How to Choose the Right Eye Care Specialist

 By Kristen Mozayeni  |  

 

    

 

What type of eye care specialist are you looking for?

Are you considering LASIK? If so, you want to look for a specialist who is an Ophthalmologist and specializes in LASIK eye surgery. While not all Ophthalmologists are LASIK surgeons, all LASIK surgeons are Ophthalmologists. Factors you should consider when looking for a LASIK consultation include:

1. Visit your eye doctor for a complete consultation to find out if you are an ideal LASIK candidate.
2. Ensure you do not fall for a "bait and switch" tactic that offers a LASIK eye surgery "discount."

These are more than likely full of hidden fees and substandard safety procedures.

Due to the price of LASIK eye surgery, people can succumb to tempting "discounts." These offers are usually too good to be true and can include hidden fees that end up costing you as much, if not more, than the actual surgery price. Furthermore, "discount" laser vision correction runs the risk of being less safe than practices that are upfront with costs.

Does your first eye care specialist choice use safe, up-to-date technology?

Ensure your doctor uses the lastest, FDA-approved technology. Quality eye care specialists will examine your eyes with state-of-the-art equipment that provides a wealth of ocular information. For instance, the Pentacam mapping system thoroughly examines your corneal structure in several ways so your doctor can determine if you are a good LASIK candidate. When choosing a specialist, keep updated technology in mind. Research the standard eye examination equipment they use to see if it will provide you with a safe and in-depth assessment. In addition, visit an eye care doctor who will discuss their findings with you in detail.

Are you diabetic and looking for an eye doctor to manage your vision needs?
If you or a family member have diabetes, visit either an Optometrist or an Ophthalmologist for complete eye care. Select a well-trained eye care specialist who has specific experience in diabetic eye care.

Have you been diagnosed with Keratoconus?

Keratoconus patients should find someone who is an Ophthalmologist actively following current FDA studies on corneal cross-linking, a less invasive, future Keratoconus treatment. In all likelihood, these will be cornea specialists, as Keratoconus is a corneal disease.

Whether you're looking to undergo vision correction surgery, are searching for a reputable specialist for general eye care needs or are looking to handle a disease that affects your eye health, always watch for the following:

• Verify the doctors credentials
• Ask your friends and family
• Read online reviews
• Verify pricing and make sure you understand it.

Above all else, the most important thing to do is find a reputable, certified specialist who meets your unique patient needs. In doing this, you and your family will be well on your way to receiving top shelf eye care from a caring office.

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Is Lasik Eye Surgery Safe For Kids? 

By Dawn Bradshaw  

The topic of Lasik eye surgery and its effectiveness in vision correction for children is a highly debated one. According to the FDA, Lasik should be performed only on people above 18 years of age. The other criteria for performing Lasik is that, the vision condition of the patient should be stable for the past year, which is often difficult for children that are having issues with their vision. Because of this, Lasik surgery is normally not recommended for kids.

What does the medical community say?
Lasik surgery can offer superb results in correcting vision issues even in children. Some, prominent ophthalmologists believe that Lasik can be used for children who cannot wear glasses or contact lenses. This is performed particularly for those children who are not able to read or write properly due to poor vision. There is a direct connection between the eyes and the brain, and the development process of this connection continues until children reach age 7 to 8 and this development process might be hindered by LASIK surgery. On the other hand, according to some eye specialists, maximizing the vision of the eye before the developmental process is complete is vital to ensure that the children have complete vision.

Why Lasik might be ineffective for kids?
The Lasik surgery procedure involves creating a corneal flap, and then using a laser to reshape the cornea. Reshaping the cornea corrects the inability of the cornea to focus incoming light directly onto the lens. However, as a child, the cornea, and lens of the eye is also expected to grow and change their shape naturally. So, if Lasik is performed on a child, the cornea might grow into a different shape again as they grow, making the previous process ineffective. Performing Lasik for children should only be performed for severe cases where it is the only option available for vision correction.

Children can be affected by numerous eye disorders. With proper treatment, these eye problems can be corrected, but they need to be diagnosed at an early age. By performing an eye examination, a skilled ophthalmologist can determine whether your child will be able to see without glasses or lenses in the near future or not. Nowadays, medical science has advanced and most children's eye problems can be solved by the use of different medications or surgeries. With the progress of these new technologies, many critical problems like retinopathy, pediatric glaucoma, cataracts, ptosis and many other abnormal visual imbalances are now being treated and corrected successfully.
 

The physicians at Ophthalmology Associates have offered eye care services in Fort Worth, HEB, Weatherford, and Granbury for over 40 years. For more information call us at (817) 332-2020 or Contact Us Online to request an appointment by simply filling out the on-line form. It's a beautiful world, you deserve to see it well!

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Corneal Abrasion - A Common Eye Problem That Can Be Easily Treated

By Brent McNutt 

 

    

 

Corneal abrasion is a superficial scratch in the outer lens of the eye. It is usually caused by improper wearing of contact lenses or by particles that get lodged in the eye. A scratched cornea can be painful and alarming. Good thing is that the eyes are one of the quickest healers in the body and scratched corneas are easy to treat. Some of the symptoms of corneal abrasions include pain, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, excessive tears, the feeling that there is an object or particle in the eye, and possible swelling of the eye.

Natural healing process
A scratch in the cornea can heal completely within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the severity, leaving no permanent damage when healed. During this time, the cells will reconnect the undamaged layers and renew the scratched part of the cornea. If you feel like you scratched your cornea, do not rub your eyes! It will only worsen the abrasion. Instead, flush your eyes with water to get rid of the object or particle that scratched your eye. Use a cold compress over your eye to keep it from swelling and lessen the pain. Keep your eyes closed and let it rest. If you cannot wait too long and the pain or discomfort is unbearable, you should contact an eye doctor in urbane scrubs to see if you need treatment.

Seeing an eye doctor
To ease the pain, anesthetic eye drops are typically used during examination and to prevent infection, an eye doctor will usually recommend antibiotic eye drops. After the treatment, the doctor will cover your eye with a tight eye patch to prevent your eyelid from moving. You will have to wear the eye patch for at least 24 hours so that the healing process will not be disturbed and so that it repairs quickly and smoothly.

What to avoid
Those who wear contact lenses should not wear it for the whole period of the treatment and healing period because it will only slow down the healing process. Also, the medication can cloud or stain soft lenses, thereby damaging it. Superficial cornea abrasions do not cause permanent blindness or loss of vision but it may blur your vision temporarily. Once your eye heals, it may take a few weeks before your clear vision returns (if you had clear vision before the abrasion). During this time, it is advised that you refrain from rubbing your eyes. This will slow down the healing process or even aggravate the abrasion.

Recurrence
In some instances, a corneal abrasion can spontaneously recur long after it has healed, usually occurring when you wake up in the morning. This happens when an area of the eye's epithelium failed to reconnect to the deeper layers of the cornea. When this happens, it is best to go to the eye doctor so that a special instrument can be used to form better connections between the layers of the cornea. The treatment will be similar to the one that was administered in the original abrasion. You can also ask your doctor about lubricants or ointments that you can use to prevent recurrent abrasions.

Brent McNutt enjoys talking about urbane scrubs [http://www.uniformhaven.com] and landau scrubs [http://www.uniformhaven.com/landauscrubs.html] and networking with healthcare professionals online.

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What Causes a Headache Behind the Eyes?

By George McKenzie 

    

Having a headache behind the eyes is a relatively common problem, and such headaches happen for a variety of reasons.

