There is one more decision that you need to make, and that is, what type of medium you will use to read your book. You have the choice of a traditional printed book, an audio book or an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle or the Barnes and Noble Nook.

You have likely heard differing opinions on e-readers. Some people rave about e-readers because such a small, portable device can hold the equivalent of a huge stack of novels. What convenience! Others warn that digital reading devices such as Kindles and Nooks are bad for your vision and can cause eye strain.

It’s true that digital devices are getting a bad reputation these days, but the problem is not so much with the device itself as with overuse of the device. Smart phones, tablets, televisions and computer screens emit blue light — high-frequency light waves that penetrate deep into the eyes and can cause eye damage over time. Kindles and Nooks are digital devices, but they differ from smartphones and tablets in two ways:

• Backlighting: An e-reader is sensitive to the amount of light in the environment and it will increase contrast accordingly.
• eInk: This special display mimics the look of printed paper.

These two features can minimize eye strain, especially for individuals with poor vision. If you suffer from eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration, an e-reader can make a significant difference in the clarity of letters and words. Ultimately, it will be your decision whether you prefer to read a book the old-fashioned way or with an e-reader. No matter what you choose, remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. That will help keep your eyes comfortable in any reading situation.

Just as each hobby requires its own supplies, such as a fishing pole, whittling knife, needle and thread or lawn tools, most hobbies also require specific eye protection. Your eyesight is an invaluable resource and a precious gift, so take precautions to protect your vision while you engage in your hobby.

Safety Glasses

A quality pair of safety glasses is necessary for keeping flying objects out of your eyes. When you are casting out your fishing line, your eyes are vulnerable to the barbed hooks on the end of the line. Similarly, during woodworking, your vision could be damaged if bits of sawdust or debris are flung into your eyes. Protect your eyes with safety glasses made of durable polycarbonate. The lenses of safety glasses wrap around the eyes to protect your peripheral vision, and many designs have shields that protect above the eyes as well.

Reading Glasses

Sewing can be an incredibly relaxing hobby, but it can be stressful and exhausting if your eyes are strained. Threading needles or doing beadwork is tedious and can cause headaches, eye pain, red eye and eye irritation. A good pair of reading glasses or a magnifying glass can help you see more clearly so your eyes are not overworked. It is also important to use bright lighting when sewing or crafting because this decreases eye strain as well.

100% UVA/UVB-Protecting Sunglasses

Before you step into your flower bed or vegetable garden to weed, water or harvest, put on a pair of shades. Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause oxidative damage and speed the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Purchase sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection so you can prevent eye damage.

Wearing proper eye protection ensures you can keep doing those meaningful hobbies that will give you pleasure for years to come. The final step in protecting your vision is to make yearly appointments with your eye doctor for up-to-date information regarding your eye health.

Did you know that eight-tenths of our memories and knowledge is acquired through our sense of sight? (Source: ConsciousLife News). Take a look at this list to see if you are compromising your long-term eye health by falling into some common pitfalls.

Sleeping in Your Contacts

Contacts restrict the amount of oxygen your eyes receive, so sleeping in your lenses or over-wearing your lenses can have damaging effects over time.

Not Removing Eye Makeup

Removing eye makeup before you go to bed is important because mascara and eyeliner can be irritating to the eyes and even cause infection. Make sure to replace your eye makeup every few months to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Too Much Screen Time

Are you spending too much time in front of a computer screen, television, smartphone or iPad? For most of Americans, this answer is a resounding “yes.” Overuse of electronic devices can cause digital eye strain and interrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, causing insomnia.

Inadequate Nutrition

The eyes need essential vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, zinc and lutein to function properly. A diet that is lacking in fruits and vegetables can increase your risk for eye disease.

Rubbing Your Eyes

The eyes are an extremely delicate organ, so try not to rub your eyes. Excessive rubbing makes your eyes even more sensitive and susceptible to broken blood vessels.

Not Wearing Sunglasses

Harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun cause free radical damage, which can lead to the development of cataracts. Wearing sunglasses is essential, even on cloudy days.

