Vitamins and Your Eyes

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Eye vitamins and multivitamins are similar, but they contain a larger amount of eye-healthy nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3s, and lutein. Ideally, you should be getting your daily dose of these nutrients from a healthy diet, but eye vitamins are a great way to fill in the nutritional gaps. Here’s a breakdown of some of these vitamins:

Vitamin A is essential for keeping the retina healthy and for producing good quality tears that keep the eyes moist. Vitamin A is sometimes used to treat retinitis pigmentosa, which is a hereditary degeneration of the retina.

Vitamin C is a key component in the formation of collagen, a protein that helps with the formation of the connective tissue in the sclera of the eye. It also helps other vitamins restore themselves to an active state.

Vitamin E is a major player in the body’s antioxidant defense system. It’s found in the lens and retina of the eye and is believed to help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.

Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of developing dry-eye syndrome, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and ocular hypertension. Because our bodies can’t produce omega-3s on their own, it’s essential to get these fatty acids through either food or supplements. If you have a blood clotting disorder or are on blood thinning medication, please discuss taking omega-3s as a supplement with your primary care provider first.

Lutein is also found in our retinas, so it’s an important part of healthy vision. Carotenoids like lutein provide you with great antioxidants and may help guard against age-related vision problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Eye vitamins, in particular, have helped slow the effects of deteriorating vision in some people, but there is no guarantee they will help or cure your specific vision condition.

Be smart about your eye health—see your VSP network doctor for a comprehensive eye exam to find out if you’re at risk for developing eye-related diseases and whether or not eye vitamins might be right for you. Consult your doctor before taking eye vitamins if you are currently taking other supplements or medication.

This is a guest blog post by Dr. Walter F. Morton, O.D., lead optometrist at BuckEye Vision Care in Centennial, CO. 

Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/ask-eye-doctor/eye-vitamins

Men’s Eye Health

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You lift weights at the gym. You try your best to eat healthy. You drink plenty of water. But what about your eyes? Have you ever thought about what it takes to keep your vision healthy? If not, it’s time to do so as your eye health has a major correlation to the rest of your overall health.

Part of staying healthy is making sure you’re on top of your preventative checkups. However, men tend to schedule half as many preventative health visits as women.

Perhaps you don’t wear glasses or contacts and haven’t had any issues with your eyes. So, you think, “Why would I need to go the eye doctor every year?” It turns out that men have a higher mortality rate for most leading causes of death including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Early warning signs of these diseases can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam to ensure you’re staying on top of your health and can work with your care team to address any issues.

In partnership with an eye exam, you can also reduce your risk of certain eye diseases with proper nutrition. Research has shown nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, found in leafy green vegetables and eggs, can support healthy vision. As well as vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, which can be found in whole, unprocessed fruits and vegetables.

Take care of your vision health by scheduling an annual eye exam with a VSP network eye doctor. Choose one who participates in the Premier Program to get the most out of your benefits!

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/mens-health

How Your Vision Changes as You Age?

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No one sees the world quite like you, and it may take a new pair of lenses to help you see your best.  Being a bit of a camera bug myself, it’s easy to recognize that many of life’s moments are worth capturing, whether it is seeing your favorite band in concert or the smiling faces of family and friends at a get-together.

Even more important than capturing those moments on camera, is the ability to enjoy them fully in the moment, which may require a little help from a trusty pair of specs. Luckily there are plenty of lens options to choose from, so you can see the world with clarity and comfort.  Here’s a quick guide to help you find lenses that suit your lifestyle.

Understanding The Basics of Lenses

Single Vision
Single vision lenses can help if you have trouble seeing up close or far away, and can correct astigmatisms. Today’s lenses are also digitally surfaced and your eye doctor can take specific measurements to optimize your lenses for your unique visual needs. Think of it as the difference between buying a suit off the rack, or having one perfectly tailored according to your measurements.

Progressive
You can say goodbye to bifocals thanks to progressive lenses which can help you see clearly both near and far, and at distances in between with a seamless transition. Unlike bifocals, these lenses don’t have a line separating near and distance prescriptions providing a sleek and youthful look.

Computer Vision
If you spend the majority of your work day on the computer, you could benefit from task-specific lenses like computer vision lenses which provide you with an optimal prescription when working on the computer.

Lens Enhancements
After selecting your lens type, you can customize your lenses further with lens enhancements. Lens enhancements perform a variety of functions such as protecting your lenses from scratches, reducing reflection and smudges, protecting your eyes against UV rays, and reducing blue light exposure.

Anti-reflective (AR) coating
Nix glare with this clear lens coating which can also help reduce smudging and scratches.

Light-reactive lenses
Also known as photochromic lenses, these lenses quickly darken in sunlight and turn clear again indoors, providing comfort, clarity, UV protection, and blue-light reduction in any environment.