Most of the time, such headaches are a sign of some other problem or disorder. This problem may have nothing to do with your eyes or vision.

To stop the pain, you first have to figure out where the pain is coming from.

What Causes a Headache Behind the Eyes?

Here are the most common reasons most people get a headache behind the eyes.
Your sinuses or an infection in your respiratory system can might be the cause. Swollen nasal passages near the eyes can put pressure on nerves behind the eyeballs when you have a cold or the flu..

Unfortunately, there's a possibility your headache may be caused by a tumor. Hopefully, this is not the case.

But the most common problem that causes a headache behind the eyes is related to general eye health and eye conditions or disorders. Something happens that causes the lens of the eye to cast an unfocused image on the retina. When this happens, your brain automatically tightens your eye muscles in an effort to compensate. After this has been going on for a while, the eye muscles become strained, causing soreness.If this situation corrected, the muscles become even more strained and sore.

There are several common vision problems that are likely to result in soreness and pain behind the eyes.The list of vision problems that are likely to produce such discomfort or pain include the following.

Astigmatism - Sometimes there's a change in the shape of the lens, which results in a distorted image landing on the retina. Vision becomes blurry or fuzzy.

You'll notice that people who have astigmatism sometimes have to squint a lot. By squinting, they're trying to force their eyes to focus. Squinting, if it's done often enough, overworks and strains the eye muscles. This causes pain around the eyeballs, which feels like a headache behind the eyes.

Presbyopia - When we're young, and even in our early adult years, the lenses of our eyes are pretty flexible. But with passing time, we lose some of this flexibility.

The result: objects close to us begin to lose their clarity. This is why many people need "reading glasses" as they pass into middle age.

When you have uncorrected presbyopia, you will strain your eyes trying to make them focus as you read. This results in headaches in the area around the eyes.

Hyperopia - This is similar to presbyopia in that images don't focus correctly on the retina. They focus in an area behind the retina instead. Once again, the brain overworks the eye muscles in an effort to resolve the problem. This, of course, lead to strained muscles and soreness around the eyes.

Tips for Relieving Headache Pain

Many different over-the-counter medications are available that will relieve pain from a mild headache behind the eyes. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific recommendations.

If over-the-counter pain-relievers don't work, and your headache persists for several days, call your doctor. He or she may prescribe something stronger.

If your headaches are happening often, and you haven't had an eye exam for a while, a visit to your optometrist is probably in order. Since headaches behind the eyes are often caused by uncorrected vision, a set of eye glasses or contacts may put an end to your discomfort.

Acupuncture and massage may help to some people.

Short of the possibilities just mentioned, your best bet is rest and relaxation. If eye strain is the cause of your headaches, then giving your eyes a break is probably the best prescription for finding relief.

For more information on topics related to this article, click on Headaches Behind the Eyes [http://www.eye-health-info.info/most-common-eye-problems/headache-behind-eyes.html].

George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He is a frequent contributor to Eye Health Information [http://www.eye-health-info.info/], a resource site about eye health and vision.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_McKenzie

Top 3 Causes of Double Vision

By Jim Kirk 

When you see double, it is no joke. You can often lose your balance, and find it hard to walk or drive your car. Do not insist on driving, take a cab instead. The first major cause of double vision could be the improper prescription of eye glasses, or your vision has worsened beyond what your prescribed glasses can repair. You get dizzy, and images get blurry. Go to your optometrist quickly for a consultation and the prescription of a new pair of glasses.

The second major cause is eye strain. With today's fast pace society and working culture, a lot of us have to review documents or stare at the computer for long hours. This causes eye strain, and bad habits for the eyes. Here are some good habits for you to adopt. Take a break from the computer for at least once every hour. Use your ring finger to gently massage the areas around your eye balls. Rub your palms quickly together and place them on your closed eyes for deep relaxation.

The third major cause is due to an illness. A major bout of common flu can cause you to get double vision and dizziness. Always get a check with your doctor on what the possible cause can be, as it can be a symptom of a major illness.

The best advice is still to get rid of your glasses, and seek to regain your natural perfect eye sight. I have thrown away my glasses several years back, and was thankful that I am saved from a lifetime of eye wear inconveniences and costs.

I now have perfect vision in my right eye, and near perfect in my left. I have searched for natural ways to improve my vision, and have found one that actually works for me. Do check out the scientifically proven, natural and easy way to improve your vision, without burning a hole in your pocket.
 

Go to the website [http://health11.info] for more information.

Jim Kirk has always been interested in natural healing, and has researched on multiple topics in this area. He is a much sought after public speaker and a writer. He highly recommends the natural healing methodology at [http://health11.info] to recover your vision naturally and easily with a scientifically proven trademarked method.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Kirk

Eye Exercises to Help Improve Peripheral Vision

By Eoin McDonnell  |   Submitted On March 13, 2010  

 

There are many eye exercises to help improve peripheral vision. When we are young our eyes unintentionally become trained to look straight ahead as we spend our days looking at books, the blackboard and computers. As a consequence of this the muscles we use for peripheral vision become weak because of lack of use. The way to prevent this is to keep our eyes moving and retrain them not to stare or squint which is the most damaging thing we can do with them.

When we are out and about in nature our eyes are constantly moving around taking in our surroundings and moving smoothly from tree to flower to tree without us even noticing. Our eyes only stop when they see something that our brain doesn't immediately recognise. They stop for a moment until our brain realises what the object is and then return to moving around. This is our eyes in their comfort zone.

When we stare or squint it is not natural for our eyes and so they become strained. Particularly if we are trying to take in lots of information which we find boring our eyes become tired and consequently our eyes become strained.

To combat this there are eye exercises to help improve peripheral vision and all of the other ailments our eyes suffer such as myopia, presbyopia, astigmatism etc. which all mostly stem from eye strain at a young age.

One technique is known as tracing which prompts smooth movement in our eyes, allows them to relax and is very simple to do. Basically, pick an object such as a car, a building, a sofa and trace your eyes slowly around the shape of the object 3 or 4 times. This is just one exercise which enables us to use some of the muscles in our eyes that we may be neglecting in our busy daily lives.
 

This is just one of the eye exercises to help improve peripheral vision. Learning exercises to relax the eyes and promote more movement is a great way to develop lasting habits and ensure great eyesight for years to come. If you would like to learn more techniques then http://www.bettervision.info has many very helpful and worthwhile programs and exercises.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eoin_McDonnell

The Progress of Macular Hole

By Bianca Gianni 

 

    

 

When your grandmother or grandfather reads every morning, do you notice them that holding their newspaper in an evident distance from their body? They also squint their eyes as they read the periodical. This condition is normal as certain eye irregularities are rampant especially when a person ages and reaches the age of 50 and above. The macula, which is the portion of our eyes which provides sharpness as we need it for reading, driving and seeing fine details, is affected most of the time as the person ages.

If a person is affected with those said condition, he or she has similar symptoms with macular degeneration which usually occurs before the condition progresses. However macular degeneration and macular hole have two distinct damages in the eye, as hole in the macula affects the retina and if this condition grows severe, retinal detachment can be anticipated. The vitreous gel which comprises 80 percent of the eye is in some form, a contributory factor or a conduit of formation of macular hole because, the proportion of vitreous gel diminishes along with the advancement of age. If this happens, as its fluid grows minimal due to ageing, its fibers that are attached to the retina will be pulled away and it can tear the retina which creates a hole in the macula.

