With our aging population, the CDC estimates the number of people with blindness or vision impairment will double by 2030. As people live longer, it is imperative to prioritize vision health as a part of preventive care.

Common eye conditions that can affect your vision

Many eye diseases develop slowly and without notice. Some of the most common degenerative eye conditions include the following:

• Cataracts — Caused by a clouding of the eye lens, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.
• Glaucoma — This family of eye diseases damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss without pain or symptoms.
• Age-related macular degeneration — This condition deteriorates the macula, the light-sensitive area located in the central retina.
• Diabetic retinopathy — The leading cause of blindness in American adults, diabetic retinopathy damages blood vessels in the retina.

Foods that can protect your vision

You can fight eye disease with your fork! One of the few ways to prevent or delay age-related eye diseases is to supply the body with foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that delay oxidation, a process that causes cells to age and die.

Studies show that foods rich in vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce your risk for cataracts, macular degeneration and even dry eye.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is vital for good vision, strong immunity and healthy skin. Good sources of vitamin A include tomatoes, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, red bell pepper, mangoes, milk, eggs and beef liver.

Vitamins C and E

Both vitamins C and E are antioxidants that can prevent eye damage from free radicals. If you want to increase your vitamin C intake, eat citrus fruits, red peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

Excellent sources of vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, peanut butter, spinach and collard greens.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

These two plant pigments protect the retina from ultraviolet light damage. They act like sunglasses for the eye and protect the macula in the retina’s center. Getting enough lutein and zeaxanthin can help you prevent age-related macular degeneration, so eat lots of broccoli, peaches, mangoes, berries, spinach and Swiss chard.

Riboflavin (B2)

Healthy riboflavin levels can slow the progression of cataracts. Good sources of riboflavin include meat, nuts, cheese, eggs, mushrooms and fortified breakfast cereals.

Zinc

Zinc is essential for maintaining healthy eye tissue. Zinc-rich foods include lentils, beans, seeds, seafood, dairy products, eggs and meat.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the photoreceptor cells in the retina and reduce inflammation that can lead to dry eye disease. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, albacore tuna, trout and halibut. You can also get omega-3s from plant sources like walnuts, canola oil, flax and chia seeds.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam

A yearly comprehensive eye exam is just as important as your annual physical. Call your ophthalmologist today to schedule an eye exam with dilation. When you go in for your appointment, ask your eye doctor for more nutritional tips to benefit your vision.

Some vision impairment is a natural part of the aging process. Presbyopia often begins around age 45 but can be easily corrected with contacts or glasses. Recent research found that 28 percent of adults over 71 are visually impaired, even with the help of corrective lenses or visual aids.

Poor vision can be dangerous for older adults

The study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Olivia J. Killeen, MD, a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Michigan Medicine, led the research, and the findings were published in JAMA Ophthalmology.

One of the main findings was that various types of visual impairment are linked to older age, lower income and less education. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults were likelier to have visual acuity and contrast sensitivity impairments than non-Hispanic White adults.

Many participants in the study needed an updated eyeglass prescription to treat their visual impairment, but some faced financial barriers. For example, many seniors have to pay for glasses because Medicare only provides eyeglass benefits after cataract surgery.

“These findings are important to address, as poor vision is associated with several adverse outcomes for older adults, including depression, dementia, falls, motor vehicle accidents and even death,” said Dr. Killeen.

Eye disease can cause vision impairment

The main cause of blindness and vision impairment in seniors is age-related eye disease. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are three eye conditions that can develop as you age, and your risk increases after age 65.

Older adults with impaired vision also have a higher risk for the following:

• Injuries
• Social isolation
• Reduced quality of life
• Challenges with following instructions for medication

Comprehensive eye exams can prevent vision impairment

Has it been over a year since your last eye exam? Regular comprehensive eye exams with dilation can help detect vision problems and preserve your eyesight as you age. Eye conditions can develop slowly; therefore, you cannot rely on symptoms or warning signs, so call your ophthalmologist to make an appointment.

Loss of taste and smell are common complaints of COVID-19, but these are not the only complications. Because the virus deprives organs of the oxygen they need, people can experience vision changes.

Research shows that about 10 percent of people who contracted COVID-19 developed symptoms of the eyes or ears, which were the most persistent symptoms of the illness. A new study published in Nature Communications explores whether the COVID-19 virus may affect the vision and depth perception of people who have contracted the virus.