Not Using Safety Goggles

Maybe they don’t look cool, but that shouldn’t stop you from wearing safety goggles when doing yard work, using machinery or cleaning with harsh chemicals. They are an important barrier against eye irritants.

Neglecting Comprehensive Eye Exams

The best gift you can give to your eyes is a yearly comprehensiveeye exam. Your ophthalmologist will adjust your eye prescription, test for eye diseases and give you a complete update on your vision health.

If you have been getting a bit lazy in your eye hygiene or eye care habits, it’s certainly not too late. If you’re not sure where to start, call your ophthalmologist to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and you’ll be well on your way to healthier vision (Source: GoodHousekeeping).

Related Articles:

How to Prevent Work-Related Eye Strain

Proper Use of Contacts Prevents Long-Term Eye Damage

You can still make succulent pasta dishes, fluffy biscuits and moist chocolate cakes. 

The first step in making a delicious meal is to make sure that you are wearing eye glasses with an updated prescription or reading glasses with the correct strength. Then, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is my working space well-lit? If you have low vision or poor vision, you need brighter light to help you see. Make sure that your kitchen has plenty of light. Open shades and curtains, use bulbs with higher wattage, and turn all lights on in your kitchen during the entire cooking process.

2. Have I read through my recipe completely? Do not rely on memory for ingredients and instructions, even when making one of your favorite recipes. Read the entire recipe, take out all your ingredients, and follow step-by-step directions to the letter. 

3. Am I paying attention to detail? U.S. Customary System measurements can be tricky. The abbreviation for a teaspoon (t) and tablespoon (T) look very similar, but getting those measurements confused can ruin any recipe. Especially when following a hand-written recipe, look carefully to distinguish between measurements so you achieve your desired outcome.

4. Have I set my kitchen timer? Using a kitchen timer will allow you to use your sense of hearing instead of just your sense of sight. Set your kitchen timer for a few minutes shorter than the cooking or baking time that the recipe requires so you can check on your dishes while they are cooking.

Following these steps will keep you happy and safe in the kitchen. Most importantly, visit your ophthalmologist every year for a comprehensive eye exam so he or she can monitor your vision needs and adjust your prescription as needed. Happy Cooking!

Eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma can make driving difficult and even dangerous. It may be time to decide whether you should restrict your driving or retire your keys for good.

Degenerative eye disease develops slowly, so you might not realize the gradual changes in your vision. Over time, however, you may notice:

1. Difficulty driving at night — When your vision is compromised, you need bright light to see clearly. The American Automobile Association says that a typical driver makes 20 decisions per mile and has less than a second to react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Driving at night puts you at higher risk for traffic accidents.
2. Glare and halos — A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, and it can cause blurred vision. When light from bright headlights and street lamps enters the clouded lens of your eye, it causes intense glare and a distracting halo effect.
3. Inability to read street signs — Failing eyesight can make it challenging to see street signs and highway markers. Delayed reaction on your part can put you or other motorists at risk.
4. Reduced speed in your driving — Patrol officers are looking for motorists who are driving too fast, but they are also on the lookout for those who are driving too slow. Driving well below the speed limit can interrupt the flow of traffic and cause other motorists to change lanes more often, which increases the risk of accidents. (Source: All About Vision).

The best way to know whether you should take to the open road or have a designated driver is to talk with your ophthalmologist. He or she can discuss the specifics of your eye condition, and you can share your concerns that you are noticing while you are driving. It may be that you can still keep your driver’s license, but you may want to restrict your driving to daylight hours and leave nighttime driving to a friend or family member. Get a comprehensive eye exam soon so you can discuss this important topic with your
doctor.

Most procedures can be performed in an ambulatory surgery center, which offers convenience, comfort and usually a reduced cost (Source: Optometry Times).

