Allergies are a common complaint, and can cause a great deal of discomfort— sneezing, sniffling, stuffy nose, and itchy throat can all affect your daily functioning.

What you may not realize is— your eyes can also be affected by allergies.

Up to 25 percent of people worldwide suffer from eye allergies.

Many eye allergies symptoms occur with the symptoms you may already be aware of. If your eyes are itchy, red and irritated, and there is no other explanation, allergies may be the cause.

What causes eye allergies?

A variety of allergens may be affecting your eyes, if you suffer with allergy eyes, it is best to get tested by an allergist to determine the cause of your allergies.

The following are the most common causes:

• Outdoor allergens: pollens from grass, weeds, and trees
• Indoor allergens: dust mites, pet dander, and mold
• Irritants: cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust, and perfume

Eye allergy symptoms

• Itchy eyes
• Redness
• Burning
• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids

How do I know if I have eye allergies?

Eye allergies develop when the body overreacts to something in its environment. Eye allergies share symptoms with some ocular diseases, making an accurate diagnosis critical.

If you are experiencing eye allergy symptoms, make an appointment with your eye doctor for a thorough examination of your ocular health. Your eye doctor will use specialized tools to detect the presence of allergies.

With the use of a special microscope, your eye doctor will be able to detect the cause of any redness or swollen blood vessels on the surface of the eye.

If you suffer with allergies, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat this condition, so you don’t need to suffer with red and uncomfortable eyes.

SEE RELATED: Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

How to alleviate eye allergy symptoms

Many mild allergy symptoms can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications.

If your allergy symptoms are not relieved by these medications, your eye doctor can prescribe medicated eye drops or oral medication.

1. Artificial tears eye drops

Non-prescription eye drops may be sufficient in providing short term relief of mild symptoms. Artificial tears both moisten the eyes to soothe irritation, and wash allergens away. These drops can be used as often as needed and are available over-the-counter at your local drug store.

There are many different brands of artificial tears on the market, so ask your eye doctor for a recommendation.

2. Preservative free eye drops

Preservative-free drops are recommended because they contain fewer additives which can further irritate the eyes. Keep in mind that many of these preservative-free eye drops may only be used for a few weeks after the bottle is opened— it is important to follow the directions on the bottle.

In addition, many eye drops come in two forms, single-use preservative free vials and multi-use bottles, with or without preservatives. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.  Ask your eye doctor what he recommends for your individual needs.

3. Eye drops for moderate to severe allergies

These are usually decongestant eyes drops, importantly these type of eye drops are not recommended if you have glaucoma.

These eye drops are over-the-counter and are used to reduce redness by narrowing the blood vessels in the eye. They are available in two forms: decongestant only, and decongestant with an antihistamine— recommended for relief of severe itching.

Decongestant eye drops should only be used for up to three days. Prolonged use can produce a rebound effect and increase redness and swelling.

Prescription eye drops and medications

Prescription eye drops and medications also are used to treat eye moderate to severe allergies, and provide both short- and long- term relief.

There are many different types of prescription eye drops:

Antihistamine eye drops reduce itching, redness and swelling. These drops provide fast relief, but need to be used frequently throughout the day, as the effects tend to last only a few hours.

Mast cell stabilizer eye drops prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause the allergic reaction. These drops must be used before allergen exposure to prevent itching.

Antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer eye drops are a combination eye drop that treats and prevents eye allergies. These drops are inserted twice a day for fast, long-lasting relief of itching, burning, tearing, and redness.

NSAID eye drops (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) relieve itching, but may cause burning or stinging when inserted, and need to be used four times a day.

Corticosteroid eye drops treat chronic and severe itching, redness and swelling. These steroidal eye drops should only be used long term (more than two weeks) under a doctor’s supervision as they can cause an increased risk of infection, glaucoma and cataracts.

Oral antihistamines

If eye drops are not sufficient in treating your allergies, your eye doctor may recommend an oral antihistamine for further relief.

Oral antihistamines, both over-the-counter and prescription, can be mildly effective in relieving the itching associated with eye allergies. However, these medications can cause dry eyes and actually worsen your allergy symptoms.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy)

Allergy shots improve tolerance to an allergen by gradually increasing exposure to the allergen over time. Optimal results are generally noticed after several months of treatment, and medications to alleviate symptoms may still be required.

