Top Foods to Boost Your Eye Health

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You know that nutrition is important, but your optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA wants to emphasize the importance of nutrition to eye health, specifically.

Leafy Greens

Head to the vegetable section of your favorite supermarket. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with nutrients that benefit eye health. They’re rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help protect your eyes from harmful light exposure and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Adding these greens to your diet can also help prevent cataracts.

Fish High in Omega-3

Your fish monger may just have the solution for great eyesight! Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining the health of the retina. Omega-3s can also help reduce dry eye symptoms by improving tear production.

Eggs

Thank goodness for chickens! Eggs provide a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, and they also contain significant amounts of zinc. The combination of these nutrients makes eggs a versatile and powerful food for boosting eye health, so make friends with a local chicken coop owner!

Citrus Fruits

No matter how you slice it, Vitamin C is a prize fighter when it comes to eye health. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are excellent sources of vitamin C.

Nuts and Seeds

Squirrels must have great vision, because almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E! Regular consumption of these nuts and seeds can help reduce the risk of cataracts and AMD.

So get busy in the kitchen and put together some nutritious homemade meals using these fresh ingredients! And contact Lappen Eye Care to book your next eye exam in Pittsburgh, PA!

How Eye Makeup Can Impact Eye Health

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As your optometrist in Greensburg, PA, we share your desire for optimal eye health. The eyes are one of the finest features on the face, and they can enhance your overall appearance. Many people find it enjoyable and helpful to apply eye makeup to further enhance their eyes’ natural beauty. This has been done for centuries and is perfectly acceptable and safe, as long as considerations are made. It’s important to understand how eye makeup can impact eye health.

Transference of Bacteria

The application of eye makeup entails using certain tools like brushes and sponge-tip applicators over and over again. These applicators can easily become harbors for bacteria if not cleaned after each use. Once a dirty applicator comes into contact with the entire container of eye makeup, that powder, cream, liner or mascara also becomes filled with bacteria. Then it’s reused and the bacteria is once again transferred to the eye area. This scenario also holds true for fingers, when used to rub around the eyes or lashes.

Blockage of Tear Ducts

When makeup is applied too near the actual eyeball, the tear ducts can become clogged. A buildup of makeup debris can inhibit the melbomian glands from functioning properly. The result may be dry eyes or worse.

Transference of Disease

Siblings and close friends who share eye makeup may be sharing more than they bargained for. Eye diseases like conjunctivitis are highly contagious, sometimes long before there are visible symptoms.

Practice Good Eye Makeup Hygiene

To avoid problems like the ones mentioned above, practice good eye makeup hygiene. Wash hands before applying makeup, wash and/or replace applicators often and never share eye makeup.

To book your next eye exam in Greensburg, PA, contact Lappen Eye Care today!

Do Home Masks Work for Dry Eyes?

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Dry eyes are a common medical condition, but they’re also one of the least serious disorders you can have. Because they’re not particularly dangerous, it’s easy for people to pick up a few eye drops and call it a day. Of course, chronic dry eye is a different story that can impact your vision at key times of day (like when driving). We’ll examine how home masks work and whether you should try one.

Dry Eyes and Masks

Dry eyes in Pittsburgh, PA can be caused by anything from medications to hereditary disorders. In these cases, dry eye masks may not make much difference. That’s because masks target the meibomian gland, otherwise known as the gland that produces the oil that mixes with your tears to combat dry eye. When this gland is clogged, the oil production can slow or stop entirely. A dry eye mask can gently loosen up the oil so it can exit through the eyelid.

Do Dry Eye Masks Work?

The short answer is that dry eye masks do work for some people. In fact, warm compresses made from a washcloth can be equally effective, depending on the severity of the condition. That’s because warming the oil will make it more fluid, so you can enjoy better quality tears and keep dry eyes at bay.

Curing Dry Eye in Pittsburgh, PA

For some people, dry eyes are little more than a nuisance, solved with little more than a hot shower or a good night’s sleep. For others, they may need occasional home remedies for relief. For more serious cases, though, ones that cause more extreme discomfort, it can help to see an eye doctor in Pittsburgh.

Demodex Mites and Your Eyes: FAQs from Concerned Patients

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The issue can sound scary—microscopic mites living around your eyes. However, these little bugs are more common than most people know, which is why many are surprised to hear they have an infestation when they visit for an eye exam in Pittsburgh. Take a look at a few questions patients tend to have about Demodex mites below.

How do Demodex mites get around your eyes?

Demodex mites are naturally present on your skin and can migrate to the eyelid where they sometimes cause irritation. These tiny insects thrive in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, but sometimes, the mites can get more populated, which can cause eye health concerns.

How do you know if you have Demodex mites in your lashes?

Most people have Demodex mites to some degree that live on their skin and around facial hair, including the eyelashes. However, if there is an overabundance of these microscopic mites or you are especially sensitive, you may experience:

  • Itchy or irritated eyes
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Crusty debris on eyelashes or eyelids
  • Increased sensitivity to light or products
  • Frequent eye infections

If you experience these symptoms, consult an eye care professional for evaluation.

Can you get rid of Demodex mite issues on your own?

