by : Ohio Eye Health Education Eye Care

Understanding Different Types of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses come in a wide variety of designs and kinds to address visual issues while also being pleasant to use. Select the ideal sort for your eyes and lifestyle by being aware of the wide varieties.

The two primary categories of contact lenses are gas-permeable hard, and soft (GP). GP lenses are more rigid than soft lenses but frequently give clearer vision.

Soft Contact Lenses

Many people prefer soft contact lenses because they offer good vision correction and more on-eye comfort than other types of contacts. Moreover, they need less maintenance and are frequently less expensive than hard lenses.

These lenses are created from hydrogels, which are plastics that resemble gel and contain water or silicone and hydrogel mixtures. These new materials don’t dry as rapidly as some previous soft lenses, enabling more oxygen to pass through the lens.

Depending on the prescription, they can be used daily or every two to four weeks. They are often disposable and can be thrown away after a short amount of time. This provides you with a brand-new set of lenses to wear each day, lowering your risk of eye infection and preserving the health of your eyes.

You can wear some soft lens kinds overnight because they are made specifically for more prolonged usage. The risk of a corneal infection rises with nighttime use. If you require glasses while using soft lenses, use them since this might be serious.

Hybrid lenses are also available, combining the advantages of soft and RGP lenses. To correct astigmatism and corneal abnormalities, they feature a stiff core in the lens, but for enhanced comfort, they also have a soft skirt around the center.

Many patients find hybrid lenses a suitable option, although they may be expensive and must be fitted carefully. Ask your doctor to assist you in selecting the best lens for you if you’re interested in this kind.

The polymers used to create rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses enable more oxygen to pass through, which helps the lenses maintain their form and provide sharper vision. They are less flexible and more brittle than soft lenses, though. They can address more severe vision issues, such as keratoconus and other corneal abnormalities.

Hydrogel Contact Lenses

Many patients choose hydrogel contact lenses because they provide several advantages over conventional soft contact lenses. They can maintain the comfort and health of your eyes if you wear them for an extended time.

The ability to increase the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea is one of their main advantages. This may lessen your chance of developing eye infections while reducing the dryness and redness of your eyes.

These soft contact lenses are created using a unique substance known as silicone hydrogel. Its special gel allows up to five times as much oxygen to enter through the lens as standard soft contacts, which may increase user comfort.

Because it has the same amount of water as your cornea, which helps keep your tears wet and pleasant throughout the day, this is a fantastic substance for those with dry eyes. It is also an excellent option for people with certain eye conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome since it helps reduce dehydration by absorbing more water.

These materials’ hydrogel component is either N, N-dimethyl acrylamide (N, N-dMA) or N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) (NADMA). These monomers link water to the lens material and offer excellent oxygen permeability.

As silicone hydrogel contact lenses are so rigid, they typically stick to the eye’s surface more firmly than other soft lenses. In particular, if your eyes are sensitive, this might give you a feeling of a foreign body.

Spherical, toric, and bifocal designs are among the many possibilities for these lenses. Some are appropriate for daily disposal, while others are permitted for two or six days of more extended wear. Discuss these possibilities with your doctor to determine which choice is best for you. They may also advise you on the best lens for your particular requirements.

by : Ohio Eye Health Education Eye Care

How to Protect Your Vision From Screen Time and Eye Strain

Whether you are an adult or a child, too much screen time can harm your eyes. It can lead to eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, and double vision.

To combat this problem, take regular breaks and use the 20-20-20 rule. This involves shifting your gaze to an object at least 20 feet away for about 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Keep Your Eyes Hydrated

The eyes are a vital organ that needs water to function correctly. When dehydrated, eyes can become itchy, dry, and inflamed.

This can lead to vision problems, including blurred or strained vision, tiredness, and headaches.

To avoid these symptoms, drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods. Nutrients like omega-3, fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins E and C keep the eyes healthy and protect them from damage.

Another vital part of keeping your eyes hydrated is blinking. Blinking flushes fresh tears across the surface of your eyes and prevents them from drying.

Staring at a computer screen or phone for prolonged periods can cause eye strain, leading to redness and itching. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adjusting the brightness on your screen and minimizing the amount of glare.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

If you are using your smartphone, tablet, or computer too close to your eyes and not taking breaks from it, you can be putting a lot of strain on your vision. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and avoid eye strain.

The first thing is to reduce screen time one hour before bedtime and use devices with nighttime settings that limit blue light exposure.

Studies show that the blue light emitted from screens can hamper melatonin production, the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep.

This can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

It can also interfere with your circadian rhythm, the internal body clock that regulates your sleep patterns. Limiting screen time before going to sleep can improve your sleep quality and help protect your vision in the long run.

Take Breaks

One of the most important ways to protect your vision from screen time and eye strain is to take breaks regularly. Even short screen breaks can make a big difference in your overall health and productivity.

Ideally, it’s recommended that you take a break from screens every 5-10 minutes. You can use a timer to remind you to take a break while working on a task.

