Be careful! If you or someone you love has pinkeye, remember that it is highly contagious! It spreads easily without proper hand washing or through coughing and sneezing, like the average virus. Children diagnosed with pinkeye need to stay out of school or daycare for a short time until a doctor has advised them they are no longer contagious.

The main symptom is an obvious redness of one or both eyes. This may also spread to a red, swollen eyelid as well. Lots of tearing, itchiness, or burning symptoms are also associated with conjunctivitis. Some people experience crustiness buildup or a heightened sensitivity to light. If symptoms are severe enough to cause pain to light, a doctor needs to be visited immediately to test whether the infection has spread beyond the conjunctiva.

If promptly detected and properly treated, pink eye is unlikely to cause long-term eye or vision damage. Persistent pinkeye can be a sign of an underlying illness in the body, such as lupus or Crohn’s disease. Be sure to see a doctor immediately upon first signs of any symptoms. Bacterial pinkeye has treatment options like antibiotic eye drops, ointment, or pills to clear the infection. Viral pinkeye may not have treatment, and may have to be waited out for up to a week to clear up on its own.

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

The study, published in Current Psychology, noticed for certain groups of people that eye color was correlated to how agreeable the person was. A survey was conducted in Australia, and was given to 336 participants, 63% whom had Northern European ancestry. People self-reported their eye color and several personality traits, including conscientiousness, agreeableness and neuroticism on the questionnaire.

The group of Northern Europeans with lighter eyes was reported to have higher levels of competitiveness, egocentricity, and skepticism of others. Meanwhile, the ones with others significantly showed more altruism, sympathy, and willingness to help others. Interestingly enough, this trend was only reflected in the Northern Europeans, and did not carry over to the other study participants.

At this time, the study may show a weak and somewhat strange relationship between eye color and personality, but researchers hypothesize that the link is based in evolution, dating back to the Ice Age in Northern Europe. The dry climate and shortage of food led men to travel long distances in search of food, and competition for mates had some relationship to link rarer, lighter eye colors being the preferred option.

Many studies are still being performed involving eye color, genetics, and personality. For now, make sure to keep your eyes in their best condition by visiting your local Cincinnati eye doctor!

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

Visual snow is defined as the persisting visual symptoms of seeing the above described static, or “snow,” across one’s visual field. A person experiencing visual snow may notice it at all times, but will note that it worsens in low lighting and complete darkness. Symptoms can greatly vary in addition to the snowy effects. Previously documented symptoms have also included halos, double vision, glare, starbursts, and other ocular abnormalities that present in varied sizes and shapes. Some people have described the way moving objects seem to leave noticeable trails behind them.

Oddly enough, the cause for visual snow is unknown, despite that sufferers of it experience the snow 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many people who have eye tests will return with normal results, and even CT scans and MRIs have not noted any specific differences in the brain to cause the differentiations.

Currently, visual snow has no known treatment, due to the fact that doctors and researchers cannot explain where the cause stems from. However, this does not mean that if you or someone you know experiences visual snow that you should sit back. Remember to get your eyes checked locally and report any changes in vision to your local Cincinnati eye doctor as early as possible!

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

If you are a first-time lens wearer, or even someone who has had glasses for years, you may have taken a look at your new prescription for eyeglasses and thought to yourself, “What is this even saying?” Let your friendly Cincinnati eye doctor help walk you through some of the basics you’ll probably find on that prescription pad after your new check-up.

First, you will see numbers under headings called OS (short of oculus sinister), which refers to the left eye, and OD (oculus dextrus), which refers to the right. Some people may additionally see the heading OU, which would involve both eyes. The easiest way to decipher the numbers is to remember that the general rule of thumb is that zero is the baseline, and the further away your numbers are from that, the worse your eyesight.

Secondly, you will have either plus or minus notations by each of these numbers. A plus sign means you are farsighted, while a minus sign means you are nearsighted. The sign and number you have listed on your prescription denotes the amount of correction or focusing power, your eye needs in order to see clearly.

For people with astigmatism, prescriptions will show three numbers instead of just two. Typically, this will be shown in the formula S x C x Axis. The S, for “spherical” is the degree of near- or far-sightedness as it would be shown in any prescription. The C, for “cylinder” measures the degree of your astigmatism and it can be either positive or negative. The larger the number, the bigger your astigmatism is. The Axis will tell you the orientation of the astigmatism, from 0 to 180 degrees.

If you ever have any confusion, remember that your doctor is there to help clarify any questions you may have and to ensure you get the best treatment. Regular visits are important to make sure you have the most updated prescription, as they often change and many people do not update their eyeglasses accordingly!

