Here, we will discuss these eye conditions and the newest available treatments.

Vuity drops for presbyopia

With almost 2 billion people around the world living with presbyopia, an innovative treatment option for this condition is becoming essential.

Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition that causes near objects and images to appear blurry. It occurs when the lens of the eye begins to lose its flexibility, impacting its ability to focus on near objects and consequently causing blurred vision.

Symptoms of presbyopia typically begin around the age of 40 and can worsen over time, making it difficult to read books, restaurant menus and numbers or text on your phone.

Although optical lenses, contact lenses and laser refractive surgery are all effective ways to correct presbyopia, a pharmacological solution will enable patients to achieve near vision clarity without the need for eyewear or invasive surgical procedures.

Vuity (allergan) is the newest FDA-approved presbyopia drug on the market, with other medications such as UNR844 (Novartis), still in the pipeline.

How does Vuity work?

Vuity works by stimulating muscle contraction in the iris, the colored part of your eye that surrounds your pupil.

When the iris muscles contract, the pupil becomes smaller in size, which results in increased depth of field and improved near vision clarity. 

These eye drops adjust to the natural pH of your tear film, so you shouldn’t experience any stinging or burning sensation after they are applied — though some people experience eye redness and headaches.

Following insertion, improved near vision is often noticed within about 15 minutes, but even greater results are usually experienced after around one hour. The effects of the eye drops typically last around six  hours.

Optimal treatment results are generally noticed around two weeks after beginning treatment.

SEE RELATED: Guide to Eye Conditions

If you have an eye condition and would like to learn about the newest treatment options, contact an eye doctor near you.

Medications for demodex mites

An estimated 45 percent of people suffer from blepharitis, with most patients over age 60 afflicted by an underlying demodex infestation.

Blepharitis is a condition that causes severe eyelid inflammation, typically as a result of a blockage within the meibomian glands — the tiny oil glands that line the eyelid margins. In patients over 60, the most common cause of oil gland blockages is a demodex infestation.

The demodex mite is a parasite that lives in the hair follicles of your face and eyes, typically around the eyelids and eyelashes.

In small numbers, demodex mites can be beneficial for the skin, as they feed off of dead skin cells.

However, an infestation of demodex mites can lead to dry, red, and itchy skin, eczema, severe eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), meibomian gland dysfunction and eyelash damage.

Blepharitis can also cause any of the following ocular symptoms:

• Swollen eyelids
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes and eyelids
• Gritty eyes
• Burning or stinging in the eyes
• Yellow crust at the base of the eyelashes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision that typically improves with frequent blinking

New effective demodex treatments

Fortunately, recent research has uncovered  a number of effective pharmaceutical treatments to treat demodex mites, including:

• Sarolaner (Tarsus Pharmaceuticals)
• Spinosad (APT-001, Aperta Biosciences)
• Ivermectin
• Selenium sulfide (Azura Ophthalmics)

If you suffer from dry eyes, you may have blepharitis caused by an infestation of demodex mites in your eyelids. Your eye doctor will determine which type of medication is best for your individual condition.

LEARN MORE: Primary Eye Care 

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you if you would like to learn more about the newest treatment options for presbyopia or demodex.

The post Innovations in Eyecare: Treatments for Presbyopia and Demodex appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Dry eye symptoms may be handled at home by applying warm compresses, using lubricating eye drops and taking supplements, but eye doctors now have a range of effective in-office procedures that can treat the cause of the dry eyes.

When dry eye symptoms persist or become too severe, your eye doctor may have a range of in-office treatments to offer lasting results. 

Here are our top 6 FAQs about effective in-office treatments for dry eye syndrome:

Q1: Why are in-office treatments for dry eyes effective?

In-office treatments for dry eye are much more effective than at-home solutions because your eye doctor is able to ensure that the most effective treatment is provided and properly executed.

The eye doctor can also monitor how well treatment is working for you and make any adjustments to provide the best outcomes.

In the event that certain in-office treatments are not delivering the desired results, your eye doctor can more easily evaluate why they’re falling short and adjust aspects of treatment, or recommend a different treatment altogether.

