This blog will briefly discuss five possible causes of a headache and blurred vision, as when to treat these as a medical emergency.

Important Note: This blog is not to be considered as medical advice, we recommend seeking appropriate medical attention at all times.

Medical Emergencies

Some of the possible medical conditions that can cause simultaneous headache and blurred vision include:

1. Low blood sugar

Hypoglycemia can cause headaches and blurred vision when the brain is starved of glucose, which is its primary fuel source.

Blood sugar levels naturally rise and fall throughout the day and in between meals.

If someone’s blood sugar levels get too low, typically less than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), they become hypoglycemic.

Without treatment, hypoglycemia can cause permanent damage .

2. Stroke

Strokes are responsible for 1 out of every 20 deaths.

A stroke can occur when a blood clot blocks a vessel carrying blood to the brain. This is called an ischemic stroke. Less commonly, a stroke may happen when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, which is called a hemorrhagic stroke.

3. Traumatic brain injury

People with moderate to severe TBI need emergency care and may require surgery to prevent further damage to their brain tissues.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that interferes with normal brain functioning. A jolt, bump, hit, blow, or penetrating object causes most TBIs.

A concussion is one type of TBI that occurs as a result of a blow to the head.

People with mild TBI often experience a headache and blurred vision.

4. Carbon monoxide poisoning

More than 20,000 people in the U.S are admitted to the emergency department for accidental exposure to carbon monoxide every year.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas present in the fumes that burning fuel creates.

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes a variety of symptoms as it deprives the body and brain of oxygen. A headache and vision problems, such as blurred vision, are common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Emergency healthcare teams may give people with severe carbon monoxide poisoning 100 percent oxygen through a tube they put directly into the individual’s airway.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience headaches, together with suddenly blurred vision, contact your family physician or seek emergency medical care urgently.

The optimum results are achieved if the underlying medical condition is treated as soon as possible.

The post When is Blurred Vision a Medical Emergency? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

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

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.

The post Glaucoma, Tunnel Vision and Low Vision appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Having impaired vision makes it difficult to read, play sports, recognize faces and participate in social activities. It can also make it difficult to navigate outdoors, especially on a busy street or crowded sidewalk.

In children, the first signs of low vision may be clumsiness or inattentiveness, when in reality, the problem is in their vision.

While impaired vision comes with many challenges, a low vision eye doctor can offer a variety of strategies and vision aids that can maximize a child’s remaining vision.

There are many causes of low vision and blindness in children:

1. Albinism 

Albinism is an inherited condition that affects the production of melanin- pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes that gives each person their own unique coloring. People with albinism either have very little melanin or no melanin at all.

Albinism affects how the eyes function. Healthy amounts of melanin are used in the development of the retina. Reduced amounts of melanin in the eyes, or none at all, can cause a variety of vision problems including:

• Astigmatism — when the lens is abnormally shaped or the cornea (the clear part at the front of the eye) isn’t curved correctly, causing blurred vision
• Low vision — irreversible vision loss
• Nystagmus — involuntary, rapid eye movements
• Photophobia — light sensitivity
• Poor eyesight — farsightedness or nearsightedness
• Eye turn — eyes pointing in different directions

Vision problems associated with albinism last a lifetime, but typically don’t worsen over time.

2. Ocular trauma

Ocular trauma is a leading cause of blindness, affecting one eye.

According to a study published in the Journal of Ophthalmology, about a quarter of a million children are treated for serious ocular trauma every year, in the U.S. alone.

Up to 14% of children experiencing ocular trauma result in permanent visual impairment or blindness.

Whenever your child is playing sports, doing certain crafts or engaging in any activity that could pose a risk to their eyes, make sure they wear protective eyewear.

SEE RELATED: What is Low Vision?

Contact an eye doctor near you to ensure your child achieves the highest quality of life.

3. Pediatric cataracts

A cataract is the cloudiness or opacity that occurs in the eye’s lens. While some cataracts are small and won’t interfere with vision, others are large causing severe vision loss.

