Keep an Eye on Fall and Winter Many of us are breathing a sigh of relief to have the summer heat give way to the fall. However, as you’re shifting seasons, it’s important to note that during the fall and winter people can experience serious vision issues due to elevated UV rays and dry eye syndrome. “Unfortunately many people do not think they have to continue practicing proper preventive eye care after the summer,” says Keith Menard, O.D., an optometrist at Menard Eye Center. “But risk factors like damage from UV rays and dry eye syndrome actually increase during the fall and winter months.” Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays can increase the likelihood of serious eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration, and cause vision conditions like pingueculae, callous type growths on the conjunctiva, the white of the eye; and pterygia, growths extending onto the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. “It’s important to wear proper sunglasses during every season,” says Dr. Menard. “While the rays may feel stronger during the summer, cooler temperatures in the fall and winter do not mean that the sun’s UV rays are not still dangerous.” UV rays are not the only vision issue to watch out for this fall and winter. The decreased humidity, dryness from heated rooms and greater winds cause many people to experience dry eye syndrome. “Many people assume that irritations associated with dry eye syndrome, such as watery eyes, grittiness and redness, are just a normal part of life or a mild allergy,” says Dr. Menard. “But dry eye is not just a discomfort; if left untreated it can turn into a serious vision problem.” Dry eye syndrome is the most commonly experienced eye condition. A national study conducted by Eagle Vision and Yankelovich found that one of out of five Americans have dry eye syndrome—that’s approximately 59 million people. Dry eye syndrome occurs when there is a deficiency in eye’s production of the quantity and quality of tears, or a drying out of the tear film. The eye’s three-layer tear film, made of oil, mucus, and water with antibodies and special proteins, forms the tears. The eye is dependent on the lubrication from tears to maintain comfort, vision
and protection from infection. When there is an imbalance in tear production, dry spots can appear on the eye and cause irritation. If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can lead to permanent vision damage. Dry eye syndrome is often associated with systemic medical conditions, medications, exposure to chemicals, inflammation, allergic reactions, an influx in hormones and contact lens wear. Contact lens wearers are especially prone to dry eye syndrome. Intolerance to contact lenses is often a consequence of the condition. Contacts can disrupt the delicate balance of tear production and can bring about dry eye syndrome. “It’s important for contact lens wearers, especially those who wear soft lens, to continually keep their lens hydrated,” says Dr. Menard. Dr. Menard advises that symptoms of dry eye can include: • Eye pain • Sensitivity to light • Itchiness • Redness • A “gritty” sensation • Excessive amount of tears • Blurriness • Eye strain • The feeling of having sand or a foreign object in the eye. • Fluctuations in vision, particularly after reading, working on a computer or driving “It’s important to see an eye doctor if you are experiencing any issues from exposure to UV rays or symptoms of dry eye syndrome,” says Dr. Menard. “It is essential to protect your vision from possible damage.” For more information on the dangers of UV rays and dry eye syndrome, visit menardeyecenter.com or call Menard Eye Center at 478-I-SEE (478-4733).
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living
October 2010
October 2010
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
www.thriveswla.com
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