This is not true for at-home treatments. Your eye doctor is not able to closely monitor if you’re doing the treatment correctly, and often relies more on patient feedback than on direct observation to determine reasons why certain treatments may not be working.

Q2: What are the most common in-office devices used to treat dry eyes?

The most commonly used in-office devices by eye doctors to treat dry eye symptoms are steam goggles and pulsed heat devices.

In both cases, these treatments involve the warming and massaging of the eyelids and meibomian glands, which line the edge of the eyelids.

These procedures reduce dry eye symptoms by releasing oils that are essential for a healthy tear film, and which might have been clogged in the glands, causing dry eye symptoms.

Q3: How do steam goggles work to help with dry eye symptoms?

For a steam goggle treatment, goggles are placed over your eyes, which are then warmed by means of an electronic timing device. This causes the goggles to produce steam, bringing moisture to the eyes.

Steam goggles use gentle heat to warm up your eyelids, which softens the oils from the meibomian glands in your eyelids and may opens up any blocked pores.

Your eye doctor may then massage your eyelids, or open the oil glands manually. This will release oils into your tears that will help lessen or resolve your dry eye symptoms.

This treatment can be used on its own or along with other procedures to effectively address your dry eye symptoms.

SEE RELATED: 10 In-Office Treatments for Dry Eyes

Don’t let dry eyes affect your lifestyle. Make an appointment to discuss in-office treatments with your eye doctor near you.

Q4: How do pulsed heat treatments help with dry eye symptoms?

For pulsed heat treatments, your eye doctor will first apply numbing eye drops for your comfort, They will then place applicators over the front and back of both eyelids.

Heat applicators are connected to a machine that applies gentle pressure and heat to your eyelids, opening the eyelid glands and releasing clogged oils.

Your eye doctor may also manually massage or use a flat instrument to pressure your eyelids to maximize outflow of the vital oils.

This treatment is highly effective, with many patients reporting continued effectiveness and comfort for as long as a year.

Q5: Why do eye doctors use punctal plugs to treat dry eyes?

Your eye doctor may choose to insert punctal plugs in your eye to address issues with you not having enough water in your tears. Inserting the plugs is easy and painless.

The plugs create a blockage in the area of the eye called the punctum, where tears usually drain from the eye.

This blockage slows tear drainage away so that more tears remain on the eyes, to keep the surface of your eye moisturized and prevent dry eye symptoms. 

Once inserted, punctal plugs are impossible to see or feel.

Q6: Can intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy help with my dry eyes?

Yes. 

Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) is FDA approved for more than 15 years for the treatment of a number of issues, including removal of skin lesions and treatment for rosacea and other skin conditions.

IPL therapy is now frequently used to treat meibomian gland blockages that can cause dry eyes, by reducing the inflammation adjacent to the eyes and decreasing the bacterial presence.

An IPL session involves your eye doctor applying infrared light directly onto your eyelids with a handheld device. This can reduce inflammation and loosen meibomian gland blockages, significantly lessening dry eye symptoms.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Dry Eye

If dry eyes are impacting your lifestyle, make an appointment to discuss in-office treatments with an eye doctor near you.

If you have tried to manage dry eyes with eye drops, warm compresses or supplements, your eye doctor can treat the cause of the dry eyes.

When dry eye symptoms persist or become too severe, your eye doctor may have a range of in-office treatments to offer effective and lasting relief.

The post Dry Eyes: Top 6 FAQs on Effective In-Office Treatments appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Here are the top 5 FAQs when it comes to pregnancy and eye health:

1. Can pregnancy affect my vision?

Yes! Pregnancy’s hormonal and physical changes can have an impact on your vision. 

The majority of problems are small and only last a short time. After your baby is born, your vision will likely return to normal. However, some pregnancy-related issues may necessitate medical treatment.

2. Should I tell my provider if I’m having vision changes?

Yes, during pregnancy always discuss any changes to your vision with your medical professionals. 

If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:

• Blind spots
• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Light sensitivity
• Temporary loss of vision
• Flashes or spots of light in your vision

SEE RELATED: Vision Changes in Pregnancy

Contact an eye doctor near you, who can help determine if you have a more serious condition.

