Lehigh Valley Center For Sight

A new medicated ring could replace drops for open-angle glaucoma patients. Impregnated with the glaucoma drug Bimatoprost, the flexible ring is inserted under the eyelids. The Bimatoprost Ring works for six months, delivering pressure-reducing medication directly to the eye. Glaucoma patients currently depend on medicated drops, multiple times per day, to control their condition. Up to half of glaucoma patients do not use their drops correctly. Therefore, a long-acting medicated glaucoma ring could improve their prognosis. High Pressure Glaucoma is an eye disease marked by high intraocular pressure. Most glaucoma patients have too much pressure build up in the eye. High intra-ocular pressure (IOP) damages the optic nerve, stealing sight. Glaucoma is especially prevalent in seniors. Drops are the standard treatment for glaucoma. While the disease has no cure, regular application of pressure-reducing eye drops slows down glaucoma’s progression. The drops can cause blurred vision and ...

Whether it’s taking the iPad away from a 3-year-old or asking a 14-year-old to get off Instagram for dinner, parents today engage in an ever-raging battle over screen time with their kids. Some kids even complain about their eyes feeling sore or tired, yet they’re still glued to their screens. Here are 5 tips to help reduce the impact of excessive screen time discomfort. Tip 1 – Are They Complaining About Sore, Tired Eyes? Because children’s eyes are still developing, eye strain caused by screen time often has kids complaining. Vision Source claims headaches, neck and back pain, eye dryness and fatigue, blurry vision, and difficulty shifting focus to objects at a distance are all symptoms of eye strain. Once you connect the dots to their symptoms and their screen time, you can help make decisions about how much screen time is too much screen time – and how you can help them find balance. Tip 2 – Limit At-Home Screen Time The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has provided the fo...

Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA is a naturally-occurring chemical, so why might seniors need to supplement it? Our bodies create small amounts of this omega-3 fatty acid. DHA from the diet, such as seafood, also counts. Docosahexaenoic acid is crucial to brain development in infants, and it is found in large quantities in the brain and retina. Researchers have found that consuming extra DHA can fight eye disease. How much docosahexaenoic acid do you need to get these effects? Can you get enough through your diet, or do you need to supplement DHA for optimum health? DHA Overview A long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, DHA is found in every cell in the human body. DHA is a crucial structural component of your brain, skin, and eyes. Up to twenty-five percent of the fat in the human brain is docosahexaenoic acid. 1 The retina is technically brain tissue. DHA makes up as much as 60% of the total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the retina. A pregnant woman’s body uses docosahexaenoic acid t...

Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC) , a leading developer of gene therapies, has reported the six-month follow-up data in all patients treated with its gene therapy for X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) in its Phase 1/2 clinical trial. The company reported that no consistently significant clinical activity from the treatment was observed after six months. AGTC will continue to analyze all of the XLRS trial data and complete all visits specified in the clinical protocol. However, if the data at additional follow-up data visits are consistent with the current six-month findings, the company has stated that they will not further develop the product. A total of 27 subjects were treated, and all completed study visits through at least six months. Thirteen adult participants received the high dose of the treatment. The study subjects also included five pediatric patients who received the medium dose, and nine adults who received medium and low doses of the gene therapy. All partici...

You may have heard that French Maritime pine bark extract, or Pinus pinaster , can reduce atherosclerosis. Hardening of the arteries is a leading cause of heart attacks and stroke. The middle-aged and seniors are vulnerable to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Diet, exercise, and weight management are important for controlling metabolic syndrome. Additionally, this extract has been shown to alter fat metabolism and inflammation that are factors in atherosclerosis. How does French Maritime Pine bark extract address plaque build-up in the arteries? Special Substances in French Maritime Pine Bark Extract Procyanidins, phenolic acids, and other compounds are found in French Maritime Pine bark extract. These substances alter how the body metabolizes fat. They also reduce an important inflammation-signaling chemical. Chronic inflammation is widely accepted as a major player in hardening of the arteries. A scientific review 1 summarized many benefits, including:...

