SAN FRANCISCO – As you rub sunscreen on to protect your skin this summer, don’t forget to protect your eyes as well. Summertime means more time spent outdoors, and studies show that exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and growths on the eye, including cancer.

June is UV (ultraviolet light) Safety Awareness Month, and through its EyeSmart™ campaign the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to remind Americans of the importance of protecting their eyes from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing proper protection. It also wants to remind the public of the importance of protecting eyes from indoor UV light when using tanning beds.

“UV radiation, whether from natural sunlight or indoor artificial rays, can damage the eye's surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens,” said Michael Kutryb, MD, ophthalmologist in Edgewater, Florida and clinical correspondent for the Academy. “Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the dangers UV light can pose. By wearing UV blocking sunglasses, you can enjoy the summer safely while lowering your risk for potentially blinding eye diseases and tumors.” It is important to start wearing proper eye protection at an early age to protect the eyes from years of ultraviolet exposure.

“Your eyes are at risk from the sun year-round,” says Dr. Kutryb. However, the longer the exposure to bright light as happens frequently during the summer, the greater the risk is. Excessive exposure to UV light reflected off sand, water or pavement can damage the eyes’ front surface. In addition to cataracts and AMD, sun exposure can lead to lesions and tumors that may be cosmetically unappealing and require surgical removal. Pinguecula, tiny yellow bumps on the eye, are common from too much UV exposure. They begin on the white part of the eye and may eventually disrupt your vision.

Damage to the eyes from UV light is not limited to the outdoors; it is also a concern with indoor tanning beds. “Tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun, which can cause very serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids,” according to Dr. Kutryb. “Corneal burns, cataracts, and, in rare instances, retinal damage can occur.” It is critical that you wear the properly designed goggles for use in tanning booths to protect the eyes.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers these tips to protect your eyes from the sun:

• Don’t focus on color or darkness of sunglass lenses: Select sunglasses that block UV rays. Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag or how dark the sunglass lenses are.
• Check for 100 percent UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV-A rays and UV-B rays.
• Choose wrap-around styles: Ideally, your sunglasses should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side.
• Wear a hat: In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.
• Don’t rely on contact lenses: Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, remember your sunglasses.
• Don’t be fooled by clouds: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime.
• Protect your eyes during peak sun times: Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside, and it’s especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense.
• Never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy, damage to the eye’s retina from solar radiation.
• Don’t forget the kids: Everyone is at risk, including children. Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

SAN FRANCISCO – More than 20 million Americans suffer from severe vision loss. While not all eye diseases can be prevented, there are simple steps that everyone can take to help their eyes remain healthy now and reduce their chances of vision loss in the future.

May is Healthy Vision Month and through its EyeSmart campaign, the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to remind consumers how important it is to protect your vision. “Proper care and caution is very important to prevent serious eye diseases and possible blindness,” says Marguerite McDonald, MD, clinical correspondent for the Academy. “Something as simple as remembering to wear your sunglasses can delay the development of cataracts,” says Dr. McDonald.

Here are the top 10 tips from the Academy to safeguard your vision:

1. Wear sunglasses - UV blocking sunglasses delay the development of cataracts, since direct sunlight hastens their formation. Sunglasses prevent retinal damage; they also protect the delicate eyelid skin to prevent both wrinkles and skin cancer around the eye, and both cancerous and non-cancerous growths on the eye. The U.S. standard states that the lenses should have a UVB (280 to 315nm) transmittance of no more than one percent and a UVA (315 to 380nm) transmittance of no more than 0.5 times of the visual light transmittance.

2. Don’t smoke - Smoking tobacco is directly linked to many adverse health effects, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies show that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to develop AMD than people who have never smoked. Smokers are also at increased risk for developing cataracts.

3. Eat right - Vitamin deficiency can impair retinal function. The belief that eating carrots improves vision has some truth, but a variety of vegetables, especially leafy green ones, should be an important part of your diet. Researchers have found people on diets with higher levels of vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are less likely to develop early and advanced AMD.

4. Baseline eye exam - Adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. Anyone with symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure should see an ophthalmologist to determine how frequently your eyes should be examined.

