Blog Archives | Page 6 of 9

Protecting Your Eyes During the Springs Months

March 15, 2017Eye Associates Blog Eye Allegry

Spring is upon us, which means it’s about time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. But for some, spring also means the onset of allergies and other things that can bother your eyes. Here’s a list of common tips to care for your eyes in the springtime.

Wear the Right Eyewear
If you spend a lot of time around water, polarized lenses can help reduce the intense reflection of the sun against water, cars and even cement. Look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of the sun’s harmful rays. And remember: the sun can damage your eyes year-round if you’re not careful, not just when the temperatures get warmer.

Protect Your Eyes During Sports
Outdoor sports are a natural part of the warmer weather, the most common being baseball, tennis, golf, and soccer. And with outdoor sports comes the increased risk of an eye injury. If you play outdoor sports, be sure to wear proper eye protection to avoid an eye injury.

Pinpoint Allergies
If you have red, teary and itchy eyes, it could be because of spring eye allergies, but it’s also possible that it could be due to something more serious like an eye infection, inflammation or dry eye syndrome. Talk to your doctor to determine the cause of your irritated eyes.

Cover Up
For those lazy days at the beach or the pool, of if you’re in the sun for a long period, wear sunscreen and also a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.

Want to learn more about keeping your eyes safe and healthy during the springtime?
Contact our office or call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell. We look forward to hearing from you!

How Your Diet Affects Macular Degeneration

February 15, 2017Eye Associates Blog Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused when the macula of your eye breaks down, causing central vision loss. The leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, AMD can occur gradually or all at once. But you may be surprised to learn that your nutrition can help prevent macular degeneration, or at least delay the progression of blindness.  Here’s what to look for:

Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps promote healthy of blood vessels in the eye. To get a large dose of vitamin C, incorporate foods into your diet such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, kidney beans tomatoes, snow peas, summer squash, cauliflower, cabbage, cantaloupe, and green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussel sprouts.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E reduces the progression of AMD, as well as cataract formation. Your body doesn’t create sufficient vitamin E naturally, so it’s important to up your intake for good eye health by eating foods rich in this vitamin. These include almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, spinach, avocados, turnip greens, beets and mango.

Vitamin B
B vitamins may help reduce the risk of developing AMD by helping to lower blood levels of an amino acid called homocysteine, which can damage your eye. Foods rich in vitamin B include bananas, white and sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, bell peppers, pistachios, chickpeas, pinto beans, tuna, salmon, pork tenderloin, and skinless chicken and turkey.

Zinc
Your retina contains zinc, which helps your enzymes function properly and contribute to good eye health. People with AMD have much lower zinc levels, so eating foods that contain zinc is a good way to prevent and prevent AMD. Look for foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, low-fat yogurt, clams, lentils, black-eyed peas, wheat germ, soy beans, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds and pecans.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies indicate that omega-3 fats may reduce the risk of developing AMD. The best foods for omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, rainbow trout, oysters, mackerel, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.

Are You Interested in Learning More About Age-related Macular Degeneration?
Contact our office or call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell. We look forward to hearing from you!

Do You Have Pinkeye?

January 30, 2017Eye Associates Blog Eye Conditions

Pinkeye (officially known as conjunctivitis) is a highly contagious and common condition where the membrane that lines the white of your eyes and eyelids becomes inflamed. Viral and bacterial infections are often the culprits for pinkeye, which typically resolves itself within a few days without any required treatment. If you suspect you have pinkeye, it’s important to go to the doctor just in case. Here are some warning signs that you may have pinkeye:

Eye redness is usually the first noticeable symptom on pinkeye. It can occur in different areas in the eye and in varying degrees. Typically, however, the redness occurs in the white of the eyes and the inner eyelids.
Pinkeye can manifest itself when you have a hot, burning sensation in your eyes. It is typically coupled with other symptoms, however. So if your eyes are burning from something as simple as smoke in the air without any other symptoms, it may not be pink eye. See your eye doctor is this burning sensation doesn’t go away after a few days, as it could be an indicator of something else.
Itchy eyes.The level of itchiness in the eyes varies from person to person. One thing is sure, however, if itchiness is persistent with no relief in sight, you might have pink eye.
Watery eyes.If your eyes just can’t stop watering, it could be your body’s way of trying to get rid of an eye infection naturally. In addition to tearing, you may see a thicker substance draining from your eyes.
Blurred vision.Trouble seeing clearly isn’t a primary symptom of pink eye, but it can happen.
Infection or cold.Bacteria and viruses can cause pink eye, which can be accompanied by symptoms found with a cold or allergies like sneezing or a scratchy throat, or by a respiratory infection.
Red bumps.Pink eye can make your eyes swell, and sometimes bumps can form under your eyelids. This may be more apparent if you wear contact lenses. If you’re suffering from pinkeye, refrain from wearing your contacts and wear eyeglasses instead until the infection goes away.
Swollen lymph nodes.When your lymph nodes are enlarges, it can be a sign that your body is combating infection, and that infection could be pink eye.
A crust may form in the eye as a result of pinkeye, often overnight after you’ve been sleeping.

To reduce your risk of getting pink eye, wash your hands regularly to avoid infection, never share eye makeup or contact lens equipment with others, regularly replace your hand towels and wash cloths, and wear eye protection on windy, hot or cold days to prevent against eye irritation.

Are You Interested in Learning More About Causes and Treatment of Pinkeye?
Contact our officeor call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell. We look forward to hearing from you!