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Improve Your Hygiene, Learn How to Prevent Eye Infections

When your eye is exposed to harmful microorganisms – such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi – an infection can occur. Both portions of the eyeball and the surrounding tissues can become infected, including the eye’s front surface (cornea) and the moist membrane that lines the inner eyelids and outer eye (conjunctiva).

Eye infections can produce a wide range of symptoms, including redness, pain, swelling, light sensitivity, watering, dryness, itching, vision changes, and discharge. Additionally, while some infections are largely an annoyance, others can be dangerous and might lead to serious damage.

Luckily, it is possible to prevent many eye infections, including conjunctivitis (more commonly known as “pink eye”), ocular herpes, acanthamoeba keratitis, and more. Proper hygiene can be the key to avoiding many infections entirely. If you want to improve yours, here’s how to get started.

Wash Your Hands

Whether you’ve been near someone with an infection or have handled items that may be contaminated, hand washing is often your first line of defense. Some microorganisms can be easily transferred between people or off of objects, including shared items like doorknobs and shopping carts. By washing your hands, you can rid yourself of many of the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that could lead to an infection.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes

Often, to get an eye infection, a microorganism needs to get to your eye. By not touching your eyes unless absolutely necessary (and always washing your hands first) and avoiding excess rubbing, you can decrease your odds of getting an infection.

Don’t Share Cosmetics or Eye Drops

Anything that touches your eye area should not be shared. By not allowing others to use your cosmetics or eye drops and not using those that belong to other people, you can limit your risk of exposure.

Proper Wear and Clean Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can cause infections when not properly worn or cleaned. Make sure you wash your hands before handling your lenses. Additionally, always cleanse and replace your lenses and case according to our ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s instructions.

It’s also wise to avoid sleeping in your contacts whenever possible. Even lenses that are approved for overnight wear can increase your risk of infection, so remove them before sleeping every chance you get.

Clean Bedding, Towels, and Clothing

By cleaning any material that regularly contacts your face, you can remove microorganisms that could cause an infection. Additionally, if a family member has an eye infection, make sure they don’t share bedding, towels, or clothing with anyone else until the infection is gone to limit the chance of transfer.

By following the tips above, you can reduce your risk of acquiring an eye infection. If you are concerned you may have an eye infection or haven’t had your eyes checked recently, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our skilled ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work to ensure the eye health of all of our patients, including offering treatment options that can help you overcome an eye infection.

TALK WITH ONE OF OUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS TODAY!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .

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What an Astigmatism Is, and How You Can Treat It

Many people around the world have astigmatism. However, if you haven’t been diagnosed with it personally or were recently diagnosed, you may be somewhat unfamiliar with the term. As a result, you may be a bit nervous about what astigmatism may mean or could be fearful about how it relates to eye health.

It’s important to understand that astigmatism isn’t a disease. It also isn’t an eye health problem. Instead, it’s just an issue with how the eye focuses light. If you want to learn more about astigmatism, here’s what you need to know.

What Astigmatism Is

In the simplest terms, astigmatism is a refractive error. Irregularities in a cornea’s shape prevent light from focusing properly on the retina. In patients with astigmatism, the cornea usually has a shape that is similar to a football, instead of the normal round shape. This prevents the eye for focusing light rays into a single point, causing blurriness or visual distortions, negatively impacting a person’s eyesight, and potentially leading to other unpleasant symptoms, like headaches, eye strain, and eye irritation.

Astigmatism may be present at birth or can develop over time, not unlike nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). In fact, a person with astigmatism is usually nearsighted or farsighted, as well. However, it’s important to note that not all people with myopia or hyperopia have astigmatism.

In some cases, astigmatism may occur after an eye injury or be a side effect of eye surgery. At times, a fairly rare condition called keratoconus is responsible. With keratoconus, the cornea becomes thinner over time and develops into a cone-shape.

How You Can Treat Astigmatism

Astigmatism is both easy to detect and to treat. Your eye doctor can diagnose astigmatism during a simple eye exam, just as they do with myopia and hyperopia. The same instruments and techniques are used, and they allow your ophthalmologist or optometrist to calculate the amount of astigmatism you may have as well as its characteristics.

After diagnosing your astigmatism, your eye doctor can present corrective options. Usually, corrective lenses – such as glasses or contact lenses – can correct astigmatism. Orthokeratology, where a series of rigid contacts are used to reshape the cornea, may also be a viable solution. In some cases, refractive (laser) surgery can also be an option, though it is less commonly used.

