UH, AOA partner to get the word out about summer eye care, protection against UVR

As summer approaches, most people step up skin protection from harmful ultraviolet rays, yet aren’t as vigilant about their eyes. Optometrists at the University of Houston are involved in a campaign to change this way of thinking.

The University Eye Institute at UH and the American Optometric Association (AOA) are partnering to get the word out about summer eye care and protection against ultraviolet radiation, or UVR, sun exposure. A survey conducted by the AOA found that only 33 percent of Americans said UVR protection was the most important factor when purchasing sunglasses, with 35 percent being unaware of the risks to their eyes.

“During the summer, when more time is spent out in the sun, people start thinking about UVR protection for their skin, but don’t take similar steps to safeguard their eyes,” said Jan Bergmanson, professor at the UH College of Optometry and founding director of the Texas Eye Research and Technology Center (TERTC). “Lack of awareness surrounding the potential effects of overexposure to UV radiation is concerning, and many people are unaware of the eye health risks to both adults and children associated with spending too much time in the sun without the proper protection.”

The TERTC team has measured UVR intensities at the UH campus and found that radiation exceeds what is considered safe levels nine out of 10 days in the summer. Therefore, he says we have every reason to exercise precaution locally here in Houston.

Bergmanson, an international expert in the topic, says some of those risks include both short- and long-term effects on the eyes and vision. These include sunburn of the eyes, most immediately, and developing conditions later in life like cataracts, possibly also macular degeneration, benign growths on the eye’s surface, or skin cancer on the eyelids and around the eyes. Symptoms of eye sunburn are blurred vision, irritation, pain, redness, tearing and temporary vision loss (called photokeratitis, or snow blindness).

“Exposure to UVR radiation, which is cumulative over time and puts one at greater risk for developing eye and vision disorders, can be minimized,” he said. “UVR protection can be achieved by simple and inexpensive safety measures that can help prevent or limit damage to the eyes.”

Tips that may help prevent such damage are to wear protective eyewear any time the eyes are exposed to UVR rays, including cloudy days, as well as taking the extra step to seek out quality sunglasses. The American National Standards Institute has two different standards for UVR protection. A Class 1 UVR-blocking lens absorbs 99 percent of UVB and 95 percent of UVA rays, while a Class 2 lens filters out 95 percent of UVB and 70 percent of UVA rays. Any lens claiming to provide UVR protection must at least meet the Class 2 standard. Therefore, sunglasses that carry a label indicating it provides UV or UVR protection must meet these standards.

It also is important to note that it’s not the density of the lens that protects the eyes, as the degree of darkness may have little or no effect on UVR filtering capabilities of a particular lens. Regarding color, Bergmanson says, gray lenses are best because they reduce light intensity without altering the color of objects, providing the most natural color vision. Brown or amber lenses may work better for the visually impaired or athletes, since they increase contrast and also reduce light intensity.

Another consideration is checking to ensure sunglass lenses are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions or imperfections. A simple test for this is if you can see clearly without any curve or distortion when looking through them at a straight edge, such as a floor tile. Cheap lenses, he says, will have optical imperfections that make the lens less useful.

For more information, or to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

Sports Eye Safety

More than 40,000 people a year suffer eye injuries while playing sports.

For all age groups, sports-related eye injuries occur most frequently in baseball, basketball and racquet sports.

Almost all sports-related eye injuries can be prevented. Whatever your game, whatever your age, you need to protect your eyes!

Take the following steps to avoid sports eye injuries:

• Wear proper safety goggles (lensed polycarbonate protectors) for racquet sports or basketball.
• Use batting helmets with polycarbonate face shields for youth baseball.
• Use helmets and face shields approved by the U.S. Amateur Hockey Association when playing hockey.
• Know that regular glasses don’t provide enough protection.

  ~ Prevent Blindness America ~

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact:
Premier Eyecare, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun

What is UV?

UV stands for ultraviolet radiation (rays). UV rays are an invisible form of radiation that causes sunburn. Besides sunburn, UV rays can also damage your eyes and hurt your vision. There is a strong possibility that UV-related eye disorders will increase over the next decade. This is due to the thinning of the ozone layer and the growing popularity of outdoor activities.

Are there different types of UV rays?

There are two types of UV rays: UV-A and UV-B.

UV-A
UV-A rays can hurt your central vision. It can damage the part of the retina at the back of your eye called the macula.