Where do you find nutritious recipes for the eyes? A significant body of research has shown that certain nutrients are very important to healthy vision. This makes sense, because your eyes are the most nutrient-hungry organ in the body for their size. Cooking at home is less expensive and generally more nutritious than eating restaurant foods. Therefore, having an arsenal of healthy recipes could help prevent and support glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other age-related eye diseases. At Natural Eye Care, we primarily recommend the Vision Diet. By “diet” we mean a daily eating pattern, not necessarily weight loss. Most of the foods are quite tasty on their own. However, you will need recipes to prepare meals. The Vision Diet is a modification of the well-known Mediterranean Diet. Enjoyed by populations living near the Mediterranean Ocean, the diet includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, olive oil, whole grains, eggs, and dairy products. Refined suga...

The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin help keep the eyes healthy. A new study has found that these nutrients also improve the circulation of blood to the brain. Seniors experience gradual cognitive decline. A recent study showed that taking enough of these antioxidants halted cognitive decline. Research supports the idea that nutrition has a direct impact on the brains and eyes of seniors. To work properly, the brain needs blood flow. Blood travels to the brain through arteries. The blood-brain barrier allows select nutrients through. Blood is toxic to the brain itself. However, the nourishment that blood flow provides the brain is vital to its functioning. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, brain cells die. Worst case, the brain shuts down and the person dies. A technical term for brain blood flow is “cerebral blood flow.” Impaired cerebral blood flow is connected to reduced brain functioning. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease have been linked to impaired ce...

A preliminary study may point to blood sugar variability as an independent risk factor for diabetic neuropathy. Although the study involved only 40 adult patients, this type of research may emphasize the importance of leveling out blood sugar readings. Diabetic neuropathy is permanent nerve damage caused by sugar in the blood vessels. This condition can damage any nerves in the body. When high blood sugar damages the optic nerve in the eyes, it is called “diabetic retinopathy.” The researchers studied patients with Type I or Type II Diabetes. They wore a constant blood sugar monitor. Nerve conduction studies measured nerve damage in the limbs. The scientists estimated glycemic variability by mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) of the glycemic data. They found a direct association between swings in blood sugar and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Half of all diabetic patients experience nerve damage. The risk goes up with age and length of time with the disease. Furthe...

Regular eye exams improve quality of life, but how often do you need an eye exam? No one wants to waste time and money on unnecessary vision screenings and exams. On the other hand, eye exams can catch minor problems before they become major problems. Many eye problems have subtle symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, eye diseases and conditions can have a significant impact on your health and functioning. Ophthalmological exams can also flag serious conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease and tumors in their early stages. School children with refraction errors often get better grades after they get glasses. Eye Exams for Infants and Young Children The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the first comprehensive eye exam at six months old. The next exam should be at the age of three. Another exam is needed directly before entering first grade. Eye Exams for School-Age Children and Teenagers Children who do not wear glasses should get an eye exam eve...

Our body naturally produces enzymes for digestion, so why might we need digestive enzyme supplements? Some fresh and fermented foods contain large amounts of digestive enzymes. How do these chemical catalysts help digestion? What happens if we do not have enough enzymes? Do we produce enough enzymes as we age? Does our diet today contain enough digestive enzymes? What Are Digestive Enzymes? Enzymes are catalysts. A catalyst enables a chemical reaction without being changed. For example, lactase is a digestive enzyme that splits lactose, from milk, into more easily digestible sugars. People who have difficulty digesting milk can take a lactase supplement to facilitate digestion. What Happens to Seniors? The aging body has less efficient digestion. Seniors are subject to more bloating, gas, indigestion, abdominal pain, and other digestive malfunctions. They gradually produce fewer digestive enzymes. Improperly digested food causes uncomfortable symptoms. In extreme cases, seniors can ...

