Ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians all play an integral role in eye and vision care. While they often work in collaboration, they require varying levels of education and are qualified to help you and your eyes in different ways.

If you aren’t sure who to talk to about your eyes, keep reading for an overview of the three Os of eye care and how each of them can help you.

Optometrists

Optometry tends to be the first line of defense in maintaining healthy eyes. The scope of practice for optometrists can vary from state to state but primarily focuses on vision problems.

One of optometrists’ primary responsibilities is to perform eye examinations to detect the presence of vision problems. Many people associate eye examinations with poor vision, but they aren’t only for people who need glasses. Regular eye exams can play an important role in maintaining overall health and helping detect other diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.

Optometrists can also prescribe glasses, contact lenses and sometimes medicated eye drops to correct the problem.

Optometrists often collaborate with ophthalmologists, or eye surgeons, and recommend patients to them who may need specialized care. Sometimes, the optometrist provides pre- or post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgery with an ophthalmologist.

Optometrists typically provide:

• Vision services, such as eye examinations
• Treatment of conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
• Eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions and fittings
• Low vision aids and vision therapy
• Diagnoses of eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and conjunctivitis
• Medication prescriptions to treat certain eye conditions (in some states)
• Pre- or post-operative care for people who need surgery

Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmology is the study of the anatomy, functions and diseases of the eye, and ophthalmologists deliver total eye care. As licensed medical professionals, their minimum of eight years of medical training allows them to diagnose, treat, manage eye diseases and perform surgery. They are experts in the entire optic system and provide insight into how both eye diseases and their treatments interact elsewhere in the body. Ophthalmologists can customize treatment to suit patients’ unique vision health needs.

Some of the services ophthalmologists provide include:

• Eye health services, including regular eye exams and refractive eye care
• Medical eye care for conditions such as chemical burns, glaucoma and iritis
• Surgical eye care for trauma, cataracts, glaucoma and other vision problems
• Diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions related to other diseases, such as arthritis or diabetes

In addition, some ophthalmologists provide plastic surgery — to correct drooping eyelids and to smooth wrinkles around the eyes.

If your eyes have been bothering you or you have any questions about the right person to see for your eyes, contact your doctor for more helpful information.

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Almost every person experiences some form of eyelid twitching in his or her lifetime. Known medically as blepharospasm, eyelid twitching is characterized by the involuntary movement or spasm of the eyelid muscles. Spasms typically occur every few seconds over the course of several minutes. Twitching episodes might occur for several days or weeks at a time. Blepharospasms occur in varying strengths, sometimes the spasm might force the eyelid shut. In other instances, it might only cause a slight fluttering of the eyelid. Typically, eyelid twitching is a harmless annoyance, but in rare cases it can signify a more serious neuromuscular problem.

Since blepharospasm is usually benign, no singular cause has been pinpointed, but several factors have been shown to increase the frequency or duration of eye twitching. These factors include:

• Stress
• Physical Exertion
• Fatigue or Lack of Sleep
• Eyelid or Eye Irritation
• Caffeine
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Medication Side Effects

Patients who experience chronic eyelid twitching in both eyes have what is called benign chronic blepharospasm. While the causes of this condition are unknown, the following factors may worsen it:

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
• Blepharitis (Inflammation of the Eyelid)
• Entropion (Inward Turned Eyelid)
• Uveitis (Inflammation of the Eye)
• Stress
• Sensitivity to Light
• Fatigue
• Environmental Irritants

Though rarely, eyelid twitching can be a sign of a brain or nerve disorder. When this is the case, other symptoms are usually present in addition to blepharospasm. If eyelid twitching accompanies other uncontrollable facial spasms or symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious neuromuscular disorder. These brain and nerve disorders include:

• Dystonia: causes uncontrollable twisting spasms.
• Cervical Dystonia: causes neck and head spasms.
• Bell’s Palsy: causes one side of the face to droop.
• Parkinson’s Disease: causes balance problems, trembling, muscle spasms, and difficulty speaking.
• Tourette Syndrome: causes involuntary movement, facial tics, and vocal tics.
• Multiple Sclerosis: causes tremors, muscle weakness, and slurred speech.