An estimated 3 out of 10,000 children have cataracts.

Common causes of pediatric cataracts are infections, genetics, and abnormal lens development in utero. If a cataract is small or on the outer edges of the lens, it might not interfere with a child’s vision.

If a cataract interferes with the child’s vision, it should be surgically removed as soon as safely possible.

4. Pediatric glaucoma 

Pediatric glaucoma, also referred to as infantile or childhood glaucoma, is usually diagnosed before a child’s first birthday.

Glaucoma causes an increase in the eye’s internal pressure, which can lead to permanent optic nerve damage. 

Symptoms of pediatric glaucoma include vision loss, excessive tearing, cloudiness in the cornea, enlarged eyes, and photosensitivity (light-sensitivity). In many cases, childhood glaucoma can be effectively managed and treated.

5. Retinal diseases 

Retinal diseases, such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Stargardt macular dystrophy, and Usher syndrome can cause low vision or blindness in children.

A child with any of these retinal diseases should be monitored closely by a low vision optometrist.

Low vision devices for children

Children with vision loss can live full and independent lives. While lost vision can’t be restored, there are low vision devices, such as magnifiers and telescopes, that can help maximize a child’s usable vision. These low vision aids can be easily adapted to facilitate a child’s daily routine to help them function as independently as possible.

The most common low vision devices for children include magnifiers for improving near vision and telescopes for improving distance vision.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Low Vision

If you have a child with low vision, contact a low vision eye doctor near you to learn more about the variety of low vision devices that can benefit your child.

The post What Causes Low Vision In Children?  appeared first on Optometrists.org.

U2’s Bono is not alone, at least 3 million North Americans have glaucoma, but only 50% know they have it!

In 95% of glaucoma cases, it starts off asymptomatic and by the time the condition is noticed, the vision loss is irreversible. That’s why regular eye exams are so crucial, even if you don’t suspect a problem.

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you who knows the latest treatments for glaucoma to ensure the best possible outcome.

SEE RELATED: Glaucoma: What are the Signs?

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve – the only connection between the eyes and the brain.

Most cases are caused by a buildup of pressure within the eye. The longer the pressure builds, the more damage it causes to the optic nerve. Left untreated, the optic nerve will continually deteriorate, resulting in permanent vision loss or blindness.

Glaucoma: ‘The Silent Thief of Sight’

There are almost no obvious symptoms during the early stages of glaucoma – even as the optic nerve is suffering damage – for this reason glaucoma is known as the ‘Silent Thief of Sight’.

As the condition progresses patients will experience tunnel vision or notice patchy spots in their peripheral vision.

The more severe type of glaucoma (acute closed angle glaucoma) may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headaches, severe eye pain, red eyes and blurred vision.

If there is any glaucoma history in your family it is important to contact an eye doctor near you.

How is glaucoma detected? 

Glaucoma can only be detected through a comprehensive eye examination.

During an exam the eye doctor will assess a patient’s visual field, examine the optic nerve and test eye pressure, among other things.

Yearly eye exams, or as often as recommended, are necessary to diagnose and treat glaucoma, as early detection is key.

There are a range of tests used by an eye doctor for glaucoma. These tests include:

1. IntraOcular Pressure Tests (IOP)

• Air Puff Test – During this test a puff of air is used to gently bounce off the front of your eye. The device used calculates how much resistance the eye displayed to the air puff, revealing the amount of internal eye pressure.
• Blue Light Test (Goldmann tonometry) – After inserting numbing drops, an eye doctor will use a device called a slit lamp biomicroscopy to slowly move a flat-tipped probe until it gently touches the cornea.
• Tonometer – After applying some numbing drops to the eyes, the eye doctor will gently touch the eye with a small device that measures the eye’s internal pressure and resistance.

While the Goldman method may be considered the gold-standard for measuring eye pressure, all methods mentioned above are accurate, comfortable and, most importantly, safe.

2. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan 

This is a non-invasive, computer-based diagnostic device that provides color-coded, cross sectional images of the retina, allowing for early detection and treatment of glaucoma, and other ocular diseases.

The OCT scan uses a laser (without radiation) to obtain high resolution images of the layers of the retina and optic nerve to locate any changes or ocular damage.

3. Visual Field Test

This is a diagnostic test that produces a computerized map of your visual field. It enables your doctor to measure the range of your peripheral vision, and detect any abnormalities in your visual field.

How is glaucoma treated?

While there is no way to prevent glaucoma, there are several treatment options that can help prevent or slow down damage to the eye and vision loss.

Eye drops

Prescription eye drops are usually the first treatment option used for early stages of glaucoma. These drops are used to help improve how fluid drains from the eye or helps decrease eye pressure by limiting the amount of fluid the eye produces.

Oral medications

When eye drops alone are ineffective, the eye doctor will likely prescribe oral medications to lower eye pressure.

Surgery and other therapies

Aside from eye drops and oral medications, the other glaucoma treatments eye doctors may recommend include:

• Drainage tubes – a small tube shunt is placed into the eye and acts as a ‘pipe’ to drain excess fluid.
• Filtering surgery – this surgical procedure decreases eye pressure by allowing fluid to drain from the eye.
• Laser therapy – Laser trabeculoplasty helps the fluid easily drain from the eye and is used to treat open-angle glaucoma.
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) – This option tends to cause fewer side effects and complications than standard glaucoma surgeries.

Since glaucoma is the silent thief of sight, make sure to catch it early — with a yearly eye exam.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you who can provide effective treatments and glaucoma management to preserve your vision as long as possible.

The post Glaucoma: ‘The Silent Thief of Sight’ appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Here’s how eating excessive amounts of refined sugar can impact your vision and eye health, and how we can help.

Did you know that the average American consumes a shocking 61 pounds of refined sugar per year?

Although delicious, sugar in excessive amounts can pose serious damage to your overall health, including your eyes. In fact, sugar has been linked to several serious eye conditions and diseases.

Although sweet treats may look appealing, they can have a devastating and long lasting impact on the eyes and vision.

High blood sugar levels are a strong risk factor resulting in several sight-threatening eye diseases.

If you have been having issues with your blood sugar levels contact an eye doctor near you to discuss the best options to maintain your clear and comfortable vision.

SEE RELATED: Eyes and Obesity

How does sugar affect the eyes?

The link between sugar and eye health is well established, but not as well known. Here’s how consuming too much sugar can harm your eyes and vision.

1. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and can lead to blindness if left untreated.

In diabetic retinopathy, the high levels of sugar in the blood damage the delicate, tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to bleeding and scarring inside the eye.

Diabetics can help prevent or minimize the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy by maintaining a stable blood sugar level, exercising, and regularly visiting their eye doctor.

2. Glaucoma

High blood sugar and insulin levels can cause the eyes’ blood vessels to narrow, causing a buildup of fluid that can’t properly drain, resulting in glaucoma. 

With glaucoma, this fluid buildup increases inner eye pressure, which leads to optic nerve damage.

In 90% of glaucoma cases there are no early symptoms or warning signs as the pressure builds, so people aren’t aware that their eyesight is being irreparably damaged.

People with diabetes are almost twice as likely to develop glaucoma as those without diabetes.

3. Cataracts

Your eye’s natural lens allows your eye to focus light on your retina. In a healthy eye, the lens is clear, but in a person with cataracts, the lens is clouded, making it difficult for the eye to focus incoming light.

Elevated blood sugar can cause the lens to swell and puts you at a higher risk of developing cataracts.

4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD occurs when the macula, the central portion of the retina, deteriorates impairing central vision and affecting one’s ability to drive, read, watch TV and other daily activities.

Several studies have linked a high-glycemic (high sugar/carbohydrate) diet with the onset and progression of AMD.

