macular-degeneration

FAQs Regarding Macular Degeneration

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Macular degeneration happens when a part of the eye called the macula becomes compromised. Your macula is actually part of your retina. It’s located near the back of your eye, and its primary purpose is to process color and fine details. As a result, it’s responsible for the acuity of your central vision. If there’s a problem with your macula, you may notice changes to your vision that include blurred or fuzzy vision and blind spots when you look straight ahead. A visit to your eye doctor in Brunswick, GA, can diagnose macular degeneration.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

Several factors may contribute to macular degeneration. For many, this is an age-related disorder that sometimes affects people over the age of 50. Gradual changes in vision may point to the dry form of this condition that’s caused by the breakdown of the macula’s light-sensitive cells. While doctors aren’t sure exactly why this happens, they do believe it may have genetic or environmental roots.

Severe macular degeneration often happens as a result of the wet form of this disorder. This happens when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid that blocks your vision. Lifestyle and diseases such as chronic hypertension may lead to wet macular degeneration.

Who Is Most At-Risk of Developing Macular Degeneration?

Some people are more at-risk than others of developing this debilitation eye condition. They include:

  • Smokers
  • People who eat a lot of saturated fats
  • Those with uncontrolled hypertension
  • People over the age of 50.

Regular eye exams with your vision specialist can help detect macular degeneration in its early stages. This may prevent further loss of vision.

Is It Possible to Prevent Macular Degeneration?

You may decrease the risk of developing macular degeneration by making simple changes to your lifestyle. Stop smoking, eat a healthier, lower-fat diet, get regular exercise, and have regular eye exams. If you’re concerned sudden vision changes may signify macular degeneration in Brunswick, GA, make an appointment with Vision Source Family Eye Care today. Vision Source has convenient locations in Brunswick, St. Mary’s, and Jesup, GA, and our friendly and knowledgeable associates are always happy to schedule an appointment time that works for you.

3 Ways to Deter Eyelash Mites Around Your Eyes

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Eyelash mites, scientifically known as Demodex mites, are microscopic bugs that reside around the hair follicles on your skin. While these mites are common and live on pretty much every human, an overabundance of them generates problems. If you have an overabundance of eyelash mites, you may even be at risk of conditions that require treatment from a Brunswick, GA eye doctor.

1. Steer clear of old cosmetics

It is a good idea to swap out your eye makeup products every few months. As you use these products on your eyes, they pick up dead skin cells, eyelash mites, and the eggs of the insects. This means even if you keep your eyelashes clean, you are essentially bringing back the problem with every swipe of product.

2. Clean your eyes twice a day

Morning and night, take the time to clean your eyes well with water and a washcloth that has a bit of texture. You want to remove any remaining eye makeup, but also dead skin cells, excess skin oil, and eyelash mites and eggs as well. A lot of people make the mistake of cleaning their lashes and lids with only a moistened cotton ball. This may wipe away makeup residue, but it does not do a good job of getting rid of lingering eyelash mites.

3. Keep your bedding and pillows as clean as possible

If you want to thwart issues with eyelash mites, make sure you keep your bedding and pillows clean. Dust that hangs out in bedding is attractive for the mites. They will actually lay their eggs in the dust, which means every time you sleep on the soiled bedding, you could be picking up more mites. Thankfully, all that is required to keep populations at bay by killing off the eggs is a trip through your washing machine.

Keep Your Visual Health in Check with a Brunswick, GA Eye Doctor

Even though eyelash mites sound scary, the issue is common and highly treatable with the help of a Brunswick, GA eye doctor. Plus, a few changes in your everyday routine makes a huge difference. If you suspect you are dealing with eyelash mites due to eye irritation, reach out to us at Vision Source Family Eye Care to schedule an appointment.

3 Things to Know About Glaucoma

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Glaucoma is one of the most common conditions, and it’s one that occurs to people all over the world. Thankfully, understanding more about it can potentially help you prevent this disorder. We’ll look at three things you should know about how glaucoma affects your vision.

1. It’s a Nerve Disorder

As the body gets older, wear and tear will ultimately play a role in different ways. In the eyes, the pressure of the fluids can begin to change and the nerve can start to break down. After a while, this will begin to cause blind spots to a person’s eyesight. Glaucoma causes the fluids of the eye to build-up which will put more strain on the eye.

2. There’s More Than One Type

Normally, your body will drain your eye fluids on its own. When glaucoma sets in, it will affect those patterns differently. If you have open-angle glaucoma, the changes are so gradual that only a skilled eye doctor in Jesup, GA might be able to spot the problem. By contrast, closed-angle glaucoma can come on so suddenly that you might need to visit an emergency room. The right doctor can tell you what kind of glaucoma you’re beginning to develop and treat it accordingly.