Eyecare professionals have an unwavering commitment to protect patients as well as staff members from infections while in the office. In order to accomplish this hefty feat, all instruments that contact the patient’s ocular surfaces must be disinfected. Failing to do so can result in infections being transmitted: From staff to patient From patient to staff By direct contact between patients By contaminated instruments Via airborne transmission Simply put, there are a vast number of ways, means, and opportunities where patients, staff, and eye care providers can be exposed to infection. Use the following information to protect everyone in the practice from eye infection. Preventing Infections with Key Control Measures All eyecare professionals should be familiar with key terms used to execute infection control procedures. Disinfection Disinfection is when you inactivate all pathogenic microbes. However, disinfection doesn’t necessarily inactivate all microorganis...

Poor night vision or night blindness can be a life-limiting symptom. Night blindness can be caused by either an inherited or acquired reason. Symptoms include difficulty driving at night, tripping over objects when walking in the dark, and slow response when light conditions change (such as entering a dark movie theater). Photoreceptor cells in the retina allow you to see in dim lighting. When they malfunction, vision in dark conditions becomes difficult. The photoreceptors called “rod cells” are mainly responsible for night vision. Rods can detect single photons and transmit that data to rod bipolar cells. This makes dim light information more usable to the brain. Acquired Causes of Poor Night Vision Vitamin A Deficiency. Vitamin A is required to make the chemical rhodopsin, crucial to night vision. Dietary deficiency of Vitamin A is uncommon in developed countries. Proper absorption is key. Iron or zinc deficiency, small bowel bypass surgery, and too much alcohol can impair Vitam...

How can you save your vision regardless of your age? Eye disease is prevalent in seniors; however, people of all ages can take steps to protect their eyes. Here is Natural Eye Care’s guide to preserving the precious gift of sight. At All Ages Wear Sunglasses: The earth’s atmosphere has thinned, exposing our eyes to more ultraviolet light whenever we are outdoors. Wear 100% UVA/UVB protecting sunglasses when you are outside in the sunlight, driving, skiing, or on the water. Amber-colored lenses are the best for neutralizing blue light. Help protect your eyes from free radical damage, cataracts, and skin cancer of the eyelids. Protect Your Eyes with Goggles: Working with metal or wood? Playing sports? On a construction site or in your garage? Swimming in a pool? Protect your eyes with goggles suited to the task. Limit Screen Time: These days, eyes are focused on a screen much of the time. Between flat-screen televisions, computers, video games, smartphones and tablets, our eyes n...

Written by Dr. David Evans Last modified on December 14, 2018 How often do you rub your eyes? It’s a perfectly natural thing that we all find ourselves doing from time to time. Whether you’re tired from an early morning rise, have an itch you need to scratch or are experiencing fatigue related to digital eye strain, rubbing your eyes can often provide the short-term relief you crave. But at what cost? Generally speaking, eye rubbing isn’t always a negative. Rubbing the eyes can stimulate tear production which can lubricate and offer relief for dry, itchy eyes. The pressure that rubbing puts on the eyes can also stimulate the vagus nerve, which lowers your heartrate and helps to relieve stress. Thus the satisfied feeling from rubbing your eyes. However, if you make it a frequent habit, or are a little over-aggressive with the pressure against the eye, you could cause permanent damage to your eyes. Superficial Damage Dark circles around your eyes or constant bloodshot eyes are somet...

Common Eye Disorders If so, you’re in good company. Millions of Americans need to have their vision corrected, whether that’s through eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. If you are having trouble seeing well there’s no reason for you to just put up with it. Poor vision impacts your quality of life and may make it unsafe for you to do certain things. About eleven million Americans aged twelve and older could improve their vision through proper refractive correction, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Another 3.3 million aged forty and older are either legally blind or have low vision. The top reasons for blindness and low vision in the country are mostly related to age, including macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Refractive Errors These are the most common sight problems in the country. They include myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (distorted vision at all distances) and presby...