Once you are diagnosed with astigmatism, you’ll need to keep your regular appointments with your eye doctor. Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism can fluctuate over time. As a result, you may need different corrective lenses to accommodate any changes, ensuring your vision can remain acute.

If you haven’t had your vision checked recently or believe you may have symptoms of astigmatism, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our experienced team works diligently to ensure your eye health, performing thorough exams, correcting vision issues, and providing a range of treatment options designed to meet the needs of our patients.

TALK WITH ONE OF OUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS TODAY!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .

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Macular Degeneration: How to Spot the Symptoms and How Your Eye Doctor Can Help

Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that can rob a person of their vision. Without intervention, the damage gets worse over time, stealing a person’s central vision as the condition worsens.

Since macular degeneration is serious, knowing how to spot the symptoms is beneficial. That way, if you notice any of the associated changes, you can seek help immediately. Additionally, your eye doctor can provide you with treatment options designed to combat macular degeneration. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms of macular degeneration and how your eye doctor can help.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

In most cases, the impact of macular degeneration is slow and painless. While the symptoms can vary from one person to the next, there are a few that are more common.

Having difficulty adapting to low light is a frequently observed symptom. It may manifest as needing brighter light to read or do close up work. Additionally, having trouble recognizing faces is a symptom of macular degeneration.

Haziness over a person’s central or overall vision is also characteristic of macular degeneration. Blurriness or a central vision blind spots are similarly symptoms, as well as straight lines appearing wavy.

In any case, symptoms may appear in one eye or both. It’s important to note that many people don’t notice the first signs of macular degeneration, especially if they only occur in one eye. When the condition isn’t in both eyes, the unaffected eye may work to compensate for the one with macular degeneration, effectively hiding the symptoms.

However, by maintaining your regular eye doctor appointments, your ophthalmologist or optometrist can look for early signs and perform diagnostic tests. That way, you are increasing the odds of the disease being detected early if you develop it.

Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration

There is no cure for macular degeneration, but treatments can potentially slow the progression of the disease and limit vision loss. Anti-angiogenic drugs – which are specific medications that are injected into the affected eye – can block the formation and leaking of abnormal blood vessels that are characteristic of wet macular degeneration. In some cases, laser surgery may be a viable option for treating abnormal blood vessels, as well.

For dry macular degeneration, there is no formal treatment. However, your eye doctor can recommend lifestyle changes, like certain vitamin supplements and healthy-habit formation, that may slow the condition, particularly if it is caught early.

Additionally, they may be able to assist you with low vision rehabilitation. Essentially, your eye doctor will help you find methods for adapting to your vision changes, helping to preserve your quality of life.

For those with severe dry macular degeneration, in rare cases, implanting a telescopic lens into one eye may be beneficial. It has a very narrow field of vision but may improve the quality of one’s eyesight. If you haven’t had your vision checked recently or are having macular degeneration symptoms, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our skilled team works diligently to ensure your eye health, performing thorough exams to look for various conditions, correcting a range of vision acuity issues, and providing treatment options that are designed to meet the needs of our patients.

TALK WITH ONE OF OUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS TODAY!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .

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Learn the Difference Between Seeing an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist

When you choose an eye care provider, you are trusting the health of your eyes and quality of your vision to that professional. Many patients mistakenly assume that optometrists and ophthalmologists are the same, particularly since both are doctors that focus on the eye.

However, optometrists and ophthalmologists are actually very different. Before you entrust your vision and eye health to a doctor, here’s what you need to know about the difference between seeing an optometrist and an ophthalmologist.

What is an Optometrist?

Optometrists are eye health specialists who have earned a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. They have specialized education and training that allow them to perform exams that can spot vision issues and a variety of eye health problems. However, an OD is not a medical doctor (MD), so they are governed by different rules regarding medical care.

An optometrist can prescribe corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, they are licensed to prescribe medications that can treat certain eye-related conditions or diseases.

However, precisely how much medical care an optometrist can provide is determined by state law, though it is almost never as comprehensive as you can receive from an MD. For example, optometrists are usually not licensed or trained to perform eye surgeries, though there are a few exceptions.

What is an Ophthalmologist?

Unlike an optometrist, an ophthalmologist is typically an MD. These professionals went to medical school, completed medical internships, residencies, and, possibly, fellowships, focusing their studies on the eye and surrounding areas.