You can also take a walk or get outside for a break. This can help you relax and refocus.

It can also make you feel more refreshed and ready to work again.

If you have trouble staying focused on a project at work, you may need to change how you think about your breaks.

Whether you’re a freelancer or an office worker, taking proper breaks during the day is essential to maintain productivity and to improve mental health. If you’re still unsure about how to take breaks, check out this “50 Ways to Take a Break” infographic from Karen Horneffer-Ginter, Ph.D.

Wear Eyeglasses

Having the proper eyewear is an essential part of protecting your vision and your eyes from screen time. It can help reduce glare, prevent eye strain, and make it easier to see clearly in everyday activities.

A straightforward way to protect your eyes from screen glare is to wear eyeglasses that have an anti-reflective coating. These are similar to polarized sunglasses and can be a great way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and digital screen glare.

Another essential way to reduce glare is to adjust the distance from your screen. Sitting too close can put a lot of strain on your eyes, neck, and back.

Consider adjusting the brightness of your screen. Bright screens can cause your eyes to work harder than they should, so try changing your room lighting or increasing the contrast on your screen.

by : Ohio Eye Health Education Eye Care

10 Tips For Maintaining Healthy Eyes

Your eye health is vital to your overall well-being. It can help prevent diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes that can lead to vision problems in the long run.

You can improve your eye health through a few simple tips. This includes eating right, getting enough sleep, staying active, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking.

1. Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory. They are an essential tool in preserving the health of your eyes.

A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and help to prevent eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

They also help to block out glare from water, snow, and other sources of reflection, keeping your eyes safe.

2. Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Getting enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from foods can help protect your eyes. Dark green leafy vegetables like kale contain eye-friendly nutrients, including lutein and zeaxanthin.

Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and blackcurrants are also excellent sources of these vision-friendly nutrients. Berries are incredibly high in a type of antioxidant called flavonoids that may lower your risk of eye conditions such as dry eyes and macular degeneration.

3. Get Enough Sleep

One of the most important things you can do to maintain healthy eyes is to get enough sleep. The National Institutes of Health states that adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night.

Getting adequate sleep allows your eyes to rest and recover from all of the activities that take place during the day. This enables them to stay healthy and function at their best.

4. Stay Active

Exercise has many benefits for the body – it helps keep your weight in check, maintains a healthy heart, and may help lower the risk of several serious eye diseases.

Aerobic exercise like walking, biking, swimming, or dancing a few times a week for 30 minutes or more effectively protects your eyes and improves vision. Research shows moderate exercise can significantly reduce your chances of developing eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.

5. Avoid Smoking

Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco contain a variety of toxins and chemicals that are toxic to your eyes. This includes nicotine, formaldehyde, and several other harmful substances.

Smoking increases your risk of eye problems like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. It can also make dry eye syndrome more likely.

6. Get Regular Checkups

Getting regular checkups is an integral part of maintaining healthy eyes. These exams will help detect eye disease before it progresses to more severe issues.

Many eye diseases develop slowly over months and even years, so they can often go unnoticed for a long time. This is especially true for glaucoma and macular degeneration, which typically appear asymptomatic in their early stages.

7. Keep Your Eyelids Clean

Eyelid hygiene is essential for preventing infections and other problems that affect the health of your eyes.

It also helps prevent blepharitis, a typical inflammation that can cause itching and dandruff-like scales on the base of your eyelashes.

Use a clean washcloth, cotton swab applicator, or lint-free pad to gently scrub the base of your eyelashes with diluted baby shampoo.

8. Drink Water

Getting plenty of water is essential for your eyes. It lubricates your eyes, helps them stay moist, and keeps dust and other debris from getting inside.

You can hydrate your eyes by drinking water or eating water-rich foods. You should drink 3.7 liters of water for men and 2.7 liters for women daily.

9. Stay Hydrated

Water is one of the body’s most important nutrients. It is essential to help keep the muscles, organs, and cells working correctly.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial for preventing dehydration. It can also be a great way to boost your energy levels.

10. Take Supplements

Taking supplements can help you get the nutrients you need for eye health. Supplements can also help you meet specific dietary targets for vitamins and minerals.

Specific vitamin and mineral supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases. These include lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C, E, and zinc.

by : Ohio Eye Health Education Eye Care

The Importance of Eye Exams – What Your Optometrist Looks For?

Eye exams are the best way to detect vision problems before they become severe. They also help see medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers.

Your optometrist will conduct many tests during your comprehensive exam. Some of the most common include visual acuity, depth perception, and pupil function.

Visual Acuity Tests

During your exam, your doctor will perform several tests that evaluate how well you see. These tests include visual acuity and eye focusing.

Visual acuity refers to seeing objects clearly at a specific distance. During this test, your doctor asks you to identify letters of the alphabet, numbers, and pictures on a chart or screen positioned some distance away.

The Snellen visual acuity test (also called the Snellen chart or Herman Snellen chart) is frequently used during this exam. It consists of rows of letters that get smaller and larger as you move down the chart.

