Smoking damages your eyes by introducing toxic chemicals and reducing blood flow, which increases your risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease.

It also worsens dry eye symptoms and can impair vision quality by contributing to blood vessel damage and oxidative stress in the eye tissues.

How Does Smoking Affect Your Eyes?

Smoking can affect the crucial parts of your eyes, including:

• Retina: The delicate, light-sensitive tissue that lines the inside of the eye.
• Lens: The clear part of the eye that allows light to pass to the retina and allows the eye to focus on objects at varying distances.
• Macula: The most sensitive part of the retina, and is the part of the eye that supplies sharp vision.

Smoking causes changes in the eyes that can lead to vision loss. If you smoke:

• You are twice as likely to develop AMD compared to people who don’t smoke.
• You are two or three times more likely to develop cataracts compared with people who don’t smoke.

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Diseases Related to Smoking?

Smoking cigarettes can cause two serious eye diseases: cataracts and AMD. Symptoms of these eye diseases related to smoking include:

Cataracts:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Colours that seem faded
• Sensitivity to light
• Trouble seeing at night
• Double vision

For more information on cataracts, see our full cataracts guide here.

AMD:

• Loss of the central vision you need to see details straight ahead
• Blurry or wavy areas in your vision
• Having a hard time recognising faces
• Needing more light to read or do other tasks in front of you

For more information on AMD, see our full AMD guide here.

It’s important to note that in the early stages of both of these diseases, you may experience no symptoms at all. It’s important to get eye exams on a regular basis to increase the chances of catching and treating these conditions as early as possible. For a comprehensive eye exam, book in with D.I. Blow Optician here.

What About Vaping?

“Vaping has risks that are different from smoking,” said J Kevin McKinney, MD. “Vaping solutions often have much higher nicotine levels than cigarettes. While they do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, they do have other chemicals with known and unknown negative effects. We are still learning the type and magnitude of the risks of e-cigarettes”.

Additional Eye Problems Associated with Smoking

Dry Eye

This is when your eyes do not have enough, or the right kind, of tears. Smoking with dry eye will make your eyes more likely to feel scratchy, sting, burn, or be red.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Smokers who also have diabetes risk getting diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the eye are damaged. It causes blurry or distorted vision and possibly blindness. Treatment includes medication, laser, or surgery.

For more information, read our complete guide on diabetic retinopathy here.

Optic Nerve Problems

People who smoke risk having optic nerve problems. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain. Damage to this nerve can lead to blindness. Smoking can increase risk factors, which can lead to glaucoma, a disease that affects the optic nerve.

Uveitis

Smoking can lead to a disease that affects part of the eye called the uvea. This is the middle layer of the eye wall. Uveitis is when this layer becomes irritated. This disease causes a red eye, pain, and vision problems.

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves’ Eye Disease

This is a disease of the body’s thyroid gland. One of the symptoms of thyroid eye disease, or TED, is bulging eyes. Smokers with TED risk worsening their eye condition with smoking. They can also lose vision.

Smoking and Pregnancy

If you smoke whilst pregnant, your baby is 5x more likely to get bacterial meningitis as a child. This is when tissues around the brain swell. Meningitis can cause eye infections, amongst other vision problems.

Smoking during pregnancy can also increase your risk of giving birth too early. Premature birth can lead to a serious eye problem called retinopathy or prematurity. The baby may have permanent vision loss or blindness.

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Protecting your eyesight means protecting your future. Smoking greatly increases the risk of conditions like AMD, cataracts, and optic nerve damage, often with no early warning signs. Alongside quitting smoking, a good diet plays a real protective role too — our guide to the link between diet and eye health covers the foods that help most. The best step you can take to safeguard your vision is to quit smoking and attend regular eye exams. At D.I. Blow Opticians, we’re here to help you maintain healthy eyes for life. Book your comprehensive eye test with us today.

The post How Smoking Affects Your Eye Health appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Regular eye exams keep your vision at its best, but they also help detect eye diseases early — many of which could go unnoticed for a long period of time. A comprehensive eye exam can also help flag other health problems, including signs of high blood pressure and diabetes, long before you’d notice symptoms yourself.

During a routine eye exam, your optometrist will check your:

• Visual Acuity: How clearly you can see
• Eye Alignment: Where each eye is looking when you focus on one spot
• Eye Movement: How your muscles move your eyes around

The following are signs you need an eye exam, even if you think you don’t.

1. You Don’t Remember When Your Last Eye Exam Was

Typically, you should go for an eye test every 2 years. If you are predisposed to certain risk factors or are above the age of 65, this could change to every year.