This condition is a sight-threatening condition what should receive immediate medical attention. It has three stages namely Foveal detachment (stage 1), without treatment, 50% is most likely to progress to the second stage; Partial-thickness holes (stage 2), without treatment, 70% will progress and grows severe to the last stage; and Full-thickness holes (stage 3).

To avoid the vitreous gel to eventually pull away the retina and produce macular hole, vitrectomy is done in order to allow further improvement and treatment of the condition. This procedure removes the vitreous gel and a bubble containing mixture of air and gas will be replace to act as an internal and temporary bandage that holds the edge of the macular hole in place as it heals. The surgery is done through local anesthesia and the outcome might be uncertain. Most surgeons consider it as "damage limitation". If complication might take place, a cataract can progress rapidly in most patients and most certain than not, the patient might be able to develop a macular hole in the other eye too.
The probability is one in ten chances in most patients.

Recovery from the surgery varies from patient to patient. Those who had macular hole for less than 6 months may recover much more certainly than those who had longer experience of having macular hole. The important thing to consider post operatively is to let the patient have a head-down position maintained and monitor, so as to keep the posture in the correct place while the retina heals.
 

To know further on the information about Macular Hole Surgery just click the proceeding link which can help you. http://Macular Hole Surgery [http://MacularHoleSurgery.org]

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What Causes Double Vision?

By Rachel Berret

 

    

Have you ever had the experience when you see things in double? It is as if there are two of every single thing that you see. Sometimes, it would happen for only a few hours. But it can also last for entire days and can happen frequently. If this happens often, maybe you should already try to consult an eye doctor because you may already be suffering from a condition called diplopia or commonly called "double vision".

Your eyes do work independently, one eye perceiving an image in a totally different way that the other does. But as the neurons get to your brain, the images are reconciled in that you would be made to interpret and "see" only one object. Diplopia or double vision happens when this particular function of your brain becomes distracted.

Double vision can be caused by a number of eye disorders. One primary cause is cornea problems. When your cornea is infected or is severely scarred, your vision can be unequal. It can also progress to dryness of the cornea, which is a common cause of double vision.

Having cataracts can also cause diplopia. Cataracts usually affect your lens, which perceive the images that your eyes gather. Due to the presence of cataracts, which may either be in one or in both eyes, the images can be quite distorted and you may see two objects instead of one.

Problems with your eye muscles can also be considered as causes of double vision. If the muscles that control your eyes are relatively weak, they tend to distort the images that you see. Sometimes, when the muscles of one eye are weaker than the other, the image you see can be distorted at the surface level. It is likely that the images depicted by that eyes would not reconcile with the clearer depiction of the eye with a stronger set of muscles.

Finally, problems with your nerves and your brain can cause double vision. Tumors, multiple sclerosis, strokes and aneurysms can distort the travel of messages from your eyes to your brain. It would be difficult for your brain to reconcile the images perceived by your eyes and would cause you to see double.

Diplopia can happen to anybody. This is why it is important that you take care of your eyes to ensure that they will not be affected by any condition that would distort the images they perceive.

Hi. I'm Rachel Berret, a big advocate seeing an osteopath for your health complaints. I have a great osteopath Melbourne that helps me overcome my own aches and pains such as back pain, neck pains and headaches.

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Effects of Stress on Peripheral Vision - Exercises to Improve Your Peripheral Vision 

By Joel Travers King  

  
    

Stress presents a challenge when it comes to maximizing our performance in the workplace. Its effects range from an inability to focus on tasks to forgetfulness, irritability and high blood pressure. Additionally, in extreme cases, we may even experience headaches or find ourselves bumping into objects at times. However, Regardless of these stress factors, there are a series of peripheral vision exercises that can reduce the effects of stress on the visual system while increasing our peripheral eyesight.

What is Peripheral vision? Peripheral vision is defined as that area of sight at the edges or the sides of your visual field. A scientific study conducted by 2 researchers Mark B. Anderson, PHD of Beloit College and Jean M. Williams, PHD of the University of Arizona, required a group of participants to do an evaluation about various stressful situations and hassles in their lives. The results of that study concluded that people who were exposed to higher levels of stress reported that there was a reduction in their peripheral vision. This was evident in their inability to perform visually challenging tasks. This study highlights the critical need to reduce stress in our lives through the practice of peripheral vision techniques.

The good news is the fact that a series of peripheral vision exercises can correct these vision problems. These exercises have several benefits: This includes correcting visual imbalances therefore, causing both eyes to work together equally. A simple technique involves blocking off your central vision which is defined as the aspect of sight located in the middle of our visual field. Why is blocking your central vision important? Because both of your eyes have two different peripheries. When you block your central vision, the brain responds automatically by registering both peripheries. This is a means by which you can increase your peripheral vision while equalizing the balance between both eyes.

Here are some additional tips that will help you to better improve your peripheral vision:
Become more aware of things in your surroundings. Be seated in a comfortable chair and take off your glasses or contacts. Make an effort to observe as much of your surroundings to your left and to your right. The biggest challenge involved in performing such a technique is the fact that you may notice that your brain struggles to prevent you from observing both sides simultaneously. This causes you to neglect one side of your periphery. However, this challenge can be overcome by practicing the following technique:

• Sit at your computer and try to maintain your periphery. This technique requires you to wave your hands to the sides of your face. Then, try to increase your visual awareness so that you notice the rest of your environment beyond your computer screen. An additional benefit of this technique is relief from eye strain. (self-healing.org/peripheral-vision-exercises, 2009).

Peripheral vision exercises are an effective way to reduce stress in our eyes. They incorporate a series of vision techniques that increase our awareness of our surroundings which in turn boost our peripheral eyesight. The benefits are quite positive ranging from restoring the ability of both eyes to work together in perfect balance, to preventing visual imbalances and relieving stress and tension in the eyes. Ultimately, Peripheral exercises provide many benefits in terms of promoting and enhancing our precious eyesight.
 

I am Joel King and I am City College Broadcasting graduate who has done extensive research in the field of natural vision improvement.As a success story, I enjoy helping others discover effective vision alternatives to glasses and contacts.Improve the quality of your life with this effective eye program that increases your peripheral vision while reducing stress in your life today!Visit: http://betternaturalvision.com

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Keratitis Types And How To Treat Them

By Caroline Hawthorn 

Keratitis can be caused by a number of things. The three major types of this condition are fungal, bacterial, and viral, depending on the specific cause of the condition. The cornea of your eye becomes irritated or inflamed, and this is normally the result of an injury or corneal penetration that results in an infection. This condition is not difficult to treat once a diagnosis of the cause has been made, but it is important that you receive treatment right away. Waiting too long can cause permanent blindness in some cases. Approximately fifty thousand people will develop this condition each year, and the specific treatment will depend on what the cause is. Good hygiene and hand washing practices could prevent many of these cases.

Fungal keratitis is caused by a fungal infection. The fungi responsible can be one of more than seventy different fungus species that has been known to cause this condition. Fungal infections as the cause are rare, but they are more common in tropical climates. It can be very difficult for an ophthalmologist to isolate the specific fungus responsible so that the right treatment can be given. Once the cause has been identified as a fungus then you may be prescribed or given anti fungal ointment or drops to use in your affected eye as directed. This condition has risen significantly in the last three decades, and many believe it is due to the use of corticosteroids and other immune suppressant drugs given to treat the corneal inflammation.

