Protecting your eyes with UV-blocking sunglass lenses is the single most important step you can take to prevent cataracts. Several studies have shown that people who live at high altitudes (where more UV light reaches the eyes) and who spend a lot of time in the sun develop cataracts earlier than others. Foremost among these studies is the Chesapeake Bay Waterman study, in which the eyes of men harvesting oysters from boats were compared with those of men who shucked oysters in the shade. As expected, the eyes of the boatmen developed cataracts earlier than the shuckers’ eyes. The recommendation is to wear sunglasses that block UV rays and to wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever going outside.
Because UV rays reflect off the surface of water and other objects to indirectly reach the eyes, even the shade of an umbrella or a tree does not offer enough protection.
You needn’t be an “early adopter” (a person who embraces new technology before most other people do) in order to appreciate the latest advance in eyeglasses. The electronic eyeglasses known as emPower! glasses contain batteries, microchips, and liquid crystal lenses that change the degree to which they bend, or refract, light. That is, by reorienting the molecules in the lens crystals, emPower! glasses are able to do what ordinary bifocals and no-line progressive lenses do in the lower portion of their lenses by altering their thickness and curvature. The difference is that the bottom reading portion of emPower! lenses can be turned off or on to make it easier for the wearer to see in non-reading situations.
Research shows that when people wearing bifocals, trifocals, and no-line progressive lenses look downward while descending a staircase, their view becomes distorted and they are more likely to fall.
The common refractive error known as “nearsightedness” (or “myopia”) is caused by an elongated eyeball that focuses incoming light rays in front of the light-sensing retina rather than on it. What is not so common is severe myopia, or “high myopia,” which is a severe form of myopia that can increase the chances of developing complications that can threaten vision. According to recent research, one such complication, “myopic maculopathy,” was found to progress in about four out of ten myopic eyes. This disorder involves the central portion of the retina, the “macula,” which is responsible for providing detailed central vision. This new understanding of a possible association between high myopia and potential complications underscores the need for regular eye exams.
Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are not diseases in and of themselves. They are “refractive errors,” which can be simply corrected with prescription lenses.
While most people correctly associate high blood pressure with a greater risk of heart problems, hypertension can also exert adverse effects on the eyes. For example, hypertension can damage the blood vessels that supply the retina (the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the inner eye). If so, “retinopathy” can result in bleeding in the eye, blurred vision, and even vision loss. Those who have diabetes in addition to high blood pressure face even greater risk. Hypertension can also lead to fluid buildup under the retina due to a leaky blood vessel. “Choroidopathy” can result in distorted vision or vision-impairing scarring. Nerve damage (“optic neuropathy”) may also result from hypertension, which can also lead to vision loss.
A direct look into the eyes during an eye examination can actually lead to a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
Anyone affected by presbyopia (age-related difficulty with focusing on near objects) who already wears contact lenses may want to consider a treatment technique known as “monovision.” This term refers to correcting one eye for near vision and correcting the other eye for distance vision. Approximately three-quarters of the people who are fitted with contact lenses in this manner are able to adapt successfully. Because distance vision usually involves the dominant eye (the one that is consistently used to look through a microscope or telescope, for instance), wearing a contact lens on the non-dominant eye to correct near vision and a contact lens on the dominant eye (if needed) to correct distance vision usually works.
Monovision works because the brain learns to adapt to what each eye sees at whatever distance.
Eighty-eight percent of those responding to a Vision Council of America survey indicated that comfort was the most important factor when choosing eyeglass frames. Eyeglasses should fit securely on the bridge of the nose, without causing those painful red marks. In fact, they should not press against the face at any point and should stay in place when the wearer moves his or her head or even bends over to touch his or her toes. Glasses that fit properly also ensure accurate vision correction. With this in mind, a proper fitting involves careful measurement of the wearer’s features and a match with standard eyeglass frame sizes as represented by three fitting numbers on the side of the frame.
The three fitting numbers stamped onto the inside of the eyeglass frames represent eye size, bridge size, and temple length, respectively (in millimeters). If you have any questions, ask an optometrist at Sea View. We are happy to help.
The typical age-related cataract undermines the transparency of the eye lens, causing it to become yellowish or greenish in color. As a result of this cloudiness of the eye lens, cataract sufferers typically experience difficulty with seeing at a distance. Driving at night may also be difficult because the headlights of oncoming vehicles may appear blurred. At home, the quality and brightness of light take on increasing importance as it becomes harder to read in dim light. This often sends cataract sufferers reaching for higher-wattage bulbs or reserving their reading time for daylight hours filled with bright sunlight. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you are overdue for a thorough examination of your vision.
The symptoms of early cataract (blurred vision, glare, faded colors, etc.) may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare lens coatings, or magnifying lenses.
The eye disease known as “age-related macular degeneration” (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among people over age 60. The “wet” form of the disease, which is less common, is caused by leaking blood vessels in the eyes that lead to loss of central vision. The “dry” form is more common and less severe, but it also leads to visual impairment. With all this as background, it is notable that recent research suggests that seniors who take daily aspirin (most commonly to stave off heart disease) are twice as likely to have late-stage (“wet”) AMD as those not taking daily aspirin. Thus, the benefits of taking aspirin should be weighed against the potential adverse effect of vision loss.
The study mentioned above noted no link between aspirin intake and the “dry” form of age-related macular degeneration.
The eyeglass frames that look best on your face are those with shapes that offset your facial shape. For instance, if you have a square face, try an oval or round frame that will soften the jaw line. If you want something edgier, opt for a diamond shape. On the other hand, if you have a round face, go with an angular shape. If your face is long, look for frames with a longer line (from top to bottom). It may also help if the bridge falls lower than the top of the frames. As for those of us who are fortunate enough to have oval faces, this facial type can accommodate virtually any type of frame.
Thin metal eyeglass frames flatter faces by drawing attention away from the sides of the face and directing it to central facial features.
Browse the wide selection of prescription glasses at Sea View Optometric.
