Dry Eyes: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Dry eyes is one of the most common ocular conditions and is one you've probably experienced before or will in the future. For many people, it's a temporary nuisance and not a cause for alarm. However, dry eyes can actually become a debilitating and chronic condition for some. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options covering the full range of mild to severe cases. Let's look in more depth at what this condition is and what can be done about it.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dry eyes are very uncomfortable and can be quite a distraction. If you have dry eyes, you'll notice a number of the following signs: a burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation in the eyes; blurred vision; redness, irritation, or a feeling that there's something stuck in your eyes; light sensitivity; eye fatigue; and difficulty wearing contact lenses. 

Causes

Dry eyes occur when our tears are unable to provide sufficient lubrication. This can happen when not enough tears are being produced or if the quality of those tears is inadequate. Tears themselves are made up of a combination of water, fatty oils, and mucus—all of which are maintained in proper balance to effectively keep our eyes smooth, clear, and free from infection. Because there are a variety of things that contribute to dry eyes, it's worth distinguishing between the physiological and environmental factors. 

When the cause of dry eyes is physiological, it's a result of some change occurring in the body. Aging, for instance, is one of the most common culprits, as tear production tends to decrease the older we get.  Certain medical conditions—as well as prescription medications—can interfere with tear production, leading to dry eyes. It can also be caused by damage to the tear glands, whether from an injury or from a recent eye surgery, for example. Additionally, some people have in-turning or out-turning eyelids that can inhibit the natural lubrication process. Lastly, our overall health plays a role, too: for example, having a vitamin deficiency.

There are a variety of environmental factors that can cause dry eyes, as well. One of the most common could be related to your daily work or home environment, as many people spend extended periods of time concentrating in front of computer screens (while blinking very little), which leads to dry, uncomfortable eyes. The air around us can also be quick to cause discomfort if it lacks sufficient humidity. The same can be said for wind or smoke: for instance, having an AC vent blowing towards your face or if someone is smoking a cigarette nearby.

Treatment

By paying close attention to the potential cause(s) of our dry eyes, we can more quickly find treatments that provide relief. But, let's first review some simple, preventative measures, including: taking regular breaks during tasks that require concentration, avoiding air directed towards your face, adding humidity to your environment, wearing protective eyewear, not smoking, and even supplementing your diet with vitamins and fatty acids. Also, those who wear contacts should be advised that special lenses are available for people with dry eyes.  

If prevention is unable to resolve the discomfort, then consider reaching for the #1 solution for treating dry eyes: eyedrops. In most cases, eyedrops will do the trick, but, if not, there are still plenty of other treatment options, although they will need to focus more closely on your specific situation.

If you have an eyelid condition that causes inflammation (e.g. blepharitis), then frequent eyelid washing may provide relief. Medicated eyelid sprays also help to reduce this type of inflammation. Eyelid massages and warm compresses are both excellent for unblocking the oil glands and increasing the quality of your tears. Other treatment options include addressing any underlying health conditions you may have and also talking to your doctor about switching medications if a prescription could be causing your dry eyes. Lastly, if you have an eyelid condition, consider surgical treatment.

Since we rely so much on our eyes, maintaining ocular health should always be a top priority.  While dry eyes can be a frustrating and very uncomfortable condition, by taking preventative measures and implementing an effective treatment protocol, it doesn't have to diminish your quality of life. Please don't hesitate to talk with your eye doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Dry Eye Tips & Treatment Guide >

7 Tips to Prevent Digital Eye Strain

As a result of our modern lifestyles, many of us spend several hours a day looking at a screen, whether it be for work or leisure—or likely both.  A negative side effect of all that time spent staring, however, is an uncomfortable condition called digital eye strain.  With more people working from home than ever before, there couldn't be a more appropriate time to review the causes of digital eye strain and, even more importantly, to discuss some simple and effective strategies to alleviate the problem. 

What is digital eye strain and what are its causes?
Digital eye strain is extremely common and occurs from the excessive use—or misuse—of computer screens, including phones and tablets.  It is characterized by the following symptoms: dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue or discomfort, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and eye twitching.

These symptoms are primarily caused by: 1) our eyes remaining focused for too long at a set distance, 2) the fact that we tend to blink far less frequently while looking at screens than we normally would otherwise, and 3) the sub-optimal lighting conditions present in our workspace, including the quality of the screen we're looking at. 

So, what can be done about it?
In most cases, alleviating digital eye strain is straightforward.  We don't have to stop using our screens all together, we just need to make some adjustments to how we spend time with our devices.  Here are seven tips to find relief so that you can feel better and work more effectively:

In most cases, alleviating digital eye strain is straightforward.  We don't have to stop using our screens all together, we just need to make some adjustments to how we spend time with our devices.  Here are seven tips to find relief so that you can feel better and work more effectively:

1) OCULAR EXERCISES: The most recommended solution to reduce focusing fatigue is something called the “20-20-20” rule.  This means that you should look away from your device at least every 20 minutes and gaze upon a distant object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.  Doing so allows the focusing muscles to relax, takes very little time to do, and has a major impact on reducing eye strain, discomfort, and headaches.

