How To Get Your Eyes Ready for the Allergy Season
Many eye doctors will tell you that eye allergies will affect many people at some point in their lives. Still, unfortunately, some people will suffer more than others when it comes to eye allergies, particularly during the Spring through Fall months. Most ophthalmologists specialize in treating many eye conditions and serve the requirements of individuals looking for eye care.
The warmer weather and longer days bring some dangers to your eyes and vision. The springtime bloom causes red, swollen, and itchy eyes. Also, there’s an increase in sun damage because of sun exposure, so it is important to protect your eyes this spring season.
What Are Common Eye Allergy Symptoms?
While the pollen, dust, and dander start a ruckus outside, so do your allergies. Although some people just suffer from sneezing or maybe even sometimes a stuffy nose, others experience allergies that affect their eyes, which makes springtime a horrible moment for them.
If your eyes become so red and itchy that you notice a puss-like discharge from your eyes, you should get an eye exam immediately. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to mistake an infection for allergies.
However, with the right precautions, you can reduce the discomfort of increased allergens and sun exposure. Here are some handy tips to follow this Spring for healthy eyes.
Common Eye Allergy Symptoms
Redness
Burning
Itching
Clear or watery discharge
Blurred vision
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
So many things, from dust to perfume to pet dander, can cause allergies, and they aren’t always restricted to a specific year. Nevertheless, Spring and fall are usually worse because of the pollen. Some plants such as grass pollinate in the Spring, while others such as ragweed pollinate in the fall.
During these months, the air becomes full of tiny floating particles that can get into our eyes and airways which causes irritation. If you are a person with an overactive immune system , you will probably experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, congestion, and persistent sneezing.
The most common triggers of eye allergies include:
Outdoor Allergens – Pollens, mold, and dust from trees, weeds, flowers, and grass.
Indoor Allergens – Pet dander, mold, dust mites, and indoor plants.
Irritants include perfumes, cigarette smoke, cosmetics, eye drops, or exhaust fumes.
To be clear, food allergies and insect bite allergies do not affect the eyes like airborne allergens.
How Do Eyes Respond To Allergens?
Normally, allergy symptoms include redness, itchiness, and watering of the eyes. Sometimes it comes with a gritty feeling, swollen eyelids, a burning feeling, and increased discomfort with contact lenses. You can ease these symptoms with decongestants since they help with respiratory symptoms. However, a side effect is sometimes that they dry the eyes out, making the eye symptoms worse and leaving the eyes more susceptible to airborne irritants.
How To Protect Your Eyes This Spring?
A good way to protect your eyes this Spring is to reduce your exposure to the dander, dust, and pollen that causes red, swollen, and itchy eyes. Allergens can appear any time of the year but really intensify in the Spring. These tiny floating particles get inside your home and rapidly irritate your eyes.
Here are some methods to lower allergens inside your home:
Take a look at your HVAC system and make sure the air filters are working and clean.
Routinely clean your home by mopping, sweeping, and dusting.
Do your best to keep your windows closed as much as possible.
Don’t place fans near windows that could blow pollen inside.
Wearing Clean Clothes Helps
Clothes attract airborne pollen and dust particles, and they attach themselves to your clothing, shoes, shoelaces, hats, or anything that you are wearing. A good method of minimizing these allergens in your home is to wash your clothes regularly. Also, do not overlook cleaning your shoes too.
Eye Drops Help To Clear Your Vision
Typically, dry eyes are one of the symptoms of pollen and dander allergies. Making sure your eyes are moist and flushed is the most effective way to avoid red, itchy, and dry eyes.
You should use good quality preservative-free artificial tears or eye drops that help to lubricate the eyes to relieve you of allergy symptoms. Also, artificial tears are an excellent all-year-round product to have on hand if you are a contact lens wearer to prevent them from drying out. Occasionally medicated or prescription eye drops may be required to alleviate ocular allergies.
It’s best to visit your optometrist to first get diagnosed and begin the proper allergy medication to have your feeling brand new again.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement since the sun comes along with the warmer spring weather. The increased time outdoors exposes you to more allergens and more of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Sunglasses protect the eyes by adding a barrier between the pollen floating around in the air and your eyes. The bigger the sunglasses you wear, the more protection you will have! Also, UVA/UVB sunglasses filter out harmful rays and make sure your eyes stay healthy.
When dirty hands touch your eyes, it can cause infections as well as overall irritability. Plus, sunglasses lower how often you touch your eyes.
If you wear prescription glasses, discuss with your optometrist about prescription sunglasses so you can see clearly as you protect your eyes.
Wear Glasses Rather Than Contacts
Pollen and other allergens easily accumulate and get stuck on your contact lenses during the Spring. This can worsen your symptoms and extend your suffering. If you can, wear your glasses as much as you can to give your eyes a rest. You will lower the accumulation of pollen particularly when outdoors.