Ophthalmologists are not only trained to perform vision exams, identify eye health issues, prescribe corrective lenses, and treat various eye conditions, they are also able to perform eye surgeries. Essentially, an ophthalmologist can offer complete eye care services beyond what an optometrist is allowed to provide. This can include providing surgical care for diagnoses like cataracts, glaucoma, strabismus and more. Additionally, they can prescribe medications for the treatment of more complicated conditions, such as diabetes, that is impacting vision quality or eye health.

Choosing Between an Optometrist and Ophthalmologist

While both an optometrist and an ophthalmologist can assist with vision correction and address a range of eye health concerns, ophthalmologists have additional knowledge and capabilities that allow them to offer complete eye care. By choosing an ophthalmologist, you can receive comprehensive care from a single doctor, limiting the need for referrals for treating certain eye health concerns or conditions.

Alternatively, by choosing a clinic that has optometrists and ophthalmologists on staff, you can get a similar result. You have access to all of the specialists you may need under a single roof, allowing you to see the ideal professional based on your needs at any given point in time.

If you are concerned about your vision or eye health or haven’t seen an eye care professional recently, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our experienced ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work diligently to keep our patients’ eyes in the best condition possible and to correct vision issues quickly and efficiently, ensuring their vision remains clear and their eyes stay healthy.

TALK WITH ONE OF OUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS TODAY!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .

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How to Properly Read Your Eyeglasses Prescription

When you read your eyeglasses prescription, all you may see is a series of strange numbers and letters. While it looks mysterious, each of those notations has a specific meaning. By understanding what your eyeglasses prescription says, you can learn more about the current state of your vision and the corrections your optometrist or ophthalmologist ordered. If you want to read yours properly, here’s what you need to know.

OS, OD, and OU

OS, OD, and OU are Latin abbreviations that identify which eye your doctor is referring to on the prescription. OS stands for oculus sinister, which means your left eye. OD is oculus dextrus, which refers to your right eye.

If you see OU, which stands for oculus uterque, that is a reference to both of your eyes. OU isn’t always present on an eyeglasses prescription, as not all patients have points that apply to both of their eyes.

Nearsightedness and Farsightedness

Near the OS and OD headings, you’ll usually see numbers and plus (+) or minus (-) signs. They may be in a column labeled “sphere” or “S.” These describe your prescription’s strength.

The number represents diopters (which may be abbreviated as “D”), a unit of measurement that correlates to the amount of correction that is necessary. 1.00 stands for one diopter. However, the correction can be measured in one-quarter diopters. For example, 1.25 is one and one-quarter diopters.

Typically, the further away from zero, the stronger the prescription. For example, 3.50 means that more correction is needed in comparison to a 2.25.

The plus and minus let you know if you are near or farsighted. When a plus sign is in front of the number, that means you are farsighted. In farsighted individuals, objects closer to your eyes are typically blurry, but further away objects are clear.

When there is a minus sign in front of the number, that means you are nearsighted. Typically, objects close to your eyes seem clear, and those that are far away appear blurry.

If your prescription reads -2.00, that means you are two diopters nearsighted. If your prescription said +3.50, you are three and a half diopters farsighted.

Astigmatism

If you have astigmatism – a condition that can be caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or a lens curvature – you may see some additional numbers. Usually, the numbers are written in an S x C x Axis format.

The S is the “spherical” part of the prescription, usually noting the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness as described above. The C, or “cylinder,” actually represents the astigmatism. It is also measured in diopters and can be positive or negative.

The Axis is a number that can be anywhere between 0 and 180 degrees. It describes how the astigmatism is oriented, noting the nature and direction of the curvature. This ensures that any astigmatism corrections in your glasses are positioned in the right way to make the needed correction.

If you have astigmatism, here is an example of what that prescription might look like for one eye:

-2.25 +1.00 x 45

That example means the patient has 2.25 diopters of nearsightedness, 1 diopter of astigmatism, and an axis of 45 degrees.

Add and Prism

Your glasses prescription may also have numbers in the “Add” and “Prism” columns, but they may not. “Add” is used when a patient needs multifocal lenses and notes how much power needs to be added to the lower portion of the lens. This allows the lower part to offer stronger magnification, making it easier for glasses wearers to read or do other up-close work.

The “Prism” section indicates prismatic power. If there are eye alignment issues, a prism may be used to correct the problem. It is measured in prism diopters (p.d.) and is commonly accompanied by a notation for the prisms position (or base) in the lens, such as up (BU), down (BD), toward the wearer’s nose (BI or base in), or toward the glasses wearer’s ear (BO or base-out).