How eye doctors help?

Keeping your eyes healthy goes beyond a healthy diet and lifestyle — you also need yearly eye exams to detect early signs of eye disease.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Health

If you have high blood sugar levels it is essential to schedule regular eye exams.

Eye doctors can provide a wide range of eye care services, including diabetic eye care and will guide you on the optimum options to maintain your clear vision and healthy eyes.

The post Can Sugar Affect Eye Health? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

More than three million Americans are living with glaucoma, 2.7 million are aged 40 and older.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and, in some cases, blindness. While there is a lot of information out there, much of it is misleading.

If you think you may have glaucoma visit your eye doctor for an eye exam. 

MYTH 1: Glaucoma is a single disease

FACT

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases. The most common ones are open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG).

Open-angle glaucoma: the drainage structure in your eye – called the trabecular meshwork – is open but there is still resistance to the outflow of fluid.

The resistance causes the fluid inside the eye not to drain correctly causing an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the optic nerve.

OAG develops slowly and without any obvious pain or symptoms. By the time people notice symptoms, such as peripheral vision loss, their optic nerve has already sustained damage.

Angle-closure glaucoma: the drainage flow is blocked so the eye can’t drain fluid as it should.

The most common cause of ACG is when the drainage channel between the iris and cornea becomes too narrow, causing an increase in eye pressure. 

This pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. ACG can occur gradually or suddenly. Symptoms include eye pain, nausea and vomiting, a severe headache, and seeing halos around lights.

MYTH 2: Glaucoma shows obvious symptoms

FACT

Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, shows virtually no symptoms or signs until its later stages when its too late and vision has already been lost.

The increased eye pressure causes no pain, despite what people may think. Patients with glaucoma may not recognize vision loss until their vision has become significantly impaired, especially since peripheral vision is the first to go.

The only way to detect glaucoma is to undergo a comprehensive eye exam.

Contact an eye doctor near you that can conduct eye exams and can help detect glaucoma and discuss treatment options for you.

SEE RELATED: Glaucoma: ‘The Silent Thief of Sight’

MYTH 3: Glaucoma only affects the elderly

FACT

While it is true that people over 60 are at a greater risk of developing open-angle glaucoma compared to people in their 40s, there are other types of glaucoma that can affect people aged 20 to 50.

Even young infants, due to irregular ocular development, can be at risk of developing glaucoma.

In addition to age, those with a higher risk of developing glaucoma include:

• People with a family history of glaucoma
• African Americans and Hispanics
• Those who have previously sustained an eye injury
• People taking steroid medications over the long term
• People with diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and cardiovascular disease

MYTH 4: Glaucoma testing is painful

FACT

Actually, testing for glaucoma is practically painless. 

One of the tests includes a device that blows a gentle puff of air into each eye to test the intraocular pressure. While the sound of the puff may be startling, it’s over in a second and is painless.

The Goldmann applanation tonometry test uses an anesthetic eye drop that is inserted into each eye. These drops may cause a stinging sensation for only a few seconds. Afterwards an eye doctor will use a blue light to gently and quickly touch the cornea to get a precise measurement of intraocular pressure.

The most accurate of all are OCT (optical coherence tomography) and visual field testing which are non-invasive imaging and painless.

MYTH 5: Once you have glaucoma, nothing can be done

FACT

While currently there’s no cure for glaucoma, many effective treatment options exist: oral medications, eye drops, as well as surgical and laser procedures that can help stop or slow glaucoma progression.

Each treatment option is used to get the fluid to flow properly out of the eye, decreasing damage to the optic nerve by reducing pressure inside the eye.

MYTH 6: Glaucoma can’t be prevented

FACT

Undergoing regular eye exams are the only way to prevent glaucoma, as significant vision loss or blindness can be prevented if glaucoma is diagnosed and treated in its early stages.

That’s why routine comprehensive eye exams including glaucoma testing are so important.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you suspect you may have glaucoma, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment, they will provide you with information about glaucoma and ways to treat it.

