Each year, thousands of sports-related eye injuries occur in the United States. The arrival of spring brings more outdoor sports and with them, the increased danger of eye injuries. The American Optometric Association (AOA) urges even casual athletes to protect their sight-and that of teammates-by keeping street eyewear off the playing field and wearing proper protective eyewear instead. Conventional frames and lenses do not meet the minimum requirements for impact resistance in most sports, which can turn a small collision into a sight-threatening injury.

ST. LOUIS, MO, April 1, 2008 — Each year, thousands of sports-related eye injuries occur in the United States. The arrival of spring brings more outdoor sports and with them, the increased danger of eye injuries. The American Optometric Association (AOA) urges even casual athletes to protect their sight-and that of teammates-by keeping street eyewear off the playing field and wearing proper protective eyewear instead. Conventional frames and lenses do not meet the minimum requirements for impact resistance in most sports, which can turn a small collision into a sight-threatening injury, the AOA cautions. Sports-protective eyewear is tested to meet rigid standards and some have been independently verified and received the AOA Seal of Acceptance.

“Eye protection should be of major concern to all athletes, especially in certain high-risk sports,” said Dr. Paul Berman, AOA optometrist and Sports Vision Specialist. “Thousands of children and adults unnecessarily suffer sports-related eye injuries each year. Every thirteen minutes an emergency room in the United States treats a sports related eye injury¹ and nearly all could be prevented by using the proper protective eyewear. And, if you participate in sports, get an eye exam. It can detect whether you have vision problems, like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, which could diminish your performance and lead to physical injuries during sports.”

Some cautionary sports vision statistics include:

• Approximately 600,000 documented sports-related injuries are reported each year in the United States. (Tri-Service Vision Conservation and Readiness Program, Eyes (Ears) and Workers Compensation)
• More than 42,000 sports-related eye injuries require emergency room attention. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
• An estimated 13,500 cases result in permanent loss of sight. (Protective Eyewear Certification Council)
• Approximately 72 percent of sports-related eye injuries occur in people younger than 25 years and approximately 43 percent occur in children younger than 15 years. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Sports vision goes beyond choosing the correct protective eyewear that protects and provides clear vision. Just like speed and strength, vision is an important component of how well you play your sport, the AOA says. And there is much more to vision than just seeing clearly. Your vision is composed of many interrelated skills. And, just as exercise and practice can increase your speed and strength, they also can improve your visual fitness and accuracy.

Because all sports have different visual demands, an optometrist with expertise in sports vision can assess your unique visual system and recommend the proper eyeglasses or contact lenses, or design a vision-therapy program to maximize your visual skills for a specific sport.

Sports with a moderate to high risk of eye injury include basketball, baseball, softball, cricket, lacrosse, field hockey, ice hockey, squash, racquetball, fencing, boxing, full-contact martial arts, air rifle, tennis, badminton, soccer, volleyball, water polo, football, fishing, golf and wrestling².

The most common sports vision concerns include:

1. Protection: Athletes’ eyes need certified sports protective eyewear that will protect against injury with lenses that protect from ultra-violet light.
2. Correction: Spectacle wearers require sports protective eyewear that also will correct their vision, while contact-lens wearers may need a different lens than their everyday one. For example, skiers spend their time in cold, dry conditions and need a contact lens that will provide more moisture.
3. Vision enhancement: Athletes often need help enhancing their binocularity or depth perception.

“Doctors of optometry work with their patients to provide unique, advantaged eyewear solutions in order to protect vision and improve performance in athletics,” said Dr. Berman. “I encourage you to visit your local optometrist to discuss options for vision protection, correction, and enhancement.”

For additional information regarding sports vision, please visit http://www.aoa.org/sports-vision.xml.

¹US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Sports and Recreational Eye Injuries. Washington, D.C.: US Consumer Product Safety Commission; 2000)
²Vinger PF. A practical guide for sports eye protection. Phys Sports Med. 2000; 28(6)

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The basic vision skills needed for school use are:

• Near vision. The ability to see clearly and comfortably at 10-13 inches.
• Distance vision. The ability to see clearly and comfortably beyond arm’s reach.
• Binocular coordination. The ability to use both eyes together.
• Eye movement skills. The ability to aim the eyes accurately, move them smoothly across a page and shift them quickly and accurately from one object to another.
• Focusing skills. The ability to keep both eyes accurately focused at the proper distance to see clearly and to change focus quickly.
• Peripheral awareness. The ability to be aware of things located to the side while looking straight ahead.
• Eye/hand coordination. The ability to use the eyes and hands together.