After reviewing the information above, you should be able to understand your eyeglasses prescription. If you haven’t had your vision checked recently, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our skilled ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work diligently by performing thorough exams, allowing vision issues to be corrected and ensuring eye health.

TALK WITH ONE OF OUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS TODAY!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .

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Vision & Aging: What You Need to Know

As we age, our vision usually changes. Both eye disease and vision loss become more common as people get older, particularly once a person reaches their 60s and beyond.

Certain changes are normal and aren’t a signal of any kind of underlying disease. Others could be signs of more serious health problems. However, in both cases, if you don’t get your eyes checked regularly, your quality of life could diminish quickly.

Common Vision Changes as We Age

One of the most common forms of vision changes people experience is presbyopia. The lens of the eye starts to struggle to change shape, making it harder to focus on objects that are close to you. Often, people first notice these shifts in their vision when they are reading, as they have to hold the text further away to be able to focus.

In many cases, presbyopia is easy to correct with reading glasses, regular prescription glasses or contact lenses. Some other options, like corrective surgeries, can also restore visual acuity.

Cataracts are also increasingly common as a person ages. The formation of cataracts makes it hard to see clearly, but they can typically be removed with a simple and highly effective surgery.

Major Age-Related Eye Diseases

Certain vision changes are signs of a more serious condition. Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness among older members of the population. As the macula deteriorates, central vision starts to fade. Over time, reading, driving, recognizing faces, using a computer and a variety of other tasks become more challenging. However, when caught early, treatment can limit the damage caused by macular degeneration and may even restore some visual acuity.

For every decade after you reach 40, your risk of developing glaucoma increases. As the optic nerve is damaged, vision loss occurs. Over time, blindness is a possibility. Without regular eye exams, spotting glaucoma before permanent damage is done is nearly impossible. However, when detected early, treatments can prevent or slow vision loss.

If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness. High blood glucose levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, preventing proper blood flow. In some cases, new blood vessels develop in the wrong parts of the eye, causing vision loss. Once you have diabetic retinopathy, you need to work with a medical provider to ensure you get the proper treatments.

The best way to identify and manage age-related vision changes and eye conditions is to see your ophthalmologist or optometrist regularly. During an exam, they can look for signs of changes and discuss any vision-related concerns you may have, as well as develop treatment plans to preserve your vision. If you haven’t seen an eye doctor recently, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our experienced ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work diligently to maintain the health of the eyes of our patients and to correct vision issues in patients of all ages, ensuring their eyes remain healthy and they can see clearly.

Talk With One Of Our Eye Care Professionals Today!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .

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Shield Your Eyes: Why UV Sunglasses Are Important

Most people understand that exposure to ultraviolet light in the sun’s rays can lead to sunburns or cause skin cancer. However, not as many people realize that UV light can harm their eyes as well, potentially leading to some serious health problems.

By wearing sunglasses that offer UV protection, you can prevent at least some of these harmful rays from reaching your eyes. If you want to know more about why UV sunglasses are important, here’s what you need to know.

Eye Problems and UV Light

Exposure to UV rays from the sun has been linked to several eye-related issues. Cataracts, photokeratitis, macular degeneration, pterygia, and pinguecula have all been connected to UV exposure, either as a potential cause or as something that can accelerate the condition.

Additionally, uveal melanoma is the most common form of eye cancer and is strongly connected to exposure to UV rays. It isn’t unlike most melanomas that show up on the skin; it is just limited to the eye area.

Understanding UV Light

UV rays are part of the light spectrum, though these rays aren’t detectable by the naked eye. Also known as ultraviolet radiation, UV rays fall into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVC is potentially the most harmful form, but the atmosphere’s ozone layer blocks nearly all UVC rays. UVB does make it through the atmosphere to a degree, and the cornea can absorb 100 percent of these rays, potentially leading to photokeratitis, pinguecula, and pterygium.

UVA has the ability to pass through the cornea and reach the retina and lens. Overexposure has been linked to some forms of cataracts, and it may lead to the development of macular degeneration.

Why UV Sunglasses are Important

UV sunglasses are often the best form of protection against potentially harmful UV rays. The lenses can prevent the UV rays from making their way to your eyes, reducing your level of exposure dramatically when the sunglasses are worn.

