eye drops Archives - Optometrists.org https://www.optometrists.org/tag/eye-drops/ Wed, 29 Jun 2022 16:36:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.optometrists.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Favicon.svg eye drops Archives - Optometrists.org https://www.optometrists.org/tag/eye-drops/ 32 32 Allergies and Contact Lenses: Part 2 Q https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/dry-eye/tips-for-allergic-eyes/allergies-and-contact-lenses-part-2-q/ Sun, 30 May 2021 05:33:29 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?page_id=11743 Pollen is not the only cause of allergies that can affect your eyes and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. Dust, mold, smoke, and pet dander

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Pollen is not the only cause of allergies that can affect your eyes and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.

Dust, mold, smoke, and pet dander can also cause allergic reactions in the eye.

If you have any concerns regarding wearing contacts lenses with allergies, contact your nearest eye doctor to find answers to all your questions.

SEE RELATED: Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses

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Here are some commonly asked questions of eye doctors regarding allergies and contact lenses.

#1 I have allergies, can I still wear contact lenses?

Yes, you may find daily disposables are more comfortable.

Since contact lenses attract airborne allergens, if you wear the same pair for a month, they accumulate a month’s worth of allergens and debris. Whereas disposable daily lenses are worn for just one day, giving allergens less time to accumulate.

#2 If I have allergies, how often should I clean my contact lenses?

Cleaning your contact lenses often will help keep them clean of allergens. Use preservative-free solutions because some people develop allergies to preservatives.

#3 My allergies cause dry eyes. What should I do?

Keep your eyes moist with artificial tears. They will help keep your eyes from drying out, which  causes additional discomfort. Use only preservative-free eye drops; otherwise, you may experience an adverse reaction to the preservatives.

Contact an eye doctor near you who can advise which drops are best for you and how frequently to apply them.

#4 If I have eye allergies, can I still wear makeup?

Use hypoallergenic creams and cosmetics to decrease allergic reactions, especially if you apply them around your eyes.

Moisture particles from sweat and tears can bring the cosmetics that you place around your eyse into contact with the eye’s surface.

#5 If I have an allergy attack, can I still wear my contacts?

During an allergy reaction, it is recommended to refrain entirely from wearing contact lenses if your eyes are itchy, red, and swollen from an allergy.

#6 Should I take anti-allergy medications to reduce my symptoms?

While anti-allergy medications (antihistamines) reduce your allergy symptoms, they can cause dry eyes, which can exacerbate your symptoms.

If you have any known allergies, inform your eye doctor at the time of your eye exam, so they can recommend lenses that are more suited to your sensitive eyes, which products to use and how to care for your lenses.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near who can help you choose the best contact lenses for your eyes and lifestyle.

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Top 8 Tips for Allergies and Contact Lenses https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/dry-eye/tips-for-allergic-eyes/top-8-tips-for-allergies-and-contact-lenses/ Sun, 30 May 2021 05:26:47 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?page_id=11740 Do you suffer from allergies, but also want to wear contact lenses? Pollen is not the only cause of allergies that can affect your eyes

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Do you suffer from allergies, but also want to wear contact lenses?

Pollen is not the only cause of allergies that can affect your eyes and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. Dust, pet dander, smoke and mold can all cause allergic reactions in the eye. Luckily, there are easy ways to protect your eyes while maintaining comfort.

If you have allergies, speak to an doctor about how you can reduce your symptoms.

SEE RELATED: Eye Allergies and Contact Lenses

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Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

1. Wear daily disposable lenses

Contact lenses attract allergens in the air. Not surprisingly, lenses worn for an entire month collect the most allergens and debris for the entire month.

However, disposable daily contact  lenses are only worn for one day only before being discarded, allowing allergens less time to accumulate.

Ask your eye doctor about the most suitable regular lenses for your eyes.

2. Minimize lens wear time

If your allergic reaction is very mild, you may still be able to wear your contacts during the allergy attack. However, consider reducing the amount of time you wear your lenses.

