Nutrition and Vision Supplements - Swallow carefully!

When it concerns your precious eyesight, preventive care is easier, cheaper, and far less risky than therapeutic treatments. Stop the problem before it begins - makes sense, right? Many eye problems are degenerative in nature, often caused by aging, sunlight, and a long list of other environmental factors.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a great example. Degenerative damage frequently does not respond to surgery or medication because many structures inside the eye cannot regenerate. Like an old-fashioned flashlight battery - once it's gone, it's gone forever.

Many people have rediscovered the potential health benefits of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. Much has been written about how these substances protect delicate cells including cells that participate in the miracle of vision. Unfortunately, many health consumers are making vitamin purchases without the benefit of legitimate scientific proof. Unscrupulous marketers have filled this void with all kinds of outlandish, unsupported claims. Caveat emptor!

Here's what we know today about vitamins and vision. According to research findings from the National Eye Institute a high-dose combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc significantly reduces the risk of developing advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) by about 25 percent. These high levels of antioxidants and zinc are the first effective treatment to slow the progression of ARMD. Lutein was not included in these studies but there is growing evidence that Lutein is also beneficial. You and your eye doctor can decide what dosage of these nutrients is best for you.

Do not read between the lines. Nutritional supplements will not cure ARMD, nor will they restore vision already lost from the disease. Eye experts agree supplements can help people at high risk for developing advanced ARMD keep their vision. Meanwhile, antioxidants and zinc showed no significant effect on the development or progression of cataracts. Hey, we can eliminate cataracts with surgery!

Related Topics: Test Your Supplements Savvy, Eye Vitamins: Help or Hype?

Tags: macular degeneration,supplements,vision,vitamins

'Pink Eye' Similar to Common Cold

Most cases of contagious pinkeye are a type of viral conjunctivitis, a viral infection involving the moist tissue layer that covers the eye and lines the inner eyelids. The eyeball itself is usually not affected. The infectious agent is typically a common cold virus, that's why conjunctivitis is often described as a 'cold in the eye'. Don't blame me - I didn't coin that expression!

Viral conjunctivitis often starts in one eye but eventually involves both eyes. It is extremely contagious. Like a cold, the inflammation will subside in 5-7 days.

Viral pinkeye features a watery discharge, not goopy pus (more often bacterial). You may feel a swollen lymph node right in front of the ear alongside the upper jaw area. Antibiotic eyedrops only kill bacteria so they are unnecessary. Besides, antibiotic eyedrops sting and may make the inflamed eye even more red.

So, what to do? Wash your hands frequently to protect others. Use a clean washcloth to remove and crust or debris from around the eyes. Apply artificial tears for temporary comfort but never (yes, never) share the eyedrop bottle with others.

If things fail to improve after 7 days or if you develop pain, poor vision, or a pus-like discharge seek help from your local eye doctor.

Related Topics:> Antibiotics No Help For Pinkeye?, Keeping Catchy Infections Contained

Tags: conjunctivitis, pinkeye

When is it Glaucoma?

Chronically elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is unhealthy for the optic nerve, the 'TV cable' that connects the eye with the brain. Pressure inside the eye is measured with a device called a tonometer. When the IOP number is higher than normal (typically greater than 21) the doctor considers the possibility of ocular hypertension. But is it glaucoma?

Glaucoma occurs when the high pressure damages optic nerve fibers. Each healthy adult eye has 1,200,000 nerve fibers. One borderline pressure measurement is insufficient to establish a diagnosis of glaucoma. It is merely a snapshot. The IOP trend is far more important. The doctor will want to collect multiple measurements. At the same time additional studies will be ordered to determine if any damage has occurred - damage that has not yet generated any visual symptoms. Visual field testing and a retinal imaging study called OCT are two good examples.

Once again, you may ask your doctor, "Well, do I have glaucoma?"? Don't be frustrated if the eye doctor replies, "I don't know!" It is not always wise to begin prescribing eyedrops. They are expensive and have a well-established risk profile. If the IOP is not dangerously high and the other tests are normal it is reasonable for the clinician to observe the patient conservatively and repeat the IOP measurements every few months.

Related Topics: Glaucoma: What Increases Your Risk, Glaucoma Screening Saves Sight

Tags: glaucoma,tests,intraocularpressure

Visionary Holiday Gifts

Home stretch! Hopefully by now you've selected (and wrapped) most of your holiday gifts. Perhaps there are a few people left on your list that have you scratching your head. Looking for a few last-minute gift suggestions? Visit your local eyewear retailer. Don't laugh, they're loaded with all kinds of stylish and practical gifts that will be truly appreciated.

