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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

eye care

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

Cincinnati Eye Doctor

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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Is Your Newest Tech Gadget Affecting Your Vision?

November 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

eye doctor CincinnatiWith smartphones, tablets and e-readers becoming increasingly prevalent in society, it is becoming even more important to visit your Cincinnati eye doctor on a regular basis in order to protect your vision from the small screens we are staring at each day.

No research has yet proven the relationship between permanent vision damage and our constant use of technology, but there are real effects that irk users on a daily basis.

 

Here are 3 of the most common problems from overuse of technology:

 

Dry Eyes:

Our bodies blink automatically as we look at the things around us. However, as they get closer to our face, the rate of our blinking quickens, which creates a “windshield wiper” effect and causes the eyes to dry out much more quickly. This will be an especially common problem for contact lens wearers, who may also have itchiness and redness as additional symptoms.

 

Eye Strain:

The closer we hold an object, the smaller our pupils get in order to adjust and converge to view the full object. If you are looking at a computer screen for a majority of the day, it does not give the eyes an opportunity to diverge and return back to their parallel comfort point (as they do when you are looking into the distance.)

 

Tension Headaches:

Are you reading in the dark, and setting your e-reader to the brightest backlight setting? If so, you could be creating problems for yourself in the near future.

Dark print on a bright background can cause temple spasms and create tension headaches. You can minimize your migraines by reading less contrasted print, such as black font on a gray screen.

If you find yourself with one of the following problems after a full day at your desk job, be sure to visit your local ophthalmologist for a vision checkup.

 

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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Eye Care Tips for Computer Users from your Cincinnati Eye Doctor

July 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cincinnati Eye DoctorFor the majority of working individuals computers play a large role in their work responsibilities and often some individuals spend their entire work day in front of the computer. We then tend to use the computer at home as well, leading to an increase in total computer usage daily.

Being in front of the computer on a regular basis can lead to eyestrain, tired eyes and even headaches. Depending on how our workstation is set up we can also feel discomfort, yet there is no escape from it. Use these 5 eye care tips if you spend time on the computer on a daily basis.

Reduce Eyestrain

  • Adjust your chair level so your eyes are slightly higher than your computer screen
  • Ensure your computer screen is an arm’s length away from your eyes
  • Use proper lighting in your office
  • Use blinds to block sunlight and minimize the glare on your computer screen
  • Get a good night’s sleep and give your eyes the proper rest they require on a daily basis

Exercise Your Eyes

  • Take a break from your computer and blink your eyes several times
  • Periodically close your eyes and roll your eyeballs both clockwise and counterclockwise. Repeat as necessary throughout the day

Take A Walk

  • Take a break from your desk and go for a daily walk. This will give your eyes a break from the computer screen and give them some fresh air

Drink Water

  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration
  • Dehydration leads to puffiness around your eyes

Eat Healthy

  • Regularly incorporate foods with Vitamins A, C and E into your diet. Foods that contain these vitamins include: carrots, green leafy vegetables, spinach, citrus fruits, fish, etc.

Following these eye care tips can help you prevent eye fatigue and keep your eyes functioning properly.

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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5 Summer Eye Care Tips Recommended By Your Cincinnati Eye Doctor

June 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cincinnati eye doctorSummer is quickly approaching and it is an important time of year to ensure you protect your eyes. Your eyes are extremely sensitive and you want to ensure you take every precaution to keep your vision healthy and avoid eye diseases and problems. As we gear up for summer and all the fun it brings keeps these 5-summer eye care tips recommended by your Cincinnati eye doctor in mind:

  1. Wear Sunglasses – Make sure you and your children are always wearing sunglasses when you are outdoors and the sun is shining. Your Cincinnati eye doctor recommends ensuring your sunglasses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, which are extremely harmful to your eyes. Also, choose sunglasses that cover your eyes and the surrounding areas of your eye completely. This will help prevent UVA and UVB rays from sneaking in the sides.
  2. UV Index – Monitor the UV Index to determine the solar UV intensity for the day. The UV Index will help you prevent overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays.
  3. Hats – Wearing a hat can also help to protect your eyes and block harmful UVA and UVB rays from entering your eyes and causing damage. Your Cincinnati eye doctor recommends choosing a wider brimmed hat as it provides the most shade to your eyes and face.
  4. Swimming Goggles – Wearing goggles while swimming in pools will protect your eyes from the effects of chlorine on your eyes plus protect against water borne diseases that may be in the pool. Your Cincinnati eye doctor believes it’s better to play it safe than sorry.
  5. Be Choosy – Your Cincinnati eye doctor recommends staying out of the sun during midday when the sun is the most dangerous and can cause the most damage. If you cannot avoid being outside during this time then ensure you are wearing protective sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.