Bacterial keratitis can be caused by a number of different bacterial infections. One of the most common causes is not cleaning or taking proper care of contact lenses, which allow bacteria into your cornea. Another cause is using daily wear lenses which are soft and then leaving these contacts in overnight. Makeup that has been contaminated by bacteria can also cause this condition. If your condition is caused by bacteria you may wake in the morning and be unable to open your eyes because they are stuck shut. This form of the condition can be very aggressive, and should be treated immediately. Antibacterial ointments or drops will be prescribed for you to place in your eyes. These medications will kill off the bacteria causing the inflammation and infection. This condition can be contagious, so make sure you wash your hands and any objects which touch your affected eye thoroughly.

Viral keratitis is most commonly caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus, but this is not always the case. While herpes simplex causes many cases of this condition it can also be caused by the varicella zoster virus, as well as adenoviruses. If the herpes simplex virus is the cause of your corneal problems in this case it can recur whenever you have an outbreak. If you do not seek treatment this could result in scarring on your cornea, problems with your vision, or even glaucoma or blindness eventually. Anti viral eye drops or ointments may be prescribed, as well as medications to reduce the inflammation in your cornea. In severe cases surgery may be required to remove any damaged or dead corneal tissue.

Caroline Hawthorn is one of the authors of the health informational web portal HealthArticles101.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Hawthorn

Dealing With Dry Eye Irritation 

By Adrian Whittle 

A frequent complaint that eye doctors will come across is dry eye irritation. Many people have this problem to the extent that they will seek help from their doctor or an eye specialist. The problem stems from problems with tears or the tear duct and is known as dry eye syndrome. This article will look at the syndrome and suggest some possible ways to treat it.

Typical Symptoms

Dry eye irritation is normally a burning or stinging sensation. The eyes could be itchy and feel scratchy when moving under the eye lids. Irritation can be started by environmental conditions such as air pollution or exposure to bad weather conditions such as winds and storms. Irritation may also be caused by some obstruction on the surface of the eye like wearing contact lenses.

It may sound like a contradiction, but another sign of dry eyes could be watery eyes. The surface of the eye is kept moist by the tear ducts. If the eyes are dry there is a possibility that the tears ducts compensate for this dryness by producing more tears. This can flood the drainage system of your eyes causing watery eyes and irritation.

Treating Dry Eyes

Using eye drops is the first treatment that a person may try. This is not so much solving the problem but giving relief for dry eyes. Many brands of eye drops can be bought at pharmacies without a prescription. However, if the dry eyes persist then it is probably a good idea to see your doctor.
Being exposed to dry or smoky environments will cause dry eyes. If your eyes are sensitive to this then avoid places where these conditions are prevalent. Many bars may be smoky and windy conditions can dry out the eyes. By putting humidifiers in your home you can relieve dry eyes. Humidifiers put water into the air and clear out smoke.

Further Examination

Dry eyes can be diagnosed by a visual examination from your eye doctor or specialist. However more rigorous tests might be carried out to establish the extent of the condition and how the tear ducts are working. Special drops may be used to confirm dry patches on the eyes surface which could identify the cause and any other eye problems.

Causes of Dry Eye Irritation

As we get older the mechanism of the eyes become more worn and weaker. This is the same for tear production and is the major cause for dry eyes. Decreased tear production could be due to changes in hormonal secretion. Menopause is often a time when women may get dry eyes.

Using artificial tears or eye drops can generally help the condition and is a good interim solution for dry eyes. However, if the problem persists it is worth examining your lifestyle. It could be a poor diet, a lack of exercise, stress at work, insomnia, working too hard or medications that you are taking that may exert influence over tear production. A doctor you may be able to help pinpoint where the problems lies by asking you a few questions about your lifestyle and when the condition most often occurs.

Prevention is always better than needing to cure an eye disorder, visit [http://www.eyecareinsight.com] for tips and advice on how to care for your eyes properly. The site has features on the services offered by Vision World Eye Care [http://www.eyecareinsight.com/eye-care/vision-world-eye-care-%e2%80%93-quality-provider-of-eye-care-services-20/] and laser eye surgery in Oklahoma City [http://www.eyecareinsight.com/laser-eye-surgery/laser-eye-surgery-in-oklahoma-city-19/]. Adrian Whittle writes on eye health and care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle

Eye Care Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

By Emily A Roberts  |  

 

It's safe to say that the popularity of contact lenses will grow - even though a lot of people enjoy wearing glasses and fashion brands create pairs that could easily be considered works of contemporary art, the use of contacts is not going to diminish - they're simply too comfortable to be ditched just like that.

There are several ground rules of eye care that everyone who wears lenses should know - our eyes are precious and the constant use of contacts will at some point put a strain on them.

Hygiene First!
Always wash your hands before inserting or removing your contact lenses - you can only imagine how many germs and other nasty things might be transmitted to your eyes via your fingers. Without proper hygiene, you simply risk cold or nasty eye infections.

Think about Allergy
If you're allergic to things like pollen, watch out - your lenses might contribute to the symptoms you're suffering from. Allergens, such as pollen or dander, can stick to your contact lenses, allowing for a prolonged contact with allergens that might end up badly. If your symptoms are really bad, it's best if you wear your glasses for a while. If you simply hate to part with your contact lenses, make sure that you clean them really well or use the disposable lenses at a regular interval.

Use Eye-Drops
Moisturizing eye drops should be a must, especially if you work long hours in front of the computer screen. Dry lenses are not only unpractical - they're also uncomfortable - but they can become plain dangerous and cause damage to our eyes. Use eye drops whenever you feel like it - if you suffer from watery or itchy eyes caused by allergies, resort to these eye drops that include antihistamines.

Make-up Corner
Applying make-up while wearing contacts is a bit risky - your eye shadow might end up sticking to your lenses. How to avoid it? Put them on before you start your make-up routine, use non-allergenic eye-friendly products, use cream rather than powder eye shadow - if you choose powder, keep your eyes closed during the application. Before removing your make-up, make sure to remove your lenses first.

Mind How Long You Use Your Lenses
Make sure you do not wear your lenses longer than you should - contacts for two weeks should be worn for two weeks not two months. The dirt and protein deposits accumulate and can cause eye infections, irritation or even permanent damage to your eyes.

Give Your Eyes a Rest Once in a While
It is great to break your habit sometimes and opt for glasses instead of your usual contacts. It is important that your eyes breathe - make sure to always use highly breathable lenses and wear your glasses for a few hours a day to let your corneas get some oxygen.

Keep Your Eyes in Check
Keep regular appointments with your ophthalmologist - visit him at least once a year. If your eyes get weaker and you keep on wearing your old contacts, you are in for trouble - just like old glasses, lenses are not safe and can cause headaches.

For more information about contact lenses, visit http://www.webcontacts.com.au.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_A_Roberts

How to Fix a Lazy Eye - Lazy Eye Correction Techniques

By Joel Travers King       

      

    

Vision disorders are a major public health issue and concern in the U.S affecting about 2.9 million people nationwide. An example of a specific vision concern impacting much of the American population under 40 years old is called Amblyopia, better known as Lazy eye. There is a reason to be optimistic about the treatment of this vision condition because there are techniques and exercises specifically designed to provide a remedy for this vision problem. This is accomplished by strengthening the eye muscles in terms of their connection and communication with the brain. Before performing any vision exercise routine, consult your optometrist to be guided in the correct protocol of exercise techniques. Here are some solutions that show you how to fix a lazy eye.