Many eye diseases have no obvious symptoms at first and they may go unnoticed and continue to worsen over time. Regular eye exams can help lead to getting treated sooner and avoiding a worst-case scenario.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for treating common eye diseases such as:

• Cataracts: The clouding of the lenses in your eyes, which can lead to vision loss
• Glaucoma: A disease that damages your optic nerves
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): The gradual loss of tissues in your eye that use light to see
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels in the back of your eyes, which can cause blindness

An OCT scan can now detect many of these conditions years before symptoms appear, often as a simple add-on to your regular eye test.

2. You Are At High Risk For Eye Diseases

Like with other aspects of your health, there are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing eye diseases — some of these, however, are out of your control.

You should get your eyes checked every year if you:

• Have a personal or family history of eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
• Have diabetes, which can potentially lead to diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or cataracts.
• Have a chronic health condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Have had eye surgery or an eye injury in the past.
• Have a job that’s visually demanding, such as working on a computer all day.
• Are of African American or Mexican American descent.
• Wear contact lenses.
• Have eyesight that continues to worsen over time.

3. You Have Allergies

If your eyes are often red and irritated, but you don’t see anything in them, you’re probably suffering from allergies. You might not get the telltale signs of sneezing, sniffing, or a blocked nose, but you may have eye allergies if you’re experiencing:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itchiness
• Clear, watery discharge from the eyes

Eye allergies can be caused by a range of things including:

• Outdoor allergens such as grass, trees, pollen, weeds
• Indoor allergens such as pet dander/fur, mould, dust mites
• Irritants such as smoke or perfume

Depending on the severity of your allergies, your optometrist might recommend you use over-the-counter or prescription eye drops and medications. Having an eye exam can also give you confirmation as to whether your symptoms are allergy-based in the first place.

4. You Notice Your Vision Getting Worse

It might seem obvious, but if you notice that you’re struggling a little more to read road signs or this blog post on your screen, then you need to book in for an eye exam. It’s easy to say it’s not a big difference and you can still cope, but catching changes in your vision early is important for long lasting healthy vision.

Vision problems can make it difficult to go about your daily routine, but eye strain can also cause headaches. This happens when your eyes aren’t focusing as they should, causing them to work harder than normal. Most often, a headache caused by eye strain will occur after you’ve used your eyes for fine, concentration work such as reading, working on the computer, or sewing.

5. Difficulty Adjusting Your Vision Between Distances

If you find it increasingly difficult to adjust your vision when transitioning from near to far objects or vice versa, it could be a sign of underlying vision issues.

Your eyes should be able to adapt smoothly to varying distances. Difficulty in doing so might indicate problems like presbyopia or other vision changes.

6. Having Trouble Seeing or Driving at Night

Night vision problems, including glare from headlights, halos around lights, or trouble seeing road signs and pedestrians in low-light conditions, can indicate various eye conditions.

Poor night vision can pose a significant risk, especially for driving, as it impacts your ability to react promptly to road hazards. Meeting the standard vision requirements for driving as set by the DVLA is essential for road safety.

Book yourself in for an eye exam before heading back out on the road.

7. You Have Diabetes

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina.

Regular eye exams are essential for the early detection and management of diabetic eye complications. For those with diabetes, having an eye exam every year is often recommended.

For more information on diabetes, your eyes, and diabetic retinopathy, read our blog here.

8. You See Flashing Lights or Large Floaters

Floaters are those tiny squiggles, circles, or lines that you sometimes see floating in your field of vision. Although they appear to be in front of your eyes, they are actually the shadows cast by microscopic fibres in the vitreous fluid inside your eyes.

Seeing flashing lights or floaters occasionally is normal and you will see them more as you age.

However, if you see an unusually large number of flashing lights or floaters, you may have had a retinal tear or detachment.

9. You’re Extra Sensitive to Light

It’s normal to experience some degree of light sensitivity (photophobia) as your eyes transition from indoor lighting to outdoor sunshine.

However, if your eyes are sensitive to light, this could be a sign of serious eye conditions such as a corneal abrasion, cataracts, or keratoconus.

It’s always worth checking with your optometrist.

FAQs

What Are the Signs You Need an Eye Test?

Common signs include struggling to read signs or screens clearly, frequent headaches after reading or screen use, difficulty adjusting your focus between near and far objects, trouble seeing at night or when driving, and noticing more floaters or flashes of light than usual. If you don’t remember your last eye test, that’s a sign in itself — most adults should have one every 2 years.

How Do I Know If I Need an Eye Test?

If it’s been more than 2 years since your last eye test (or a year if you’re over 65, diabetic, or have a family history of eye disease), it’s worth booking one even without obvious symptoms — many eye conditions develop gradually with no early warning signs.