COVID can infect through the eyes

The study was co-led by Griffith University’s Menzies Health Institute and South Korea’s Center for Convergent Research for Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology.

Using animal models, the research team found the eyes and specific nerves attached to the brain are susceptible to the virus, and SARS-CoV-2 can infect the eye through the respiratory tract by way of the brain.

Principal Research Leader and co-lead author Suresh Mahalingam said the COVID-19 virus could cause the retina to get thicker by:

• Accumulation of fluid
• Optic nerve inflammation
• Immune cell infiltration

“The virus can infect the eye through nerve tissues at the back of the eye that play a role in the visual aspects of the eye and sending signals for visual purposes,” said Professor Mahalingam.

Griffith University Ph.D. student Ng Weng Hann said much research has been done on the lungs and nasal region but not so much on the eye.

“We found the virus can indeed infect the eye through a normal intranasal approach, but also if droplets of the virus make direct contact with the eye,” he said.

An inflamed retina can cause blurred vision and a reduction in depth perception. Fortunately, blurred vision does not indicate vision damage; it seems to be only a symptom that is likely temporary.

Visit your eye doctor if you experience these eye symptoms

You should make an appointment with your ophthalmologist if you experience symptoms such as the following:

• Headaches
• Sensitivity to light
• Reading challenges
• Blurry vision
• Poor depth perception

Annual comprehensive eye exams prevent eye disease

Preventing eye disease is always more manageable and less expensive than treatment. Because eye diseases develop slowly, they often don’t have warning signs in the early stages.

An annual comprehensive eye exam with dilation can help prevent eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration. These conditions can permanently affect your vision if you do not seek treatment. Your ophthalmologist can also recommend treatment for dry eye, diabetic retinopathy and droopy eyelids..

How long has it been since your last eye exam? Call today to make an appointment.

New research suggests people who sleep poorly could be more susceptible to glaucoma and permanent vision loss.

January Is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss. The optic nerve is located in the back of the eye and transmits information to the brain. Elevated intraocular (inner eye) pressure creates stress on the optic nerve, and if it is damaged, vision loss occurs.

More than three million Americans have glaucoma; by 2030, the National Eye Institute expects that number to reach 4.2 million.

Glaucoma often has no warning signs in the early stages, and a comprehensive eye exam is the only way to detect glaucoma. Because it develops without notice, glaucoma is called the “sneak thief of sight.” If left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible sight loss.

Sleep Quality and Glaucoma Risk

Snoring, daytime sleepiness or sleeping too much or too little can increase the risk for glaucoma, according to a study by UK Biobank. A research team analyzed data from 409,053 participants between the ages of 40 and 69 who provided information about their sleep.

All three of these factors influenced glaucoma risk (Medical Xpress):

• Those who slept too long (more than nine hours) or too short (less than seven hours) had an 8 percent increased risk for glaucoma.
• Snorers had a 12 percent increased risk.
• Those with frequent daytime sleepiness had a 20 percent increased risk for glaucoma.

Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery With Cataract Surgery

Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early treatment can prevent permanent eye damage and protect your vision. Specific innovative procedures, like Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), can treat glaucoma and cataracts. Some MIGS procedures are stand-alone, but other MIGS operations can be performed in conjunction with cataract surgery so surgeons can treat both conditions simultaneously. Another benefit of MIGS is that it targets eye tissues that are not utilized by traditional surgeries, allowing for a more comprehensive array of treatment options in the future.

Make an Appointment for an Eye Exam

If you have glaucoma, it is crucial to schedule regular eye exams and take all prescribed medication. African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are even more at risk of having glaucoma, but anyone can develop the disease. Other risk factors include the following:

• Being 45 or older
• Family history of glaucoma
• History of injury to the eye
• History of steroid use
• Diabetes
• Nearsighted (myopic)
• Farsighted (hyperopic)
• History of elevated intraocular pressure

Let your ophthalmologist know if you are at risk for glaucoma. Many treatments available can help preserve your vision and delay the progression of the disease.

Changes in eye color could be benign or serious, so it is always wise to visit your ophthalmologist if you have concerns.

Why Are My Eyes Changing Color?

Most eye color changes are harmless, but some alterations can indicate you have a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment.