3. Temporarily wear glasses 

If your eyes are red, itchy and swollen from an allergy, it’s recommended to refrain entirely from wearing contact lenses. Glasses with transition lenses, which are clear when you are indoors and darken in sunlight, are ideal for this time.

4. Initiate a cleaning routine

Cleaning your contact lenses on a more regular basis will help keep them free of allergens. Some people are allergic to the preservatives in lens cleaning solutions, so be sure to use preservative-free solutions.

Ask your eye doctor about peroxide-based disinfectants, which have a more thorough cleaning effect.

5. Keep your eyes moist

To help keep your eyes from drying up or experiencing any additional discomfort, use artificial tears. Make sure they are preservative-free eye-drops; otherwise, you may experience an adverse reaction to the preservatives.

Ask your eye doctor for specific eye drops that can be used with contact lenses.

6. Use hypoallergenic makeup

Pay attention to the types of cosmetics you apply around your eyes. Moisture particles from tears or sweat can bring makeup in contact with the eye’s surface.

To decrease allergic reactions, use hypoallergenic creams and cosmetics.

7. Take anti-allergy medications

While antihistamines (anti-allergy medications) can help with an allergy attack, they often cause dry eye and may, therefore, intensify symptoms.

Consult your eye doctor if you are taking antihistamines.

8. Inform your eye doctor

It’s best to let your eye doctor know if you have any allergies at the time of your eye exam. They will advise you on which type of lenses are more suited to your sensitive eyes, which products to use and how to care for your lenses.

There is no reason you should go through unnecessary suffering with your contact lenses just because you also have allergies.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you so that you can receive the care and information you need to manage your allergies and contacts all year long.

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Eyes and Herpes: Q&A https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/guide-to-corneal-diseases/can-herpes-affect-the-eyes/eyes-and-herpes-qa/ Sun, 30 May 2021 05:19:55 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?page_id=11738 Herpes eye infection requires urgent medical attention. Eye herpes, also known as herpes keratitis, is a viral infection of the eye caused by the herpes

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Herpes eye infection requires urgent medical attention.

Eye herpes, also known as herpes keratitis, is a viral infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

There are two major types of the virus; Type I and Type II. While both types of herpes can spread to the eye and cause infection, Type I is by far the most frequent cause of eye infections. It is rare to transfer Type II to the eye.

Here are commonly asked questions about eye herpes.

#1 Is this condition serious? 

Yes. Eye herpes is a serious infection of your cornea, possibly causing life-long blindness.

Once treated, eye herpes usually lasts 1-3 weeks, sometimes even longer.

Treatment normally lasts two weeks, and you should see results within five days.

#2 What are common symptoms of eye herpes?

At the first sign of an outbreak, contact your doctor to begin treatment as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of vision loss.

Common symptoms of herpes keratitis may include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Discharge
  • Pain
  • Rash
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Tearing

If the infection only involves the cornea’s outer layer, it will usually heal without scarring. However, if it involves the deeper layers of cornea, the infection may lead to scarring of the cornea, loss of vision and sometimes even blindness.

Left untreated, eye herpes can cause severe and permanent vision loss.

If you suffer with persistent red eyes, it is vital to contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat eye herpes with the appropriate medication.

SEE RELATED: Corneal Ulcers

Find an eye doctor near you

#3 How often do flare-ups recur? 

20% of people who’ve had eye herpes will have another outbreak within a year of the initial infection.

While several factors contribute to a recurrence, if you experience multiple flare-ups, your doctor may recommend taking a daily antiviral medication for prevention.

#4 What causes flare-ups?

Major stressors can often lead to a bout of eye herpes. These include:

  • Fever
  • Trauma
  • Emotional distress
  • Excessive sunlight exposure (UV rays)
  • Refractive surgery (LASIK, etc.)
  • Major surgical or dental procedures

A weakened immune system can also put you at increased risk of an eye herpes flare-up, and potentially lead to an outbreak.

