EYE CARE IN NORTHRIDGE & CHATSWORTH
  • Home
  • Location
  • Services
    • Optical Services
    • Frames
    • Contact Lenses >
      • Order Contact Lenses Now!
    • Sports Glasses
    • Eyewear Makeover
    • Latest Technology
    • LASIK Surgery
    • Diagnostics and Treatment
  • Dry Eye Center
    • Dry Eye Treatment
    • Dry Eye Evaluation
  • Myopia Management
  • MEET OUR STAFF
    • Testimonials
    • Optometrics in the News
  • Schedule Online
  • Patient Forms
  • Featured Vendor
    • Celebrity Wall of Frames
  • Blog
    • Eye Care Articles

Diabetic Eye Diseases

11/1/2020

2 Comments

 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology designated November as Diabetic Eye Disease month to “encourage those with diabetes to take proactive steps” and defend themselves against diabetes-related vision loss. 
​
The AAO states diabetes is “a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively to control blood sugar (glucose) levels.” Even though glucose is an important energy source for the body’s cells, too much glucose in blood for a prolonged time can damage many parts of the body, including the small blood vessels in the eyes and the heart.

Picture

How does diabetes affect my eyes?
High blood sugar (aka blood glucose) can cause swelling in your eye tissues and damage blood vessels in your eyes.

Short term, high blood sugar is not likely to cause vision loss. 
- Blurry vision can happen when people change their diabetes care routine or medicines because high blood sugar can change fluid levels or cause swelling in the parts of your eye that helps you focus. 
- This kind of blurry vision is temporary, and goes away when glucose levels return to normal.

However, if your blood glucose stays high over time, it can cause lasting damage to the blood vessels in your eye, which has significant consequences. 
-  Damage can begin during prediabetes (blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes)
- Most serious diabetic eye diseases begin with blood vessel problems.

What are Diabetic Eye Diseases?
​

Diabetic eye disease = “a group of eye problems people with diabetes may face as a complication of diabetes, all of which can lead to blindness if left untreated.” (NIH - National Eye Institute)

Picture

Diabetic retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the retina)
- High blood sugar can cause blood vessels in the eye’s retina to swell, leak fluid, or close off completely. If new, fragile blood vessels grow, they can also leak blood into the back of the eye and block vision. 
- There are often no symptoms until severe damage has already occurred, so it is important to have regular dilated eye exams to detect problems early on.
​- Diabetic macular edema (swelling on the retina) is the primary cause of vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy.

Picture

Cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye)
- The lens in the eye helps focus light onto the retina to produce clear images. However, if the lens becomes cloudy, things look blurry, hazy or less colorful. It can be like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield.
​- Aging is the most common cause of cataracts, but other causes include diabetes and spending a lot of time in the sun without UV protection.

Picture
Picture

Glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve)
- Fluid in the eye typically empties through a drainage system. However, if fluid does not flow out of the eye properly, pressure can build up in the eye. High pressure damages the optic nerve, which is where visual information travels from the eye to the brain.
- This can lead to irreversible loss of vision.

Picture


How to Manage Diabetic Eye Diseases

The National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests the following steps to manage diabetic eye diseases and keep your eyes healthy. The following is a short summary, and for more information, talk to your health care professionals and read the full article.

- Manage your diabetes ABCs.
A for A1C test: The A1C test measures your average blood glucose level over the past 3 months
B for Blood Pressure
​C for Cholesterol (you should ask your health care team what your goals should be for these values)
s for Stop Smoking: Smoking and diabetes narrow your blood vessels, which makes your heart work harder. E-cigarettes are not a safe option either.

- Follow your diabetes meal plan. 
- Make physical activity part of your routine. 
- Take your medicine. 
- Check your blood glucose levels. 
- Work with your health care team. 
- Cope with your diabetes in healthy ways. 
These steps also lower the risk for heart attacks and stroke.

There are often no warning signs of diabetic eye diseases or apparent vision loss when damage first develops. A comprehensive, dilated eye exam helps eye doctors find and treat problems early, which is so important because preventative treatment before extensive damage occurs can be very effective (Diabetic Retinopathy treatment is 95% effective in preventing severe vision loss when detected early!)

