Chilly winds and unpredictable temperatures make everyone want to stay indoors during the winter. Do you find yourself wanting to work from home or stay inside to watch movies or browse the internet more than usual? While movie marathons and TikTok trends can help pass hours of your day away, too much screen time can cause vision challenges.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Staring at a screen for extended periods without blinking can cause the eyes to become dry and tired. This condition is called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. According to the Vision Council, more than 83 percent of Americans admit to using digital devices more than two hours per day, and 60 percent say they experience side effects of eye fatigue. Those surveyed reported the following symptoms:

• Neck/shoulder pain (35 percent)
• Blurred vision (27.9 percent)
• Headaches (27.7 percent)
• Dry eyes (27.2 percent)

It should be noted that eye fatigue can present itself in several ways for everyone.

“Eye strain is more of a symptom than an actual condition,” explains Laurie Barber, MD, a comprehensive ophthalmologist. “People use the term differently. One person may mean their eyes are tired or watery, while another may have blurred vision. Some people may have headaches they attribute to eye strain, and others may have facial muscle fatigue from squinting for long periods because they are not wearing the correct glasses.”

Simple Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

Our society is not likely to cut back on screen usage anytime soon. However, you can protect your eyes from digital eye strain by making easy adjustments to your habits. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology to help you keep your eyes more comfortable this winter:

1. Increase your blink rate. People blink about 15 times per minute, on average, but blink rate tends to decrease by 50 percent when using screens. Blinking provides essential lubrication to the eyes to provide moisture, so although blinking is an involuntary reflex, you should attempt to voluntarily blink the eyes more often than you think is necessary while on your computer.
2. Reduce overhead light to eliminate screen glare.
3. Use computer eyeglasses. If you notice that your eyes are bothering you when you work on the computer, you may want to talk to your ophthalmologist about prescription glasses for intermediate distance. Wearing computer eyeglasses can reduce eye strain and prevent eye fatigue.
4. Increase font sizes, reduce brightness and sharpen the contrast on your computer screen.
5. When at a computer, position yourself a full arm’s distance away from the screen and keep your screen at eye level.
6. Use artificial tears. Cold, dry temperatures can make your eyes itchy and tired. Artificial tears can refresh and rejuvenate your eyes.
7. Adjust your air vents. Position air vents so the air flow does not blow directly into your face. This will help your eyes feel more comfortable.
8. Use a humidifier. If your eyes feel dry and you notice you are rubbing them often, consider purchasing a humidifier and use it in your office during the winter months.
9. Take regular breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, you should look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
10. Make sure your glasses always fit well. Glasses that are too tight on the temples will give you a headache.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam in 2024

Even when following all the tips above, nothing replaces quality eye care. Give your eyes extra love by making an appointment with your eye doctor. A new year provides opportunities for you to renew your commitment to your eye health.

When was the last time you made an appointment for a full eye exam with dilation? Annual vision tests can detect changes in your vision and diagnose eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration at an early stage when they are the most treatable.

If you have been experiencing symptoms of eye fatigue or dry eye, keep a journal of your symptoms. Your ophthalmologist will give you a visual acuity test, evaluate for refractive errors, examine your eye muscles and assess whether you need a new prescription for corrective lenses.

About 60 million people worldwide have glaucoma, and about three million Americans are affected by the disease. In the United States, January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to educate ourselves about this progressive eye disease. Yearly comprehensive eye exams are essential for diagnosing glaucoma early and preventing vision loss.

How Does Glaucoma Affect My Vision?

Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases characterized by elevated levels of intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, which sends visual signals to the brain.

Because it can develop without symptoms or pain, glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight.” At first, glaucoma affects the peripheral vision, but most people do not notice the narrowing of their visual field. Unfortunately, vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, and there is no cure for the disease.

Glaucoma Treatments Can Prevent Further Vision Loss

Although there is no way to restore glaucoma-related vision loss, several treatments can help lower IOP to safer levels. These may include eye drops, which can decrease fluid production in the eye or increase fluid outflow. Other options include oral medication, laser therapy and surgical procedures.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain people have a higher risk. You have a higher chance of developing glaucoma if you …

• Are older than 60.
• Have relatives with glaucoma.
• Are of Hispanic, African or Asian descent. Glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
• Have high eye pressure.
• Are very nearsighted or farsighted.
• Have had an eye injury.
• Have a thin cornea.
• Take steroid medications.

Will My Ophthalmologist Test Me for Glaucoma?