Summer is a great time of year but it is also a time of year when we put our eyes at the most risk of being damaged. Keep them safe this summer by choosing to wear protective eyewear and take the precautions necessary to maintain healthy vision.

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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Can Glaucoma Treatment From Your Eye Doctor Prevent Vision Loss?

May 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cincinnati eye doctorIf your eye doctor has diagnosed you with glaucoma you understand that the eye disease has started to damage your optic nerve. Depending on which type of glaucoma your eye doctor has diagnosed you with will determine how quickly the extra pressure created from excess fluid will damage your optic nerve.

Fortunately, most glaucoma is treatable. Getting treatment immediately is critical to slow or prevent further damage from occurring in your eyes. However, as a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed.

Your doctor will begin glaucoma treatment with eye drops that are taken several times a day. These drops are intended to lower the pressure inside your eye. For the eye drops to be effective it is important that you take them regularly, as prescribed by your eye doctor.

If the prescription eye drops from your eye doctor are not 100% effective they may need to be combined with pills. It is important to ensure you know the side-effects prescription pills may have on you, especially if you are taking other prescriptions.

Laser surgery may also be another treatment recommended by your eye doctor rather than medication or if the medication fails. This type of treatment has become increasingly popular and generally only takes between 10 and 15 minutes for your eye doctor to perform.

Finally, if medication and laser surgery both fail it will be necessary to have eye surgery. Your eye doctor will create a new drainage channel for the aqueous fluid to leave the eye.

If you suffer from glaucoma consult your eye doctor to determine that best method of treatment for your particular case.

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.

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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5 Eye Health Tips from Your Cincinnati Eye Doctor

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cincinnati eye doctorOur eyes play an important part of our daily lives and help us to see all things around us…good or bad. Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine life without the gift of vision. Your eyes aid in seeing the wonderful world around you, assist with coordination, and allow you to learn. Taking proper care of your eyes with these eye health tips from your Cincinnati eye doctor will help to keep your eyes seeing crystal clear for years to come.

  1. Get A Regular Eye Exam – It is amazing how many people underestimate and undervalue having a regular eye exam performed by their Cincinnati eye doctor.
  2. Make Healthy Food Choices – Having a diet that is high in nutrients can help to stave off eye problems and eye diseases. Your Cincinnati eye doctor recommends incorporating these types of food as part of your regular diet: carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, spinach and wild salmon. These foods are rich in Omega-3 fats, vitamin C, beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin which are all important to your eyes.
  3. Family History – Knowing your family eye history is very important to aiding in the prevention of eye problems and diseases. Do some research into both sides of your family’s history and notify your Cincinnati eye doctor of any eye related diseases or problems that you discover.
  4. Sunglasses – If you are going to be outdoors and the sun is shining ensure you protect your eyes from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Also, your Cincinnati eye doctor recommends wearing a hat with a brim on it to block even more harmful UV rays from damaging your eyes.
  5. Quit Smoking – Did you know smoking could damage your eyes? Your Cincinnati eye doctor warns that smoking can lead to serious eye diseases.

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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Should You Bother Going to Your Cincinnati Eye Doctor?

May 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

eye doctor CincinnatiDo you neglect visiting your Cincinnati eye doctor for regular check ups and eye exams? Many people do not visit their eye doctor unless they have a problem with one or both of their eyes and often times that can be too late. Also, many people believe that eye exams are limited to only their eyes when in fact an eye exam can detect much more than that!

Having an eye exam done by your Cincinnati eye doctor can detect various eye diseases that may be developing in your eyes. Common eye diseases include glaucoma and cataracts.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve in the eye. Unfortunately if you do not have an eye exam performed from your Cincinnati eye doctor there are no warning signs of this disease as it does not blur your vision and it’s not painful. Fortunately, if your Cincinnati eye doctor detects glaucoma in its early stages it can be treated.

Cataracts are another common eye problem, which cause clouding of the lens inside of the eye that can be detected by your Cincinnati eye doctor. Cataracts may be corrected by eyeglasses in their early stages but will eventually require surgery by your Cincinnati eye doctor to remove the cloudy lens.

Another reason you should visit your Cincinnati eye doctor is to identify early warning signs of other health related issues such as diabetes, blood pressure, or high cholesterol. An eye exam can detect these early signs and help you get the proper treatment prior to the health issue becoming a more serious problem.

Ensuring you visit your Cincinnati eye doctor on a regular basis should be a part of your overall health care maintenance plan. Don’t take your vision for granted! Get the eye care you deserve and need!

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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