If any of these or other vision skills are lacking or not functioning properly, your child will have to work harder. This can lead to headaches, fatigue and other eyestrain problems. As a parent, be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision or visual processing problem. Be sure to tell your optometrist if your child frequently:

• Loses their place while reading;
• Avoids close work;
• Holds reading material closer than normal;
• Tends to rub his or her eyes;
• Has headaches;
• Turns or tilts head to use one eye only;
• Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing;
• Uses finger to maintain place when reading;
• Omits or confuses small words when reading;
• Consistently performs below potential.

Because vision changes can occur without you or your child noticing them, your child should visit the optometrist at least every two years, or more frequently, if specific problems or risk factors exist. If needed, the doctor can prescribe treatment including eyeglasses, contact lenses or vision therapy.

Remember, a school vision or pediatrician’s screening is not a substitute for a thorough eye examination.

To schedule your appointment you can click here

This year for the 4th of July celebrations, the American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests that families and friends stay away from private firework use and instead enjoy professional displays to protect and preserve eyesight.

July 1, 2008 — This year for the 4^th of July celebrations, the American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests that families and friends stay away from private firework use and instead enjoy professional displays to protect and preserve eyesight.

Each year over the holiday, thousands of adults and children are seriously injured as a result of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. Many burns and injuries affect eyesight, permanently damaging and in some cases blinding the victims.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), during the 2005 calendar year (the most recent year statistics were available), fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,800 injuries that were treated in U. S. hospital emergency departments. The CPSC reports approximately 1,600 cases were eye injuries. Most of these eye injuries were contusions and lacerations.

Believe it or not, sparklers are the highest cause of fireworks injuries requiring trips to the emergency room. Sparklers can easily burn children since they heat up to 1800 degrees (hot enough to melt gold.)

And, surprising to many, bystanders are not safe from injury. Data from the United States Eye Injury Registry shows that bystanders are injured by fireworks one-half of the time.

About two-thirds of the fireworks-related injuries were burns, and most of the burns involved the hands, eyes and head/face. Nearly half (45%) of the victims were under 15 years old, and twice as many males were injured as females.

Be safe and protect your eyes this 4^th of July. Go to professional displays and enjoy the spectacle in the sky.

In the last 20 years, eye health research has linked diet and nutrition with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A major clinical study of older adults concluded that taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement significantly reduced the risk of advanced AMD progression in some people. Additionally, today there is significant evidence that vitamin D plays a role in preventing AMD.

AREDS Made it Clear

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute. It enrolled 3640 subjects, age 55 to 80, and was released in October 2001. This landmark study provided evidence that nutritional intervention in the form of supplements could delay the progression of AMD. The study concluded that taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement reduced the risk of advanced AMD progression by about 25 percent and showed a 19 percent reduction in visual acuity loss in some of the subjects.

The Case for Lutein and Zeaxanthin

It was not clear in the original AREDS report which vitamin, mineral or combination of nutrients was responsible for reducing the risk of AMD. When the study was planned, the lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids that constitute the macular pigment were not assessed because they were not commercially available. Since then, several studies have provided growing evidence specific to the beneficial role of lutein and zeaxanthin intake, and their positive effect on eye health and AMD risk reduction. The AREDS Report No. 22 published in 2007 described the relationship between dietary intake of various nutrients and AMD among the AREDS subjects. This report concluded that high dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin is associated with a reduction in the risk of geographic atrophy, advanced AMD, and large or extensive intermediate drusen, the waste byproducts of cellular metabolism (activity).

New Study Builds on Long Term Nutrient Benefits

A follow up to the original AREDS trial, AREDS2, began in June 2008. This multi-centered, five-year study builds on a multitude of existing science supporting lutein and zeaxanthin’s role in maintaining healthy eyes. It is the largest human clinical trial to evaluate lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, and includes 4,000 patients at high risk for AMD. The study is focusing on the protective effects lutein (10 mg/day), zeaxanthin (2 mg/day) , and omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day) have against AMD, as well as the link between nutrition and macular pigment optical density, cataract development and visual function.

