Laser vision correction can make summer activities much more enjoyable!

You may be able to say goodbye to glasses that slip down your nose in summer and interfere with warm weather sports and activities. Now is a great time to consider laser vision correction!

Dr. Sher has helped thousands of patients eliminate or reduce their need for contacts and eyeglasses used for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

Utilizing the most advanced laser vision and refractive surgery techniques, in less than 15 minutes, he can alter the shape of the cornea to improve uncorrected vision. Laser vision correction procedures are highly effective. After their procedures, most patients no longer need contacts or eye glasses for distance vision.

After surgery, Dr. Sher and his staff personally attend and administer all postoperative care. At Eye Care Associates, we strongly believe that surgeons provide the best postoperative care. To schedule an appointment for laser vision correction with Dr. Sher call Nancy at 612-338-4861.

Your eyes need UV protection this summer.

Summertime means more time spent outdoors, and exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer. UV radiation can damage the eye’s surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens. By wearing UV-blocking sunglasses you can significantly lower your risk for eye damage.

In order to be eye smart in the sun, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following:

  • Wear sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection or “UV 400”.
  • Choose wraparound styles so that the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your eyes as well.
  • Sunglasses are a must even on cloudy days.
  • If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses you still need the protection of sunglasses.

What are eye allergies? And how are they diagnosed?

Eye allergies, called allergic conjunctivitis, are a common condition that occurs when the eyes react to something that irritates them (called an allergen). The cells of the outer lining of the eye (conjunctiva) produce a substance called histamine and other related chemicals to fight off the allergen. As a result, the eyelids, the conjunctiva and the white part of your eye become red, swollen and itchy, with tearing and burning. It is usually a temporary condition associated with seasonal allergies. In some cases, it can be very debilitating with constant itching and watering.

Eye allergies can also develop from environmental triggers such as pet dander, dust, smoke, perfumes, or even foods. To provide proper treatment, Dr. Sher will check to see whether your symptoms are related to an eye infection, allergic condition or an inflammatory eye disease. On occasion, laboratory testing will be done. If you have questions, call 612-338-4861 or visit our website at www.eyecare1.com to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sher.

10 things that could be injuring your eyes.

  1. Not wearing sunglasses. Anderson Cooper had a famous incident where he had to wear a patch on air after sunburning his eyes while jet skiing. The best way to avoid exposure to UV rays is to always wear a hat and sunglasses that are marked “100 percent UV blocking”.

  2. Overusing eye drops for redness. Drops that take the red out make your eyes look better by temporarily constricting blood vessels, but the inflammation can quickly come back. Make sure not to overuse these drops.

  3. Improperly treating dry eyes. Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from ocular dryness or “dry eyes”. Most lubricating drops contain preservatives; overuse can irritate your eyes. Individual packs of artificial tears are preferable because they do not have preservatives.

  4. Staring too long at the computer screen. Blinking helps distribute fluid throughout the surface of your eyes. But when you focus on a computer, you blink less often than usual. You should be blinking 12 to 15 times per minute, so try to blink more often or look away from your screen.

  5. Being careless with your contact lenses. Use fresh cleaning solution daily and never put the lenses in your mouth or rinse them in water. And never wear contact lenses in showers, hot tubs, swimming pools, or the ocean.

  6. Using old makeup – and sleeping in it. Avoid exposure to infection-causing bacteria by disposing of cosmetics after three months. Make sure to also remove your makeup before bed.

  7. Not wearing protective eyewear. When mowing the lawn, using a weed whacker, or doing home repairs, put on safety glasses or goggles to avoid flying debris that can cause abrasions of the cornea or more serious internal injuries to the eye.

  8. Smoking. Smoking is detrimental to your eyes because it increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration deterioration.

  9. Skipping regular eye exams. Visit your ophthalmologist on a regular basis to make sure your eyes stay healthy; especially if you have conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

  10. Ignoring symptoms. Don’t assume that flashing lights, floaters, pain, fuzzy vision, redness, or light sensitivity will vanish automatically, or “go away on their own.” Make an appointment with Dr. Sher or one of his highly qualified partners quickly to avoid more serious issues.

Certain people have increased risk of eye damage from UV light.

People of any age and any degree of skin pigmentation are susceptible to UV damage, but some factors increase the susceptibility.

  1. People who have had cataract surgery. More than two million Americans have cataract surgery each year. During this procedure, the eye’s lens is removed, leaving the eye more vulnerable to UV light. The natural lens is usually replaced by an intraocular lens (IOL).

  2. Patients who have had photodynamic therapy. If you have recently had photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you should also be very careful to protect your eyes from sunlight.

  3. People who take photosensitizing drugs. Photosensitizing drugs—drugs that make your skin more sensitive to light—can make your eyes more sensitive to light as well. Some of the drugs that may increase your risk of UV sensitivity include:

    • Antibiotics containing fluoroquinolones and tetracycline (including doxycycline and Cipro)
    • Certain birth control and estrogen pills (including Lovral and premarin)
    • Psoralen and UV light for the treatment of psoriasis.

  4. People with light-colored eyes. If you have blue or green eyes, be aware that UV exposure to may increase the risk of rare eye cancers, such as melanoma of the iris or uvea.

Be especially careful this summer if you have blue or green eyes.

Some of the content for this newsletter was reprinted from eyeSmartNews, a publication of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.