Category Archives: Macular Degeneration

Cataracts, Computer Vision Syndrome, Diabetes, Dry Eye, Eye Disease & Problems, Eye Exam Information, Eye Health, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration

Eye exams and why they are important

Annual eye exams can detect serious health problems.

Did you know that many people first learn they have serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer from — yes, you guessed it — a routine eye exam.

Our eyes have been called “the window to our soul.” It turns out, they also are often a very effective window to our overall health.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can observe and evaluate the health and condition of the blood vessels in your retina, which are a good predictor of the health of blood vessels throughout your body. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia all are visible by changes in the appearance of the retinal blood supply and blood vessels.

Annual eye exams are especially important for anyone with diabetes or who might be at risk for the disease (due to obesity, family history or other reasons). More than 30 million Americans with diabetes and another 84 million who have prediabetes are at risk for developing diabetic eye disease, the leading cause of blindness among adults. In its early stages, diabetic eye disease has no visible symptoms; only a comprehensive eye exam can detect signs of the disease so treatment can begin soon enough to prevent vision loss.

Also, research is advancing to develop an eye test to identify your risk for Alzheimer’s disease that may soon be performed during a comprehensive eye exam.

Don’t put it off — schedule an eye exam today

Even if you think you have perfect vision, an annual eye exam can be one of the best things you can do to protect the overall health and wellness of you and your loved ones.

Don’t put if off any longer — contact us for an eye exam today.

Cataracts, Industry News, Macular Degeneration, Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must – protect your eyes!

More than one in four American adults are risking serious eye damage through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, according to a new report from The Vision Council,  “Protection for the Naked Eye: Sunglasses as a Health Necessity.” The report, which is intended to educate consumers about the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect against UV.   It finds that more than 25 percent of U.S. adults rarely or never wear sunglasses, and nearly two-thirds are unaware of the link between UV exposure and serious eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

The report also finds that more than one-third of parents report that their children 13 and under rarely or never wear sunglasses, despite the fact that children are at increased risk for UV overexposure.

To view or download a copy of the report, Protection for the Naked Eye: Sunglasses as a Health Necessity, click here.

Fine Eyewear and Eyecare offers an extensive sunglasses collection that not only look great, but protect your eyes. Our eye doctors also provide advanced vision care to the families of Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Round Rock and surrounding communities.  Visit our main website for a preview a few of our sunglasses : Fine Eyewear Sunglasses Collection
Cataracts, Eye Disease & Problems, Macular Degeneration, Sunglasses

Sunglasses, UV Protection and What You Need to Know to Protect Your Vision

We must take appropriate measures to protect our eyes from harmful UV radiation year-round. Although it can be easier to feel the impact of sun in the summer, UV radiation is always present and can be even more damaging during colder months when adults and children stop wearing UV protection. While the UV index is highest in the spring and summer, it can still reach moderate to very high levels in the fall and winter.
Fine Eyewear and Eyecare offers an extensive sunglasses collection that not only look great, but protect your eyes. Our eye doctors also provide advanced vision care to the families of Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Round Rock and surrounding communities.  Visit our main website for a preview a few of our sunglasses : Fine Eyewear Sunglasses Collection
Macular Degeneration

New Study Links Daily Aspirin Use to Increased Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A large European study, published in the January issue of the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, links daily aspirin use to increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The study found that people aged 65 and older who took aspirin daily had double the risk of developing “wet” AMD (an advanced form of the disease that occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and bleed or leak fluid into the macula), compared with those who took it less frequently. The study also found a somewhat elevated risk of early-stage AMD in daily aspirin users. No higher risk was found for advanced “dry” AMD.

For more information, visit www.aao.org.

Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Sunglasses

Dermatologist Recommends Sun Protection For All

In “Medicine Matters,” Medscape (7/21, Fryhofer) Dr. Sandra Fryhofer discusses “six tanning and sunscreen myths.” Fryhofer recommends everyone wear sunscreen as much as possible, along with UV-protective sunglasses and a hat.  Even inside cars, people need to wear sunscreen, since “a study in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that people who spend a lot of time in the car are more likely to get skin cancers on the side exposed to sunlight during driving.”

