Author: glacialedits

How Does Swimming Affect Your Eye Health

Posted on by glacialedits

Summer is officially in full swing, and what better way to escape the endless heat than to splash in cool water. Before you head out for your next swim, we want to open your eyes to some helpful eye health tips for summer fun at the pool.

Protect Your Tear Film 

What is a tear film? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, tears are made up of three layers:

  • The oily layer on the outside
  • The watery layer in the middle
  • The inner mucus layer

The three layers together are known as the tear film. Pool chemicals or water irritate the eyes because it washes away the healthy tear film, leaving the cornea unprotected. Frequently swimming this summer can lead to dry eye syndrome, a condition where the tear film stops functioning correctly. Check out the video below to learn more about tear film.

Wear Goggles 

Goggles are the best way to protect your tear film when swimming. After swimming, be sure to clean your goggles thoroughly to remove bacteria. An excellent tip for washing your goggles by using a few tablespoons of white vinegar in a bowl of clean water and soak for an hour, rinse and hang to dry.

 Caution for Contact Lens Wearers 

Wearing contact lenses while swimming can be very harmful to your eyes, and it is best to skip the contacts altogether before you make a splash in the pool. The lenses are like a sponge for all types of bacteria. Jumping in the water for a few minutes makes your eyes vulnerable to harmful bacteria. It is best to give your eyes a layer of protection and wear goggles if you have difficulty seeing without your lenses.

Have You Had Eye Surgery Lately? 

If you recently had eye surgery, your eye doctor will give you instructions to follow during your recovery. One of the things to avoid after surgery is swimming because the potential for the chemicals and bacteria can inhibit a successful recovery. Check with your eye doctor when you can return to your normal activities after surgery.

 Don’t Forget To Wash Your Eyes

After enjoying your swim, the best tip you can do to protect your eyes is to wash them immediately after swimming. Washing your eyes will help soothe your eyes from any irritants and wash away any chemical residue on your eyelids. Be sure to wash your hands very well for 20 seconds beforehand.

We wish you a safe and healthy summer! Stay safe, hydrated, and follow these helpful tips to protect your eyes while you enjoy the water, whether at a pool, water park, lake, or the beach.

Have FUN safely and happy swimming!

The Eye Center of of North Florida

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

Fireworks Eye Safety Tips

Posted on by glacialedits

The official pre-summer kickoff holiday, Memorial Day, is just around the corner. While enjoying your family time and grilling great food, you may also add fireworks to the celebrations to expand on the holiday fun. The thrill of fireworks can be dangerous if no safety measures are in place. Did you know that 65% of all fireworks injuries involve bystanders, and 19% of those injuries are to the eyes? Most Americans still do not wear eye protection when handling fireworks despite the statistics.

Here are some fireworks safety tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology to follow to remain safe if your family tradition includes lighting fireworks at home:

  • Observe local laws and use consumer fireworks.
  • Wear protective eyewear. Fireworks-related eye injuries are typically a mix of blunt force trauma, heat burns, and chemical exposure.
  • Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. Sparklers, a firework often considered to be the ideal “safe” device for the young, burn at very high temperatures and should not be handled by young children. Children may not understand the danger of fireworks and may not act appropriately while using the devices or in emergencies.
  • Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, grass, and other flammable materials.
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
  • Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning or “dud” fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
  • Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
  • Check instructions for particular storage directions.
  • Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
  • Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
  • If injured, get medical attention immediately. Do not apply any ointments to burns or take any pain medications while waiting for assistance.

Fireworks injure 10,500 people annually. If you experience a fireworks-related eye injury, the following tips will help:

  • Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Avoid rinsing or rubbing the eyes, or apply pressure.
  • Do not remove any object from the eye, apply ointments or take any pain medication BEFORE consulting a medical professional.

Safety during fireworks displays can help prevent serious eye injuries. Protecting your eyes as we embark on the fun summer holidays that include fireworks, ensure you see the fantastic fireworks displays for years to come.

At The Eye Center of North Florida, we honor our troops and their families this Memorial Day!

The Eye Center of of North Florida

References:  American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Optometric Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, and National Fire Protection Association   

The content is researched and vetted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. American Optometric Association and Prevent Blindness. This newsletter provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this newsletter and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month

Posted on by glacialedits

May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month, and as the weather is getting warmer, the anticipation has many of us planning for FUN in the sun to enjoy the outdoors. Are you prepared to be protected from the UV rays before you head out to enjoy the warm weather upon us this season? As we spend long hours under the mid-day sun or in UV-intense conditions, whether at the beach, lake, mountains, or just relaxing in your backyard, we should prioritize protecting our eyes from UV rays.

