Eye Health

We here at The Eye Associates know how you feel: summer is finally here and we can play outside! But before you head down the river, or pack up for a long camping trip in the mountains, take a moment to think about bringing along some eye protection.

After all, did you know that the American Academy of Ophthalmology links extended UV radiation and exposure to elements like wind and dust to eye issues like pinguecula and pterygium? Pinguecula (a yellow spot on your eye formed from calcium, protein, or fat) and Pterygium (a growth of fleshy tissue) may start out benign, but can impact vision and signal damage to the eye that we want to avoid.

Keep reading for the best ways to keep your eyes safe this summer!

Understand the Risk of UV Radiation

On any given day, your exposure to UV radiation may vary wildly. Depending on numerous factors like elevation, time of day, and proximity to water, you may be putting unnecessary strain on your eyes. UV rays are stronger the higher you go up into the mountains, during the hottest part of the day, and the closer you are to rivers, lakes, and even snow. Don’t underestimate the power of UV radiation, as it can still affect you on a cloudy day.

Invest in Quality Eye Protection

Know the difference between free sunglasses from the fair, and quality sunglasses that will protect your eyes. One great way of knowing the difference is a little sticker that says: “100% UV Protection.” When it comes to quality eye-protection, we always assume there’s some risk of UV radiation and pack accordingly. We keep a pair of sunglasses in our cars, in our boats, and even in our gear bags for when we’re going outdoors.

Keeping your eyes protected from damaging UV rays is important all year round, but many of us spend more time outside in the summer than other parts of the year. If you’re interested in a consultation with The Eye Associates, give us a call at 208-342-5151 for our Meridian location, or 208-459-0717 for our Caldwell location.

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In addition to regular eye check ups, there are specific steps you can take every day to help guard your eyes against disease and keep them healthy. A proper diet, not smoking, proper eye care, and limiting computer time are all ways you can keep your eyes in check.

1. Eating well: Start they day off by not only nourishing your body, but helping your eyes as well. Fill your plate with nutrients like lutein, zinc, vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids. When you visit the grocery store, look for the following foods: salmon, tuna, citrus fruits, oysters, pork, eggs, nuts, beans, kale, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables.
2. Stop smoking: Smoking makes you more susceptible to developing cataracts, hurting your optic nerve, and macular degeneration. If you’ve already attempted to quit smoking, try again! Ask your doctor for help and the best resources to help you put a halt to this unhealthy habit. You can do it!
3. Wear your sunglasses: Whenever you leave the house, grab your sunglasses. The correct pair of sunglasses can help shield your eyes from harmful ultra violet (UV) rays. If you go overboard on the UV exposure, you will increase your chance of getting cataracts or macular degeneration.
4. Use eyewear protection: If you have an occupation that exposes you to hazardous materials or airborne objects, protective goggles or safety glasses are a must. If you play sports like ice hockey and racquetball be sure you have the right protective eye wear as well.
5. Take a rest from the computer: With technological advancements, U.S. adults (and kids) spend an increasing amount of time in front of screens. Staring at the computer for too long can contribute to eyestrain, blurred vision, headaches, dry eyes, neck pain, and shoulder pain. To protect your eyes try looking away from the screen every now and then and blink a few times. Also, try using an anti-glare screen.

Arrange a consultation

Remember, one of the best ways to maintain eye health is to schedule regular eye exams. Call now to schedule your next appointment with The Eye Associates. You can contact our office at (Meridian) 208-342-5151 or (Caldwell) 208-459-0717.

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We like to be clean. The value of cleanliness and hygiene was taught to us from the time we were children. Remember learning to brush your teeth, and how encouraging it was to get gold stars from your parents, or a small treasure from the dentist? By adulthood, the idea of hygiene is so ingrained that we rarely think about it. The problem is, what we learned in childhood – brush and floss and wash our hands – falls a little short. There is such a thing as hygiene for the eyes, and it is something we all want to know.

It is commonly known that the eyes – the ocular structure that allows us to see – are pretty complex. As small as they are, the eyes have numerous parts, and they all need to work together with the brain. When we think of the eyelids, this knowledge of complexity goes right out the window. Eyelids are just the skin that covers the eyes, right? Not really.

There are two types of skin on the eyelids. That alone is rather impressive, but there’s more. The eyelids are also where eyelashes sit, and that means relatively good-sized hair follicles right along the margin of the lid. Finally, it is on the eyelids where glands produce the fluids that keep the eyes moist and clean. Part of the fluid that is secreted by these glands is oil. These factors create prime conditions for bacteria. The eyelashes trap bacteria that may spread from the hands to the eyes, then these microorganisms stick in the oil that is present around the lashes. When this happens, inflammation is likely to follow.

Inflammation at the lid-margin is referred to as blepharitis. This may not be a full-blown infection like conjunctivitis, or pink eye, but it is uncomfortable and frustrating nonetheless. Some people experience such intense symptoms that they require treatment to “shake off” the bacteria-laden crust that has encapsulated the base of the eyelashes. You may not need to go this far.

Eyelid hygiene is not something that should begin after the eyes have become red and gritty, it can begin today. If it does, it may keep you from the pain of blepharitis. To clean the eyelids, apply a warm, moist cloth over the eyes for a few minutes. This loosens hair follicles and softens oil that may have dried around them. Then, a very gentle motion of the eyes can be made to remove the loosened matter from the eyelid. Baby soap may also be used to periodically clean the eyes, as this does not irritate.

There are several ways to pamper the eyes; routine cleansing is one. For personal eye care from our friendly team, call our Meridian or Caldwell office.

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