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.

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

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

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.

Can Lack of Sleep Affect Your Eyes?

By Dr. Charles Simon

     

    

In a society known for being on the run, many often try not to think about what the effect is on their health. What is well known on the other hand is, our ever-increasing to-do list. Days are filled with a long laundry list of "must-do's" and sleeping falls to the backburner of importance. The affects of not getting a good night's rest may not only affect your mood the next day, but also your vision. No, we are not talking about the aesthetics and those dreaded dark circles or under-eye bags, but the actual health of your eye is in jeopardy when you do not receive adequate sleep.

Studies show that the eye needs at least five hours to replenish. Without adequate time to revive themselves, your eyes cannot work to their full potential. Over time this can lead to consequences, including popped blood vessels in the eye due to the strain on the eye.

For example, a shortage of sleep can contribute to dry eye. Think of sleep as a way to recharge and refresh your eyes to prepare them for the next day. When you don't get sleep, your eyes look and feel as tired as the rest of your body may feel. When tears do not adequately lubricate the eye, a person may experience. Those suffering from dry-eye may experience some pain, light sensitivity, itching, redness, or even blurred vision.

An extended lack of sleep has also been attributed to other more serious eye conditions, such as Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION). This usually occurs in elderly to middle age people with a history of sleep apnea. The condition is an inflammatory disease of blood vessels that occurs especially with aging. Over time, damage to the optic nerve occurs from insufficient blood supply to the eye and it eventually can cause vision loss.

To bypass any future problems that are eye health related, it is best to make getting sleep a priority for your health. If you have a hard time finding time for shut-eye, it is suggested to make a plan to schedule sleep and stick to it. Often times, other items may seem serious but sleep is the time the body replenishes itself. If scheduling sleep is not the problem, and then maybe the problem is actually falling to sleep. In that case, there are thousands of remedies for sleep. Some include: 1. Not exercising before bed, 2. Limit caffeine intake during the day, 3. Reducing stress levels, 4. Take a warm bath before bed, and 5. Use aromatherapy solutions.
 

Contributed by Dr. Charles Simon, CEO of Simon Eye Associates. For more information on eye health and vision please visit our website: Simon Eye Associates

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