Do Ultra-Processed Foods Cause Glaucoma?

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There was a recent study performed that showed a potential link between ultra-processed foods and glaucoma, which may lead people to ask if a diet rich in these foods could cause the condition. We’ll look at the facts of the case, and why it’s important to watch what you eat if you want to protect your eyes. 

Blood Glucose Levels 

The study saw that the association between glaucoma and ultra-processed foods was notable in both men and older adults. The hypothesis from researchers was that ultra-processed foods increase blood glucose levels, which could lead to this notorious nerve disorder. The study pointed out sweet foods as a particular culprit. 

Lifestyle and Glaucoma 

Glaucoma in Pittsburgh, PA, is a particularly tricky disease. It’s hard to know who will develop it and how badly it will manifest in the individual. There are also no guarantees when it comes to prevention. Unfortunately, some people can lead perfectly healthy lives and still end up with fluid issues and subsequent nerve damage. 

Regardless of these uncertainties, there have been enough studies done to draw a link between unhealthy lifestyle choices and glaucoma. Cutting back on processed foods, getting more sleep, and getting more exercise can all have a huge impact on your overall well-being and may reduce your odds of developing glaucoma. 

Glaucoma in Pittsburgh, PA 

If you’re looking for an optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, with enough experience to treat your ever-changing eyes, it’s important to look for a staff with the best reputation. At Lappen Eye Care, with locations in Pittsburgh, McMurray, and Greensburg, our practice is built to help your vision thrive. Whether you could stand to make a few changes to your diet or not, we’re here to help you keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

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.

How Blue Light Affects Your Vision and What You Can Do About It

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In today’s digital age, screens are an unavoidable part of our daily lives. Whether it’s your phone, computer, or TV, these devices emit blue light that can have an impact on your vision and overall eye health. While blue light isn’t inherently bad—it’s naturally present in sunlight—excessive exposure from artificial sources can pose risks. Here’s what you should know about blue light and how to protect your eyes.

What Is Blue Light?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and has a shorter wavelength, meaning it produces more energy than other colors of light. This high-energy light penetrates deep into the eyes, which can lead to both immediate and long-term effects on your vision.

How Blue Light Affects Your Eyes

  1. Digital Eye Strain
    Staring at screens for extended periods can cause symptoms like dryness, headaches, and blurred vision. This is often referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.
  2. Sleep Disruption
    Blue light exposure, particularly in the evening, can interfere with your natural sleep cycle by suppressing melatonin production. This makes it harder to fall and stay asleep.
  3. Potential Long-Term Damage
    Although more research is needed, some studies suggest prolonged exposure to blue light may increase the risk of retinal damage and contribute to conditions like macular degeneration over time.

Tips to Protect Your Eyes

  1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
    Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break from screen focus and reduces strain.
  2. Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses
    These specially designed lenses filter out a significant portion of blue light, making them a great option for frequent screen users.
  3. Use Screen Filters
    Blue light filters for your phone, tablet, or computer can reduce glare and minimize exposure. Many devices also have a “night mode” setting that adjusts the display to warmer tones.
  4. Regular Eye Exams
    Annual check-ups with an optometrist can help monitor your eye health and address any issues caused by blue light exposure. Your eye doctor can also recommend lenses or treatments to protect your vision.

Protect Your Vision with Lappen Eye Care

At Lappen Eye Care, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges of modern eye care, including the effects of blue light. Whether you need specialized lenses, treatment for digital eye strain, or just advice on maintaining healthy vision, our team is ready to assist you.

With convenient locations in Pittsburgh, McMurray, and Greensburg, we make it easy to prioritize your eye health. Contact us today to schedule your next exam!

Can You Get an Astigmatism from Pressing Your Fingers Against Your Eyes?

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Can You Get an Astigmatism from Pressing Your Fingers Against Your Eyes?

Astigmatism is caused by the wrong type of curve in the cornea. Known as a refractive error, up to one in three people in America have this condition, which can affect people of every age. If you’re wondering how you get the condition, we’ll look at how it works and the most common reasons for it.

Can You Cause an Astigmatism By Rubbing Your Eyes?

Yes. Because the pressure can change the shape of the eye, you may be able to cause astigmatism in Pittsburgh, PA, from frequent rubbing or wiping of the eyes.

What to Know About Astigmatisms 

Here are a few facts of note about astigmatisms:

  • Your cornea is supposed to be shaped more like a softball than a football. When it starts to look like a pigskin, it causes the light rays to change on the retina. This results in blurry vision.
  • An astigmatism can also occur to the eye’s lens if it has an irregular shape. Called lenticular astigmatism, the condition has the same results as standard astigmatism. It should be noted that an affected lens is far less common than an affected cornea.
  • You’re more likely to be diagnosed with astigmatism if you have far- or nearsightedness. (Also, sitting too close to the TV has nothing to do with astigmatism!)

