How To Tell If Your Child Needs Eyeglasses

eye doctorAs a parent of a young child it can be difficult to tell if your child is having trouble seeing, especially if they are unable to speak and communicate their difficulties with you.

Also, as a young child they may not understand that they have poor vision and that it can be corrected. Many children are used to their vision always being poor and do not know how to distinguish the difference between good and poor vision.

It is very important for parents not to make the mistake of thinking there is no way to tell if their child needs eye glasses. As a parent these are a few signs you can look for to determine if your child needs eyeglasses:

  • If your child gets headaches
  • If you notice your child squints quite often
  • If your child tilts their head or face when looking at someone or something
  • If your child’s eyes cross
  • If one of your child’s eyes turns down, turns up, turns out or turns in while the other remains straight
  • If your child is having problems with developmental tasks such as walking
  • If you notice your child closes one eye when they read

If you notice any of these signs in your child it is important to have an eye doctor examine your child’s eyes. An eye doctor can perform an eye exam on any age of child and determine if your child needs eyeglasses. Eye doctors even have a fun and interactive way to determine your child’s prescription if they do require eyeglasses.

Vision is an important part of a child’s development from an early age. Don’t leave your child’s sight unattended too. Make sure you take them to the eye doctor at the first sign of a struggle with their vision.

If your vision has been affected or if you require eye care visit Dr. Charles Breen, ophthalmologist, at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

When To See Your Eye Doctor

Eye DoctorMany individuals do not make visiting their eye doctor a regular part of their year until they have a serious eye problem or they are experiencing different uncommon symptoms with their eyes. It is important to visit your eye doctor on a regular basis but especially if you are experiencing one of the following conditions with your vision:

  • If you are experiencing blurred vision throughout the day or evening you should make an appointment to see your eye doctor immediately. This symptom can be the start of a serious eye problem that could lead to serious vision problems.
  • If you see flashes or floaters in your eye(s) a visit to your eye doctor is extremely important as you may have a retinal tear and it will be important to catch it as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.
  • If you are hit in the eye with an object or chemicals get in your eyes it is important to see your eye doctor to determine if there is any internal damage to your eyes that may not be apparent from the outside.
  • If you have or if you’re developing diabetes it is important to visit your doctor on a regular basis to have your eyes examined and prevent further damage to your eyes and vision. High blood glucose and high blood pressure caused by diabetes can hurt various parts of your eyes including: the retina, the vitreous, the lens, and the optic nerve. Diabetes can also lead to other serious eye problems such as developing a cataract or glaucoma.

If your vision has been affected or if you require eye care visit Dr. Charles Breen, ophthalmologist, at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

What Is Macular Degeneration of the Eye?

Macular-DegenerationMacular degeneration, most commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), happens to many individuals’ eyes as they age and get older. This disease gradually destroys one’s central vision in their eyes, which is the vision that helps one see directly in front of them. Central vision is needed to see objects clearly and it helps with tasks such as reading and driving.

Macular degeneration of the eye happens gradually in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye. This disease causes the retina to deteriorate slowly.

There are two types of macular degeneration:

  1. Dry form – This type of macular degeneration occurs when the cells in the macula slowly break down.
  2. Wet form – This type of macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow behind the retina in the eye. Because these new blood vessels are very fragile they often leak fluids and cause the eye to run.

Although the exact causes of macular degeneration are not fully understood, antioxidant vitamins and zinc may reduce the impact of AMD in some people.

You should speak with our ophthalmologist to determine if you are at risk for developing advanced AMD, and to learn if supplements are recommended for you.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, Knetucky 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

The Body Language of Eyes

body language of eyesHave you ever noticed that often times you can tell what someone is thinking or how they are feeling by simply looking at their eyes? For many people their eyes are the window to their soul. They share things with the outside world through the non-verbal communication of their eyes.

Watch for these 5 ways to read the body language of the eyes:

  • Looking sideways – If an individual looks to the right it often times means their left logical brain is dominant and it indicates they are trying to remember a sound in their head. If a person looks to the left it often times means their right emotional brain is dominant and they are constructing sounds in their head.
  • Looking up – When an individual looks up during a conversation it generally means they are thinking or recalling information.
  • Looking down – When an individual is looking down it can often times mean they are being submissive or that they are feeling guilty.
  • Widening eyes – When an individual’s eyes widen it is a sign of interest and appeal. It is a gesture that welcomes individuals.
  • Winking – If an individual winks at another it generally signals a friendly acknowledgment or that those particular individuals share a secret or joke between them.