How to prevent eye allergy symptoms

Avoid allergy triggers by implementing the following suggestions:

• Use air conditioning. Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses. This will help to protect your eyes from pollen.
• Limit dust accumulation. Use “mite-proof” bedding covers and wash your bedding frequently, using hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit). Clean shelves with a wet rag and floors with a mop, instead of dry-dusting or sweeping.
• Control mold. Use a dehumidifier to control mold growth. Treat visible mold with detergent and a five percent bleach solution.
• Wash your hands.  This will help to eliminate any allergens you may have come in contact with, such as when touching a pet or cutting the grass.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes. This can further irritate your eyes.

While allergies are a common complaint, there is no need to continue suffering!

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Health

Eye doctors can help you cope with allergies, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat your eye allergy, you don’t need to suffer with red and uncomfortable eyes.

The post Eyes and Allergies appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Almost 60 percent of people who use computers and digital devices daily experience eye strain, including sore eyes, headaches, tiredness or loss of concentration.

Here are 5 tips to reduce your risk of eye strain affecting your daily life:

1. Frequent eye exams

Let your eye doctor know if you are experiencing any symptoms listed above. Frequent eye exams are the most important thing you can do to reduce the impact eye strain is having on your life.

2. Reduce glare

Glare from light reflecting off walls and finished surfaces, as well as reflections on your computer screen also can cause eye strain. Using an anti-glare screen on your screen may also reduce reelected glare off the display.

3. Avoid dry eyes

When using a computer the eyes can dry out, due to blinking less often and air conditioning. When staring at a screen, people blink less frequently, up to 66% less than they normally do and tears can also evaporate due to air conditioning.

If you experience dry eye symptoms, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to discuss artificial tears or other eye lubricants.

4. Walk away

To reduce your risk for computer vision syndrome and neck, back and shoulder pain, it is recommended to walk away – from your screen. Taking frequent screen breaks at least one 10-minute break every hour, will allow your eyes to relax.

During these breaks, stand up, walk for 5 minutes, and also stretch your arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders to reduce tension and muscle fatigue.

5. Computer glasses

Customized computer glasses can be prescribed by eye doctors, these often provide the greatest relief from computer eye strain..

Computer glasses also are a good choice if you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, because these lenses generally are not optimal for the distance to your computer screen.

Computer glasses can also include blue light lenses and anti-reflective (AR) coating, which also reduces glare.

The post 5 Tips to Avoid Computer Eye Strain appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The term eye strain describes a group of symptoms which occurs after extended use of the eyes, usually involving intense concentration or long periods of sustained attention.

If you have any eye discomfort caused by looking at something for a long time, you probably have eye strain, you may have experienced Digital Eye Strain,  if you have sitting in front of a computer screen for hours!

One of the most common causes of Digital Eye Strain is a condition known as Binocular Visual Dysfuction. This is caused bt a misalignment between the two eyes and is successfully treated with prism lenses.

Schedule an appointment with a vision therapy eye doctor near you so that they can start helping you relieve your eye strain.

SEE RELATED: What is Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD)?

What is eye strain?

Eye strain can have devastating effects on both school and office performances and add significantly to stress and anxiety.

The term eye strain is frequently used to describe a group of symptoms that are related to the overuse of the eyes.

Eye strain occurs when your eyes get tired from being used intensely, such as working at a computer or driving a car for extended periods. 

In some cases, signs and symptoms of eye strain indicate an underlying eye condition that needs treatment. While you may not be able to change your job, or all the factors that are causing eye strain, you can reduce it.

The two most common causes of eyestrain are Binocular Visual Dysfunction and Convergence Insufficiency.

What is Binocular Visual Dysfunction?

The symptoms of ocular fatigue, tired eyes, blurring, headaches, and occasionally double vision. are brought on by intense use of the eyes for visual tasks.

Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD) is a misalignment between the two eyes, requiring micro-prism lenses.

For some it can occur while concentrating on a visually intense task such as reading fine print or using the computer for hours at a time. These tasks can unconsciously cause the muscles in the eyelids, face, temples, and jaw to clench, leading to discomfort or pain from overusing those muscles.

When eye strain stems from the use of a digital device, it is called Digital Eye Strain (DES) and often results from Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD).

Struggling to see in dim light or an extremely bright or glary environment can also bring on eye strain.

People are found to blink less when staring at a digital screen. This decreased blinking may lead to dry eye syndrome.

The inability to make both eyes work together, due to BVD, is a leading cause of eye strain.

What is convergence insufficiency?

Convergence insufficiency (CI) is caused by the difficulty of coordinating the two eyes to look at near vision for extended periods of time

Convergence of the eyes occurs when the two eyes need to focus on a close object, such as a computer, or book.

Convergence insufficiency means the eyes struggle to maintain focus on near tasks, affecting school and work performance and many other aspects of life.

As the eyes struggle to focus, they experience eye strain and fatigue.