How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Tested?

Every 2 years for most adults, or annually if you’re over 65, have diabetes, have a family history of eye disease, or wear contact lenses.

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Aside from getting your eyes checked regularly, small lifestyle changes can help protect your eye health too — maintaining a healthy weight, wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking.

Is it time to schedule yourself in for an eye exam? If your prescription is straightforward, you could even get your eye test and new glasses on the same day. Book yourself in for a comprehensive eye exam with D. I. Blow Opticians today to ensure that you have lifelong healthy vision.

The post Signs You Might Need An Eye Exam – Even If You Think You Don’t appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

If you take good care of your sunglasses they can last for 10 years or more. So what are our top tips for getting the most out of your favourite shades?

1. Protect Your Sunglasses From Scratches

Whilst glass lenses are more resistant to scratching than polycarbonate lenses, whatever your lens types it’s important to store your sunglasses in a case. If you just drop them in your bag they’re likely to get scratched by your keys and ruined.

Get yourself either a hardshell case or at minimum a microfibre pouch.

2. Clean Your Sunglasses Properly

Your sunglasses will be prone to smudges and grime, they will pick up oils from your skin and fingers, dirt from outside, makeup residue, and salt or chlorine from the ocean or pool.

The best way to clean your sunglasses is to start with clean, dry hands. Rinse your glasses under warm water and soap up your fingers with a few drops of mild dishwashing soap without harsh detergents or moisturisers. Rub soapy water on the frames and then dry them with a microfibre cloth for best results.

Do not use rubbing alcohol, glass cleaners, vinegar, or any other household cleaners on your glasses.

3. Don’t Leave Your Sunglasses In The Car

Don’t place your sunglasses on the dashboard where heat from the sun is particularly intense.

Extreme heat can be generated by the windshield of your car and that heat can cause the lens of your sunglasses to delaminate. The mirroring and anti-reflective coatinga on the lenses may degrade.

4. Consider How Your Care For Polarised or Mirrored Lenses

Whilst care for polarised sunglasses and mirrored sunglasses is the same as any pair of glasses, it should be noted that some high-quality lenses place the mirror inside the glass, while less-expensive lenses might spray on the mirroring.

Spray on coatings are more vulnerable to scratching and chemicals.

5. Stop Wearing Your Sunglasses On Top Of Your Head

Wearing your sunglasses on top of your head might seem convenient when not in use, but doing this repeatedly can damage to the nose pads, cause the screws to loosen, and stretch the arms.

If you follow these tips and advice, you will ensure that your favourite sunglasses stand the test of time. If you’re in the market for a new pair, take a look at our guide to polarised vs non-polarised lenses or our guide to prescription sunglasses, or browse our full Sunglasses Lens Guide to compare all the lens options available, then visit us in store at D.I. Blow Opticians to see our full range.

The post Caring For Your Sunglasses appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

What is Blue Light?

The world contains electromagnetic energy that travels around, and through, us in waves. Most electromagnetic waves are invisible, except for a small band known as Visible Light, that can be detected by the human eye. Visible light waves vary in length from 380 nanometres (violet light) to 700 nanometres (red light).

The longer the wave, the less energy it transmits. Blue light has very short, high-energy waves. They’re only slightly longer and less powerful than UV rays.

Blue light, like all colours of visible light, is all around you. The sun emits blue light, alongside fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs. Human beings are exposed to more blue light than ever because of the widespread use of devices that rely on light-emitting diode (LED) technology.

Screens of computers, TVs, phones, and tablets all use LED technologies with high amounts of blue light.

How Does Blue Light Affect Your Eyes?

Whilst your eyes are equipped with structures that protect them from some types of light, those structures don’t keep out blue light. Your cornea and lens protect the light-sensitive retina at the back of your eye from damaging UV rays, however.

Some eye health experts have expressed concerns about exposure to blue light from backlit digital screens and devices. This is because people spend so much time on them and use them at such a close range. However, this is more of an issue to do with eye strain than the effects of blue light. People tend to blink less when using digital devices, which contributes to dry eye and eye strain.

So far, research does not appear to validate the concerns about blue light eye damage.

However, exposure to a lot of blue light before bed can disrupt sleep patterns as it affects when our bodies create melatonin. Interruption of the circadian system plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer sleep disorders, and cognitive dysfunctions.

Blue Light and Digital Eyestrain

Using digital devices up close or for long periods of time can lead to digital eyestrain.

Research has shown that when people use phones, laptops, and other digital devices, they tend to blink less often than normal. Fewer blinks can mean less moisture.