3. How can pregnancy affect my eyes?

Dryness and irritation

During pregnancy, and for as long as you’re breastfeeding, your eyes may become drier and more itchy.

This, combined with small changes in the shape and thickness of the cornea, can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.

Visual disturbances from migraines

During pregnancy it is possible that you’ll observe flashing lights or blind spots.

A condition known as migraine headache with aura, which some women encounter for the first time during pregnancy, is one possible cause.

An aura precedes a painful headache (typically on one side of the head) with this syndrome. Visual disturbances such as intense flashes of light, zigzag lines, blind spots, or even temporary vision loss are examples of this. Aura symptoms can also occur without causing a headache.

Eye disease

Central serous chorioretinopathy is an eye disease that affects some pregnant women who are otherwise healthy.

Fluid collects beneath the retina, causing the retinal layers to separate and distort vision, resulting in blind spots.

This condition is linked to stress hormones and usually manifests in the third trimester, or right after birth, though it can occur in the first or second trimester.

Toward the end of your pregnancy or a few months following birth, your vision should return to normal.

Gestational diabetes

Pregnancy might potentially improve or exacerbate existing eye conditions.

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, for example, your condition may worsen during pregnancy.

See your eye doctor before you are pregnant and again during the first trimester to be tested for damage to your retina’s blood vessels. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, you’ll need to undergo more frequent eye exams.

Glaucoma, on the other hand, might improve during pregnancy, so your eye doctor might be able to lessen your medication dose – and thus your baby’s exposure to it.

4. Can I get relief for dry eyes during pregnancy?

Yes! Your eye doctor will be able to tell you about safe dry eye treatments. 

Some over-the-counter remedies are safe to take during pregnancy, but others include active components that may not be safe.

If you wear contacts, make an effort to wear them for shorter periods of time to avoid dryness and irritation. If that doesn’t work, consider switching to glasses until your baby arrives.

Take frequent breaks from the TV, computer, and smartphone.  on a regular basis. Dryness and discomfort can be exacerbated by staring at a screen for lengthy periods of time and not blinking as frequently as necessary.

5. Is there ever a reason to be concerned with vision changes during pregnancy?

Yes, some vision changes can indicate potentially serious conditions like preeclampsia, high blood pressure or diabetes. 

Visual symptoms affect about up to 50% of all women with eclampsia, and may tend to worsen as this serious condition progresses.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Eye Health

If you’re experiencing any vision changes during pregnancy, contact an eye doctor near you.

During pregnancy, seek medical attention if you experience: blurred vision, inability to focus, blind spots, double vision, and flashes of light.

The post Pregnancy and Eyes: Top 5 FAQs appeared first on Optometrists.org.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes, but few women are aware of how pregnancy affects their vision.

While most of the visual symptoms expectant moms experience are minor, some symptoms may be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Here are six vision problems to be aware of while pregnant:

1. Refractive changes

Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can affect the shape of your eyes, necessitating a new prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

Though this is normally not a cause for concern, it’s a good idea to consult an eye doctor about any changes in your vision so that you can determine whether or not to modify your prescription.

The doctor may just advise you to wait a few weeks after delivery before altering your prescription.

2. Puffy eyelids

Another typical side effect of some hormonal changes that women experience while pregnant is puffiness around the eyes.

For a few women, side (peripheral) vision may be obstructed by puffy eyelids.

As a general guideline, drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet that’s low in sodium and caffeine.

3. Dry eyes

Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy might cause natural tear production to decrease, leading to dry eye syndrome in some women.

Many pregnant women experience chronic stinging, gritty, scratchy, and uncomfortable feelings in the eyes.

These symptoms usually go away after birth, but in rare instances  they might be permanent and need to be managed with a prescription or other treatment. If left untreated, dry eye can result in corneal tissue damage and scarring, which can impair vision.

SEE RELATED: Pregnancy Complications: When to See an Eye Doctor 

If you’re suffering from dry eye, contact an eye doctor near you who can prescribe artificial tears, gels, and ointments to help give you relief.

4. Blurred vision

Many pregnant women experience water retention, which can affect the thickness and shape of your cornea.

This, in turn, can distort your vision. The cornea usually returns to its regular thickness after giving  birth or when you stop breastfeeding.

5. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes high blood pressure, protein in the urine, swelling in the legs, feet, and hands in pregnant women.

Changes in vision can be a sign of this serious condition, which affects at least 5-8% of pregnant women.  

Among the signs and symptoms are:

• Temporary eyesight loss
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• Auras, flashing lights, or spots

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or go to the emergency room right away. Preeclampsia can advance quickly, resulting in hemorrhage and other dangerous complications for the mother and child.

6. Gestational diabetes

Diabetes-related high blood sugar levels can harm the tiny blood vessels that supply your retina, resulting in vision loss.

As your pregnancy advances, your odds of developing gestational diabetes increase. 

Hormones released during pregnancy may alter your body in unexpected ways. Some changes, such as morning sickness and weight gain, are expected, but others, such as blurry vision or diabetes, can be completely unexpected and concerning.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Eye Health

Consult with an eye doctor near you who can tell you whether the changes in your vision are harmless or indicative of a more serious problem.

While most of the visual symptoms expectant moms experience are minor, some changes to your vision may be a sign of a serious medical condition.

The post Vision Changes in Pregnancy appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Your baby’s eyes develop rapidly as they grow in the first few months of life. Keeping a close watch on a baby’s eye health can help detect problems early on, which is vital to optimize any treatment.

Here are some important facts you should know, as well as a few possible eye problems that new parents should never overlook.

1. Smoking can harm an unborn child’s eyes

The risk of premature birth increases when a woman smokes during pregnancy, and preemies have a higher risk of permanent vision loss or blindness.

In addition, smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of bacterial meningitis in the newborn five-fold, which can result in significant vision  loss.

2. Vision milestones for premature babies should be measured by their due date, not their birth date

At each visit, your pediatrician should check your baby’s vision to ensure that it is developing normally.

To track if your preemie is meeting their developmental milestones, it is recommended that parents adjust their baby’s age and use the due date and not the actual birth date, to get a true sense of where their baby should be in their development.

3. A baby can only focus at 1 foot away

A newborn baby can only clearly see objects and people from 12-14 inches (30 to 35 cm) away, as this allows them to recognize their parents while feeding and their source of food.

Throughout the first few months and years, the connections between the retina and the brain are still forming. As a baby’s vision develops, they can focus more clearly on objects directly in front of them.

SEE RELATED: Do Children Outgrow Their Vision Problems?

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you who can detect and manage any eye problems your baby may have.

4. A baby’s eyes may appear to be ‘crossed’

It’s common for an infant’s eyes to appear crossed or drift out to the sides during the first two months of life. This might not necessarily mean they have a permanent eye turn.

Over the next few months, the eyes should learn to work together as a team to follow a moving object, as their visual and body coordination improves.

However, consult your pediatrician if your baby’s eyes remain crossed by the age of 3 months.

5. Babies can see in 3D by 5 months

As the eyes learn to work in unison, your baby will learn to judge distances more accurately and appreciate seeing in three dimensions.

Babies will strive to reach for objects at this age because they can determine how far away an object is and enjoy learning to perceive depth.

6. Eye color will change until 9 months of age

Most babies are born with blue colored eyes, but this might not be their final color.

The amount and distribution of a brown pigment called melanin in the iris determines eye color, and most babies are born with little melanin.

If melanin levels develop, light-colored eyes may darken. However, further changes in eye color are not unusual during the first three years of life.

7. Watch for eye turn

Pay attention to your child’s eye alignment, and that there are no signs of an eye turn.

If one eye looks straight ahead while the other eye turns upward, downward, inward or outward – this could be an indication of strabismus, also known as an eye turn, wall-eye or squint.

Eye turns affect over 4% of children. Eye turns can be successfully treated if detected early, especially in the first few months of your child’s life.

8. Vaccinations are essential

Viral infections have a variety of serious effects on a baby’s eyes and vision.

Measles is a leading cause of childhood blindness, this virus can cause major eye health problems including conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal scarring, retinopathy, optic neuritis and blindness.

It’s crucial to get your child vaccinated since new infections and viruses arise all over the world. Some cases of measles are fatal, especially in babies.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you who can detect and manage any eye problems your baby may have.