How can CI be treated?

The most effective treatment for CI is vision therapy.

Vision therapy is an effective customized program that improves the vision skills to achieve clearer and more comfortable vision.

To decrease some of the symptoms of CI your eye doctor may also prescribe prismatic (prism) eyeglasses. These are not meant to treat or cure the condition, but rather relieve the symptoms. In many cases, prisms are prescribed in combination with vision therapy.

How to protect your eyes from DES?

1. Set limits on screen time

It is important to establish a time limit for daily digital device use — and follow through with it.

The more hours a person spends in front of a screen, the greater their risk of developing symptoms of digital eye strain.

2. 20-20-20 rule

This rule helps to relax the eye muscles and prevent eye strain.

Eye strain can be caused by long periods of intense reading or staring at a digital device for too long. While watching TV or using a digital device, every 20 minutes look at something in the distance (at least 20 feet away) for at least 20 seconds.

3. Blink frequently

People blink less frequently when staring at a screen, which can lead to dry, sore eyes, as well as eye strain.

Remember to blink often while sitting in front of a screen, so you can keep your eyes healthy and moist.

4. Keep a distance

Ideally the screen should be at least 18-24 inches away from your eyes.

It is also important to ensure that the computer screen is positioned just below eye level so that you don’t strain your neck while staring at the screen.

5. Upright posture

Online learning and working from home are becoming more and more popular, leaving everyone sitting in front of a digital screen for many hours during the day.

Without proper posture, this can lead to shoulder, back and neck pain— common symptoms of digital eye strain.

To prevent this, your desk and chair should be at a comfortable height so your feet can rest on the floor. If your feet don’t reach the floor, a stool under the desk is a perfect solution.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD)

If you are concerned about eye strain or fatigue, contact an eye doctor near you, as they can help diagnose and treat your eye strain symptoms.

The post 2021 Update: BVD and Digital Eye Strain appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Vision is our primary sense, but most people take their eyes for granted. As we rely more on digital devices throughout our lives, our eyes are starting to feel the fatigue.

What is eye fatigue?

The technical term is asthenopia, but many may know it as eye fatigue or  eye strain. When caused by using a digital screen it’s called computer vision syndrome (CVS) or digital eye strain (DES).

Eye fatigue happens when our eyes experience pain due to being overworked beyond their capacity.

Eye fatigue signs occurs when the muscles in the eye either become fatigued, fail to receive enough hydration and rest from harsh computer screen glare over long periods.

Over time, eyes tend to feel tired and ache, causing difficulties in maintaining attention and concentration.

For some people, their eyes are overworked to a point that they begin to lose concentration and experience disabling eye fatigue, due to glare, air pollutants and long exposure to harmful rays.

When this occurs, it is important to recognize the signs of eye fatigue and then also rest your eyes and take a break from screens or any other activity that requires your eyes to focus intensely.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to evaluate your eyes for eye fatigue.

What causes eye fatigue?

Eye fatigue and tiredness occurs when your eyes get tired from being used intensely, such as working at a computer or driving a car for extended periods. 

In some cases, signs and symptoms of eye strain indicate an underlying eye condition that needs treatment. While you may not be able to change your job, or all the factors that are causing eye strain, you can reduce it.

A common causes of eyestrain is Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD).

If you experience tiredness or fatigue, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the visual issues of this condition.

SEE RELATED: 2021 Update: BVD and Neck Pain

What is Binocular Visual Dysfunction?

The symptoms of ocular fatigue, tired eyes, blurring, headaches, and occasionally double vision. are brought on by intense use of the eyes for visual tasks.

Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD) is a misalignment between the two eyes, requiring micro-prism lenses.

For some it can occur while concentrating on a visually intense task such as reading fine print or using the computer for hours at a time. These tasks can unconsciously cause the muscles in the eyelids, face, temples, and jaw to clench, leading to discomfort or pain from overusing those muscles.

When eye strain stems from the use of a digital device, it is called Digital Eye Strain (DES) and often results from Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD).

Struggling to see in dim light or an extremely bright or glary environment can also bring on eye strain.

People are found to blink less when staring at a digital screen. This decreased blinking may lead to dry eye syndrome.

The inability to make both eyes work together, due to BVD, is a leading cause of eye strain.

What are the best treatments for binocular vision problems?

Vision therapy and micro-prism lenses successfully treat BVD and CI.

1. Micro-prism Lenses

Prismatic (prism) lenses work to correct eye misalignment by manipulating incoming light before it enters the eyes so that when the images from the two eyes reach the brain, the brain can fuse them into a single image.

