Winter is the worse time for dry eyes. The humidity drops and the cornea can dry out. The eyes become irritated and the vision can blur. Some medication and some types of eye surgery can make dry eyes worse. You can post this blog on social media using #winterdryeyes to spread the word and raise awareness of dry eyes.
This month – the biggest gift-giving month in the world – let’s all participate in Safe Toys and Gifts Month. It’s important to keep safety in mind as we shop for all the little ones in our lives. In addition to safe gift shopping, you can post this blog on social media using #SafeToysAndGiftsMonth to spread the word and raise awareness this December.
Holiday Shopping Safety Tips Before making any purchases for the people on your list this season and throughout the year, make sure to keep safety in mind. We want to keep the holidays a magical time of the year without any trips to the E.R. or emergencies. Follow these 3 important tips to be sure you’re purchasing safe gifts:
Other safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
Additional Safety Resources Toy Safety–Injury Statistics and Incidence Rates National Safe Toys and Gifts Month Tips from Child & Family Services Button Battery Safety Quiz
Halloween is one of America’s favorite holidays. Even though Halloween is traditionally a holiday for children, adults can get in on the fun as well. No matter what your age, there are specific safety precautions that everyone should follow to ensure a happy and safe Halloween. Many Halloween hazards have to do with the eyes, but following some easy rules will keep little trick-or-treaters accident-free.
Masks
Masks can be fun but can be dangerous to wear while walking at night. Some masks have eyeholes that are too small for adequate vision. Take some scissors and widen the eye holes to allow for better peripheral vision. If you or your child will be wearing a mask for evening trick-or-treating or a night Halloween party, lift the mask while walking over unstable ground or dark pavement. Always walk with a flashlight so you can see what lies in front of you. Apply reflective tape to clothing so drivers can see you as you move from house to house.
Makeup
Makeup is often an essential part of a Halloween costume and can be the most important accent. When choosing makeup, select makeup that is hypoallergenic. Test a small area first before applying makeup to the entire face. Keep makeup away from the eyes and leave a margin around the eye area so that you can protect the eyes from products that can sting or burn. After the party or trick-or-treating, remove makeup promptly to prevent irritation.
Accessories
Accessories for Halloween costumes can also be dangerous. You could trip and fall in the dark, and carrying something pointed or sharp could cause injury. Any sword, knife or handheld accessory should be soft, flexible and short. If possible, do not carry anything besides your treat bag (Source: CDC.gov).
A safe Halloween just requires some forethought and careful planning. Enjoy dressing up the whole family, and protect your eyes using some of these easy safety tips!
As April comes to a close, we think it’s important to reflect on the importance of women’s eye health.
Two out of every three people living with blindness or vision problems are women, according to the National Eye Institute. Data from The Future of Vision: Forecasting the Prevalence and Costs of Vision Problems study shows that women are at higher risk for certain eye diseases and conditions. Prevent Blindness has declared April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month in an effort to educate the public on the increased risk for women and vision health issues, as well as steps that can be taken to prevent vision loss.
Women have a higher prevalence of major vision problems, including:
According to the World Health Organization’s World Report on Vision, women, on average, live longer than men. They’re at greater risk of developing eye conditions associated with aging. Global estimates suggest that women with moderate and severe presenting distance vision impairment outnumber men by approximately 7 percent. Gender and financial disparities can also create barriers to eyecare access for women. A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that although women were more likely to use eye care, they are also more likely to report difficulty affording eyeglasses than men.
In addition to eye disease and conditions, women have unique health issues related to pregnancy and menopause due to fluctuating hormone levels. Women may notice changes in their ability to see clearly during pregnancy. Women with pre-existing conditions, like glaucoma, high blood pressure or diabetes, need to alert their eye doctor that they are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant). Additionally, dry eye leading to a clinical diagnosis or severe symptoms affects more than 3.2 million American women middle-aged and older.
As ophthalmologists and optometrists re-open their practices after pauses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that women make their vision health a priority to help detect vision issues early. Early and consistent treatment for most eye diseases can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss.
“We know that many women play a key role in the overall health of their whole families,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We encourage them to take a moment to ensure their own vision health today and help protect eyesight in the future.”
For more information on women’s eye health, including fact sheets on eye diseases and eye protection, please visit PreventBlindness.org or call (800) 331-2020. Prevent Blindness offers a free listing of financial assistance services in English and Spanish at: preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information/.
ARTICLE SOURCE: https://preventblindness.org/2021-womens-eye-health-month/
Traditionally speaking, spring cleaning is thought to have originated with Jewish Passover practices. For seven days prior to Passover, practitioners abstain from consuming all food products leavened with yeast, including crumbs. This custom requires a thorough house cleaning, from top to bottom. Since Passover falls in the spring, the birth of “spring cleaning” traditions began. In more modern times, it’s often an opportunity to give one’s house a full scrubbing after the long winter months.
If you decide to give your house a cleaning overhaul, be sure to follow these tips that also have eye health benefits.
Organize your medicine cabinet and throw away any expired products. These products can include old contact storage containers, saline solution, and other eye health products. However, do not flush any medications down the toilet, as it can contaminate water supplies. We recommend contacting your pharmacist or local law enforcement to inquire about recommended medication drop off locations.
A thorough dusting of your home can help to prevent eye allergies and irritation. As you know, springtime is generally considered the worst time of year for seasonal allergies. We recommend changing out your furnace/air conditioning air filters, carefully dusting every surface, and resealing doors and windows to prevent what’s outside from coming in.
Have you already had LASIK? Great! We’re so happy that you’re seeing clearer than clear. However, we’re guessing you probably have lots of old glasses and sunglasses around. Instead of throwing away the expensive frames, contact us to donate gently used glasses to those who cannot afford them.
Carpets and rugs are one of the biggest eye allergen offenders. They collect everything, including pollen, dust, and pet dander. Be sure to vacuum your floors frequently. As part of your spring cleaning efforts, you may also consider renting a carpet steam cleaner to handle a heavy duty scrubbing. Your eyes will thank you for it!
We’re loving the first signs of spring and are so ready for it. However, we’re happy to stay inside to help our patients with their complimentary LASIK consultations. Set yours up today.