Lehigh Valley Center For Sight

There is no lack of issues that could worsen or end your vision. We treat them every day and know how they impact our patients’ quality of life. Knowing we make a difference for them gets us to the office every day. Below are the more common vision problems facing Americans. If you have symptoms, contact our office so we can help. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that macular degeneration , or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), causes less sharp and reduced central vision. AMD involves the macula, the central part of the retina, which allows the eye to see fine details. There are two types of AMD: Wet AMD happens if abnormal blood vessels behind the retina grow under the macula, leading to blood and fluid leakage. Bleeding, leaking, and scarring causes harm and rapid central vision loss. Dry AMD occurs when the macula thins, blurring central vision. The dry form accounts for 70–90% of cases of AMD. The estimated number of Americans with A...

Researchers have found that certain supplement combinations actually modify how genes and proteins affect the behavior of  white blood cells (macrophages) in the retina. They are investigating whether the reason that supplements are helpful against macular degeneration is due to regulation of these macrophage phenotypes.1 If there is a positive in a age-related macular degeneration … Continue reading "How to Slow Macular Degeneration Progression" The post How to Slow Macular Degeneration Progression appeared first on Natural Eye Care Blog: News & Research on Vision . https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/how-to-slow-macular-degeneration-progression/

Some of the most common eye issues facing Americans, like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, are diseases most common among the elderly. But vision problems can happen to anyone at any time. For 48-year-old NBC Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, her ongoing vision problems and need for eye surgery is the result of being struck in the eye. Credit: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank Guthrie still had vision problems four months after having extensive surgery to treat a tear in her retina, reports People . She suffered the injury after her 3-year-old son accidentally hit her in the eye with a toy. Her doctors intended to try to fix her problems with laser surgery. But they decided that retinal surgery, which includes a long recovery period, would be needed. The night before the surgery in December, her vision in the injured eye went from blurry to dark. The retinal tear worsened quickly and her vision was lost vision temporarily. “And that’s what happens if you don’t fix this: You lose you...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause mild to severe respiratory illness . Symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and pink eye can show up 2 to 14 days after a person is exposed. People with severe infections can develop pneumonia and even die from complications of the illness. To cut your personal risk of contracting the COVID-19, avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and face with unwashed hands. It is the mucous membranes (membranes that line various cavities in the body) that are most susceptible to transmission of the virus. To avoid infecting others with the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the use of face masks to be worn when out in public. Face masks can reduce the spread of coronavirus by people who are infected but have no symptoms of the virus (asymptomatic). Face masks, however, do not protect your eyes from infection. Here are a few tips on how to protect yourself and others: 1. Practice safe hygiene and soci...

Could you get the COVID-19 infection from contact lenses? Could you be infected some other way through your eyes? If you’re not careful with the handling of your contact lenses, you could develop an eye infection. The coronavirus can spread through your eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology . They state: The coronavirus may cause pink eye, so don’t touch eye discharge. A recent Chinese study suggests that up to a third of those hospitalized with the disease had eye problems, including viral pink eye or conjunctivitis Wearing glasses may give you some protection. Though they’re not as effective as safety goggles, prescription lenses or sunglasses can shield your eyes from some infected droplets in the air Avoid rubbing your eyes because it will lower your risk of infection. If you must itch or rub your eyes, or even adjust your glasses, put a tissue over your fingers. If your eyes are dry, to avoid more rubbing, use moisturizing drops. If you must touch your ...

If you or your child engage in sports, think about eye protection. During a game a simple mistake could take a fraction of a second to happen but could result in a lifetime of vision loss. Some sports are at a higher risk of eye injury than others. While bruises and even broken bones suffered while playing a sport normally heal without major complications a serious eye injury is different. It may cause permanent disabilities and an inability to perform essential life functions. To lessen the chances of a serious eye injury while your child plays a sport he or she should wear eye protection. According to the National Eye Institute , Eye injuries are the top cause of blindness in children in the US. Most eye injuries to school age children happen while playing sports. These injuries result in about 100,000 physician visits annually, at a price of more than $175 million. 90% of sports related eye injuries could’ve been prevented if proper protective eyewear was worn. Thi...

We like to see and we like to eat. By eating the right foods you may make your eyes, and the rest of your body, healthier for a longer period of time. Foods contain nutrients that can help our bodies function properly, perhaps undoing some of the damage we inflict on ourselves due to unhealthy habits. The same diet that can help your heart will also help your eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology . The organization has come up with 36 foods that could help your sight. Many of them are fruits, vegetables, beans and fish. Some nutrients keep the eye healthy overall while others reduce the risk of eye diseases. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help not only your heart but also your eyes. Our eyes use tiny arteries for oxygen and nutrients, just as the heart relies on much larger arteries to do the same job. Keeping your arteries healthy will help your eyes. Your retina needs vitamin A to turn light rays into the images we see. If ...