Schedule an Evaluation with an Optometrist 

In some cases, particularly with infants, astigmatism will clear up independently. However, for most people, it’s a more permanent problem. If you’re experiencing changes in your vision, schedule an appointment with aneye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, today. At Lappen Eye Care, with locations in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and McMurray, we can tell you if you have an astigmatism and what likely caused it.

3 Signs Your Eyeglasses Don’t Fit

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If youreyeglasses in Pittsburgh, PA, are constantly slipping off of your face, you don’t have to wonder whether they don’t fit. However, there are subtler signs that your eyeglasses either need to be adjusted or simply aren’t a good match for your face. We’ll look at a few reasons you might need to stop by your optometrist’s office or optics provider.

Eyestrain
If your glasses don’t fit, it can misplace the optical center of the lenses. If you cannot see through the right part of your lenses, you may find yourself straining to make out everything from letters to shapes in the distance. You may also experience headaches due to all the squinting.

Crooked Frames
Crooked frames are a sign that the fit is off, likely because the frames were bent or otherwise warped in some way. Frames should sit even and level on your face. You can always check your reflection if your friends or family haven’t mentioned that your eyeglasses are crooked.

Nose Pad Marks
You might be surprised at just how many people have tight glasses without realizing it. This is because you can become used to practically any sensation during the day, particularly if it’s not urgent pressure. Of course, your face won’t lie, so if you have bright red marks from the nose pads, your glasses are too tight. You may also get headaches if the pressure around your temples builds up.

See an Optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA
A reputableoptometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, will look at more than just the fit of the frames. When the goal is to see better, they’ll recommend a pair of eyewear that will sit level and stay level so you always know what you’re looking at. At Lappen Eye Care, we’ll help you find the right pair for you.

Does My Child Need Another Pair of Glasses?

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When you’re on a budget, you don’t want to overspend if you don’t have to. It’s why many parents purchase only one pair of glasses for their child for the year. However, there are a few reasons why you may want to be more proactive regarding their vision.

How Prescriptions Change Over Time
Adults and children alike experience changes to their vision as they age. However, children may experience bigger changes in shorter time periods. If your child is constantly squinting or complaining that they can’t see, this is an obvious reason to take them to anoptometrist in Greensburg, PA.

If the prescription has changed more subtly, it may not be as noticeable to either of you. When some children may need glasses in just six months, it’s important to pay attention to the signs. If they seem to struggle to make out shapes or read smaller words, they may need a new pair of glasses. Of course, you can keep the frames and change the lenses in this case (even if your child wants an entirely new pair).

The Nature of Children
Beyond the need for a new prescription, there are also general considerations to factor in. Children’s eyeglasses are designed to be strong enough to handle a little rough-and-tumble. Of course, even if they’re titanium-strong, they’re not indestructible. Plus, children have a tendency to grow, which can causeeyeglasses in Greensburg, PA, to become null-and-void.

See an Eye Doctor in Greensburg
Some parents might see their eye doctor more than once yearly because their child is changing. Others may just do it to have an extra set on hand. No matter why you’re looking for a new pair, Lappen Eye Care is here to help.

Make 2024 the Year to Support Your Visual Health!

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With a new year just over the horizon, there is no better time to decide if it is time to schedule your annualeye exam in Pittsburgh, PA. However, there is also no better time to start considering what you can do differently in the coming year to support your visual health. Take a look at these changes you can resolve to make during New Year’s to be kinder to your vision and protect your eyes for the long term.

1. Prioritize Learning About Eye Health Risks
Consider taking a few minutes occasionally to educate yourself about the various eye health conditions that may be more of a threat to you. For example, if you have a family history of glaucoma, it can be helpful to learn about the risk factors of glaucoma and how you can lower the risks for yourself.

2. Embrace Healthy Vision Habits
As part of your New Year’s resolutions, consider adopting healthy vision habits. These include practicing the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain during prolonged screen time, ensuring proper lighting in your workspace, and wearing protective eyewear in situations that pose a risk to your eyes.

3. Reevaluate Digital Device Usage
As we enter the new year, consider reassessing your digital device habits. Extended screen time can contribute to digital eye strain, whether for work or leisure. Adjusting screen brightness, using blue light filters, and taking breaks can help alleviate strain and reduce potential long-term effects on your vision.

Start the New Year Off by Being Good to Your Eyes with a Visit to a Pittsburgh Eye Doctor
APittsburgh optometrist can guide you on the path to optimal eye health, ensuring that you start the new year with a clear vision and a proactive approach to caring for your eyes. Take the first step towards a vision-friendly year by scheduling your annual eye exam at Lappen Eye Care.

