by EyeLASIK | Apr 11, 2017 | Eye Facts, eye health, Health Facts
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Part of our job as healthcare providers is to help educate our patients about their vision health. Read on for more information on how alcohol affects your eyes, over the short- and long-term.
How Alcohol Affects Your Eyes: Short-Term
Everyone has had one of those weeks where nothing goes right. All you can think about it making it to Friday, so you can head to happy hour. However, it’s important to not throw caution to the wind when winding down with a few drinks. In addition to other side effects such as slurred speech, reduced reaction time, and lowered inhibitions, alcohol can impact your vision, too. Short-term effects of drinking too much can include blurry vision and disorientation. Keep in mind that the more you drink, the more likely these side effects will occur.
How Alcohol Affects Your Eyes: Long-Term
For heavy drinkers, the vision side effects of alcohol are amplified. The liver acts as the body’s filter for toxics. Over periods of heavy alcohol intake, the liver function is reduced. Alcohol prevents the liver from absorbing vitamins needed for healthy eyesight, including vitamins A and B-1.
Vitamin A helps with a whole host of health benefits. When the body stops absorbing it properly, your eyes are impacted. Symptoms include corneal thinning and tearing, night blindness (being unable to see in dark lighting), and possibly blindness.
Healthy muscle function is one of the benefits of Vitamin B-1. When the body stops absorbing this essential vitamin, the muscles surrounding the eyes become weakened. In some cases over long periods of use, it can even cause paralysis.
As we previously discussed, age-related macular degeneration (or AMD) is an incurable disease, which can lead to blindness. The American Optometric Association has identified heavy alcohol use as a risk factor for AMD.
EyeLASIK Midland wants to encourage you to drink responsibly. Although an occasional beverage is enjoyable, be sure to find alternative ways to de-stress or have fun without overindulging.
Please enjoy responsibly.
by EyeLASIK | Feb 9, 2017 | Eye Facts, Seasonal Tips & Tricks
Happy (early) Valentine’s Day! The human eye is a miraculous thing, which is why we wanted to share these facts to love about your eyes.
Love At At Glance.
The eye muscles are the fastest in the human body. When people say, “We fell in love in the blink of an eye,” they’re talking love at first sight.
Your Eyes Are One Of Your Biggest Supporters.
Did you know that routine eye exams could assist in diagnosing conditions such as thyroid diseases, high cholesterol, autoimmune disorders, hypertension, and diabetes? Talk about teamwork!
And They Call It Puppy Love!
A 2015 study indicated that when your dog stares at you with an unbroken gaze, your pup is actually “hugging” you with their eyes.
But Cats Are, Well, Catty.
Conversely, it’s suggested that full-out staring at a cat is a sign of aggression and intimidation. Some scientists recommend “blink kissing,” where owners slowly blink while making eye contact with their favorite feline.
Your Eyes Are As Sweet As Candy!
The lens of your eye is the size of a Skittle candy. It’s located just behind your pupil and acts just like a camera lens would…to focus your vision. Additionally, the human eyeball is 24mm, which is just a little smaller than a standard gumball.
Eyes Heal Faster Than Broken Hearts.
Eye injuries are some of the fastest to heal. In fact, most scratches heal within 24-48 hours. Be sure to see your doctor if you’re in immense pain…it could be a sign of infection.
Your Eyes & Your Brain Are In A Serious Relationship.
Whatever you view through your eyes is actually upside down. However, when that message is transmitted through the optic nerve, your brain automatically rights the image.
Eat More Chocolate!
Chocolate can be beneficial to your vision! Antioxidants found in dark chocolate can increase blood flow to the brain…and the retinas of your eyes. So eat up (in moderation, of course).
Eye Contact Is Important.
According to a recent study, engaging in mutual eye contact for two minutes (either with one’s partner or a stranger) can significantly increase feelings of love and attraction. Ooh la la!
Are you even more in love with your eyes yet? We wish you a loveable, fun-filled Valentine’s Day!
Happy (early) Valentine’s Day! The human eye is a miraculous thing, which is why we wanted to share these facts to love about your eyes.
by EyeLASIK | Oct 18, 2016 | Eye Facts, Seasonal Tips & Tricks
Just because it’s strange doesn’t mean it’s unexplainable.
Boo! Are you ready for Halloween? All of us at EyeLASIK are certainly looking forward to it. The eyes are some of the most interesting parts of the human body. However, there are some spooky eye conditions that can occur. We’re here to share some information about unusual eye conditions that can be considered eerie, but are medically explainable!
Star-Shaped Cataract
From a medical standpoint, cataracts are often considered to be fairly common (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract). Generally, they occur in older patients or those with a history of smoking, diabetes, or genetic predisposition. The lens begins to cloud, causing vision difficulty. If they aren’t treated, the patient will eventually become blind.
However, one type of cataract is quite stunning in appearance. Several patients who have been involved in traumatic incidents have been diagnosed with star-shaped cataracts. You can see a video with the patient, who complained of gradual vision loss after being punched, here.
Heterochromia
While we’ve touched on this condition before, it’s important to note that this condition can affect both animals and humans. In this condition, the irises are two different colors. There are two types of heterochromia:
- Complete – Each iris is two separate colors.
- Sectoral – A portion of the iris is a separate color than the remainder.
- Central – Spikes of color different from the rest of the iris radiate from the pupil.
Having multiple eye colors isn’t creepy at all!