If you can’t remove your contacts or wear glasses, try cleaning them more than usual in an eye contact solution. This will get rid of any gathered allergens and lubricate them simultaneously.
Go For Routine Eye Check-Ups
Last but not least, to make sure eye allergies don’t spoil your spring season, you should schedule regular eye examinations with your eye doctor. If you are sensitive to allergy symptoms, an optometrist can use preventive measures to prepare you for whatever Spring has up its sleeve.
Treatments For Common Eye Allergies
Swollen Eye
Swollen eyes or eye swelling occurs when the person suffers from a lack of sleep or has an allergic reaction. A swollen eye happens because of fluid retention in the eye, and it can be concerning and also very painful. You can sometimes treat a swollen eye at home. Nevertheless, if the eye condition becomes agonizing, chronic, or chronic, it is highly recommended that you visit your eye doctor immediately.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
This is a condition that happens when the eye becomes sensitive or inflamed, and can even be painful. The treatment of this condition needs both prevention and treatment. Individuals who suffer from very intense allergies that regularly cause this problem must avoid open-air during allergy season and have their allergy drops on hand and possibly other medications such as antihistamines. steroid eye drops may be needed for those with recurring conjunctivitis.
Swollen Upper Eyelid
Another common indication of conjunctivitis is that a swollen eyelid can be uncomfortable, but many prefer a swollen eye. Like eye swelling, those who develop this condition frequently need to take preventative measures to avoid allergens and be prepared with allergy eye drops and other medications.
Itchy Watery Eyes
Itchy eyes and watery eyes are typical symptoms of mild to moderate eye allergies. Watery eyes can be tricky if the wateriness is severe, especially if you have to operate machinery. Itchy eyes will usually be followed by watery eyes and can be really annoying. Simple medications such as allergy eye drops can help. It is mainly essential to avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands or with anything that may not be sanitary.
Your eye doctor at Excel Laser Vision Institute recommends using suitable products and medications to help relieve symptoms and prevent them from becoming more severe. Prolonged eye irritation can result in eye issues and infections if left untreated.
So, don’t put your eye health at risk. Book an appointment and get a head start on a clean, comfortable, and allergy-free spring season.
Understanding Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
On average, the eye doctors tell us that about three million Americans have glaucoma, however, only half of them know it.
Unfortunately, glaucoma is an eye disease that eye doctors at the best laser eye surgery orange county don’t take lightly because it’s the second leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the world. The two most common forms of glaucoma that patients have are Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve. While this nerve slowly deteriorates, blind spots appear in a person’s visual field. The medical community still doesn’t understand why the optic nerve becomes damaged, but it could be related to increased pressure in the eye.
Elevated eye pressure usually comes about because of the accumulation of fluid, known as aqueous humor, that moves throughout the inside of the eye. This internal fluid usually drains out by way of a tissue called the trabecular meshwork at the angle where the iris and cornea come together. When too much fluid is produced or the drainage system doesn’t work correctly, the fluid can’t move at its normal pace, and eye pressure increases.
Typically, glaucoma runs in families. Also, scientists have been able to find genes in some people that are related to high eye pressure and optic nerve damage.
What Are The Symptoms of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma?
The eye doctors usually call open-angle glaucoma “the silent thief of sight” since it has no symptoms until permanent vision loss has happened. Symptoms in advanced stages of the disease consist of the following::
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Progressive loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes
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Blank spots in the person’s field of vision
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Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
Regular eye exams are critical to detect this type of glaucoma early enough to successfully treat the condition and prevent further loss.
What Are The Symptoms Of Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma?
An angle-closure glaucoma is an uncommon form of glaucoma, which develops very rapidly and requires immediate medical attention.
It’s the complete opposite of open-angle glaucoma since the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma are very noticeable and damage happens quickly. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate care:
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Eye pain
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Sudden onset of visual disturbance, often in low light
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Nausea and vomiting (accompanying the severe eye pain)
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Blurred vision
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Halos around lights
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Headache
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Nausea
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Reddening of the eye
Who Is At High Risk At Developing Glaucoma?
On account of the fact that chronic forms of glaucoma can harm a person’s vision before any signs or symptoms are noticeable, take a look at this list of higher risk factors:
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Age – If you are over 40
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Elevated intraocular (internal) eye pressure
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Family history of glaucoma
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Ethnic background – African Americans, Asians, and Japanese have a higher risk
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Long-term corticosteroid use
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Medical conditions – Such as diabetes or high blood pressure
7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Glaucoma
While various factors contribute to the development and progression of glaucoma, including genetics and increased intraocular pressure, certain dietary choices may impact the condition. While there is no specific glaucoma diet, some foods and lifestyle habits are generally advised for those with glaucoma. Here are foods that individuals with glaucoma may consider avoiding or limiting:
High-Sodium Foods
Excessive salt intake can eventually lead to increased blood pressure, which, in turn, may contribute to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Individuals with glaucoma are often advised to limit their sodium intake to help sufficiently manage their condition. Processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks should be consumed in moderation.