Blue Light Reduction
Blue light enhancements help reduce exposure to high-energy blue light emitted by many of today’s digital devices. This helps to alleviate eye strain due to exposure. A blue light coating on your lens can offer relief from sore, irritated, tired eyes while working, cramming, e-reading, or binge-watching. Learn more about the effects of blue light on your eyes.

Find out how VSP members can save on Unity® lenses and enhancements here.

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/lasik-glasses-lenses/eyeglass-lens-options

Eyesight at Every Age

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Just like the rest of our bodies, our eyes have different needs as we age. That’s why it’s important to know which vision changes are a normal part of aging, and when something more serious may need the attention of an eye doctor.

Vision Changes in Your 20s and 30s

What to Expect
Generally speaking, adults in their 20s and 30s have healthy eyes and can effectively treat vision problems with corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. But it’s never too early to start preserving your eye health! During this stage of life, prevention is key.

Take Action

  • Be sure to protect your healthy eyes from harmful everyday elements, like cigarette smoke and UV rays, which can increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration down the road.
  • Be aware of occupational hazards, like long hours in front of computer monitors, which can lead to eyestrain and Computer Vision Syndrome.
  • Schedule an annual eye exam to keep your prescriptions up-to-date and avoid any long-term damage.

“Practice good health and safety habits,” explains H. Chapman Leffingwell, OD, a VSP network doctor at Ziegler Leffingwell Eyecare in West Allis, WI. “Wearing sunglasses, eating right, and not smoking will help preserve your sight at any age.”

Vision Changes in Your 40s

What to Expect
While preventative measures are vital to maintaining healthy eyes, vision changes are a natural part of the aging process. Presbyopia, a decline in your ability to focus due to the hardening of the lenses in your eyes, may become more noticeable in your 40s, making it more difficult to see while reading or doing close work.

Take Action

  • In its earliest stages, merely adjusting the distance between your eyes and your reading material may help compensate for the effects of presbyopia.
  • When adjusting your viewing range is no longer an option, corrective lenses, such as reading glasses or multifocal contact lenses, will be your best bet to help you see more clearly.

Vision Changes in Your 50s

What to Expect
As we age, the risk of contracting a number of age-related eye diseases—such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration—will increase. “Glaucoma is one disease that’s especially important to monitor,” explains Dr. Leffingwell. “The harmful effects can increase in later years if it’s not managed right away.”

Take Action

  • Monitor your vision and see your eye doctor if you notice any major vision changes.
  • Have your eyes checked after other major health changes, such as a hypertension or diabetes diagnosis.
  • While there is no cure for macular degeneration, healthy habits like taking multivitamins and eating foods rich in lutein and antioxidants can help slow the process down.

Vision Changes in Your 60s and Beyond

What to Expect
While cataracts are technically classified as an age-related eye disease, the condition is so common among older individuals, that they’re considered a normal part of the aging process. “Cataracts will happen to all of us if we live long enough,” explains Dr. Leffingwell. This impairment of the lens is caused by tiny clumps of protein molecules, which block light and dim your vision.

Take Action

  • If cataracts start to impair your everyday activities, cataract surgery, in which your natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens, is a safe and effective way to restore your vision.
  • Visit your optometrist at least once a year for a comprehensive eye exam and to screen for common age-related eye diseases.
    No matter what your age, always monitor your vision changes, make healthy lifestyle and dietary choices, and see your eye doctor for yearly eye exams to keep your eyes healthy for years to come!

Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/vision-changes

Eye Anatomy

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Our eyes are one of the most significant tools we use to process the world around us. They allow us to interpret shapes, faces, colors, and depth by translating the light that reflects off of these things into electrical signals that the brain reads as images.

The eyes sit in cone-shaped cavities in the skull called sockets which are surrounded by 6 motion-regulating muscles and multiple layers of fatty tissue that help to protect the eye and give it flexibility. Eyebrows, eyelashes, and eyelids also contribute to this effort.

The eye itself is made of 10 general components that all work together to keep us seeing well every day.