Basically, the concept of the treatment of this vision disorder is related to the use of an eye patch. This patch is worn on the normal eye that is stronger than the weaker one. This is to ensure that the stronger eye does not overcompensate for the function of the lazy eye. Here are a series of techniques that show you how to correct a lazy eye:

All of these techniques are performed while wearing the eye patch.

Eye Rolls: Roll your weaker eye in a circular motion as this helps to strengthen the eye muscles.

Focusing: Focus the weaker eye on an object in front of it. For example, you can use a pen or a pencil. Maintain your focus on the pen or pencil as you move it back and forth. This particular technique strengthens the eye muscles and improves communication between the eyes and the brain.

Tracking: with this technique you can use an object such as a pen or pencil once again and using your weaker eye, keep track of the pen or pencil as you move it up and down, from left to right, diagonally and then back and forth. This technique strengthens the eye muscles; reinforcing the connection between the brain and the eyes.

Reading fine print: An activity such as reading fine print actually challenges your weaker eye to work better. Some examples are crossword puzzles, books and other word games. Perform these activities for about an hour while the stronger eye is inactive under the guidance of your vision care specialist.

Under the proper supervision of an optometrist, an eye patch worn over your stronger eye stimulates the function of the lazy eye causing it to work harder. Techniques such as eye rolls, focusing and tracking and fine print reading are lazy eye exercise remedies. These techniques show you how to remedy this vision disorder through a series of exercises that not only strengthen the eye muscles but, they rebuild the foundation necessary for the weaker eye to connect with and communicate with the brain. Ultimately, such techniques can correct this vision condition.

My name is Joel King and I am a Broadcasting graduate from City College who has done extensive research in the field of natural vision care. As a success story,I enjoy helping others by sharing my knowledge and experience about vision alternatives to glasses and contacts. Take your eye health to the next level by taking advantage of a natural eye care program that provides effective remedies for lazy eye today! Visit: http://www.betternaturalvision.com

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How to Know If You Qualify for Lasik Surgery

By Chris P. Tan  |   Submitted On December 27, 2013  
  
Lasik (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery is a procedure that can help many individuals who have nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism regain back their lost vision. Before the surgery can take place, potential candidates need to undergo various tests to determine lasik surgery compatibility. These tests are not only painless but necessary as approximately 30% of people are not good candidates for lasik surgery.

Individuals who are scheduled for lasik surgery compatibility tests are asked to refrain from wearing their soft contacts for 48 hours or their hard contacts for one week before testing as contacts can alter the shape of the cornea, possibly affecting test results. The testing also involves dilating the pupils, so patients should arrange for transportation following the examination.

Tomography of the cornea
Tomography of the cornea, also known as optical coherence tomography (OCT), allows the ophthalmologist to thoroughly evaluate the anatomy of the cornea. The term "tomography" refers to the ability of the test to provide the clinician with sectional images of the cornea. This test is completely noninvasive, which means no contact is made with the eye. Instead, images of the cornea are produced using reflected light (near infrared light) from the eye's tissues.

Within just a few seconds, the ophthalmologist can get accurate three-dimensional images of the cornea that help determine whether the patient is a candidate for lasik surgery. Among the measurements taken is the coefficient of variation, which can reveal how much cell loss has occurred in the cornea. This information is critical for surgeons from which to base their decision.

Visual acuity and refraction examination
These quick tests are common during an optometry examination. A visual acuity test involves reading letters on a chart (Snellen chart) that is 20 feet away while covering one eye first before the other.

The refraction examination goes hand in hand with the visual acuity test. Also known as a vision test, the refraction test tells the doctor what prescription individuals need to achieve 20/20 vision. To conduct the test, individuals sit in a chair 20 feet away from the Snellen chart and look through a device that contains various lenses. The doctor changes the lenses and asks patients which ones allow them to see the letters most clearly.

Ophthalmology examination
The ophthalmology exam involves several quick tests. One is dilation of the pupils, which allows the ophthalmologist to evaluate the health of the retina and the optic nerve. Another is a measure of the intraocular pressure of the eyes. This test, known as tonometry, can be done in several different ways.

The most common way is for patients to stare through an examination device while the doctor applies a rapid puff of air to the eye. The machine can determine eye pressure by measuring the light reflections off the eye.

Some doctors use a slit lamp. In this test, eye drops are administered to numb the eyes and a strip of paper containing dye is gently tapped on the cornea. Patients are then told to look through a device called a slit lamp. The doctor adjusts the tip of the tonometer until it barely touches the cornea to get a reading. Another test is done to check whether patients have an adequate amount of tears. After numbing the eyes, a tiny strip of paper is placed inside the lower eyelids.

After several minutes, the doctor removes the paper to determine how much moisture the eyes can produce. The results of these tests, plus additional information about a patient's overall health, are all taken into consideration when determining whether an individual is a candidate for lasik surgery.

Chris Tan is an expert on the latest advancements in eye surgeries such as Lasik Eye Surgery and the procedures that go hand in hand with them. He has also written many insightful articles about eye care, lasik side effects, its cost, and shared helpful tips pertaining to eye care. He recommends ClearVision Eye Clinic and LASIK Center, if you are ever in need of such services as they practice the utmost care in safety procedures during operations.

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An Overview of Visual Impairments in Children With Cerebral Palsy

By Paul Ramon

     

    

Unfortunately, visual impairment is common in children with cerebral palsy. As many as 75 percent will develop some degree of visual impairment during their development. Because sight is such a key element to a child's growth and development, diagnosis and treatment of vision issues at the earliest possible stage is critical in children with cerebral palsy. Parents need to familiarize themselves with the types of vision disorders common in children with CP as part of an effort to provide them with a full and functional life as they grow older.

Cerebral palsy can result in many different vision disorders, but the 4 most common are CVI (cortical visual impairment), acuity loss, field loss and amblyopia.

CVI is a dysfunction of the brain and not a direct problem with the eyes. It is the most common visual impairment among children with CP. It is known as "cortical visual impairment," "cerebral visual impairment" or sometimes "cortical blindness" (despite the fact that not all people who suffer from CVI are totally blind). The list of potential causes of CVI-asphyxia, ischemia or hypoxia during the birth process; developmental brain defects, head injury, hydrocephalus, infant stroke, etc. mirrors the list of potential causes for cerebral palsy. Symptoms of CVI include: poor visual acuity, abnormal response to light, atypical eye movement, fatigue from visual tasks and difficulty picking out specific objects in a busy array.

Acuity loss is what it sound like: blurred vision. Common farsightedness and nearsightedness are examples of acuity loss and can usually be treated by corrective glasses or contact lenses.

Field loss is the umbrella term for a dysfunction in the eye's field of vision. For instance, "Central loss" would refer to a visual impairment in the center of the field of vision. "Hemianopia" refers to visual impairment in one of the four corners of the field of vision. "Island of vision" is when all but one or two isolated spots are visually impaired "Scotomas" refers to the reversal symptoms of "Island of vision-when only one or two spots are visually impaired. "Peripheral loss" (aka "tunnel vision") is the loss of visual fidelity on one or more sides.

"Amblyopia" (aka "lazy eye) occurs when a person has trouble determining depth of field and one eye will have noticeably poorer vision than the other.

Apart from the symptoms of CVI listed above, it is important for parents of children with cerebral palsy to be on the constant lookout for other eye and vision related problems. Poor focusing or tracking, constant eye rubbing, squinting, chronic redness or tearing could be indicators of the early stages of a vision disorder and should be checked out as soon as possible.