During this test, your doctor will cover one eye and ask you to read each row of letters until you can no longer see them. You will then repeat the same process with your second eye.

Slit Lamp Exam

A Slit Lamp Exam is a type of visual examination that can reveal signs of various eye conditions. The test is performed during your regular eye doctor’s visit and is a quick, painless procedure.

The optometrist will use a microscope with different lenses to look at your eyes in detail. They’ll examine the front parts of your eyes, such as the cornea, iris, and sclera, to identify eye disorders like dry eye or a buildup of abnormal material in the eye.

The slit lamp lets the doctor see the back part of your eye, where your retina sits. This can help detect macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.

Retinal Exam

Your eye health is an integral part of your overall well-being. Regular eye exams can help detect health problems before they progress.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist may use several tests to evaluate your eyes’ health and performance. For example, your optometrist may use an indirect ophthalmoscope to observe the back of your eyes and examine your retina.

This exam involves resting your chin on the faceplate of an eye-scanning machine while looking at a tiny target a distance away. It helps your doctor assess how well your pupils adjust to different amounts of light and determine if they are in the correct position and aligned correctly.

Your optometrist will also check the size, shape, and color of your retina and lens to help them identify any changes in these areas. Additionally, your optometrist can take digital images of your retina to record the health of your eye year-to-year.

Glaucoma Test

Regular eye exams are essential not just for finding a problem but also for preventing it. That’s why your optometrist will likely do several tests to check for eye problems, including glaucoma.

First, your doctor will do a test called tonometry. This uses eye drops to numb the eyes, then a small device or a warm puff of air is used to measure the pressure in your eyes.

Tonometry measures a person’s eye pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). If your pressure is higher than average, it may indicate that you have glaucoma.

Another test, called gonioscopy, shows the doctor if the angle where the iris meets the cornea is wide and open or narrow and closed, which can indicate glaucoma.

Your optometrist may also use a tool to examine the optic nerve, where information about your vision is sent from your eye to your brain. During this exam, your optometrist will also test your peripheral vision to see whether you’ve lost areas of your sight due to glaucoma.

by : Ohio Eye Health Education Eye Care

Examining the Various Routes to Optician Certification and Licensure

Before choosing a path to optometrist certification and licensure, those considering the profession should research the available options. You should consider a few things, such as how much the school will cost, the license’s continuing education requirements, and whether you’ll need to take the IJCAHPO certification exam.

Options for Optometrists’ Careers

Optometrists are leaders in the field of eye care. They conduct vision examinations, recommend corrective lenses, and instruct patients on eye health. Even some provide vision therapy. Optometrists are an excellent long-term option for a rewarding and lucrative career. Therefore, it is not unexpected that the sector is a haven for aspiring physicians. Optometrists are under pressure to maintain their patients healthy and fit as the population ages. Thankfully, there is much room for development.

Optometrists and eye doctors Cleveland can choose from various employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. As a result, they have to update the machinery, hire personnel, and advertise various new services and programs. In addition to the obvious, they are responsible for identifying and avoiding significant eye illnesses.

Mandatory Continuing Education for Optometrists

Optometrists are obliged to participate in continuing education courses on several topics in order to keep their licensure. Ocular disease, diagnostics, treatments, and office administration are a few of these topics. The Paraoptometric Resource Center has a list of approved continuing education courses that optometrists can access.

Optometrists must keep their licenses current and complete the required continuing education courses to earn new certifications. For instance, accreditation in glaucoma calls for a minimum of seven hours of formal education and three hours of independent research.

Optometrists are also expected to complete at least five hours of ETP CE annually in addition to these requirements. The Council on Optometric Practitioner Education, or COPE, has authorized some courses that can be used to acquire these credits.

School Fees for Optometry

The cost of optometry school might vary significantly depending on the institution and program you to select. For instance, the University of California-Berkeley costs residents $20,200 annually and non-residents $34,800.

Tuition, fees, and books often decide how much optometry school will cost. A work-study program is available at several schools to assist students in covering their expenses. In some situations, optometry school is free.

You might be shocked to learn that optometry school is not the most expensive of the four-year degree programs if you want to attend a public university. You can save money by enrolling in a community college or an online program.

Both men and women can apply for various scholarships, albeit many demand excellent academic standing and some merit. On its website, the American Academy of Optometry posts details regarding scholarships and other awards.

Process for IJCAHPO Certification

Optometrists and other allied health workers can become certified through the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO). A successful IJCAHPO accreditation shows that the applicant has proven advanced knowledge in their area of expertise. Additionally, it gives the person a chance to develop in their work.

Applicants must have formal education and professional experience to be certified by the IJCAHPO. Many printed and online materials are available to aid people in getting ready for the test.

First-time candidates must provide documentation that they have earned continuing education credits. These credits have a 36-month completion deadline. You can submit your application by fax, online, or by mail.

An examination request can be made by an applicant after getting initial permission. He or she needs to set up the exam right away. Following confirmation, the candidate should send in the required examination fee.