When you’re shopping for a pair of new sunglasses, you might notice certain brands or styles have polarized lenses. Have you ever wondered what advantages polarized lenses offer? Here are five facts you may not know about polarized lenses.

1. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed polarized lenses after studying eagle vision. Eagles’ eyes contain a natural oil that prevents light from scattering.
2. Polarized lenses were designed to mimic eagle vision. The lenses reduce glare from sunlight that reflects off shiny or smooth surfaces like water, glass, chrome or asphalt (VisionSource.com).
3. Polarized lenses don’t block UVA or UVB rays. Some polarized lenses, but not all, offer UVA and UVB protection. Read stickers and labels carefully.
4. Polarized lenses can help increase eye comfort during activities like driving, skiing, boating and fishing (AAO).
5. Polarized lenses might help you see better, but they shouldn’t be considered “healthier” for your vision.

If you live an active lifestyle and participate in outdoor sports, you may find that polarized lenses help reduce squinting and cut down on eye strain. But the most important feature to look for in a new pair of sunglasses is 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Proper eye protection will delay degenerative eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

If it has been over a year since your last comprehensive eye exam, make an appointment with a board-certified ophthalmologist. Click here to be connected with one of our vision experts.

Cataracts are a degenerative eye condition usually associated with advanced age, but people of all ages can be treated for cataracts. June is Cataract Awareness Month, so let’s explore some of the most common questions about early cataract development and treatment.

What Causes Cataracts

Most people will eventually develop a cataract, but some cataracts form earlier or quicker. Certain environmental factors, health conditions and lifestyle habits can cause cataracts to form more rapidly. These include cigarette smoking, UV exposure, eye trauma, hypertension, diabetes, steroid use, or genetic predisposition to early cataracts.

How Do You Know If You Have Cataracts

Cataract development is a slow and progressive process. In fact, you probably won’t know you have a developing cataract until your ophthalmologist tells you. It may be years before the cataract begins to impair your vision and cause symptoms like double vision, blurred vision, muted colors, glares and halos.

When to Have Cataract Surgery

Over time, a cataract will impact your daily activities. You’ll find it difficult to drive at night, read street signs, decipher fine print, and do detailed crafts and hobbies like needlework. When cataracts affect your schedule or your independence, it’s time to talk to your ophthalmologist about scheduling cataract surgery.

Once your ophthalmologist determines that you’re a candidate, there’s no reason to put off the procedure. It’s time to make decisions about the type of intraocular lens (IOL) that would be best for your eye, and whether you should have traditional or laser-assisted surgery.

Benefits of Early Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is truly a cure for cataracts, and many people can experience 20/20 vision again.  It takes only about 15 minutes per eye, and most people can resume their normal activities within a few days. Cataract surgery improves quality of life, increases independence and reduces the risk of falls, hip fractures and automobile accidents (American Academy of Ophthalmology).

Talk to your ophthalmologist about whether you’re a candidate for cataract surgery. With over 3.6 million procedures performed each year, cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the United States. Make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam today. 

All surgeries have associated risk, but your surgical team has specific safeguards in place to provide the best possible outcome.

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a good time to learn about ways that your surgeon and surgical team prioritize patient safety:

1. Patient consent — Before your procedure, you must give written consent to have cataract surgery. All forms should be written clearly, but be sure to ask office staff for clarification if any of the information is confusing. Read the forms carefully for details concerning the correct operative eye, the type of surgery to be performed (traditional or laser-assisted) and the type of intraocular lens (IOL) to be inserted. We have drafted these forms for your safety.
2. Lens management policy — On the day of surgery, your surgical team will mark the eye on which they will operate, as well as your customized IOL, to make sure they are placing the correct lens in the correct eye. Marking the lens and the operative eye prevents errors. 
3. Time-outs — Before the procedure begins, your team will perform what is referred to as a “time-out” to verbally verify your name, date of birth, operative eye and IOL before beginning your procedure.
4. Least invasive anesthesia — The anesthesia staff will use the least invasive form of anesthesia or sedative appropriate for your case. You may speak with the anesthesia team about your options.
5. Infection prevention — You’ll be given prescription-strength antibiotic eye drops to administer during your recovery. Use these drops as directed to prevent inflammation and infection.