Millions of Americans unable to see in 3-D; doctors of optometry say help is available in the form of vision therapy

ST. LOUIS, MO, May 18, 2010 ― As Hollywood prepares for a summer filled with 3-D blockbuster hopefuls and cable networks launch 3-D networks and programming for newly-released 3-D televisions, the trend towards this new technology is hard to miss—except for the millions of Americans who literally can’t see it.

Movies including “Avatar” and “Alice in Wonderland” have already left their impression on the 3-D screen and new movies using the technology are making their way into theaters across the country. Meanwhile, ESPN and the Discovery Channel are preparing to broadcast in 3-D. This new technology is catching the eyes of fans nationwide, but some people may not be able to enjoy the 3-D experience because of vision problems.

“Quite simply, people who have even a small vision misalignment or those who don’t have equal vision in both eyes may not be able to see 3-D images properly,” said Dr. Leonard Press, chair of the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Committee. “Individuals with unstable focusing or difficulty in coordinating vision with other senses can experience headaches and other uncomfortable side effects from viewing 3-D movies.”

According to the American Optometric Association, anywhere from three to nine million people have problems with binocular vision prohibiting them from watching 3-D TV and movies. Binocular vision is the ability to align both eyes accurately on an object and combine the visual images from each eye into a single, in-depth perception. The problem comes from fatigue caused when 3-D technology forces the eyes to make adjustments to focus simultaneously on images that are near and far away.

Symptoms indicating a potential problem with the ability to see images in 3-D vary from person to person. According to the results of the AOA’s American Eye-Q® survey, the majority of individuals who suffer from 3-D vision complications most often experience headaches (13 percent), blurred vision (12 percent) and dizziness (11 percent).
The AOA recommends seeing a doctor of optometry for further evaluation if consumers answer yes to any of the following questions:

•Is the 3-D viewing experience not as vivid as it is for others watching the same picture?
•Do you experience eyestrain or headaches during or after viewing?
•Do you feel nauseous or dizzy during or after viewing?
•Are you more comfortable viewing 2-D TV or movies instead of 3-D TV/movies?
•Is it difficult for your eyes to adjust back to normal after watching 3-D TV/movies?
“Watching 3-D programming can unmask issues such as lazy eye, convergence insufficiency, poor focusing skills and other visual problems consumers might not have previously known existed,” said Dr. Dominick Maino, a Professor of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision at the Illinois College of Optometry’s Illinois Eye Institute. “Research shows that up to 56 percent of those ages 18 to 38 have symptoms related to a binocular vision problem. It is important to know that studies also show optometric vision therapy can help alleviate these problems and make the experience of watching these movies more enjoyable.”

Optometric vision therapy is a sequence of therapeutic procedures individually prescribed and monitored by an optometrist to develop efficient visual skills and processing. Following a comprehensive eye examination, the optometrist may prescribe vision therapy if the results of the exam indicate a need and if it is determined an appropriate treatment option for the patient. The vision therapy program is based on the results of standardized tests, the needs of the patient, and the patient’s signs and symptoms. Optometric vision therapy re-educates the brain to achieve single, clear, comfortable, two-eyed vision that improves eye coordination, focusing and eye movement, ultimately enhancing the 3-D viewing experience.

The AOA also recommends visiting a doctor of optometry on a regular basis for comprehensive eye exams to help ensure healthy vision overall. The AOA guidelines suggest adults age 60 and under have a comprehensive eye exam every two years and then annually thereafter. Children should be evaluated every other year as long as they are in school. Based on an individual’s eye health or the presence of certain risk factors, your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits.

To find an optometrist in your area, or for additional information please visit the AOA’s Web site at www.AOA.org or the College of Optometrists in Vision Development Web site at www.COVD.org.

About the survey:
The fifth annual American Eye-Q® survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB). From April 14-21, 2010, using an online methodology, PSB interviewed 1,007 Americans 18 years and older who embodied a nationally representative sample of U.S. general population. (Margin of error at 95 percent confidence level.)

About the American Optometric Association (AOA):
The American Optometric Association represents approximately 36,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors. Doctors of optometry provide two-thirds of all primary eye care in the United States.

American Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role in a patient’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Prior to optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor’s degree. Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students is extensive and covers a wide variety of advanced health, science and mathematics. Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral study concentrating on both the eye and systemic health. In addition to their formal training, doctors of optometry must undergo annual continuing education to stay current on the latest standards of care. For more information, visit www.aoa.org.