And don’t forget your sunglasses!

Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Sunglasses

One In Three Adults Unaware Of Eye Health Risks Of Too Much Sun Exposure

Wearing a hat and protecting eyes from harmful UV rays is as much a part of sun protection as sunscreen. Excessive UV exposure may result in pterygium, macular degeneration, or cataracts. And, even a few hours of intense, unprotected exposure can have consequences.

Don’t wait until it is too late and never go outside without your sunglasses on, even on a cloudy day. UV rays go right thru clouds like they’re not ever there!  F.E.

Fine Eyewear & Eyecare offers a full line of fashion and sport sunglasses with 100% UV protection. We are a Maui-Jim Gold store!  We’re located in the Heb Whitestone shopping center at Parmer and 1431, located at the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX . Some of the local neighborhoods served by Fine Eyewear include Forest Oaks, Silver Oaks,  Teravista,  Avery Ranch, Stone Canyon, Mayfield Ranch,  The Ranch at Brushy Creek, Vista Oaks and Wood Glen – we have an eye doctor close by for you!  Come and See us!

Anti-Reflective Treatment, Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Sunglasses

Sunglasses not optional !! – UV Rays May Cause Significant Damage To Unprotected Eyes

HealthDay (8/20, Thompson) reported that “ultraviolet, or UV, rays can cause significant damage to unprotected eyes, resulting in a number of illnesses and disorders that can rob people of their sight.” Over the long term, UV exposure can play a role in the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer.  And, because the majority of sun exposure happens early in life, parents should make sure their children wear sunglasses, too.

Sunglasses should be worn all year round. Sun rays are at work every day, even on cloudy days.

Look for sunglasses that have quality 100% UV protection that won’t rub off over time as you clean the sunglasses. Sunglasses with anti-reflective treatment helps minimize light rays that come from behind from bouncing off the inside of your glasses back into your eye. Good polarization prevents scattered light and reflections from causing blinding conditions.  And don’t forget to look for sunglasses that have good eyeball and eye socket coverage. And last, but not least, look for a pair of sunglasses that compliment your facial structure, wardrobe and life style!

Fine Eyewear & Eyecare is a full service eye care facility specializing in quality polarized sunglasses. We offer both sport sunglasses  and fashion sunglasses. Our eye care facility is staffed by eye doctors who care about your sun vision requirements.  We’re located in the Heb shopping center at Parmer and 1431, located at the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX , Teravista and Avery Ranch.

You can find more information at www.FineEyewear.Net

Cataracts, Eye Disease & Problems, Macular Degeneration

Eye-Related Problems Linked To Diet, Sun, And Smoking

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (7/26, Black) reports “a diet rich in all the things that are known to be good for your health also can protect against vision-stealing cataracts,” according to a study in the Archives of Ophthalmology.

A University of Wisconsin-Madison survey found that “those whose diets were poor in fruits, vegetables and whole grains had a high risk of developing cataracts.”

A preliminary study in the same journal found “a correlation between high levels of sun exposure combined with the taking of certain medicines,” including antibiotics and anti-depressants, “with cataract formation.”

Another study  “shows a link between smoking and the development of one of the leading causes of blindness, age-related macular degeneration.”

Macular Degeneration

Scientist explore how brain adjusts to macular degeneration.

HealthDay (3/3, McKeever) reported that, according to a study published in the March 4 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, “when macular degeneration causes one to start losing…sight, the affected neurons simply start seeking visual input from other, non-affected parts of the eye.” Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology “found when the cells in the fovea, the part of the retina responsible for the central field of vision, were damaged by macular degeneration (MD) — the neuron attached to them” began “responding to stimuli in an undamaged section — a type of internal reorganization of the eye’s visual map as opposed to the cortex’s work being shifting to other neurons.” HealthDay also noted that MD patients “often compensate for lack of central vision by rolling their eyes upward so they can utilize the preferred retinal locus,” which is “an undamaged area under and adjacent to the affected part of the retina.”