Your ophthalmologist can test you for glaucoma at your next comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor will dilate your eyes and perform a series of tests to evaluate you for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions. A comprehensive eye exam is painless and simple, and most exams take less than one hour.

According to the National Eye Institute, …

• Glaucoma can happen in one eye or both eyes.
• Some people with high eye pressure don’t get glaucoma, and there’s a type of glaucoma that happens in people with normal eye pressure.
• Normal eye pressure varies by person, so what’s normal for one person could be high for another.

Find an Ophthalmologist in Your Area

Make good vision a priority and begin your year with a comprehensive eye exam. Regular visits to your eye doctor can help preserve your vision for years to come. Celebrate Glaucoma Awareness Month by calling to make an appointment. If you are not under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist, we can help you find a physician in your area.

You may want to consider a fruit salad for dessert instead of pecan pie this Yuletide season. According to a recent study in Food & Function, eating grapes may improve eye health in older adults and reduce the risk of vision problems.

What Contributes to Eye Disease?

The eye is a specialized organ that is especially susceptible to damage. The retina is an environment with high levels of oxidative stress, meaning free radicals can damage proteins and DNA. Free radical damage increases as we age, which is why older age is a risk factor for most eye diseases. Another factor contributing to eye disease is elevated levels of ocular advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These substances can damage the retina and impair cell function.

Antioxidants in Grapes

Eating foods high in antioxidants can prevent AGEs from forming and decrease oxidative stress. Antioxidants remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents and protect cells from premature aging. Grapes have high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can improve macular pigment optical density (MPOD).

A new study analyzed 34 people who ate either 1.5 cups of grapes per day or a placebo for 16 weeks. The subjects who ate grapes showed higher levels of MPOD, polyphenols and plasma antioxidant capacity. Participants who did not eat grapes had higher levels of harmful AGEs.

“Our study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially impacts eye health in humans, which is very exciting, especially with a growing aging population,” said Jung Eun Kim, PhD. “Grapes are an easy, accessible fruit that studies have shown can have a beneficial impact in normal amounts of just 1 ½ cups per day.” (News Medical)

Kim is an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore.

Eat a Diet High in Antioxidants This Holiday Season

Antioxidants and polyphenols do not just preserve your vision. They protect the body against oxidative stress and associated health problems like cancers, heart disease and inflammation. This holiday season, be mindful of what you are putting in your body. You can prepare a savory, healthy meal and toothsome sweet treats with research and careful planning.

Enhance your traditional holiday meal’s flavor and nutritional profile by making minor substitutions. Instead of using butter, sour cream and cream cheese in your vegetable dishes, try a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and herbs. A fresh fruit salad can be just as sweet as a cake or pie without the sugar crash.

Increase Your Consumption of Eye-Healthy Nutrients

Make it a goal to eat healthy all year long. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats can help keep your vision clear and prevent eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Researchers agree getting essential vitamins and nutrients from food is best. Here are important antioxidants and vitamins, along with foods that contain high amounts (Harvard Health):

• Lutein, zeaxanthin — Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, corn, eggs, kale, nectarines, oranges, papayas, romaine lettuce, spinach, squash
• Omega-3 fatty acids — Flaxseed, flaxseed oil, halibut, salmon, sardines, tuna, walnuts
• Vitamin A — Apricots, cantaloupe, (raw) carrots, mangos, red peppers (raw), ricotta cheese (part-skim), spinach, sweet potatoes
• Vitamin C — Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, red peppers (raw), strawberries
• Vitamin E — Almonds, broccoli, peanut butter, spinach, sunflower seeds, wheat germ
• Zinc — Chickpeas, oysters, pork chops, red meat, yogurt

When was the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam? A complete eye exam with dilation takes only an hour but provides a year of benefits. Call today for an appointment.

Annual comprehensive eye exams can prevent glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness, from causing irreversible eye damage.

November 23 Is National Family Health History Day

Families pass down many positive traits and attributes, but they can also pass down complicated medical conditions. National Family Health History Day is Nov. 23. Knowing your predisposition for health and eye conditions can help you make informed decisions about screening and prevention. Regular checkups with your eye doctor can protect you and your family from eye conditions that deteriorate your vision.