The post Glaucoma: Myths and Facts appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Can adding meditation to your day help manage your glaucoma?

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve is permanently damaged, causing loss of vision and eventually ‘Tunnel Vision’.

The most common cause of glaucoma is increased eye pressure. Eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure or IOP, is a measurement of the fluid pressure inside the eye.

Glaucoma affects 65 million people worldwide, and it’s estimated that 10 percent of these are legally blind. Many people wonder what can be done to prevent or help with the treatment.

This condition is usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. This damage to the optic nerve causes permanent vision loss.

Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to ‘Tunnel Vision’ and total blindness.

The primary way to slow the progression of glaucoma is by lowering IOP or eye pressure with surgery or medications.

Could meditation help?

The Journal of Glaucoma published a study in 2019 that showed mindfulness meditation may help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and improve quality of life by lowering stress-related chemicals and hormones.

Many glaucoma patients have increased depression and anxiety due to the stress of potentially losing their sight. When the body is under stress, it produces certain chemicals and hormones to help combat the stress.

If you are interested in lowering your eye pressure the Find an Eye Doctor directory lists eye doctors near you that are experienced in treating glaucoma.

SEE RELATED: Glaucoma FAQs

Journal of Glaucoma (2019)

The Journal of Glaucoma study divided 90 patients with primary open angle glaucoma into two groups.

• One group practiced mindfulness meditation for 21 days for 60 minutes under the supervision of a certified meditation teacher.
• The control group did not.

It is important to know that both groups continued taking their prescription eye drops to lower their IOP throughout the study.

Before and after the study, patients IOP and blood levels of stress biomarkers were measured. A questionnaire ranking quality of life was also given to the patients.

The results were astonishing. After only three weeks, the meditators had significantly lower IOP as compared with those who didn’t meditate.

Results of the meditators v control group showed;

• 75 percent had more than a 25 percent drop in eye pressure
• a significant improved quality of life score
• a statistically considerable drop in stress biomarkers

This study suggests that mediation (along with medical and surgical treatments) could play a role in treating glaucoma.

What is mindfulness meditation?

Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which one focuses on being intensely aware of what you’re feeling and sensing in the moment, without judgment or interpretation.

Practicing mindfulness involves specific breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the mind and body to help reduce stress.

Researchers have found that after a short course of mindfulness meditation it reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) was reduced. Blood levels of stress biomarkers were also lowered and participants’ self-reported quality of life scores increased.

Patients who manage their stress better tend to have better outcomes. 

The amount of evidence on the beneficial effects of meditation on stress reduction makes it worth considering as one more tool for treating glaucoma.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

If you think mindfulness meditation will help reduce stress and eye pressure due to glaucoma, contact an eye doctor near you to learn more about meditation as a part of the treatment for your glaucoma.

The post Glaucoma: Can Meditation Help? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

According to Eye-Q, over 20% of Americans say an eye doctor detected a health issue – not related to the eyes.

A recent study performed by Optum, found that early signs of chronic disease can be identified through comprehensive eye exams by eye care practitioners.

Diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart and vascular diseases, and even some forms of cancer could be detected during an eye exam.

If you haven’t visited your eye doctor recently now is the time. 

Eye and your health

Eye exams can reveal more than just eye health.

During an eye exam, eye doctors may detect general health conditions early. Detecting any condition early on allows for improved and faster outcomes.

Here’s a list of how eyes can be a window to your health;

1. Diabetes

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels of the body and in the retina, the eye exam can reveal signs of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).

During an eye exam, the eye doctor can detect leaked blood or plasma from damaged vessels in the eye. The eye doctor will then either monitor this condition or may refer the patient to doctors such as an endocrinologist or vascular surgeon.

Today eye dosctors use advanced technologies such as digital retinal exams and OCT scanners. The earlier diabetic eye disease is diagnosed and managed, the better the chances are of preserving eyesight.