While a severe case of demodex mites may require a trip to the eye doctor, you can control the outbreak to some degree by adopting a few good habits, including:

  • Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
  • Use tea tree oil or products containing it to cleanse the eyelids.
  • Apply warm compresses to loosen debris and soothe irritation.
  • Avoid using heavy or oily cosmetics on the eyes.
  • Regularly wash pillowcases and towels in hot water.
  • Maintain good overall hygiene and skincare practices.

Discuss Your Eye Health Concerns with a Pittsburgh Eye Doctor

From dust mite concerns to eye disease evaluation, the best Pittsburgh eye doctor is always on your side. Reach out to the team at Lappen Eye Care to discuss all of your visual health concerns or schedule an appointment.

How an Annual Eye Exam Can Lead to Better Overall Health  

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Did you know that the possibility of common diseases — including hypertension and diabetes — can sometimes be detected by a comprehensive eye exam and vision check at Lappen Eye Care long before other symptoms appear?

It’s true.

Because the eyes are, in effect, small windows to the way blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues operate throughout the body, an eye exam can detect issues that may be particularly important in your effort to achieve lasting health and wellness.

Reasons to Schedule an Eye Exam

Changes in vision can be early warning signs of other diseases. Small changes in vision or tear formation can alert medical practitioners to the possibility of other diseases or conditions. Some potential early warning signs can point to certain cancers, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders. The modern diagnostic tools employed by Lappen Eye Care clinics in the Pittsburgh area allow us to look deep inside the structure of your eyes to determine abnormalities. If worrisome signs are present, your eye doctor will most likely recommend further screening by a specialist.

Some conditions an annual eye exam might detect, according to the American Institute of Ophthalmology, include:

  • Cancers of the skin, blood, or tissues
  • A brain tumor
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated cholesterol levels
  • Lyme disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Sexually transmitted disease

When to Heed Warning Signs

In all, there are more than 20 serious medical conditions that might be related to changes in eye structure or vision. That’s not to say that an eye exam should replace regular screenings by your medical team. But it’s also not a good reason to fear a visit to your vision specialist.

Eye or vision abnormalities you should pay attention to include eye pain, changes in pupil size, loss of side vision, blurred or double vision, extreme dryness or sensitivity to light, floaters, night blindness, redness or itchiness, or drooping eyelids. If you experience any of these symptoms, call for a screening.

The best idea, however, is to visit Lappen Eye Care regularly to take advantage of our expertise as well as our advanced diagnostic technology. Why not schedule your routine check-up now?

Do Eye Exercises Really Work?

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You exercise your body, but did you know you should also exercise your eyes? Your optometrist in Greensburg, PA, will tell you that, yes, in fact, eye exercises will help improve your eyesight. So here they are. These are the exercises you should do if you want to improve your eyesight.

 

Highly Effective Eye Exercises That Will Help Improve Your Eyesight

Aside from scheduling your annual routine eye exam in Greensburg, PA, eye exercises are the next best thing you can do for your eye health.

 

Figure Eight

This eye exercise increases eye flexibility and strengthens your eye muscles.

Focus your eyes on a point about 10 feet from you. Then, use the movement of your eyes to trace an imaginary figure eight on the wall.

 

Palming

This eye exercise will help reduce eye fatigue while relaxing your eye muscles.

Warm your palms by rubbing them together. Then, close your eyes and put your warmed palms over them until all images still present disappear.

 

Blinking

This eye exercise helps keep your eyes lubricated.

Take small breaks throughout the day to concentrate on blinking multiple times. To do this, close your eyes and pause there for a few seconds before you open them again. Do this several times in a row.

 

The 20-20-20 Rule

This eye exercise will help reduce eye strain if you spend lots of time in front of a digital screen.

Take a break from looking at your digital screen every 20 minutes. Look at an object you see off in the distance. An object that is at least 20 feet away from you. Look at it for 20 seconds. Repeat this throughout the day.

There are plenty more eye exercises. These are just a few to help get you started.

 

Looking for An Optometrist in Greensburg, PA?

Nothing is more important than your eyesight. So don’t put off your regular eye exams. Please Contact Lappen Eye Care today to schedule your next routine exam. We have a full suite of eye products and services to help you maintain your optical health. 

 

Do Carrots Really Help Your Vision?

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You’ve probably heard your entire life that carrots help your vision. But do they really? Or is this just a bunch of hooey? Of course, you can always ask your optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA. But why wait? Keep reading to learn the truth about carrots and your vision.

The answer is yes and no. Carrots can’t improve your vision. So you can’t eat lots of carrots and expect to get 20/20 vision. But eating carrots can actually help the vision you already have. Keep reading to learn more.

 

How Carrots Help Your Vision

Carrots contain vitamins that will help promote eye health. They contain beta-carotene, which your body uses to convert vitamin A, an essential vitamin for your eyes. In fact, if you lack a significant amount of vitamin A, it could lead to blindness.

Vitamin A can also help prevent the formation of cataracts and macular degeneration. So we would say carrots are a pretty important vegetable for your eye health, wouldn’t you?

 

Will Carrots Restore Vision to the Blind?