Cornea – The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and is primarily responsible for focusing the light that comes into our eyes. There are 5 layers to the cornea. The outer layer acts as a kind of shield to the elements and can usually repair itself within a few days of suffering a minor injury. The deeper layers exist mainly to strengthen the eye.
Pupil – The pupil is the black circle in the center of the eye, and its primary function is to monitor the amount of light that comes into the eye. When there is a lot of light, the pupil contracts to keep the light from overwhelming the eye. When there is very little light, the pupil expands so it can soak up as much as possible.
Iris – The iris is the colored part of the eye. Although it might seem purely cosmetic, the iris actually functions to adjust the size of the pupil. It has muscles that contract or expand depending on the amount of light the pupil needs to process images.
Lens – The lens exists behind the pupil and is responsible for allowing your eyes to focus on small details like words in a book. The lens is in a constant state of adjustment as it becomes thinner or thicker to accommodate the detailed input it receives. With age, the lens loses a lot of its elasticity which often results in cataracts and presbyopia because the lens cannot adjust as well to its surroundings as it used to.
Vitreous Humour – The vitreous humour is a gel-like substance that helps to keep the eyeball in its proper, circular shape. This is the area in the eye where floaters develop as pieces of the vitreous humor clump together and cast shadows onto the retina. With age, the vitreous humor begins to shrink and can cause problems like posterior retinal detachment or retinal tear.
Retina -The retina is the area at the back of the eye that receives the refined, visual message from the front of the eye, and it transmits that visual message to the brain using electrical signals.
Sclera -The sclera is the white part of the eye, and its main function is to provide strength, structure, and protection for the eye. The sclera contains blood vessels that can tell an eye doctor a lot about the state of your overall health.
To learn more about how your eyes are the windows to your overall health, read What Eye Exams Can Tell Us About Our Overall Health.

Source: tlcvision.com

Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/parts-of-the-eye

Debunking Eye Myths

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There’s a ton of health advice available online, on TV, and even from friends and family. Unfortunately, along with the good, a lot of bad information is out there. Sometimes it’s not easy to tell the difference between fact and fiction, and eye health myths are no exception.

We asked Roger Phelps, OD, a VSP network doctor at OjaiEyes Optometry in Ojai, CA, for his opinion on these five common eye myths. Check out what he had to say on the subject.

Myth 1:

Sitting too close to the TV can hurt your eyes.
“This notion has been around for almost as long as the first TV. While spending too much time staring at a TV screen can tire the eyes, there’s no evidence to show that it causes permanent damage. As with every other activity, moderation is the key. If your eyes start to burn or feel strained, close your eyes for a couple of minutes to rest them. If that doesn’t work, turn off the TV and give your eyes a longer break.”

Myth 2:

Sunglasses are the best way to protect your eyes from the sun.
“Don’t assume that wearing dark sunglasses will keep your eyes safe. UV blocking agents are what helps block the sun’s harmful rays. Clear prescription lenses with UV blocking agents can protect your eyes as well as sunglasses. While the dark shading in sunglasses helps cut down on the sun’s glare, to adequately protect your eyes, always chose lenses with proper UV protection.”

Myth 3:

The best treatment for a black eye is to hold a raw steak on it.
“If you believe this myth, you probably watch too much TV. Black eyes are painful, and although they aren’t usually serious, you should still see your eye doctor to rule out possible internal eye damage. To treat a minor black eye, your best bet is to hold a cold compress or a bag of frozen vegetables on it to reduce swelling and pain. As for the steak—besides the fact that it doesn’t work—you’ll be exposing your eye to a potential breeding ground for infection. So, please keep raw meat away from your eyes!”

Myth 4:

Wearing the wrong prescription can damage your eyes.
“Who hasn’t tried on someone else’s glasses and felt dizzy and disoriented? The wrong prescription may feel weird and it can even give you a headache if you wear them very long, but it won’t damage your eyes. If your glasses have an old prescription, you might start to experience some eye strain. To see your best, don’t wear anyone else’s glasses. And most importantly, get regular eye exams so you always have the prescription that’s right for you.”

Myth 5:

As long as you can see well, you don’t really need a vision exam.
“This really is a myth! There’s a lot more to an eye exam than just checking your prescription. During a comprehensive vision exam, your VSP network doctor will check your overall eye health, which can sometimes show signs of other serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Eye exams are an important part of taking care of your overall health, so make sure to see your eye doctor every year.”

Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/fact-or-fiction

Halloween Saftey Tips

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Halloween Safety Tips

Whether you are taking little ones trick-or-treating or heading to a Halloween party, the fun of getting ready often begins with picking out a costume. But don’t let even your scariest costume turn into a real nightmare. Avoid these common costume snafus that could result in unexpected injuries.

Make sure your costume doesn’t impair your vision. Avoid blocking your eyes with masks, wigs, or accessories. And if you or your child typically wear glasses to see well, don’t ditch them for fashion’s sake. They could even be the accessory that perfectly pulls your costume together. On that note, play it safe when it comes to accessories and props. Pointy objects like toy swords and wands can easily cause eye injuries if they are not handled carefully.

If you like to go all out with your costume, decorative contacts can take your costume to the next level, however they do come with serious risks including corneal abrasion, allergic reactions, infection, and even blindness. Decorative lenses sold without a prescription are both illegal and pose danger to your eyes, so it’s important to see an eye doctor first to determine your prescription, and not to share or borrow them from friends.