A child’s physical development, academic performance, and overall well-being are all largely dependent on their vision. 

Don’t forget to get your child’s eyes checked on a regular basis. A comprehensive eye exam is critical for early detection and correction of eye problems.

The post 8 Important Facts About Your Baby’s Eyes appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The majority of our purchasing nowadays is done online— but only 9.3% of prescription glasses in the United States were sold online.

Buying glasses online?

There’s practically no limit to what you can buy with the help of the internet and a computer, whether it’s groceries, clothing or technology.

There is one item that is still best purchased in person: Eyeglasses! 

There are a number of reasons why you should avoid purchasing glasses online. Even though the internet is fantastic, a personal touch may sometimes do the trick.

The thought of purchasing glasses from the convenience of your own home may appeal to you, especially since some sites allow you to upload a photo of yourself and virtually try on several frames.

However, there are some significant disadvantages to selecting prescription glasses in this manner.

Reasons to not buy online

Your eye doctor is essential for eye health

Maintaining your relationship with your eye doctor is vital to maintain your eye health.

When you go in for an eye exam to purchase glasses, your optometrist is usually right there with you, ensuring that your prescription is correct and that your pupillary distance is correctly calculated.

When you buy glasses online, there’s a high possibility you won’t be dealing with an optician at all!

Lack of quality control

When purchasing something online, there is always the chance of obtaining something of lower quality than what was advertised. 

In fact, according to a 2011 study published in the Journal Optometry, nearly half of the prescription glasses did not meet patients’ ‘visual or physical needs.’

When it comes to purchasing glasses online, the same is true.

The main distinction is that when it comes to glasses, you want them to be of great quality. Because different countries have different product testing laws, there’s a strong chance your new glasses would fail to meet your country’s standards.

Poorly manufactured optical lenses are more likely to break, and when it comes to your eyes, broken lenses are the last thing you want near them.

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to ensure your glasses are the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

SEE RELATED: Guide to Optical Frames

Frames may not fit

There is no way to be 100% sure that the frames ordered online will be the best fit for your face.

It’s possible that your new glasses will be too snug on your face or slip down the bridge of your nose, something you won’t know if you shop online.

You can always have your frames adjusted by an optometrist while shopping in-store to ensure a comfortable fit.

Prescription might not be accurate

A doctor’s prescription for clear vision is based on a precise measurement.

There’s a high probability that when you get this prescription and send it to an internet glasses shop, your glasses won’t be as accurate as they should be.

The wrong prescription can lead to headaches, blurred vision and even migraines. 

When you visit your optometrist to purchase glasses, they can retest your vision and the most up-to-date prescription will ensure that they are the best fit for you.

Position of the lens

Another factor that an optometrist must assess to ensure the positioning of the lenses in the frames is correct.

The position of the lens in the frames requires personalization for your pupil distance and your optical center. 

The pupil distance is the distance between your eyes, and needs to be accurately determined to ensure the lenses are in the correct position.

The optical center is usually placed in the center of your lenses by most online vendors, but depending on how the frame sits on your face, it should be higher or lower than the center.

Making a mistake with these placements can have a significant effect on your vision.

Personal experience

Shopping in your PJs from the comfort of your own home is fun, but going to a store to try on lenses and hear feedback from other customers is part of the fun of picking new frames!

Here’s what you can do: find inspiration online, then make your purchase in-store.

There’s nothing wrong with using a website to virtually try on various frames. However, once you have a general concept of what you want, you should go into a store to make your final pick.

What may appear to be a straightforward way to get glasses can rapidly become annoying if they don’t fit properly or your prescription causes you to see double!

LEARN MORE: Optical and Contact Lenses

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you to discuss how eyeglasses can benefit your life.

Purchasing glasses online from the comfort of your home may seem convenient, however, the ‘wrong’ eyeglasses or lenses could have a significant impact on your vision and affect your comfort.

The post Buying Eyeglasses: Does Price Matter? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

The state of one’s eyes is a good indicator of how well one’s brain is working. When there’s a problem with the brain, visual or ocular symptoms are common.

What is a brain injury?

A brain injury is defined as any condition that causes harm or damage to the brain.