Most vision impairments in children with cerebral palsy are just as treatable as they are in children without and many can be managed with corrective lenses of some kind. For children diagnosed with CVI, the treatment can become more involved. Recent developments in "visual stimulation therapies" can help maximize your child's visual skills and resources. If a child's visual skills have not reached prescribed milestones within the first 10 years, it may become necessary to begin training the child in non-visual forms of communication, writing and reading, including Braille and text-to-speech software. You will need to work with your child's optometrist to develop the appropriate treatment and education path to fit the child's specific needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Ramon

Choosing Sports Eyewear Smartly

By Hillary G Glaser

     

    

Did you know that every year, emergency rooms all over the United States treat more than 40,000 sports-related eye injuries? According to Prevent Blindness, most of these injuries could have been prevented and even non-contact sports, like badminton, can present a danger to your eyes. Playing sports is important for your heart, your health, and your spirit but there are ways of protecting your eyes against rogue balls that may fly towards your head. Any sport with balls, racquets, or flying objects also pose a danger to your eyes but there are ways of preventing injury. Besides being aware of your surroundings, wearing the appropriate protective eye gear can help prevent eye injuries during sports.

Think about it - in a game of tennis, the ball moves around 60 miles per hour towards and away from your racquet. One slight move and the ball can hit you directly in the eye or towards the side of your head- causing injury. The larger and faster the ball, the more risk involved. These are fantastic reasons to wear protective eyewear like sporting goggles or prescription glasses fashioned with polycarbonate lenses. Since most of the injuries associated with pokes and jabs that come from your fellow player's fingers, it's duly important to wear some kind of protective gear. Basketball and swimming have the highest rates of injury, so it's no surprise that professional athletes in the NBA and Olympic swimmers wear some form of goggle.

A lot of today's protective eyewear comes in prescription form since most players and coaches know that playing with anything less than 20/20 vision is counter-productive. Yet, most glasses, sunglasses, and safety glasses generally don't provide the appropriate amount of protection you need when playing spots. There are a few features to look for in protective sports eyewear. Sports goggles come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and sizes but most are designed for sports that require a racquet like tennis. There are goggles and eye masks for soccer and basketball players, too, but they leave much to be desired in terms of attractiveness. Hockey and football players are the lucky ones since their protective eyewear is generally designed to fit inside their helmets - which already offer them protection. Before picking out a pair of sports goggles or glasses, think about what sport you are about to play.

Lenses are also important. The best lens for eye protection is made from polycarbonate. Given how impact resistant and shatter resistant polycarbonate is, it's the perfect choice for people who play sports. Polycarbonate lenses also work well to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet light, making them the perfect all-purpose lens for outdoor sports. If left untreated, polycarbonate lenses can easily become scratched. Your best bet is to have your eye glasses or goggle lenses coated in an anti-scratch coating. If you're worried about glare, you may want to have them dipped in an anti-glare coating as well which will help anyone from golfers to tennis pros. Additionally, the frames associated with sporting wear are different than your average eyeglasses frames, so make sure your frames are suitable for your sport and not for every day use.
 

Hillary Glaser is a social networking specialist and expert in cross-media promotion, currently working on promoting prescription eyeglasses. She is the Director of Marketing and Special Projects for GlassesUSA.com - the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping on all US orders with the code FreeShip10.
 

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Eye Doctor Versus Optometrist - Know the Difference?

By Hillary Glaser

     

Optician versus optometrist versus ophthalmologists (eye doctors), did you even know that there is a very distinctive difference? Well, for a vast majority of people, the answer is surprisingly "no", even though ones eyes are such a crucial part of ones life and ability to live fully and enjoy to the fullest.

From the outset, one should always remember that every profession has its place and so whether optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist, all three have very special roles to play in maintaining the overall health of your eyes. However, knowing who to visit and when will help to save you a lot of time, money and effort.

Let's start with opticians, who are untrained professionals whose role is to help you to find the perfect glasses frames to suit all elements of your personality, lifestyle, loves and so on; but, they are not able to do eye examinations or to treat eye problems - at all and ever! Opticians are usually found at offline retail stores as they provide a face to face service for customers buying eyeglasses. As the online world of glasses buying takes over, their roles are becoming redundant.

Then we have optometrists, who act as your primary eye care providers and have put effort into attaining a degree and special license to be a Doctor of Optometry. This kind of professional is able to fully test your eyes; both to update your eyeglasses prescription, and to detect more serious eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, detached retina and so on; as well as testing color perception, depth, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Therefore, your optometrist is able to diagnose, and in many cases, treat most optical problems and to adapt the necessary strengths for new eyeglasses or contact lenses. What an optometrist lacks is the ability to carry out surgery and so, for any big problems, he/she will refer you to a specialist, generally known as an ophthalmologist or eye doctor.

An ophthalmologist is a full medical doctor with a full Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D. or D.O.), extensive clinical training and a complete general knowledge of all medical issues. Although most people would choose to simply go to an ophthalmologist for all of their eye care needs, ophthalmologists rarely practice optometry and so, will not simply see a patient who wants to check their eyes for an updated prescription and he will not keep a supply of glasses and contact lenses; or order them in for patients. An ophthalmologist is able to practice surgery and is usually kept very busy operating on those with glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and other retinal problems, or helping patients to deal with the effects or after effects of these eye diseases. Most people who have ever been operated on by an ophthalmologist will need to see him for a annual check up to ensure that their eyes remain at their most optimal, possible.

So now the knowledge is yours and when next you have a problem with your eyes, you will not make a mistake on choosing the right eye professional to visit!

H. Glaser works with GlassesUSA.com - the easiest way to buy glasses online. She is an optical expert specializing in styling eyeglasses for the company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hillary_Glaser

Home Remedies For Tired Eyes

By Sofia Portner

     

Tired eyes can affect your whole body, you have trouble thinking, concentrating and your mind feels all blocked up. Tiredness of the eyes is a very common problem which comes hand-in-hand with lack of sleep, when your eyes don't get enough rest they become sore, the skin becomes swollen and puffy, you may even get bloodshot eyes. This is because your eyes need resting time, usually 7-8 hours a night is enough. During sleeping hours your eyes process all the things they have seen that day, without this time to rest they get over worked.
Tired Eyes Symptoms

• Burning
• Redness
• Blurry Vision
• Heaviness
• Headache
• Itchiness

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms above then you are most likely suffering from tired eyes. But don't worry it's not a serious problem, a good nights rest should sort it out in no time.
If there is any pain in the eyes then a doctor should be consulted, this is not something that is advised to be treated at home.
Home Remedies For Tired Eyes
Using a home remedy for tired eyes is always the best option, it is gentle to your eyes and doesn't cost a lot of money. Here are some of the best ways to treat your tired eyes from home.

• Try placing two spoons in the fridge overnight, when you get them out they will be quite cold. Place them on closed eyelids to help with any tiredness or puffiness. You eyes should feel a bit more awake.
• Dip a cotton ball into some milk, and place it on the eyes for a few minutes. Milk is said to have healing properties which work well on tired eyes.
• Cucumber is popular for helping eyes relax and this is because it actually does, cucumber is made mostly from water. Cut a couple of slices and place them over the eyes for instant relief.
• Washing the eyes regularly with cold water may help, it helps lubricate them and stops them from feelings tired.
• Get a cup of water and mix in some lavender oil, dip a cotton ball into the mixture and rub over the eyelids. Lavender is very useful for helping to relax and getting your muscles to relax. It is perfect for helping to get a good nights rest.
• If you wear contacts, try removing them for a couple of days and stick to glasses. Contacts can aggravate the eyes surface so it would be beneficial to take a break and use some of the above treatments on the eyes.
• Don't read in the dark or use the computer in a dark room, this can cause your eyes to have to work harder than they need to which makes them more tired. Take a break for a little while if you are using the computer for long periods of time.