2) BLINK MORE:  While focused on our screens, we not only blink less but we also tend to do more partial blinks, which can quickly lead to dryness and discomfort.  Since it's difficult to consciously blink more often while working, try this instead: every 10-20 minutes, take a few seconds to slowly close and reopen your eyes 5-10 times to keep them properly lubricated.

3) USE PROPER LIGHTING AND MINIMIZE GLARE: Avoid harsh ambient lighting, especially sunlight coming in through windows as it can cause glare and difficulties focusing.  If you use a desk lamp, ensure that it's pointing downwards and not towards your eyes.  

4) ADJUST YOUR DISPLAY SETTINGS: Screen brightness should be adjusted to approximately match the light intensity of your surroundings, meaning not overly bright nor too dark by comparison. Text size should be adjusted for comfort, as straining to read a small font can be difficult on the eyes. Refresh rate should be adjusted to be as high as your display supports.  This helps the screen appear smoother and with less flickering.

Color temperature can also be adjusted from the typical blue-light spectrum to warmer hues that are less harsh on the eyes and provide better long-term viewing comfort.  If your device doesn't already have this option, try downloading the free app called “f.lux”, which is an excellent way to manage the color temperature of your computer screen.  

5) WORKSPACE ERGONOMICS: Position your screen so that it's approximately 24 inches from your eyes.  The center of the screen should be a few inches below your horizontal line of sight for the optimal positioning of your head and neck.  Maintaining good posture while working is also very important, so have a look at your desk and seating arrangement to see if anything needs adjusting.

6) AIR QUALITY: While often overlooked, air conditioning can dry out the air and make eye discomfort worse.  If you're experiencing dry eyes while working with a screen, consider adjusting the AC or even adding a humidifier to your workspace to reintroduce some of the lost moisture.  Also, it's best to avoid fans and vents that may be blowing air towards your face and eyes.

7) MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO YOUR EYEWEAR: Your glasses or contacts may be contributing to your digital eye strain. Talk to your eye doctor about anti-reflective coatings or special lenses for computer work. Additionally, it's important to know if your prescription lenses are still correct or if you would benefit from a change in lens strength.

The Importance of an Annual Eye Exam

Often referred to as the “windows into the soul”, our eyes actually play an important role in the evaluation of our overall health. Beyond simply helping us to see at our best, an annual eye exam can also alert us to a variety of important health issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. Whether you have perfect vision or not, seeing your eye doctor once a year is an excellent way to ensure a continued state of good health.

GREAT VISION BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD

When it comes to vision, children don't really know what is normal compared to what is potentially worrisome. Considering that learning and studying relies heavily on having healthy eyesight, it's important to give your child their first eye exam around the time they start kindergarten and then beginning with more regular exams around age eight.  

Perhaps as a consequence of the increased screen time associated with our technology-driven lifestyles, the number of kids who are developing myopia—or nearsightedness—is quickly growing and is occurring at increasingly younger ages. This is problematic because people who become nearsighted early in life tend to have a more severe progression and also have an increased risk of developing major eye-related issues later in life (e.g. glaucoma, retinal detachment, or cataracts). By taking your child in for yearly eye exams, however, the progression of myopia can be better controlled and their future risk of serious eye disorders mitigated.

PREVENTING VISION LOSS

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. The challenge with glaucoma is that normally there are no discernible symptoms early on. Unfortunately, by the time someone notices a problem and goes in for an exam, the loss of their vision is already likely to be permanent. Furthermore, at this stage in the disease, preventing additional damage to the patient's vision can be very difficult and may require surgery. A routine eye exam, on the other hand, will easily detect changes in ocular pressure as well as other risk factors, thereby leading to better outcomes.

Approximately 100 million Americans suffer from either diabetes or from its precursor, prediabetes. People in these groups are at risk of developing diabetic eye disease, which can also lead to blindness. Much like glaucoma, this disease has no recognizable symptoms in its early stages, meaning that the best way to prevent or treat this illness is by visiting your doctor for a yearly eye exam.  

OVERALL HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Eye exams aren't just for checking the quality of your vision or for making adjustments to your lenses—both of which are certainly important. The reality is that many people first discover that they have other potentially serious health problems after a routine eye exam, which can be a very effective tool in detecting diabetes and cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and high cholesterol. Additionally, they can also help to spot certain types of cancer or tumors of the iris, optic nerve, retina, or choroid.      

Preventive health care is one of the surest ways for us to live happy and healthy lives. Just as we would see a general physician or a dentist for yearly checkups, it's wise to visit your eye care professional for an exam.  The early detection of vision abnormalities and other potentially serious systemic diseases is vital to quickly establishing an effective treatment plan that will lead to a far superior outcome. Don't take your eyesight oryour good health for granted. Instead, make an appointment with your eye doctor to help ensure that both your vision and your overall health remain optimal.