Stroke, tumor, encephalitis, brain hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injuries from concussion, contusion, penetrating injury, and anoxic brain damage, are all examples of a brain injury.

Vision is the sense that utilizes the majority of the brain’s processing, compared to the other senses, visual symptoms are extremely  common following a brain injury.

If you’ve experienced any vision changes after a brain injury, contact an eye doctor near you.

SEE RELATED: Vision and Brain Injuries

How can a brain injury impact eye movements? 

Many different types of visual activity and eye movements have their own or shared pathways in the brain.

Depending on which pathway has been damaged, different eye problems can occur.

Tracking problems

Our eyes rely on a visual skill known as smooth pursuit to track a moving object.

Watching TV, driving, scrolling through text on a phone or doing anything else that requires a steady look at a moving target will be difficult for people who have trouble with smooth pursuits.

When a person’s eyes have strong smooth pursuits, they can constantly focus incoming light into the fovea, a portion of the retina. This necessitates a great deal of fine muscular control, as well as feedback from numerous brain regions.

Smooth pursuits may fail if the connections between these regions are broken as a result of a brain injury, and vision may be briefly blurred.

A person’s eyes may compensate for a failed smooth pursuit by performing a corrective saccade, which is a quick eye movement that attempts to reposition the light’s focus onto the fovea.

When in a visually intense setting, a person with eye movement issues will suffer a large amount of corrective saccades, making them feel “foggy” or exhausted.

Nystagmus

Another possible visual consequence of a brain injury is nystagmus. Rapid, uncontrollable eye movements (up or down, side to side, or circular motions) are the primary symptom of this condition .

These eye movements may occur all of the time or only when looking in a specific direction.

Nystagmus causes dizziness because it causes a person’s brain to interpret objects in their surroundings as moving, rather than still.

Strabismus

Strabismus, often known as a squint or eye turn, is a condition where one eye is turned inward, outward, up, or down.

Strabismus can affect a patient on a regular or irregular basis, resulting in symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, and poor depth perception.

How can neuro-optometry help?

Neuro-optometry aims to strengthen the communication between the eyes and the brain thereby allowing the visual system to function.

Neuro-optometrists use a personalized program of eye exercises, therapeutic lenses, and prisms to rehabilitate the visual system.

Because each person’s brain reacts to brain injury differently, treatment is tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Many patients with persisting visual symptoms after brain injuries have benefited from neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy.

Even if your vision is clear, if you suffer symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light, or anxiety, you may have a vision problem.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Neuro-Optometry

Get your vision checked by scheduling a functional visual evaluation with an eye doctor near you.

The post Eye Movement Problems After a Brain Injury  appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Retinoblastoma is a rare form of eye cancer that develops in the retina – the sensitive lining on the back of the eye.

Early eye exams are important for diagnosis and treatment. Retinoblastoma may be cured, especially when diagnosed early.

What causes retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma usually affects babies, infants and young children, though it may affect adults. Retinoblastoma occurs when nerve cells in the retina develop genetic mutations.

Normally, the cells in the retina stop dividing when they become mature retinal cells. The genetic mutations cause the cells to continue to grow and multiply, forming a tumor, known as retinoblastoma.

Retinoblastoma cancer cells have the ability to penetrate deeper into the eye and surrounding structures. This type of cancer has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain and spine.

In most cases, the source of the actual genetic mutation that causes retinoblastoma is not clear. However, it is well understood that children will inherit this condition from their parents.

What are the symptoms of retinoblastoma?

Since retinoblastoma mostly affects infants and young children, symptoms are difficult to notice, so it is important for parents to be aware of the signs. The symptoms of retinoblastoma include:

• Whitish color in the pupil of the eye, seen when light is shone in the eye
• Poor vision
• Eye swelling
• Eye redness
• Eyes that appear to be looking in different directions

If your child displays any of these symptoms, contact an eye doctor near you.

SEE RELATED: 7 Common Pediatric Eye Conditions 

How is retinoblastoma treated?

Treatment for retinoblastoma depends  on the tumor and whether the cancer has spread to other areas. The goal of treatment is to save vision whenever possible.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that kills cancer cells by causing chemicals to travel throughout the body. Chemotherapy can help reduce a tumor so that the residual cancer cells can be treated with other treatments.