In addition to being able to see your best, it’s just as important to stay seen while trick-or-treating. Bring a flashlight along to help you see where you are going and stay visible to cars. If possible, wear bright or reflective clothing. Glow sticks also make a fun costume accessory that help you and your kids stay visible at night.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Halloween! More safety tips from Prevent Blindness can be found here.

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/halloween-safety-tips

The New Workplace and Its Impact on Our Eyes

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It’s been about a year since many of us quickly transitioned from an office to a work-from-home setting due to COVID-19. We quickly packed up our cubicle or shared desk space and began working from our couch, kitchen table or makeshift desk. This work-from-home lifestyle has us spending more time on our digital devices, especially people who are trying to help kids with online schooling, on top of their own work.

Extra time on digital devices isn’t always a good thing because of the blue light emitted. If you’re unfamiliar with blue light, it’s the range of light with the highest amount of energy in the visible light spectrum (the light we can see). Modern devices like smartphones, tablets and computer monitors all emit blue light. While historically we’ve gotten our daily dose of blue light from the sun, our increased exposure to blue light from these modern devices has been linked to the onset of digital eye strain.

VSP network doctor, Jennifer Tsai, OD, notes that after blue light enters your eyes it scatters causing your eyes to have to work harder to focus the scattered light. In other words, your eyes are putting in overtime daily which can contribute to digital eye strain and not-so-fun symptoms like headaches, blurred vision and dry eyes.

Reduce Your Blue Light Exposure While Working

If you spend two or more hours a day in front of a screen, a blue-light-reducing anti-reflective coating, such as TechShield® Blue, on your eyeglass lenses could be helpful. TechShield Blue is a next-generation anti-reflective coating that filters and reflects the specific blue light wavelengths associated with digital eye strain. This near-clear coating is a great choice for people who work on computers or other digital devices all day.

If you work outdoors, or spend your days going from inside to outside and back again, light-reactive lenses like SunSync® Elite or SunSync Elite XT might be a better fit. These lenses offer convenience, comfort and the confidence of targeted blue light filtration. Outdoors, these lenses quickly darken, ramping up the defense against blue light and UV rays from the sun. Indoors, these ultra-responsive lenses quickly return to clear, but the blue light defense remains.

Visit your VSP network doctor if you’re concerned about blue light exposure and digital eye strain to find a solution that works best for you.

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/blue-light-work-environments

Understanding Low Vision

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Low vision is a significant loss of eyesight that can’t be improved with regular eyeglasses, contacts, medicine or surgery. It makes everyday activities like reading, writing, shopping, watching TV and driving, difficult, if not impossible. Millions of people are impacted, most commonly in those aged 60 and over. We all have someone in our life that’s aging – a grandparent, parent, sibling or dear friend, it’s worth taking a moment to learn more about low vision with this infographic from The Vision Council.

It’s important to remember that low vision is different from presbyopia, which is our eyes not being able to focus on near items as we age. Take a look at the full infographic about low vision. If you notice any similar issues with your vision, make sure to visit your eye doctor immediately.

Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/low-vision

Wildfire Smoke and Your Eyes

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With the early onset of wildfire season, decreased air quality could leave your eyes feeling like allergy season never left. Symptoms affecting the eyes such as itching, red, burning and watery eyes can all be caused by smoky air conditions.

Limit your exposure to smoke and prevent eye irritation with the following tips:

  • Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to keep your eyes refreshed and help get rid of dust and particles that can irritate eyes.
  • Don’t rub your eyes. You might transfer dust and ash from your hands or face to your eyes and that could scratch or irritate them. It’s also helpful to wash your hands regularly. If you wear contacts, this is no time to skimp on your contact lens hygiene – it’s always important to wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses so that the surface of your lenses stay free of eye irritants.
  • Keep windows and doors closed to keep the air indoors clean. Running your air conditioner may also help but be sure to keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing in additional smoke. However, if it’s too warm to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed and you do not have air conditioning, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends seeking shelter elsewhere.
  • The CDC also recommends limiting indoor air pollution by refraining from using anything that burns, like fireplaces, gas stoves and candles. Vacuums can also stir up dust already present in your home. Air filters are also recommended for those with respiratory conditions.

If you believe you have an eye infection or injury, get medical attention as soon as possible.

With the swiftness of wildfires, things can often get left behind during an evacuation. If you find yourself in need of replacement eyewear or eye care due to a natural disaster, help is available. Visit vspglobal.com/disasteroutreach for more information.

Information received through VSP Vision Care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Article ©2020 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. Reproduction other than for one-time personal use is strictly prohibited. This article was originally published at https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/eye-diseases/wildfire-smoke-protection