How can I get the clearest vision with my glasses?

Digital lenses, also known as free form lenses, are a new and upcoming form of technology used in our labs to enhance a prescription and provide the sharpest vision possible. Eyed LA provides each patient with the option to add this feature to just about any prescription. Here are the pros to this amazing enhancement.

Digital lenses have been designed to reduce high order abrasions caused by the surface of the eye and/or surface of traditional lenses.  High order abrasions are images reflected from many different surfaces resulting in increased glare and/or distortions for patients.  Patient will encounter these situations most when using computers, driving at night or simply having a prescription for astigmatism or high myopia.  These patients will typically complain of headaches or eyestrain when doing most of these task.  Other patients will complain that the edge of their lenses bends the world in obscure ways, causing difficulty in all sorts of activities. Once the enhancement is added, the high order abrasions are reduced drastically, which increases the clarity and comfort for the patient.   

Once you’ve decided on the digital design, our office takes additional measurement to provide the lab with details on the prescription, size of the frame and exactly where your eyes will align while wearing the frames.  How are you wearing your glasses, are they close to your face or further down your nose? Does your head naturally tilt to one side? Do you move your eyes or head most while wearing your glasses? All these seemingly miniscule movements about the vision are vital in providing the most accurate portrayal of how you’ll wear your eyeglasses, helping our labs to design a personalized fit for your digital lenses. The final result will allow the patient to adapt quickly and effortlessly to the new prescription. Visit us at Eyed LA and ask us about digital lenses today!

See and Be Seen at Eyed LA, Brentwood, West Los Angeles, CA

www.eyedla.com

Why do I need a yearly eye exam?

You know the saying “the eyes are the window to the soul”?... Well, the eyes are also the window to your ocular health! Yearly eye exams are an easy and important way to protect your eyes and your overall health. We can determine your visual needs by increasing your clarity and comfort in the world. These exams are particularly important for contact lens wearers, as the health of their eyes must be evaluated yearly to ensure a comfortable and accurate fit!

During the eye exam, your optometrist will ask you various questions pertaining to your daily routine, your dietary habits, and your family history. These answers will be vital in painting a picture of your ocular and systemic health. The optometrist will test your vision to determine any changes to your prescription for either glasses or contact lenses. Ensuring the best clarity to keep you eyes clear and comfortable when viewing objects near and far.  

A yearly eye exam can also help detect early signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and even brain tumors! Eyes are the only place in your entire body that provide a transparent view of your circulatory and nervous system, allowing your optometrist to work together with your primary care physician in keeping your body healthy. Medicine is constantly evolving and helping people live happier and healthier lives, the eyes have joined the cause in getting us closer to more information and help preventative care take it’s course.  Book your appointment today!  

See and Be Seen at Eyed LA Optometry, Brentwood, West Los Angeles, CA

www.eyedla.com

Why do I need a contact lens fitting every year? I’ve had the same brand and prescription for years!

This is one of our top five questions we encounter on a daily basis and hope to educate our readers with an informative answer. Contact lens wearers are considered to be using a medical device in their eye, therefore, evaluations are a must to ensure safe and healthy wear. There’s a lot more than just measuring the size of the eye and calculating the prescription; allow us to go a little deeper into the evaluation.  

During a contact lens fitting, the ocular surface of the eye is observed for any abnormalities caused by over wearing contact lenses. Overwear is defined in three different ways: a patient may be extending the replacement schedule of the contact lenses (replacing a 2 week lens every month), wearing the lenses beyond 14 hours, or sleeping in the contact lenses. All of these options can lead to long term complications on the surface of the eye, which, in turn, can affect the patient’s visual acuity. This not only damages the surface of the eye, but can also result in loss of vision, the last thing a patient would ever want to experience. With yearly education to the patient about wear and care, it will reduce ocular risks significantly.

Once the health of your eyes is determined, your eye care provide can offer new technologies from this growing industry to continue safe and healthy wear. Each year new brands are released by all different companies to increase clarity and comfort for all patients, including patients that may not have had success in previous years. Once the brand is determined the optometrist will give a prescription with the brand, size and current prescription. This prescription is only active for one year. Just like a prescription given from a regular primary care physician, it does have an expiration date. Contact lens prescriptions work exactly the same way. Even if the brand and prescription stay stable for many years, it needs to be confirmed by your optometrist every year. This will ensure the best clarity, comfort, and overall performance of your contact lenses. So swing by Eyed LA, tell us about your contact lens experience, and we’ll ensure a detailed evaluation for your best wear.  