The prisms in the glasses ‘trick’ the brain into thinking the eyes are properly aligned, causing them to see just one object and preventing eye muscle strain that can cause headaches.

Micro-prisms are a very low amount, usually under 2 dioptres, however their impact can significantly reduce the headaches suffered by many people.

2. Vision Therapy 

Patients with CI or BVD are also often treated with a customized program of vision therapy.

Vision therapy is a program to improve the communication between the brain and the eyes, further supporting the visual system and alleviating the symptoms of BVD or CI.

Usually, patients find that their symptoms gradually subside or completely disappear when they wear prescribed prism lenses, which can be even further helped by completing a program of vision therapy.

While eye fatigue may be alleviated by making some lifestyle and behavioral changes, your eye doctor may discover that a functional vision problem is the underlying cause of eye fatigue.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD)

Contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose your eye fatigue and help improve your vision and enhance screen time experience.

The post 2021 Update: BVD and Eye Fatigue appeared first on Optometrists.org.

If you’re experiencing vision problems or it’s simply time for you to schedule your next eye examination, here are a few tips to get the most out of your eye exam with your friendly eye doctor.

The more information you can give your eye doctor during your checkup, the more they will be able to accurately assess your vision and eye health and discuss the many options available to you.

SEE RELATED: Are Dilated Eye Exams Important? 

Here are 4 quick tips to ensure better results when visiting your eye doctor.

1. Bring a list of symptoms

Any time you notice a change in your vision or other eye-related symptoms, jot them down, along with how long you’ve been experiencing them.

Symptoms to take note of include:

• Headaches
• Dry, itchy, or watery eyes
• Eye pain
• Flashes of light or floaters
• Blurry vision
• Distorted vision
• Poor depth perception
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty seeing objects up close

2. Bring a list of medications

Make a note of any medications you take – whether over-the-counter and prescription.

Whether you’re taking eye drops for glaucoma or prescription medication for high blood pressure, bring the name and dosage — or the medications themselves — to your next eye appointment.

This will give your eye doctor insights into your eye health and your overall health, and prevent the doctor from prescribing medication that could worsen a preexisting condition or  negatively interact with what you are already taking.

If you have any questions about the side effects of medications, don’t hesitate to ask your eye doctor.

3. Bring in all your eyeglasses and contacts lenses

Try to bring your prescription contact lenses or glasses to your appointment. This will allow the  eye doctor to assess your prescription and make adjustments if needed.

The doctor may ask you questions related to your eyewear to determine whether you need an update.

4. Know your family medical history

Knowing your family medical history is vitally important as many eye conditions have a genetic cause.

Many eye diseases and conditions run in families, so the more information you can provide about your family’s medical history, the better.

You don’t need to know every single family member’s detailed medical and history of eye conditions. Start with your close family — parents, grandparents, and siblings.

Some genetic eye conditions and diseases you should mention:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Color blindness
• Macular degeneration
• Strabismus
• Retinitis pigmentosa

Getting the most out of your next eye exam starts with preparation.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Exams

When you schedule your eye exam, you will be ready by following these tips.

The post What to Do Before an Eye Exam? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Other than dryness of the eye, symptoms of dry eye include burning, irritation and grittiness. While studies have shown that certain foods help the eyes stay hydrated, there are certain fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements that can be added to your diet.

Yes, there are foods that are not only good for overall health but also improve the quality of tears and eye comfort.

Omega fatty acids

If the outer layer of the lubricating tear film is disrupted, it leads to dry eye symptoms like redness, itchiness, and burning.

Omega fatty acids are responsible for stabilizing the oil layer in the tear film, making them important for lubricating your eyes.

In addition, omega fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect, so both Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential nutrients.

Foods high in omega fatty acids include:

• Fish: mackerel, cod, trout, herring, salmon
• Oils: canola oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil
• Meat: pork, beef and lamb
• Dairy: cheese and milk products

Contact an eye doctor near you, if you would like to find out more about other foods which contain vitamins that are good for your dry eyes.

SEE RELATED: Coffee for Dry Eyes? 

Vitamins

There are a number of vitamins that also can help boost general eye health and dry eye.

Vitamin A (retinol)

Vitamin A deficiency, which usually occurs in developing countries, can cause an increase in dry eye. Adding foods rich in Vitamin A like pumpkins, apricots, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, dairy products, and liver can help. It also helps protect the surface of the eye.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is found in avocados, broccoli, whole-grain products and dairy products. It also protects the eyes from cell damage.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is found in foods such as goose, potatoes, kale, salmon, mackerel, and sardines. It is needed for a functioning tear film.