Hydration Hacks for Dry Eyes: Beyond Water and Eye Drops

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Of all the ocular health conditions people face, dry eyes are one of the most common reasons for seekingmedical eye care in Pittsburgh, PA. While the top two recommendations for dry eye management always include hydration and good eye drops, other hacks can also help. Check out these less-mentioned ideas for managing your dry eye issues.

1. Check Your Environment for Chemicals
Chemicals and air pollutants can contribute to dry eye symptoms. For example, if you frequently use home fragrance products or perfume, these products contain chemicals that can irritate your eyes. If you have ongoing issues even with hydration and eye drops, take a look at pollutants in your environment that could be to blame.

2. Monitor Allergen Exposure
Seasonal allergies can affect your eyes, even contributing to dry, irritated eyes. Therefore, if you have ongoing issues with dry eyes, consider if exposure to allergens would be to blame. For instance, pet dander and dust may be to blame if you are known to have allergy sensitivities to these often airborne compounds.

3. Wear Sunglasses
Some people can have a higher sensitivity to UV light than others, and this heightened sensitivity can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. In some cases, no UV protection can cause excessive tearing, which in turn can cause issues with dry and tired eyes. Therefore, be sure to wear UV-protective sunglasses when in the sun.

Discuss Other Dry Eye Solutions with a Pittsburgh Optometrist
Dry eyes can be aggravating, but there are solutions that a Pittsburgh eye doctor can offer that can help. If you struggle with dry eyes, be sure to reach out to the team at Lappen Eye Care to schedule an appointment.

Contact Lens Care 101: Best Practices for Comfort and Hygiene

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For many patients,contact lenses in Pittsburgh, PA, are one of the most desirable paths to better vision. However, if you are a contact lens wearer, taking good care of your lenses must become a stationary part of your everyday routine. Take a look at these best practices for comfort and hygiene below.

1. Only install clean contact lenses
Always make sure contact lenses have been properly cleaned with an approved contact lens cleaning solution before installing them. Small particles, most of which are impossible to see with the naked eye, like bacteria, can linger on the lens and cause the risk of infection.

2. Remove contacts before swimming and bathing
Make it a habit to take out your lenses before showering, bathing, or swimming. Splashes of water can contain bacteria that can get trapped behind the lenses.

3. Keep your hands clean when removing and installing lenses
Just as you need to have clean lenses, you also need clean hands. Bacteria can transfer from the fingers to the clean lens during installation. So, before touching the cleaned lenses, be sure to wash your hands well with an antibacterial soap.

4. Replace contact lenses as recommended
Contact lenses will need to be replaced at different intervals depending on the type. For example, some lenses are only meant to be worn for one day and then replaced, while others may be wearable for a few days as long as they are properly cleaned between wears.

Discuss Proper Contact Lens Hygiene with a Pittsburgh Optometrist
Contact lenses can bring a few added steps to your daily routine. However, when you follow the recommendations of aPittsburgh dentist, these optic solutions can make a dramatic difference in everyday life. Reach out to the team at Lappen Eye Care with questions.

Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned?

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If you spend any amount of time in the sun, you shouldn’t neglect protecting your eyes. It’s important to talk with your optometrist in Greensburg, PA, about how the sun can damage your eyes. Did you know your eyes could get sunburned? They can! Keep reading to learn more.

Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned?
Most people don’t realize their eyes can get sunburned. This is a condition called photokeratitis. Sunburned eyes are extremely painful and generally require urgent medical care. But fortunately, photokeratitis doesn’t usually lead to permanent blindness.

How Do You Know if Your Eyes Are Sunburned?
You will know if you have sunburned eyes if you have the following symptoms.

Severe eye pain after being in the sun.
Red eyes.
Gritty feeling eyes.
Swelling in your eyes.
Blurred vision.
Watery eyes.
Sensitivity to bright light.
Twitching eyelids.
You see halos.
How Do You Treat Sunburned Eyes?
If you have sunburned eyes, you will need to schedule an eye doctor exam in Greensburg, PA, immediately for a diagnosis and treatment. But while you are waiting for your eye doctor’s appointment, you can do the following to treat your sunburned eyes.

Take a cold, wet cloth compress and put it over your closed eyes. This will help reduce any eye pain and swelling you might have. You can also get some artificial tears eyedrops to lubricate your eyes. This will help ease the gritty feeling that comes from sunburned eyes. Additionally, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen. This will help reduce much of the eye irritation and inflammation that accompanies sunburned eyes.

Do You Need an Optometrist in Greenburg, PA?
If you need an optometrist in Greenburg, PA, please Contact Lappen Eye Care today. We offer a comfortable, relaxing environment where we treat everyone like family. And we have state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure you get the best dental care possible.