When your eyes are strained from staring at a blue light emitting screen, you might notice the following:

• Dry eyes
• Sore or irritated eyes
• Tired eyes
• Headaches
• Facial muscles fatigued by squinting

Blue light scatters more easily than most other visible light. This may make it difficult for your eye to focus when receiving blue light. Instead, your eye may process blue light as poorly focused visual static. This reduction in contrast may make it more difficult for your eye to process blue light, potentially contributing to eyestrain.

Are There Any Benefits To Blue Light?

Blue light boosts alertness, helps memory and brain function, and elevates mood. It regulates your body’s natural wake and sleep cycle (circadian rhythm). Sunlight, the biggest source of blue light, is also important for the growth and development of eyes and vision in children.

Light, in particular blue light that reaches the retina, can also affect psychological wellbeing. For example, light therapy is used to treat winter depression and insomnia. However, it should be done in moderation as too much light exposure carries certain risks and can be damaging.

Do Blue Light Glasses Work?

There are many studies on blue light glasses, but there is yet a consensus to be reached. However, they can help protect eyes from eye strain caused by overexposure to blue light.

If you spend a lot of time using digital devices and notice digital eye strain, blue light glasses might be helpful.

Limiting Blue Light Exposure / Reducing Digital Eyestrain

Use the 20/20/20 Method

When using a device that emits blue light, stop every 20 minutes to focus on an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Keep Your Eyes Moist

Eye drops, like artificial tears, and room humidifiers are good ways to keep your eyes from becoming too dry and irritated when using blue light devices.

Use Glasses With The Correct Prescription

Squinting at screens for long periods of time isn’t recommended for the overall health of your eyes. If you wear prescription glasses to correct your vision, make sure you’re wearing the correct prescription.

Adjust The Blue Light On Your Screen

To lower the risk of eyestrain and sleep disturbance, you can set your screens to a ‘night shift’ setting that uses warmer tones. You can also buy blue light screen filters for when you’re working at night. The filter is designed to cut the glare of your screen.

FAQs

Is Blue Light Bad for Your Eyes?

Current research doesn’t show that everyday blue light exposure from phones, laptops, or TVs causes lasting eye damage. Most of the discomfort linked to screens, dryness, tiredness, headaches, comes from reduced blinking and extended close-up focus rather than blue light itself.

Does the Sun Emit Blue Light?

Yes; sunlight is by far the biggest source of blue light we’re exposed to, far more than screens or LED lighting. Natural blue light exposure also plays an important role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle and, in children, healthy eye development.

How Does Blue Light Work?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum with a short wavelength and high energy, just below UV light. It scatters more easily than other visible light, which is part of why screens can feel harder to focus on during long sessions.

What Is Blue Light Used For?

Beyond vision, blue light helps regulate alertness, mood, and your natural sleep-wake cycle, and is used therapeutically in light therapy for conditions like seasonal depression. Too much exposure late at night can disrupt sleep, which is why many screens offer a “night mode” that reduces blue light output.

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If you’re concerned about your eye health, book in for a comprehensive eye exam with D. I. Blow Opticians today.

The post Understanding Blue Light and Your Eyes appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

The sun’s UV rays don’t only do damage to your skin, these harmful rays can also affect your eyes and can have long-term lasting effects.

What is UV Light?

UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation.

There are 3 types of UV light based on wavelength range. UVA wavelength is 315 to 400 nanometers. UVB is 280 to 315 nanometers, and UVC is 100 to 280 nanometers.

Why Do I Need To Protect My Eyes From UV Light?

UV light more easily penetrates eye tissue than visible light, potentially increasing the risk of eye problems.

Among the 3 types of UV light, UVA emits the least energy but can cause the ageing of the skin.

UVB emits slightly more energy than UVA. UVB damages DNA directly and is responsible for sun burns and most UV-related cancers.

UVC emits even more energy than UVA and UVB but it is mostly blocked by the Earth’s ozone layer. Aside from the sun, UVC also comes from welding torches and UV sanitising bulbs. It more easily penetrates the skin, potentially damaging skin cell DNA and increasing skin cancer risk.

What Eye Problems Are Linked To Excessive UV Exposure?

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to several eye problems including:

• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens that can impair vision.
• Macular Degeneration: Damage to the retina, affecting central vision.
• Photokeratitis: A painful, temporary condition similar to sunburn affecting the cornea.
• Pinguecula: A protein and fat deposit in the white part of the eye. It can cause irritation and, in rare case, affect how tears cover the eye.
• Pterygium: A growth that extends from the sclera to the clear tissue called the cornea, which covers the iris and pupil.
• Cancer: Including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, both linked to UV exposure.

