An Ounce of Prevention For Your Eyes Marianne E. Boltz, OD, FAAO Penn State Hershey Eye Center
How can we can prevent eye problems? Focus on 3 areas: Environmental protection Nutrition and eye health Early detection
Environment Sun / UV exposure Many studies have proven the increase risk of cataracts and damage to retina (link to macular degeneration) Sunglasses: clip-on, fit-over, Transitions Should block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B Wrap-around frame style offers most protection Gray tint best Important for those taking meds that increase photosensitivity = antibiotics, Retin-A
Environment Prolonged computer use Dry eye Rate / frequency of blinking decreased Use artificial tears/rewetting drops regularly Eyestrain caused by glare Shade light from window, no bright source from peripheral vision Adjust brightness & contrast of monitor, filter? Focusing problems Looking at fixed distance screen tends to lock up accommodation or focusing ability Take visual breaks = look away from the computer screen (count to 10) every 30 minutes
Environment Hazardous work conditions OSHA requirements, ASNI standards (Z87) for safety glasses Projectiles, chemicals, radiation, bloodborne pathogens Activities/hobbies Polycarbonate lenses in safety glasses / goggles Wear for: Sports = not just for kids (hint: weekend warriors) Especially for football (visor) racquetball, handball, basketball, paintball! Wood working Plumbing Home & car repair Lawn and tree/shrub care
Environment STOP SMOKING!! Smoking has been linked to: Cataract development Macular degeneration Worsening diabetic retinopathy Increased risk of thyroid eye disease Allergic conjunctivitis
Nutrition Antioxidant vitamins Vitamin C Found in fruits and vegetables Lowers the risk of developing cataracts and combined with other essential nutrients, can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration Vitamin E Found in nuts, fortified cereals, sweet potatoes Protects cells of the eyes from damage caused by unstable molecules (free radicals) which break down healthy tissue
Nutrition Zinc Essential trace mineral found in seafood, beef, poultry, fortified breakfast cereal Highly concentrated in the eye, mostly in the retina and choroid, the vascular tissue layer lying under the retina. Helper molecule = brings vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes.
Nutrition Lutein / Zeazanthin Antioxidant carotinoids (pigments) found in green leafy vegetables and eggs Filter harmful blue UV light before can damage macula Kale, collard greens, spinach Raw or cooked = 3X / week Reduce risk of development and progression of macular degeneration (we are born with a certain amount, but body does not reproduce it)
Nutrition Essential fatty acids = Omega 3 s Considered an epidemic of deficiency in America in the 21 st century We have too much Omega 6 (fast food, veggie oil) Found in oily, wild fish (salmon, tuna, cod), lesser in plants and nuts Helps: Reduce dry eye Macular degeneration prevention AND decrease conversion of dry to wet Reduce inflammation throughout body
Nutrition How much Omega 3?** Adults should consume 2 g of EPA/DHA per day Loading dose 4g/day with chronic conditions x 1 month Children at least ½ g per day Triglyceride (non-esterized form) better absorption and no burping side effect Available from 2 companies only: Lifeguard (Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals) and Nordic Naturals **As recommended by FDA, American Heart Association, American Association of Family Practitioners, American Cardiology Association
Nutrition Vitamins = how much is enough???? Recommended Daily Allowances (Adults) Lutein = 6 mg (Bausch & Lomb) Zinc = women 8mg, men 11mg Vitamin E = 15 mg (22.4 IU) Vitamin C = women 75mg, men 90mg* Vitamin A = women 700µg (2,310IU), men 900µg (3,000IU) From NIH/Office of Dietary Supplements * From the DRI reports, see www.nap.edu
Early detection Importance of routine and dilated eye exams Age-related recommendations Children 1 st eye exam: Age 1-3 Before kindergarten, then every 1-2 years Adults (18 65) Healthy = every 2 years Chronic health issues (diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) = yearly Seniors (65 +) YEARLY!!
For more information Pennsylvania and American Optometric Associations http://pennsylvania.aoa.org/