Take notice this week of other individual’s eye expressions. Were you able to pick up on their non-verbal communication through the body language of their eyes?

If your vision has been affected or if you require eye care visit Dr. Charles Breen at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

4 Eye Expressions You Can Look For

eye expressionsHave you ever wondered if you can read someone by watching his or her different eye expressions? Often times our eyes show how we’re feeling, or what we are thinking without ever speaking a word. Here are 4 eye expressions you can look for in others:

  1. Shy eyes – Individuals who avoid eye contact during a conversation may be shy.
  2. Glowing eyes – Often times an individual is happy when their eyes are glowing. On the contrary their eyes may not show any light in them when a person is sad.
  3. Blinking eyes – Often times when someone is blinking more than usual during a conversation it means that they are nervous or worried about something.
  4. Squinting eyes – Generally when an individual is squinting their eyes it shows that they are evaluating something, in discomfort, possibly stressed, or even angry. For example, when one is thinking about something and they want to imagine it in his or her mind they will squint their eyes.

Eyes say a lot about what a person is thinking and feeling. Try watching people’s eyes this week and see what you notice!

If you require eye care visit Dr. Charles J. Breen at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Test Your Eye-Q

eye-qOur eyes are fascinating parts of the body and our vision is extremely important. Our vision is often taken for granted even though it is a part of almost every single daily activity we take part in. For example, if you are reading this article you are using your eyes to take in the information. Now take a look around you and notice all the things you see. Without your eyes you wouldn’t be able to see all the objects and individuals around you.

Test your Eye-Q with this list of 6 questions we bet you don’t know about your eyes!

  1. Did you know you blink approximately 13,000 times each day?
  2. Did you know diabetes could be detected through an eye exam?
  3. Did you know 20:20 vision is not the best vision you can have?
  4. Did you know only 1/6 of your whole eyeball is visible?
  5. Did you know you could tell the difference between 500 shades of grey?
  6. Did you know it is possible to keep your eyes open while you sneeze?

How many eye didn’t knows did you get? Are you surprised by any of these eye facts?

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Check Your Childs Vision

childs visionChildhood is a very important time for vision development and often time’s vision problems can go undetected. Leaving vision problems undetected can cause poor school performance, problems with coordination, and other performance issues in children.

Use this checklist of common eye problem symptoms to determine if your child may have a vision problem and correct it before it’s too late!

  1. Does your child experience headaches when they read or write?
  2. Does your child find it hard to see the board in class?
  3. Does your child hold their book close when reading?
  4. Does your child experience itching, burning or watery eyes?
  5. Does your child get tired when reading?
  6. Does your child tilt their head when reading?
  7. Does your child avoid reading all together?

Your child’s vision is continually developing and should be checked on a regular basis. It’s better to catch problems earlier rather than later!

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

6 Major Parts of the Eye

parts of the eyeIf you have ever looked closely at your own eyes or at another’s eyes you will have noticed that there are a variety of different parts that make up your eyes. While human eyes may seem simple on the outside they are actually quite sophisticated.

These are 6 major parts of the eye:

  1. Cornea – This part of the eye is transparent and it covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber.
  2. Pupil – This part of your eye is located in the center of your iris. It allows light to enter the retina.
  3. Iris – The iris is the colored part of your eye that is responsible for opening and closing the pupil to allow certain amounts of light to reach the retina.
  4. Lens – This part of your eye aids in refracting light to be focused on the retina.
  5. Retina – This part of the eye converts light rays into signals and send them to the brain.
  6. Optic nerve – This is the part of the eye connects the eye to your brain.

Take a close look at your eyes and see if you can identify the major parts that make up your eyes and work together to help you see.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Do You Play Sports?

protect eyesPlaying sports and doing other physical activities is typically a part of our daily lives and they are fun to participate in. It’s also a great way to spend time with friends and family, as well as stay healthy and fit.