See and Be Seen!  At Eyed LA in Brentwood, West Los Angeles, CA

www.eyedla.com

My eyes feel dry and itchy! Do I have allergies or dry eye???

Dry eye syndrome is tagged as being one of the most painful diseases a patient can experience within a lifetime.  This is alongside arthritis pain, irritable bowel pain and many other painful diseases of the body. Dry eye syndrome makes the top ten list of painful diseases to have as documented in recent history, therefore we need to start diagnosing and treating this disease better.  

Patients with dry eye syndrome experience a range of symptoms, the most common being itchiness, redness and a desire to excessively blink, which eventually leads to overall fatigue of the eyes. More severe symptoms include sharp pain, excessive pressure over the brow, increased light sensitivity, and finally blurred vision. Though most dry eye patients experience mild to moderate symptoms, the constant nature of such irritation makes this syndrome worth treating.

Dry eye is usually due to a deficiency or imbalance in tear production. The surface of the eye is very much like the skin; tear glands generate tears with just the right balance of water and oil. This perfect chemical fluid will lubricate the surface of the eye keeping the eye clear and fed. Tears carry a nutritional factor; hence it’s lack can eventually affect visual performance. Dry eye patients typically do not produce a well balanced tear layer, exposing the eye to the harshness of the external environment and causing starvation to certain portions of the eye surface. When the environments are harsher, ie. winter, the syndrome is exacerbated.  

A visit with an eye care professional will aid in determining the type of dry eye.  Knowing which fluids are off balance along with knowing the source will best determine the mode of treatment.  Too often patients assume the itchy eyes are allergy based, leading to the the use of allergy drops or Visine (refer to Visine blog to learn more about this product).  Both these drops will typically worsen the dry eye and create secondary problems.  Most times dietary suggestions are made and/or direct drops are prescribed to truly treat the culprit causing all these painful issues.  Lesson taught here is to visit with your optometrist once a year (more if needed) to really understand which treatment is best for your dry eyes.  

See and Be Seen! at Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

What is Macular Degeneration???

Age-related macular degeneration, (ARMD) sounds like a mouthful, but it’s the number one leading cause of blindness in this country. Sadly those numbers are increasing each year therefore we thought it a very important topic to discuss and understand to help reduce these increasing numbers.   

The macula is located in the center of the back of the eye and contains mostly cone cells (receptors cells that are sensitive to light that form images in the eye to send to the brain). These receptors are responsible for the sharpness of our vision. As we approach our later years damage may occur to these very important cells. This can be caused by a number of factors, including excessive UV exposure (the lighter color eyed patients tend to have higher risk), genetic predisposition (runs in your family), and/or smoking (might be the highest risk factor of all).  

There are two types of macular degeneration which may occur; dry and wet. In dry ARMD, debris builds up in the back of the eye due to free radicals of oxygen that form in our elder years.  These radicals of oxygen affect the proper production of healthy receptor cells in the macula which eventually leads to their death and hence loss of central 20/20 vision. This form is usually seen first and much more common. Though there is no cure, vitamins and antioxidants (preventing the free radicals from forming) can slow its progression.  Still proper oxygen levels are extremely important to keeping those nerve cells alive, hence the reason smoking always leads to receptor destruction in the eye.  

Wet AMD is less common and much more severe than dry. In conjunction with the debris build-up of dead receptor cells; abnormal blood vessel growth starts to aid the dying tissue but only causes more complications. These new blood vessels are poorly built by the immune system is have a tendency to bleed and leak, causing rapid irreversible damage to more receptor cells. Certain drugs and laser treatments can help prevent the growth of these blood vessels if caught early enough.  Still most of the damage is very difficult to treat.  Thankfully stem cell research is helping to make some changes in this aggressively blinding disease.  

Macular degeneration itself typically does not result in complete blindness. Rather, advanced ARMD renders only the center of vision useless, while the periphery remains unaffected. Needless to say this sort of lost can be devastating to most patients especially since our central vision is crucial to daily function. For this reason we at Eyed LA highly recommend yearly dilations and check ups for our seniors, even if they don’t require glasses; health must be checked.  Early detection can save someone’s vision and keep them as active members of our communities.  Call us today for more information.  

See and Be Seen! at Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

How is Eyed LA different from the rest?

With an optometry office on practically every other block of Los Angeles, it’s difficult for an Optometrist to stand out from the rest. However Eyed LA has figured out a way with its exemplary service and emphasis towards comprehensive patient care. Having just opened in December 2012, many Los Angeles residents have already noticed the difference patients experience at Eyed LA. Allows us to tell you why patients are excited about our practice.  