Prevent Blindness is the sponsor for Ultraviolet Awareness Month to increase awareness of how UV rays can damage your eyes and increase your risk of cataracts, eye cancer, sunburned eyes, or growths on or near the eye, especially in high-risk patients. UV protection with sunglasses is recommended for everyone. 

Tips To Protect Your Eyes From The UV Rays

Being exposed to UV rays can burn delicate eye tissue and raise the risk of developing cataracts and cancers of the eye. It is vital to keep your eyes protected while outdoors in the sun this summer. Check out a few guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology to ensure UV protection year-round:

  • Wear a hat along with your sunglasses. Broad-brimmed hats are best!
  • Protect children and senior citizens with hats and sunglasses. Everyone is at risk for sun damage.
  • Sunlight is the most substantial from midday to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off water, ice or snow.
  • Say NO to tanning beds! Tanning beds pose the same risks to your eyes and body as outdoor UV light.
  • The color of the eye appears to play a role, with some studies suggesting that blue eyes are at more risk for UV damage than brown eyes. The protective pigment melanin may be the key detail – blue irises have less of it – and a higher incidence of age-related macular degeneration may be one consequence.
  • Never look directly at the sun. Looking at the sun can damage the eyes’ retina and cause serious injury known as solar retinopathy.

By adopting these simple tips, you and your family can enjoy the outdoors this summer and all year long.

Have FUN in the SUN this summer but remember to protect your eyes and the skin you are in!

The Eye Center of of North Florida

References: Prevent Blindness, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and American Optometric Association

The content is researched and vetted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. American Optometric Association, and Prevent Blindness. This newsletter provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this newsletter and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

Recognize the Symptoms of Cataracts

Posted on by glacialedits

Your eyes are the windows to your soul and the lens of your eye; you use them every day for everything from driving to reading to seeing your loved one’s face. With age, the proteins in your lens can clump and cause things to look blurry, hazy, or less colorful, which are a few of the recognizable symptoms of cataracts. It is so important not to delay or deny scheduling your eye exam!

Did you know that cataracts are the leading cause of vision impairment, especially in older adults? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cataracts affect 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older, or about one in every six people in this age range. By 2050, the number of people in the U.S. with cataracts is expected to double to 50 million.

We also want to mention a few behaviors that can put you at a higher risk of getting a cataract. A few of those behaviors include:

  • Smoking
  • Too many long periods of fun in the sun without eye protection
  • Using steroid medications
  • Radiation treatments on your upper body

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is time to schedule an appointment with us soon.

The World Seems Cloudy

Cataracts start small at first and may have a small effect on your vision. Viewing all things within your beautiful world, your vision may be affected by not seeing clearly, which can hinder your view because it may seem blurry, cloudy, or dim. This effect usually increases over time.

Difficulty Driving At Night

As cataracts advance, it can be hard to distinguish between light and dark. This difficulty can affect your night vision and make specific nighttime activities such as driving more difficult. If you suspect you have cataracts or feel unsafe driving, talk to a family member or friend to drive instead. Making this choice will keep you and others on the road safe!

Need Stronger and More Light

If you are trying to complete a favorite hobby like reading, painting, or sewing, completing a detail-oriented task, you may need and require a stronger light to help focus. Increasing your light might work first, but stronger light won’t help as your cataract grows.

Colors Look Faded

When cataracts mature, seeing your favorite color may look faded or less intense. For example, your comfy cherished white t-shirt or sweater will start looking yellow. Matured cataracts may be brown or yellow, which can cause anything you see to look yellow or brown.

Frequent Prescription Changes

Advancement of cataracts could affect you from seeing distances clearly to needing frequent prescriptions to see a Stop sign. Sudden vision changes could be a sign that you could have cataracts.

Do any of these symptoms seem familiar to you? If so, schedule a cataract evaluation TODAY to discuss your vision changes and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Experiencing Cataract Symptoms?

If you have noticed changes to your vision, it is good to come in for an eye exam. In this modern age of incredible medical advancements, there is no reason to ignore your eye health. Give us a call TODAY to schedule an appointment! 

Our TOP priority is your lifelong eye health!

The Eye Center of of North Florida

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Optometric Association

The content is researched and vetted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. This newsletter provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this newsletter and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

 

Our Eyes Change As We Age

Posted on by glacialedits

As we age, we go through a few changes as adults, from our hair turning gray to changes in our eyesight. One of our priorities is making sure our patients are empowered with information to know what to expect to minimize eye health risks.