#5 How is eye herpes treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, general health, and the severity of the outbreak. .

Possible treatments may include:

  • Antibiotic drops for your eyes (to prevent further infection by bacteria)
  • Antibiotic ointment for your eyelids (to prevent infection by bacteria)
  • Antiviral drops for your eyes
  • Antiviral ointment for your eyelids
  • Antiviral medicines taken by mouth
  • Steroid drops for your eyes (to reduce inflammation)

While most of these treatments are fairly short-term, you may also need to take antiviral oral medicine on a long-term basis. This is to help prevent future flare-ups. Some complications of eye herpes may require additional treatment.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat your eye herpes.

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Is Sleeping in Contact Lenses Dangerous? https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/optical/guide-to-contact-lenses/common-contact-lens-problems/is-sleeping-in-contact-lenses-dangerous/ Tue, 18 May 2021 13:42:55 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?page_id=11612 About one-third of contact lens wearers occasionally sleep with their lenses. It’s easy to fall asleep in your contact lenses; one minute you’re reading a

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About one-third of contact lens wearers occasionally sleep with their lenses.

It’s easy to fall asleep in your contact lenses; one minute you’re reading a book or watching TV, and the next you’re fast asleep.

In some cases, a person can wake up with their lenses on and just blink any discomfort away.

Sleeping with contact lenses make you up to 8 times more likely to experience a contact lens-related eye infection, such as damage to your cornea.

Contact an eye doctor near you to learn more about contact lens safety.

SEE RELATED: Contact Lenses: What Can Go Wrong?

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Does sleeping in contacts increase the risk of infection?

Yes. Corneas need oxygen to remain healthy, but they receive their oxygen directly from the air and do not receive oxygen from the lungs. The flow of oxygen and nutrients keeps the cornea clear, balanced, and functioning properly.

During the day, open eyes allow oxygen to reach the cornea directly through the tear film.

When a person sleeps with contact lenses overnight, the contact forms a barrier between the cornea and the tears, limiting the amount of oxygen delivered to the cornea at night. This is known as ‘corneal hypoxia’.

Even though a person’s eyes are closed when they sleep, different parts of the eye, such as the aqueous humor and tears, provide only limited oxygen and nutrients to the corneas.

A lack of oxygen may potentially cause these corneal problems;

  • Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea
  • Conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva
  • Corneal neovascularization: the influx of new blood vessels into the cornea

In serious but rare cases, dozing off in contact lenses — particularly repeatedly — can cause vision loss due to corneal scarring, necessitating the use of medicated eye drops or even surgery.

What to do if you sleep with your contacts?

As soon as you wake up, remove your contacts and don’t insert them again for at least one day, to give your corneas some air.

Be sure not to tug at the lens, as sleeping in contacts can make the lens harder to remove from your eye and it could tear.

Apply a few drops of artificial tears before removing the lenses as that will help loosen them from your eye.

If you find yourself sleeping in your contact lenses on a regular basis it could impact your eye health to the point that you may not be able to wear the lenses for many days or even weeks.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you notice any symptoms like redness, eye discharge, very watery eyes or blurred vision after a night of wearing your lenses or at any other time, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you.

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Can Eye Drops Be Overused? https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/dry-eye/guide-to-eye-drops/can-eye-drops-be-overused/ Tue, 18 May 2021 13:32:02 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?page_id=11605 Overusing eye drops can cause more harm than good. Do you find yourself constantly reaching for eye drops? While eye drops may provide satisfying and

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Overusing eye drops can cause more harm than good.

Do you find yourself constantly reaching for eye drops? While eye drops may provide satisfying and quick relief for itchy or irritated eyes, exceeding the daily recommended dosage can cause serious eye health problems..

How does over-usage of eye drops happen?

Most people over-use eye drops when they view their eye drops as a cure to their condition rather than a temporary treatment.