Although these nerve and brain disorders are rare, if any other symptoms accompany eyelid twitching, a person should always see a doctor.

Most cases of blepharospasm will resolve on their own after a few days. To speed up the process or ease the symptoms, try applying a warm compress to the eye, using eye drops to keep the eye lubricated, drink less caffeine, and get more sleep. In extreme, chronic cases, an eye care professional might recommend Botox injections or surgery to remove the twitching muscles.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic (2013). Eye Twitching.

Medicine Net (2014). Eye Twitch

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Conjunctivitis is by no means limited only to children. An infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva — the membrane within the eyelid and protecting the white aspect of our eyes — can occur in individuals of any age secondary to an infection, an allergic reaction or chemical irritation. Infectious conjunctivitis can be the result of a bacterial or viral infection.

In children, however, a highly contagious type of bacterial conjunctivitis can often run throughout a school or daycare facility’s entire population due to the isolated subpopulation of children available as victims and habits children engage in throughout the day. According to an interview with Dr. Laura Perrin of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians, children are often prohibited from attending school until they have been treated with antibacterial eye drops or ointments for at least 24 hours in an effort to help prevent the infection of an entire school.

Teaching Kids About Pink Eye

Both the viral and the bacterial form of infectious conjunctivitis can be transmitted directly by touch. Knowing this aspect of the disease’s transmission as well as the frequency with which children rub their eyes — particularly throughout a school day — clearly indicates the ease by which the infection can spread throughout a classroom, school or daycare center. Depending upon their age and grade, children should be instructed about the following aspects of this disease:

• “Pink Eye” is the common name for the eye infection known medically as infectious conjunctivitis.

• Germs or bacteria cause most infectious conjunctivitis. Treatment requires antibacterial eye drops or eye ointment to help your body’s defenses fight the infection.

• Viral or infectious conjunctivitis can be spread by touch, both direct and indirect. Teach your child never to intentionally touch another child’s face or eye area. If this occurs accidentally, your child should wash his or her hands immediately or use an antibacterial gel.

• While it may be good manners to share school supplies, the practice shares germs and potential infections as well. Provide your child with his or her own supplies and provide instructions on how to combine courtesy with disease prevention.

• Emphasize regularly the importance of your child washing his or hands throughout the day.

• Teach your child the symptoms of pink eye that they may begin to experience before the infection becomes apparent, such as itchy eyes, blurry vision, feeling as if an eyelash or other foreign object is in the eye or light sensitivity. Children may not understand these common terms and they may need to be explained at their level, such as “if bright light hurts your eyes” as opposed to the term “acute photo-sensitivity.”

• Teach your child the advanced symptoms of pink eye, such as matted eyelashes, pain with each eye blink and discolored sclera or whites of their eyes. Remove the child’s pillowcase and any washcloths or towels used to be laundered so as not to spread the infection among family members.

• Teach your child why the medication they are prescribed must be applied on a regular basis until the entire prescription is complete.

Source:

New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians. “Does ‘Pink Eye’ Have You Seeing Red?”

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Do your eyes hurt, burn or itch after a day at work? Poor lighting may be to blame for your symptoms. Many companies use inexpensive fluorescent lighting to light large areas because it’s a fairly inexpensive option. Unfortunately, your eyes pay the price.

What Kinds of Eye Problems Can Fluorescent Lighting Cause?

Exposure to harsh fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain and blurred vision. The longer you’re exposed to the light, the more likely you’ll experience the problem. Symptoms of eyestrain include sore, burning, watery or dry eyes. Double vision and increased sensitivity to light can also occur. At times, you may feel that it’s hard to keep your eyes open or concentrate on your work. Headaches are common, particularly if the fluorescent lights flicker. If you suffer from migraines, exposure to the lights may cause more frequent episodes.

