Clear Vision, Living Independently Top Priorities for Older Americans

Seventy-five percent of aging Americans affected by vision problems; Dr. Tyler Mautino offers tips to protect eyesight throughout life

Fluctuations in vision are often one of the first health changes adults notice as they get older. Although these changes can be bothersome, even more troubling problems could be lurking beneath the surface and cause vision loss. According to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2015 American Eye-Q^® survey, the inability to live independently would concern older consumers the most if they developed serious vision problems.  Dr. Mautino offers several tips to help older adults safeguard their vision.

Schedule a yearly eye exam

Comprehensive eye exams by a doctor of optometry are one of the most important, preventive ways to preserve vision, and the only way to accurately assess eye health, diagnose an eye disorder or disease, and determine the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Common eye conditions in older adults that can be detected through a comprehensive eye examination include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and dry eye. The number of adults with these eye conditions will increase as the population of older adults grows—according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2012 estimates, 72 million Americans are expected to be over the age of 65 by 2030 (compared with 46.2 million Americans in 2014).

“Many eye conditions develop without any warning signs or symptoms, so it’s important to visit a doctor of optometry every year to ensure your eyes are healthy,” said Dr. Mautino. “Early diagnosis and treatment of serious eye diseases and disorders is critical and can often prevent loss of vision.”

Focus on healthy lifestyle choices

Following basic healthy habits can help ward off eye diseases and maintain existing eyesight. One of the essential building blocks of a person’s overall health is diet. Enjoying a diet rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin can improve eye health—these can be found in spinach and other green, leafy vegetables, as well as eggs. Other “power foods” for the eyes include fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C and fish containing Omega 3 essential fatty acids, such as salmon. Also, an optometrist can discuss vitamin therapy options for patients experiencing vision problems and for preventive treatment.

“Not only can a healthy diet improve your eye health, but not smoking, monitoring blood pressure levels, exercising regularly and wearing proper sunglasses to protect eyes from UV rays can all play a role in preserving eyesight and eye health,” said Dr. Mautino.

Adapt to your surroundings and seek help from a doctor of optometry

According to the 2015 American Eye-Q^® survey, 75 percent of Americans age 55 and older have experienced vision problems. It’s especially important for older adults to visit their doctor of optometry to ensure their vision is good to prevent falls and driving accidents.

Older adults can ease the stress on their eyes by making some simple changes:

●     Stay safe while driving: Wear quality sunglasses for daytime driving and use anti-reflective lenses to reduce headlight glare. Limit driving at dusk, dawn or at night if seeing under low light is difficult. Use extra caution at intersections and reduce speed.

●     Use contrasting colors: Define essential objects in your home, such as light switches and telephones, with different colors so they can be spotted quickly and easily.

●     Give the eyes a boost: Install clocks, thermometers and timers with large block letters. Magnifying glasses can also be used for reading when larger print is not available. Text size on the screen of smartphones and tablets can also be increased.

People dealing with eye disease and vision loss can also seek rehabilitative services from a doctor of optometry. These services can teach patients a variety of techniques to allow them to perform daily activities with their remaining vision and help them regain their independence.

Maintaining yearly eye exams, or more frequently if recommended by an eye doctor, provides the best protection for preventing the onset of eye diseases and allows adults to continue leading active and productive lifestyles as they age. To make an appointment with Dr. Mautino for a comprehensive eye exam or for additional information on age-related eye conditions, visit www.eyecarewarren.com or call the office at 814 726 1104.

 

Save Your Vision Month

The 21^st Century Eye: Three Ways to Protect Your Vision

Tips for Save Your Vision Month from Dr. Tyler Mautino

WARREN, PA (3/1/16) – Everywhere we look, we’re reading, shopping, banking or being entertained online on digital devices small and large—at work, at school, at play and on our way in-between. In fact, according to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2014 American Eye-Q^® survey, 55 percent of adults use computers, smartphones, tablets or other handheld devices for five or more hours a day. And a separate AOA survey showed that 83 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 17 use an electronic device for more than three hours a day. Digital use will continue to increase, making it more important than ever for consumers to make smart eye care choices and to see an eye doctor for yearly comprehensive eye exams.

Below are three tips from Dr. Mautino in observance of AOA’s Save Your Vision Month in March.

Give Your Eyes a Break

Dr. Mautino recommends following the 20-20-20 rule to ward off digital eye strain–take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.

“Although ongoing technology use doesn’t permanently damage vision, regular, lengthy use of technology may lead to a temporary condition called digital eye strain,” said Dr. Mautino. “Symptoms can include burning or tired eyes, headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain.”

Early research has also shown that overexposure to high-energy, short-wavelength blue and violet light emitted from electronic devices may contribute to digital eye strain. Blue light could also increase the likelihood of developing serious eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration. Optometrists offer lens options including non-glare, filtering lenses, to help protect vision from harmful blue light.