UV-B
The front part of your eye (the cornea and lens) absorbs most UV-B rays, but these rays may cause even more damage to your eyes than UV-A rays.

What eye problems can I get from UV rays?

UV radiation may cause several different types of eye problems including:

Macular degeneration

Cataracts

Pterygium (a growth on the white of the eye that can eventually block vision)

Skin cancer around the eyelids

Photokeratitis (corneal sunburn)

Am I at risk from UV rays?

Yes, everyone (including children) is at risk for eye damage from UV radiation that can lead to vision loss. Any factor that increases the amount of time you spend in the sun will increase your risk. People who work or play in the sun for long periods of time are at the greatest risk.

What is my best defense against UV Rays?

Both a wide-brimmed hat or cap and UV absorbing eyewear will reduce the amount of UV you are exposed to. Your wide-brimmed hat or cap will block roughly 50% of UV rays. It will also reduce the UV radiation that can enter the eyes from above or around glasses. UV-absorbing eyewear provides the greatest measure of UV protection.

All types of eyewear, including prescription and non-prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and lens implants, should absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. Examine the labels carefully to make sure that the lenses absorb at least 99 to 100% of both types of rays. Avoid products with labels that do not state exactly how much UV the product blocks.
~ Prevent Blindness America ~

For more information, or to schedule an eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

Healthy Vision Month

Healthy Vision Month is designed to elevate vision as a health priority for the Nation. Millions of people living in the United States have undetected vision problems, eye diseases, and conditions. Please join us in educating people in your community about the importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams in maintaining eye health and preserving sight.

What is a comprehensive dilated eye exam?
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is a painless procedure in which an eye care professional examines your eyes to look for common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no early warning signs. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help you protect your sight and make sure that you are seeing your best.

What does a comprehensive dilated eye exam include?
A comprehensive eye examination includes:

Dilation: Drops are placed in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina to look for signs of damage and other eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration. A dilated eye exam also allows your doctor to check for damage to the optic nerve that occurs when a person has glaucoma. After the examination, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.

Tonometry: This test helps to detect glaucoma by measuring eye pressure. Your eye care professional may direct a quick puff of air onto the eye, or gently apply a pressure-sensitive tip near or against the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test. Elevated pressure is a possible sign of glaucoma.

Visual field test: This test measures your side (peripheral) vision. It helps your eye care professional find out if you have lost side vision, a sign of glaucoma.

Visual acuity test: This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.
~HealthyVision2010.org~

For more questions, or to schedule your comprehensive eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare, Julie Moore, O.D.
#405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

Your Eyes Are The Windows To Your Health

Schedule an eye exam today!

May is Healthy Vision Month – Focus on Eye Exams:

Millions of people in the United States have undetected vision problems and eye conditions. We need your help encouraging people in the community to schedule eye exams. Through a comprehensive dilated eye exam, eye care professionals can detect common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no have no early warning signs.

Join the National Eye Institute (NEI) this May during Healthy Vision Month to raise awareness about the importance of dilated eye exams.

Healthy Vision Month is an annual observance established by the NEI, one of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health, to keep vision a health priority for the Nation. Visit the Healthy Vision Month Website at http://www.healthyvision2010.org/hvm to find more information.
~ National Eye Institute ~

For more information, or to schedule an eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

Save Your Vision Month: Healthy Vision at the Computer

People who sit in front of a computer for long periods of time often encounter a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Headaches, neck strain, backaches and wrist pain are common, but, sadly, the most prevalent symptoms of prolonged computer use-eye strain, blurred vision and dry eye-are often overlooked. In fact, eye and vision problems are the most frequently reported health care problems among computer users.

Computer Vision Syndrome

These symptoms contribute to computer vision syndrome, which the American Optometric Association defines as “the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work that are experienced during or related to computer use.”

Sitting at a computer generally causes a person to look straight ahead for long stretches, work in a dry office or home environment, and to blink less often. These factors can lead to vision problems. Additionally, computer use requires specific vision skills, which add further demands to the visual system and contribute to eye and vision discomfort. These skills include:

• Ocular motility — the ability of the eyes to move in various positions.
• Accommodation — the ability of the eyes to focus clearly at various distances.
• Vergence — The ability to move the eyes in (convergence) or out (divergence).

Effects Of Working Environment:

Computer work places various demands on the visual system. Each of these factors can play a part in computer vision syndrome.