As the holidays approach, there are many digital gadgets children may be asking for or receiving. Some of the more popular gifts include flat-screen TVs, tablets, phones, streaming devices (Firestick, Roku, Apple TV, etc.), and gaming systems. Even Fisher-Price is offering the Think & Learn Smart Cycle, which syncs with a tablet for kids to play learning games while they ride the attached stationary bike. While some of these devices add learning opportunities, most of them come with added screen time, which may be cause for concern. The effects of excessive screen time are usually considered when adults work on computers for 8+ hours a day , but parents are starting to notice their children’s symptoms. Device Use & Symptoms in Young People In a survey of 300 US parents, half of the participants reported that their children spend too much time on devices. However, over two-thirds believe device usage won’t change and say they won’t be cutting back any time soon. Because of thi...

Harsh weather conditions can reduce the natural moisture in your eyes and the irritation usually results in a burning or itching sensation that often leads to rubbing or scratching your eyes which can worsen the symptoms. Sometimes it feels like there is a foreign object in your eye and for some, dry eyes can even cause excessive tearing, as your eyes try to overcompensate for their lack of protective tears. Prolonged, untreated dry eyes can lead to blurred vision as well. Between the harsh winter winds outside and the dry heat radiating inside, our eyes are very quickly irritated and dried in the winter months.  The result is itchy, dry eyes that may cause pain, blurred vision, a burning sensation, or even watery vision as our eyes try to compensate for the dryness. What Are The Symptoms? Uncomfortable, stingy, burning or scratchy feeling. Stringy mucus in or around your eyes Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind Eye fatigue Sensitivity to light Eye redness...

Learn how EyePromise ® Restore ingredients work together to protect and improve your eye health. With every vitamin, it’s important to know exactly what you’re putting into your body and how it will affect your health. The same standard should be set for Restore. Today, we’re focusing on how the following Restore ingredients improve eye health: Zeaxanthin Lutein Omega-3 Zinc Vitamin E Zeaxanthin This nutrient is the most powerful ingredient in Restore for protecting and improving vision.  Zeaxanthin acts as your “internal sunglasses,” meaning it shields and protects your vision from harmful levels of blue light. Blue light is everywhere: it can come from the sun, digital devices around the house, and even certain kinds of indoor lighting. We need the protection zeaxanthin provides, especially as we age. You can find zeaxanthin in foods like orange peppers, corn, and dark leafy greens. It’s nearly impossible to consume the right amounts of these foods to adequ...

Editas Medicine , a company developing gene-editing treatments, has received authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration to launch a clinical trial for its emerging CRISPR/Cas9 therapy for people with a mutation in the gene CEP290, which causes Leber congenital amaurosis 10 (LCA10). LCA causes severe vision loss or blindness at birth. Known as EDIT-101, the treatment will be evaluated in a Phase 1/2, dose-escalation clinical trial.  The company expects to enroll 10 to 20 patients. Further details and contact information for the study will be listed soon at www.clinicaltrials.gov . EDIT-101 targets a specific mutation, “c.2991+1655A>G” in intron 26, of the CEP290 gene. Editas has earned a $25 million milestone payment from Allergan as part of a drug-development alliance. “We are very pleased with this historic milestone in the treatment of inherited retinal diseases,” says Stephen Rose, PhD, chief scientific officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness. “EDIT-101 is the fi...

The number of nutrients in the world are nearly infinite. It seems like every other day, researchers discover another vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, chemical, etc. with possible benefits and side effects. One of the newer discoveries in our lifetimes is resveratrol, and its effects are still being researched. What Is Resveratrol? Resveratrol is part of a group of compounds called stilbenes, which are polyphenols. These stilbenes act like antioxidants. Found in plants as part of the defense system, resveratrol protects against diseases and helping the plant survive a lack of nutrients. Resveratrol, like grape seed extract , is found in red and purple grapes and red wine, as well as peanuts, berries like mulberries, blueberries, and cranberries, and the Japanese knotweed plant. However, unlike grape seed extract, resveratrol itself contains potent antioxidant abilities. Vitamin and supplement manufacturers extract most of their resveratrol from grape skins, but researchers consider r...