Whether it is confidence, mood, or metabolism, as a society, we’re always looking to “boost” something. “How to boost immunity” tends to be one of the most searched questions, not only during COVID-19, but especially during cold and flu season.  There are many products that claim to boost/increase/support the immune system, but that begs the question: can you really boost  your immunity? Can You Improve Your Immunity? The immune system itself is comprised of many different parts working together as a whole to protect our health. There are still many unknowns about the intricate connectivity of the immune response, and there are few scientifically proven links between any of the claimed “boosts” and enhanced immune function. Therefore, the idea of “boosting” the entire system falls flat. However, you can still support your immune system by providing an ideal and harmonious environment for it to function at its best. There are several ways you can do this. Improving Your Diet As you...

Dry eyes Dry eyes are an irritant that can make you much less comfortable. Your eyes may just be having a bad day, something in your surroundings may be causing the problem, or you may have chronic issues with your eyes. What you should do about them depends on the cause of the problem. Symptoms can include, A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation Stringy mucus in or around your eyes Light sensitivity Red eyes Feeling like there’s something in your eyes Difficulty wearing contact lenses or driving in low or no light Watery eyes Blurred vision Eye fatigue Dry eyes are caused by a lack of adequate tears. They are a mixture of water, fatty oils, and mucus. Tears make the surface of your eyes smooth and clear. They also help prevent eye infections. Dry eyes may be due to the fact there may be fewer tears produced, they may evaporate quickly or there’s an imbalance in their makeup. Tear production may drop due to, Aging Medical conditions, includi...

Myths are typically a thing of fantasy, a nd   you wouldn’t expect them to have a place in ey e health. Unfortunately, t here are several “myths” that many people believe that are simply not true. Here   are a few  of those  beliefs held by  people who experience occasional dry eye that we are happy to dispel. Myth 1: It Happens to Everyone. While experiencing some form of occasional dry eye is common, it does  not  happen to everyone and each person’s level of discomfort varies. Occasional dry eye typically occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears ,  or the tears your eyes do produce , are not enough to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable. For those who   experience  dryness and irritation daily,  they’ll need to seek  professional help as it can be a long-term eye health issue. Myth 2: It Only Happens to Old People. As we age, our bodies change. One of the parts most affected by aging is our eyes . Our vision decreases and, yes, our eyes can start to feel drier,...

Coronavirus. COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2. Whatever you call it, it’s probably all you’ve been hearing about lately. Though coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe issues, the infamous virus you’ve been hearing about is COVID-19. What Is COVID-19? According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , “COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.” Symptoms ofCOVID-19 are usually mild and gradual, with some people going up to 5 days after being infected without symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough. Other symptoms that have been reported include: Aches and pains Nasal congestion Runny nose Difficulty breathing Sore throat Diarrhea How Does COVID-19 Spread? When a person infected with COVID-19 exhales or coughs, they ...

Floaters-What Should You Do When They Appear? They swim and bounce around your field of sight, some times more visible than others. These “floaters” that look like dark cobwebs, specks and lines move as your eyes do and often scatter when you try to focus on them. For most of us, they’re an annoyance. In rare cases, when they’re so numerous they impact vision, surgery may be an option. Floaters happen when the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills about 80 percent of the eye and helps it keep its round shape, slowly shrinks. As it does, it becomes stringy, and the strands cast shadows on the retina. They are usually part of the aging process and an annoyance if you focus on them. They are more common in those who are very nearsighted, diabetic, or who have had a cataract operation. Floaters will settle at the bottom of the eye and are less noticeable but never go away completely. If you suffer migraines, you may see floaters with a different cause. You may experience flashes o...