• Screen resolution — Better resolution offers greater clarity and usually leads to improved comfort. Adjust the resolution to the highest resolution your monitor will support. If the increased screen resolution makes items too small, try increasing the font size (DPI) to compensate.
• Screen contrast — Adjust the contrast between the characters on the monitor and the background so the letters are easily read. Adjust the brightness of the monitor to an intensity that is comfortable to your eyes–not too bright and not too dim. Adjust both brightness and contrast for the best clarity.
• Screen glare and reflections — Minimize reflected glare on your monitor by using window treatments, dimmer switches on lights and glare reduction filters. Look for glare reduction filters that have received the American Optometric Association Seal of Acceptance. Proper adjustment should eliminate any reflected images from the monitor screen. To reduce glare, eliminate bright light sources from your peripheral vision and position your monitor perpendicular to windows or other bright light sources.
• Image refresh rates and flicker — A higher refresh rate for your monitor is best. The image on the screen should not flicker at all. (This is not a concern with LCDs.)
• Working distances and angles — It is important to work at a distance that is comfortable for you and where the image on the screen is clear. Having to move your head to an awkward angle to see the screen clearly suggests that your prescription may need adjustment.
• General eyeglass prescription may not be adequate — Computers are usually further and higher than a typical reading task. Glasses for most people wearing bifocals are not adjusted for this new distance or angle and therefore often are not adequate for using the computer.
• Repetitive and stressful tasks — Difficult tasks are challenging. Don’t forget to take occasional breaks and let the eyes look far away while resting.

Tips For Healthy, Comfortable Vision At A Computer:

While decreasing time spent at a computer may not be an option, there are ways to maximize healthy vision for comfortable use of the computer.

• Have a regular comprehensive eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy and that you have the correct eyeglass or contact lens prescription (if necessary). Be certain to tell your optometrist about the computer work you do.
• Wear glasses that are specifically designed to function comfortably at the computer. The lenses you wear for day-to-day activities may not be the best for working at the computer.
  • Rest the eyes
  • Blink forcefully
  • Use a humidifier
  • Instill artificial tears

After you have had a comprehensive eye examination, there are a number of things that you can do to arrange and use the elements of your workstation to eliminate or minimize discomfort.

Workstation Setup for Comfortable Computer Use:

• Feet should be flat on the floor (or on a slightly angled foot rest) with knees bent close to or greater than 90 degrees.
• Chair seat should support the legs without excessive pressure on the back of the thighs.
• The back should be snug against the seat to fit your spinal contour. Thigh-to-trunk angle should be 90 degrees or greater.
• Wrists and hands should extend nearly straight from the elbow to the home row of the keyboard.
• A commonly preferred work surface height for keyboard use is about 26″ as opposed to the conventional 29″ of most tables or desks.
• Place the monitor 20″-26″ from your eyes, depending on the size of the monitor and individual vision conditions.
• The monitor and keyboard should be straight ahead.
• The top of the monitor should be slightly below horizontal eye level. Tilt the top of the monitor away from you at a 10 degree to 20 degree angle. The center of the monitor should be 10 degrees to 20 degrees below your eyes. This is 4?-9? below your eyes at a distance of 24″
• Keep the monitor free of fingerprints and dust. Both can reduce clarity.
• Place document holders close to the screen within the same viewing distance. Keep the keyboard and monitor in line.
• Adjust the keyboard tilt angle so that wrists are straight.

Healthy Computer Use:

Although the visual system faces considerable challenges when using a computer, most issues can be solved. Remember that problems with the use of the computer cause needless discomfort and may rob productivity. Heeding the suggestions made here along with those made by your doctor of optometry, will enable you to use your computer comfortably and productively. ~ American Optometric Association ~

For questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact:
Premier Eyecare, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

Optometrists are Changing Lives

Because optometrists are trained to recognize critical health issues, such as diabetes and hypertension, while examining the eye, having an eye exam can save your life as well as your vision.

• A farmer came in to have a piece of metal removed from his eye. While removing the object, the doctor recognized he had glaucoma. “This early detection may have saved his sight,” said Dr. Burton.