5. Eye protection - An estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year, so it is critical to wear proper eye protection to avoid eye injuries during sports such as hockey and baseball and home projects such as home repairs, gardening, and cleaning. For most repair projects and activities around the home, standard ANSI-approved protective eyewear will be sufficient. Sports eye protection should meet the specific requirements of that sport; these requirements are usually established and certified by the sport's governing body and/or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

6. Know your family history - Many eye diseases cluster in families, so you should know your family’s history of eye disease because you may be at increased risk. Age-related eye diseases, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are expected to dramatically increase—from 28 million today to 43 million by the year 2020.

7. Early intervention - Most serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma and AMD, are more easily and successfully treated if diagnosed and treated early. Left untreated, these diseases can cause serious vision loss and blindness. Early intervention now will prevent vision loss later.

8. Know your eye care provider - When you go to get your eyes checked, there are a variety of eye care providers you might see. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians all play an important role in providing eye care services to consumers. However, each has a different level of training and expertise. Make sure you are seeing the right provider for your condition or treatment. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.

9. Contact lens care - Follow your Eye M.D.'s instructions regarding the care and use of contact lenses. Abuse, such as sleeping in contacts that are not approved for overnight wear, using saliva or water as a wetting solution, using expired solutions, and using disposable contact lenses beyond their wear can result in corneal ulcers, severe pain and even vision loss.

10. Be aware of eye fatigue - If your eyes are tired from working at a computer or doing close work, you can follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look up from your work every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If eye fatigue persists, it can be a sign of several different conditions, such as dry eye, presbyopia, or spectacles with lenses that are not properly centered. See an Eye M.D. to determine why you are having eye fatigue and to receive proper treatment.

*Article courtesy of http:www.aao.org/newsroom/

“Eye injuries from sports can be devastating, and the only way to prevent them is by wearing protective eyewear” said Monica L. Monica, MD, Ph.D., clinical correspondent for the Academy and Stephan’s doctor. “Most people don't realize that basketball is one of the leading causes of eye injuries because of elbows and fingers hitting the eye.”

In addition to abrasions of the cornea and bruises of the lids, sports injuries can include retinal detachments and internal bleeding. The most serious risks involve permanent vision loss along with infection. In addition, patients who have sustained eye injuries are at greater risk for developing glaucoma.

Student athletes are not the only ones who can suffer from eye injuries, as seen with Phoenix Suns player Amaré Stoudemire; he will be out of the game for the rest of the basketball season because of a detached retina. Amare’s injury will require significant time to heal according to his doctor. In a recent statement, Stoudemire said that he will be wearing protective eyewear from here on out.

Many sports create risk for eye injuries; however, protection is available for most sports, including basketball, baseball, hockey, football, lacrosse, fencing, paintball, water polo, golf and others. “Wearing properly fitted protective eyewear will not harm your performance, and it may well save your sight,” says Dr. Monica. Most sporting leagues don’t require children to wear eye protection, so parents should take special care to ensure their children wear eye protection.

Article courtesy of http://www.aao.org/newsroom/

Experts Say Early Detection is the Key to Saving Eyesight

SAN FRANCISCO – Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 50, affecting more than two million people. March is AMD Awareness Month, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to remind people that although AMD is incurable, there are new treatments that can usually recover lost vision and prevent further vision loss from the disease.

The Academy encourages those older than 50 to see an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive, dilated eye examination every one to two years to ensure that AMD and other vision-threatening conditions are detected and treated early.

“The key in treating AMD is catching it early; early detection is the best defense against losing your vision,” said Academy clinical correspondent Lylas G. Mogk, MD, chair of the Academy’s Vision Rehabilitation Committee. “Research continues, and I think we'll see increasingly effective AMD treatments becoming available in the near future.”

What is AMD?

AMD, progressive and usually painless, affects the macula, a small, specialized area of the retina, located at the back of the eye and responsible for central vision. AMD causes central vision to blur, but leaves peripheral vision intact.

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Approximately 90 percent of people with AMD have the dry form, in which aging changes in the macula result in gradual vision loss. Although only 10 percent of people with AMD have the wet form, it generally progresses much quicker than the dry form. Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal retinal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid, causing rapid and severe central vision loss.

Reducing AMD Risk

“The most important risk factors for AMD include smoking, high blood pressure and diet,” said Dr. Mogk. “ Recommendations for reducing the risk of developing AMD include not smoking; eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables; avoiding foods with trans fats; exercising and controlling your blood pressure and weight.”