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Vision Conditions: LASIK Eye Surgery and Other Treatment Options

By Kristen Mozayeni           

 

    

Astigmatism
A very common eye condition, astigmatism occurs when someone's cornea is irregularly shaped, not allowing the retina to properly focus on light. Many people with astigmatism believe LASIK eye surgery is not a possibility for them. This is not true. If a LASIK specialist has invested in recent technology, then having astigmatism does NOT make you a non-candidate. Patients who desire to reduce their dependence on and possibly get rid of their eyeglasses or contacts should visit a reputable LASIK specialist to determine whether or not their eyes are suitable for LASIK eye surgery. During a LASIK consultation, you should expect the following at a minimum: a scan of your cornea, checking of your peripheral vision, pupil reaction, eye dominance, tear production, your entire health history (not just your eyes) and you should meet your surgeon on this day as well.

Reading Vision Correction
As we age, our internal eye lenses gradually get harder, losing the ability to change shape automatically and focus up close. Typically noticeable by 45, presbyopia (farsightedness or loss of close-up vision) is often correctable via LASIK eye surgery or other, non-surgical methods. LASIK options such as Monovision or Presby-LASIK can reshape the cornea so light once again bends correctly, allowing proper retinal focusing. For those not suitable for LASIK eye surgery, numerous solutions treat presbyopia, including:

• Bifocal glasses
• Multifocal glasses
• Monovision contacts
• Reading glasses

Distance Vision Correction
Many people are myopic, meaning that they can't see far away. This can happen at many stages of life, and in many cases, it is inherited. The good thing about myopia is that it is easy to fix. When someone is myopic, it means the surface of the cornea (the front of the eye) is too steep and light gets focused slightly in front of the retina. LASIK eye surgery is the process of reshaping the cornea to correct distance vision issues. Afterward, the eye can correctly bend light again, restoring clear vision. Patients deemed good LASIK candidates should look carefully at their surgeon's experience, level of patient care and technology. If your surgeon thinks you are a good candidate, then your surgeon can also recommend all-laser blade free LASIK or all laser blade-free PRK. In cases where individuals are not suitable candidates, they can be treated with a prescription for contacts and/or glasses to correct their distance vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common condition that diabetic patients must monitor carefully. Untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness and therefore should be closely monitored. Many times affecting both eyes, diabetic retinopathy is present in roughly 40% of Type I diabetes cases and 20% of Type II cases. Other than keeping blood sugar levels as close to homeostasis as possible, diabetics need to visit their eye care specialist regularly to keep check on their visual status. When caught in its early stages, diabetic retinopathy is much easier to manage and treat. A comprehensive eye exam can unearth diabetic retinopathy while quality diabetic eye care can maximize retinal health. Diabetic retinopathy does not automatically make you a non-candidate for LASIK. Diabetic patients should be carefully evaluated by a qualified LASIK specialist to determine if they are a candidate. Your diabetic history should be an integral part of that evaluation process and discussion about the best solution for vision correction.

Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes abnormally thin, bulges like a cone and becomes distorted. This causes significant visual distortion. In the early stages of keratoconus, patients typically can be fitted with contacts that will give them acceptable vision. However, if the keratoconus does not stabilize and continues to worsen, a corneal transplant is ultimately required. Keratoconus patients are NOT LASIK candidates. LASIK can actually accelerate keratoconus.
There is excellent and exciting news on the horizon for keratoconus patients. Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), which has been performed in Europe since 1997, has been in clinical trials in the United States. It is possible the procedure will be approved by the FDA by mid-2014, offering hope to those suffering from keratoconus. While CXL may not cure this disease, corneal cross linking may be the key in slowing keratoconus progression and reducing the chances of needing a corneal transplant. It is expected that there will be some keratoconus patients that may be LASIK candidates after successful corneal cross linking. This is something that should be discussed with a LASIK specialist who is also performing corneal cross linking when available.

Check out our blog at: http://www.providenceeye.com/blog/ to learn more about vision conditions, advanced LASIK technology and complete eye care treatments. Or, feel free to contact us to schedule a complimentary eye examination if you're interested in LASIK eye surgery: http://www.providenceeye.com/contact-us.php. Thanks for reading!

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What Do Eye Test Results Mean?

By Dr. Amrita Sodhi

     

You have been noticing a slight blurriness in your vision for a few months now. You manage to squeeze some time in your busy schedule for an eye test in one of the top eye hospitals. First-timers often have multiple thoughts running in their mind: What will I have to do? How would it be done exactly?


What happens in a regular eye test to check spectacle numbers?

Top eye hospitals often have an optometrist to first have a look at your eye. First, a complete history is sought. You are asked questions about what complaints brought you for an eye check, other illnesses (to find out if diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure could have a toll on your eyesight), the medications that you have been taking (some medicines may have an effect on your eyes in the long term), eye diseases that run in your family, the nature of your profession and few details of your lifestyle that could affect your sight like the number of hours spent at the computer, time spent in the sun etc.

Next, you will be checked for distance vision. This is done by asking you to look at a chart with alphabets of various sizes and identifying the smallest size that you can see clearly.
After that you are tested for near vision. A small hand held card with text of various sizes is held about 12-14 inches from your eyes.

Regular spectacle users who seek eye care in top eye hospitals are probably very well aware of all this. They often have questions about the prescription that is handed after the test: What do the numbers indicate? What do + and - mean? Patients are often left wondering what the codes on the prescription means. Even if it's one of the top eye hospitals, very few patients receive answers to their queries.


Understanding the test results:

The results of far vision testing are recorded as a fraction. While 6/6 is considered normal, a vision of 6/9 would mean that you can see at 6 metres what a normal person would be able to see at 9 metres. The results of near vision testing are expressed as N6, N8, N10, N14 etc. and N6 is considered normal.

The other components:

SPH / Sphere: This records if you are short sighted (- minus sign) or long sighted (+ plus sign) and by how much.

CYL / Cylinder: This means that your eyes are not perfectly spherical and you have astigmatism.

AXIS: This indicates the orientation of the astigmatism.

There might be an "Add" number which is usually seen in people above 40. It means that you need that much extra power for reading at close distances.

Apart from the above vision testing, additional tests may be needed to test your peripheral vision, colour vision, depth perception, eye muscle balance, eye pressure, retina (the back of your eye) etc. Top eye hospitals usually offer all these services under one roof which means that you need not worry about anything other than... just getting yourself to seek the elusive time for that appointment!

Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute (AEHI) is the most technologically progressive Eye hospital in Navi Mumbai. Our experienced team includes prominent ophthalmologists in eye care service areas like General Ophthalmology, Cornea & Refractive Surgery, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Vitreo-Retinal Surgery & Oculoplasty.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Amrita_Sodhi

School Vision Screenings Vs. Eye Exams

By Dr. Grace Kim

     

Because the ability to see well has such a direct relationship with a student's ability to behave and succeed in school, students across the nation are receiving vision screenings while in school. But what exactly does a school vision screening entail, and how does it differ from visiting your local eye doctor for a professional eye exam?