If you want the best possible protection, look for sunglasses that block 100% of every type of UV ray. Additionally, opt for wraparound sunglasses, as they cover the eyes more completely.

Sunglass lenses don’t necessarily have to be dark to be effective against UV rays. Even lighter or less opaque lenses can perform well if they are treated with the right coatings.

Prescription and non-prescription sunglasses can be made with UV-blocking lenses. If you would like to learn more about UV sunglasses or want to have an eye exam to make sure your eyes are healthy, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our experienced ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work diligently to maintain the health of the eyes of our patients, including identifying eye problems that may be the result of overexposure to harmful UV light. Additionally, our optical shop can help you select lenses that will protect you from potentially damaging UV rays, ensuring your eyes are always protected.

Book An Appointment Today!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .

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What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Maintaining the health of your eyes is essential. Otherwise, a medical condition could cause irreparable damage, causing you to lose visual acuity or your ability to see.

If you suffer from diabetes, you could be at risk for diabetic retinopathy, a harmful condition that can rob you of your vision. Here’s what you need to know about this damaging eye disease.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy, in the simplest terms, is an eye disease that can occur in people who have diabetes and rob them of their vision. High blood sugar levels (blood glucose levels) can damage the blood vessels in the retina. Damaged blood vessels can lead to swelling and even leaking. In some cases, the blood vessels close, preventing blood from flowing properly in the eye. In both of those cases, your vision can be compromised, leading to diminished clarity or partial or full blindness.

At times, diabetic retinopathy can lead to the growth of new blood vessels on the retina. When this occurs, damage to your vision is possible, including falling acuity and even varying degrees of blindness.

Those in the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy may not know they have the condition. Often, the earliest symptoms can only be spotted during a thorough eye exam. However, noticeable symptoms do eventually occur, including blurriness, an increased number of floaters, vision changes, dark or black spots in the field of vision, declining night vision, and colors looking washed out or faded.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

First, your ophthalmologist will take a detailed medical history. As they proceed, they will ask you about any current medical conditions and whether you are experiencing any symptoms that could make you prone to diabetic retinopathy or indicate you may have the condition.

During an exam, the ophthalmologist uses drops to dilate your eyes, causing your pupils to widen. Then, they can examine your eye with a special lens, allowing them to look for signs of diabetic retinopathy.

In some cases, your ophthalmologist may perform a fluorescein angiography. A special dye is injected into a vein, typically in your arm. Then, once the dye reaches the blood vessels in your eye, images are captured with a special camera, letting your ophthalmologist to see any blockages, leaks, or abnormal blood vessel growth.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an alternative approach for closely examining the retina. A specialized machine scans the eye, providing highly detailed images that can help your ophthalmologist spot signs of diabetic retinopathy.

How is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated?

If your ophthalmologist diagnoses you with diabetic retinopathy, they may recommend certain treatments based on how the condition presents in your eyes. Typically, they will discuss blood sugar control options that can help slow the condition or even restore some of your vision.

They may also recommend an anti-VEGF medication, a prescription designed the limit swelling in the macula of the eye and potentially stop or reverse vision loss, or steroids, which also reduce inflammation. These medications are administered by a medical professional as it has to be given as an injection in the eye.

Laser surgery is another potential treatment. The lasers can seal leaking blood vessels and reduce swelling. They can also shrink intrusive blood vessels and potentially prevent them from recurring.

In more advanced cases, vitrectomy – a surgical procedure that removes blood from leaking vessels and vitreous gel toward the back of the eye – allows light to properly pass through the retina. This can help improve your vision and slow the progression of the condition.

If you are concerned about the health of your eyes or have not had a recent checkup, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA location today. Our skilled ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work diligently to maintain the health of your eyes and to correct vision issues, ensuring your eyes remain in the best shape possible and you can see clearly.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .

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The Telltale Signs Your Child Needs Glasses

Vision issues in children can be detrimental. Not being able to see clearly can cause a child to struggle in school or have problems reading and identifying objects. In some cases, it can even impact their safety, as not being able to see properly could cause them to miss potential hazards.

Detecting vision issues in children can be tricky for parents. Often, a child isn’t fully aware of changes in their ability to see, so they may not be able to tell you they are having problems seeing.

However, there are signs your child may need glasses. If you want to monitor the quality of your child’s eyesight, here are some signals they might need corrective lenses.

Squinting

If your child is having trouble focusing their eyes, they may start to squint. Squinting can limit the effects of a refractive error temporarily, so they may start doing it if their vision isn’t clear.