Glaucoma, the Sneak Thief of Sight

Vision loss does not have to be painful or even noticeable. Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve and reduces the visual field. Some people with glaucoma experience symptoms like pain, blurred vision and sensitivity to light, but many are asymptomatic. Instead, they slowly lose their peripheral vision until they become blind. That is why glaucoma is aptly named “the sneak thief of sight” because it can be painless and often does not have warning signs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three million Americans have glaucoma, but only about half know they have it. Both heredity and age can contribute to your glaucoma risk. People older than 50 should get tested for glaucoma at least annually, even with perfect vision.

Know Your Risk for Hereditary Glaucoma

If you have a family member with glaucoma, you should get screened earlier. Genetic mutations can cause inherited glaucoma, affecting the eye’s drainage system and internal ocular pressure (IOP). Some ethnicities like Latinos, African Americans, Asians and Scandinavians have an increased disease risk. There are several types of hereditary glaucoma:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) — This is the most common type of glaucoma. Optic nerve damage increases IOP and slowly deteriorates vision. Individuals of African descent may be more likely to develop POAG.
• Primary angle-closure glaucoma — When the eye’s drainage system gets blocked, it can increase inner eye pressure. People of Asian descent are at increased risk.
• Pigmentary glaucoma — Pigment can also accumulate in the eye’s drainage system, and this can increase IOP and cause glaucoma.
• Congenital glaucoma — This can develop at birth if the eye drainage system develops abnormally. This type of glaucoma is rare but can be inherited (Glaucoma Research Foundation).

Collect Your Family Health History during the Holidays

The holidays are a perfect time to gather health information from your family members. Knowing your risk for health and eye conditions means you can be proactive and talk to your doctor about scheduling screenings at appropriate times.

Try not to view information gathering as scary. Just because you have a family member with glaucoma does not mean you will inherit the disease. Informing yourself is a wise decision, and it will only help you. If you are not sure where to start, try these simple steps:

1. Talk to your family members about chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and eye disease, and ask when doctors diagnosed the conditions.
2. Ask questions about family ancestry. Certain races and ethnicities are prone to specific conditions.
3. Record the information and update it regularly.
4. Share your family health history with your family members and your doctors.

Make an Eye Appointment before the End of the Year

National Family Health History Day falls on Thanksgiving Day this year. What an appropriate way to give thanks for loved ones and good health. You can show gratitude for clear vision by making an annual appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. Take your family health history to your appointment and ask your doctor if you need to be more vigilant in screening for specific eye conditions.

Vision is our most powerful sense. We perceive 80 percent of our impressions through our eyes. World Sight Day is Oct. 12, and it emphasizes protecting your eyesight. Reducing hazards and getting annual eye exams can protect your vision and decrease the risk of falls, fractures and other injuries.

More Elderly Americans Are Falling

More than 25 percent of senior adults fall every year, but fewer than half tell their physicians. The rate of falls in the United States has risen consistently over the past 10 years and is likely to continue increasing as life expectancy lengthens.

Between 2001 and 2014, almost one million inpatient hospital admissions had eye injury as the primary or secondary diagnosis. According to a 2021 study, patients with a secondary diagnosis of an eye injury rose 31 percent, and 82 percent of the increase in secondary eye injuries was due to falls among older individuals.

The study found that more than half of fall-related eye trauma occurred at home. Falls were more likely to occur during the winter, and women were more at risk than men. For patients whose primary diagnosis was an eye injury, orbital fracture from blunt trauma was the most common type.

Vision Problems Can Increase the Risk of Falls

Seniors with low vision are more at risk for falls and injuries compared to seniors with unobstructed vision. Eye disease can increase the likelihood of tripping, stumbling or bumping into furniture.

• Cataracts — A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens, which can cause blurry vision and make patients more susceptible to falling. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries. One study found cataract surgery can significantly decrease the risk of a hip fracture.
• Glaucoma — This family of eye diseases deteriorates the optic nerve. Patients with glaucoma often lose their peripheral vision, which can cause them to collide with an object outside their visual field.
• Macular degeneration — This condition affects central vision. Patients with macular degeneration can easily trip over objects because they cannot see something in front of them.

Ways to Prevent Falls and Protect Your Eyes

Older adults with low vision or who are at risk for vision impairment often have other chronic conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, which can also increase the chance of falling. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control makes the following suggestions to keep your home safe and prevent falls:

1. Remove clutter from your home. Keep your floors clear to prevent tripping.
2. Wear sturdy, nonslip footwear.
3. Make sure all rooms and hallways are well-lit.
4. Avoid using small throw rugs that can shift underneath you.
5. Use non-slip mats in the shower.
6. Install grab bars next to your toilets and showers.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Preserve Vision and Prevent Injury

Celebrate World Sight Day by calling your ophthalmologist and making an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with dilation. More than 12 million Americans aged 40 years and older experience vision impairment. Are you taking active steps to keep your eyes healthy?