Be a Savvy Shopper

Shopping online can be great for some products that aren’t individually custom-made like prescription eyeglasses are; health and safety trump convenience when it comes to eyewear. Internet orders often result in incorrect prescriptions or other problems with products that get sent through the mail, costing consumers more time and money in the long run. According to a 2011 study conducted by the AOA, the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council, nearly half of all glasses ordered online had either prescription errors or failed to meet minimum safety standards.

“Eyeglasses are an investment in your health and must be custom-fitted not only to be comfortable, but also to be sure precise prescription needs are met so that you’re actually seeing your best,” said Dr. Mautino.

Skip Shortcuts

When it comes to really seeing what’s going on with your eyes, there is no substitute for a comprehensive, yearly eye exam by an eye doctor. Despite catchy claims, there is truly no ‘app’ for that. While a variety of new mobile applications claim to evaluate vision or the fit of eyeglasses, often these apps give inaccurate or misleading information, and misinformed consumers end up delaying essential, sight-saving exams. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical and can often prevent a total loss of vision and improve quality of life. 

“Comprehensive, yearly eye exams are one of the most important, preventive ways to preserve vision, and the only way to accurately assess eye health, diagnose an eye disorder or disease, and determine if you need corrective lenses,” said Dr. Mautino.

To make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Mautino, or for additional information on eye health in the 21^st century, please visit our website eyecarewarren.com, or call us at (814) 726 1104.

About the American Eye-Q® survey:

The ninth annual American Eye-Q® survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB).  From March 20-25, 2014, PSB conducted 1,000 online

interviews among Americans 18 years and older who embodied a nationally representative sample of the U.S. general population. (Margin of error is plus or minus 3.10 percentage points at a 95% confidence level)

About the Children’s Omnibus survey:

The children’s Omnibus survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB).  From March 24-31, 2014, PSB conducted 200 online interviews from March 24-31, 2014 with children ages 10 to 17. (Margin of error is plus or minus 6.93 percentage points at a 95% confidence level)

About the American Optometric Association (AOA):

The American Optometric Association, a federation of state, student and armed forces optometric associations, was founded in 1898. Today, the AOA is proud to represent the profession of optometry, America’s family eye doctors, who take a leading role in an individual’s overall eye and vision care, health and well-being. Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the independent primary health care professionals for the eye and have extensive, ongoing training to examine, diagnose, treat and manage disorders, diseases and injuries that affect the eye and visual system, providing two-thirds of primary eye care in the U.S. For information on a variety of eye health and vision topics, and to find an optometrist near you, visit aoa.org.

Snowstorms and Other Surprising Reasons You Need Sunglasses

It looks like we are getting another round of lake-effect snow here in Warren tonight.  As you brave the roads on the way to work tomorrow, forgetting your sunwear may be more than an inconvenience.  

Fun in the Sun
I don't know about you, but when it's this cold, I mostly just want to stay inside and watch Netflix.  I'll come outside to shovel and check the mail, but that's about all you'll catch me doing.  I live a mile from the office, so my commute's pretty short too.  Even with that minimal exposure to the sun in the winter, you will always see me wearing my sunglasses outside, even more than in the summer!  

Sunglasses in the Winter?
Many people think of sunglasses as a fashion item.   They're not wrong, but that's not the only reason I wear mine when I'm shoveling snow, no matter how cool I think I look.   Although the sun’s rays (and UV output) may be diminished in the winter, they’re magnified by snow and ice.  This effect can be uncomfortable, and can even compromise your vision.  Here are several things that magnify the sun’s effects.  Don’t forget your sunglasses if you encounter any of them:

-          Snow

-          Ice

-          Sand

-          Water

-          Pavement

How to Help Your Eyes
Many of you, especially if you get your lenses at our office, already have UV protection built into your glasses.  That is a fantastic feature that I recommend on every pair that leaves this office.  That being said, clear lenses don't help block the harshness of the light.  For that, I recommend the following:

Transitions –  These are very convenient.  They are the lenses that let your clear glasses darken and become almost like sunglasses when outdoors. You can even get them polarized these days (Transitions Vantage). I still recommend dedicated sunwear for my patients, but Transitions lenses are a great way to customize your clear pair.

Blutech Outdoor – for blocking UV rays plus high energy blue light.  Both types of sunlight can be damaging to the eyes, but many lenses only protect against UV light.  And while you’re at it, invest in a pair of Blutech Indoor lenses for your computer and other devices, another major source of high energy blue light.

Sunglasses can be a great addition to your personal style, but don't forget about the many health benefits of wearing them - protection from harmful light and harsh glare! 
Check out our last blog post (1/19/16) for more details on the health effects UV rays can have on our eyes!