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

Typical New Year’s resolutions tend to include plenty of get-fit intensions for most of us. However, let us at Charles Breen remind you that your vision health should be made just as much of a priority! Eye strain is becoming such a common problem that even doing a few of the following exercises a day can help minimize the negative effects on your vision.

1. Focus on a far object for 15 seconds (something at least 150 feet away.) Then, without moving your head, slowly refocus your eyes on an object within 30 feet and look at it for another 15 seconds. Repeat between the near and far object 5 times, without moving your head or squinting.
2. Hold a pencil straight in front of you at an arm’s length away. Slowly move it closer towards your nose and watch it until you can no longer keep it in focus. (No need to make yourself cross-eyed!) Repeat 10 times.
3. Look at the wall in front of you and pretend that you are writing the alphabet with your eyes, but make sure not to move your head while “drawing” the letters. The larger you “write” your imaginary letters, the bigger the effect on your eye muscles.
4. Massage your eyes. One method is to use an alternation technique between both a hot and cold compress lightly pressed across your eyes. Make sure to always end with cold! Another option is a full face massage, using a warm, wet towel to rub your neck, cheeks and forehead while avoiding the eyes. Then, use your fingertips to gently massage your closed eyes and your temples.
5. Close your eyes tightly for 5 seconds. Open them for 5 seconds. Repeat this basic move 8 times.

Even if you perform eye workouts as frequently as an Olympic athlete hits the gym, there is never a substitute for a full vision exam at your ophthalmologist. Be sure to start the New Year out right and making sure your eyes are in the best condition to see everything that comes at you in the year ahead.

Happy New Year!

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

‘Tis the season for snow, and therefore an increase of cases of snow blindness that your Cincinnati eye doctor wants to make you aware of! When the bright sunshine reflects off of snow or icy patches on the ground, it can reflect into your eyes and cause the cornea and conjunctiva of your eye to burn. These ultraviolet rays impacting your eyes without protection from sunglasses causes snow blindness, and can “burn” your eyes, similar to a sunburn on your skin.

Follow our helpful advice to treat snow blindness.

1. Be knowledgeable about the symptoms of snow blindness. You may feel like you have something gritty in your eye, or have a temporary loss of vision and pain. Some people may even experience a complete swelling shut of their eyes. Prolonged exposure can cause solar retinopathy, which puts you on a path to permanent vision loss.

1. Expect delayed symptoms, and be prepared in snowy weather. Always wear sunglasses, and don’t let yourself or your loved ones forget that just because it may not be beach weather does not mean the sunglasses can be packed away! It may take up to several hours after exposure for symptoms of snow blindness to kick in. Even the most overcast days can be to blame.

1. Visit a doctor. If you experience any symptoms at all, schedule a visit with your doctor immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms worsen or cross your fingers that they will go away on their own. Remove contacts, and use cold wet compresses on your eyes in order to ease the burning and pain you may be feeling.

1. Take an over-the-counter pain killer. Asprin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can all be taken to help ease the pain of snow blindness. Shut your eyes and rest comfortably in a darkened room, and remove the pads from your eyes about every four hours do see how they are doing.

Remember that prevention is the best cure, and being smart before your snowy travels will save you a lot of time (and pain) in the long run. Visit your eye doctor immediately if you have snow blindness symptoms that do not subside by the next day or within twelve hours.

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

Let your Cincinnati eye doctor be the first to help explain to you what might be causing your recent changes of vision during your new pregnancy.

Although most vision changes during pregnancy are minor, several unexpected changes could occur due to your body’s changes in hormones, metabolism, blood circulation and fluid retention. For most women, it may only be an instance of becoming slightly more nearsighted than they were before pregnancy, but enough of a difference could impact the prescription needed for your glasses or contacts.

Existing eye conditions, such as diabetes and glaucoma, may also be affected due to a new pregnancy. Diabetic retinopathy often worsens during pregnancy, so it is important to make sure you see your local ophthalmologist early on in order to get screened for damage to the blood vessels in your retina. Some people have noted that glaucoma, on the other hand, actually improves during pregnancy, so it is important to be aware that you could potentially lower your dosage of medication, and lessen your baby’s exposure to it.

Additionally, minute changes in the shape and thickness of the cornea may cause dry eye more regularly, which raises the level of irritation and redness you may be dealing with.

Fortunately, many symptoms of vision changes, such as blurry vision due to fluid retention, usually disappear after pregnancy or breast-feeding. Most experts advise against lasik surgery or being fitted for new contacts during pregnancy, because the shape of your cornea will revert back to normal.