Overhead fluorescent lights aren’t the only cause of the problem. Compact fluorescent lights (CFL), an energy efficient substitute for incandescent bulbs, can trigger the same symptoms. Researchers who published an article in the American Journal of Public Health noted that exposure to both traditional fluorescent lights and CFLs can increase your eye disease risk because fluorescent lights produce an artificial source of ultraviolet (UV) light. Frequent exposure to UV light can cause several eye diseases, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Those Baby Blue Are at Particular Risk

If you have blue or light-colored eyes, you may experience eyestrain and sensitivity problems more intensely than your friends with dark eyes. People who have darker eyes have more pigment in the layers of their eyes. Pigment helps protect the eyes from the effects of fluorescent light and UV light.

Dim Lighting Can Also Cause Problems

Working in a dimly lit environment can be just as uncomfortable as working under bright lights. Dim light can cause eyestrain and make your eyes feel tired quicker. Not surprisingly, productivity can suffer when there’s not enough light.

Preventing Eye Problems

Proper lighting can help you avoid eye problems. Adding lamps to dark areas is a good option. Using lamps instead of overhead fluorescent lighting will also be more comfortable if harsh lighting is a problem. Unfortunately, turning off the lights probably isn’t an option if you work in a cubicle farm, but these tips can make a day at the office more comfortable.

• Blink frequently to keep your eyes moist.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses or a visor if fluorescent lights bother your eyes.
• Use lubricating eye drops to prevent dry eye.
• Reduce glare from the sun by positioning your computer away from windows.
• Take regular breaks during the day.
• Use an anti-glare shield on your computer or install a computer hood if glare is a problem.
• Ask your eye doctor about glasses with a special anti-glare coating.
• Lower blinds and shades during the sunniest parts of the day.
• Ask your co-workers to join you in requesting healthier lighting choices.

Taking steps to protect your eyes at work can help you avoid eyestrain. If eyestrain is still a problem, we can help. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment.

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Finding frames that fit your face, your style and your budget isn’t always so easy. It’s tempting to just pick the first pair of frames that are barely acceptable than face the daunting task of sorting through hundreds of frames to find the perfect option. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to simplify the process.

Consider the Shape of Your Face

Although some people look good in any type of frames, most of us aren’t so lucky. Narrowing down frame choices is easier when you understand which types of frames look best for these common face shapes.

• Round. Square frames help balance a round face, as long as they’re not too small. Too-small frames, whether they’re square or any other shape, can make your face look rounder.
• Square. Oval, round or rectangular frames with rounded edges soften a square face. Do you wish your face was a little longer? Select narrow frames to visually elongate your face.
• Heart. Round, oval and rimless frames are also a good choice if you have a heart-shaped face. Stay away from glasses that are thicker on top than the bottom.
• Diamond. Both oval and rimless styles are a good choice if your face is diamond-shaped. Cat-eye glasses or frames that contain decorative details can help provide balance.
• Oval. If your face is a perfect oval, you probably love shopping for frames. Nearly any type of frame looks good on an oval face.

Find Your Perfect Color

These days, glasses are available in almost any color. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that those neon green specs will look good on you. When you choose a color, consider your eye and hair color and your complexion. Your complexion is probably cool if you have blue, gray or green eyes with silver, gray or strawberry blond hair, or black hair with a touch of blue. People with warm complexions often have brown or hazel eyes and blond, brown or black hair.

Try on blue, purple, black or silver frames if you have a cool complexion and green, aqua, brown, tortoise or bronze if your complexion is warmer.

Pick a Frame Thickness

The thickness of your frames, in addition to the shape and color, is another important consideration when you choose new glasses. Heavy frames can overwhelm delicate features, but can be the perfect choice if you want to draw attention to the upper part of your face. You’ll also want to make sure that your frames are thick enough to accommodate your prescription lenses. Although stronger prescriptions generally increase lens thickness, choosing ultra-thin lenses can help you ensure that you can wear the frames you love.

Don’t Be Afraid to Break the Rules

What if you follow all the rules but don’t like the frames that are supposed to be perfect for you? Frame selection guidelines can help you identify styles that will probably look good on you, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll work for everyone. It’s more important to find frames that you’ll enjoy wearing for the next year than to follow rules.

Need a little help picking frames? Our staff can help you find a style that’s just right for you.