Especially for those with diabetes, make sure not to miss your yearly eye exam. Call our office (818-882-9300) to book an appointment with our experienced doctors, we welcome new patients!

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-eye-disease
https://www.aao.org/newsroom/observances
https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/nehep-pdfs/DED_SM_Toolkit_Evergreen.pdf
2 Comments

Why are Watery Eyes a Symptom of “Dry Eye”?

9/1/2020

2 Comments

 

According to the American Optometric Association, Dry Eye is a condition where a person does not have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. ​

Picture

Symptoms of dry eye include:
- Irritated, gritty, scratchy or burning sensations
- Feeling as if there is a foreign object in the eye
- Excess watering (This is the body’s response to eye irritation) 
- Blurred vision
- Advanced dry eye can cause damage to the front of the eye resulting in impaired vision


Causes of dry eye can be grouped into two main categories:

1.) Insufficient Quantity of Tears from decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation.

​Decreased Tear Production due to 
- Aging Certain medical conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid problems + more)  
- Certain medications (antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants + more) 
- Laser eye surgery - symptoms of dry eyes related to this procedure are usually temporary 
​- Tear gland damage from inflammation or radiation

Increased Tear Evaporation due to
- Wind, smoke or dry air
- Blinking less often (tends to occur when you're concentrating - reading, driving or working at a computer
*See our
“Digital Eye Fatigue” post to learn more!)

​- Eyelid problems

Some of these situations that exacerbate dry eye can be avoided.
- Avoid air blowing in your eyes. (fans, air conditioners)
- Add moisture to the air. (humidifier)
- Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear. 
- Take eye breaks during long tasks. Take periodic eye breaks. Close your eyes for a few minutes. Or blink repeatedly for a few seconds to help spread your tears evenly over your eyes.
- Be aware of your environment. The air at high altitudes, in desert areas and in airplanes can be extremely dry. When spending time in such an environment, it may be helpful to frequently close your eyes for a few minutes at a time to minimize evaporation of your tears.
- Position your computer screen below eye level. This helps you avoid opening your eyes as wide to view the screen, which may help slow the evaporation of your tears between blinks.
​- Stop smoking and avoid smoke.  Use artificial tears regularly. (for chronic dry eye cases)

Picture

However, in the next category we will explain how for some cases, there are serious underlying causes of dry eye that need treatment from an optometrist.



2.) Insufficient Quality of Tears  *fortunately, this can usually be treated successfully by our optometrists

Imbalanced tear composition can cause increased tear evaporation. The tear film has 3 layers: 
-  Inner mucus layer (helps tears evenly spread on the whole eye surface)  
- Middle watery layer (hydrates the eye and washes away foreign particles)
- Outer oily layer (prevents other layers from evaporating too quickly)

Picture

​Problems with any of the layers can cause dry eye. For example, if the oily layer is not properly produced, then the tear film will evaporate much more quickly than normal, tears won’t be able to do their job and dry eye symptoms can result.


Two conditions that can affect the oily layer of tears include blepharitis and MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction).
​

Blepharitis describes inflammation of the eyelids. Overgrowth of bacteria on eyelids causes this inflammation, which can inhibit the function of the meibomian glands and prevent the oily layer of tears from being properly produced.

Treatment: BlephEx is a painless in-office procedure that removes the bacterial biofilm that accumulates on eyelids and eyelashes in only 6-8 minutes and helps your eyes produce proper tears again.
​

Watch this Animation to learn more about BlephEx and blepharitis ​


MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) occurs when the meibomian glands (where the oil component of tears are produced) are clogged with dried or solidified tears.

Treatment: MiBoFlo Thermoflo is a device that uses thermoelectric radiation (heat) and gentle massage to liquify dried up or viscous tears. This allows previously obstructed meibomian glands to function properly again, which relieves dry eye symptoms.

Watch this Animation to understand the significance of MGD ​


Dry eye complications include eye infections, damage to the eye surface, and decreased quality of life, so it is important to have a comprehensive eye examination if you experience any of these symptoms. Call to schedule an appointment at our office, where we have the latest technology available to diagnose and treat dry eye.
​

To learn more about Risk Factors for dry eye, how dry eye is diagnosed, and even more information, check out our website!