1. Pigment loss — There are a few reasons you may lose pigment in the iris. One condition is pigment dispersion syndrome, where pigment rubs off the back of the iris and can increase eye pressure.
2. Black pupils — Trauma or a blow to the eye could cause the pupil to remain dilated, which can make the eye look black. Iris damage can cause tissue loss and make the eye color look different.
3. Red eyes — Uveitis, or inflammation of the eyeball, can be caused by infection or inflammatory conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Hazy ring around the cornea — Most older adults develop a condition called senilisis, or an accumulation of fat in the eye. The ring can appear blue or white, and it can sometimes appear to alter the color of the iris.
5. Cloudy eyes — Cataracts can make the eyes look milky white and make vision appear hazy and blurry. The good news is that cataracts are treatable with cataract surgery, and you can have intraocular lenses (IOLs) inserted that are customized to your vision needs.
6. Eye color darkening — Glaucoma medication called prostaglandins can make brown eyes look darker and hazel eyes appear brown. Another condition that can darken the iris is a nevus or freckle. This can cause a dark spot on the iris and is usually benign, but if the freckle changes over time, it can be concerning for possible melanoma.

Make an Appointment for an Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam

If your eyes look like they are changing color, do not panic. It’s always best to call your ophthalmologist for an appointment. In most cases, eye color changes have no bearing on your health. However, eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration can develop slowly and often do not cause symptoms in the early stages.

When is the last time you scheduled a full exam with dilation? A yearly comprehensive eye exam tests more than your vision. It offers a window into your overall health. An ophthalmologist can sometimes detect signs of hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol while checking your eyes. Make your eye health a priority and call today.

Eye disease does not affect all races equally. Studies show that Black individuals may be at increased risk for chronic eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

November Is National Diabetes Month

Diabetic eye disease is a family of eye conditions affecting people with diabetes. These include the following:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic macular edema
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects 11.7 percent of non-Hispanic Black Americans compared to 7.5 percent of non-Hispanic white Americans.

Diabetic eye disease is a leading cause of vision loss, so it’s important to detect it early. Unfortunately, in many cases, diabetic eye disease has no early warning signs, so getting treatment as soon as possible is essential.

Black Patients Are at Increased Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) often occurs with long-term diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina and can cause vision loss and blindness.

Although there are few symptoms of DR in the early stages, people may experience floaters, blurred vision, fluctuating vision, shadows and missing areas of sight. Data from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE) study found that Black individuals were four times as likely as white individuals to have vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, DR causes 17 percent of vision loss among Black individuals.

Black Individuals Are More Likely to Develop Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affects the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals to the brain. Black individuals are five times more likely to develop glaucoma than white individuals and are six times more likely to go blind from glaucoma. The disease also typically strikes Black patients 10 years earlier than other ethnicities.

Often known as the “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma usually has no symptoms in the early stages. However, once the condition is diagnosed, it often has already caused permanent vision loss. Black individuals with a family history of glaucoma should be especially vigilant, as they are at a 20 percent higher risk for glaucoma than those with no family history of the disease.

Importance of Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams

The most effective way to prevent eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration is by scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams.

“Being that Black patients do not get eye exams as early or frequently, this increases risk for or prevalence of conditions like glaucoma and diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy going undetected,” said Darryl Glover, OD, a private practitioner from Durham, North Carolina. “This puts Black patients in a disadvantaged position by setting off a cascade of events that negatively impact how they function in life. Overall, we need to see all walks of life earlier and more frequently, especially in the Black community” (Healio).

Call Your Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

When was the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam? Call your ophthalmologist to verify the date of your last eye exam with dilation. Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension must be especially vigilant, as they may be at increased risk for eye disease. Your eyes offer a window into your overall health, so contact your eye care center today.

Have you had an eye exam lately? If you haven’t, you should consider making an appointment soon. You can maximize your health insurance benefits by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam or eye procedure before the end of the year.

What is a healthcare deductible?

One of the best ways to stretch your healthcare dollars is to schedule appointments and procedures after you meet your annual deductible. Your healthcare deductible is the amount you must pay for covered medical procedures before your insurance company begins to contribute.

Most deductibles reset on Jan. 1, so now is the time to evaluate whether you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam or cataract surgery. If you meet your deductible, your out-of-pocket responsibility for an elective eye procedure could be considerably less.

Reasons to visit your ophthalmologist before the year ends

Here are three reasons you should visit your ophthalmologist before the calendar year ends:

Make sure your prescription is updated.

Vision changes are usually gradual, so you probably will not notice if your vision is changing or getting blurry. Your ophthalmologist will check your visual acuity and assess whether your current prescription needs adjusting.