At your eye appointment, your ophthalmologist will screen you for eye diseases, evaluate your visual acuity and update your eyeglass prescription. Your doctor can also detect and diagnose vision problems during your eye exam and suggest customized treatments for your eyesight needs. Call today to get on the schedule.

Physical activity is one of the best choices you can make for your health. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, regular exercise can help preserve your vision and lower your risk for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

Older Americans Are at Risk for Vision Loss

September is Healthy Aging Month. Getting older does not mean you have to lose your vision. Vision loss and blindness are not a normal part of aging. As you age, however, you are more susceptible to eye disease. By 2030, an estimated 7 million Americans will be visually impaired, but lifestyle changes could prevent many cases.

Study Shows Exercise May Prevent AMD in Mice

Previous studies suggest moderate exercise can reduce the risk of glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. A new study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science suggests exercise may help prevent blood vessel overgrowth in degenerative eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults older than 50. AMD destroys the sharp, central vision necessary for reading, driving and seeing clearly.

Researchers analyzed two groups of six mice, but only one group used an exercise wheel. After four weeks, the research team found the active mice experienced 45 percent less eye damage than the inactive mice.

“The new study is exciting because it supports previous findings suggesting a link between exercise and prevention of AMD,” said American Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson J. Kevin McKinney, M.D., MPH (AAO).

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

If you have not been physically active recently, you might not know where to start. It may be best to begin with just walking 30 minutes per day. You should always consult a physician regarding exercise to choose safe activities that will not increase your risk for injury.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. What you do for exercise may depend on your age, cardiovascular fitness and level of mobility. You may consider activities like swimming, cycling, tennis, pickleball, hiking or yoga.

Other Ways to Keep Your Vision Healthy

Besides exercising, you can adopt other positive habits to prevent eye disease and keep your vision clear:

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Quit smoking or don’t smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Control chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
• Wear sunglasses, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when you are in the sun.

Finally, schedule yearly comprehensive eye exams for the whole family. An eye exam with dilation is as essential for your vision as daily exercise. Your ophthalmologist will test your visual acuity and screen you for common eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. If you need medication or a procedure, you can begin treatment immediately.

Commit to caring for your vision during Healthy Aging Month. Call today to make an appointment with your ophthalmologist.

“Good nutrition is essential in keeping current and future generations of Americans healthy across the lifespan,” according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Studies have shown plant pigments found in many common foods positively impact eye health and functional vision.

Lead author Jacob Harth said new research examines the ability of lutein and zeaxanthin to improve how well a person can see a target clearly over distance.

“A lot of the research into macular lutein and zeaxanthin has focused on health benefits, but from a functional perspective, higher concentrations of these plant pigments improve many aspects of visual and cognitive ability,” Harth told Medical Xpress. Harth is a doctoral candidate in the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health.

Benefits of lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods

The study focused on how an athletes’ visual range may improve by eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. The paper was published in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews.

Lutein and zeaxanthin add yellow or orange color to various common foods. These foods include cantaloupe, pasta, corn, carrots, orange or yellow peppers, fish, salmon and eggs. Other excellent sources of these carotenoids include broccoli, peaches, mangoes, berries, pumpkin, spinach and Swiss chard.

Eating foods with these antioxidants protect the retina from blue light damage. They act like sunglasses for the eye and protect the macula in the retina’s center. These pigments also help prevent age-related macular degeneration.

“Many athletes already take measures to reduce the impact of blue light through eye black or blue blocker sunglasses, but eating more foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can improve the eye’s natural ability to handle blue light exposure,” Harth said in Medical Xpress.

The way individual bodies absorb and use lutein and zeaxanthin varies, but the overall health benefits are evident, according to the study authors.

“We have data from modeling and empirical studies showing that higher macular pigment in your retina will improve your ability to see over distance.” Harth told Medical Xpress. “The application for athletes is clear.”

Eat healthy, schedule eye exam

According to the Centers for Disease Control, healthy eating may help people live longer, as well as provide the following benefits:

• Keeping skin, teeth and eyes healthy
• Supporting muscles
• Boosting immunity
• Strengthening bones
• Lowering risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers
• Supporting healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding
• Helping the digestive system function
• Helping achieve and maintain a healthy weight

In addition to eating nutritious foods, getting a comprehensive eye exam is also important for your overall health. Many diseases show early signs in the eyes, including cardiovascular health and diabetes.