Haemolacria
This condition is by far the most unusual and is probably the most disturbing. This medical condition essentially causes a person to cry blood. Though there are only a handful of documented cases, they results are just as nerve-wracking. Some of the patients have experienced red-tinged tears, whereas others produce actual blood.
Some of the cases are attributed to unusual hormone production or tumors, while others were caused by eye injuries. However, the creepiest part is that, for some of the cases, there has been no medically explainable reason why the patients are producing bloody tears.
We hope we haven’t spooked you with these spooky eye conditions. Happy October!
by EyeLASIK | Jul 21, 2016 | Eye Facts
You eyes aren’t mechanical.
The human body is a mysterious thing and your eyes are, too. There are so many urban legends and old wives’ tales floating out there about your eye health. However, EyeLASIK is here to debunk five eye myths.
MYTH #1 – Sitting too close to the television or computer will ruin your eyes.
TRUTH – In fact, if you’re sitting too close to any device, it’s likely that your vision most likely needs a little help already. If you require an item to be near your eyes in order to see it clearly, you may be nearsighted. If you haven’t seen an optometrist, you should definitely set up an appointment. Also, nearsightedness is something LASIK can correct.
MYTH #2 – Looking directly at the sun while wearing sunglasses totally acceptable.
TRUTH – No. There’s zero reason to look directly at the sun. The sun emits damaging UV rays (you can read more about them here). Even the best sunglasses on the market cannot block UV rays 100%. These rays can cause a sunburn-like effect on your eyes known as photokeratitis, in additional to drying out your eyes and causing wrinkles. Just…don’t.
MYTH #3 – Eating carrots makes your eyesight improve.
TRUTH – This is semi-true. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is a nutrient necessary to help with eyesight. However, carrots alone cannot do the job. Foods such as leafy greens, legumes, fishes high in omega-3’s, and whole grains can provide a boost in critical vitamins and minerals to boost eye function.
MYTH #4 – All vision problems are hereditary.
TRUTH – Some are, some aren’t. Vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism are most likely not passed down from your parents. However, diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts could make it down the family tree. Be sure to discuss your family history with your optometrist.
MYTH #5 – Once you have LASIK, there’s no need to continue seeing a regular eye doctor.
TRUTH – This is so false. SO false. While LASIK can definitely help correct vision problems. However, it will not prevent other issues, such as disease or infection. Many of these illnesses come with age, so it’s critical to continue with annual eye examinations.
EyeLASIK is all about educating our patients about how to improve their overall eye health. We hope we’ve helped you bust these five eye myths!
by EyeLASIK | Dec 7, 2015 | Eye Facts
Do you know what’s causing your vision impairment?
Being able to see something is caused by a scientific term known as refraction. Refraction is where light is bent as it passes through one object to another. Light passes through the eye lens and cornea and is then focused to the retina. Those light rays are then focused into messages, which are transferred to the brain via the optic nerve. This is a LOT of information but how that light is refracted is the source of many common vision conditions. Read on to find out more!
Astigmatism
The best way to describe astigmatism is to think of the curves of a basketball and a football. A normal cornea is shaped similarly to the basketball, which means it’s more rounded. An eye with astigmatism is curved more towards the edges like a football. Light passes through the round cornea more evenly than the oblong football shaped. People with astigmatism suffer from blurry, distorted vision, headaches, and usually have to squint often. They also have issues driving at night.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Approximately 25% of the American population has been diagnosed with myopia. Nearsightedness occurs when the eye is too elongated or an abnormal cornea or lens. Light is refracted in front of the retina instead of onto the retina itself. Either way, blurry vision and difficulty with distance vision (such as street signs) is very common.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia. Where nearsighted people have light focused before the retina, farsighted people have light focused past the retina. The eyeball being too short or the cornea or lens being shaped abnormally causes this condition. Most patients experience squinting and blurry vision, particularly when trying to see something close up.
So now that you know a little more about common vision conditions, we want to take the time to tell you that LASIK can help correct them ALL! Our team has extensive experience in dealing with all kinds of refractive vision issues. However, setting up your free consultation is the only way to determine if LASIK is right for you. Call us today or fill out our online form to make an appointment. Give yourself the gift of better vision and a life free of contacts and eyeglasses today!
by EyeLASIK | Oct 26, 2015 | Eye Facts
In honor of Halloween, we’re giving you 10 spooky eye facts…but beware! Some may really spook you! Read on to learn just how fascinating your eyes really are…
Check out these scary eye facts…if you DARE!
- An eye is composed of nearly 2 million working parts!
- Only one sixth of the eyeball is exposed.
- Even if both parents have brown eyes they can have a child with blue eyes.
- Your eyes start to develop 2 weeks after conception.
- Vision requires half of your brain.
- On average, you blink your eyes about 12 times every minute. That’s about 4,200,000 per year!
- The majority of vision problems, approximately 80%, are avoidable or even curable.
- The muscles that control your eyes are the most active out of ALL the muscles in your body!
- Some people are born with two differently colored eyes, a condition known as Heterochromia.
- The cornea is the only tissue that doesn’t have blood.
How about those spooky eye facts?! Eyes are one of the most valuable parts of your body. Are you enjoying them to their full potential? If you have to bear the burden of contacts or glasses, you aren’t. Why not start the path to clear vision today? At Eye LASIK Midland you can, start by requesting a FREE consultation!
Have a happy Halloween!