Sources:

All About Vision: How to Choose the Best Eyeglasses for Your Face Shape and Coloring

http://www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/eyeglasses_shape_color_analysis.htm

Cosmopolitan: 4 Tips for How to Choose the Right Glasses for Your Face, 1/2/14

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/advice/a17832/4-tips-for-glasses-by-face/

Consumer Reports: How to Get the Best Eyeglass Lenses, 12/29/16

http://www.consumerreports.org/eyeglass-stores/how-to-get-the-best-eyeglass-lenses/

All About Vision: How to Choose the Best Lenses for Your Glasses

http://www.allaboutvision.com/lenses/how-to-choose.htm

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Acanthamoeba keratitis is a relatively rare type of eye infection, but it can become quite serious. If left untreated, Acanthamoeba eventually leads to vision loss, requiring a corneal transplant to restore sight. Understanding how to prevent this infection is key.

What Is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

Acanthamoeba is a type of microscopic, single-celled organism known as an amoeba. Acanthamoeba live in all sorts of water sources. These parasites exist in tap water, natural bodies of water, wells, hot tubs, sewage, and can survive in the moisture in soil. When an Acanthamoeba infects the translucent, outer layer of the eye (the cornea), Acanthamoeba keratitis results.

Symptoms of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis include eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, excessive tearing, and the sensation that something is stuck in one’s eye. These symptoms reflect those of more common eye infections like pink eye, and as a result the infection can be misdiagnosed.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye care professional right away, as Acanthamoeba keratitis and other eye infections can lead to permanent loss of vision if not addressed immediately.

Who Is at Risk of Contracting Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

Individuals who wear contact lenses are substantially more likely to become infected with Acanthamoeba keratitis. Improperly cleaned and disinfected contact lenses, wearing contact lenses while swimming, bathing, showering, or hot tubbing also increase the risk.

Precautions against Acanthamoeba Keratitis

One can take several precautions against becoming infected with Acanthamoeba keratitis, such as always taking proper care of contact lenses, which includes cleaning and rubbing them after each use with a brand of contact solution recommended by an eye care professional. Disinfecting a contact lens case while not in use may also prevent infection. It is also recommended that contact wearers avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming, showering, or participating in any water-related activity. If a patient chooses to wear contact lenses in the water, airtight swimming goggles should be worn, and lenses should be removed for cleaning immediately after.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The Acanthamoeba keratitis infection is often mistaken for more common eye conditions, and usually not properly diagnosed until after the failed use of antibiotics. Once diagnosed, Acanthamoeba keratitis can be fairly difficult to cure, but is treated with topical anti-microbial agents. If symptoms persist, a corneal transplant might be necessary for the patient to achieve a full recovery.

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Nystagmus is a vision condition characterized by repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements. These involuntary eye movements may be side-to-side, up and down, or in a circular pattern, which hinders the eyes’ ability to focus on a steady object. Individuals with nystagmus may hold their heads in unusual positions or nod their heads in an effort to compensate for these vision obstructions. Nystagmus that develops in childhood is typically inherited; if this condition develops later in life, it may be due to an accident injury. In some cases, however, the exact cause for nystagmus is not fully known.

Types of Nystagmus

Forms of nystagmus include congenital nystagmus and acquired nystagmus. Congenital typically develops between two and three months of age. Eyes appear to move in a horizontal swing fashion. Congenital nystagmus is associated with conditions like undeveloped optic nerves, albinism, congenital cataracts, and the congenital absences of the iris.

Acquired nystagmus generally occurs in adulthood. While the cause is typically not know, this condition may be triggered by central nervous system issues due to alcohol or drug toxicity, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or a blow to the head.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to diagnose nystagmus. An eye care professional will first study a patient’s history to determine whether environmental factors, general health problems, or medications could be causing any of the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Next, visual acuity measurements will be taken to assess the extent to which vision has been compromised. These tests will help determine the appropriate refractive lens necessary to compensate for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Finally, tests will be done to determine how the eyes work together to move in unison and focus on a single object.

While there is no “cure” for nystagmus, treatment options are available to help correct other vision problems that may be associated with this condition. Depending on the type of nystagmus, it is also possible that the condition will spontaneously correct itself. In extremely rare cases, surgery may be performed to alter the position of the muscles that move the eye. However, lifestyle changes such as using large-print books, increased lighting, and magnifying devices are generally the preferred treatment methods.