3. It Can Happen to Anyone

While often associated with the older crowd, the truth is that people as young as 40 can get it. Even infants and children have been known to get it. Typically, in the case of younger people, glaucoma in Jesup, GA happens because someone in the family had it before then. Sometimes, though, the causes aren’t always clear. It seems like anything from smoking to diet to cornea thickness can bring about this disorder.

Glaucoma in Jesup, GA

While doctors are still uncovering new facts about this common disorder, one thing’s for certain about it. If an adult over the age of 60 has gone blind, it’s likely because they have glaucoma. This is just one reason why it’s so important to schedule regular checkups, as early intervention can go a long way toward staving off the worst outcomes. Vision Source Signature Eye Care is here to help, so contact us for an appointment to take the first step.

Why Do I Feel Like I Always Have to Squint? 

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As people grow older, they develop certain physical habits. These may include gesticulating with their hands when they speak, tilting their head at a certain angle or something else. But squinting isn’t so much a habit as a conscious or unconscious adaptive behavior or sight adjustment. If you feel like you are always squinting, or even need to squint, then may have some underlying condition going on with your eyesight.

Your Vision May Have Changed

The actual eye changes shape as you age. This results in changes in vision over time. Even those who have enjoyed 20/20 vision their entire lives may find that their vision isn’t as perfect as it was several decades previously. If you feel like you always have to squint, you may simply need corrective lenses. Contact us to schedule aneye exam in Jesup, GA, where we can evaluate your vision and recommend treatment options.

You May Have Macular Degeneration

A more serious cause for the need to squint may be related to macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is fairly common, but most people aren’t aware of it. Left untreated, eventually a person could lose their vision entirely. While sometimes macular degeneration exhibits no symptoms, other times a minor difficulty in seeing is apparent.Macular degeneration in Jesup, GA can be detected by your eye doctor. Come in as soon as possible so that treatment can begin right away, if necessary.

You May Need UV Protection

UV rays aren’t always obvious. But the sun can create eye strain even on cloudy days in winter. If you are always feeling like you need to squint, it could be that your eyes have become more sensitive to light than they have been in the past. A good pair of UV-rated sunglasses may do the trick. Or, you may do well with a pair of transitionprescription eyeglasses in Brunswick, GA instead of your usual eyeglasses.

Remember, needing to squint is not normal. You should contact youreye doctor in St. Marys, GA to get to the bottom of the issue. We can help determine the cause and come up with relevant treatment options that will make you more comfortable and your eyes more healthy.

What Are the Best Solutions for Dealing with Dry Eye?  

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Dry eye is a common condition that develops when your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them lubricated. While dry eye in Brunswick, Jesup, and St. Marys, Georgia is frustrating and uncomfortable, it is also easy to treat.

The Process of Tear Production

Your eyes contain a film created by a small gland near each eye. The film contains aqueous fluid, fatty oils, and mucus. The eyes normally produce all three substances to ensure that your eye surfaces remain lubricated. Dry eyes occur when the glands fail to produce any of the substances. Common reasons for this interruption include:

  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Decreased or increased tear production
  • Hormonal changes
  • Inflamed eyelid glands

Aging, the use of certain medications, and having certain medical conditions are the most common reasons for decreased tear production. You could have also acquired corneal nerve sensitivity due to contact lens use or laser eyelid surgery. Fortunately, decreased tear production after laser eyelid surgery is temporary. People with increased tear production may have vitamin A deficiency, blink less often than other people, allergies, or structural problems with the eyelids.

Some people with dry eyes go on to develop eye infections or permanent damage to the surface of their eyes. Making specific lifestyle changes is your first line of defense when it comes to eliminating the problem of dry eyes.

How to Prevent Dry Eyes

Here are some commonsense steps you can take to treat or prevent dry eyes:

  • Use artificial tears daily if you have a history of dry eyes.
  • Stop smoking if you are a smoker and avoid contact with secondhand smoke.
  • Position your computer screen below eye level. Taking this step keeps you from opening your eyes widely and slows the evaporation of natural tears between blinks.
  • Take a break from reading, computer use, or anything else that forces you to focus your eyes for long periods.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
  • Do not blow air into your eyes with a hair dryer, car heater, or any other source that produces hot or cold air.
  • Use a humidifier in the winter to increase moisture in the air.

If you continue to struggle with dry eyes, please contact our eye clinic in Brunswick, Jesup, or St. Marys, Georgia to schedule an appointment and learn more about our treatment options.