Eyed LA Optometry is designed to engage patients from the very first step through the door. The staff always welcomes clients with a warm smile, a complimentary beverage and a simple sign-in process which requires only two signatures on laminated forms (reducing environmental impact). Patients are given a short questionnaire and reminder of items needed via email prior to their exam to increase efficiency.  Keeping the company promise of being environmentally responsible and respectful of patient’s time. 

Choosing the most up to date technology allows for the exam to be comprehensive, stress-free and most importantly painless.  Checking for ocular diseases without the use of the dreaded “air-puff” test or dilation drops can all be attained at Eyed LA.  Our retinal imaging camera allow us to view the entire retina without side effects of stinging drops or blurred vision lasting 4 hours; helping our clients to return to work or drive after their complete exam.  

The core philosophy of personalized health care is the key to success; patients aren’t an average but individuals with specific needs that need to be tailored per request. The exam is scheduled for about 45 minutes for each patient, in which time questions on health, lifestyles and desired outcomes are addressed.  This entire time is spent with the me, your Optometrist.  In turn, patients can quench their curiosity about their eyes and are fully encouraged to ask questions to best suit their needs.  Through education and understanding patients are empowered to really expect the best from an eye exam.  

Eyed LA works with our patients to ensure that they are more than satisfied with their end product. Once the patient has left the office they are informed to stay in touch with any questions or concerns throughout the year. Keeping a line of communication always open from patient to doctor, a luxury most office can’t afford.  However as part of change for the better in health care, Eyed LA feels this is crucial to keeping clients healthy.  Eyed LA places personalized health care at the core of the practice and patients are noticing. Check us out on Yelp, people love us...and we love them back!  

http://www.yelp.com/biz/eyed-la-optometry-los-angeles

See and Be Seen! at Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

If the white part of my eye is getting yellow, should I be worried?

The conjunctiva (thin transparent skin that covers the white of the eye, you can move it with your finger if you so dare) and sclera (the actual white harder structure that forms the eye) may both be affected and change colors for various reasons.  Even though they look like one complete structure it's important for this lesson to understand that they are separate and can be effected differently with varying prognosis.

Let's take the conjunctival tissue first, explain it's similarities to skin and how it reacts to the exterior elements.  As previously mentioned, it's loose on the surface of the eye and is completely transparent.  It's histological formation is just like the skin all over our bodies, thankfully not exactly otherwise we'd be transparent with all our organs in plain sight, yikes!  Still it reacts to sun just like our skin, it gets darker (more yellow) and sometimes thicker.  I'm sure you've seen some form of this amongst your friends or family, a sectoral (specific spot) area in the eye is yellow, thicker with splashes of red.  We call them pinguecula (smaller yellow bump) and pterygiums (larger yellow bump getting close to the corneal center of the eye).  The sun is mostly to blame for their existence.  Therefore UV protection (aka sunglasses) is extremely important to prevent their formation.  Still both are quite harmless in the realm of health, both can be surgically removed for cosmetic or visual reasons.  

Now the sclera is a more bone-like structure, it's how the eye maintains it's round, firm shape.  This is where we get the milky white color, actually the sclera is a hue of blue but it's perceived as white to us.  When this appears to yellow consuming the whole eye, it leads us to believe there may be systemic involvement.  We consider the patient may be suffering from problems in the liver, pancreas, spleen or blood (usually sickle cell anemia).  In most cases we highly advice blood work by the patient's primary care physician (your regular doctor) in order to rule out any serious life threatening diseases.  Eyes are an amazing tool, as optometrist we can connect your entire body's health to small parts of your eye.  Some say eyes are the window to the soul, I say they are the window to your health.  Get your eyes checked every year and you'll learn how preventive medicine can really help.

See and Be Seen! at Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

Optometrist? Optician? Ophthalmologist?? Which one is my eye doctor??

People who don’t use or need glasses are often confused by the similar sounding titles of eyecare professionals. Even patients who have been seeing an eye doctor since they were young don’t always know where to go if they want LASIK or have an eye infection. Knowing what services are covered by which profession could save you some time and money!

Optometrists are primary care physicians for your eyes; therefore the first stop one should make when considering a check for their vision. Patients will receive a routine eye exams which includes a prescription for glasses and/or contact lenses along with a total health assessment of the exterior and interior of the eye. If a patient is in need of treatment for dry eyes or infections, Optometrist can treat these issues.  However if surgery or laser treatment is warranted than the patient is referred to an Ophthalmologist.