 What Are The Common Age-Related Vision Changes? 

  • Increased sensitivity to glare – this can be an issue when driving.
  • Difficulty reading and doing things close-up – this is called presbyopia, when the lenses become less flexible, making it hard to complete activities such as reading a menu.
  • Brighter lighting is needed to see – As we age, we often need more light to see, work and read.
  • Small changes in color perception – The eye lens can be slightly distorted and discolored, allowing muted colors. These changes may also be a sign of cataracts, a clouding of the eye. According to the Mayo Clinic, about half of all 65-year-old Americans have some degree of cataract formation in their eyes.

 What Are Some Major Age-Related Eye Diseases? 

  • Macular Degeneration (AMD) – More than two million Americans currently have age-related macular degeneration, which is expected to double by 2050 due to the aging population.
  • Glaucoma – The risk of glaucoma increases each decade after the age of 40 from 1 percent to 12 percent in your 80s.

Listed below are a few symptoms that could be the early warning signs of a serious eye health problem as we age.

  • Seeing distorted images – Straight lines that appear distorted or wavy or an empty area in the center of your vision could be signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease affects the macula, which is the part of your retina that is responsible for central vision. The condition causes a blind spot in the middle of your field of vision.
  • Fluctuating vision – Frequent changes in how clearly you can see may be a sign of diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure). These chronic conditions can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This vision loss can sometimes be permanent.
  • Seeing floaters and flashes – Seeing spots or floaters in your eyes of shadowy images of particles floating in the fluid that fills the inside of the eye. Although they can be bothersome, spots and floaters typically don’t harm vision and is a natural part of the eye’s aging process. If you suddenly see more floaters than usual, along with bright, flashing lights, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately to prevent.
  • Loss of side vision – Losing peripheral or side vision may be a sign of glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is damaged and no longer transmits all visual images to the brain. It often has no symptoms until damage to your vision has begun.

Regular eye examinations, early diagnosis, and treatment of eye diseases can help you preserve good eye health throughout your life. Many eye conditions can have the option of treatment or are delayed with early detection; annual eye exams can assist in proactive detection.

How To Promote Healthy Vision? 

One significant component of promoting positive eye health is to live a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthily, stay active, and don’t smoke. Keep in mind to protect your eyes from the UV rays by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors on a sunny or cloudy day. Also, take breaks from the computer screen, especially if you spend most of your work hours at a computer screen, resulting in digital eye strain. Remember to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Your eyes will love you for it!

Your Healthy Eyes Is Our Priority! 

If it has been a while since we have seen you, call us TODAY to schedule an appointment to make your eye health a priority.

The Eye Center of of North Florida

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Optometric Association

The content is researched and vetted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided on this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

Diabetic Eyecare

Posted on by glacialedits

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye).  

If you have diabetes, it’s vital to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Diabetic retinopathy may not have any symptoms at first — but early detection can help you take steps to protect your vision. 

What Are The Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

  • The early stages of diabetic retinopathy usually don’t have any symptoms. 
  • Having trouble reading or seeing faraway objects, these changes may come and go.
  • The blood vessels in the retina start to bleed into the vitreous (gel-like fluid in the center of the eye).
  • Start to see dark, floating spots or streaks that look like cobwebs.

Sometimes, the spots clear up independently, but it is vital to get treatment right away. Without treatment, bleeding can reoccur, get worse, or cause scarring.

Are You At Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Anyone with diabetes can get diabetic retinopathy, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes that can develop during pregnancy).   

Your risk increases the longer you have diabetes. Did you know that more than 2 in 5  Americans with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy? The great news is that you can lower your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by controlling your diabetes.  

Women with diabetes who become pregnant or women who develop gestational diabetes are at high risk of diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes and are pregnant, have a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible. Ask your doctor if you’ll need additional eye exams during your pregnancy. 

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy?

The cause of Diabetic retinopathy is high blood sugar due to diabetes. Over time, having too much sugar in your blood can damage your retina, which is the part of your eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain through a nerve in the back of your eye (optic nerve). 

How Can I Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy? 

  • Manage your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible
  • Regular physical activity
  • Eating Healthy
  • Lowering your A1c levels (A1c is a particular test that shows your average sugar level over three months)
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions for your insulin or other diabetes medicines.

Eye Exams Can Save Your Sight

Regular eye exams are crucial for helping people with diabetes protect their eyesight and reduce the risk of blindness by up to 95%—however, the most critical factor in managing diabetes disease properly. 

We make a great team with our patients, and we love being your partner in eye health!