Solar Retinopathy

Solar retinopathy is damage to your retina from looking directly at the sun or other bright lights like laser pointers. Solar retinopathy can cause a variety of symptoms, including permanent low vision.

You will not be able to tell if you have solar retinopathy by looking at your eyes in a mirror. However, an ophthalmologist can see signs of solar retinopathy by examining your eyes using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This imaging test allows your eye doctor to see damage or irregularities on your retina – they might see a small, yellow, round, damaged area.

What Are The Symptoms of Solar Retinopathy?

Mild symptoms of solar retinopathy include:

• Epiphora (watery eyes)
• Headaches
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

More serious symptoms of solar retinopathy include:

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Metamorphopsia (straight lines appear rounded)
• Micropsia (objects appear smaller than they are)
• Scotoma (A blind spot in your line of sight)

In rare cases, solar retinopathy can cause blindness.

Management & Treatment

In most cases, solar retinopathy heals. In mild cases of solar retinopathy, symptoms and vision problems resolve on their own. In more severe cases, vision damage might be irreversible.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of solar retinopathy, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist right away. They will be able to help you manage symptoms like blurred vision, watery eyes, and blind spots.

Protecting Your Eyes From UV Rays

Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection:

Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels indicating UV400 or 100% UV protection. Wraparound styles provide added protection by preventing UV rays from entering from the sides. Find out more about UV400 protection here.

Opt for Polarised Lenses:

Polarised sunglasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and roads, enhancing visual comfort and clarity. Find out everything you need to know about polarised sunglasses here.

Use Hats for Extra Shade:

Wear a wide-brimmed hat to provide additional shade and reduce UV exposure to your eyes and face.

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure During Peak Hours:

In peak, sunny hours, where possible, stay indoors or seek shade during these hours. Clouds do not block UV light.

Don’t Forget Protective Eyewear for Kids:

Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV damage. Ensure they wear UV-protective sunglasses and hats when outdoors.

Keep Your Eyes Hydrated:

The summer heat can lead to dry eyes. Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Avoid Tanning Beds:

Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can be harmful to your eyes. Opt for sunless tanning products instead.

The Sun and Your Health

It’s not all doom and gloom, exposure to sunlight can have healthy effects. We need a little natural light every day to help us sleep well. The light-sensitive cells in our eyes play a role in our bodies’ natural wake-sleep cycles. This is especially important as we age and become more apt to get insomnia.

Spending time outside in the daylight can also help prevent shortsightedness in children.

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting any early signs of UV damage.

The post Can The Sun Affect Your Vision Long-Term? appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

People who have Down’s syndrome are more likely to have difficulties with their eyesight, up to half will need to wear glasses. It is vital that children, young people, and adults have regular eye checks to minimise the effects of any sight difficulty they have.

About Down’s Syndrome and The Eyes

Teenagers and adult who have Down’s syndrome should have a full assessment by an optician every year.

Anyone who has Down’s syndrome, aged 14 or over, is entitled to a free annual health check with their GP and vision should be discussed as part of this check. This is in addition to regular eye tests from an optician, it does not replace them.

Even when people with Down’s syndrome are wearing correctly fitted glasses, they will still have poor visual acuity. This means their world lacks firm details and sharp contrasts. This is the case for everyone who has Down’s syndrome.

If a person’s behaviour has changed, they appear confused or have lost skills, it’s a good idea to check for an underlying medical cause such as changes in vision. They may not be able to tell you their sight has changed.

Vision Problems in Young Children with Down’s Syndrome

Since refractive errors (long and short sight), nystagmus (wobbly eyes) and squint (eye turn) are more common in children who have Down’s syndrome, children should have a full eye examination before the age of 2.

Typically, children who have long or short sight at birth will grow out of this over the first 2-3 years. Children who have Down’s syndrome are highly unlikely to grow out of these conditions and can develop significant long or short sight in the early years. About 60% of children with Down’s syndrome will need glasses by the age of 4.

Visual acuity (detail vision) and contrast sensitivity (the ability to see faint targets) are reduced in all people who have Down’s syndrome, even when the correct glasses are worn. This means that children struggle to access conventional learning materials at school and teachers must make appropriate adjustments.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye disease that usually occurs during or after puberty. It can cause corneal thinning or haze and blurred vision. Glasses are used as an early treatment. As the disease progresses, corneal collagen cross-linking can be used. This involves a solution being applied to the eyes followed by ultraviolet light which causes new collagen bonds to form. In advanced stages, surgical options may be considered. Keratoconus is extremely common in individuals with Down’s syndrome.

