eye Institute estimates that over the next 30 years, the number of Americans that experience eye health issues will double because of aging baby boomers. The demand for vision care service is expected to flood the healthcare system by 2015 due to age-related eye disease and the diabetes epidemic.
Source: Ocular Nutrition Society
Protecting Your Toddler's Eyes
The sun's rays are harmful, especially to your little ones' eyes. Some parents are diligent about making their kids wear their sunglasses outside, but some say their kids just won't keep them on.
How about you? How do you persuade your children to protect their eyes with shades?
Spring Allergies: Eye-Opening Tips
A mild winter may have cut us a break on colds and flu, but it's making up for it with an early gust of spring allergy woes. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 26 million Americans endure chronic seasonal allergies.
Fortunately, eye allergies can be curtailed and sometimes even prevented by following a few simple recommendations from California Optometric Association (COA). Here are a few tips to keep in mind in order to help fight off spring allergies and enjoy the blooming season!
- Wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- Talk to your optometrist about changing your cleaning method of using sing-use contact lenses
- Try to reduce time wearing contact lenses and replace old lenses as directed
- Get a comprehensive annual eye exam
Source: Brittany Kang, for California Optometric Association
Sight-Threatening Eye Allergies to Look Out For
Many of us complain of eye allergies during this time of the year. However, a couple of eye allergies can be very serious. Atopic and vernal keratoconjunctivis are two types of eye allergies that can be much more severe and can actually be sight-threatening.
Sun Wear: What Looks Good on You?
Picking the right sun wear can be fun. Sunglasses not only protect our eyes from damaging UV radiation from the sun, but they also make us look cool and fashionable at the same time.
When shopping for sunglasses, the following guide can help you find the best frame shape and color to complement your best features.
Could You Have Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome affects many people. Dry eye occurs when the tear glands don't produce the correct quantity or quality of tears.
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome often vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include the following...
- Itchy, dry eyes
- Stinging or burning eyes
- Foreign body sensation
- Redness
- Excessive tearing
- Blurry vision
- Increased discomfort after watching television or reading
Do Your Eyeglasses Fit Your Face?
When shopping for a new pair of eyeglasses, keep in mind that the frame should enhance the shape and features of your face.
Before trying on a pair of eyeglasses, determine your facial shape. Trace the outline of your face using a straight-on photo. After tracing, study the outline and determine the basic shape: is it oval, round, oblong, square, diamond or triangle? Choose a contrasting shaped frame to complement the shape of your face.
Basic Eye Anatomy
How much do you know about your eyes?
You use your eyes in almost every activity you perform. Your eyes allow you to see shapes, colors, and dimensions of objects by processing the light they reflect.
Your eyes are able to see in bright or dim light, but they cannot see objects when light is not present. This image gallery is a guide to the many parts of the human eye and how they function.