Talk to your ophthalmologist about patient safety measures during and after cataract surgery. We value your trust in our center, and we look forward to serving your vision needs.  

Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most successful surgeries performed today. The surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and remains permanently in the eye.

IOLs not only treat cataracts but also correct vision. You can select a standard IOL that corrects near, intermediate or distance vision, or a premium IOL that offers enhanced features. Here are some of the most popular types of premium IOLs:

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs are designed to treat astigmatism – which is characterized by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. In patients with astigmatism, the cornea does not properly refract light rays onto the retina and objects appear blurry and distorted. A toric IOL can correct up to 4.50 diopters of corneal astigmatism.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs correct a range of visual fields. The newest designs split light into several focal points to provide high quality vision. Patients who have presbyopia (impaired near vision) and astigmatism, may have success with multifocal IOLs. This type of lens often eliminates the need for glasses altogether.

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs

The EDOF IOL is designed to extend range of vision, including far, intermediate and near vision. This lens lengthens the spectrum of focus and provides clear vision at different distances. Because light is not focused at two distinct points, patients notice a smooth transition from far to near with reduced glare and halos.

Most cataract surgeries can be completed in 30 minutes or less in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). After a short recovery at home, you can expect to resume your regular activities within a few days. If it is nearing time for you to have cataract surgery, talk to your ophthalmologist about which prescription intraocular lens is right for you. Your cost-share responsibility is higher with a premium IOL, but the benefits may be worth the additional investment.

Did you know that you can schedule routine procedures like cataract removal in an ambulatory setting instead of a hospital?

Over 3.5 million Americans have cataract surgery every year, making it one of the most common and safe procedures performed today. According to a recent study, cataract surgeries performed at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) jumped from 46 percent in 2001 to 73 percent in 2014.

What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center?

An ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) is an independent healthcare facility that offers comprehensive outpatient surgical services. Besides cataract surgery, ASCs commonly offer options for procedures like hysterectomy, total joint replacement and spinal surgery.

Benefits of an ASC

Many patients prefer ASCs because they offer premium services that hospitals cannot match. A free-standing surgery center is designed to alleviate a specific issue like cataract removal in a timely, efficient manner. Because outpatient centers are specialized, they can streamline their services to offer shorter stays with less wait time and lower cost than traditional hospitals that provide a wide scope of procedures.

When asked why they prefer an ASC over a hospital, many patients say they like smaller, personal environment, the accessibility of parking, and the friendly staff.

Schedule an Eye Exam

If you’re interested in getting more information about cataract surgery at an ASC, call your ophthalmologist. You can discuss your options at your next comprehensive eye exam. More men and women are choosing cataract surgery at a younger age, so talk to your eye doctor about correct timing for your procedure.

Cataracts affect one in six Americans 40 and older. Women are especially susceptible to cataracts and other eye conditions because of hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. One of the most effective ways to prevent degenerative eye diseases like cataracts is with a healthy diet full of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are chemicals found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains that combat the effects of oxidative stress in the environment. No single antioxidant can neutralize all free radicals, so it is important to eat variety of antioxidant-containing foods. Here are foods that you can add to your menu to strengthen your eyes and prevent cataract-related vision loss:

Fruits and Vegetables

Studies show we need between five and nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day for optimal eye health. More matters when it comes to healthy produce, and it is important to choose a colorful variety. Fruits and vegetables offer the highest total antioxidant capacity of all foods, so make these the building blocks of your diet.

While at the grocery store, select a fruit or vegetable for each color of the rainbow. How about red strawberries, orange tangerines, yellow peppers, green kale, indigo blueberries and purple eggplant? Try to choose organic fruit and eat the skins of fruits and vegetables since they are full of vitamins A, C and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin.