2. Brain cancer & stroke

Certain brain cancers and strokes can affect the appearance of the blood vessels in the eye.

During an eye exam, an eye doctor can occasionally detect an issue taking place in the brain by examining the blood vessels in the eyes.

If shadows or swelling in the eye is detected, it may indicate a serious condition in the brain, like a tumor, or clots that might result in a stroke.

3. Hypertension

The shape and appearance of the blood vessels in the back of the eye can be a sign of high blood pressure.

Hypertension can be detected during an eye exam, sometimes even before it’s diagnosed by your regular doctor. The damaged blood vessels lead to hemorrhages, leaking, and swelling — all of which can be observed in the eyes.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), hypertension the “silent killer” affects nearly 1 in 3 adults, however up to 20% of those people don’t even know they have it!

Early detection of the signs of hypertension at an eye doctor’s evaluation can truly be life-saving.

The Find an Eye Doctor directory provides a list of eye doctors near you that can conduct an eye exam and possibly detect any early signs of other serious health issues.

SEE RELATED: 15 Actions that Impact Your Eye Health

4. High cholesterol 

High cholesterol is among the easiest conditions to spot during a complete eye exam.

Eye exams can detect a buildup of cholesterol, as cholesterol deposits can manifest on the front of the eye, appearing as a gray, thin ring on the iris, called arcus senilis.

This ring tends to appear with age, and it is also more common in people with high blood cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol can also be detected in the retina by assessing vein and artery patterns. These deposits may indicate the current or future development of Retinal Blood Veinl Occlusion (BRVO), a condition where blockages restrict blood flow to the back of the eye, causing temporary or permanent vision loss.

5. Heart conditions

Deposits that clog the arteries in the eye can be a sign of some heart conditions associated with a buildup of plaque in the carotid artery in the heart.

If an optometrist detects such changes to the vascular structure at the back of the eye, they will typically refer you to see a medical specialist.

6. Inflammation

Systemic conditions that are associated with inflammation in the body can have an inflammatory effect on the eyes. 

Uveitis, for example, causes eye inflammation, redness, and blurred vision, and tends to occur in people with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.

7. Thyroid

Thyroid disease can make itself apparent through the eyes in several ways. The thyroid gland controls the hormones that regulate tear production which can cause dry eye syndrome.

Additionally, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can enlarge and stiffen the extraocular muscles, causing bulging eyes— an indicator of Graves’ disease.

8. Cancer

Various cancers can be found during a detailed eye exam, in particular, the skin surrounding the eyes are prone to sun damage.

Skin cancers can affect the eyelids and outer surfaces of the eye. The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma.

Leukemia, lymphoma, and other forms of cancer can also affect the interior parts of the eye. Tumors in the breast and other areas can spread to the ocular structures.

9. Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Sudden vision loss may be attributed to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

While an optometrist can recognize signs indicating the presence of MS, such as the color and appearance of the optic nerve, these cases will be referred for further testing to confirm the diagnosis.

An eye exam could change your life

If you haven’t been to your eye doctor recently, it is recommended to schedule an eye exam, this may just detect an underlying condition that you were unaware of.

Since so many different health conditions can be detected during an eye exam, it is important to visit your eye doctor regularly.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Health

If you haven’t been to the eye doctor this year, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment, they may even save your life.

The post Eye Health appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Studies show that obesity increases the risk of serious eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, wet macular degeneration and glaucoma.

It is well known that obesity can affect health in numerous ways, from diabetes to cardiovascular disease— but few understand the impact obesity can have on eye health and vision.

Researchers at the Goldschleger Eye Institute at the Sheba Medical Center, found a consistent correlation between obesity and the development of serious and sight-threatening eye conditions as well as strokes and other vascular diseases.

Obesity statistics

Obesity has become a world-wide medical epidemic— consider these statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO):

• Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.
• More than 39% adults (ages 18 and older) are overweight
• Over 13% of all adults are obese
• Over 20% of children and adolescents (ages 5-19) are overweight or obese

What is considered a healthy weight?