Tear Ducts

Many individuals with Down’s syndrome have tear duct abnormalities. Family or caregivers may notice frequent tearing or discharge from the eyes that becomes worse during colds. Often the first line of treatment is massage over the space between the eye and the nose 2-3 times a day to attempt to open the tear duct. If the symptoms continue, the tear duct may need to be opened by a surgical procedure.

Cataracts

Children who have Down’s syndrome are at an increased risk of cataracts at birth or shortly after, the recommendation is children’s eyes should be checked for cataracts by the age of 6 weeks.
If cataracts are present from early in a child’s life, then a clear image is not delivered to the brain, and the brain does not ‘learn’ to see. If the cataract is not removed, it can result in lifelong vision impairment. This is why early detection of cataracts in infants and children is so important.

Other common eye issues in people with Down’s syndrome include strabismus (one or both eyes turn inward or outward), amblyopia (lazy eye with vision impairment), and nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes).

Strabismus does not necessarily cause vision impairment, it can be treated with glasses, eye patching, and in severe cases surgery. If left untreated, strabismus can cause amblyopia.

Amblyopia occurs when vision does not develop normally due to the eyes being misaligned and results in vision loss.

Nystagmus is an involuntary side to side, up and down, or circular movement of the eyes. It typically involves both eyes. Nystagmus may go away on its own with time, be managed with glasses, or in severe cases require surgery.

FAQs

Do People with Down’s Syndrome Have Eye Problems?

Yes. People with Down’s syndrome are more likely to have difficulties with their eyesight, and up to half will need to wear glasses. Regular eye checks help minimise the impact of any sight difficulties.

How Often Should Someone with Down’s Syndrome Have an Eye Test?

Teenagers and adults with Down’s syndrome should have a full assessment by an optician every year. Young children should have a full eye examination before the age of 2, as refractive errors, nystagmus, and squint are more common and less likely to resolve on their own than in children without Down’s syndrome.

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If you’re worried about your or someone else’s eye health, get in contact with your local D. I. Blow Opticians and book in for an eye test today.

The post Down’s Syndrome and Eye Care appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Two thirds of all blindness and visual impairment occurs in women, for this and several other reasons, women’s eye health deserves its own special attention.

The Facts

• Women typically live longer, putting them at higher risk for eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts.
• Women are also more likely to suffer from autoimmune conditions, which often come with visual side effects.
• Normal age-related hormonal changes may also affect women’s eyes. Dry eye is more common in women partly due to hormonal changes that come with aging — our guide to how hormonal changes can affect your vision covers this in more detail, and our complete guide to dry eye explores the causes and treatment options in full.
• Women are more likely to undergo certain cancer treatments that may affect vision.

According to a Study By Prevent Blindness:

• Less than 10% of women realise that they are at a greater risk of permanent vision loss than men.
• 86% of women incorrectly believe that men and women are at equal risk.
• 5% of women think that men are at greater risk.
• 1 in 4 women has not had an eye test in the last 2 years.

What Should Women Be Doing To Protect Their Eyes?

Get a Dilated Eye Exam: This is the only way to know if your eyes are healthy and your vision is intact.

Eat a Healthy Diet: Lower your risk of eye disease by eating plenty of fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, salmon, tuna, and other oily fish. You should also include eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes.

Don’t Smoke: Smoking is linked to AMD, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Know Your Family History: Share it with your doctor, many eye diseases are hereditary.

Use Protective Eyewear: Protect your eyes when doing household chores or outdoor work, playing sports, or working on a job that involves flying debris, sparks, or chemicals. Wear safety glasses, goggles, shields, or eye guards made of polycarbonate.

Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses help protect your eyes from UV rays. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of cataracts and AMD. Look for sunglasses blocking out 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Pregnancy and Your Vision

Pregnancy brings an increase in hormones that may cause changes in vision. In most cases, these are temporary eye conditions that will return to normal after delivery.

As an expectant mother you should be aware of vision changes during pregnancy and know what symptoms indicate a serious problem.

If you suffer from any pre-existing conditions like glaucoma, high blood pressure, or diabetes, it’s important that you tell your optometrist you’re pregnant. Your optometrist will want to monitor your eyes closely for changes during this time.

Refractive Changes

During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels can alter the strength you need in your glasses or contact lenses. Though usually nothing to worry about, it’s a good idea to discuss any vision changes with your optometrist who can help you to decide whether or not to change your prescription. You may be told to wait a few weeks after giving birth before making a change in your prescription.

Dry Eyes

Some women experience dry eyes during pregnancy. This is usually temporary and goes away after giving birth. Thankfully, lubricating eye drops are perfectly safe to use whilst you are pregnant or nursing. For a fuller picture of dry eye causes and treatment beyond pregnancy, see our complete guide to dry eye.