If you were ever considering cataract surgery, there has never been a better time. Here are a few examples of how cataract surgery has advanced in technology over the years:

1. Smaller incisions—No one likes the idea of an eye incision, but what if that incision was as small as 2.5 millimeters? Small incision cataract surgery allows for a single incision for cataract removal and IOL insertion.
2. Shorter procedures and quicker recovery times—You may be surprised to know that cataract surgery can be as brief as 10 to 15 minutes. Gone are the days of extended recoveries and immobilization. You should expect to go home the same day, and under normal circumstances, you can resume your normal routine within just a few days.
3. Customized IOLs—New IOLs are developed each year with improved technology and capabilities. Choose among monofocal, multifocal or astigmatism-correcting IOLs to suit your vision needs.
4. Laser-assisted cataract surgery—This offers the perfect blend of a surgeon’s expertise and the precision of a machine. In laser-assisted cataract surgery, your surgeon will create a 3-D image of the eye with specifications for location, depth and length in all planes. The femtosecond laser uses the 3-D map to create the corneal incision without the use of a blade.

Make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss your options for cataract surgery. Then you will be ready to call your insurance provider to discuss the benefits of your health plan. The last step is the easiest: schedule your procedure. Clear, healthy vision is just a few phone calls away, so don’t delay!

The prevalence of cataracts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cataracts affect one in every six Americans over the age of 40. This seems like an extremely large number, but many men and women may be completely unaware that they have a developing cataract. Over half of all Americans have cataracts by age 70, and the percentage continues to increase with age. Often, a cataract is detected during a comprehensive eye exam, but it could be years before it begins affecting vision.

Why people are developing cataracts at a younger age?

Although genetics plays a role in cataract development, environmental factors such as UV exposure and free radical damage can greatly influence when your vision is affected by cataracts. Not wearing sunglasses increases your risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age.  Antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and eggs help to neutralize free radicals that can damage eye tissues, so an unhealthy diet can make your eyes vulnerable to cataracts as well.

New and improved cataract removal

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safe surgeries performed today. In the past, cataract surgery was delayed as long as possible and reserved for elderly patients. It was much more like an operation, requiring hospitalization and immobility for several days.  Today, cataract surgery can be an outpatient procedure performed at an ambulatory surgery center, and most patients may resume their normal activities rapidly. Thanks to technological advancement, we have the advantage of earlier detection, customized intraocular lenses (IOLs) and a variety of treatment options. Many monofocal IOLs are now covered under private insurance and Medicare, making cataract surgery more accessible than ever before.

Talk to your eye care professional

Regardless of your age, there is no reason to delay cataract surgery. In fact, choosing cataract surgery at an earlier age means that you will can enjoy clear, crisp vision right now. Your eye care professional can help you choose a lens that fits your needs and level of activity. Make an appointment today for a comprehensive eye exam and an informative discussion about cataract treatment options.

One in every six adults over the age of 45 is affected by a sight-threatening eye issue. As we age, this risk continues to increase. The life expectancy of an American is longer than ever before, so we must make even greater efforts to protect and preserve our vision.

Some leading causes of blindness and low vision are cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Keeping your eyesight healthy is quite simple, but it requires dedication and consistency. Here are some guidelines to maintain your vision:

 

1. Know your risk. Are you over the age of 65? Are you African American? Do you have a family history or personal history of diabetes? Does hypertension run in your family? You could be at increased risk for eye diseases that can cause permanent vision loss.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly. Center your diet on colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins to give your eyes the nutrients they need. Physical exercise is also important because it helps prevent hypertension and diabetes, conditions that increase your risk for eye disease.
3. Visit your primary care physician and eye doctor regularly. Hypertension and diabetes are precursors to exudative macular degeneration, eye strokes and diabetic retinopathy. Annual wellness checks and comprehensive eye exams will help you stay healthier and preserve your vision.
4. Sport those shades. UV radiation exposes your eyes to free radicals that cause vision damage. Choose sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, and wear them whenever you are outdoors. It is important to also wear sunglasses on cloudy days and in the winter.
5. Wear proper eye protection. Safety glasses and safety goggles should always be worn when you are using machinery, power tools or chemicals.
6. Be aware of any changes in your vision. If you notice any warning signs such as double vision, blurred vision, eye pain, floaters, flashes of light, or swelling of the eye, contact your eye doctor immediately.