 

Does Everyone Eventually Get Cataracts?

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As you age, you may begin to worry about getting cataracts. If you’re like most people, the thought of getting cataracts may cause many sleepless nights, headaches, and anxiety. You may often ask yourself “Will everyone eventually get cataracts?” Most people will develop cataracts as they get older, but age isn’t the only cause of cataracts in Jesup, GA and other places. Here are the most common reasons why a cataract may form.

Diseases

Many studies suggest that people who suffer from a disease like hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorder, or glaucoma have a much greater chance of getting cataracts. People with diabetes are especially prone to developing cataracts because the part of their eye known as the aqueous humor usually has too much sugar. If your aqueous humor has high levels of sugar, your vision will be significantly affected.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common condition.

If you have high blood pressure, you’re more likely to experience increased inflammation. When this happens, cataracts may develop.

Eye Trauma

Another common reason why cataracts form is eye trauma, whether it’s chemical, radiation, blunt, or penetrating trauma. Even if the eye trauma occurred several years ago, cataracts can eventually develop.

Congenital Cataracts

Despite common belief, newborns can also get cataracts. Newborns are likely to develop cataracts if they’ve experienced a genetic disposition, measles, trauma, or a reaction to a drug. Newborns who are born with diabetes can also develop cataracts.

Smoking

Do you smoke on a regular basis? You may be surprised to learn that smoking can actually cause cataracts. Many experts believe that smoking can cause cataracts due to the extremely high levels of free radicals in the eye lenses. Over time, these free radicals can result in cell oxidation in the eye lenses, which ultimately contributes to cataract development.

Too Much Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can drastically increase your chances of getting cataracts. Whenever you drink too much alcohol, you’re inadvertently damaging your eye cells. More often than not, significantly damaged eye cells are vulnerable to cataracts.

Be sure to make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible if you think you’re suffering from cataracts. The condition is usually treatable. Ask an eye doctor in Brunswick, GA if cataract surgery is right for you.

Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out?

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Eyelashes go through growth cycles just like the hair on the top of your body. These growth cycles happen naturally and you can’t control them. What you do need to know is that it’s also natural for eyelashes to fall out every now and then. Everyone has experienced the occurrence of having an eyelash get in the eye or land on a cheek. This is perfectly normal. But eyelashes aren’t meant to fall out all at once. Each lash is on an independent growth cycle, so they are meant to fall out individually, at different times. If you have eyelashes that seem to be thinning or falling out in groups, here are some reasons why that may be happening.

Use of Fake Eyelashes

Most women enjoy having long eyelashes. Lush eyelashes are equated with beauty and youth. Unfortunately, the long-term use of fake eyelashes can actually lead to thinning lashes or lashes that fall out in clumps. One culprit is the glue that is used to adhere the lashes to the lid. Sometimes inexpensive eyelashes have poor glue that really shouldn’t be used near the eyes. It’s best to only buy superior eyelash brands from a company and name that is trusted in the beauty industry.

Allergies

Sometimes allergies can lead to eyelashes falling out, too. Even if you’ve never experienced allergies in the past, you may have developed a new allergy from a new beauty product. If you have concerns about eye allergies, talk to your eye doctor in Jesup, GA.

Certain Medications

If you are taking certain medications or having certain medical treatments, one of the side effects may be hair loss. If so, it’s quite possible that your eyelashes would be affected, too. Review any medications that you’re taking and see if hair loss is listed as a side effect. If it is, speak to your physician about the possibility of getting an alternative medication.

Excess Eye Rubbing

If you are constantly rubbing your eyes because of eye irritation, this could cause friction on your eyelashes and make them fall out. If your eyes are irritated to this degree, book an appointment with your Jesup, GA eye doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Eyelashes don’t normally fall out en mass. If this is happening to you, contact us today to figure out the solution.

Wire Frames or Plastic Frames? Which One is Right For You?

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When you’re choosing a new pair of glasses in Brunswick or the surrounding area, it’s important to find glasses that match your personal style. Glasses come in a range of colors and shapes. One of the decisions you’ll have to make is whether to get plastic or wire frames. These two materials are very different from each other, so it’s important to know the differences before you make your choice. Here’s what you need to know.

Wire Frames, Pros and Cons

Compared to plastic frames, wire frames are light weight and comfortable on the face. Unfortunately, this also means that wire frames are easier to bend. If you accidentally sit on your wire frames or put your wire frames in a place where they’re put under pressure, they may bend out of shape.