Every person is different and therefore, your “healthy weight goals” will be different than your friend’s.

To determine if you are a healthy weight for your height and age, your doctor will calculate your body mass index (BMI).

A BMI score is calculated based on tissue mass (muscle, fat, and bone) and height, and is measured as kg/m2.

BMI scores are generally interpreted as follows:

• Underweight: under 18.5 kg/m2
• Normal weight: 18.6 to 24.9 kg/m2
• Overweight: 25 to 29.9 kg/m2
• Obese: over 30 kg/m2

However, it is important to keep in mind that since every person is different, these numbers may not be a clear indication of a healthy weight. For example, someone who is very muscular may have a high BMI because muscle weighs more than fat, but this doesn’t mean that he is obese.

Therefore, it is always best to speak with your doctor or nutritionist to determine your individual weight goals.

If your weight places you in the obese range, contact an eye doctor near you, who can discuss the best options to keep your vision clear and eyes healthy.

SEE RELATED: Can Sugar Affect Eye Health?

How does obesity affect the eyes?

The primary impact obesity has on the body is the increased risk of peripheral artery disease and diabetes.

These diseases can cause significant damage to the eyes, kidneys and feet.

When it comes to the eyes, obesity can cause serious sight-threatening retinal diseases. These diseases develop when the tiny blood vessels in the eyes become weakened and can no longer supply oxygen and other essential nutrients to the ocular region.

When the eyes are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, a variety of eye conditions can develop, including:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Retinal diseases and vein occlusions
• Stroke-related vision loss
• Age-related macular degeneration 
• Cataracts

How to maintain a healthy weight 

Leading an active lifestyle and consuming a well balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health— and your ocular health as well.

Working with a nutritionist who understands your weight goals and can teach you how to eat healthy, nutritious meals that will help you to lose weight is strongly encouraged.

Certain essential nutrients such as vitamins C and E, zeaxanthin, omega-3, zinc, and lutein have been shown to protect the eyes and prevent eye disease. Speak to your nutritionist about ways to incorporate these nutrients into your diet.

Consider joining a gym or fitness class to encourage your new healthy habits. Studies show that recruiting an exercise partner or joining an exercise class with similar fitness goals, will encourage you to stick to your exercise routine.

While keeping an eye on your weight and maintaining an active lifestyle can help to reduce your risk of disease, having regular eye exams is just as crucial.

With annual eye exams, your eye doctor can identify early signs of eye disease and offer effective treatments to keep your eyes healthy and preserve your vision.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Health

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam, and to discuss any questions you may have about your eye health and to ensure you enjoy life to the fullest.

Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious eye diseases in the future…so why not begin now?

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A recently published best-seller, called “Compassionomics: The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence That Caring Makes a Difference”, has a startling message… compassion could be a wonder drug for the 21st century!

In their book, physician scientists Dr Stephen Trzeciak and Dr Anthony Mazzarelli uncover the eye-opening data that science needs compassion.

Imagine these scenarios:

1. A 34-year-old man fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit is on an artificial respirator for over a month.

Could it be that his chance of getting off the respirator is not dependent how much his nurses know, but rather how much they care?

1. A 75-year-old woman is discharged from the hospital just weeks after suffering a serious head injury.

Could a constant display of compassion from her attending nursing and doctors have been a factor in her quick recovery?

Compelling new research shows that healthcare is in the midst of a compassion crisis.

Does compassion really matter?

Yes.

Now, for the first time ever, science demonstrates that the connections established between medical staff and their patients are actually critical factors in the healing process.

Studies show that compassion:

• Plays an important role and is beneficial for patients suffering from a wide variety of medical conditions.
• Can prevent devastating health effects.
• Can help to eliminate the cost crisis in health care.
• Can help to prevent burnout among medical professionals.
• Can save lives.

After reviewing all the evidence, the answer is crystal clear: Compassion matters!

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