References: National Eye Institute, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and American Optometric Association

 

WOMEN’S EYE HEALTH

Posted on by glacialedits

March is Women’s History Month, celebrating women’s contributions to history, society, medicine, and culture. There have been groundbreaking contributions from women within eye healthcare as well.

Did you know that women are at greater risk for eye disease and visual impairments? According to the Women’s Eye Health Organization, women account for more than two-thirds of the world’s blind and visually impaired population, which is the main reason the Women’s Eye Health Organization was established in 2001 in response to this troubling reality.

We strive to educate women and our patient family to empower patients to make healthy lifestyle changes to improve their eye health.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, studies show a gender gap in eye diseases. Women are more likely than men to suffer from sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma. Women make up 65 percent of AMD cases, 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract patients are women, and 66 percent of blind patients are women. Why the gender gap? There are a few theories. On average, women live longer, and many eye problems are age-related.

Unique Vision Problems Women Need To Closely Watch

  • Dry Eyes – Occurs double the rate in postmenopausal women
  • Autoimmune Diseases – Women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyperthyroiditis
  • Pregnancy – vision changes due to the hormones pregnant women experience

Women, It Is Now Time To Take Care Of Yourself!

Women often make the majority of their family’s health care decisions. In addition to being responsible for their own health, women are often responsible as caregivers for the health care choices of their children, partners, spouse, and aging parents. We encourage all women to carve out some time for themselves today and take care of themselves so that they can continue to be that shining star for their loved ones. Call TODAY to schedule your appointment for an eye exam! In the meantime, here are a few simple steps in taking care of you and improving your eye health:

  • Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, and cold-water fish.
  • Drop the smoking habit. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Protect Your Eyes. Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection and a hat while enjoying time outdoors.
  • Know Your Family History. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times.
  • Use Cosmetics Safely. Throw away eye makeup after three months and get new products. Infection-causing bacteria grow quickly in creamy or liquid eye makeup.

We encourage women as well as men to get regular eye exams. Making eye health a top priority today can help protect your eye health as you age.

References: Women’s Eye Health Organization, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and American Optometric Association

SAFETY TIPS TO PRACTICE FOR WORKPLACE EYE WELLNESS MONTH

Posted on by glacialedits

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2,000 eye injuries occur each day on the job. Most would think that eye injuries only happen in construction or manufacturing jobs. However, nearly 40% of work-related eye injuries happen in offices, healthcare facilities, construction, or laboratory work environments. It is essential that proper eye protection is beneficial in preventing 90% of work-related eye injuries. Nearly 25,000 Americans visit the emergency room each year due to a workplace eye injury.

During Workplace Eye Wellness Month this March, we would like to share a few tips to help protect your eyes from injury:

  • Keep safety eyewear in good condition and replace it when necessary.
  • Always wear safety goggles or face shields when working with chemicals to protect against splashing.
  • Keep your eye protection clean.
  • Implement controls on machinery and equipment to prevent the escape of particles and debris.
  • Ensure all eye and face protection meet OSHA standards, as well as all applicable local and state regulations.
  • Don’t forget putting on a pair of safety glasses can help prevent serious eye injuries in the workplace.

For Workplace Eye Safety Awareness Month, we also wanted to share safety eye tips for office employees. The workplace environment has significantly changed within the past couple of years, with most employees working remotely, increasing more screen time for projects, including meetings attended via Zoom. The increased screen time affects remote employees and the entire family, from the kids virtually learning to online entertainment.

Here are a few tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology to create a healthy and comfortable work environment to avoid digital eye strain.

  • Make a conscious effort to blink as often as possible.
  • Consider computer eyeglasses
  • Use eye drops to refresh your eyes
  • Adjust screen brightness to match the light levels around you
  • Sit about 25 inches from your screen.

Screen Time and Your Eye Health

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, studies show that people developing nearsightedness have dramatically increased. Dry eye symptoms in digital device users are becoming more common, and computer use combined with smartphones and tablets’ personal use increases the risk of digital eye strain.

Reduce eye strain by focusing on your eye health and give your eyes a break by adopting the 20-20-20 rule in your day-to-day office or remote learning routine, which is:

Every 20 minutes. Take 20 seconds. To look 20 feet away.

Keep in mind during March, and year-round, remember to wear your safety glasses and protect your eyes from digital eye strain as you work. If you have any concerns about your eye health or experience any changes with your eyesight, don’t delay making an eye exam appointment.

 

Our Highest Priority Is Your Lifelong Eye Health!