After getting a routine eye exam, patients are usually directed to a sales floor where they’ll find a selection of frames and lenses. The Opticians will help you choose frames, as well as recommend specific lens options best suited for you. Opticians also take lens measurements, adjust frames, and conduct contact lens training. Just like pharmacists that fill prescriptions given by medical doctors, opticians help the patient select vision correction aids prescribed by Optometrist.

Ophthalmologists, commonly known as eye surgeons, are licensed to practice medicine and conduct surgical operations. These include anything from LASIK to invasive surgeries to save patients’ vision. With such a wide variety of services, ophthalmologists often specialize to give the best care possible (ie. retinal specialists, glaucoma specialist, LASIK specialist).  The vast umbrella of ophthalmology is one reason to see an optometrist first, as they can refer you over to the correct specialist as needed.

As you can see, whether you need new glasses or are experiencing abnormal eye issues, an Optometrist will help direct you to the proper place for your needs.  Eyed LA believes in easing the transition for patients to get the best care available.  

"See and Be Seen" @ Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

School screenings vs Screenings with Eyed LA!

You might be familiar with the classic “eye chart” that starts with a giant E and continues with letters that get smaller with each successive line. This chart is often used in vision screenings at health fairs or schools. Children who are not able to read the line corresponding to “20/20” are deemed in need of eye exam, while those who can read the “20/20” line are determined to have perfect vision.

However parents should know that even if they pass the screening at school, they should still visit with an optometrist every year. The main reason for this is because school screenings only test for distance vision, and cannot detect near vision issues which ironically has a much higher prevalence before the age of 12. Therefore most children are referred out by the school nurse after the age of 12 for distance problems and children suffering with near issues are not detected. Though they may be able to read the eye-chart just fine at a distance, they may have trouble reading their textbooks. This causes a ripple effect of poor learning skills which too often are labeled as a learning disability versus a visual impairment. (check our other blog: Learning Disability or Visual Disability?)

A free screening can detect issues at near or far for any person.  At Eyed LA, we have an automated machine to get an estimate of the prescription the patient might potentially need; there is no participation from the patient to achieve this measurement.  Therefore a child that may not know their letters can still be checked for visual impairments (check out other blog: How soon can my kids get an Eye Exam?).  If that child requires correction, we recommend a complete eye exam to further investigate.  The free screening we provide is solely by Eyed LA and other optometrist may not offer a free screening, make sure to ask. We believe this service will support better performance for the school year and potentially saving parents worry and time with other treatments that may not be warranted. Eyed LA is part of movement to improve healthcare in this country with prevention, education and responsibility to our future.

"See and Be Seen" @ Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

How do I know which contact lens modality is best for me?

Patients use contact lenses for many different reasons. Some don’t like the look or weight of glasses on their face, others only wear them to play sports and finally some like the vision they experience with their contact lenses. Whether you are an occasional or frequent contact lens user, knowing what options are available can allow you a safer and more effective wear.  

Soft contact lenses are disposable, and can be separated into dailies, bi-weeklies, and monthlies. Dailies are designed to be used once within a 14-16 hour wear period. Since they are one time use, no cleaning case or cleaning system is needed; reducing risk of infections and increasing overall comfort of wear. This option is great for occasional contact lens wearers who wear glasses most of the week and don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning/caring for contact lenses. Often these wearers will simply order a small supply of lenses to last them throughout the year, cost effective with ease of use.  

Weekly or monthly contact lenses can be used for a more extended period of time, the same pair being recycled for reuse the following day until replacement is indicated. Once the pair is opened the 2-week or monthly lifespan begins. These lenses must be cleaned and disinfected every night (do not sleep in your contact lenses is Eyed LA’s golden rule) to reduce the risk of infection and to maximize the performance of the lens.  They must be discarded after their lifespan to decrease risk to the eye (some risk are long term that may lead to decrease vision and in some cases blindness).  Patients wanting to wear lenses daily and with better cost effectiveness will usually request these modalities.  The cost of a year supply of these lenses will vary from company to company, however they are usually more cost effective when directly compare to a year supply of dailies.

Effective communication of the intended usage and how the contact lens feels will help the optometrist determine which contact lens brand and modality are best. Once chosen, the contact lens prescription will be good for a year. Annual contact lens fittings are required by law in all 50 states to ensure patients are wearing the most healthy, comfortable and clear contact lens on the market.  Make sure to schedule your appointment and keep your eye care professional informed of your needs.  