Caffeine
Some studies suggest that caffeine may temporarily increase intraocular pressure. While the evidence is inconclusive, individuals with glaucoma may choose to monitor their caffeine intake. This includes coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain caffeine medications.
High-Sugar Foods
Diets high in sugar have long been associated with various health issues, including diabetes. Individuals with diabetes have a considerably increased risk of developing certain types of glaucoma. Therefore, managing sugar intake is essential for overall health and potentially for glaucoma management.
Fried and Fatty Foods
High-fat diets may contribute to obesity and other health problems, indirectly affecting eye health. Fried and fatty foods, particularly those high in trans fats and saturated fats, must be limited. Instead, individuals are encouraged to include healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids typically found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Processed Foods
Processed foods often are packed with unhealthy additives, preservatives, and trans fats. These can contribute to inflammation and other various health issues that may indirectly impact eye health. Opting for fresh, whole foods is generally a better choice.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can be causation for dehydration and may impact the body’s ability to regulate intraocular pressure. Individuals with glaucoma should moderate their alcohol intake and stay well-hydrated.
High-Glycemic Index Foods
Foods with a high glycemic index can cause rapid spikes and crash in blood sugar levels. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, including eye health. Choosing low-glycemic index foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables may be beneficial.
Conclusion
Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions causing optic nerve damage, necessitates attention to dietary choices. While not a substitute for medical care, avoiding or limiting certain foods may aid in managing the condition. High-sodium foods linked to increased blood pressure and caffeine, which might temporarily elevate intraocular pressure, should be moderated. Diets high in sugar pose risks, particularly for those with diabetes, increasing the importance of managing sugar intake. Limiting fried and fatty foods and processed items with unhealthy additives and moderating alcohol consumption contribute to a comprehensive approach.
Additionally, it’s important to note that while dietary choices may play a role in managing overall health and potentially influencing glaucoma, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Regular eye check-ups, prescribed medications, and lifestyle modifications should be discussed with an ophthalmologist or healthcare professional to craft a comprehensive plan tailored to individual needs. Everyone’s health needs are unique so that specific dietary recommendations may differ from person to person. Always consult a healthcare provider for specialized advice based on individual health conditions and concerns.
Discover the Full Spectrum of Color Blindness
The eye doctors can tell you that there are various ways a person can be colorblind, and it is very rare for a person to see only in black and white.
The laser eye surgeon of Excel Laser Vision Institute, Doctor Moosa, explains to us that complete color blindness is known as monochromacy, and it is so rare that only one in 33,000 gets it. For a lot of people with color blindness, it only affects specific colors, and a few factors influence which ones and the reasons for it. Let us closely examine the different types of color blindness.
What Are The Basics Of Color Vision?
When it comes to color blindness, it is critical to understand the principles of color vision. The first step in the vision process is light hitting the photoreceptors in our eyes, which appear in two types: rods and cones. Rods are good for differentiating between the quantity of light the person is seeing, which is important for things such as night vision, while cones recognize differences in color.
A person with normal vision has three types of cones that absorb light from various parts of the visible spectrum. Some process short (blue) wavelengths, some process medium (green) ones, and some process long (red) ones. It is very similar to the way tiny red, green, and blue phosphors on old TVs could come together to create millions of colors.
Do Genetics Play A Role In Color Vision?
A lot of the time, color blindness happens because of a mutation on the X chromosome. Since it’s a recessive gene, women, who usually have two X chromosomes, have two possibilities to have the gene for normal color vision. On the other hand, men only have one. A woman, who has sons, and a copy of the color blindness gene but isn’t colorblind herself could have a 50% chance of having a son that is colorblind. For this reason, about a dozen men are colorblind but only one in every 200 women is!
What Are The Types Of Color Blindness?
Although the only way for color vision to be correct is known as trichromacy, there are a few ways for it to go wrong. A person with anomalous trichromacy has all the types of cones but some of them fail, and the outcome is limited color vision almost to a point of someone with dichromacy, which means they are completely missing one type of cone.
The most common color blindness is red-green since it’s probably because the red cones (protanomaly/protanopia) or the green cones (deuteranomaly/deuteranopia) fail or they are absent. No matter what, the person sees the world as a landscape of dull brownish-yellows, and this type of color blindness affects more men than women.
Blue-yellow color blindness is the least common with only 5% of cases. Eye doctors realize that it’s this type of color blindness if tritanopia cones are missing or tritanomaly are failing. This doesn’t originate from X chromosomes and so it’s split evenly between the sexes. As a result of this type of color blindness, the person sees a palette of pinks, teals, and browns.