This may lead to inserting too many drops into the eyes or using the eye drops too frequently throughout the day. If you think you may be overusing your eye drops, contact an eye doctor near you to help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Risks of overusing eye drops

When overusing eye drops, you can run the risk of:

  • Masking a more serious problem. Alleviating the symptoms while ignoring their root cause can allow a condition to worsen.
  • Rebounding. The original eye symptoms may return stronger than before as the effects of the eye drops wear off or when the drops are no longer being used.
  • Washing away your natural tears. Artificial tears help with insufficient tear production and feel great as they lubricate the eyes. But overuse can literally wash away natural tears and the natural moisturizers that protect the eyes.

SEE RELATED: Are Eye Drops Confusing?

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Conditions that eye drops could be masking

Red, itchy eyes are a symptom of several conditions, including:

  • Allergies Allergies to the environment or pets can cause dry, itchy eyes.
  • Blepharitis Red and inflamed eyelids, caused by dry eye, a bacterial or fungal infection, parasites, or gland dysfunction, all of which require treatment beyond over-the-counter eye drops.
  • Dry eye syndrome Redness, itchiness and irritation are common symptoms of dry eye syndrome. In severe cases, DES can damage the cornea.
  • Eye strain Focusing on work all day  can cause eyes to become tired, strained and irritated.
  • Eye trauma Rubbing or scratching the eye can cause blood vessels to break, making the eye red and itchy. More serious traumas will require prescription eye drops or surgery.
  • Foreign objects An eyelash, dust, or something worse could be in the eye. If an individual has long-term issues with dry or itchy dry eyes, they need to make sure a foreign body isn’t the culprit.
  • Pink eye A viral or bacterial eye infection, also called conjunctivitis, can cause swelling, itchiness and burning.

Regardless of why you may be using eye drops, the only way to get to the root cause of your symptoms is by scheduling  an eye exam to receive a complete diagnosis and treatment.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you’re suffering from irritated, dry eyes that haven’t resolved on their own, contact an eye doctor near you who can help you find the long-lasting relief you’ve been looking for.

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Dry Eye or Eye Infection? https://www.optometrists.org/dry-eye-or-eye-infection/ Thu, 13 May 2021 12:57:37 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?p=11218 Are your eyes red and irritated? Is it dry eyes or an eye infection?   To help you out, here are the key differences between dry

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Are your eyes red and irritated? Is it dry eyes or an eye infection?  

To help you out, here are the key differences between dry eyes and eye infections.

Important Note: While learning about these eye problems is helpful, nothing can replace the care and diagnostic skills of an eye doctor.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you.

Dry eyes or eye infection? 

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are caused by a chronic lack of eye hydration, brought on by either poor tear quality or insufficient tears.

Individuals suffering from dry eyes will experience any number of the following symptoms:

  • Blurred vision
  • Burning or itchy eyes
  • Grittiness
  • Red, irritated eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes

Dry eyes can be caused by irritants such as heat and air conditioning, dry, windy weather, some health conditions, drugs, the aging process, or too much screen time.

The goal of treating dry eyes is to keep your eyes hydrated, which can often be accomplished by using artificial tears, increasing tear production, treating inflammation in the eyelids, or conserving tears in the eyes.

Eye infections 

Eye infections occur when harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungus and viruses invade and wreak havoc on the different parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and eyelids.

Here are a few common signs:

  • Crustiness around the eyelashes and lids
  • Enlarged lymph nodes near the ear
  • Eye pain or irritation
  • Eye redness
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Yellowy discharge from the eyes

If you suspect that you have an eye infection, don’t take a “wait and see” approach. Prompt treatment will facilitate a speedier recovery and help prevent any possible eye damage.

What to do? 

The key to properly diagnosing and treating any eye condition is a comprehensive eye exam. 

In addition to examining your eyes, your eye doctor may also ask questions about your lifestyle, medical history and family history to better understand your condition.