Chemotherapy can also be used to treat cancer that has progressed to other parts of the body.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses targeted beams of energy to kill cancer cells. To eliminate tumor cells, a small disk of radioactive material is sometimes inserted in or near the tumor and is left in place for some time.

In other circumstances, the tumor is treated with radiation using a large machine that beams energy from outside the body.

Cold treatments (cryotherapy)

Cancer cells are frozen using a very cold material such as liquid nitrogen. The chemical is withdrawn once the cells have frozen, and the cells defrost. The freezing and thawing process is repeated, destroying cancer cells each time.

Heat treatments (thermotherapy)

Cancer cells are killed by exposing them to extreme heat.

Laser therapy

To destroy blood vessels that feed the tumor, a laser may be used, killing the cancer cells.

Surgery (enucleation)

If a tumor has become too large for other treatments, surgery to remove the eyeball may be required. This may prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.

The surgeon removes the eyeball and replaces it with an artificial eye implant in the eye socket. This implant is connected to the muscles of the eye. The eye muscles will eventually move this eyeball in the same way they moved the original eye.  However, the implanted eyeball cannot see.

Despite becoming blind in the affected eye, most children adjust extremely well over time. In many circumstances, the presence of an artificial eye will be undetectable.

Early eye exams are important for diagnosis and treatment. Retinoblastoma may be cured, especially when diagnosed early.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Pediatric Eye Conditions

If you have any concerns on the appearance of your child’s eyes, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and recommend treatment for your child.

The post Retinoblastoma appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Blepharitis is an eyelid inflammation, which causes red, swollen eyelids and crusty eyelashes. The condition can be difficult to treat and tends to recur, which is why it’s also known as chronic blepharitis.

Blepharitis can be painful and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this condition isn’t always preventable, but there are ways to reduce your risk of inflammation.

According to a survey conducted by The Ocular Surface (2009), U.S. eye doctors reported that between 37% and 47% of their patients had some degree of blepharitis.

Blepharitis isn’t contagious and usually doesn’t cause serious harm to your vision or eyes, but it can feel uncomfortable, but it is important not to just think you have dry eyes.

Types of blepharitis 

There are two types of blepharitis – anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis.

• Anterior blepharitis affects the eyelashes on the outside front edge of the eyelid.

• Posterior blepharitis affects the inner edge of the eyelid that touches the eye.

What causes blepharitis?

The main cause of blepharitis is the presence of dermodex in your eyelids, this is a type of mite that feeds on dead skin cells.

Blepharitis can be caused by:

• Dry eyes
• Bacterial eyelid infection
• Fungal eyelid infection
• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Parasites (eyelash lice or eyelash mites)
• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff of the eyebrows and scalp)

Blepharitis is also associated with skin conditions such as ocular rosacea, dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.

Symptoms of blepharitis

The most common symptoms of blepharitis are:

• Burning, red, or stinging eyes
• Crusty yellowy debris at the base of the eyelashes
• Grittiness
• Blurry vision that typically improves with frequent blinking
• Itchy eyes and eyelids
• Sensitivity to light
• Swollen, red eyelids
• Watery eyes

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

SEE RELATED: What is Chalazion?

Conditions associated with blepharitis

If you have chronic blepharitis, you may have one or more associated conditions or complications, such as:

• Chalazion – a clogged oil gland in an eyelid that may begin as a stye, causing a red, swollen bump on the eyelid.
• Dry eye syndrome – DES caused by clogged  oil glands in the eyelid make the tear film  evaporate quickly.
• Stye – a bacterial infection at the base of an eyelash or inside an oil-producing gland in the eyelid that  causes a painful red bump at the edge of an eyelid.
• Eyelid problems – Chronic blepharitis can result in scarring along the edge of the eyelid, causing misdirected eyelashes or even eyelash loss.
• Corneal abrasion – If blepharitis causes your eyelashes to grow inwards, they might rub against the clear front surface of your eye, causing a painful corneal abrasion.
• Pink eye – Chronic blepharitis can also lead to bacterial pink eye,  a type of conjunctivitis. When pink eye and blepharitis occur simultaneously it’s called blepharo-conjunctivitis.