However, sports and physical activities can be dangerous. It is important for you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your eyes from being harmed from activities such as:

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Baseball or softball
  • Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Skiing
  • Badminton

Many of these sports require different types of eye protection. Here are different types of eye protection you can use depending on the sport you are involved in to prevent an eye injury:

  • Protective eyewear
  • Full-face mask
  • Sports goggles
  • A helmet with full-face protection
  • High-impact resistant eye protection

Don’t take your eyesight for granted. If you are involved in sporting activities get the proper protection for your eyes.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Protect Your Childrens Vision

protect your childs visionChildhood is an important time in development, especially the development of the eyes. Throughout childhood many eye problems develop and if left untreated can lead to reduced eyesight or serious eye problems in the child’s future. Here are some ways to protect your child’s vision:

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Ensuring you schedule regular eye exams for your child is an important step in preventing and detecting eye problems your child may be developing or experiencing. Although many children may have routine vision screening done at school or at their doctor’s office, these tests often times do not detect vision problems in children. Also eye exams can detect early health issues such as diabetes, neurological disorders, and other types of health problems.

Provide Sunglasses

Kids spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to the sun more often than adults. It is important your child wears sunglasses to prevent eye damage from UV exposure, such as sunburn to the eyes or eyelids. Too much UV exposure to one’s eyes can also lead to serious eye diseases such as cataract and macular degeneration.

Practice Prevention

Kids are involved in a variety of different sports and activities that can lead to eye injuries. Have your child wear protective glasses when they’re playing sports or involved in contact activities to prevent injuries to their eyes.

If you or your child require eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

What is glaucoma?

What is glaucoma?Our eyes are one of our greatest senses as human beings and can sometimes be taken for granted. Our eyes help us navigate through life on a daily basis and allow us to experience sights and wonders that are often unimaginable. Without our eyes we would not be able to see the outside world and experience the things in life that are so precious.

We want to ensure we take every precaution to ensure we are guarded and protected against glaucoma, a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve therefore impairing the connection of the eye to the brain. In most instances glaucoma begins with a subtle impairment to individuals’ peripheral vision followed a greater vision loss and sometimes blindness if the glaucoma is left untreated. Generally glaucoma is the result of the eyes being exposed to high pressure but this is not always the case.

If you have reduced vision, excess fluid build up in your eye or have a history of glaucoma in your family it is important to monitor your symptoms and ensure you take necessary precautions in order to avoid developing glaucoma and putting your eyes at risk.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit us at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

What do carrots have to do with your vision?

carrotsI am sure we have all heard at one time or another that eating more carrots can lead to improved vision or possibly even help you to see better at night time in the dark. Unfortunately, these are both myths when it comes to improving your vision.

While carrots contain a high amount of Vitamin A in them, an essential vitamin for sight, they are not the only place you can get Vitamin A from. This is not to say that carrots are not a great source of vitamin A for your eyes but regularly eating a balanced diet will allow you to get all the Vitamin A you require for good vision as well.

Vitamin A helps our eyes convert light to brain signals that allow one to perceive images. It also aids in the production of healthy white blood cells and works to prevent infection. Some foods that are a good source of Vitamin A include liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables, orange vegetables and fruits. By incorporating these foods into your diet you will ensure you are getting your daily requirement of Vitamin A to maintain your great vision!

If your vision has been affected or if you require eye care visit us at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Does reading in dim light harm your eyes?

dim lightOur ancestors spent many nights doing their activities by candlelight or lamps and did not experience reduced eyesight or vision loss from their poor light situations. Many young children will read under their covers by flashlight after their parents have tucked them away for the night and have not experienced any harm to their eyes. Yet at one time or another we have all been told that reading in dim lighting is harmful to our eyes and vision.

So are we as a society being overly cautious when it comes to protecting our eyes or does reading in dim light really harm your eyes?

Reading in dim light does not in fact harm or damage your eyes in anyway. Reading in poor lighting conditions may however lead to eye fatigue, lead you to feel tired or uncomfortable, or make it more difficult to focus. It may also lead to eyestrain, which can be irritable and uncomfortable. Another side effect of reading is the fact that one blinks less often which can dry out the eye and further lead to irritability.

