Update on recent macular degeneration news.
Another reason to eat more fish is the lower risk of macular degeneration in women. A recent health study from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital shows that women who consume the most DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish) had a 38% lower risk of developing AMD than those who consumed the lowest amount of DHA. Similar results were found with EPA, another omega-3 fatty acid.
Having one or more servings of fish per week produced a 42% lower risk of AMD(Age-related Macular Degeneration), compared to less than one serving per month. Salmon, mackerel, herring, or tuna were the primary types of fish that produced this lower risk.
Macular Degeneration Rates Falling in the U.S.
16 years ago, it was estimated 9.4% of U.S. adults age 40 and older had age-related macular degeneration. Now, the estimate is 6.5%.
Researchers speculate that improvements in diet, exercise and blood pressure, as well as a less prevalence in smoking, may account for the change. Education of family history may be leading the population to take part in preventative maintenance for higher risk groups.
To check if you're at risk, see your eye doctor for regular exams.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Eye Allergy Season is on the Way - Are You Prepared?
If you are experiencing red eyes, itchy eyes or watery eyes it could be due to pollen-induced eye allergies. For some, spring time is pollen season, marking the onset of uncomfortable symptoms such as red eyes, itchy eyes, stinging, burning and watery eyes. Seasonal eye allergies are often a result of an influx of pollen from trees and flowers into the air and can greatly inhibit quality of life for those that suffer from them.
How can you defend your eyes during pollen season? Well the most obvious answer would be to reduce contact with pollen which means staying indoors, in particular on days with a high pollen count. Keeping windows closed, cooling off with air conditioners and wearing wrap-around sunglasses when going outside can also help to protect your eyes from allergens in the atmosphere. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter can be used filter particles from the air inside your home or office.
Nevertheless, for the majority of us that can't stay indoors the entire spring season, certain medications can alleviate symptoms such as red eyes, watery eyes or itchy eyes. Often times a simple over-the-counter eye drop is enough to moisturize and alleviate itchy eyes or red eyes and flush out allergens. Medications containing antihistamines, decongestants or mast cell stabilizers are made to allay redness and swelling of the eyes and treat other symptoms such as congestion and sneezing. Eye drops often work better than pills or liquid medications to alleviate eye symptoms.
Individuals that wear contacts often have worse symptoms as a result of eye allergy season since irritants are more likely to stick to the surface of the lens, causing inflammation. This is compounded when oral antihistamines are taken which have a drying effect on the eyes. Contact lens wearers should make sure to keep their eyes lubricated and replace lenses on time. Many optometrists recommend switching to daily disposable contacts, because changing your contact lenses each day reduces the chances of buildup and irritation.
Most importantly, don't rub red, itchy eyes. Doing so can only exacerbate the inflammation. Due to the fact that some of the effective medications do require a prescription, if over-the-counter medications are not working for you, see your eye doctor.
How can you defend your eyes during pollen season? Well the most obvious answer would be to reduce contact with pollen which means staying indoors, in particular on days with a high pollen count. Keeping windows closed, cooling off with air conditioners and wearing wrap-around sunglasses when going outside can also help to protect your eyes from allergens in the atmosphere. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter can be used filter particles from the air inside your home or office.
Nevertheless, for the majority of us that can't stay indoors the entire spring season, certain medications can alleviate symptoms such as red eyes, watery eyes or itchy eyes. Often times a simple over-the-counter eye drop is enough to moisturize and alleviate itchy eyes or red eyes and flush out allergens. Medications containing antihistamines, decongestants or mast cell stabilizers are made to allay redness and swelling of the eyes and treat other symptoms such as congestion and sneezing. Eye drops often work better than pills or liquid medications to alleviate eye symptoms.
Individuals that wear contacts often have worse symptoms as a result of eye allergy season since irritants are more likely to stick to the surface of the lens, causing inflammation. This is compounded when oral antihistamines are taken which have a drying effect on the eyes. Contact lens wearers should make sure to keep their eyes lubricated and replace lenses on time. Many optometrists recommend switching to daily disposable contacts, because changing your contact lenses each day reduces the chances of buildup and irritation.
Most importantly, don't rub red, itchy eyes. Doing so can only exacerbate the inflammation. Due to the fact that some of the effective medications do require a prescription, if over-the-counter medications are not working for you, see your eye doctor.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Is it Smart to Purchase Glasses Online?
Though many people have become accustomed to shopping for anything and everything through the Internet, eyeglasses are a product that you are better off buying in person. Why? Although web-based optical dealers often offer reduced rates, the benefits of choosing an optical store far outweigh the ''deals'' you might find online.
One of the best reasons for buying your eyeglasses at an eye wear store rather than online is that you have a qualified optician to help you select the proper glasses. Our opticians can advise you in the numerous variables you need to consider in selecting a eyeglasses. In instances where you order through the Internet, you forgo the experienced advice of a professional optician.
As your head shape and eye shape are unique, it is hard to identify properly fitted eyeglasses without trying them on. An optician will consider your measurements and choose a pair of glasses that are a good fit and won't hinder your comfort. Glasses that are not wide enough can cause pressure and headaches, while those that are too wide can slip off the bridge of your nose. Online eye wear boutiques may give suggestions, still this can't replace expert consultation.
Even more than the comfort and alignment of your eyeglasses, good vision demands correct PD measurement. The optical center of your lenses provides you the clearest vision, making it crucial to properly measure the pupillary distance, or PD. It can be complicated to assess your PD by yourself, but without this measurement, your lenses won't be positioned properly within the frames.
Yes, Internet shopping is often good for other products, but in the case of eyeglasses your best bet is sticking to your local vision center where you can get glasses that are most appropriate for you and your lifestyle.
One of the best reasons for buying your eyeglasses at an eye wear store rather than online is that you have a qualified optician to help you select the proper glasses. Our opticians can advise you in the numerous variables you need to consider in selecting a eyeglasses. In instances where you order through the Internet, you forgo the experienced advice of a professional optician.
As your head shape and eye shape are unique, it is hard to identify properly fitted eyeglasses without trying them on. An optician will consider your measurements and choose a pair of glasses that are a good fit and won't hinder your comfort. Glasses that are not wide enough can cause pressure and headaches, while those that are too wide can slip off the bridge of your nose. Online eye wear boutiques may give suggestions, still this can't replace expert consultation.
Even more than the comfort and alignment of your eyeglasses, good vision demands correct PD measurement. The optical center of your lenses provides you the clearest vision, making it crucial to properly measure the pupillary distance, or PD. It can be complicated to assess your PD by yourself, but without this measurement, your lenses won't be positioned properly within the frames.
Yes, Internet shopping is often good for other products, but in the case of eyeglasses your best bet is sticking to your local vision center where you can get glasses that are most appropriate for you and your lifestyle.
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