References: 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863 
ttps://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/blepharitis-and-dry-eye-a-common-yet-complicated-combination https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/blepharitis https://mibomedicalgroup.com/products/ https://theeyesolution.myalcon.com/theeyesolution/eye-health/eye-conditions/symptoms-causes-and-relief-for-dry-eyes/ 
​
2 Comments

Digital Eye Fatigue Since COVID-19

8/18/2020

0 Comments

 
If you feel like your screentime has dramatically increased in recent months, you are not alone. A Forbes.com article published in March 2020 revealed that Internet use increased up to 70% because of COVID-19. Since classes, work meetings, and even spending time with loved ones have switched to online video calls, it is easy to imagine how endless hours of screen usage can cause harm, especially to your eyes. To face this new reality, it has become increasingly important to protect your eyes from digital eye strain.

Are you experiencing Digital Eye Strain?
​(Common Symptoms)

Picture
Digital Eye Strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), describes many eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, or cell phone use. Common symptoms include:
  • eyestrain
  • headaches
  • blurred vision
  • dry eyes
  • neck and shoulder pain
  • loss of productivity

Computers are an integral part of our lives. According to the American Optometric Association, here are some actions you can take to prevent digital eye strain and still effectively accomplish all of your computer-related goals.

Preventative Solutions

Picture
Prevent dry eyes by consciously blinking more often
  • Why? - Studies found that while staring at a screen, the number of times people blink decreases to only a half or a third as much as they normally blink. Every time you blink, you refresh and clean your eyes by covering them with a fresh film of tears. 
  • Solution - Remind yourself to consciously blink and take regular breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule! (every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to focus on something 20 feet away) You can also repeatedly blink during your break to further provide relief for your eyes.​​

Picture
Decrease blue light exposure
  • Why? - Blue light contributes to eye strain, disrupts our circadian rhythm and interferes with sleep.​
  • Solution - Limit screen time at night and add blue light coatings to glasses. In the evening, turn on “Dark Mode” or “Night Mode,” which can be found in the Settings of most devices.

Picture
Create an ergonomic desk setup
  • Why? - Long hours of typing with bad posture can cause neck, shoulder, or back pain.
  • Solution - Sit about 25 inches (arm’s length) away from the screen and position the screen below eye level. 


Adjust your screen settings
  • Why? - As opposed to reading a printed page, your eyes work harder to read from a computer screen because there is typically less contrast between the letters and the background. Glare and reflections on the screen add additional difficulties.
  • Solution - Use a matte screen filter to reduce glare, increase the contrast on your screen, and decrease the screen brightness to match your surrounding level of light. 

​
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to fix any uncorrected  vision problems
  • Why? - If your vision is not properly corrected for the specific viewing distance of your computer screen, you may need to tilt your head or bend towards the screen in order to see it clearly. This can result in an uncomfortable sitting posture and cause neck, shoulder, or back pain. Even minor vision problems can significantly decrease your comfort while viewing a computer.
  • Solution - Call 818-882-9300 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors for a comprehensive eye exam. 

Learn More from these source articles:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markbeech/2020/03/25/covid-19-pushes-up-internet-use-70-streaming-more-than-12-first-figures-reveal/#6d65a0b83104
https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage
https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/battling-blue-light
​

0 Comments

    Categories

    All
    NEW

  • Home
  • Location
  • Services
    • Optical Services
    • Frames
    • Contact Lenses >
      • Order Contact Lenses Now!
    • Sports Glasses
    • Eyewear Makeover
    • Latest Technology
    • LASIK Surgery
    • Diagnostics and Treatment
  • Dry Eye Center
    • Dry Eye Treatment
    • Dry Eye Evaluation
  • Myopia Management
  • MEET OUR STAFF
    • Testimonials
    • Optometrics in the News
  • Schedule Online
  • Patient Forms
  • Featured Vendor
    • Celebrity Wall of Frames
  • Blog
    • Eye Care Articles