"See and Be Seen" @ Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

I can’t see with my new glasses! Why does it take longer to adjust to my new glasses than some of my friends?

Your stylish Tom Ford glasses have finally arrived and to your surprise your expected perfect vision for distance seems blurry, why? Your optometrist encourages you to give them a couple days and sure enough your eyes eventually adjust. Why is it that hyperopes (problems with near and/or distance) sometimes take a while to adjust to glasses, while myopes (problems with distance only) seem to gain X-ray vision the instant a new Rx is given?

In the eye there is an optic lens within the eye about 5 millimeters behind the surface of the eye that helps to focus near and distant objects; doing so by flexing and relaxing.  In a patient with perfect vision, the lens is relaxed for distance and flexed for near (this ability reduces itself as we get older; hence the reason most people need glasses after a certain age).  In a myope the lens performs similarly, relaxed for distance and flexed for near. In a hyperopic patient the optic lens needs to be flexed for distance and even more for near; most of the day it's working. Therefore hyperopes in need of glasses are constantly straining their eyes and complain of red-ness, fatigue and occasional blur.  Glasses are prescribed in order to reduce all those physical symptoms along with making images more clear.

Just like athlete’s muscles can become tense after over use, a hyperopic eye will become difficult to relax after years of use.  The eye becomes accustomed to constantly flexing its optic lens and requires time to learn how to relax. This is why hyperopes vision may be distorted when trying on new glasses however as days pass it eventually gets clear.  Eyed LA always recommends 3-5 days of constant wear to allow your eyes to accommodate; however if headaches or blur continues return to your optometrist.  All we ask is for our patients to have patience with their own bodies; the results will surprise you.  So relax optic lens and take those gorgeous new Tom Ford frames out on the town.   

"See and Be Seen" @ Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

I'm getting older and my vision is changing, what are my options?

Hyperopes (near vision issues) have had to troubleshoot their prescriptions according to their reading distance since their first eye exams. Myopes (distance vision issues), on the other hand can wear their glasses all day long for all activities. However as we all get older, every single person will eventually need help focusing on objects whether near or far. Understanding your options can be quite challenging when patients are use to doing something one way for most of their lives.  Are bifocals or progressives right for you? Should you ask for one pair of glasses for distance and another for near?  Who can keep track of so many glasses and focusing needs all at once?  I know I can’t!

Let’s start by clearing things up by understanding the different ranges optometrist use to determine the best prescription to suit patient needs.  Our distance prescriptions are used for looking at objects beyond 30 inches, distance doesn’t imply from here to China!  Objects 16 inches or closer to your face are deemed a near prescription.  However everyone has a different reading range according to body type, habits or physical limitations.  Your optometrist should ask what your normal near distance is; along with knowing the type of computer device you use.  Desktops and laptops require different distances and might require different prescription.  

Prescribing glasses is very much a dynamic process between the doctor and patient, as your optometrist will recommend lenses tailored to your personal needs. A student that is on the computer 8 hours a day may require different glasses than someone only needing help occasionally to read an iPad. A patient who doesn’t need any help in the intermediate range may prefer bifocals (top of the lens is distance; bottom of the lens is for near).  Where a progressive design contains a gradient of prescriptions to give distance, intermediate and near all in one lens.  As you can imagine those take more practice and time to get use to, however once the body understands the purpose they serve the optimal purpose of mimicking the perfect vision we had as children. Allowing the patient more control on focusing on different objects at different distances.  This design has become the most popular in the last few decades due to visual needs at an intermediate level, aka COMPUTERS.  This is why it is important to describe your lifestyle as much as possible! A good eye care professional will ask the right questions to create the best prescription for you.  Communication, as with everything in life, will get you to where you need to be.  

"See and Be Seen" @ Eyed LA in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

Why do I need an eye exam every year as a diabetic?

Patients with diabetes unfortunately have the highest risk factors for visual complications compared to other patients being treated for different systemic diseases.  The longer amount of time a patient is diabetic the higher the risk for retinal complications that can lead to serious vision lost.  For this specific reason, we highly recommend preventative care by visiting your eye care professional once a year for a comprehensive eye exam including dilation.  An optometrist or ophthalmologist can conduct this routine check up for you, only if surgery is warranted will an optometrist have to refer to a retinal specialist.  

The warning signs will always be there.  Diabetic patients will sometimes experience fluctuations in their vision after a meal or feel as if their glasses no longer help their vision.  These visual swings are very much connected to the diet and medication of the patient, a visit with an eye care professional is suggested at this point.  