During the exam, your doctor will check for the following:

• Refractive error: nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatism
• Focusing problems, including presbyopia
• Other vision problems, such as strabismus, amblyopia or binocular vision
• Eye diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy

Eye doctors recommend regular screenings beginning at age 40 or earlier if you have eye disease risk factors, including family history, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Protect your vision by eating a healthy, balanced diet, and schedule your comprehensive eye exam with your ophthalmologist.

Even though an eye exam takes less than an hour, the most common excuse for not going to the eye doctor is being too busy. A yearly eye exam is one of the best things you can do for your health, but many Americans are not current with their preventive vision care.

The truth is that everyone can make time to get their eyes checked. In the time it takes to watch a sitcom or crime drama, you can visit a board-certified ophthalmologist who can help determine whether you have a degenerative eye disease.

Common eye diseases and conditions

In the time it takes for you to grocery shop or get your tires rotated, your ophthalmologist can screen for common eye diseases. Early detection of eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration can prevent eye damage and preserve vision.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in people 55 and older, and most people will develop a cataract sometime during adulthood. Glaucoma refers to a family of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve and can develop without warning signals. Age-related macular degeneration affects about 5 percent of adults 65 or older and affects central vision needed for driving and reading.

The cost of skipping an eye exam

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 93 million Americans are at risk for significant vision loss, but only half visited their eye doctor in the past year. You may think it’s not a problem if you skip your comprehensive eye exam, but you may want to think again. Here are some health concerns if you delay preventive eye care.

1. You could be putting your safety at risk. Often, our eyes are our first line of defense and can keep us from falling or getting into a car accident.
2. You could miss an important health diagnosis. Your eyes offer a window into your overall health. Sometimes ophthalmologists can detect chronic health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and hormone imbalance.
3. You may have undiagnosed allergies. Millions of Americans experience itchy, watery, scratchy eyes during allergy season. Your eye doctor can diagnose eye allergies and provide treatment so you can be more comfortable.

Meeting your deductible can decrease medical costs

Have you met your deductible? Studies show most patients meet their deductible by May, so you might have already met your annual deductible. If this is the case, don’t delay getting an eye exam or scheduling an eye procedure, like cataract surgery. Call your insurance company to verify whether you have met your deductible or are close to meeting it. You can also ask for an estimate of benefits to prepare financially.

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs): quality procedures for less

The same procedure may cost much less if you are flexible with where you schedule it. If you need cataract surgery or an eye procedure, it is wise to ask your ophthalmologist about your options for the medical facility you will visit.

An ambulatory surgery center (ASC) is an outpatient facility that offers easy-access, high-quality medical procedures with financial transparency. ASCs can save money because they are usually a fraction of the cost of hospitals. You can also use a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to use pre-tax money for your qualified medical expenses. Both of these decisions will result in more cash in your pocket.

Eye exams are worth the investment

Preventive eye care does not have to be time-consuming or expensive. Good vision is a priceless gift, but you need to schedule yearly exams to keep your eyes healthy. Annual comprehensive eye exams can prevent chronic conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts before they impair your vision. If you need cataract surgery, schedule your procedure now and maximize your health benefits. Call today to make an appointment.

It is important as we age to protect our eyes from cataracts, the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.

Observing Cataract Awareness Month in June promotes information about this common eye condition that affects more than 24 million Americans.

A cataract develops when proteins in the eye clump together and cloud the lens.

Symptoms of cataracts may not be visible at first, but eventually, you may notice your vision become cloudy or blurry. You may also have difficulty seeing at night, especially while driving. You may see halos around lights, faded or yellow colors or even experience double vision.

When cataracts start affecting your lifestyle, they are treatable with a simple surgical procedure, which has a 98 percent success rate.

Eye conditions share risk factors

Cataracts and glaucoma may occur at the same time in a patient’s eyes.

Like cataracts, glaucoma can lead to blindness. Glaucoma causes vision loss through damage to the optic nerve. About three million people in the U.S. have this disease.

According to an article in Medical News Today, having either cataracts or glaucoma “does not directly lead to the development of the other, [but] having one condition can increase the risk of developing the other.”

Learning facts about both conditions and seeking treatment early may prevent permanent vision loss.

According to the National Eye Institute, cataracts can increase the risk of elevated eye pressure, which may lead to glaucoma.