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is instrumental in preventing or even putting a stop to a loss of vision due to age. Especially when senior citizens are presented with debilitating eye conditions. They may suffer from depression, anxiety and fear. They notice that they no longer have a sense of balance and face the possibility of falling. Many are unaware that they can circumvent these conditions. Following the tips will help pave the way toward a better quality of life: Continue reading “Preventive Eye Care for Aging Eyes” https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/natural-eye-care-blog-news-research-on-vision-eye-conditions-eye-care-how-to-support-healthy-vision-naturally/

How much do you know about your eyes and vision? Maybe a lot less than you think because your “knowledge” may be just rumors. You can’t take care of your eyesight if you have basic facts about them wrong. Here are some myths and the reality from the American Academy of Opthalmology . Eating carrots helps your sight Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyesight, and carrots have high amounts of it. We need only a small amount of vitamin A to support our vision and it’s in a variety of foods, including, Dark, leafy greens Brightly colored vegetables Dairy Fish Vitamin A can help maintain good eyesight, but it won't improve your vision or prevent you from needing vision correction through eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eye exercises can improve your vision They won’t preserve your sight, make it better or eliminate the need for glasses. What you see is shaped by multiple factors that won’t significantly change through eye exercises. They may be helpful for convergence ...

Written by Dr. David Evans   Last modified on January 28, 2020 Test Your Knowledge of Eye Health A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Academy of Ophthalmology revealed that Americans lack basic knowledge of eye health. The findings are deeply concerning to ophthalmologists and other eye care providers, as the number of people affected by eye diseases that can lead to blindness is on the rise. Some of the key findings: Fewer than 20 percent of respondents were able to identify the three major causes of blindness in the United States: glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic eye disease. Only 37 percent of respondents were aware that vision can be lost to eye diseases without symptoms. Just 47 percent of respondents were aware that the brain’s ability to adapt to vision loss can trick us into believing that our vision is fine. Unfortunately, these are not just statistics. Many people wait too long to see an ophthal...

Instead of getting eye injections, patients with serious eye diseases may be eligible for a contact lens-type patch. 1 Injections are often recommended for eye diseases such as Wet (advanced) Age-Related Macular Degeneration, macular edema, and glaucoma. The new patch is inserted painlessly like a contact lens. It delivers tiny microneedles containing medication. The microneedles are made from natural materials and dissolve over time, gradually releasing medicine. Patients would be more likely to stick with a regimen that does not involve eye injections. Eye Injections: Stick a Needle in My Eye Patients generally dread eye injections. Injections must be performed in a doctor’s office. Eye injections can be painful, and they are inconvenient. They can introduce infection. And they can damage the eye. Avastin, Eylea, and Lucentis are injectable medications that discourage new blood vessel growth. These anti-VEGF medicines are useful for advanced Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retino...

Virtually every part of your body could become malignant (when cells reproduce beyond control, forming cancer tumors), including your eyes. Early detection of cancer may significantly increase your chances of successful treatment, so a regular eye exam may spot cancer before you realize it’s there. The eye has three parts. Different types of cancer can occur in each part: The eyeball (or globe) is filled with a jelly-like material (the vitreous humor) and has three main layers (sclera, uvea, and retina) The orbit (the tissues surrounding the eyeball) The adnexal (accessory) structures (eyelids and tear glands) Cancers impacting the eye are intraocular (within the eye) cancers, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Cancers starting in the eye are primary intraocular. Secondary intraocular cancers begin in another part of the body and spread (or metastasize) to the eye. The ACS states that cancers of the eye are relatively rare. It estimates that in 2019 in the US ...

The inner workings of the human eye are complex, but at the same time, fascinating. Have you wondered how exactly they do work or what are the major parts of the eyeball involved in creating vision? Let’s find out. These tiny cameras spend every day processing millions of pieces of information at lightning fast speeds, and turn them into the simple images we see almost instantly. In reality, this process is anything but simple. The eye has several distinct parts, each of which has specific responsibilities that work together like a machine. The eyeball is just like a camera. In fact, human eyes are part of a classification known as “camera-type eyes.” And just like a camera, it can’t function without the presence of light.  As light hits the eyes, it’s focused by the eye in a way similar to a camera lens. This process allows the images we see to appear clear and sharp rather than blurry. There are specific parts of the eye that make this focusing process possible. Each beam of ligh...

Diabetes is  a detrimental health issue. From the eyes to the tips of the toes,  diabetes can affect just about every part of the body.  D iabetes  does not discriminate against a nyone ,  and  children  have become  its  latest victims .  T he number of young people  in the U.S.  inflicted with  prediabetes and  diabetes has grow n significantly over the last few years.   T his number is rising so quickly  that  health officials have begun calling it an epidemic. Prediabetes In the American Youth   Prediabetes   is defined as “ a condition in which blood sugar levels are abnormally high, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. ”   With little to no symptoms, people usually don’t even know they have prediabetes  until it becomes diabetes and begins wreaking havoc on their health.  Though this is not  technically  a diagnosis, this identification should not be taken lightly.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70% of people with prediabetes wil...