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The condition known as a macular hole refers to a tiny break in the macula that results in blurry or distorted vision. To fully understand the condition, one must understand eye anatomy. The macula is a spot located in the center of the retina (the back portion of the eye). Located where light comes to a focused point in the eye, the macula is the portion of the eye most concentrated with color detecting cones and responsible for seeing clear color vision. The rest of the retina is covered with photosensitive rods, which detect darkness, light, or movement.

Symptoms

Macular hole development usually occurs gradually. As a result, the first symptoms include slight distortions of vision. For example, straight lines might appear wavy or you might have difficulty reading or recognizing faces. A sudden loss of vision in one eye usually follows these early symptoms.

Causes

A gel-like substance called vitreous fills most of the eye’s interior. Millions of fibers attach the vitreous to the retina, holding it in place and maintaining the eye’s round shape. Vitreous begins to shrink with age, and pull away from the retina, leaving pockets of space which become filled with fluid. Normally, this process occurs with no adverse effects. However, if the vitreous shrinks and the fibers are firmly attached, it can tear the retina. The fluid which then fills the void space can seep through the retina and pool on the macula, distorting and blurring vision.

Since most cases of macular holes develop as the result of age, individuals over the age of 60 are at the highest risk. Macular holes, however, can also develop due to injury, severe nearsightedness (myopia), retinal detachment, or macular pucker.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If left untreated, a macular hole can worsen over time, leading to permanent vision loss. If you notice any unusual eye symptoms, you should seek treatment with an eye care professional right away.

The most common treatment for a macular hole is a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy, and is performed by a retinal specialist. In this procedure vitreous gel and fibers are removed from the middle of the eye to prevent further tearing of the retina. A mixture of air and gas is then inserted into the space once filled with vitreous, putting pressure on the macular hole and allowing it to heal.

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Eye patches are used to strengthen muscle control in weak eyes. By placing a patch over the strong eye, the weaker eye is forced to do the heavy lifting. While it may be uncomfortable for the patient at first, the muscle controlling the weaker eye will become tougher and more resilient. This will allow the individual to control its movement. When removed after therapy, the person should be able to move both eyes in an organized fashion so that they work together and not against one another.

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As we age, our eyes—like the rest of our bodies—begin to lose flexibility and strength. When this happens to the lens of the eye and its surrounding muscles, your lens will become stiff. This makes it harder to see close objects clearly because the eyes can’t focus properly. It’s a natural part of aging that typically begins around age 40. Presbyopia can be corrected easily with eyeglasses or contact lenses from an optometry clinic.

Is Presbyopia the Same as Farsightedness?

No. Farsightedness is caused by distortions in the shape of the eyeball. Presbyopia occurs when your lens becomes stiff.

What Are the Symptoms of Presbyopia?

• A need to hold things at arm’s length to read them
• Blurry vision when reading things at a normal distance
• Fatigue or headaches after doing work at a close distance

How Is Presbyopia Diagnosed?

Your eye care provider will conduct a thorough eye exam and check for presbyopia.

How Is Presbyopia Treated?

To help correct the symptoms, your eye care provider may advise you to use aids such as:

• Prescription eyeglasses
• Contact lenses
• Reading glasses
• Progressive lenses
• Bifocals

Most commonly, bifocals or progressive lenses are recommended. The top portion of the eyeglass lenses correct vision at long distances, and the bottom portion helps you see clearly up close. Bifocals have a distinct edge between the two prescriptions, but progressive lenses have a graduated transition between the areas.

Over time, if your presbyopia continues to change your vision, then you may need to update your eyewear periodically to maintain clear vision.

If you prefer a more permanent treatment, ask your eye care provider if you’re a good candidate for conductive keratoplasty. In this procedure, precise radio waves reshape your cornea to improve your vision of nearby items.

As a sign of natural and healthy aging, presbyopia can be annoying, but it’s easy to address. Whether you prefer glasses, contact lenses or surgery, talk with your eye care provider to find out which options are best for you.

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