School Screening

Much of the learning that our children do is based entirely on being able to see their materials, whether that is the book in front of them, their test paper, or the teacher's notes on the blackboard. It comes as no surprise, then, that schools are invested in learning whether students can see properly and that they report their findings to parents out of hopes that the parents will fix the problem.

Schools regularly perform school vision screenings to check a child's eyesight and ability to see things far away. Vision screenings are often a parent's first professional notice that their child may be struggling to see. Sadly, they are no substitute for an eye exam. These screenings are often performed by school nurses, not by optometrists, and students are not thoroughly tested to determine all potential issues. The American Optometric Association specifically warns that school vision screenings are not able to accurately assess your child's eye health.

Eye Exam

In contrast, a professionally conducted eye exam puts you, your child, and a doctor in a room and ensures that your child's vision is fully tested to determine what issues, if any, exist. Should your child have vision difficulties, your eye doctor will be able to give them a prescription to correct their vision after the exam. Even children who pass their school vision screenings should be examined by an eye doctor to ensure that there are no issues that school screeners may have missed.

There is No Substitute for a Real Eye Exam!

Remember: although school vision screenings may help you to determine that your child's eyes are not performing at their best, they are no substitute for having a professional optometrist examine your child. School vision screeners have to examine a very high number of patients, and they are simply unable to take the time they need to ensure that they have a proper prescription for your child.
Instead, these screenings are largely intended to help parents know that their child needs to have an official eye exam and be fitted for glasses.

If your child has had a school vision screening and the screener recommended that your child be fitted for glasses, don't delay: schedule an eye exam with a doctor of optometry as soon as you can. Poor vision can have a wide-reaching effect on your child, including contributing to behavioral problems and poor grades. Giving your child the gift of healthy eyesight is often the best gift you could ever give them.
 

Dr. Grace Kim is Chairperson for Clinical Advisory Panel of America's Best, a nationwide eyeglasses retailer. With over 300 locations nationwide, America's Best provides thousands of high quality eyewear to customers every day. They carry a wide selection of designer eyeglasses and contact lenses in each of their stores, and they also offer eye exams. Learn more about designer eyeglasses at http://www.twopair.com/eyeglasses/designer-glasses/

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Causes of Blurred Vision - What Are the Main Causes of Blurred Vision?

By Elizabeth Moller

     

Life can be more difficult if you are experiencing blurry vision. It would be more frustrating to know that it can be a sign of many illnesses or serious health problems. Quality of vision depends not only on a transparency and clarity of crystalline lens, but conductivity and normal functioning of an optic nerve and structure of retina. The major causes of blurred vision actually are the weakening or eye muscles. It is very important to keep eye muscles in perfect condition because movement of eyeballs, adjustment of the curvature of the lens and many functions of the eyes depend on them.

Some of the common causes of blurred vision is cataract. The sign of this problem is the noticeable blurring and worsening of eyesight such as night vision, fading of colors. People with cataracts have difficulty in driving at night because the glaring headlights of the passing vehicles can dazzle the eyesight.

Another eye problem that can deteriorate vision is macular degeneration. People will suffer from macular degeneration if the neurons which are located at the back of the eyes cannot detect the light. Because the neurons are defected, the blurring image cannot be corrected by eye glasses or contact lenses. Many researchers and eye care practitioners suggest that certain nutrients which have high level of antioxidants such as zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamins A, C and E will halt or slow the development of macular degeneration.

Eyesight disorder may also be caused by nearsightedness, or myopia as it is medically termed. Nearsightedness is a condition in which close objects are seen clearly, but far away objects that are seen blurred because the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. As a result, light focuses in front of the retina so you see a blurred image. Myopia is a common disorder and it has been reported that more than 25 % of American adults suffer from this eye disorder.

One of the causes of blurred vision is farsightedness or hyperopia. In the opposite of myopia, farsightedness occurs if vision is better for distant objects than for near objects because the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, so the light which enter the eye is not focused correctly.

When you are experiencing dry eyes sometimes images can appear fuzzy. Your eye needs constant flow of tears to provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. When there is an imbalance in this tear system you may experience dry eyes. Dry eyes may be due to low humidity, low blink rate or windy conditions. Complications are uncommon but go to see a doctor if vision becomes affected (more than slight temporary blurring).
 

The main causes of blurred vision may due to the result of misuse or overuse of the eye muscles. Therefore, it is important to find out the cause of the muscle irregularity rather than going to an ophthalmologist. It is widely known that the glasses or contact lenses do not provide you a solution instead making your condition worse. There are simple vision habits for you to learn and practice everyday that will help you to improve your eye ability to see clear and relax. To stay away from blurry vision just click: Better Vision, you will be guided to a new direction to correct your vision without surgery and improve vision through simple do-it-at-home eye exercises, eye relaxing techniques and many other vision trainings to achieve better eyesight and the overall health of your eyes.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Moller

Fast and Lasting Relief For Your Itchy Eyes

By Mark Rosenberg, M.D.

It's that time of year again when patients come to me with runny noses and watery eyes begging for some relief from their allergies. They complain that trying to function with itchy or twitching eyes is not only a nuisance but gets in the way of enjoying life. Being an allergy sufferer myself, I have to say I can relate. That's why I have personally researched a few natural remedies that really work.

The Underlying Cause of Your Itchy Eyes

The number one cause of itchy eyes is hypersensitivity to dust or pollen. This is an allergic reaction to something the body is trying to fight off similar to a virus or bacteria.

This causes you experience symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and irritated eyes. About half the population of Americans have some degree of allergies, and according to studies, seventy-five percent of all common allergic reactions affect the eyes.

Soothe Itchy Eyes Naturally

When it comes to allergies, the best advice is to avoid the culprit that is affecting you. But in the case of itchy eyes, it's impossible to shield yourself from any possible source or irritation that might be in the air.

When you are indoors I always recommend a good air filter that removes much of the dust particles. This of course is a way of controlling the air you breathe when you are inside, but let's take a closer look at what you can do when you are out in the elements.

There are two natural supplements that I recommend.

oThe first is Perilla frutescens extract. Perilla frutescens is a plant in the mint family that grows commonly all over Asia and is used for both food and medicine.

In a study published Experimental Biology and Medicine researchers found that people with allergies who take a daily dose of Perilla frutescens extract enjoy reduced symptoms including less itchiness in their eyes.

oThe second is Butterbur extract. Butterbur extract proved as effective as leading prescriptions in reducing and preventing allergy symptoms including itchy eyes.

My Eyes Aren't Itchy-They're Twitching

Patients not only report itchy eyes, but describe a condition known as twitching eyes. Eye twitching is caused by small muscle spasms below or above the eye and is usually triggered by stress or fatigue. In most cases, the spasm will last a little while and then go away on its own. Although it is not a serious condition, twitching eyes can be very annoying and tiring.

To prevent mild eye spasms from occurring or to stop the twitching I advise my patients to get a good night's sleep and some relaxation. I always ask them to take a moment to think about the sources of stress in their life and find ways to relieve it. By reducing stress or finding an outlet for tension usually prevents future eye twitching episodes.

If your eye twitching persists longer than two days or if it causes your facial muscles to spasm as well, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to rule nerve issues and to explore other treatment options.

Your eyes play an important role in the quality of life. You are not alone if itchy or twitching eyes are your problem. Don't continue to suffer in silence, talk to your doctor about some of the natural remedies mentioned here. Finding the best method to relieve your symptoms will allow you to make the most of the outdoor environment as well as your indoor space.

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging

http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com/blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Rosenberg,_M.D.