During the routine eye exam the doctor will dilate the patient's pupil to better view the entire retinal tissue to check for any abnormalities caused by diabetes.  Diabetes can cause blood vessels to break down and lead to bleeding of that vessel; affecting the nutrient levels the tissue is expecting but not receiving.   Nerves that are starving for nutrition can't survive very long, leading to vision loss in the area where leaking is occurring.  If the leakage is minor, the optometrist will alert the patient and patient's physician of the findings.  Dietary and medicinal adjustment may help to control the sugars levels so the bleeding may stop.  When the leakage is more prominent, a retinal specialist may be needed to treat the actual retinal tissue with lasers to help assist the closing of those leaks.  These procedures are very delicate and require a good understanding by the patient of the expectation of the vision post-treatment.  Sadly some vision loss can become permanent even with surgical intervention.  Hence the reason these routine check ups are so incredibly important.  Preventative care is the best care we can hope to provide for our patients.  

"See and Be Seen" @ Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

I don't want to use my readers over my contacts, isn't there any easier solution?

As we age our focusing system start to change in our vision.  Primarily near vision becomes more problematic after the age of 40, leading to blur and much too often strain.  Lots of patients already wearing glasses graduate to bifocal or progressive designs to be able to manage their distance needs and newly diagnosed near demands.  

The back print on a credit card isn't getting smaller; this isn't a conspiracy against your eyes but the simple truth of aging eyes.  Should you have to give up your contact lenses now that the demand is for two areas of focus (near and distance)?  Should you add reading glasses over your contact lenses to compensate?  Are you stuck in glasses now and forever? No, technology and smart medicine has allowed us to offer more options.   

Not only are contact lens companies producing more comfortable materials but also more variable in their correction.  There are contact lenses that can assist in vision for both distance and near within one design. These bifocal contact lenses can even help patients not wanting to carry around reading glasses for those moments of reading menus, magazines, or even looking at a smart phone.  The distance portion has no correction while the reading portion helps with reading that impossibly smart print that seems to be getting tinier by the minute.  Eyed LA Optometrist can provide that type of technology that comes with great knowledge of the topic.  There are many variables that can aid in finding the right fit for each patient's need.  

Patients in Los Angeles and all around the US aren't always informed of the newest technologist available to them.  Allow us to help educated you in options that are readily available to improve your overall visual function throughout the day.  

"See and Be Seen" @ Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com

Can I open my eyes under water?

It's officially summer time for half of the hemisphere, happy summer days to all!  This means lots of outdoor activities, which usually include cooling off in various bodies of water.  Patients will start to ask about swimming with contact lenses or simply just opening their eyes under water.  Here's my advice to keep those pearly white eyes happy all summer.

Our tears are composed of two very well balanced substances; one is a watery layer and the other an oily layer.  The balance they play all day long creates a perfect PH for us to be well hydrated and comfortable.  When these layers are disturbed by malfunction of the tear glands, injuries, diseases or chemicals burns our eyes suffer great discomfort that usually requires treatment.  Eyed LA's favorite treatment for most of these issues is preventative measures to avoid the pain caused by these disturbances.  

Opening your eyes while under water, whether sweet or salty water, will throw the perfect PH balance into a frenzy.  The chemicals in pools along with the salty ocean water are almost considered a chemical burn on the surface of eyes.  Most pool/beach enthusiast end the day with red, achy eyes...especially kids who spend lots of hours playing in the cooling waters.  Once the eyes have been stripped of their balance, patients will often rub them to soothe the discomfort.  Now think of dry skin (which is precisely how the eye behaves once the balance has been disturbed) and how itching that skin will sometimes lead to scratches.  The surface of the eye will work exactly the same with rubbing, more scratches which can lead to possible infections.  Therefore keep those eyes closed or use goggles to keep the tear layers protected.  Lubricated drops (not "gets the red out" drops) found at your nearest pharmacy can help after a long day at the beach.  One my favorite brands are Systane Balance or Refresh tears, make sure to check with your optometrist before using any of these products. 

For some of you that wear contact lenses, this issue is only made worse when wearing contact lenses. The contact lens will absorb the water even more and suspend the chemicals for longer times on the surface of the eye, making the PH even worse.  Remove your lenses or simply get some really fun swimming goggles to protect your precious white, healthy eyeballs.  

"See and Be Seen" @ Eyed LA Optometry in Brentwood, West Los Angeles

www.eyedla.com