Maintain your eye health.

Are you experiencing eye pain, blurry vision, cloudy vision or dry eyes? These symptoms can be indicative of a chronic eye condition like glaucoma, cataracts or dry eye syndrome. Your doctor can make a diagnosis during a comprehensive eye exam and refer you to a specialist for further testing. Ignoring symptoms of eye disease can permanently affect your eyesight and lead to vision loss.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor will examine you for eye diseases such as the following.

Cataracts: a clouding of the eye lens that will affect all adults as they age

Glaucoma: a family of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve

Macular degeneration: a condition that destroys a person’s sharp, central vision

Use your flexible spending account (FSA) dollars before they expire.

Using an FSA account is cost effective because you can use pre-tax dollars for approved healthcare procedures and products. These dollars will not roll over into next year, so you must “use them or lose them.” You can use FSA funds for new eyeglasses, contacts, prescription sunglasses or even cataract surgery.

Why you should schedule an eye procedure at an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)

If your ophthalmologist suggests you need to schedule an eye procedure or surgery, you can do so at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). An ASC is a less-expensive option and offers exceptional patient care.

An ASC is often smaller than a hospital, which makes it easier to navigate, and it usually has convenient parking. In addition, most procedures at an ASC will be more cost effective because they don’t have all the overhead costs of a hospital. Finally, an ASC facility is dedicated to specific procedures like cataract surgery rather than emergency procedures, so your appointment is less likely to get delayed or rescheduled.

Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your procedure before the end of the year to take full advantage of your health plan’s benefits. Your deductible will reset soon, so contact your insurance company to verify your status.

Family history and age are risk factors for cataracts, but eating nutrient-dense foods can help protect your vision and possibly lower your cataract risk.

What Is a Cataract?

Cataracts are quite common with age, and they form when proteins in the eye lens clump together and form a cloudy area. In fact, about half of all Americans 80 or older have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. A developing cataract often has no symptoms. Over time, however, you may notice the following issues:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty driving at night
• The appearance of glares or halos
• Images appear faded or yellowed

Foods That Fight Against Cataracts

Certain foods may help reduce your risk for cataracts or delay cataract development.

Eggs

Eggs are a high-quality protein recommended for most adults for a heart-healthy diet. In addition, egg yolks are high in zeaxanthin, a pigment that promotes eye health. One study found that for every 10 milligrams of zeaxanthin, patients experienced a 26 percent decrease in cataract development.

Salmon

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which is associated with lower cataract risk. It also contains high amounts of selenium and iodine. Some plant-based good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts.

SunGold Kiwi

Vitamin C significantly impacts eye health, especially when it comes to cataracts. Studies show that higher levels of vitamin C reduce the risk of a cataract. Kiwi has more vitamin C than any commonly eaten fruit. In particular, SunGold kiwi is among the most nutritionally dense fruits and contains more than 100 percent of the recommended vitamin C intake.

Pumpkin

Research proves that diets rich in vitamins A and E are associated with fewer cataracts. One serving of pumpkin provides 300 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin E and 10 percent of vitamin A. You don’t have to wait until fall to indulge in pumpkin. Add pumpkin puree to smoothies, muffins and oatmeal.

Other Ways to Prevent Cataracts

Besides fighting cataracts with your fork, you can make a few lifestyle changes to prevent or delay cataracts. These can include the following methods:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Not smoking
• Wearing sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors

Comprehensive Eye Exams Diagnose Cataracts Early

How long has it been since you had a comprehensive eye exam? Your ophthalmologist can detect a developing cataract during your exam. Not all cataracts require surgery immediately, but your doctor can discuss a treatment plan and an appropriate timeline. Surgery is the only way to eliminate a cataract, so you will want to schedule the procedure once the cataract begins interfering with everyday tasks like driving, cooking, reading or house chores.

Call your ophthalmologist and make an appointment for eye exams for the entire family. Nothing can replace healthy vision.

As children prepare to return to school, it’s important to note that August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition in school-aged children. Most cases of pink eye do not require antibiotics but are often misdiagnosed, and treating them can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

What Is Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye?

School-aged children frequently contract contagious illnesses like the common cold, strep throat and pink eye. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, develops when infection or allergies irritate the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids and the front of the eye. Typical symptoms of pink eye include the following:

• Redness in the inner eyelid or white of the eye
• Increase in tear production
• Swollen eyelids
• Gritty sensation in one or both eyes
• Feeling like there is a foreign object in the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light

What Type of Pink Eye Does Your Child Have?