Sun in the Snow

Sun in the Snow

You've felt the harsh brightness of the sun reflecting off the snow lately, right? Snow reflects nearly 80 percent of the sun’s rays. That means more harmful ultraviolet rays are directed into your eyes than even on a sunny day in the summer.

Hours of bright sunlight can burn the surface of the eye, causing a temporary but painful condition known as photokeratitis. Over time, unprotected exposure can contribute to cataracts, as well as cancer of the eyelids and the skin around the eyes. UV exposure also may increase the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over age 65. While cataracts can be removed surgically, there is no way to reverse damage to the macula, the area in the center of the retina.

To protect your eyes, it is important to wear sunglasses that block out harmful UV light. Grab your summer shades out of the drawer next time you break out the shovel - your eyes will thank you! ‪#‎WarrenPA‬‪#‎WinterinWarren‬

Eye Health Spotlight - Dry Eye Syndrome

Eye Health Spotlight - Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or have a poor quality of tears. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.

With each blink of the eyelids, tears are spread across the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye, and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts, in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain in the back of the nose.

The majority of people over the age of 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes.

The development of dry eyes can have many causes. They include:

• Age – dry eye is a part of the natural aging process. The majority of people over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes.
• Gender – women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and menopause.
• Medications – certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications and antidepressants, can reduce the amount of tears produced in the eyes.
• Medical conditions – persons with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes. Also, problems with inflammation of the eyelids, inflammation of the surfaces of the eye, or the inward or outward turning of eyelids can cause dry eyes to develop.
• Environmental conditions – exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms. Failure to blink regularly, such as when staring at a computer screen for long periods of time, can also contribute to drying of the eyes.
• Other factors – long term use of contact lenses can be a factor in the development of dry eyes. Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can cause decreased tear production and dry eyes.

People with dry eyes may experience symptoms of irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes, a feeling of something in their eyes, excess watering, and blurred vision. Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision.  Treatments for dry eyes aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye to minimize dryness and related discomfort and to maintain eye health.  

Talk to Dr. Mautino about your options for treatment at your next exam.  Remember, eye health related issues such as dry eyes are covered under your medical insurance, so you don’t need to wait until your annual exam to have them taken care of.

New in the Office - Electronic Health Records

Eye Care Professional Associates has recently adopted Eyefinity EHR software to provide its services for the office and our patients.  This software will provide huge benefits to our patients that we are very excited to share!

●      EHRs reduce your paperwork. The clipboard and new patient questionnaire may remain a feature of your doctor’s office for some time to come. But as more information gets added to your EHR, your doctor and hospital will have more of that data available as soon as you arrive. This means fewer and shorter forms for you to complete, reducing the health care “hassle factor.”

●      EHRs get your information accurately into the hands of people who need it. Even if you have relatively simple health care needs, coordinating information among care providers can be a daunting task, and one that can lead to medical mistakes if done incorrectly. When all of your providers can share your health information via EHRs, each of them has access to more accurate and up-to-date information about your care. That enables your providers to make the best possible decisions, particularly in a crisis.

●      EHRs help your doctors coordinate your care and protect your safety. Suppose you see three specialists in addition to your primary care physician. Each of them may prescribe different drugs, and sometimes, these drugs may interact in harmful ways. EHRs can warn your care providers if they try to prescribe a drug that could cause that kind of interaction. An EHR may also alert one of your doctors if another doctor has already prescribed a drug that did not work out for you, saving you from the risks and costs of taking ineffective medication.

●      EHRs reduce unnecessary tests and procedures. Have you ever had to repeat medical tests ordered by one doctor because the results weren’t readily available to another doctor? Those tests may have been uncomfortable and inconvenient or have posed some risk, and they also cost money. Repeating tests—whether a free eye-pressure test or a $2,000 MRI--results in higher costs to you in the form of bigger bills and increased insurance premiums. With EHRs, all of your care providers can have access to all your test results and records at once, reducing the potential for unnecessary repeat tests.

●      EHRs give you direct access to your health records. In the United States, you already have a Federally guaranteed right to see your health records, identify wrong and missing information, and make additions or corrections as needed. Some health care providers with EHR systems give their patients direct access to their health information online in ways that help preserve privacy and security. This access enables you to keep better track of your care, and in some cases, answer your questions immediately rather than waiting hours or days for a returned phone call. This access may also allow you to communicate directly and securely with your healthcare provider. 

We had a great time doing eye health screenings at Warren General Hospital's annual World Diabetes Day Awareness event.

Remember to have your eyes examined yearly, especially folks with diabetes! ‪#‎NationalDiabetesMonth‬‪#‎WarrenPA‬ ‪#‎vision‬ ‪#‎eyehealth‬ ‪#‎optometrist‬ ‪#‎eyedoc‬