So, whether you suspect you have dry eye syndrome or an eye infection, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you.

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Glaucoma, Tunnel Vision and Low Vision https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-low-vision/glaucoma-tunnel-vision-and-low-vision/ Mon, 03 May 2021 10:13:38 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?page_id=11016 Glaucoma causes 'Tunnel Vision' and is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is an eye diseases that damages the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss. The most common type of glaucoma shows no early warning signs, and can only be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss and even permanent blindness.

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Glaucoma causes ‘Tunnel Vision’ and is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. The most common type of glaucoma shows no early warning signs, and can only be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss and even permanent central vision loss.

If you suffer from glaucoma contact an eye doctor near you who provides low vision devices and aids to help you maximize your remaining vision.

SEE RELATED: Hemianopsia and Low Vision

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How does glaucoma affect your vision?

The primary cause of glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve caused by high intraocular pressure (IOP). 

The area between the cornea and the lens inside the eye is filled with a fluid called the aqueous humor. This fluid maintains the eyeball’s shape by keeping the eye properly pressurized. This fluid drains from the eye via the “trabecular meshwork”. If the drainage angle is blocked or clogged, the fluid cannot drain from the eye, causing a build-up of pressure within the eye.

The build-up of pressure damages the optic nerve, blocking images captured by the eye from reaching the brain. This results in progressive vision loss or peripheral vision loss.

What is tunnel vision?

Tunnel vision is  the loss of side vision, where all you can see is the very center part of your vision.

A person with tunnel vision can only see what is directly in front of them, as if they were  looking through a straw. Glaucoma is a major cause of peripheral vision loss.

Can tunnel vision be prevented?

The best way to prevent  tunnel vision is for your eye doctor to catch glaucoma early, before it causes irreversible vision loss. 

If eye drops or glaucoma medication are prescribed, they should absolutely be taken regularly to control high eye pressure. Otherwise, you risk permanent optic nerve damage and may develop blind spots in your visual field. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent loss of peripheral vision and even blindness.

This is why routine eye exams are so critical, as they are the only way to detect glaucoma before permanent vision loss sets in.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to catch glaucoma early.

How can a low vision doctor help?

Experiencing vision can impair a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.  A low vision eye doctor can help by offering a variety of low vision aids and devices to maximize the vision that remains.

These include:

  • Filters
  • Prisms
  • Magnifying spectacles (worn just like traditional eyeglasses)
  • E-Scoop® glasses
  • Hand-held and clip-on telescopes,
  • Desktop, portable and digital magnifiers
  • Computer software
  • Smartphone, tablet and camera apps
  • Text-to-speech OCR software
  • Digital talking book readers
  • IrisVision
  • OrCam
  • Jordy
  • eSight

The sooner a patient begins to use low vision aids, the quicker they will adjust and learn new ways to carry out activities.

Don’t let glaucoma rob you of your independence! 

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Low Vision

Contact an eye doctor near you who can help you achieve functional vision and provide custom-made glasses and vision aids just for you.

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Glaucoma: What are the Signs? https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/glaucoma-guide/glaucoma-what-are-the-signs/ Tue, 13 Apr 2021 07:24:48 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?page_id=10747 Did you know about 3 million people in the U.S. are affected by glaucoma, but only half are aware they have it? Over 90% of

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Did you know about 3 million people in the U.S. are affected by glaucoma, but only half are aware they have it?

Over 90% of people with glaucoma have open-angle glaucoma (OAG), which has no obvious symptoms until it causes irreversible damage.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable vision loss and blindness.

By the time obvious symptoms appear, a person has already already suffered irreversible vision loss.

Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye diseases caused by increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve. It is one of the leading causes of preventable vision loss and blindness.

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and manage your glaucoma.

SEE RELATED: How Is Glaucoma Treated?

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What are the first signs and symptoms of glaucoma?

The different types of glaucoma present themselves in very different ways. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all.