Vitamin B12

Foods which contain Vitamin B12 are beef liver, calf’s liver, pork liver, and mackerel. It is also found in smaller amounts in dairy products and eggs. It is also important for lubricating the eye.

Vitamin C

Broccoli, rosehip, acerola berries, peppers, and Brussels sprouts all contain Vitamin C. It protects against oxidative stress, and plays an important role in maintaining a functioning tear film.

Vitamin E

Mackerel, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, spinach, peppers, mangos, and red currants all contain Vitamin E. It is required to protect your eyes against cell damage as well as dry eyes.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that help prevent many chronic eye diseases including dry eye. They also keep cells functioning correctly and healthy. Foods rich in these antioxidants include leafy greens like kale, spinach and romaine lettuce. They can be found as supplements.

Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in keeping eyes healthy. Zinc is responsible for transporting vitamin A from the liver to the retina. It also produces melanin, a pigment that protects your eyes. Zinc can be found in whole grains, dairy, sweet corn, peas, lentils, and nuts.

Drinking Water Hydrates Your Eyes

While water is not a vitamin drinking water is important for the eyes. Staying hydrated can help improve eye comfort. Water is great for your skin, kidneys, bowels, and your eyes.

Staying hydrated and eating healthy helps to ensure that your eyes get the minerals and vitamins they need.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Contact an eye doctor near you to learn more about what you can be doing to alleviate your dry eye symptoms.

To relieve dry eye symptoms adding nutrients to your diet can help. It is always best to consult your eye doctor before taking any supplements or making major changes to your diet.

The post Which Foods Help Dry Eyes? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

If you suffer from fatigue, headaches, migraines or lose attention easily when using a computer, you most probably are experiencing a very common visual problem.

Nearly 60% of Americans use some kind of digital device — computer, phone, tablet, TV — for 5 hours a day, at least. All that screen time can result in blurred vision, dryness, eye strain, or eye irritation.

These symptoms have become so common that researchers have created a name for it: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), this is caused by a vision problem known as Near Point Visual Stress.

If you think you may have computer vision syndrome visit an eye doctor for an eye exam.

What is computer vision syndrome?

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also called Digital Eye Strain or Computer Eye Syndrome, causes eye strain and other visual symptoms, due to prolonged screen time or excessive digital device usage.

With more people studying and working at home, eye doctors are reporting a significant rise in the number of adults and children with CVS.

CVS is most prevalent with computers and typically occurs when looking at a screen at arm’s length or closer.

Symptoms of computer vision syndrome

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with an eye doctor experienced in CVS:

• Eye strain
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Dry eye
• Migraines
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Itchy eyes
• Red or watery eyes
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

Most of these symptoms are temporary and will be relieved when you put your screen away.

However, if these symptoms start to impact your work productivity, a vision problem may be at the root of your symptoms.

The severity of symptoms may vary depending on:

• How long the computer or digital device was used for
• Underlying eye problems
• Other factors that cause CVS

Symptoms may get worse if the problem is not resolved.

Using a computer or digital device for a long time can also lead to other symptoms, such as neck and shoulder pain. This happens because of poor alignment and posture when using a computer or digital device.

What causes computer vision syndrome?

For many reasons, reading text on a digital device is often harder for the eyes than reading printed text. This is why working on a computer for a few hours might cause eye problems, but reading a book may not.

Factors  that can lead to CVS include:

• Poor lighting
• Poor posture while using a computer
• Screen glare
• Uncorrected vision problems
• Viewing a computer at the wrong distance and angle
• Infrequent blinking

You may be at greater risk for CVS if you:

• Are too close to the screen
• Don’t take breaks while you are working
• Spend a few hours a day on one of these devices
• Have eye problems not corrected with glasses or contact lenses
• Have bad posture while using one of these devices
• Have a pair of glasses that is not suitable for viewing the distance of your computer
• View the screen at the wrong angle

The Find an Eye Doctor directory provides a list of eye doctors near you that can conduct eye exams which can help detect any underlying visual problems.

SEE RELATED: Digital Eye Strain: Myths and Facts

How is computer vision syndrome diagnosed?

An eye doctor will make a diagnosis by viewing a patient’s symptoms and an eye exam. The doctor will assess if any medicines, environmental factors or health problems might be adding to the symptoms.

A patient’s sharpness of vision and how well the eyes work together and focus will be tested as well.

A functional vision exam is often required to assess the visual skills such as focusing, eye tracking and depth perception to determine if your computer eye strain may be the result of a vision problem.

How is computer vision syndrome treated?

If a functional vision problem is diagnosed, vision therapy may be recommended.

Vision therapy is an effective treatment program that gets to the root of the vision problem, to alleviate CVS symptoms at their core.

