EYES AND PROPER EYE CARE IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Eyes are perhaps the most vulnerable of the human body’s outside organs. Due to your eyes' exposed nature; more care must be taken to protect our eyes than any of the other parts of your body. The eardrums, olfactory membranes (nostrils) and tongue are all better protected by the ears, nose and mouth than the eyes. The only natural protection the body affords our eyes is our eyelids, which close shut as an automatic reaction to potential damage. Even then your eyes can still be harmed throughout your daily work and social life. In this early part of the 21st Century, medical science is feverishly looking for cures to the ocular diseases that can take away your precious eyesight. They are many diseases that affect people in South Carolina every day: Cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, untreated hypertension (high blood pressure) and a host of others. Overall, three of the four major eye diseases in South Carolina are macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. A well-known, chronic, and degenerative disease, diabetes, leads to the fourth leading cause of blindness in South Carolina: diabetic retinopathy. At first, the earliest symptoms of diabetic retinopathy cannot be determined by the individual without a close examination of the retina of the eye by a qualified optometrist. Haziness of vision, double vision, glare involved with night driving, and an inability to refocus the eyes are all just some of the early manifestations of eye problems that can be associated with diabetes. This is a very real threat in South Carolina, which is one of the top ten states in the U.S. in terms of the total number of diabetics out of a population of over four million people. At least 160,000 people in South Carolina are aware that they have diabetes. However, state and federal health experts say that many more are unaware they have the disease. They estimate that approximately 240,000-300,000 people in South Carolina have diabetes, which can also cause fast maturation of cataract. The good news is that with proper treatment of diabetes, eyesight can be preserved. For Type 2 diabetics (often called adult onset diabetes), with some exceptions, that generally means adherence to a consistent exercise regimen and a healthy diet low in fat and starchy carbohydrates. Both of these are the main fuel that can easily be turned into glucose resulting in high blood sugar over an extended period of time. Cutting out smoking, controlling hypertension and excessive weight are also key ways to control the effects of diabetes on your eyesight. The stress of modern life—increased responsibilities at work and home, is also affecting our sleep which, in turn, affects our eyes. Stress can cause blurred vision either alone or in league with other aforementioned health problems. But the stress can also be seen in the physical manifestation of the deep shadows below the eyes called bags and dark circles. This is swelling that can be caused by several factors, among them chronic sun damage and the pull of gravity. Dark circles can also be caused by interrupted sleep, hormonal changes, and allergies or even by thin skin or deep eye sockets determined by heredity.
Most health experts in South Carolina and around the country say you can help rid yourself of dark circles and bags under the eyes through a proper diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K. This can also be used in conjunction with a topical solution containing vitamin A. But what your grandmother told you about putting cool cucumbers or tea bags on your eyes to alleviate dark eyes is not just an old wives’ tale. The tannic acid in tea does help reduce inflammation. Plastic surgery can also be an option as a cure for dark circles or bags under the eyes but be sure any plastic surgeon you choose is state board certified. The South Carolina State Reconstructive Surgery Board also keeps listings of current surgeons in good standing. In the not-too-distant past, some requiring corrected vision were told they could not wear contact lens because they had dry eyes. But today’s advances in contact lens’ technology means that people now have numerous choices, from soft lens to extended wear. And now even dry eyes and contact lenses can and do go very well together. Many options exist today to ensure that the right kind of contact lens—and contact lens solutions—are now available.
Materials designed to stay wet while in a dry eye have been now been introduced from various soft contact lens manufacturers. These lenses are made from a revolutionary plastic that retains its water content, hydration, and shape. Rigid gas permeable (or RGP) plastic contact lenses that won’t dehydrate on a dry eye are also available. However, contact solution and care systems are a major portion of the lens’ success. A different conditioning solution, cleaner, or rewetting drop may change the way you wear your contacts depending on the type of lens used. Plus, the main factor in the comfort of contact lenses always involves the wearer and how well they take care of them. Specific instructions for lens care should come from your optometrist. This will also take into consideration any general guidelines from the contact lens manufacturer.
Regardless of any special care instructions, you should wash your hands each and every time you handle your contact lenses. This will take care of the excess oils that naturally occur on the skin which, over time, can damage the lenses. Also be sure to clean your contacts on a regular basis. Thoroughly soak them overnight in a storage case with enough fresh solution to completely cover the lens. The storage case should also be thoroughly cleaned and dried between uses, keeping it completely open. The case should also be replaced at a minimum of every three months. If you follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your optometrist, you can choose contact lens that will both flatter your looks and provide the comfort you deserve. Most eye experts agree that wearing the proper sun glasses will help long term eye care. A must have feature when you are picking out a pair of sunglasses is complete (100 percent) protection against the potentially damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B rays. Just because sunglasses are dark does not mean that the sunglasses will offer 100 percent UV protection. Dark glasses prompt the pupil of the eye to dilate (enlarge), allowing UV rays to enter. So, if dark glasses lack complete UV protection, they can actually promote eye damage. Who knows, with a great pair of shades, you may even look better. Regardless of condition, eye health care professionals in South Carolina suggest you have your eyes examined annually. If you have any eye disease, your eye doctor can determine how often examinations should take place. Standard eye problems and some once thought beyond correction can be helped with a simple pair of glasses or contact lenses. Take care of your eyes, and they will take care of you.Diseases that affect your Eyes
Diabetes and diabetic retinopathy of the eyes
Prevention and Treatment
Eye stress, dark circles and bags
Dry eyes and contact lenses
Wear sun glasses to protect your eyes
Have your eyes examined annually
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