Wearing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses, contact lens solutions, and enzymatic cleaners are all safe to use whilst you are pregnant. To reduce irritation cause by a combination of dry eyes and contact lenses, try cleaning your contacts with an enzymatic cleaner more often. If dry, irritated eyes make wearing contacts too uncomfortable, don’t worry – your eyes will return to normal within a few weeks post birth.

Puffy Eyelids

Puffiness around the eyes is another common side effect of certain hormonal changes women may have whilst pregnant. Puffy eyelids can interfere with your vision from the sides. Remember to keep drinking plenty of water and stick to a moderate diet, low in sodium and caffeine.

Migraines

Migraines linked to hormonal changes are very common among pregnant women. In some cases, migraines make eyes feel more sensitive to light.

If you are pregnant and suffering from migraines, talk to your doctor before taking any prescription or non-prescription migraine medication.

Diabetes

Women who are diabetic before their pregnancy and those who develop gestational diabetes need to watch their vision closely.

Blurred vision in such cases may indicate elevated blood sugar levels.

You can read more about the effects of diabetes on the eye in our blog about Diabetic Retinopathy.

High Blood Pressure

In some cases, a woman might have blurry vision or spots in front of her eyes whilst pregnant. These symptoms can be caused by an increase in blood pressure during pregnancy. At excessive levels, high blood pressure can even cause retinal detachment.

Glaucoma

Women being treated for glaucoma should tell their optometrist right away if they are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

While many glaucoma medications are safe to take during pregnancy, certain medications such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can be harmful to the developing baby.

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If you’re worried about your eyesight, are pregnant, or intending on becoming pregnant soon, book in for a conversation with one of our friendly optometrists at D. I. Blow Opticians today.

The post Why Women Need To Pay Extra Attention To Their Eye Health appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

At first, diabetic retinopathy might cause no apparent symptoms, but left untreated, it can lead to blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy can develop in anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to develop it.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Whilst early stages of diabetic retinopathy might cause no apparent symptoms, as the condition progresses you might develop:

• Spots or dark strings floating in your vision
• Blurred vision
• Fluctuating vision
• Dark or empty areas in your vision
• Vision loss

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Over time, too much sugar in your blood can lead to the blockage of the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina, cutting off its blood supply. As a result, the eye attempts to grow new blood vessels. These new blood vessels don’t develop properly and can leak easily.

There Are Two Types Of Diabetic Retinopathy:

Early Diabetic Retinopathy:

In this more common form, called nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), new blood vessels aren’t growing (proliferating).

When you have NPDR, the walls of the blood vessels in your retina weaken. Tiny bulges protrude from the walls of the smaller vessels, sometimes leaking fluid and blood into the retina. Larger retinal vessels can also begin to dilate and become irregular in diameter.

Sometimes retinal blood vessel damage can lead to a buildup of fluid (edema) in the centre (macula) of the retina. If macula edema decreases vision, treatment is required to prevent permanent vision loss.

Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy:

Diabetic retinopathy can progress to this more severe type known as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. With this type, damaged blood vessels close off causing the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels in the retina. These new blood vessels are fragile and can leak into the clear, jellylike substance that fills the centre of your eye (vitreous).

Eventually, if left untreated, scar tissue from the growth of new blood vessels can cause the retina to detach from the back of your eye. If the new blood vessels interfere with the normal flow of fluid out of the eye, pressure can build in the eyeball. This build-up can then damage the nerve that carries images from your eye to your brain (optic nerve) resulting in glaucoma.

What are the Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy

Anyone who has diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. The risk of developing the eye condition can increase as a result of:

• Having diabetes for a long time
• Poor control of your blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Being Black, Hispanic, or Native American

How to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have diabetes, reduce your risk of getting diabetic retinopathy by doing the following:

• Manage your diabetes and monitor your blood sugar levels
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control
• Quit, or never start, smoking
• Pay attention to any changes in your vision

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Diabetic retinopathy isn’t the only retina-related condition worth being aware of — our guide to Age-Related Macular Degeneration covers another common one affecting central vision as we age.

For more on how ageing and other conditions can affect your eyes, see our full eye health guide.

If you have a concern about your eyes, book in with your local D. I. Blow Opticians today for a comprehensive eye exam and let’s put your mind at ease.

The post Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy and How To Prevent It appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

1. Healthy Diet Means Healthy Eyes

The best way to start giving your eyes some love is by being selective about the foods you put into your body.

A well-balanced diet will do wonders for your eye health and will help you stay a healthy weight, reducing your chance of developing type 2 diabetes, the leading cause of blindness in adults.