How to treat blepharitis

There are various ways you can help reduce your risk of developing this condition or at least control the symptoms, including:

Warm compresses

Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and place it over your closed eyes for at least 1 minute. This helps loosen the flakes that stick to your eyelashes. It also helps prevent nearby oil glands from clogging.

Eye drops

Steroid eye drops or artificial tears may reduce redness, swelling and dry eye. Your eye doctor might prescribe an antibiotic eye drop to help the oil glands work better.

Antibiotics

Your eye doctor may recommend you use an antibiotic ointment on your eyes. Place a small amount of ointment on a clean fingertip or cotton swab. Gently apply the ointment to the base of your eyelashes. Your doctor might also prescribe oral antibiotic medicine.

Eyelid scrubs

Dilute no-sting baby shampoo in warm water and soak a clean washcloth, cotton swab applicator, or lint-free pad in it. Gently clean the roots of your eyelashes, then scrub for 15 seconds.

Skin and eyelid hygiene

It is very important to keep your skin, hair and eyelids clean. This will help keep your blepharitis symptoms under control. Carefully wash your eyelashes every day with no-sting baby shampoo diluted in warm water. Also, wash your scalp, hair and eyebrows with an antibacterial shampoo.

Blepharitis can be painful and uncomfortable, so if you notice your eyelids are red, swollen or painful, the cause might be the small dermodex mite,  it’s recommended to have your eyelids examined by an eye doctor.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Eye Conditions

Contact an eye doctor near you to check your eyelids for any inflammation and to receive the optimum treatment.

The post Do I Have Blepharitis? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Whether you’re a budding athlete or have already made a name for yourself, there is always room for improving your performance. Follow these 5 tips to help you achieve your goals and enhance your game.

1. Eat a healthy balanced diet

Athletes require a higher daily calorie intake to give their bodies the fuel they need to stay active for many hours at a time. Depending on your age, weight, and level of fitness, you may require between 2,000-5,000 calories per day!

Don’t get too excited though— the extra calories you’re allowed per day doesn’t mean that you should make a habit out of dropping by your favorite fast food restaurant to order the biggest cheese burger you can sink your teeth into!

Nutritionists advise a diet high in protein, vegetables and legumes to fuel your body and feed your muscles the nutrients they need to beef up and stay strong.

It is also important to watch your sugar and alcohol intake, which can both have negative effects on your energy, stamina, and overall health.

Before changing any of your eating habits, contact an eye doctor near you to make sure they are right for you and your overall health.

2. Strengthen your vision skills

Certain visual skills are essential for optimal sports performance and can even be the driving force behind your success on the field.

Sports vision training is a personalized program designed to strengthen the visual skills necessary for practically any sport you play.

Vision training sessions are conducted by optometrists experienced in sports vision, and can include the use of specialized lenses, prisms, and eye exercises designed to train and strengthen the eye-brain connections for clearer, more comfortable vision.

If you want to improve your sports performance, contact an eye doctor near you, who can discuss how to take your game to the next level.

SEE RELATED: The Vision Coach

3. Make sleep a priority

Getting a good night’s sleep will not only give you the energy you need for hours of working out, it will also help you to maintain focus and keep your head in the game.

Sleep deprivation on the other hand, can sap your energy, raise the level of stress hormones in your body, and decrease the amount of glycogen your body produces— all of which can impact your athletic performance.

4. Warm up

Stretching and warming up before beginning a workout will get your blood pumping, loosen your joints, and even help you to improve your focus.

An efficient warm up also increases your flexibility and reduces your risk of injury and post-workout joint or muscle pain.

5. Visualize success

Visualizing success can help your brain to prepare your muscles to perform your next move with increased accuracy. Visualization also allows you to develop consistency in your performance.

Sports psychologists also concur that a positive attitude helps you to stay motivated, strive for excellence, and develop resilience when the going gets tough.

LEARN MORE:  Guide to Sports Vision

Vision training sessions are conducted by optometrists, contact an eye doctor near you to start the process of taking your game to the next level.

The post 5 Tips to Improve your Game appeared first on Optometrists.org.