A personalized program of vision therapy will strengthen the neural connections between the eyes and the brain to improve the visual skills necessary for clear and comfortable vision — even after a long day in front of the computer screen.

Can glasses treat computer vision syndrome?

If you spend many hours on the computer each day, computer glasses may be a good option for you.

Computer glasses are designed to take the strain off of the focusing muscles in the eyes, which are working hard to maintain clear vision while you work on the computer.

Computer vision syndrome glasses can also help to reduce the effects of blue light exposure, which can sometimes worsen CVS symptoms.

However, if a vision problem is at the root of your symptoms, vision therapy may still be recommended to treat the problem at its core.

Behavioral changes to reduce computer eye strain 

Making some minor adjustments to your work station can help to make screen time more comfortable for your eyes.

1. Blink often and take breaks

Follow the 20-20-20 rule to prevent staring at a screen for too long. Take a break from the computer or device for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes, and look at something 20 feet away.

2. Adjust the angle of the screen

Make sure the screen is 20-28 inches from the eyes and that the center of the screen is 4-8 inches lower than eye level.

3. Use a cool-air humidifier

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, so eyes don’t dry out as quickly.

4. Reduce glare

Eyes work harder to read when there is a glare reflecting off a screen. Make sure the screen is positioned in a way that prevents glare from windows or lighting. A glare filter can also be added to the screen to prevent glare from reflecting off the screen.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Vision Therapy for Adults

If you believe you have computer eye strain, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment, so that you can receive treatment to alleviate any symptoms you may be experiencing.

The post What Is Computer Vision Syndrome? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

More than 10% of the general population exhibits dermatologic characteristics of rosacea, of these, more than half will be impacted by ocular complications.

Ocular rosacea is a common eye condition that causes dry eye. While there is a lot of published research about ocular rosacea, a cure still has not been found. However, there are ways an eye doctor can help you manage this condition, so that the eyes can receive the relief they need.

If you experience dry eyes it may be due to ocular rosacea.

What is ocular rosacea?

Ocular rosacea is a common inflammatory eye condition that causes redness, itching, and a burning sensation around the eyes.

Ocular rosacea mainly affects people after the age of 50, but reports of this condition affecting people even in their 30s and 40s is not uncommon.

The primary parts of the eyes that are affected are the eyelids, conjunctiva and occasionally the cornea.

This condition may present itself as various eye conditions such as chronic blepharitis, corneal vascularization, and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Causes of ocular rosacea

Researchers aren’t sure of the exact reason as to why ocular rosacea happens however, they have found that 85% of people with ocular rosacea have blocked oil glands at the edges of their eyelids. Blocked meibomian glands, that produce the oil in the tears, can be successfully treated.

When these tiny glands are blocked the result is infection or inflammation of the margins of the eyelids area causing irritated, red and swollen eyelids This then leads to crusty eyelashes and even sore and itchy sensations in the eyes.

Other factors causing ocular rosacea include:

• Heredity
• Eyelash mites, known as Demodex
• Blocked glands in the eyelids
• Bacterial involvement
• Environmental factors

Can ocular rosacea be prevented?

Research has shown that avoiding certain irritants can help reduce the likelihood of aggravating ocular rosacea. These include:

• Alcohol
• Hot baths or saunas
• Spicy or hot foods or beverages
• Strenuous exercise
• Wind, sunlight, or extreme temperatures

Signs and symptoms of ocular rosacea

Ocular rosacea symptoms are usually similar to dry eye. The eyes may experience or feel the following:

• Blurred vision
• Itchy, red, burning, or watery
• Swollen, red eyelids
• Gritty or the feeling of having a foreign body in one or both eyes
• Recurrent eye or eyelid infections
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Small dilated blood vessels on the front of the eye

Contact an eye doctor near you that can conduct eye exams to diagnose and treat ocular rosacea.

SEE RELATED: Treatments for Eye Floaters

Treatment for ocular rosacea

Home eye care and medications can usually help to reduce the symptoms of ocular rosacea, however, these steps may not cure the condition. Treatment to help reduce symptoms may include:

• Antibiotics
• A warm moist compress applied to the eyelids
• Eye drops
• Ointments with steroids
• Probing, thin rods are used to unplug the glands allowing more oil to flow

In rare cases, if not treated, severe ocular rosacea can cause serious eye problems affecting one’s vision. This can be either scarring in the eyelids or damage on the cornea.

Tips to prevent flare ups

To help manage ocular rosacea following a good eye care routine to help prevent flare-ups.

