7 Healthy Foods Beyond Carrots for Healthy Eyes

You have likely heard of degenerative diseases such as cataracts, keratoconus and macular degeneration. For preventative measures, I am sure you know salmon is good for your heart and oatmeal for your cholesterol, but did you know that certain foods (other than carrots) can also improve your eye health? According to a studyby the National Eye Institute, foods high in antioxidants such as omega-3 fatty acids, glutathione, zinc and vitamins C and E may reduce the risk of certain diseases.kiwi eyes

Here are 7 healthy foods that healthy eyes crave:

    1. Seafood: Fish contains some of the highest levels of quality omega-3 essential fatty acids, in addition to being very tasty! Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can support proper visual development and retinal function over time. If you don’t like the taste of fish, raw almonds are a great alternative to incorporate omega-3s into your diet.
  • Orange and Grapefruit Juice: In addition to fighting immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems and skin wrinkling, Vitamin C has been shown to help lower the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. One cup of orange juice packs 124 milligrams of vitamin C and grapefruit juice has 94 milligrams.
  • Eggs: If there is one universal nutritional factor for eye health, it’s glutathione — a natural antioxidant. Glutathione has been shown to help prevent cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease and diabetic blindness. Eggs are a great natural source, but if you can’t stomach them, look to get your Glutathione from vitamins.
  • Oysters: Oysters, poultry, milk, shellfish, baked beans and whole grains are great sources of zinc. Lack of zinc can lead to cataracts or night vision, a condition associated with blurred vision, halos and night blindness.
  • Kale: This leafy vegetable is one of the healthiest foods for your body, including your eyes. Kale has high levels of Vitamin E, which can protect your eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules which break down healthy tissue in the body. Kale is easy to add to smoothies for a nutritional boost or can be used as a side salad with any meal! My kids love “kale chips,” which my wife and I make by lightly baking them in the oven.
  • Pork: An often overlooked yet equally important nutrient for your eye health is zinc. Pork meat has high levels of zinc, which plays a key role in bringing Vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin — a protective pigment in the eyes. If you do not eat pork or are a vegetarian, chicken and cashews are excellent alternatives. Now you have a good excuse to indulge in BBQ ribs!
  1. Camu camu: This Brazilian superfruit is a newcomer to the American market, and it packs the highest vitamin C content of any fruit on the planet. Vitamin C plays a key role in lowering your risk for developing cataracts and can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration while protecting against visual acuity loss.

Are Eyelash Extensions Harmful For Your Eyes?

Since the 1960’s false eyelashes have been a trending cosmetic product amongst women everywhere. Thanks to stars like the Kardashians, Nicki Minaj and Beyonce, these trendsetters have promoted the market for fabulous falsies. When it comes to a product that’s going near your eyes, one cannot be too careful. Below are some Q & A’s to consider before scheduling an appointment.


 

Will extensions damage your own lashes?
Yes, it is possible that your own eyelashes can break off if they are not applied by a trained professional. Each lash should be individually applied. Making sure not to pull or rub them off will ensure longevity and healthy lashes. If constantly used, it is possible for the eyelashes to weigh down on the natural lashes tearing them out.

Are they safe to use for contact wearers?
Yes, contact wearers can use them but are still prone to get irritated eyes. Bringing a contact case with extra solution to avoid dry eyes is recommended. The eyes area should also be thoroughly cleaned before eyelash application.

What happens if glue gets in your eye?
Glue cannot directly get into your eyes, since they are shut the whole time, but it is not impossible. Glue products have gotten to the top layer of the eye causing irritation and scarring. Be sure that the glue does not contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, which is a common ingredient in glue known to cause allergic reactions.

Can you go blind?
No, you cannot go blind from eyelash extensions because your eyes are closed during the procedure. But in extreme cases, coming in contact with formaldehyde can cause blindness. It is important to go to an eyelash expert who knows how to properly apply the adhesive and lashes.

How do I remove the lashes?
Going to a professional and getting the extensions removed would be your best option, they are trained in removing them without harming your natural lashes. If an allergic reaction has developed, seeing medical attention and visiting your eye doctor should be your first step.

The Dangers Of Blue Light

blue lightBlue light, a colour in the “visible light spectrum” that can be seen by the human eye, is everywhere. From the sunshine rays you are soaking up, to your hand held digital devices. The damage it can cause can contribute to many eye problems,one being Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Age-related Macular Degeneration is a progressive eye condition affecting 15 million Americans and many others around the world. It is the leading cause of vision loss as well as blindness. On the light spectrum, sunlight contains many shades of colors with different energy and wavelengths. Blue light rays with short wavelengths and high energy known as blue-violet contribute to invisible rays called ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Too much exposure can lead to sunburn skin and sunburn to the eyes, this condition is known as Photokeratitis. The main source of blue light is from direct sunlight. For those of you that spend the most time outdoors during the day, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen to prevent sun damage is recommended. Blue light rays are also found indoors. Flat-screen televisions and computer screens, also emit the fluorescent and LED lighting. The amount of light they emit does not come close to the amount that is emitted by the sun, but rather the amount of time people spend using these devices. Other risks of blue lighting, is digital eyestrain syndrome: blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, headaches and neck. This increases the chance of cancer and can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss. Although blue light could be harmful for your eyes, it is vital to help boost alertness, elevate your mood and increase well- being. So whether you are indoors or outdoors, you are exposing yourself to these rays. Below are some tips that can help you protect your eyes.


blue light info graphic revise

What is CK for Vision Correction?

