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Are eyes really a window into our soul… or at least our personality?

January 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

For decades, there have been stories flooding the internet and through chain letter emails that claimed your personality matched your eye color. Do you have brown eyes? I bet you like dogs. Do you have green eyes? You enjoy being outside. The “predictions” went on and on, only to make statements that most of us could attest to despite the color of our eyes. However, a new study performed by researches at the University of Queensland and the University of New South Wales recently discovered there might be some truth to being able to gain personality insights from eye color.

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.

 

 

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Don’t adjust your TV screen; that visual snow is stemming from your own eyes!

January 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Remember back when television antennas had to be adjusted in order to prevent the screen from creating a black and white, fuzzy static across your shows? Well, many people experience this phenomenon regularly, but it’s not because of their television screens. Your Cincinnati eye doctor is here to give you the facts about this spectacle, known as “visual snow.”

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.

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What does my eyeglass prescription really mean?

January 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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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.

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Snow Blindness – A common vision problem this snow season

January 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment

 

‘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.

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Is pregnancy the cause of your recent changes in vision?

January 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

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.

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Keep your kids (and their eyes) safe this holiday season

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

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.

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Diabetics, Look Into Your Eye Health

December 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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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.

 

 

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5 Cincinnati Eye Doctor Recommendations to Protect your Eyes in Snow Sports

December 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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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.

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The Thanksgiving Feast: A Vision of Perfection

November 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

StrabismusAre your eyes bigger than your stomach every Thanksgiving? Turns out, you’re benefitting both each time you gobble down a traditional Turkey Day meal. From the main dish- that big, beautiful turkey that spends the entire day cooking to perfection in your oven- to the five, six, or maybe even ten side dishes that cover your dining room table, more health benefits are waiting to be uncovered than you may have ever expected!

Turkey

You may be aware that the tryptophan in turkey gets a lot of blame for making you sleepy almost immediately after finishing your meal and causes you to take a two-hour nap on the couch. However, what turkey doesn’t get enough credit for is the high amount of zinc it contains, as well.

Zinc is known to specifically help our vision in several ways. For one, it has been found to have a significant effect on the development and progression of cataracts. Additionally, it greatly reduces your risk of advanced AMD, age-related macular degeneration and the vision loss associated with this disease.

Sweet Potatoes

More similar to carrots than just their orange color, sweet potatoes are under appreciated for how rich they are in vitamin A, beta carotene, potassium and fiber. In particular, vitamin A and beta carotene are important to help prevent night blindness, among many other eye problems. Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness in children of third-world countries lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Cranberries

It’s easy to sneak eye-health benefits onto your plate with cranberries, no matter whether you like them as a sauce, in your juice, or on your desserts. Vitamins A and C are prevalent in this fruit, and they help to prevent cataracts and MAC. These conditions can cause dangerous changes in your vision and in worse circumstances, even vision loss.

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.

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How To Tell If Your Child Needs Eyeglasses

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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.

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