Similarly, some treatments for glaucoma may worsen cataracts and speed up their formation, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

Both conditions typically occur in adults over age 55 and often in people with a family history. Some medications, past eye injuries or certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing both.

Lifestyle factors may increase your risk of cataracts. Factors include excessive exposure to sunlight, smoking tobacco, obesity, high blood pressure, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

Risk factors for glaucoma include African-American heritage, history of steroid use (either in eyedrops or systemically), being nearsighted (myopic), being farsighted (hyperopic) and history of elevated intraocular pressure.

Treatments vary for eye conditions

While cataracts and glaucoma both negatively affect one’s vision, the symptoms and treatments vary for each.

Living a healthy lifestyle goes a long way toward cataract prevention. To slow the development, make healthy lifestyle choices:

• Wear sunglasses and a hat when outdoors.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Take antioxidant supplements like vitamins A, C and E.
• Quit smoking.
• Manage diabetes and heart disease.

Ultimately, surgery is the only treatment option to medically remove a cataract and treat the effect on your eyesight.

There is no cure for glaucoma, so early detection is critical. In its early stages, glaucoma usually has no symptoms. Increased eye pressure creates stress on the optic nerve, and if it is damaged, vision loss occurs. Once diagnosed, treatment options include medications, laser treatment and surgery.

New developments in Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) allow patients to have glaucoma and cataract surgery during one procedure. The surgery is safe and effective in treating primary open-angle glaucoma and a cataract.

Don’t delay your diagnosis

Preventive measures or treatment may lessen or cure about 75 percent of disease-related eyesight loss.

Doctors recommend regular eye exams beginning at age 40 or earlier if you have eye disease risk factors, including family history, diabetes and high blood pressure.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 39 million Americans will have cataracts by 2032.

Glaucoma is expected to affect more than four million Americans by 2030, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

If you are at risk for these eye conditions, don’t delay your diagnosis. Schedule a comprehensive exam offered by an ophthalmologist at your eye center.

A new study, published Acta Neuropathologica, is helping researchers understand the complex relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and the retina, particularly in the earliest stages of cognitive decline.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, and it impairs thinking, behavior and memory. Over time, symptoms of Alzheimer’s will make daily tasks more difficult. About 60 to 80 percent of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s, and doctors diagnose about three million new cases of Alzheimer’s each year. There is no single test that can diagnose the disease, and there is no cure. The newest and most advanced treatments only slow its progression.

Alzheimer’s and its effects on the brain

Alzheimer’s prevents nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain from functioning efficiently. Scientists aren’t sure how the process begins, but two anomalous structures called plaques and tangles begin damaging and killing neurons. Plaques are a buildup of proteins called beta-amyloid that accumulate in the space between nerve cells and interrupt cell communication. Tangles are twisted fibers of a different type of protein that also collect inside neurons.

Link between Alzheimer’s disease and retinal health

Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Hospital wanted to learn more about the connection between the brain and the retina in patients with Alzheimer’s. The team examined retina and brain tissue samples from 86 donors with confirmed Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. They compared those samples with samples from donors with normal brain function and those with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

The research team analyzed the patients’ retinas and brain tissue and found an excess of a protein called amyloid beta 42 that disrupted brain function. They also found an accumulation of amyloid beta protein in ganglion cells, which are responsible for transmitting information between the retina and the optic nerve.

“The retina, a developmental extension of the brain, offers an unparalleled opportunity for affordable, noninvasive monitoring of the central nervous system,” said Yosef Koronyo, MSc, research associate in the Cedars-Sinai Department of Neurosurgery and first author of the study. “And with the help of our collaborators, we discovered the accumulation of highly toxic proteins in the retinas of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, causing severe degeneration of cells.”

The researchers hope that learning more about the brain and retina in patients with Alzheimer’s may lead to a clear diagnostic for Alzheimer’s as well as effective treatments.

Schedule an eye exam during Healthy Vision Month

Did you know that May is Healthy Vision Month? The National Eye Institute and Centers for Disease Control encourage all Americans to prioritize healthy vision and get an annual comprehensive eye exam with dilation.

Your ophthalmologist can detect refractive errors like nearsightedness or presbyopia, a condition that makes it difficult to see things up close. Eye exams also include screenings for common eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.

Celebrate Healthy Vision Month by calling your eye doctor to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. It takes less than an hour, but it provides a lifetime of benefits — clear, healthy eyesight!