Santa Claus would agree with me. Think about it - have you ever seen a photo of Old Saint Nick not wearing glasses?

How about a gift certificate for new prescription eyewear? You can enclose it inside one of those nice color flyers designers use to promote their hottest frames - just ask the merchant. Think about sunglasses or ski goggles with full UV protection. Extreme sport survivors would appreciate some polycarbonate goggles. Competitive swimmers or scuba enthusiasts would love to have a pair of customized goggles made with their prescription; that way they can see where they're going! Who wouldn't want a pair of specs to use when working at the computer? I bet you know someone who might read more comfortably with one of those innovative hand magnifiers.

Stocking stuffers are just as easy. There are several inexpensive brands of eyeglass lens cleaning cloths (try one, you'll never go back!) There are all kinds of cool lanyards for kids and adults that comfortably hold eyewear around your neck. Could someone use a nice supply of disposable contact lenses? Maybe a brand new contact lens cleaning kit? Are you with me on this? Why not help someone restock their supply of antioxidant multivitamins?

There, that should get you started. Get over to an optical shop and you'll find many more ways to share the holiday spirit. Happy Holidays from WebMD!

Related Topics: How to Choose Healthy Holiday Gifts, Holiday Gifts for Everyone

Tags: holiday,gifts,christmas,shopping

Experiencing LASIK

Forget medical school. Patients are the best teachers. Recently I have had the opportunity to enjoy a young man's personal experience with LASIK-- laser refractive surgery. I know how LASIK works and how the laser energy alters the optics of the cornea. I can program the computer and step on the pedal. Now I know what LASIK is like on the receiving end.

Adam lives near Toronto. Once he decided to undergo LASIK he started making entries in his blog - an online journal ordinarily loaded with posts devoted to product design and digital technology.

Following along for 5 weeks, we get to learn about all of the tests and measurements that are performed before surgery. His writing style is detailed and thoughtful. These essays are lengthy leading up to the procedure itself but then abruptly shrivel up once the LASIK is completed. Follow-up responses to other readers' comments are friendly and encouraging.

Adam agreed to have the Intralase LASIK procedure. It's all laser without surgical blades. Each step of the operation is clearly described from the patient's perspective. I feel no urge to correct his terminology or layman explanations. It is what it is, a very readable story indeed.

Each reader will react differently to these posts. For me the most exciting entry in this 'blog-umentary' finds Adam resting in the preoperative waiting room watching live video images of LASIK being performed in the adjoining room. What?!? I cannot bear to watch other peoples SUVs being soaped at the car wash let alone observe their surgery! Heard of HIPAA? Taking things a bit further, I prefer to visit the barber on quiet afternoons when there are no other customers. Oh, it didn't bother Adam - it fascinated him!

There is no drama here. Adam enjoyed a prompt recovery and a very satisfactory outcome. Before his surgery he had only a modest amount of myopia (-1.25 diopters in each eye) but that refractive error still required glasses/contacts to drive safely and to enjoy television. He experienced minimal postop symptoms and he is definitely enjoying his new eyes!

So, what's LASIK really like? Ask Adam; he'll tell you.

Related Topics: New Vision Advances, Laser Not the Only Option for Nearsightedness

Technorati Tags: LASIK,Intralase

Contact Lenses for Kids?

When did you start wearing glasses? For years I kept telling my skeptical parents my vision was blurry but it wasn't until I was in college before I was prescribed my first pair. Today it seems neither children or parents want to hear about spectacles. Part of it is fashion trends.

Contact lenses are a popular vision correction option. This helpful webpage will help you decide which contact lens product is right for you.

A frequent clinic discussion involves prescribing contact lenses for children and adolescents. When is it safe to let a child have contacts? Unlike beginner's driver's licenses, there is no absolute, uniform age standard for contact lens wear. It boils down to the personality and maturity of the individual.

We know that abusive or incorrect contact lens wear can lead to permanent, irreversible vision loss due to scarring from corneal ulcers, Yecchh! All contact lens wearers, regardless of age, need to exercise healthy habits.

Children who want contact lenses have to be able to insert and remove the lenses by themselves. They can't panic if they have a problem with lens discomfort or if a speck of grit gets in the eye.

Finally, even if the child is wearing contact lenses they still need protective eyewear when involved in contact sports or extreme activities.