(Courtesy of American Optometric Association)

(Courtesy of America Optometric Association)The sun supports all life on our planet, but its life-giving rays also pose dangers.

The sun’s primary danger is in the form of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a component of solar radiation, but it can also be given off by artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers.

Most are aware of the harm UV radiation can do to the skin, but many may not realize that exposure to UV radiation can harm the eyes or that other components of solar radiation can also affect vision.

There are three types of UV radiation: UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat; UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse long- and short-term effects on the eyes and vision.

If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis.
Like a “sunburn of the eye”, photokeratitis may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation, however, can be more serious. Scientific studies and research have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of developing a cataract and may cause damage to the retina, a nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. Additionally, chronic exposure to shorter wavelength visible light (i.e. blue and violet light) may also be harmful to the retina.

The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing later in life such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration. Since it is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, the AOA recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection and wearing a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outdoors. Also, certain contact lenses can provide additional UV protection.

To provide adequate protection for your eyes, sunglasses should:

• block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation;
• screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light;
• be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection; and
• have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition.

The lenses in sunglasses should be made from polycarbonate or Trivex® material if you participate in potentially eye-hazardous work or sports. These lenses provide the most impact resistance.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, wrap around frames can provide additional protection from the harmful solar radiation.

Don’t forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.

Be sure to see your doctor of optometry at least every two years [recommended schedule of examinations] for a comprehensive eye examination. It is a good way to monitor your eye health, maintain good vision and keep track of your solar radiation protection needs as well as new advances in eye protection.

 You can click on the image or text to read more about each…

1. Optomap Retinal Exam

2. ZVIEW Aberrometer with IZON Lenses

3. I care Tonometer

4. ZEISS Corneal Topographer

5. Synergeyes Hybrid Contact Lenses

6. Humphrey Matrix Visual Field Machine

7. Computerized Visual Acuity Charts

8. Eyemaginations

9. Paperless Office

Information and images on this page are borrowed from the following sites:

http://www.optos.com/

http://ophthonix.izonlens.com/izon-lenses

http://www.icaretonometer.com/index.php?page=icare-usa

http://www.meditec.zeiss.com/C1256CAB00599F5D/allBySubject/29307147BBC41454882573E000600742

http://www.synergeyes.com/patient.html

http://www.zeiss.de/C125679E0051C774/Contents-Frame/6C20F33145D7F45BC1256CEE0024BF78

http://www.precision-vision.com/index.cfm/category/89/computerized-visual-acuity-testing—pvvat.cfm

http://www.eyemaginations.com/sub.php?navigation_id=71&nav_solution_id=1

(Article Courtesy of American Optometric Association)

Itching, burning, irritation, redness and excessive tearing are all symptoms of one of the most common eye problems ― dry eye syndrome. More than 10 million Americans suffer from dry eyes. Anyone can develop the problem, but women during and following menopause are at a heightened risk of developing this condition.

So what causes dry eyes? It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the oily tear film that lubricates the eyes and helps prevent evaporation of the eye’s natural moisture. However, one of the most common reasons for the eyes to be dry is aging. The human body produces 60 percent less oil at age 65 then at age 18. And studies have found that this effect is more pronounced in women, who tend to have drier skin than men. Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea.

Beyond the eye drops that lubricate the eyes and provide synthetic “tears,” there might be something in your kitchen that could also help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. Researchers at both Harvard and at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston report that fish oils might be helpful in preventing or treating this problem. For example, in the Brigham study, more than 32,000 women from the Women’s Health Study, aged 45 to 84, provided information on their diet, and nearly 5 percent of the women reported problems with dry eyes. Results showed that women who consumed the most omega-3 fatsfrom fish had a 17 percent lower risk of suffering from dry eyes when compared to women who consumed little or no seafood.

And, it’s also important to note that not all omega-3 fats are equal. The omega-3 fat in plants, such as flax and walnuts, may help lower heart disease risk, but does not appear to help with dry eyes. It is the two omega-3s in fish, called DHA and EPA, that are most helpful.

Need some recipe ideas that are rich in eye healthy omega-3s DHA and EPA to help you ward off dry eye? Try Smoked Salmon Pizza with Dill & Lemon orSeared Tuna with Orange, Avocado, and Cilantro Salsa – both meals are bound to satisfy your appetite, while also helping to protect your vision!

