Eye Associates, Author at Boise Lasik

Do You Have Dry Eye Syndrome?

October 15, 2016Eye Associates Blog Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome (or simply dry eye) is caused when the surface of your eye is not sufficiently lubricated or when your tears are inconsistent and evaporate too quickly. You may also experience inflammation on the surface of your eye which, if left untreated, can cause pain, ulcers, corneal scars and vision problems.

What Causes Dry Eye?
There are several things that can cause dry eye, including:

Certain medications. Nasal decongestants, antihistamines, blood pressure medication, and anti-depressants are among the medications that contribute to dry eye.
Pregnancy. Dry eye is prevalent in pregnant women due to hormonal changes, particularly a drop in male hormones.
LASIK surgery patients. Dry eye can occur after you’ve had refractive surgery, and it can last anywhere from three to six months, or sometimes longer.
Vitamin deficiency. Vitamins are responsible for helping to make tears, so a lack of vitamins can increase the risk of dry eye, especially when it comes to vitamin A, folate and vitamin B-6.
Hormone replacement therapy. Women on HRT are more likely to have dry eye symptoms, more so in women who are taking estrogen only versus those who are taking both estrogen and progesterone.
Staring at a computer screen. Computer use can cause dry eye because you’re likely to blink less when looking at your screen for long periods of time.
Conjunctiva inflammation. When the membrane that lines your eyelid and covers part of your eye (called the conjunctiva) becomes inflamed, it’s called conjunctivitis, and dry eye is a symptom of this condition.

What You Can Do
To combat dry eye, consider the following treatments:

Over-the-counter artificial tears, gels or ointments
Eyewear that wraps around the face or with side shields
Humidifier to add moisture to the air
Air purifier to filter out dust and particles

If your dry eye is severe, it’s best to visit your eye doctor. He or she may prescribe eye medication or outpatient treatment to help your eyes produce more tears.
To learn more about detecting and treating dry eye or for questions regarding our services, contact our office or call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Facts about Eye Floaters

September 15, 2016Eye Associates Blog Eye Conditions

Do you see dark, shadowy specks or “cobwebs” floating in your field of vision? Perhaps they look like tiny threads or jagged lines. Then once you try to look directly at them they disappear. These are called eye floaters, a condition that becomes more prominent when you look at something bright like a blue sky or a white wall. While annoying, eye floaters are not something that directly interferes with your sight and rarely requires any kind of treatment.

What Causes Eye Floaters?
A large part of your eye is filled with a gel-like material called the vitreous which helps maintain your eye’s round shape. Floaters appear when the vitreous gradually shrinks, becoming little shreds that cast tiny shadows on your retina. Floaters usually occur as you age, generally between ages 50 to 75, and they tend to be more prevalent if you are nearsighted, have diabetes, or have had cataract surgery. Floaters don’t go away completely, but over time they are inclined to settle at the bottom of your eye below your line of sight and become less bothersome.

How Are They Treated?
If eye floaters don’t bother you, don’t worry about seeking treatment. A good way to get rid of them is to move your eyes up and down to shift your eye fluid around. But if you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to visit your doctor.

Floaters that get thicker
Floaters that appear in large numbers
Sudden flashes of light
Changes in floaters that appear quickly and get worse with time
Floaters that appear after eye surgery or eye trauma
Loss of peripheral vision
Eye pain

If you experience any of the above, your eye doctor may recommend a vitrectomy, eye surgery that removes the vitreous gel and the floating debris from your eye, replacing it with a salt solution. Surgery to treat eye floaters is usually only performed when the floaters seriously impede your vision.

To learn more about detecting and treating eye floaters, or for questions regarding our services, contact our office or call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell. We look forward to hearing from you!

Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

August 15, 2016Eye Associates Blog Eye Health

Good eyesight is crucial to us for so many reasons. It allows for improved learning and comprehension, and it contributes to our overall quality of life. That’s why taking good care of your eyes should be a high priority. Here are some ways to do just that:

Eat Right
Good eye health begins with what you eat. To protect your eyes for the long-term, it’s important to consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zinc. And research suggests that vitamins C and E may help prevent eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. Consume green, leafy vegetables, as well as salmon, tuna, and halibut for improved vision. It’s also beneficial to take in citrus fruits or juices, as well as eggs, nuts, and beans.
Wear Proper Eyewear
Protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Too much exposure to these harmful rays can lead to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. And choosing eyewear with polarized lenses is an excellent way to reduce glare.
Kick the Habit
If you smoke, you’re putting yourself at greater risk for optic nerve damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Talk to your doctor about a smoking cessation program. Your eyes (and body) will thank you for it.
Limit Screen Time
In a world where much of what we do involves staring at a computer screen, it can be challenging to step away. But too much screen time causes eye strain, blurriness, difficulty focusing far away, dry eye, headaches, and neck and back pain. Get into the habit of resting your eyes every 20 minutes by looking away at a 20-foot distance for 20 seconds. And take regular breaks when possible to walk around and recharge.
Protect Your Eyes
If you work in an environment with airborne, hazardous materials, wearing safety glasses or protective eyewear is essential. And eye protection is also important when playing sports to avoid eye injury.

To learn more about proper eye care, or for questions regarding our services, contact our office or call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell. We look forward to hearing from you!