3 Choices You Make That Affects Your Eyesight

eyesightMany of us are taught healthy habits from a very young age and that certain choices are better than others. It is almost ingrained in us what choice is the right choice and what choice may poorly affect us; and we all know that every choice we make comes with a consequence. But did you know that these 3 choices you make could affect your eyesight?

Lifestyle – The lifestyle choices you make can affect your eyesight. For example, smoking is a lifestyle choice that not only affects your health but it can affect your vision as well. Not smoking will help you to maintain healthy vision longer and can lower your risk of developing eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. Also, second hand smoke can affect your vision as well and make you more susceptible to eye diseases. Physical exercise is another way to reduce your risk of an eye disease and improve your overall health. Trying to get a minimum of half an hour a day of physical exercise can drastically enhance your health and build your strength to prevent disease.

Diet – Did you know what you eat can affect your eyesight? Ensuring that your diet is full of nutritious fruits and vegetables is important for good vision. Also, eating whole grains and choosing good sources of protein for your meals is an effective way to protect your eyes from diseases. Choose lean cuts of meat, fish, eggs or other seafood. Also, if your diet is high in bad fats and if you consume a lot of sugar filled foods you may be increasing your risk of developing an eye disease. It is important to ensure you have healthy fats in your diet such as omega-3 essential fatty acids, flaxseed oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.

Environment – Where you choose to live and work can affect your eyesight in various different ways. It is important that you protect your eyes from harm in the workplace and that you wear the correct eye protection where necessary. For example, if you are using hazardous chemicals in your work environment ensure you have the correct eye goggles or protection to prevent eye injury from spilled or leaked chemicals.

All of the daily choices we make can affect our eyesight, which is why it is critical to ensure we take the necessary steps to avoid injuring our eyesight. Our eyes are important in every aspect of our lives and they should not be taken for granted.

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.

The Importance Of Regular Vision Care From Your Eye Doctor

eye doctorIs your vision important to you? Many people cannot imagine what their lives would be like if they didn’t have their vision. On the other hand we often take our vision for granted and neglect to remember the importance of getting regular vision care from our eye doctor.

One of the best things you can do for your eyes and your vision is to schedule a regular visit to your eye doctor to have your eyes examined. Especially if you are having problems seeing or if your eyes have been bothering or hurting you in any way. Everyone’s vision can be affected regardless of his or her age or physical health.

Regular eye examinations by your eye doctor also determine whether you may require eyeglasses or whether your prescription is current.

Your eye doctor will also be able to detect if you have an eye disease or if there are any early signs of an eye disease. If your vision is being affected and has gone undetected it can also lead to other issues in your life such as headaches or the inability to focus. Some eye diseases and eye conditions that your eye doctor will be checking for in a regular eye exam is:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Astigmatism
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Strabismus
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion

Another extremely important reason to seek regular vision care from your eye doctor is that they can detect other health issues that may be going on in your body without your knowledge.

Your eye doctor is an instrumental resource for your health and for disease prevention; helping with everything from healthy eye exams to special concerns.

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.

5 Eye Disorders Worth Visiting Your Eye Doctor About

Eye DoctorOur eyes are an important part of our daily lives and they can be affected by various eye diseases and eye disorders. Eye disorders generally mean that something in your eye is out of order and is different than what is considered standard or normal. In most cases an eye disorder will not damage your eye but it may cause other side effects in your everyday life.

The following are 5 eye disorders you may experience in your life that are worth visiting your eye doctor about:

  1. Astigmatism – About a quarter of the population is affected by the eye disorder astigmatism and some may not even know it! Astigmatism of the eye occurs when light from objects is not correctly focused on to the retina causing an error. Astigmatism can cause blurred vision in individuals and make it hard to see details both close up and from a distance.
  2. Color Blindness – People who suffer from being color-blind can still see but are unable to distinguish between different colors such as purple and blue. Unfortunately this eye disorder cannot be fixed as the individual inherits it.
  3. Myopia – Often times the eye disorder myopia is called “nearsighted” or “short-signed”. This can be detected by your eye doctor and is treatable with eyeglasses.
  4. Strabismus – This eye disorder is often referred to as being “crossed eyed” where the eyes do not line up correctly to look directly at something or someone. Often time strabismus will disappear in children or it can be corrected by having eye surgery.
  5. Watery Eyes – At some point or another many of us have experienced watery eyes, which can be caused by a variety of eye disorders. For example, a very common cause of watery eyes is spending too much time on the computer. Other causes of watery eyes can include ingrown eyelashes or blocked tear ducts to name a few. Many of the causes of watery eyes are preventable and fixable!

There are a variety of eye disorders that can affect your vision and create unnecessary eye problems in your life. If you are experiencing an eye disorder ensure you visit your eye doctor to determine the proper method of care and how to proceed fixing your affected 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.

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.