The key nutrients you should be looking to include are:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Lutein
• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

These will help to ward off age related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. Our guide to the link between diet and eye health covers the science behind this in more depth.

Some of the best things to eat to get these nutrients include:

• Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards
• Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
• Eggs, nuts, beans, and other nonmeat protein sources
• Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices
• Oysters and pork

2. Wear Sunglasses

A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration.

The best type of sunglasses will block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Other sunglasses will offer different benefits. Wraparound glasses will protect your eyes from the side. Polarised lenses will reduce glare when you are driving or playing sports.

Even if you wear contact lenses, wearing sunglasses on top for the added UV protection is advised.

3. Have Screen Breaks

Staring at a computer, tablet, or phone screen all day can cause a range of problems for you and your eyes including:

• Blurry vision
• Eyestrain
• Trouble focusing at a distance
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

To protect your eyes by following the 20/20/20 rule, every 20 minutes look at an object 20 ft away for 20 seconds. Other best practices include avoiding glare from windows and artificial lights, use an anti-glare screen if needed, try using artificial tears, and make sure your glasses or contact prescription is up to date.

4. Quit Smoking or Never Start

Smoking makes you more likely to develop cataracts, damage your optic nerve, and lead to macular degeneration, on top of other medical problems.

5. Wear Protective Eyewear at Work

Safety glasses or protective goggle are crucial if you work in a hazardous environment or are likely to have things flying around such as sparks from welding or wood chips from carpentry.

Protective eyewear should also be considered when playing sports. Use helmets with protective facemasks or sports glasses with polycarbonate lenses to shield your eyes.

6. Keep Germs Away With Good Cleaning Habits

This is especially important if you wear contact lenses. Always wash your hands before and after touching your eyes to prevent infections and stop dirt getting into your eyes.

You should also be regularly changing the solution that you store your contact lenses in.

7. Stop Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes is a common habit for those with tired or itchy eyes. This doesn’t actually help and can lead to injury and further discomfort. Instead, take a break and allow your eyes to rest.

8. Do Your Research and Know Your Family History

Some eye conditions are actually hereditary. Knowing your family history in terms of eye conditions can help you take preventative measures and detect conditions early.

Other factors that affect your susceptibility to eye conditions are being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, or being of African American, Hispanic, or Native American descent.

9. Avoid Having Dry Eyes

Central heating, air-conditioning, and screens can all exacerbate dry eye problems. Many adults also suffer from dry eyes due to a health condition or the medication that they’re taking. Lubricating eye drops can soothe irritation and reduce discomfort.

10. Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Prevention is better than the cure. Everyone is recommended to have an eye test every two years or more if your optometrist recommends it. Having an eye test can help detect signs of underlying general health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

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Do you remember when your last eye test was?

If you’re looking for more ways to start the year off right, our eye care resolutions guide has more ideas to build into your routine.

Book in with D. I. Blow Opticians for a comprehensive eye test today here!

The post 10 Daily Tips For Maintaining Healthy Eyes appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Allergies is probably the first thing that springs to mind, however there are more factors at play having an effect on your eyes in the new season.

Allergies

Starting with the obvious one, allergies will cause issues due to a rising pollen count. Reactions to allergies include swollen eyelids and itchy, watery eyes. If you often suffer with allergies, take steps to lessen your exposure – whether than be staying indoors or using an air purifier if you have the windows open. If you can, also avoid rubbing your eyes.

Dry Air

In Autumn, the weather outside is typically dry and cold, with the air inside often being just as dry. This dryness can cause dry eye syndrome. This causes your eyes to not produce enough tears to lubricate, or produced tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms also include, blurred vision, redness, itching, and burning. Using a humidifier in your home can help to add moisture to the air to combat the dryness. Alternatively, you can use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist.

Shorter Days and Less Daylight

Because of shorter days, less daylight, and more reliance on artificial lights, eye strain becomes a more common problem as we move to the latter half of the year. Fluorescent light is known to spur eyestrain and incandescent light can also cause bad eye conditions or issues.

Additionally, as we age it becomes more and more difficult to see in low-light conditions, this is because of ageing retinas and the natural narrowing of the pupils. This makes it even more important to book a comprehensive eye exam before the darker months.

The transition between daylight saving time and standard time can also impact our eye. The time transition can throw off our sleeping patterns which in turn can impact our eyes as there is a direct correlation between the quality of our sleep and good eye health.

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Worried about your eye health? Book in for a comprehensive eye exam with your local D.I. Blow Opticians now.

The post How Seasonal Change Affects Your Eyes appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.