If possible, it is optimal to read in well lite areas where there is little glare and your light source is shining directly on your reading material. Don’t strain yourself if you don’t need too!

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Do computer screens harm my vision?

computer monitorThere has been a substantial increase in the use and ownership of computers over the last 10 years, which has led to common complaints of eye discomfort and irritation. With the increased amount of time spent on technology and the drastic increase in the amount of time one spends starring at a computer screen on a daily basis whether for work or personal use it is a concern whether we are damaging our eyes. But do computer screens really damage your eyes?

Fortunately computer screens will not harm your eyes. If you are using computers for long periods of time without taking a rest or giving your eyes a break you may experience eyestrain or fatigue. This can be caused from blinking your eyes less often which makes your eyes dry. You may also want to examine the conditions in which you are using the computer such as:

  • Poor posture
  • Poor lighting
  • Amount of time you spend looking at the computer screen before you take a break
  • How often you glance away from your screen
  • The ergonomic set up of your office and the placement of the computer

These are all factors that can lead to your eyes feeling uncomfortable and irritated. Ensure you have the proper set up and work conditions for your computer screen to avoid eyestrain or fatigue and maintain your productivity.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

5 Reasons to Visit Your Eye Care Specialist

5 Reasons to Visit Your Eye Care SpecialistVisiting your eye care specialist is an important appointment you will want to make a regular habit. Not only can visiting your eye care specialist regularly help improve your sight, it may lead to improvements in your health as well.

Here are 5 reasons you want to visit your eye care specialist regularly:

  1. In many circumstances serious eye diseases have no early signs and are left undetected. These can seriously affect your vision and may even leave you blind if you are not cared for immediately.
  2. Vision is an extremely valuable and important part of our daily lives. Without it we will have to relearn how to do tasks that we took for granted before. It is important to take precautionary measures and have a regular check up with your eye care specialist.
  3. Regular eye exams can often times detect early signs of health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and others. With preventative eye care you can ensure you are taking care of your body and minimizing your health problems.
  4. If children are crossed eyed and it’s left undetected they may develop poor vision in one eye because the brain will “turn off” or ignore the image from the misaligned or lazy eye. The unused or misaligned eye will not develop good vision unless it is forced to work because children do not outgrow crossed eye.
  5. If you have headaches or are experiencing eye strain. These can both be looked after by your eye care specialist and often corrected by proper vision treatment.

Your every day activities from work to play depend on your vision. Ensure you are taking all the necessary steps and precautions to keep your vision sharp. Could you imagine it any other way?

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Contact lenses and nearsightedness … do they make it better?

contact lenseUnfortunately, some people have been led to believe the myth that if they wear contact lenses their eyesight will be corrected. This often leads them to be hopeful that one day they won’t need to wear their contact lenses or glasses at all.

There is no evidence and it has not been proven that wearing contact lenses leads to any improvements in vision or prevents nearsightedness from getting worse. However, contact lenses are still extremely useful for the following 6 reasons:

  1. Contact lenses don’t steam up when you move from a cold room or the cold outdoors to the warm indoors. They are unaffected by weather or your body temperature.
  2. Contact lenses automatically clean themselves every time you blink so you don’t need to carry your cleaner with you!
  3. They make playing sports, physical activities and being active easier. Glasses can slide down your nose, bother your ears or be uncomfortable to wear.
  4. The chance of breaking a contact lens versus your glasses is decreased significantly.
  5. Contact lenses feel more natural as they are worn right on the cornea of the eye and often are not even seen by others.
  6. Contact lenses improve your peripheral vision and give you a wider peripheral vision than that of glasses. The frame of your glasses can sometimes block your peripheral vision.
  7. Contact lenses are a great choice for a variety of reasons and definitely have their benefits over glasses but don’t be fooled … they won’t improve your vision. They just make your outlook clearer!

    If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

    Disclaimer:

    This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

What To Do If You Have An Eye Care Emergency

What To Do If You Have An Eye Care EmergencyEye injuries are a very common part of everyday life and can happen in the blink of an eye. Without notice you can acquire an eye injury from a variety of different types of accidents and have an eye care emergency on your hands. These eye care emergencies can range from minor to catastrophic but you want to ensure you are prepared in all cases to avoid permanent loss of vision.