How Your Vision Changes After You Turn 40

Just as our bodies age over the years and our minds grow wiser with time, so too will our vision undergo some important changes.  Beginning sometime around your 40th birthday, it is common—and even expected—to notice something called presbyopia, which is the gradual loss of near focusing ability.  Other changes may include subtle shifts in visual perception, dry eyes, and an increased risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts. Fortunately, there's a lot that can be done to protect your eyes and keep your vision healthy.  Let's now look in more detail at these changes and what can be done to remedy them.

Presbyopia

This common condition is a consequence of the lenses in our eyes losing flexibility, meaning that they are less able to focus light as precisely in order to create a sharp image.  Combined with the decreased elasticity in the surrounding muscle fibers, it results in difficulty focusing on objects at very close distances.  Having to hold a book or your phone farther away than you used to is the telltale symptom of presbyopia.

Because presbyopia is progressive, it will get worse over time.  However, many people find that having a set of reading glasses on hand for close-up tasks is a simple and effective solution.  Another option could be multifocal lenses, both in eyeglass form and contact lens form, which are popular because they restore clear near vision while also providing excellent vision at longer distances.  If corrective lenses aren't for you, there are also surgical options available.

Changes in Visual Perception

Other changes in our vision may also occur as we get older.  Color blending, for example, decreases the ability to detect subtle differences between two similar hues and is caused by the natural discoloration of the cornea as we age.  Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions is another common change, as is perceiving increased glare from light sources—especially at night.  Another noticeable one is floaters, or tiny bits of debris in the fluid in front of your retinas, which can be seen as speckles or shadows crossing your field of view.  While potentially a bit bothersome, all of these changes are a natural part of the aging process and typically do not require treatment.   

Dry Eyes

As we age, dry eyes become a more common occurrence.  This condition may be exacerbated by hormonal changes or by medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and even some types of pain relievers.  Generally speaking, eye drops such as artificial tears are considered to be good options. There are also other treatments available for severe dry eye patients.

Glaucoma & Cataracts

Glaucoma is a serious medical condition caused by increased ocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve and lead to progressive vision loss.  It is one of the primary causes of blindness in older adults and, unfortunately, does not often present symptoms until permanent damage has already been done.  While medical and surgical treatment can save what remains of your vision, the surest way to prevent this condition is by regularly seeing your eye doctor for a full eye exam.

Cataracts are caused by the clumping together of proteins in the lens of the eye, resulting in the lens taking on a cloudy appearance.  Symptoms include blurry vision, reduced night vision, and the illusion of halos around light sources.  In mild cases, a new eyeglass prescription may help.  In more advanced cases, surgery will be the most effective treatment.

While it's not possible to prevent our eyes from aging, it is very possible to maintain healthy vision after turning 40.  For starters, try to keep a healthy body, which will directly benefit your eyes: regular exercise, good diet, and not smoking are all valuable lifestyle choices.  Wearing sunglasses while outdoors to cut back on harmful UV rays is also a good strategy. Above all, begin to prioritize regular eye exams, as this is undoubtedly the best approach to keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear for many decades to come.

“20/20 What Do Those Numbers Mean for your Vision”

WHAT DOES 20/20 VISION MEAN?

Having 20/20 vision means that one has “normal visual acuity” or in broken down terms, vision that is normal without any help from equipment that aids vision. 20/20 vision means that a person can see clearly at 20 feet which is what a normal person should visually see.  The concept of 20/20 vision does not mean that people have perfect vision, but does mean that the sharpness and clarity at a distance is clear and normal. Visual acuity is measured with a Snellen Chart which displays a series of letters that progressively get smaller and is displayed at exactly 20 feet away from the patient. Presenting the Snellen Chart 20 feet away from the patientmeans that they are reading the same line of letters at that a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet. 

Another way to break down this concept is that a patient with 20/40 has half normal vision and can see objects at half the normal 20 feet distance. There is in fact better vision than 20/20 for example, 20/15 vision and this is because 20/20 is considered to be normal vision. 20/15 vision means that people can see objects at 20 feet that a person with 20/20 vision can only see at 15 feet.

LEVELS OF VISION: CHART FROM EYE CARE ASSOCIATES OF EAST TEXAS

20/20 - Normal vision. Fighter pilot minimum. Required to read the stock quotes in the newspaper, or numbers in the telephone book. 

• 20/40 - Able to pass Driver's License Test in all 50 States. Most printed material is at this level.

• 20/80 - Able to read alarm clock at 10 feet. News Headlines are this size.

• 20/200 - Legal blindness. Able to see STOP sign letters.

Find out what your numbers are and schedule and appointment with us today!

Palm Vision Center has a new website

We’re pleased to announce that our new and refreshed website is live. 

Our goal with this new website is to provide our visitors an easier way to learn about Palm Vision Center services and products and also to allow the visitor to browse information based on their own choice. The new website is interactive and gives better access to Contact Us, directions to find our office and all third parties associated to our services.

Our current and prospective clients will find useful information related to eye health and how to take care of their vision.

Our new site have improved the structure of our content, the navigation and also contains integrated social media buttons for Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin to improve communication with the clients. We will be constantly updating our content with helpful information, articles, blogs, newsletters, company announcements and client testimonials.

We hope you find the new website with a fresh look, easy to access information and we also wish to establish this portal as a source of information for those who visit it.