• At least twice a day, wash the eyelids gently with warm water or a product the eye doctor recommended. This will keep the eyelids clean.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during flare-ups.
• Avoid makeup. If the eyes are inflamed, makeup can irritate them.
• Avoid things that worsen or trigger ocular rosacea to prevent flare-ups. Items that tend to dilate blood vessels in the face include hot, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you believe you have ocular rosacea, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment, so that you discuss ways to prevent flare-ups and receive treatment to alleviate any symptoms you may be experiencing.

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An implantable collamer lens (ICL) is an artificial lens that’s permanently implanted in the eye, this surgical procedure is used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.

The benefits of ICL include:

• Corrects medium to high levels of myopia (nearsightedness)
• Reduces likelihood of dry eye
• Provides great night vision
• Is replaceable
• Quick recovery
• Great option for those who can’t have laser eye surgery

If you are interested in ICL surgery visit your eye doctor to find out if you are a good candidate. 

ICL surgery

ICL surgery is keyhole surgery similar to cataract surgery.

The ICL is folded and inserted into the eye. The lens implant is correctly positioned behind the iris, where the ICL will gently unfold. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic with sedation as needed.

Side effects after the procedure may include sensitivity to light, discomfort of the eyes and glare from lights in the dark, and blurry vision. These side effects are only temporary. Blurry vision will last only a few days, while sensitivity to light may last a few weeks. All side effects should diminish over time.

During the surgery a laser will be used to make tiny holes between the front of the eye and the natural lens. This will help prevent pressure and fluid buildup in the eye after the procedure.

Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be given several days before surgery.

The ICL procedure is performed by an eye surgeon and here’s what to expect during the surgery:

1. A mild topical or local anesthetic is given to numb to reduce any sensations and feeling from the eye. This all happens while on your back.
2. A mild sedative might also be given to help you relax. An injection around the eye to temporarily stop you from moving the eye may also be given.
3. The surgeon will clean the eye and the area around it. The eyelids will be held open with a lid speculum tool.
4. The surgeon will make a small incision in the eye and a lubricant will be placed to protect the cornea.
5. The ICL will be placed through the incision. The ICL lens is very thin, so it might be folded then unfolds when in the eye.
6. The surgeon will then check the ICL is correctly positioned and remove the lubricant. Depending on the incision, they might close the opening with small stitches.
7. Eye drops or ointment will be placed in the eye, then covered with an eye patch.

The procedure takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where you’ll be closely monitored for a few hours.

Eye drops or oral medication for the pain may be prescribed by your eye doctor.

A follow-up appointment will be needed the next day, where the surgeon will examine the eye and check on progress.

Within the next year, follow-up visits at 1 month and 6 months after surgery are necessary. Your eye doctor will also ask you to attend regular checkups once a year to check your vision and the positioning of the ICL.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can conduct a consultation and discuss the ICL option with you.

SEE RELATED: Contact Lenses or Laser Eye Surgery?

Limitation of ICLs

While the risks of the implantable contact lens are very low it is important to know its limitations.

Not for Everyone – The ICL is primarily meant for those in the 18-50 age group since before 18 they are still growing and after 50 the eyes may change.

Regular Check-Ups – ICL’s are intended to stay in place indefinitely. However, it is still recommended to have regular appointments to ensure that the implants are functioning properly and in the correct position.

Insurance Coverage is Unlikely – An ICL is considered a cosmetic procedure making it most likely not be covered by most insurance plans. An ICL is custom made for each individual, making it more expensive per eye than LASIK.

Possible risks

Even though ICL surgery has been shown to be safe, it may cause an increased risk for other eye conditions such as:

• Early cataracts – A decrease in the circulation of fluid in the eye, which causes cataracts, can occur because of the ICL or if it was not sized properly.
• Glaucoma – An oversized or incorrectly positioned ICL can increase pressure in the eye leading to glaucoma.
• Vision loss –  Vision loss may occur if there is high eye pressure for for extended periods of time
• Blurry vision –  If the ICL is not the right power blurry vision may occur. This is also a symptom of cataracts and glaucoma. Other visual problems that may be experienced are double vision or a glare.
• Cloudy cornea – Sometimes, cells in the cornea are damaged, as a result from eye surgery. If this happens a cloudy cornea and vision loss may occur.
• Eye infection – While an internal eye infection is a very unlikely side effect, it can result in permanent vision loss.
• Retinal detachment – Eye surgery increases the risk of retinal detachment. This complication is rare, but requires immediate attention.
• Additional surgery – Another surgery may be needed to remove the lens to correct related issues.