Unfortunately, if your vision issues aren’t caused by a lack of vitamin A, eating loads of carrots will not help.

 

The Best Foods for Eye Health

If you want to help maintain your eye health, concentrate on eating plenty of these foods.

  • Fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Red peppers (raw)
  • Dark leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, etc.)
  • Carrots, of course!
  • Lean meats and poultry
  • Seeds (chia, flax, hemp, etc.)
  • Eggs
  • Beans and legumes
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts

And to top it all off, make sure you drink plenty of water.

 

Looking for an Optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA?

Keeping your eyes healthy will mean a lifetime of enjoying all the beauty that surrounds us. And the best way to keep your eyes healthy is to see an optometrist regularly. Please Contact Lappen Eye Care today to schedule your next eye exam. We want to help you to keep your eyes as bright as possible now and going forward!

What Is Rhodopsin, and How Does It Help Night Vision?

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If you’re looking to improve yournight vision in Greensburg, PA, you’re certainly not alone. The harder it is to see in the dark, the more you have to change your routine to fit your new reality. While you can’t stop the progression of time, you may be able to make a few lifestyle changes to slow the process. We’ll look at what rhodopsin is and the role it plays in how well you can make out objects when the lights go down.

What Is Rhodopsin?

Rhodopsin is a type of protein that lives in your retina. It absorbs light by breaking up the particles before sending the signals to the brain. Your body can make rhodopsin at any time, but it happens most when you’re in a dark room or in a place without a lot of light pollution. It takes about 45 minutes for your eyes to generate the protein, which is why it takes a while for your eyes to adjust from light to dark.

How to Have More Rhodopsin 

Sleep and darkness are both great for regenerating rhodopsin. You can also focus on getting more vitamin A in your diet, which is an essential building block for rhodopsin. Add more carrots, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes to breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to get the beta-carotene you need to make enough vitamin A.

See an Eye Doctor in Greensburg, PA

Your night vision is as important as your daytime vision. If you’re starting to find it more difficult to drive or make out objects in a room when the sun goes down, contact Lappen Eye Care to make an appointment with aneye doctor in Greensburg, PA. Our staff can give you the information you need to keep you safe.

Is there a link between diet and eye health?

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Although genetics can be a factor in eye health and vision problems, there is mounting evidence that eating nutrient-rich foods, including an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids, is as good for your eyes as for the rest of your body.

At Lappen Eye Care, we couldn’t agree more.-

Eating for Eye Health
Scientific studies confirm the advantages of nutrient-rich foods that contain abundant healthy vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin A
The beta-carotene found in carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, bell peppers, pumpkins, and leafy vegetables, supplies Vitamin A. It protects the eye’s cornea and improves night vision.

Research confirms that Bugs Bunny had it right about those carrots!

Vitamin C
Vitamin C can reduce the progression of cataracts by one-third and may also help to impede Macular degeneration. Oranges, strawberries, kiwis, green veggies, and hot chili peppers are all high in this particular vitamin.

Additional sources include potatoes and tomatoes, broccoli and cauliflower, spinach, watermelon, and pineapple.

Anti-oxidants
It has been established that high levels of antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper can be instrumental in preventing or fighting AMD or age-related Macular degeneration. Blueberries, raspberries, peanut butter, beans, chocolate, kale, red cabbage, and pecans are just some of the options.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Good not only for retina health but also for general well-being, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include salmon and other oily fish, flaxseed, soybeans, and walnuts. There is evidence that Omega-3s can help deter wet Macular degeneration and alleviate the stinging, itching, and burning sensations associated with dry eye.

Benefits of a Balanced Diet
The medical community, including our team at Lappen Eye Care, supports a healthy lifestyle based on a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, whole grains, dairy, eggs, and nuts.

Let’s discuss lasting eye health recommendations at your next appointment with a Pittsburgh eye doctor. We can also recommend nutritional supplements for specific needs.

The Worst Things You Can Do When Something is in Your Eye

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Everyone gets something in their eye once in a while, but what you do afterward makes all the difference. If you take the wrong steps, you can worsen the situation or even damage your eye. Your eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, wants you to know the worst things you can do when something is in your eye so you don’t make these mistakes.

Rubbing the Eye
Your instinct may be to rub your eye, but doing so can scratch your cornea. The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye. If the foreign object is abrasive, you’d be rubbing that material against your delicate cornea, and you don’t want to do that.

Using Tools to Extract the Object
The last thing you should do is use tweezers or other sharp objects to try to “grab” the object to remove it. This can damage your eye and possibly even cause vision loss.

Rinsing With Tap Water
Cupping water in your clean hand and rinsing the eye is a good idea, but only if you use distilled water. Tap water, drinking water, and even purified water could contain bacteria, microbes, and other things that could infect your eye. If you don’t have distilled water, you can use saline solution, which is commonly used for contact lenses.

Pulling at It
If the object is long and you can grab one end of it, you still don’t want to do that. Instead, head straight to your eye doctor’s office. Otherwise, you risk severely damaging your eye.

If you have something in your eye, you should contact your eye doctor for emergency eye services in Pittsburgh, PA. Contact us today for help or to get your questions answered.