The New York Times (7/12, D7, Brody) reports that people swimming in pools, lakes, or rivers need to be mindful of “what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls a ‘recreational water illness,’ an infection or irritation caused by germs or chemicals contaminating the water” that may “cause ailments of the ears, eyes, skin, nervous system, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and” infect any cuts or scratches.
Category Archives: Eye Health
Diabetic Retinopathy Potentially Related To Vitamin D Insufficiency
MedPage Today (10/20, Gever) reported that, according to research presented at an ophthalmology meeting, “diabetic retinopathy may be added to the list of conditions potentially related to vitamin D insufficiency.”
The synopsis of the study can be found at the above link.
School Vision Screenings Generally Do Not Test For Certain Issues
The American Optometric Association has reported that the majority of children identified as ‘problem learners’ suffer from undiagnosed visual problems. Many schools do vision screenings, but there are many problems that can go unnoticed without a complete eye exam from a professional eye doctor.
Eating Berries May Combat Age-Related Cognitive Decline
The UK’s Press Association (8/23) reported, “Eating berries may combat age-related mental decline by ‘cleaning up’ the brain” “Scientists have found the first evidence that polyphenol compounds in the fruits activate the brain’s natural ‘housekeeping’ mechanism.” The polyphenolic compounds found in berries appear to help “special immune system cells in the brain called microglia which engulf, remove and recycle harmful biochemical debris.”
Has you’re child had an eye exam this year?
According to the American Optometric Association, studies indicate that 60 percent of children identified as “problem learners” actually suffer from undetected vision problems, and in some cases have been inaccurately diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Click on the link below to review some of the signs and symptoms to look for that may indicate a vision problem:
http://www.covd.org/Home/AboutVisionLearning/SymptomsChecklist/tabid/114/Default.aspx
One In Four US Children May Have Vision Problems That Could Impair Learning, AOA Says
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (7/27, Sultan) reports, “One in four children in the US have undetected vision problems which could impair learning, according to the American Optometric Association.” Because “approximately 80 percent of learning comes through a child’s eye,” some experts believe that sending children “to school without good vision could be setting them up for failure or even cause them to be misdiagnosed with a learning disability.
Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually as their vision often changes rapidly as they age.
Young Children Who Suffer Head Trauma Should Have An Ophthalmologic Exam
MedPage Today (7/26, Walsh) reported that, according to a clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics published online July 26 in the journal Pediatrics, “children younger than five who suffer head trauma or an unexplained life-threatening event should have an ophthalmologic evaluation, particularly if there is suspicion of abuse.” Preferably within the first 24 hours of injury, because the ocular findings may be transient.”
Eyes Reflect Overall Health
A comprehensive eye exam looks at many facets of” both eye and overall health. The eyes “hold clues to other events in the body, and the condition of the body affects the eyes. This is important, because some conditions, particularly circulatory issues” and diabetes, may seriously affect vision and the eyes themselves. Often, early signs these diseases will first show up in the eyes. An annual comprehensive eye exam is one of the best early detection methods available. If you want to save money, save it by skipping a dining excursion out on the town, but don’t neglect your eye health.
Fine Eyewear & Eyecare is a full service eye care facility specializing in Glaucoma management and early detection of Glaucoma and other systemic problems. Our eye care facility is staffed by an eye doctor and we’re are near Avery Ranch in the 78717 zip code. We’re located in the Heb shopping center at Parmer and 1431. You can find more information at www.FineEyewear.Net
Eyes may absorb catechins from green tea
WebMD (2/18, Warner) reported that, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, catechins, “the compounds responsible for many of the health benefits of green tea, are capable of penetrating the tissues of the eyes and have antioxidant activity there” for “up to 20 hours.”
Diet & Nutrition
Adding powerful antioxidants to your diet
can improve your eye health.
There’s no substitute for the quality of life good vision offers. Adding certain nutrients to your diet every day – either through foods or supplements – can help save your vision. Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein/zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc to reducing the risk of certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataract formation.
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Lutein & Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are important nutrients found in green leafy vegetables, as well as other foods, such as eggs. Many studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables. Scientific evidence suggests vitamin C lowers the risk of developing cataracts, and when taken in combination with other essential nutrients, can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and visual acuity loss.
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Vitamin E
Vitamin E in its most biologically active form is a powerful antioxidant found in nuts, fortified cereals and sweet potatoes. It is thought to protect cells of the eyes from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals which break down healthy tissue.
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Essential Fatty Acids
Fats are a necessary part of the human diet. They maintain the integrity of the nervous system, fuel cells and boost the immune system. Two omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be important for proper visual development and retinal function.
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Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral or ‘helper molecule.’ It plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Zinc is highly concentrated in the eye, mostly in the retina and choroid, the vascular tissue layer lying under the retina.
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Emerging Research
In the last 20 years, eye health research has linked diet and nutrition with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Fine Eyewear offers a full line of high quality pharmaceutical grade supplements