EYE CARE
Information on some of the more common eye-care questions and issues.

What every parent should know about their child's eyes
It's not unusual for children to have vision challenges about which parents are unaware. It's one of the reasons children should have regular vision checkups. Discovering that a child can't see as well as he or she should can explain all kinds of problems, ranging from challenges with school performance to social skills. Having a child's vision checked takes only a few minutes, and can change a child's life.

Pink Eye--What is it really all about?
Is there any condition more notorious and talked about than Pink Eye? Unlikely. But one of the biggest (and least realized) challenges here is there are many forms of Pink Eye. And despite common wisdom, not all forms of Pink Eye are contagious. 

One of the most common forms is Allergic Conjunctivitis, which typically causes redness, itching and tearing. The most common cause is hay fever, and Allergic Conjunctivitis is not contagious. 

But at the other end of the Pink Eye spectrum are Viral and Bacterial Conjunctivitis. These are the forms of Pink Eye that can be contagious. Viral Conjunctivitis can exhibit watery discharge and itching, often accompanied by a cold or sore throat. Bacterial Conjunctivitis often comes with symptoms like pus, crusting over the eyelids, a gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye, and other symptoms. And these are just a couple of the kinds of Pink Eye that are out there. 

As misunderstood as Pink Eye is, the bottom line is this: it’s always a good idea to have it checked by a doctor. 

Healthy diet = Healthy vision
Most folks don't equate lifetime vision health with a diet for life. But the reality is that a diet rich in vegetables, especially leafy dark greens like spinach, collard and chard, can go a long way towards preventing eye problems like macular degeneration. 

There's a famous anecdote about how RAF pilots in World War II exhibited excellent night vision, which was attributed to their regular ration of bilberry jam. Bilberry has been shown in preliminary studies to aid in disorders like cataracts and macular degeneration. Anecdotes aside, keeping vision healthy is a lifelong pursuit. A diet that would be recommended by a cardiologist as heart healthy is equally recommended for healthy vision. But you have to start early and make it a regular habit. As Dr. Sam likes to say, eat dark, leafy greens. You'll see.

Prevent blindness by testing for glaucoma
Regular testing for glaucoma, beginning in middle age, is key for making sure you keep your sight. While glaucoma is more likely if it runs in your family, it can afflict virtually anyone. By catching glaucoma early, it becomes much easier to stem the onset and help ensure you keep your sight.
 

Computer use and eye strain
Here you are, online, in front of your computer, reading about how it's bad for you. (We all love irony.) In an age of ever increasing computer usage, it was only a matter of time before we witnessed a resulting vision malady. Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, is a temporary condition caused by a decreased blinking reflex and extended periods of near focusing.

If you spend extended periods focusing on a computer display, you may experience blurred vision, eye strain, dry, irritated eyes, and difficulty refocusing. Headaches, neck pain and fatigue are also common. Harsh room lighting or glare can aggravate the symptoms. Air conditioning or fans can also contribute to drying out of the eyes. 

A good way to combat CVS is to employ the 20-20-20 Rule: every 20 minutes, focus your eyes on an object at least 20 feet away for a period of 20 seconds. And hey--just get away from the computer occasionally.