When fluid inside the eye does not properly drain out of the eye, the volume of fluid and pressure inside the eye increase, causing permanent and damage to the optic nerve.

This type of glaucoma unfolds gradually and painlessly,  without apparent symptoms, until vision loss reveals severe damage to the optic nerve. This is the reason why more than 50% of people with OAG suffer permanent vision loss.

Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial, as there are often no obvious signs of glaucoma, until its too late.

When the eye’s drainage channel is blocked by the iris, it causes eye pressure to increase very quickly. This is known as acute angle-closure glaucoma, also called narrow-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma.

If not treated immediately, the sudden surge in eye pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss.

If you or your loved one experience any of the following signs or symptoms, contact an eye doctor immediately.

  • Sudden pain in the head and eye
  • Blurred vision that occurs suddenly
  • An eye that looks hazy, with a cloudy looking cornea
  • Sudden headache around the forehead or eyes
  • Vomiting and nausea accompanied by severe eye pain
  • Tunnel vision, vision loss around the edges of your visual field
  • Redness in the eye, sometimes accompanied by pain
  • Vision loss, especially if it happens suddenly
  • Seeing halos around lights

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Through regular eye exams an eye doctor can detect glaucoma early and will be able to start treatment to stop or slow it’s progression.

During the exam your eye doctor will dilate your pupils to measure your intraocular pressure (IOP) and examine the condition of your optic nerve to make sure your levels are in the normal range. If your pressure levels are too high, your eye doctor will assess whether you have glaucoma. Diagnosing glaucoma early can help prevent vision loss.

A visual field test checks your peripheral vision to determine if the optic nerve is functioning correctly.

An eye doctor will most likely use the latest imaging technologies, such as a digital retinal image (DRI) or an OCT scan.

The DRI provides a photograph of the optic nerve and retina, and the OCT scan analyzes the layers of the retina and optic nerve. Both of these technologies allow the eye doctor to discover the first signs of eye disease and provide treatment that might just save your vision.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you suspect that you may have glaucoma contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment.

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When are Atropine Eye Drops Used? https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/dry-eye/guide-to-eye-drops/when-are-atropine-eye-drops-used/ Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:04:20 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?page_id=10333 Atropine is an essential eye drop used by eye doctors in both the diagnosis and treatment of many eye conditions. When you go for your

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Atropine is an essential eye drop used by eye doctors in both the diagnosis and treatment of many eye conditions.

When you go for your comprehensive eye exam your eye doctor will most likely dilate your eyes with atropine eye drops. But did you know that they can be used to treat eye conditions as well?

SEE RELATED: Are Eye Drops Confusing?

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What does atropine do?

Atropine sulfate is an antimuscarinic agent used as a cycloplegic and mydriatic. The eye drops are used in the treatment of iritis and uveitis to immobilize the iris and ciliary muscle and to prevent or break down adhesions inside the eye.

This eye drop is also used to diagnose eye problems such as blurred vision (refraction) in children below 6 years and children with cross-eye, especially convergent strabismus.

Atropine eye drops widen the pupil and relax the muscles that enable the eyes to focus, allowing eye doctors to provide more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.

The effects of the drops are temporary and the eye returns to normal when the drops wear off.

When you schedule an eye exam the eye doctor can explain why atropine is used during a comprehensive eye exam, including treating certain eye conditions.

What can atropine treat?

Atropine eye drops contain atropine sulfate, which widens the pupil and relaxes the muscles that allow the eyes to focus. This eye drop is also used in the treatments, including;

Myopia management

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition where close up objects appear clear, but faraway objects appear blurry.

In recent years, to slow the progression of myopia, low-doses of atropine eye drops in 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.05% concentrations have been found as an effective treatment option.

Lazy eye treatment

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, causes one eye to significantly weaken. Atropine drops relax the muscle in the stronger eye, causing that eye to have blurred vision.