Common types of eye injuries can include:

  • Splashing acid or alkalis chemicals in your eyes
  • Rubbing your eyes and transferring acid or alkalis chemicals into your eyes
  • Particles from an explosion when you are working with chemicals and other toxic materials
  • Getting poked in the eye or having it scratched causing a cornea abrasion
  • Having a blunt object hit your eye such as a fist or club
  • Having foreign objects enter your eye such as a small piece of wood, plastic, or metal
  • A sunburn to the cornea of your eye also known as ultraviolet keratitis

If you are experiencing discomfort in your eyes or there is visible damage to your eyes it is important to treat this as an eye care emergency. In all eye care emergency situations where you have an eye injury go straight to your ophthalmologist office immediately. If it is after hours call your ophthalmologists emergency number for advice and book an appointment to see him or her as soon as possible. There are certain extreme eye care emergency situations where you should visit the emergency room at the closest hospital to ensure you are treated immediately for your eye injury.

Always be aware of the symptoms and the eye injury situation you are dealing with. Do not wait to seek attention for your eye injury.

Four signs that you have an eye care emergency are:

  1. Continuing or increasing pain
  2. Decreased vision
  3. Swelling of the eye
  4. Eye bleeding

Treat all of your eye injuries in a serious manner and always seek the appropriate eye care immediately. It is important to protect your vision and be prepared to avoid permanent loss of vision. Don’t take your eye sight for granted … you only have 2 eyes!

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

3 Common Eye Care Questions

There is no doubt that our eye care is one of the most important parts of our world. In fact our eyesight allows us to see many of the worlds wonders. There are a variety of eye care questions that we get on a regular basis and we want to address them today.

  1. How often should an adult’s eyes be examined?
    For regular eye care adults should have eye examinations on a regular basis. As individuals get older it becomes more important to get an eye examination more frequently.

Follow these guidelines for your eye care as an adult:

  • Individuals aged 20 to 39 require an eye examination every 3 to 5 years.
  • Individuals aged 40 to 64 require an eye examination every 2 to 4 years.
  • Individuals 65 and older require an eye examination every 1 to 2 years.

It is important to note that if you have health conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, etc. you may require more frequent eye examinations.

  • When should I have my child’s eyes examined?
    When an infant is born their vision is tested as part of a regular procedure. Once the child begins to grow it is common that your physician will test your child’s vision as part of a medical examination, as well. It is important to also be monitoring your child’s eyesight and development. If you suspect their eyesight is suffering then you should get an eye examination. Also, if there is a history of eye care issues in your family you may wish to have your child’s eyes examined.

 

 

 

  • When are you considered to be legally blind?
    An individual who has vision that is worse than 20/200 that cannot be improved with glasses or contacts is considered to be legally blind. Some of the common causes of blindness include: accidents, diabetes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

 

Your eye care is extremely important to maintain the quality of life you have become accustomed to. Ensure you visit your eye care specialist on a regular basis and don’t take your eyesight for granted!

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

5 Tips for Proper Eye Care

How many of you consider your eyes important?

How important are your eyes in your daily life?

Have you thought about how much you use your eyes from the time you get up in the morning until the time you go to bed at night?

Sight can often times be taken for granted but eye care is an important part of our lives given the role our eyes play on a daily basis. They help us navigate through the world and our eye sight is possibly the most important sense we have as human beings. While eye injuries and problems can’t always be prevented, you can use these 5 tips to ensure you are taking proper care of your eyes.

5 Tips for Proper Eye Care:

  1. Take Vitamin A to make your eyes brighter. Foods such as mangoes, liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, dark leafy greens, lettuce, egg yolks, mozzarella cheese, and cantaloupe are great sources of Vitamin A.
  2. Always wear the proper eye safety gear to prevent your eyes from being injured when you are working in dangerous situations. This can include cutting metal, wood or other products that give off debris.
  3. Wear sunglasses to prevent UV radiation from harming your eyes. Although the sun is 93 million miles away from Earth it is still harmful and poses a serious threat to your eyes.
  4. If you are working on a computer ensure you take a break every 20 to 30 minutes. Look at an object that is in the distance and ensure you blink several times.
  5. When working on computers try to use an anti glare screen. If you don’t have an anti glare screen you can buy one to attach to your monitor. It is also helpful to have your monitor in a position that minimizes the glare from the screen.