Related Topics: Children's Eye Exams, LASIK for Children

Technorati Tags: contact lens,children

Flex Spending Accounts: Deadline Nears

Millions of American workers maintain a Flexible Spending Account to boost the buying power of their health care dollars. Income directed into your FSA is not taxed. That lowers your total taxable income, possibly lowering your Federal income taxes as well. How's that for a win-win situation! Time is running out and you must decide how to spend whatever's left in your 2005 account. Unused FSA funds are forfeited and cannot be rolled over to the next year's account.

Here is some very good news for procrastinators. The federal government has extended the deadline for spending 2005 FSA funds until March 15, 2006, if your employer also elects to extend the deadline.

Do you wear contact lenses? Use your remaining FSA dollars to stock up on a supply of your favorite brands.

Doctors' visits co-payments? Wipe them out with your FSA.

Taking prescription eyedrops? That's right; use your FSA to cover your out-of-pocket expenses.

FSAs will even pay for LASIK laser refractive surgery.

What about Botox injections for wrinkles? Not yet, but they're working on it!

Remember, payroll money going into an eligible FSA is not taxed and that tax discount immediately puts more money into your pocket. Your employer can answer all of your questions about participating in a FSA and help determine whether a Flexible Spending Account is right for you.

Related Links: MSA: Medical Money in the Bank, Medicare Update 2005, Part II

Technorati Tags: FSA,tax planning,medical reimbursement

Snow Blindness: Skiers beware!

Here's advice to help both experienced and rookie snow enthusiasts.

The clear cornea not only helps focus a clear visual image on the retina, it is also a vital filter that protects the retina from dangerous ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is invisible and is highly toxic to the delicate retina. Fortunately, the transparent cornea absorbs UV and so does the crystalline lens. Too much UV, however, can injure the cornea.

The winter ski season is upon us. In addition to a sturdy helmet make sure you wear ski goggles with adequate UV protection. Did you know that at higher altitudes more UV rays penetrate the thinner atmosphere? The beautiful white snow reflects sunlight back towards the skier, effectively doubling the UV exposure. The surface of the exposed cornea becomes sunburned. This is snow blindness, the lay term for photokeratitis. The blurry vision and intense eye pain usually does not begin until hours later -- ruining your apres ski!

It usually takes 48 hours or more for the eyes to heal. Patching and eye lubricants offer temporary relief. Recurrent attacks can lead to permanent corneal scarring.

Don't waste those expensive lift tickets! Skiers and snowboarders need to make sure to wear goggles that offer 100% protection to both UVA and UVB.


Related Links: How to Maintain Good Eyesight, How to Pick Good Sunglasses

Technorati Tags: ski,snowboard,snowblind

LASIK: Maybe you DO get what you pay for!

WebMD members contemplating LASIK laser refractive surgery take note.

Newly published clinical data comparing visual outcomes with traditional LASIK versus more expensive "custom ablations" finds that a higher percentage of postoperative patients enjoy 20/20 uncorrected vision with the customized procedure.

This study only looked at adults with moderate myopia (nearsightedness) and moderate astigmatism.

95.8% of customized ablation LASIK patients were 20/20 or better after 6 months compared to only 77.3% with the cheaper standard procedure.

A summary of the results can be found here.

Why does this matter? Since most LASIK candidates already see 20/20 or better with their present correction, they likely will be dissatisfied with any LASIK result that leaves them seeing any poorer.

Disclaimer: I do not perform LASIK, I have not undergone LASIK, I don't own stock in any LASIK-related businesses!

Related Links: Eye on New Vision Procedures, Bye Bye Bifocals

WebMD Abstracts: Wondering if you're a candidate for LASIK? The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has guidelines for LASIK that explain appropriate criteria for selection. The FDA also has information on the advantages of LASIK and other types of eye surgery.

Technorati Tags: LASIK

Flat Screen TV: Size Matters

'Should I go with the 42" or 50" flat screen TV?'

Here's an outburst of the obvious: Larger images are easier to see. That statement is true up to a point. The sharpest visual resolution within the eye occurs in the macula, a circular region 1.5cm in diameter - roughly the end of a new pencil eraser. Objects that fit within the macula are seen much more clearly than images that occupy a larger retinal image and land outside the macula.

Let's try it another way: The size of the retinal image, and your ability to see it, relates directly to the distance between your eye and the visual target.

This explains why most folks hate to sit in the front row at the movie theater. Aside from the outrageous volume, they cannot clearly see the entire screen!

Before investing your money towards a slick new flat screen TV get out the yardstick and measure the distance between your sofa and where you plan to mount your new television. Use that same measurement in the dealer's showroom to determine which size screen will offer the best viewing experience for you.

Related Links: Aging Eyes, Youthful Vision, Quality vs. Quantity: Television Guidelines for Kids