Whole Grains

To prevent cataracts, eat three servings of 100 percent whole grains. This can include amaranth, brown rice, bulgur, buckwheat, millet, oatmeal, popcorn, sorghum, quinoa, rye and wheat. Some of these grains may be unfamiliar to you, but be adventurous. Look up some recipes and try something new!

You can also boost your eye health by making wiser choices when you purchase bread and other baked goods. Read food labels carefully, avoiding white bread and bakery items that contain refined grains and sugars and choosing items that are minimally processed.

Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to reduce the risk of cataract development and progression. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include shrimp, tuna, cod, salmon, halibut, trout, herring, walnut, flaxseed oil, canola oil and spinach. Eat fish at least twice per week to nourish your eyes and protect your vision.

Seeds and Nuts

Nuts and seeds are great sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect membranes of eye cells from free radical damage. Some of the best choices for eye health are almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and sunflower seeds.

May is Women’s Health Month, a time for women to renew their commitment to their own health. Ladies, remember that your visual health is just as important as your family’s, so set aside an hour for yourself and get your eyes examined. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to preserve your vision and prevent eye disease before it develops. 

Dry eye is a disorder characterized by the inability to produce the right quantity and quality of tears necessary to sufficiently lubricate the eye. In a normally functioning eye, tears moisturize the cornea and protect it from foreign particles, but insufficient lubrication can lead to eye infection, pain and vision impairment.

Gender has a significant impact on the risk of dry eye, as women are at higher risk than men.    According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, approximately 6 million women have moderate to severe symptoms of dry eye syndrome, as compared to 3 million men.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Common symptoms of dry eye include stinging, burning, redness, pain and scratchiness. It can cause alternating periods of excess tearing and excessive dryness, blurred vision, or the sensation that the eyelids feel heavy.

Why Women Experience Dry Eye More Than Men

Hormonal fluctuations, especially in estrogen, are responsible for higher prevalence of dry eye in females. These changes are more extreme during pregnancy, menstruation and menopause, when levels of estrogen and progesterone taper off. 

Other Risk Factors

Besides gender, other factors which may influence dry eye include refractive surgery such as LASIK, contact lenses, eye allergies, and inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (Prevent Blindness). Additionally, medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, birth control pills, anxiety medication, hypertension medication and hormone replacement therapy have been linked to dry eye.

What You can Do

Many people who suffer from dry eye just try to manage their symptoms with rewetting drops. However, it is important to see an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam. When you see the doctor, you can discuss your dry eye symptoms and evaluate various treatment options including dietary changes, vitamins, punctal plugs or medicated eye drops. The ophthalmologist may suggest that you talk with your primary care physician about your medications. One or more of your prescriptions could be making your dry eye worse. 

According to the report for the 2015 National Health Interview Survey, 23.7 million American adults age 18 and older experience vision loss. Having vision loss is defined as having difficulty seeing or being unable to see at all, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses.

Women are much more likely to experience vision loss than men. In fact, almost two-thirds of all individuals who are visually impaired are female. This means that women need to be especially attentive to their vision needs because they are at higher risk for eye issues. Here are four reasons women are more likely to be visually impaired.

1. Life expectancy — Women have an average life expectancy of 81 years compared to 76 years for men. Many eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are associated with age, so women are more likely to develop degenerative eye disease simply because of their gender.
2. Hormones — Menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are all driven by hormones, and fluctuations in hormones can also affect vision. It is also suspected that hormonal changes contribute to dry eye syndrome, especially after menopause.
3. Risk for auto-immune disease — Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis are more common among women, and these conditions can also affect sight loss.
4. Social and economic factors — Limited financial resources and inadequate health care can affect the frequency of preventative care visits like comprehensive eye exams. Women often will put aside their own check-ups to allocate health care funds to another family member.

Vision loss can be prevented or delayed through early detection and early treatment. Annual comprehensive eye exams are the best way to keep your vision healthy whether you are male or female. Eye disease and vision impairment is costly and can require expensive medications and treatment. A yearly check-up of your vision is a worthwhile investment because it can reduce medical expenses in the future. Take some time today to call your ophthalmologist and schedule an eye exam for the whole family.