Prevention and proper eye care is a great way to combat eye injuries and problems. Your eyes allow you to enjoy all the sites of the world.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Eye Care Vitamins

eye care vitaminsWithout a doubt you have been told at least once in your life to “Take your vitamins” or that “Vitamins are good for you.” How often have you stopped to think about the ways that vitamins are good for not only your health but for your well being?

Vitamins and foods high in vitamins are a great for your eye care. Not only do they work to enhance your vision but also they can help in the fight against eye disease(s). Taking care of your vision is important and it is not something you want to forget about.

Include these vitamins and foods into your daily diet to ensure your eyes are getting the proper minerals and nutrients required for your vision:

  • Antioxidants – Often times these types of vitamins and foods can counter the effects of eye disorders and eye diseases. Foods that are rich in antioxidants include berries, broccoli, garlic, green tea, and tomatoes.
  • Vitamin A – This vitamin is important to reduce the risk of cataracts, and night blindness when it comes to your eye care. It may also improve your vision at night. Some foods that are higher in Vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, and liver.
  • Vitamin C – This vitamin appears to reduce the pressure in Glaucoma, as well as reduce the risk of developing a cataract in your eyes. Watch for foods such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and kiwis.
  • Vitamin E – This vitamin is useful for prevention of eye problems. It is known to reduce the risk for macular degeneration and cataracts in your eyes. Foods that are rich in Vitamin E include nuts such as almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and hazelnuts.

Many of the essential vitamins and nutrients required for great eye care are found in the regular foods you purchase from the grocery store and consume on a regular basis. Just be sure you are including a few more into your regular diet for your eye care!

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Test Your EyeQ with this fun Eye Care Quiz

eye care quizWe all want healthy eyes and to keep our vision in perfect condition but do you know the answers to some frequent eye care questions?

Let’s test your EyeQ and help improve your knowledge about your vision with this eye care quiz. Don’t peak at the answers and see how well you do with our fun eye care quiz!

Questions:

  1. How often should you take a break from your computer?
  2. Name two types of food that are good for your eyes.
  3. Question: Is reading in dim light harmful to your eyes?
  4. Question: Will wearing the wrong kind of eyeglasses damage your eyes?
  5. Question: Are all eye doctors the same?

Answers:

  1. Every 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. Carrots, mangos, spinach.
  3. False. Reading in dim lights will not damage them. While good lighting does make reading easier and helps to prevent against eye fatigue it is not necessary.
  4. Wearing the wrong kind of eyeglasses will not physically damage your eyes. Eyeglasses are used to improve your vision and help you see more clearly.
  5. False. Not all eye doctors are the same. An ophthalmologist is a medial doctor with special training to diagnose and treat all diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists are required to go to school for a minimum of eight years of medical school and hospital training after college.

How many questions did you get the answer right too on our eye care quiz? Share your results below in the comment box! We would love to hear from you!

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

6 Natural Eye Care Tips

natural eye care tipsEyes are an important part of our daily lives and there are many natural eye care tips that you can incorporate into your daily life. Natural eye care tips can help you prevent your eyes from serious eye disease and other eye problems that may occur throughout your life. With all the daily threats to our eyes be sure to use these natural eye care tips:

  1. A Balanced Diet – Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for not only your eyes but for your body as well. Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables that are good for your eyes such as carrots, spinach, and mangoes will aid in improving your eye care.
  2. Sleep – Sleep is a vital part of your eye care. When you don’t get enough sleep you are denying your eyes the proper rest and care they require for natural eye care. Lack of sleep can also make your eyes look unhealthy and you may develop dark circles or bags under your eyes.
  3. Water – Drinking lots of water is essential to natural eye care. It helps the body to function properly and to get rid of the harmful toxins and other unwanted materials that may be in the body. Ensure you are drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water daily to help with your eye care.
  4. Exercise – Regularly moving your eyeballs in all four directions helps to maintain healthier eyes. Also, ensuring you take proper breaks throughout the day from things such as computer screens will help your eyes.
  5. Calmness – Staying calm and avoiding too much anxiety or anger wherever possible can assist with your natural eye care.
  6. Protection – Naturally you want to protect your eyes from harmful chemicals, smoke, dust, debris, the sun and the wind. Take the necessary precautions such as sunglasses or protective safety glasses when you are dealing with those types of situations.