• A man in his 20s thought he needed eyeglasses because he had been having severe headaches and blurred vision. It turned out he had critically high blood pressure. “He didn’t need glasses; he needed to be hospitalized,” said Dr. Lee. “He was in kidney failure and was on dialysis within 2 days.”
• While performing an eye health exam, an optometrist recognized a condition that needed urgent evaluation and treatment by a neurologist on a priority basis. “She was diagnosed one week later with a brain tumor,” said Dr. Lewis. “Due to the timely referral, it was successfully treated.”

To schedule your annual eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

Children’s Vision

Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life … academically … socially … and athletically. High-quality eye care can break down these barriers and help enable your children to reach their highest potential.

Vision doesn’t just happen. A child’s brain learns how to use eyes to see, just like it learns how to use legs to walk or a mouth to form words. The longer a vision problem goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more a child’s brain learns to accommodate the vision problem.

That’s why a comprehensive eye examination is so important for children. Early detection and treatment provide the very best opportunity to correct vision problems, so your child can learn to see clearly.   Eighty percent of all learning is performed through vision. Make sure your child has the best possible tools to learn successfully.  ~ AOA ~

For questions, or to schedule your comprehensive eye exam, contact:
Premier Eyecare of Edmond, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

Sports & Vision

Do you wish you could cut a few strokes off your golf score? Does your child always seem to be just a few steps away from the soccer ball? Having trouble returning your tennis partner’s serve? Vision, just like speed and strength, is an important component in how well you play your sport.

And there is much more to vision than just seeing clearly. Your vision is composed of many interrelated skills that can affect how well you play your sport. However, just as exercise and practice can increase your speed and strength, it can also improve your visual fitness and accuracy.

Because all sports have different visual demands, an optometrist with expertise in sports vision can assess your unique visual system and recommend the proper eyeglasses or contact lenses, or design a vision therapy program to maximize your visual skills for your specific sport. Remember, a thorough eye examination by your doctor of optometry is a great place to begin “getting the winning edge.”

Eye protection should also be a major concern to all athletes, especially in certain high-risk sports. Thousands of children and adults suffer sports-related eye injuries each year, and nearly all can be prevented by using the proper protective eyewear. Especially for sports played outdoors, appropriate sunglasses are a must, and some sport-specific designs may even help you improve your game. Ask your optometrist which type is best suited for your favorite sport. ~ AOA~

For a comprehensive eye exam, or questions regarding your vision contact:
Premier Eyecare, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com

Protecting Your Eyes During Allergy Season

For some people, it seems like every season is allergy season. In the spring, it is the tree and flower pollen; with summer’s arrival the tree and flower pollen are joined by grass pollen; and in the fall it is weed pollen. The result? Red itchy eyes that also burn and sting. For some allergy sufferers in warmer parts of the country, these eye-aggravating allergies can be a bother for as many as 10 months out of the year.

How do I protect my eyes during allergy season?

Because seasonal allergies are most often caused by plant life that releases pollen into the air, they can be difficult to avoid. Nevertheless, there are some approaches that you can take to help lessen your allergy symptoms:

• Pay attention to the pollen reports. Your local weather channel or weather-related Internet site regularly gives the pollen counts for your area of the country. When pollen counts are high, restrict your outdoor activities when possible.
• Have someone else mow your grass when possible.
• Limit your exposure to wooded areas.
• Close your doors and windows and use your air conditioning during warmer months. However, because allergens are spread through the air, they can be circulated throughout the house through the air conditioning’s filter. If you have severe reactions to pollens, the use of air conditioning may not be wise if flare-ups are severe during this time.
• Consider purchasing a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. These filter systems are very effective at removing allergens from the air in your room or house.

Taking these preventive measures is often just the first step to controlling seasonal allergies. For many people, the next step is discussing with their doctor possible allergy drugs to help relieve their symptoms. There are many effective medications to help eliminate allergy symptoms, and by making a trip to the doctor for an eye allergy evaluation, he or she can prescribe the correct medication to help prevent irritation or itchiness from occurring.

Over-the-counter allergy drugs can also be purchased to help an eye allergy sufferer with mild symptoms. The medicine is usually less expensive than prescription medications and can clear up mild irritation. Eye drops are also available that can help wash out the eyes. The drops usually contain antihistamines and decongestants that help calm eye allergies.

Regardless of whether your medication is over-the-counter or prescribed, be sure to follow the directions exactly as stated by the label or by your doctor. If you have any questions about your medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.   ~ MedicineNet.com ~

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact:
Premier Eyecare, Julie Moore, O.D.
405.513.8150
http://www.okpremiereyecare.com