Conductive Keratoplasty also known as CK is an 8- minute procedure done here in our office. CK uses non-laser radiofrequency energy that helps reshape the cornea. Heat is applied to the outer cornea reducing the astigmatism and improving the eyesight. This treatment can help fix a number of conditions including Farsightedness, nearsightedness and in some cases help with Keratoconus. CK is often combined with Intacs®, since CK can provide further improvements to eyesight and supplement the improvement of Intacs® alone. Intacs® and CK are routinely performed on the same day.

 

 CK Procedure Benefits:topo

There are many benefits to having the CK procedure done for those who are suffering from both Farsightedness and Keratoconus. The CK procedure is non-invasive and provides the patient with a speedy recovery. Below are other benefits a patient can have from receiving the CK procedure:

  • Little to no pain
  • Quicker recovery time
  • Increased quality of vision
  • Procedure can be done here at our Beverly Hills office
  • No overnight hospital stays
  • Patient may have freedom from glasses or contact lenses
  • Procedure can be done in combination with other procedures

 

CK is also FDA-approved for patients who need reading glasses. CK can also be used to decrease astigmatism and improve the quality of distance or reading vision as well as improving reading vision after cataract surgery.

Understanding Dry Eye During the Spring and Summer Months

Do you suffer from dry, itchy and/or red eyes? Has your eye care professional told you that you have Chronic Dry Eye? If you’ve already been diagnosed with Dry Eye, the spring and summer months can be especially troubling.

There are several reasons Dry Eye can be affecting you worse in the hot spring and summer months than in the colder winter months.

Below are a few reasons Dry Eye increases:

Exposure to Sunlight – For those who are active, dry eyes can be especially troubling in the spring and summer due to excessive exposure to sunlight without the proper eye protection. Continued exposure to sunlight can cause more difficulty with vision because the tear film can evaporate more quickly.

Environmental Exposures – With warmer weather, often we go outside more. Outside elements can also cause more problems in the spring and summer months because of decreased tear film.

Less Blinking – When we blink we essentially help the tear film cover the eyes. If we blink less, we have less tears covering the eyes.
There are new treatment options available to help those with chronic Dry Eye.

One such treatment for dry eyes is LipiFlow®.

What is Lipiflow®?

The new treatment LipiFlow® uses specialized goggles and heat to help unclog the Meibomian glands within the eyelids. Typically there are between 30-40 Meibomian glands that produce oils which help tears from evaporating off the eyes. Depending on how many are clogged upon evaluation will help determine if you are a good candidate for the LipiFlow® procedure.

Learn more about treating your dry eyes:

Are Eyelash Extensions Harmful For Your Eyes?

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Since the 1960s false eyelashes have been a trending cosmetic product among women everywhere. Thanks to stars like the Kardashians, Nicki Minaj and Beyonce, these trendsetters have promoted the market for falsies, but when it comes to a product that’s going near your eyes, one cannot be too careful.

Below are some Q & A’s to consider before scheduling an appointment.

Can you go blind?
No, you cannot go blind from eyelash extensions because your eyes are closed during the procedure. But in extreme cases, coming in contact with formaldehyde can cause blindness. It is important to go to an eyelash expert who knows how to properly apply the adhesive and lashes.

 Will extensions damage your own lashes?
If they are applied properly, they should not damage your own lashes. Each lash should be individually applied. Making sure not to pull or rub them off will ensure longevity and healthy lashes. If constantly used, it is possible for the weight of the eyelash to weigh down on the lashes, tearing the real ones out of ones eyes.

Are they safe to use for contact wearers?
Yes, contact wearers are able to use extensions but are still prone to get irritated eyes. Bringing a contact case with you, that has extra solution to avoid dry eyes.

What happens if glue gets in your eye?

Glue cannot directly get into your eyes, since they are shut the whole time, but it is not impossible. Glue products have gotten to the top layer of the eye and can cause irritation and scarring. Be sure that the glue does not contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde,which is known to cause allergic reactions.

How do I remove the lashes?

Going  to a professional and getting the extensions removed would be your best option, they are trained in removing them without harming your own lashes.

 


Whether you choose to use false eyelashes are not, make sure you are doing your research and are asking the beauty professional the right questions. Take into account that any damage done can possibly be permanent.

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