One more quality that wire frames have that are not found in plastic frames: nose pads. Some people see nose pads as an advantage, others see nose pads as a disadvantage. Nose pads need to be replaced regularly, which can be an inconvenience. However, nose pads are also adjustable to the shape of the nose, which can make the glasses more comfortable to wear.

Plastic Frames, Pros and Cons

Some people find plastic frames hard to adjust to, because they’re heavier than wire frames. For the first few days that you wear plastic frames, you might feel some discomfort.

Plastic frames are also less adjustable, which means that some plastic frames may not fit properly on your nose. It’s important to choose a pair that fits well.

One advantage of plastic frames? They often come in bright, noticeable colors. If it’s important to express your personality with your glasses, then plastic frames may be the right choice for you!

Making a Decision

Not sure how to decide which type of glasses are right for you? Start by visiting your eye doctor in Brunswick. Try on some glasses for yourself. Ask someone from the eye doctor to help you choose the right size glasses for your face.

Contact Your Eye Doctor Today

If you’re ready for a new pair of glasses, contact your eye doctor to make an appointment for an eye exam. Once you’ve had an eye exam, then you can get your next pair of glasses. Call today to get started.

Could Cosmetics Be Causing Dry Eyes?

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The dryness, the redness, the irritation—dry eyes can be one of the most frustrating and persistent vision health issues. Unfortunately, over 16 million people are diagnosed with dry eye disease in the United States alone, so many people need dry eye treatment in Brunswick. What many people don’t know is that cosmetics can have a big role to play in dry eye problems. Here are a few things to consider about how cosmetics may be causing your need for dry eye treatment in Brunswick.

Take a Look at Ingredient Labels

Certain ingredients used in cosmetics may be the root cause of your problems with dry eyes. Some people are more sensitive to specific ingredients than others. For example, some minerals and additives used to create fillers and pigments in eyeshadows may be irritants for your eyes. A few examples are kaolin clay, mica, or talc. If you apply concealer or foundation around your eyes, even fragrances used in these products may be irritating your eyes.

Be Careful with Certain Types of Eye Makeup

Sometimes, it will be specific types of eye makeup or cosmetics that cause problems with dry eyes. Products that line the waterline of your lids, such as eyeliner, could cause an issue. Likewise, certain types of mascara, such as waterproof mascara that has ingredients that are not water-soluble, could bring about issues with dry eyes.

Get Advice from Your Eye Doctor

One of the best ways to test to see if your cosmetics are causing problems is to try a process of elimination. Stop using specific products for a few days to see if your dry eye problems persist. If you are not having any luck pinning down something that is probably causing issues, it is best to discuss your problem with an eye doctor. To help out, jot down a quick list of cosmetics you frequently use to discuss these products with the doctor.

Need to Visit an Eye Doctor in Brunswick?

Dry eye may be one of the most prevalent eye health problems, but this is not a condition that should ever be ignored. If you are tired of dealing with dry, irritated eyes, it may be time to see a Brunswick eye doctor for help. Reach out to us at Vision Source Family Eye Care to schedule an appointment today.

How is Eye Pressure Measured?

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When you visit an optometrist in Brunswick, GA for an eye exam, one of the most important aspects will be measuring eye pressure. Known as tonometry, this test is done so that the optometrist can check for various warning signs of glaucoma. If you’re wondering how eye pressure for a glaucoma test in Brunswick, GA is measured, here are the basics of a tonometry test.

The Slit Lamp

No matter which method is used by your optometrist to measure eye pressure, the most accurate methods are those that flatten the cornea. Though this sounds painful, numbing drops will be put in your eyes to avoid discomfort. The first method, known as the slit lamp, involves you resting your forehead and chin on a slit lamp, which keeps your head steady. Keeping your eyes open and looking straight ahead, your eye doctor then moves the lamp forward until the tonometer tip touches the cornea, allowing it to record the pressure.

Handheld Devices

In some cases, an optometrist may opt to use a handheld device shaped like a pen to record your eye pressure. Again, using numbing eye drops to prevent discomfort, your eye doctor simply touches the tip of the device to your cornea and gets an instant measurement of your eye pressure.

Air Puff Method

Similar to the slit lamp test, the air puff method involves you resting your chin on a slit lamp-like device. But instead of touching your cornea, a beam of light reflects off your cornea when you are at the correct distance, followed by a small puff of air that flattens the cornea. By using the machine to calculate how much the beam of light moved when the cornea was flattened, your optometrist will know your eye pressure.

To ensure the early warning signs of glaucoma don’t go undetected, schedule an exam with your optometrist in Brunswick, GA today.