Post ICL Surgery

After ICL surgery most people experience only minimal discomfort and are able to go back to work within a few days after the procedure. Eye drops will need to be taken for a period of 2 weeks after the surgery. It is important to take them as instructed by the surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.

Following ICL surgery, people usually see better than they ever did with glasses and can enjoy the activities that were not possible because of their high prescription.

Surgery can be nerve-racking, but be reassured that the ICL process is done as efficiently and smoothly as possible. ICL is just another advanced surgery option to treat and improve vision.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you are currently looking into ICL, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment, they can discuss in more detail about ICLs, to help you make a more informed decision.

The post ICL Surgery: What to Expect appeared first on Optometrists.org.

If you are considering laser vision correction surgery, an implantable contact lens (ICL) could be an option to provide you with the best vision.

The first ICL surgery was performed in 1993, with over 1 million ICLs implanted globally since then.

With many options in vision correction, it can be difficult to determine which is the best option. While LASIK is the well known name for improving vision through laser eye surgery, it may or may not be the best fit for you and your eyes.

Over the years, ICL surgery has continued to gain in popularity as ICL delivers a lens implant as a no-maintenance and permanent solution to improving vision.

If you are interested in ICL surgery visit your eye doctor to find out if you are a good candidate. 

What is ICL?

The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), or Implantable Contact Lens as it is commonly called, is a successful alternative to laser vision correction surgery.

During Implantable Contact Lens surgery (ICL), a lens implant made from a very thin biocompatible material is placed inside the eye between the iris and the natural lens. The ICL does not replace the eye’s natural lens, but is specifically shaped to help correct vision problems just like glasses or contact lenses.

The ICL lens is not like a regular contact lens (that is placed on the cornea) but rather the ICL is inserted into the eye. The difference between ICL and glasses or contact lenses is that the lens is surgically placed into the eye and requires no maintenance from the patient.

The ICL lens implant can not be seen or felt.

Laser Eye Surgery or ICL

Laser eye surgery, or laser vision correction, uses lasers to reshape the front surface (cornea) of the eyes so that it can focus better. It can correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.

Laser eye surgery is suitable for most people over the age of 18, when the eye stops growing. Lens surgery is also suitable for those who have a high prescription or later in life.

There are 3 main types of laser eye surgery: LASIK, SMILE and PRK;

• LASIK – LASIK uses two lasers, one laser is used to open up a thin flap in the surface of the cornea, the epithelium, and another is used to reshape the cornea underneath. The protective flap is then smoothed back over and stays in place without stitches.
• SMILE (SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction) – SMILE uses a laser to create a small, lens-shaped section of tissue within the cornea, called the lenticule. With the same laser, a small arc-shaped incision is made in the surface of the cornea. The surgeon then extracts the lenticule  through the incision. The corneal incision heals within a few days without stitches.
• PRK (surface laser treatment) – PRK uses a laser to remove the surface epithelium covering the cornea so the surgeon can reshape your cornea. The epithelium then grows back naturally over the next few days.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can conduct a consultation and discuss the ICL option with you.

SEE RELATED: ICL Surgery: What to Expect

Who Is Suitable for ICL Surgery?

Since LASIK removes tissue from the cornea, you might not be a good candidate if you have a thin or irregular cornea. In this case, ICL surgery might be a better choice.

Sometimes laser eye surgery is not an option, and your eye doctor will advise against laser refractive surgery and may recommend ICL.

The best candidates for ICL are patients with;

• a very high prescription: -3.00 to -20.00 diopters
• a thin cornea or a corneal condition
• dry eyes
• irregular astigmatism

Benefits of ICL

Implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery is a safe, effective, and quick procedure that offers long-term vision correction. ICL surgery benefits include:

Minimally Invasive – An ICL procedure is short, requiring only a microscopic incision. There is no need for stitches and minimal downtime afterward.

Completely Reversible – The ICL can be replaced or removed if any problems occur or there is a change in a patient’s vision.

Successful for Patients Ineligible for LASIK – Irregular or thin corneas, large pupils, very high prescriptions, or dry eye syndrome, can disqualify someone from LASIK surgery. An ICL is a great alternative since it does not affect these issues.

Excellent Visual Quality –  With ICL, the quality of vision is excellent because the eye maintains a natural corneal shape, especially with higher prescriptions.

No Dry Eye – During ICL implantation, the corneal nerves are not disrupted, as happens with laser refractive surgery (LASIK), avoiding dry eyes commonly experienced after laser surgery.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you are currently looking into corrective vision procedures, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment, they can discuss the options of laser and ICLs, to see which best suits you and your eyes.

The post Guide to Implantable Contact Lenses appeared first on Optometrists.org.