With these natural eye care tips you do not need to purchase anything! All you need to do is be aware of your daily lifestyle and incorporate these natural eye care tips into your routine.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

What is a Chalazion?

chalizonHave you ever wondered how a cyst can form on your eyelid and what the cause of it is? While a chalazion may first appear as a stye because of its characteristics a chalazion is actually a small sebaceous cyst of the eyelid that happens when a meibomian gland is blocked. Generally it looks like a small lump on the upper or lower eyelid, often near the edge.

In most cases the chalazion does not cause any pain to the individual but it can block or impair vision. Also, if the chalazion bursts it can lead to infection in the eye so it is important to seek treatment immediately.

A chalazion can occur from:

  • Frequently rubbing the eyes
  • Trapped oil secretions
  • Blocked glands

Chalazions can be treated in any of the following methods:

  1. Antibiotics.The chalazion can be treated by using antibiotic drops or injections into the eye.
  2. Warm compresses.Using a warm compress to treat the chalazion can often times help to clear the clogged gland. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water and hold it against the closed eye lid for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the warm compress 3 to 4 times a day.
  3. Massaging.Gently massage the affected area of your eye to help improve the flow of the trapped oil secreations in the meibomian gland
  4. Surgery.If the chalazion does not respond to any of the other treatments it may be necessary to have it surgically removed.

A chalazion can disappear on its own, however ensure you do not leave it too late and you use the treatments mentioned above to minimize the amount of time you have the chalazion.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

What’s the Difference Between Ophthalmologist and Optometrist

What's the Difference Between Ophthalmologist and OptometristDid you know there are two different types of eye doctors? If you’re like the majority of the public I am guessing you didn’t realize there is such a huge difference. While ophthalmologist and optometrist look like similar words and may often appear to be the same thing these eye care professionals’ rolls are quite different.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) with special training to diagnose and treat all diseases of the eye. They are required to complete four or more years of college for premedical education and then carry on to complete four more years of medical school to obtain their doctorate degrees.

Ophthalmologists are responsible for your total eye care and they offer services that include:

  • Regular eye care and vision services including eye exams
  • Surgical eye care including: refractive surgery, cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma
  • Medical eye care including: glaucoma, chemical burns, chalazion, dry eye
  • Eye disease and injury-prevention services

Optometrist (O.D.) and opticians are other types of eye care professionals that are trained and licensed to provide some aspects of eye care. However, they are not medical doctors and they have not attended medical school.

Optometrists are responsible for services that include:

  • Regular eye care and vision services that include: eye exams and treatment of eye conditions
  • Diagnosing eye conditions such as: glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy
  • Prescribing and fitting glasses and contact lenses for individuals
  • Eye disease and injury-prevention services

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

What tools does an ophthalmologist use?

what tools does an ophthalmologist useOphthalmologists are specialized doctors that are trained in medical and surgical eye problems. They are also trained to be able to diagnose and treat all types of eye diseases. Due to the wide variety of tasks ophthalmologists perform they use a variety of tools such as:

  • A Phoropter – This tool is used in refraction testing. It helps to measure an individual’s refractive error and determine what their eyeglass prescription will be.
  • Tonometers – This instrument is used to determine the pressure in a part of the body, such as the eyeball. It can test the intraocular pressure(IOP), the fluid pressure inside the eye. It is used to detect early signs of glaucoma.
  • A Chalazion scoop – This ophthalmologist tool is used to remove the granulation tissue from a chalazion during surgery.
  • Eye Speculums – This tool is used to keep the eyes open during any operation that an ophthalmologist may be performing. Some treatments where an eye speculum may be used is for laser treatment, surgery for glaucoma treatment, and corneal transplant.

Ophthalmologists are medical specialists and use a variety of different tools depending on the type of procedure they are performing. They require tools for severe eye problems, delicate surgery and everyday eye care.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Corrective Eye Surgery And You

corrective eye surgeryHave you thought about having corrective eye surgery?