Research has shown that using atropine eye drops to blur the better-seeing eye can improve the vision in the lazy eye by helping to force the lazy eye to work harder. Children sometimes prefer to have an eye drop once a day rather than wearing an eye patch for several hours a day.

Ocular inflammation

Another eye condition that atropine drops are used to treat is inflammation in the eye. The eye drops are used in the treatment of iritis and uveitis to immobilize the iris and ciliary muscle and to prevent or break down adhesions inside the eye.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you or your child have any of the above eye conditions, schedule an eye doctor appointment to find out if atropine drops are a treatment option for you.

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Can Sleep Apnea Affect Your Eyes? https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/guide-to-blurry-vision-and-headaches/blurry-vision-and-headaches/can-sleep-apnea-affect-your-eyes/ Thu, 18 Mar 2021 05:40:48 +0000 https://www.optometrists.org/?page_id=10325 Sleep apnea can affect not only your physical health, but can have serious consequences for your eyes and vision too. If you have sleep apnea,

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Sleep apnea can affect not only your physical health, but can have serious consequences for your eyes and vision too.

If you have sleep apnea, it may be affecting your eyes. Glaucoma and dry eye are just two eye conditions that sleep apnea can cause. Schedule an eye exam to learn more about how sleep apnea affects your eyes and what you can do to protect eyes.

Sleep apnea has been found to not only cause health problems such as high blood pressure and heart failure, but also serious eye problems. 

SEE RELATED: When is Blurred Vision a Medical Emergency?

If you suspect you have an eye condition, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

Find an eye doctor near you

How common is sleep apnea?

According to the National Sleep Foundation over 60 million US adults have a sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders.

Approximately 3-7% of men and 2-5% of women have sleep apnea, impacting more than 18 million Americans. Worldwide, over 100 million people suffer from sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that involves an involuntary cessation of breathing while sleeping.

Sleep apnea is a condition marked by abnormal breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea have multiple extended pauses in breath when they sleep.

These temporary breathing lapses cause lower-quality sleep and affect the body’s supply of oxygen, leading to potentially serious health consequences.

Sleep apnea and dry eye

Those with sleep apnea are more likely to have dry eyes caused by ocular irritation, abnormal tear break-up time, and an increased upper and lower lid laxity.

One of the most common treatment options for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine. These machines supply constant and steady air pressure. Many patients who use the machine experience air leaks, causing a constant airflow over the eyes that results in eye irritation, occasional swelling, and dryness.

Dry eyes can cause discomfort and can cause serious eye problems. If not addressed the side effects of the CPAP machines can become chronic.

If you are experiencing dry eyes due to your CPAP mask, contact your eye doctor. Your eye doctor will most likely suggest using thicker, non-preserved artificial tear drops or ointment, which you apply before bed.

It is important for the drops or ointment to be thick and more viscous so that it stays in the eye, protecting it all night. The artificial tear needs to be preservative-free since it will be used every night. This treatment is a simple solution to your dry eye.

Sleep apnea and glaucoma

People with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), are approximately 10 times more likely to develop glaucoma.

It is believed that the connection between sleep apnea and glaucoma is due to the drop in oxygen levels in the blood that occurs when you stop breathing. Low oxygen concentration in the blood may contribute to the degradation of the optic nerve, potentially leading to glaucoma.

Are eye exams important?

Yes. If you have sleep apnea it is essential to schedule appointments with an eye doctor for regular eye exams. 

During a routine eye exam, your eye doctor will check the pressure in your eye to determine if you are at risk of developing dry eyes or even a sight-threatening condition such as glaucoma.

Early detection is key, as glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss and possible blindness.

Although ocular irritation may occur, it is advised to continue using the CPAP machine, as it can prevent sometimes life-threatening impacts of sleep apnea.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If it appears that eye problems and dryness are developing as a result of sleep apnea, or the CPAP use, visit an eye doctor for guidance on how to best manage dry eyes or prevent a serious eye condition, such as glaucoma.

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