Be sure to come in and see your local doctor and get a full eye exam with recommendations that are appropriate for your situation. Charles Breen can help adjust lens and medication prescriptions during your pregnancy term to ensure your vision health stays as healthy as your baby’s health!

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

With the holiday season upon us, your Cincinnati eye doctor wants to ensure you have all the latest know-how to make sure your toy shopping keeps your kids safe when they tear open that wrapping paper and start playing with their newest gadget. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 250,000 toy-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year, almost half of which affect the head and face, and most which afflict children under the age of fifteen. Be sure to review our tips before purchasing a dangerous toy for your kids this December!

Most eye injuries caused by toys can be easily prevented if you are careful. Here are five top tips:

1. Check the appropriate age range listed on the sides of most toy boxes. Follow the suggested age guide carefully, and do not give toys to younger children than the warning recommends.
2. Adjust age ranges for an individual child’s maturity. Be aware that age ranges are listed as only a guide, and many toys may still not be appropriate for some children.
3. Avoid buying toys with parts that are sharp, protruding, or could be made into projectiles.
4. Never leave a child alone with any potentially hazardous toy. Ensure proper supervision at all times when a child has a toy that could become dangerous.
5. Make sure children have protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses to go with any sporting equipment. Check with your nearby Cincinnati ophthalmologist for the recommended eyewear for individual sports or occasions.

Popular toys like paintball guns, BB guns and airsoft guns are commonly to blame for propelling foreign objects directly into eyes. Some wounds are even so bad that children require eye surgery once they occur. Make sure that you immediately seek medical attention should any toy cause an eye (or any other) injury. Along with happiness and joy, be sure to give your family the gift of safety this holiday season!

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

If you are diabetic, your Cincinnati eye doctor should be just as large a part of your regular health care as your primary physician. According the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most recent estimate of Americans living with diabetes is up to a whopping 25 million people. This increase has shown a correlation to a sharp increase in diabetic eye diseases and blindness.

It’s vital to have regular eye exams at an ophthalmologist because many diabetic eye disease will typically show little to no early symptoms, and will be hard to catch in advance without the proper care.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease affecting Americans with diabetes. In fact, just under half of all diabetics are afflicted with retinopathy. This disease damages the blood vessels in the retina, which can cause blood or other extra fluids to leak into the eye. Without treatment, the disease can further cause the development of abnormal blood vessels on the retina or optic nerve, which can lead to blindness. Other eye health issues often seen in diabetic patients are cataracts and glaucoma.

The primary concern is to get regular screenings (once a year, if not more) in order to have early detection and treatment options. Other options include those that will benefit your overall health and keep the diabetes at bay, like monitoring your blood sugar, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.

Symptoms of retinopathy include “floating specks” in your visual field, poor night vision, fluctuations from blurry to clear vision, and entire vision loss. There are treatments including medications and laser surgery, so be sure to see you local eye doctor immediately to prevent any further progression of a potential eye disease.

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

When the weather gets colder outside, we tend to forget just how damaging the sun can still be to both our skin and our vision. In fact, UV rays and glare from snow reflection can be much worse than sand or other surfaces. Up to 80% of the rays will be reflected back on a snowy winter landscape. With winter coming at us from every angle, here are 10 recommendations from your Cincinnati eye doctor to make sure you are protected to the highest degree!

 1.     Wear blue or yellow tinted snow goggles. These two colors for you eyes worn on the ski slopes are the most effective to see objects clearly.

 2.    Get sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection. Eyes are just as sensitive to the sun’s rays as our skin is, so make sure your shades do more than just make a fashion statement.

3.    Get polarized. Not only does polarization help make the snow easier to read in bright conditions, but it also lessens eye-strain and helps to reduce intense glare. Be careful to note that polarization may make it hard to see icy patches within the snow.

 4.    Buy sunscreen for around your eyes. The skin around your eyes is sensitive and easily damaged. Many stores sell specialty sunscreens to make sure you can be protected without stinging and irritating your eyes.

5.    Consider options for glasses wearers. Over-The-Glasses (OTG) goggles are made slightly larger than others and are designed to fit over your every day glasses. Another option is to wear contact lenses, which tend to work well in the warm, moist environment of ski goggles. A third option is to look for goggles made to accommodate inserts for prescription lenses.

Be sure to talk to an eye doctor to see which option is right for you. Our Cincinnati office would be glad to help you out to make sure your eye is on the gold this winter season!

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