Although no optimal dose has been determined for maintaining healthy eyes, the American Heart Association recommends at least two weekly servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, or sardines. If you don’t like to eat a lot of fish or are vegetarian, then look for foods fortified with the omega-3 fat DHA, or take a supplement, such as fish oil capsules that contain at least 200 milligrams of DHA or a gram of the combination of EPA and DHA.

Eating healthy and adding omega-3s to your diet can help alleviate some of the symptoms related to dry eyes, but it’s also important to work with your doctor of optometry to develop a plan to help you cope with these problems. Many vision issues are related to hormonal changes, hormone replacement therapy, and estrogen levels. To find a doctor of optometry near you who can help address questions related to female-related vision changes, click here.

[References: Miljanovic B, Trivedi K, Dana M, et al: Relation between dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and clinically diagnosed dry eye syndrome in women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2005;82:887-893.

Saadia R, Yiping J, Tatiana E, et al: Topical Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids for Treatment of Dry Eye. Archives of Ophthalmology 2008;126:219-225.]

By Elizabeth Somer, Registered Dietician and
Author of Age Proof Your Body

To reach the conclusion, authors from the University of Georgia compiled the results of multiple studies on the effects of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin on visual performance. These carotenoids play an important role in human vision, including a positive impact on the retina.

After reviewing the various studies, the authors concluded that macular pigments, such as lutein and zeaxanthin do have an effect on visual performance. Lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce disability and discomfort from glare, enhance contrast, and reduce photostress recovery times. They can also reduce glare from light absorption and increase the visual range.

Lead author Dr. Billy R. Hammond Jr. noted that the research of the effects of lutein and zeazanthin are important because “it is clear that they could potentially improve vision through biological means. For example, a study conducted in 2008 suggests that the pigments protect the retina and lens and perhaps even help prevent age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataract.” (ANI)

The implant is currently being considered for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive disease that causes cell death in the outer layer of the retina – the area of the eye responsible for detecting light. In a healthy person, the cells in the outer layer of the retina detect light and then send a signal to the brain. In a person with retinitis pigmentosa, the outer layer of the retina does not transmit any signal to the brain. The person cannot see any light and cannot tell, for example, if his or her eyes are open or closed.

In patients with retinitis pigmentosa, the cells in the inner layers of the retina still function so the electronic eye implant is used to bypass the damaged cells in the outer layer of the retina and connect with the healthy nerve cells in the inner retina. The device works as a three-part system. The first part is an external video camera that is mounted on a pair of eyeglasses worn by the patient. That image is processed and then a signal is transmitted wirelessly to the second part of the system – a microprocessor (a small computer chip) implanted on the outside of the eye under the lid. This microprocessor then translates the information into a series of electrical pulses that are sent to the third part of the device: a tiny patch of 60 electrodes implanted near the deeper, healthy cells in the inner retina. From here, the electrical impulses trigger nerves in the inner retina and then send the image to the brain. The images that a patient can see are very basic. However, for a patient who has had no vision initially, the level of vision afforded by this device can represent a remarkable improvement, Dr. Del Priore said.

Study leader Dr. Joshua Stein said that researchers are unsure why glaucoma medications appear to lower death rates, but explained that certain glaucoma medications can lower blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attack and stroke, which may benefit patients with irregular heart rates. Dr. Stein also noted that additional glaucoma drugs may be useful for patients with congestive heart failure.

“Our main finding were that people who filled at least one 30-day prescription for a medication had a 74 percent reduced hazard of death as compared to those who received no medications,” said Dr. Stein. “Then we looked at different types of medications, different combinations of drugs and numbers of medications and we showed that for the various classes of medications this protective effect seemed to hold true.”

Dr. Stein said additional trials are needed to fully understand the results of the four-year study, as the findings could have important clinical implications.

“If we know that certain classes of medication that we’re prescribing may be increasing or decreasing one’s risk of death then it may influence which types of medications we would want to describe to patients,” said Dr. Stein.

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, more than 4 million Americans have glaucoma, though only half know they have the condition. Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world. Approximately 120,000 Americans are blind due to the disease.

Additional information about drugs and drug side effects may be found on Drugwatch.com.

Eye Health Tips

(Courtesy of National Eye Institute)Read these tips for keeping your eyes healthy and your vision at its best.

Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. You might think your vision is fine or that your eyes are healthy, but visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to really make sure. When it comes to refractive errors, some people don’t realize they aren’t seeing as well as they could with glasses or contact lenses. In terms of eye disease, many common eye diseases (glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration) often have no warning signs. Your eye care professional is the only one who can determine if your eyes are healthy and if you’re seeing your best.

Know your family’s eye health history. Talk to your family about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are often hereditary. This will help you determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.

Eat right to protect your sight. You’ve heard carrots are good for your eyes. But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too. Research has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.

Wear protective eyewear. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity. Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics. Many eye care providers sell protective eyewear, as do sporting goods stores.

Quit smoking or never start. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.

Be cool and wear your shades. Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, your eyes can get fatigue and you sometimes forget to blink. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.

Clean your hands and your contact lenses…properly. To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect them as instructed and replace them as appropriate.

Practice workplace eye safety. Employers are required to provide a safe work environment. So when protective eyewear is required as a part of your job, make a habit of wearing the appropriate type of eye protection at all times and encourage your coworkers to make a habit of it as well.

For comparison, more than 131 million adults with diabetes worldwide either have diabetic retinopathy or are at risk of developing this potentially blinding disease, according to a 2005 World Health Organization report.

In central and branch retinal vein occlusion (CRVO and BRVO), vision impairment and eye damage occur when the vein becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. This leads to reduced blood flow, hemorrhage and/or swelling in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that receives images and relays them to the optic nerve. An estimated 13.9 million people worldwide are affected by BRVO, and 2.5 million by CRVO, the IEDC report found. Prevalence is similar in men and women and increases with age, probably because of age-related increases in arteriosclerosis, hypertension and glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure. Although BRVO prevalence appears to be highest in Asians and Hispanics and lowest in whites, the authors say this may reflect varying methodologies or definitions among reviewed studies rather than true ethnic differences.

“We need to understand how hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors impact BRVO and CRVO, and how glaucoma impacts CRVO, in various ethnic groups and populations so that appropriate preventive and treatment strategies can be designed,” said Tien Y. Wong, MD., PhD, lead investigator for the IEDC.

This research was published in the February issue of Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

(Article Courtesy of http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100201113748.htm )

Research by Susanne Mohr, MSU associate professor of physiology, found the siah-1 protein is produced by the body when blood sugar levels are high. She then discovered that the siah-1 protein serves as a type of chauffeur for another protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), shuttling the GAPDH into the nucleus of Müller cells, special cells that have contact with the blood vessels in the eye. When GAPDH accumulates in their nuclei, the Müller cells die, which leads to the vascular damage associated with diabetic retinopathy.

The research is published in the Jan. 29 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

“Our earlier research showed that high glucose levels cause GAPDH to accumulate in the nuclei of Müller cells in the retina,” Mohr explained. “But we weren’t sure how the GAPDH was getting in there. It doesn’t contain any of the necessary signaling motifs. I read about the siah-1 protein and cell death in white blood cells in a Nature paper, so we decided to investigate them. We had no idea if the siah-1 protein was even in the retina.”

Mohr’s research also found that lowering levels of siah-1 proteins stopped GAPDH from moving into the nuclei of Müller cells, which stopped them from dying.

“This is very exciting,” Mohr said. “We know that we can’t regulate production of GAPDH because it’s necessary for producing energy throughout the body. But since siah-1 is produced only when glucose levels are high, regulating it doesn’t cause any problems. If we can out how to stop siah-1 production, it may lead to new treatments for diabetic retinopathy.”

Mohr explained that stopping GAPDH from moving into Müller cell nuclei is important to halting the progress of diabetic retinopathy. However, even after glucose levels are lowered and stabilized in diabetics, GAPDH continues to accumulate in Müller cell nuclei. So the retinal damage keeps worsening, just more slowly.

“If we can keep GAPDH out of the nuclei, we may be able to completely stop diabetic retinopathy,” Mohr said. “Our next step is to out if both the GAPHD and the siah-1 proteins have to be together in a complex to cause cell death.”

E. Chepchumba Yego, doctoral student at Case Western Reserve University, is co-author of the paper. Mohr began the research at Case Western and then continued the project when she joined MSU in August 2009.

The research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and supported by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.

(Courtesy of http://www.sciencedaily.com/)