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.

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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.

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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.

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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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