If children exhibit symptoms of pink eye, contact your ophthalmologist. They may have developed one of three types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial or allergic.

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of pink eye. Often occurring in conjunction with a cold, respiratory infection or the flu, viral pink eye can begin in one eye and spread to the other. It is highly contagious and can easily transmit in schools and populated areas. Children can spread viral pink eye as long as they have symptoms and even before they display them.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is also very contagious. It often causes sore, red eyes with a thick discharge that causes the eyelids to crust and stick together. Sometimes, bacterial conjunctivitis develops along with an ear infection or strep throat.

Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. It develops due to an allergic reaction to an environmental irritant like animal dander, pollen, pool chlorine or cigarette smoke. Although allergic conjunctivitis is not transmittable, it can cause inflammation, itching and redness.

Treating Your Child’s Conjunctivitis

Most cases of pink eye develop from viruses or allergies and do not respond to antibiotics. Viral conjunctivitis usually improves in one to two weeks without treatment. Although bacterial conjunctivitis responds to antibiotic eye drops, most cases of bacterial pink eye are mild and improve within a week or two without medication.

Unfortunately, doctors over-prescribe antibiotics for pink eye symptoms. A study by the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center found that 60 percent of patients with conjunctivitis symptoms receive a prescription for antibiotics, even though antibiotics are rarely necessary. In addition, about 20 percent receive antibiotic steroid drops, which can worsen the infection and cause antibiotic resistance.

Call Your Eye Doctor if Your Child Has Pink Eye Symptoms.

You may be tempted to take your child to a walk-in clinic and ask for an antibiotic, but call your eye doctor first. Your eye doctor can suggest ways to help your child stay comfortable and prevent infection from spreading to other family members.

Celebrate Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month by scheduling a yearly comprehensive eye exam for your family. Consider making the appointment around the time school begins so that it will become an annual tradition! Clear vision is essential for children to be successful in school, so call today.

Cognition tests that rely on vision-dependent activities may skew results for up to 25 percent of adults over 50 with undiagnosed eye problems like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A new study by the University of South Australia suggests millions of elderly people with vision problems are being misdiagnosed with cognitive decline.

What Are Cataracts and Macular Degeneration?

Visual impairments affect approximately 200 million people worldwide over the age of 50. Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are common causes of vision loss but do not affect cognitive function. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens and are the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 55. Over half of Americans will develop a cataract by age 75.

AMD affects five percent of Americans aged 65 and older. Although it does not cause blindness, it affects the ability to drive, read, cook and do everyday tasks.

Poor Vision or Cognitive Impairment?

Poor vision can often be misdiagnosed as early brain decline when cognitive tests assess only visual ability. Researchers from the University of South Australia studied 24 participants with normal vision and asked them to complete two cognitive exams. One exam included vision-dependent activities, and the other used verbal-based metrics.

When the participants used glasses to simulate AMD, they received much lower scores on brain tests involving reaction time tasks compared to when they were not wearing the glasses. The research team noted no difference with verbal fluency tests when participants used the simulation glasses.

“The diagnosis of [mild cognitive impairment (MCI)] can trigger psychological problems (e.g., depression and anxiety) due to the stigma of cognitive impairment,” said University of South Australia PhD candidate Anne Macnamara. “For people with AMD, who are already experiencing physical and psychological issues due to vision loss, the multitude of repercussions that inaccurate cognitive assessments causes are an unneeded additional burden” (Scientific Reports).

Improving Screening Procedures to Include Verbal Tasks

Unfortunately, vision problems are often missed in clinical and research environments. The research team estimates experts underestimate visual impairments in half of all older adults. This statistic will increase as the population ages, so it is crucial that researchers examine vision when analyzing cognitive function in older people.

“Mobile apps can now be used to overlay simulated visual impairments onto test materials when piloting their stimuli,” Macnamara said (Medical Xpress). “Also, researchers can incorporate quick and simple screening tasks before getting people to do cognitive tests. Verbal tasks should always be part of the assessment, too.”

Call Your Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

When was the last time you visited your ophthalmologist for a yearly comprehensive eye exam? An eye exam looks at more than just your vision. It offers a glimpse of your overall wellness. Many chronic conditions show early signs in the eyes, such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Call today to make an appointment for the whole family. Early detection and treatment of eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can preserve vision and prevent further eye damage.