The Eye Center of North Florida

References: Prevent Blindness, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

Age-Related Macular Degeneration awareness month

Posted on by glacialedits

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration awareness month. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with your retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. With AMD, you lose your central vision. You cannot see fine details, whether you are looking at something close or far. However, your peripheral (side) vision will still be normal. For instance, imagine you are looking at a clock with hands. With AMD, you might see the clock’s numbers but not the hands.

We like to empower our patients with information to bring awareness to eye health and keep your eyesight healthy. We all like to indulge in our favorite snack foods, especially while binge-watching our favorite TV series or having a family movie night. However, during these fun times, are you snacking healthy? Or have you been blinded by junk food? According to an article in JAMA Ophthalmology, fat-filled snack foods may heighten the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment.

Overindulging in fat-filled snack foods may heighten the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment in the United States for those over 55. The study shows that specific types of fats, especially the kinds used in processed snack foods, can increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration more than twofold.

Which Snacks Should I Avoid? 

Cookies, Chips, and even nuts are on the list.  According to the study, vegetable, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, along with linoleic acid, put junk food enthusiasts at a higher risk for eye disease. The foods that contain these fats are highly processed, store-bought junk foods. Included in the study: margarine, chocolate, commercially prepared pie, cake, cookies, peanut butter, potato chips, french fries, and nuts. The study’s 349 subjects were between 55 and 80 years old and had advanced stages of age-related macular degeneration.

  • Avoid highly processed snack foods such as cakes, cookies, potato chips.
  • Avoid partially hydrogenated fats, especially coconut oils.

What Should You Add To Your Diet? 

While snack foods were found to have negative impacts on vision, fish were found to be beneficial. The study found that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, found primarily in salmon and albacore tuna, could lessen the risk for age-related macular degeneration as long as fish eaters maintain a low intake of linoleic acid (found in processed food and margarine). A previous study also showed that dark, green leafy vegetables have the same impact. In summary, based on the study, the researchers recommend avoiding highly processed snack foods and consuming two or more servings of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids will promote positive eye health. Keep it simple and include the following healthy foods to your daily diet: 

  • Eat a diet low in fat.
  • Eat fish high in omega -3 fatty acids two or three times per week.
  • Increase intake of green, leafy vegetables.
  • Eating fruit is an excellent snack on the go. 

Eat and Snack Right For Your Sight…Your Eyes Will Love You For It!

 

References

Dietary Fat and Risk for Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Johanna M. Seddon; Bernard Rosner; Robert D. Sperduto; Lawrence Yannuzzi; Julia A. Haller; Norman P. Blair; Walter Willett, Arch Ophthalmol. August 2001;119:1191-1199. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/267470

American Academy of Ophthalmology 

American Macular Degeneration Foundation 

 

Reduce Your Stress And Relax Your Eyes

Posted on by glacialedits

Stress plays a part in our lives, but what matters is how we react and cope with stress when it arises. We often feel physically and mentally stressed in our demanding lifestyles. However, did you know stress can damage your eyes? When you are overly stressed or anxious, there is an overproduction of adrenaline in your body, which causes pressure on your eyes and results in blurry vision, muscular tensions, and headaches. 

A Few Common Described Stress Eye Symptoms

Floaters are tiny, dark specks that you may see, especially if you look at the light.

Some people have also described the floaters as strands, spots, or squiggly lines. You can usually see the floaters more when you look at something bright, such as the sky, a bright light, or plain white paper.

Flashes are sudden sparks of light that may flicker across your vision. They may also appear like light strands that affect your vision.

How To Eliminate Eye Symptoms Due To Stress? 

RELAX…Calm Your Mind and Body 

The key to treating eye symptom issues caused by stress is to reduce exposure to stress. If you experience an active stress response, take measures to get to a calm and Zen place. Allow your body to bounce back from the flood of adrenaline. Take a 20 minute self-care moment to give your body time to recover, and your vision should return to normal.

Utilize the following stress relief techniques:

  • Deep Breathing Exercises
  • Meditation
  • Social Support
  • Yoga
  • Relax (read, paint, or write a journal entry)

It is essential to make changes to your daily life and incorporate stress relief techniques to free you from the negative impacts of stress. In addition to applying stress relief techniques into your everyday life, try not to focus on your symptoms.

Achieve to have quality sleep daily, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. These can all help lessen the negative impacts of stress on your eye health and overall health. If you experience prolonged symptoms, it is time to call your eye doctor and schedule an appointment.

Stress impacts us all in different ways. One person could feel all the stress eye symptoms, while the next only feel a few. Make de-stressing a priority for your eye health, and never take your eyes for granted. Relax and count to 10; your eyes will love you for it!