There is no escaping getting older, but there is no reason that you cannot have healthy vision that lasts a lifetime. These steps are not difficult, but they require discipline. If you are not sure of where to start, begin by making an appointment with your primary care physician and your eye doctor. At those appointments, you will receive specific feedback about eye health and targeted suggestions for improvement.

Your vision is important to you, but it is probably safe to say that you place equal importance on heart health. So how do you choose between an eye-friendly diet or a heart-friendly diet? The good news is that you do not have to choose because the same foods that nourish your vision are also beneficial to your cardiovascular health.

Use these four foods as basic guidelines, and make selections within these food families for optimum eye (and heart) health.

Kale

Kale is one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that also reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. One study found that women who consumed high amounts of lutein were 23 percent less likely to develop cataracts than women who ate low amounts of lutein. Sauté kale in some olive oil and garlic as a side dish, or make a fresh kale salad with nuts, dried fruit and feta cheese.  Substitutes for kale include spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, turnip greens, peas, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Oranges

Of all the citrus fruits, the orange is probably the favorite. Tangy, yet sweet, the orange comes in countless varieties. Mandarins, tangerines, navels, or blood oranges offer plenty of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant for healthy vision. A diet that includes a full recommended allowance of vitamin C can help prevent or delay cataracts and macular degeneration. Other foods that are high in vitamin C are lemons, limes, grapefruit, strawberries, red and orange peppers, tomatoes, and peaches.

Salmon

Salmon, as well as tuna, mackerel, anchovies, and trout are rich in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in the retina. DHA is essential to retinal health and is instrumental in preventing eye disease. A 2010 study from Johns Hopkins found that people who ate a diet that was high in omega-3 fatty acid were less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration.

Black-eyed peas

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in high concentration in the eyes, and it protects against the damaging effects of light. Black-eyed peas are some of the best sources of zinc in the legume family. If you are not a fan of black-eyed peas, try kidney beans, lima beans, split peas, or pinto beans. Other great sources of zinc include oysters, lean red meat and poultry.

A healthy diet is essential for vision health and heart health, but 87 percent of Americans fall short of their daily requirements of vegetables and 76 percent are not eating their recommended amounts of fruits. Maybe it’s time for a little self-assessment of your daily diet so you can protect your vision for years to come.

Every year, new technology is developed to treat eye diseases that threaten our vision. A group of researchers at University College London and the Western Eye Hospital have made a recent breakthrough in glaucoma detection. Using equipment that is already routinely used in hospital eye examinations, the research team developed a way to visualize individual nerve cell death.

Glaucoma refers to a family of diseases that is characterized by optic nerve damage, the nerve that transmits visual images to the brain. Increased inner eye pressure creates stress on optic nerve cells, causing cell death and irreversible vision loss.

The researchers believe that their simple, inexpensive diagnostic tool could revolutionize how glaucoma is diagnosed. One of the most challenging aspects of glaucoma is that it often has no symptoms in the early stages. This means that patients can lose a significant portion of their vision before the disease is discovered. There is currently no cure for glaucoma, so scientists must focus on early detection to prevent vision loss.

The new technique uses fluorescent markers that attach to cell proteins when injected into patients. Eye doctors can identify diseased cells because they will appear as fluorescent white spots. The research team hopes that this same technology may be instrumental in early diagnosis of other degenerative neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.

Professor Francesca Cordeiro at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, research team leader, stated, “Detecting glaucoma early is vital as symptoms are not always obvious. Although detection has been improving, most patients have lost a third of vision by the time they are diagnosed. Now, for the first time, we have been able to show individual cell death and detect the earliest signs of glaucoma. While we cannot cure the disease, our test means treatment can start before symptoms begin” (Source: Science Daily).