In Florida in the summer, this message cannot be stated enough:

WEAR YOUR SUNGLASSES!

The Miami Herald reported that, according to Tim Murray, MD, of the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, “both types of ultraviolet radiation — UVA and UVB — can damage various parts of the eye,” which “can cause cataracts and an increased risk of macular degeneration.” In addition, “extreme UV exposure can also cause growths on and around the eyes, and an increased risk of cancer in the tissues around the eye and the eye itself, he said.”

To reduce the risk of sun-related eye damage in children and adults, “the American Optometric Association recommends” sunglasses that “absorb at least 99 percent of UV rays, a number verified by the FDA that can be found on the labels attached to sunglasses.”

And, “for those who spend extended periods of time outdoors,” the AOA “recommends wearing wrap-around sunglasses that cover the temple area, as light can enter the eyes from the sides of the face.” In fact, optometrist Judi Schaffer, OD, “often recommends polarized sunglasses to her patients because they are the best for blocking out harmful rays.” (from AOA first look by Custom Briefings.)

Be Well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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A friend and colleague, optometrist Jeffrey Anshel, appeared on television yesterday to discuss Computer Vision Syndrome.

It is a little light-hearted reminder to pay attention to your eyes when you are at the computer. And if you experience discomfort or fatigue at the computer, be sure to get your eyes examined.

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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There can be no doubt that all of us, especially children, are doing hand held work more frequently and more intently than ever before.   All you have to do is look around any restaurant, doctor’s waiting room, or mini-van, and you will see people of all ages do this.  They are reading, playing hand held video games such as the Nintendo DS or the PSP, or using their Iphone or Blackberry to watch videos and keep in touch with others.

All of this technology is great, but it can come with a cost – visual discomfort that can interfere with proper vision.

In addition to using proper posture and taking frequent visual breaks from intensely focusing up closely, another important element is how close  a person is to the object they are looking at in their hands.  A good way to tell if it is the right distance is by using the “Elbow Distance” rule.

Research on human ergonomics has determined that the optimal  visual distance for reading and other close work is the Harmon Distance or “Elbow Distance”.  This distance is measured by placing a closed fist under the chin. The point at the end of the elbow represents the closest distance a person should be from their near work.

The beauty of applying Elbow Distance is that as we grow, so do our arms. You would expect a child to hold objects closer than adults.  So instead of a “one size fits some” rule of a certain number of inches, the “Elbow Distance” can apply to almost everyone.  Go ahead and try it on yourself now and see if you hold a magazine or cellphone at your Elbow Distance or a little further.

Some people get so absorbed in their games or reading that when they get very close to their work, they are placing undue stress on their vision.  I am also very guilty of this.  When I get 4 to 5 inches from what I’m writing, my eyes have to work harder to keep the words clear because of the close distance.  But if I keep the right distance, the visual system relaxes and performs more efficiently – and I can really tell a difference.

If children or adults frequently get extremely close to their books or games, this may just be a bad habit.  But it can also be sign of a visual problem. Either way, it is best to get an exam performed by an eye doctor who specializes in visual efficiency.  They can determine if there is a problem and if glasses or vision therapy might be needed.

Be well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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I have been telling my patients for quite some time that omega-3 fatty acids are good for the eyes. These essential fatty acids can help people with dry eye disease.

A recent study also shows that it can reduce the risk of sight-stealing macular degeneration, too:

Two studies released this week in the Archives of Ophthalmology show adults who followed a Mediterranean-style diet high in omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and olive oil and low in the trans fats found in baked and processed foods have a much lower risk of developing the sight-robbing disease.

This is one more reason to pay attention to your diet and talking to your doctors about omega-3 supplements if you think you don’t get enough.

Eat well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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People often think about eye injuries related to sports and the 4th of July. And that is a good thought. But also remember that many eye injuries occur around the home.

“Almost 40 percent of eye injuries happen to people doing yard work or gardening at home, yet few people think about wearing eye protection during these times.”