The National Eye Institute’s (NEI) Age-Related Eye Disease Study found that high levels of antioxidants and zinc can reduce the risk of vision loss by about 25 percent in patients with “intermediate” AMD in one or both eyes and those with “advanced” AMD in only one eye. (Smokers and ex-smokers should not use beta carotene because studies have shown an association with lung cancer and beta carotene in smokers.)  A new study will evaluate the effects of lutein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) drugs inhibit the development of unwanted blood vessels that cause wet AMD, and these agents help prevent further visual loss and even improve vision. At the current time, these are injected directly into the eye. Two drugs have already been approved by the FDA, Macugen and Lucentis, and the makers of several others are looking to gain FDA approval.

Conventional laser therapy and photodynamic therapy are also treatments for wet AMD and have been approved by the FDA based on studies by the National Eye Institute (NEI).

To learn more, patients should ask their ophthalmologist.

*Article courtesy of http://www.aao.org/newsroom/

February is Save Your Vision Month

The American Academy of Ophthalmology Reminds Americans of the Importance of Regular Eye Exams during Save Your Vision Month

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - SAN FRANCISCO -- For most people, good vision means good eye health but that may not always be the case. Regular eye exams can catch problems before it’s too late. If you are age 40 or older and have not had a recent eye disease screening, The American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) recommends making an appointment for an eye exam. It is an essential step toward preserving vision and keeping eyes healthy and there is no better time than February’s Save Your Vision Month.

By 2020, 43 million Americans will be at risk for significant vision loss or blindness from age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration, an increase of more than 50 percent over the current number of Americans with these diseases. Despite the statistics, many Americans are more concerned aboutweight gain or back pain than they are of vision loss.

“Unfortunately, millions of people will suffer significant vision loss and blindness because they don’t know their risks,” said Aaron Weingeist, MD, an ophthalmologist in Seattle and a clinical correspondent for the Academy “I can’t stress enough the importance of getting regular eye exams, because knowing your risks can save your sight.”

The first step in preventing vision loss is to get a baseline eye exam at the age of 40. This is the age when early signs of eye disease and changes in vision may occur. For individuals at any age with symptoms of, or at risk for, eye disease (such as those with a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure), the Academy recommends seeing an ophthalmologist to find out how frequently their eyes should be examined. Based on the results of the initial screening, the ophthalmologist will let the patient know how often they will need follow-up exams.

Along with getting a baseline eye exam at the age of 40, the Academy recommends the following regular eye exam schedule for adults with no risk factors:

* Age (years) Frequency of Evaluation
* 65 or older Every 1-2 years
* 55-64 Every 1-3 years
* 40-54 Every 2-4 year
* Under 40 5-10 years

“Eye diseases become more common as we age, but eye problems can occur at any age. By getting a comprehensive eye exam, and following through with the recommendation of your doctor, it can be the difference in saving your vision or preventing further vision loss later in life. Many patients will have no recognizable symptoms of vision loss,” says Dr. Weingeist. “But it is important to identify, monitor and treat early.”

*Article courtesy of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Healthnewsdigest.com

What is a Cataract?

Contrary to popular belief, a cataract is not a type of “film” that forms over the surface of the eye. In reality, a cataract is a change in the clarity of the lens inside your eye, a gradual clouding that can make your vision less sharp over time.

How Cataracts Affect Vision

Cataracts generally develop slowly and painlessly. In fact, you may not even realize that your vision is changing. Still, cataracts can progress until you eventually experience a complete loss of vision, and neither diet nor laser treatment will make a cataract go away. The only truly effective treatment for cataracts is to remove the clouded lens altogether.

Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the safest, most effective surgical procedures – it’s also one of the most successful¹. The idea of surgery may seem a little scary at first, but once you understand the process, and the life-changing, sight-restoring benefits it can offer, you'll likely wish you'd had the procedure even sooner!

Amino Acid Found To Prevent Cataracts in Farmed Salmon

Adding the amino acid histidine to the diet of farmed salmon prevents cataracts from forming in the fish.

Farmed salmon with healthy eye.
(Image: University of East Anglia)

Cataracts have become more common in farmed fish ever since blood meal was removed from their diet because of fears of mad cow disease. But histidine seems to be protective of the lenses within the salmon's eyes. This helps the fish to survive longer during the period of their lives when they mature in the ocean, before returning to fresh water in order to spawn. Could histidine help prevent cataracts in humans? Stay tuned to find out. The research was conducted at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. It was published in October in the American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.