Do you want to free yourself from having to wear eyeglasses or contacts?

LASIK is one of the most common corrective eye surgeries available today. It is a combined microsurgical and excimer laser procedure used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. LASIK corrective eye surgery has many advantages including:

  • Quick recovery
  • No stitches
  • Relatively quick procedure
  • Stay awake through the whole procedure

If you are nearsighted corrective eye surgery will flatten the too-steep cornea. When you experience farsightedness corrective eye surgery will aim to create a steeper cornea. And when you are trying to correct astigmatism corrective eye surgery will smooth out an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.

You might consider refractive surgery if you:

  • Wish to decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses;
  • Are free of eye disease;
  • Can accept the inherent risks and potential side effects of the procedure;
  • Have the appropriate refractive error.

If you are considering LASIK corrective eye surgery you will want to choose a LASIK surgeon who will perform an eye exam and determine if you are a candidate for corrective eye surgery. If you are a candidate for corrective eye surgery the surgeon will then determine what type of correction you need. It is important to note that some health conditions or eye diseases may prevent you from having corrective eye surgery.

If you or someone you know requires eye care visit Charles Breen, MD at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

What is dry eye and how do I treat it?

What is dry eye?

dry eyeOur eyes are used to regular production of tears to lubricate the eyes and moisten the surface of the eye. Our tears are also necessary to clean the eyes by washing out dust and other debris that may have got into our eyes throughout the day. When there becomes an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, dry eye results. Dry eye can also result from not enough tears being produced by the glands near the eye or if the tears chemical composition makes them evaporate too quickly.

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

Dry eye symptoms include:

  • Persistent dryness
  • Scratchiness
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Blurry vision
  • Burning sensation in your eyes
  • The feeling that something is in your eye

How do I treat dry eye?

Dry eye can often times be managed by using artificial tears that will lubricate your eyes alleviating any pain or suffering you may be experiencing.

Conserving your eyes’ own tears is another way to keep your eyes moist. For this method your ophthalmologist will close the channels in which the tears drain out of the eye to conserve your own tears and make artificial tears last longer.

Wearing protective eye gear can help eliminate dry eye if you work or are regularly in an environment where dust and debris gets into your eyes.

Also, being aware of your environment can help to treat dry eye. If it is cold and windy outside ensure you wear goggles to protect your eyes. Dry eye can also be experienced when indoors. For example, dust and other particles from the air can get into your eyes if fans, air conditioners, or air cleaners are running.

If you or someone you know has been affected by dry eye visit us at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.

Watch Out For Eye Floaters and Eye Flashes

eye floatersHave you ever been sitting around when out of nowhere you saw what appeared to be a cloud or a flash of light in your eyes? Don’t worry! These can be a sign of eye floaters and flashes that in most cases are harmless to your vision.

First of all, eye floaters appear to be specks or clouds moving in your field of vision and may become more apparent and noticeable when you are looking at a plain background. In actual fact, floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous. If you are seeing things that look little dots, circles, lines, clouds or cobwebs then you may have floaters.

Secondly, eye flashes appear to look like flashing lights or lightening strikes in your vision. These flashes occur when the vitreous gel inside your eye rubs or pulls on the retina. The length of time you experience flashers will depend on the damage that has been done to the retina. If all of a sudden you begin to notice the appearance of flashes in your vision you should visit your ophthalmologist immediately because your retina could be torn.

If you notice any of these symptoms you should see your ophthalmologist immediately:

  • You notice sudden flashes of light
  • When new or large floaters appear suddenly
  • You experience the loss of your peripheral vision
  • Your vision becomes blurred or distorted

Floaters are often times harmless and will fade over time or become less bothersome, requiring no treatment. However, if you have a retinal tear surgery is required to fix the problem.

If your vision has been affected or if you require eye care visit us at 7370 Turfway Rd. 3rd Floor, St. Elizabeth Medical Office Building, Florence, KY 41042.

Disclaimer:

This article is provided as an information resource and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified ophthalmologist. In all cases, contact your ophthalmologist for advice on any matter referenced in this document before making any decisions.