You can follow these  steps from Prevent Blindness America to protect your eyes:

• Wear safety glasses with side protection or goggles when mowing or using a weed eater or power cutting tools, like saws or trimmers.
• Check your yard and remove debris before mowing.
• Turn off power tools when near an unprotected bystander, especially young children. Bystanders and helpers should have eye protection when tools are in use.
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes from fertilizers, pesticides and other yard chemicals, including lime dust.
• Read and follow all product instructions. Obey warnings on yard chemicals and equipment.
• Wear eye protection when using any chemical. After any project, wash hands thoroughly before touching the eyes or face.

You can read more here: http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=619112

Be Well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care

My Colleague Dr. Dan Fortenbacher maintains a blog called EXCELerated Vision that contains lots of great information on vision and visual development.

Recently, there have been some very useful posts on Infant Vision. The first contains an audio interview with Dr. Andrea Thau, one of the founding members of the InfantSee program. She discusses the importance of infant vision examinations.

There are also recent posts that contain detailed list of ways to encourage proper visual development for babies 0 to 3 months and 4 to 8 months of age. If you have a little one in your life, I encourage you to check this out.

(From the MyVisionTest Newsletter)

A new research study published in the May 2008 edition of the British Journal of Ophthalmology finds that lifetime exposure to sunlight is an important factor in the progression of late AMD (age related macular degeneration. They report that an individual’s sensitivity to sunlight exposure may have a role in AMD progression in addition to total lifetime exposure to sunlight.

In this case-control study of 215 Japanese men aged 50 years and older, facial wrinkle length and area of hyperpigmentation, which are considered to be associated with exposure to the sun, were measured using imaging and computer-based image analysis. Skin tone was also measured on the upper inner arm, which is not exposed to direct sunlight. Early and late AMD association with skin measurements was evaluated.

The researchers found significantly more facial wrinkling and less facial hyperpigmentation was present in late AMD cases. The relationship between skin tone and AMD risk was not statistically significant.

The investigators conclude that lifetime exposure to sunlight is an important factor in the progression of late AMD. An individual’s reaction to sunlight exposure, as reflected through the development of focal hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed skin, may have a role in AMD progression in addition to total lifetime exposure to sunlight.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU: There is good evidence that sunlight exposure plays some role in the development of cataract and macular degeneration. The precise nature of this role remains to be defined, but it makes sense to take appropriate precautions to safeguard your eyes when spending time outdoors. These precautions include a broad brimmed hat and 100% UV filtering sunglasses. For additional protection, consider blue-blocker sunglasses. Those individuals that are most sun-sensitive (ie. burn easily, less hyperpigmentation) appear to be most at risk for the damaging effects of sunlight.

SOURCE: http://bjo.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/92/5/630

According to a report from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, every year in the United States, about 40,000 people suffer sports-related eye injuries. Many of these injuries could be prevented with the proper eye-protection. Some people don’t think they need protection because they won’t get hurt or think of the old-style sports goggles that interfere with vision. But in truth many people do get hurt and sports eyewear is better than ever.

“It’s absolutely necessary for athletes to use protective eyewear because eye injuries can be devastating,” says Ophthalmologist Ruth Williams. “Wearing properly fitted protective eyewear will not harm your performance in a game, and it may save your sight.”

If you play sports, especially sports such as basketball, football or soccer, you should not be wearing your glasses, because they are not designed for sports. Consider getting prescription sport eyewear. They will improve your performance and reduce the chances of injuries.

In a similar topic, check out more info on sports vision and the exercise-myopia connection.

Be Well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care

This is an absolutely must-see video for parents who have questions about why an comprehensive evaluation is important early in life. It also explains the differences between a comprehensive eye exam and vision screening.

If you want more great information about this, check out the Vision First Foundation.

Optometrists have long been concerned with the fact that amount of eyestrain caused by reading can cause increased nearsightedness (myopia). This is now more true than ever with the increased use of computers and handheld video games. There is increasing research that shows that if the the near work is broken up by other activity, such as out door exercise, it can minimize the progression of myopia.

A new study supports this idea:

An association between physical activity and myopia was observed, suggesting a protective effect of physical activity on the development and progression of myopia in university students. The results confirm that intensive studying is a risk factor of myopia and that myopic progression or development is more likely in medical students in their early 20s than in their late 20s.

The summary of the the study is here. But instead of reading it, maybe you should go out and get some exercise!

Be Well!

Dr. Bonilla-Warford
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care