Head Tilting

Head tilting is an attempt to overcome a vision issue by changing the angle. If your child tilts their head when examining an object, they may have declining visual acuity.

Covering One Eye

Children that start covering one eye when they have clarity issues could be suffering from a range of vision conditions. Along with a decline in clarity, there could be an alignment issue, such as amblyopia (lazy eye).

Being Too Close to Screens and Books

When a child starts sitting closer to the television, brings digital devices nearer to their face, or practically buries their nose in a book, that is often a sign of declining visual acuity. If your child is nearsighted, being closer to the object increases clarity, making it easier to see.

Excessive Eye Rubbing

If your child starts rubbing their eyes frequently, they could be suffering from eye strain, a common symptom of vision changes. However, since it could also indicate other conditions, like conjunctivitis or allergies, it is best to see a medical professional to determine whether they need glasses or another form of treatment.

Headaches and Eye Pain

Children who struggle with eye pain or headaches near the end of the day could be overexerting their eyes in an attempt to compensate for poor vision. Since their eyes get to rest when they are sleeping, they may wake up feeling fine, only to experience the pain after they have spent some time trying to focus during the day.

Issues at School

If your child’s performance suddenly drops, they may be having vision trouble, causing them to struggle to read the board, books, assignments, or computer screens.

All the signs above could indicate that your child is struggling with declining vision and may need glasses. If you are concerned about your child’s eyesight, schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our experienced ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work diligently to maintain the health of the eyes of our patients and to correct vision issues in patients of all ages, ensuring their eyes remain healthy and they can see clearly.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .

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How do Blood Sugar Levels Affect Eyesight?

High blood sugar levels have a significant effect on eyesight, causing various conditions like blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. What are these conditions and how to they result from high blood sugar levels? We’re going to talk about each one, their cause, and any treatment methods available.

Blurred Vision

When someone experiences blurred vision, it doesn’t necessarily warrant an eye exam, or a new lens prescription. High blood sugar levels cause swelling in the lens of the eye, temporarily causing changes in vision. The common remedy to this condition is simply getting blood sugar levels back into a target range. Before meals, this range is between 70-130 mg/dL. After meals, the target range is 180 mg/dL. Eyesight should return to normal within three months of regulated blood sugar levels.

Cataracts

Normally associated with aging, cataracts are a common condition among all populations. They are a result of proteins in the lens of the eye becoming clumped together, forming a cloudy area of the lens. Cataracts may present as blurred vision or even vision that takes on a brownish tint. People who live with diabetes are more likely to get cataracts earlier in life, and the progression of the condition is much faster. The only treatment of cataracts involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one.

Glaucoma

When fluid cannot properly drain from the eye, pressure increases. That pressure has the ability to damage nerves and blood vessels, which ultimately changes a person’s vision. The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, which can be treated with medicines that specifically target the drainage of the eye. They speed up the drainage, lower the pressure within the eye, and reduce the liquid that the eye makes. Routine eye exams will allow your doctor to identify glaucoma, likely before a person feels the first symptoms or has major vision loss.

Other forms of glaucoma present with symptoms like headaches, eye pain, blurry vision, watery eyes, and vision loss. Treatments for these forms of glaucoma are medicine, eye drops, surgery, and laser treatments.

With regard to diabetes, those who have issues with high blood sugar levels are also at an increased risk of getting a condition called neovascular glaucoma. This condition causes new blood vessels to grow on the iris of the eye, blocking the natural flow of fluid and increasing eye pressure. It may require laser surgery or implants that aid in fluid drainage.

Diabetic Retinopathy

The back of the eye contains a group of cells that process light, called the retina. The retina turns that light into images that the optic nerve can send to the brain. When small blood vessels in the retina become damaged from high blood sugar levels, a condition called diabetic retinopathy occurs. Without early treatment, a patient risks blindness. As long as the patient effectively manages thier diabetes, the chances of experiencing diabetic retinopathy remain low.

If someone has a diagnosis of eye issues that are related to diabetes, the best thing they can do is take preventative measures to ensure their vision doesn’t worsen. Focusing on regulating blood sugar levels aids in preventing new problems while also slowing the progression of issues they currently experience. People with diabetes should also consider keeping a regular schedule for eye exams to monitor any vision complications.

Book an Appointment Today!

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of the Ophthalmologists at Eye Care and Vision Associates please call 716.631-EYES (3937) or visit www.ecvaeyecare.com .