Caring for Our Eye Health as We Age

Choosing the right glasses is about more than just getting help to see properly. Different activities have different visual demands (reading a book, working at a desk, driving, playing sport, being out in the countryside, etc). A pair of glasses that are ideal for one activity may not be the best for another. Having a different pair of glasses for each activity can help you see comfortably and meet the specific visual requirements of that activity. At the Ross Eye Institute of UBMD, our eye care specialists know that good vision matters and that you need the correct glasses or contact lenses to suit your lifestyle. The right pair of glasses or contacts can make a real difference in how you go about your day, and it's important to know your options so you can make the right decision for your vision care. Why Different Activities May Require Different Eyewear Your eyes don't have the same demands throughout the day. Reading a book is a very different proposition to driving in terms of what your eyes have to do. Reading requires you to be looking at something very close to your face. Driving on the other hand requires you to see clearly at a distance and be aware of your surroundings. Working at a computer for long periods of time is essentially a case of looking at an intermediate distance for hours on end. Depending on your prescription and your visual requirements, a single pair of glasses may be sufficient in some situations. You may well find that you benefit from having separate glasses for different activities. Different eyewear options may include: Everyday glasses: prescription glasses can help to correct refractive errors (e.g. myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism). Reading glasses: for people who have difficulty focusing on near objects (those with age-related changes in near vision). Computer glasses: depending on your prescription and your workstation setup, they may well provide comfortable vision at your computer screen. Prescription sunglasses: these provide vision correction and at the same time help protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays (if they have appropriate UV protection). Sports eyewear (protective eyewear designed for specific sports) can help to improve visual performance and lower the risk of eye injury. The best options for you will be down to your prescription, your lifestyle and your individual eye health requirements. The Benefits of Choosing Eyewear for Your Lifestyle Wearing the right eyewear for the activity you're engaged in can go a long way to making sure you have clear, comfortable vision all day. If you're someone who spends a lot of time at a computer then you may well benefit from having a discussion with your optician about screen distance correction. If you're an outdoor person then you'll probably need a pair of sunglasses that provide good UV protection. People involved in sport will of course need impact resistant protective eyewear. Using the right glasses can also help you avoid having to compromise when undertaking different visual tasks. Glasses prescribed for one purpose may not be appropriate for another. Reading glasses for example are generally not appropriate for driving. If you're suffering from frequent eye strain, headaches, blurred vision or difficulty focusing at certain times then an eye test can help establish whether your prescription or glasses need to be reviewed. How to Determine Which Eyewear Is Right for You Choosing the right glasses starts with an understanding of your vision. As part of a full eye exam, your optician will assess your vision, prescription, and any problems you have with day-to-day activities. Make sure you tell them how you use your eyes during the day. How much time do you spend reading? How much time do you spend in front of a computer or other digital screen? How much driving do you do? How much time do you spend outdoors? All of this information will be of value in helping them to recommend the right type of glasses for you. It's also important to have regular eye tests even if your current glasses are working fine. Your prescription and eyesight can change over time, and regular eye care helps monitor your vision and eye health. Finding the Right Eyewear for Clear, Comfortable Vision Having more than one pair of glasses isn't essential for everyone but different activities may well require a different type of glasses (or eye protection). It's all down to your individual needs and the activities you're likely to be doing. Knowing your options will help you to find the right glasses for your lifestyle and your visual needs.  At Ross Eye Institute of UBMD our eye care professionals provide comprehensive eye care to help you understand your vision needs and work through the various options that are available. If you have any questions about your current glasses or are wondering whether another type of glasses might be of benefit to you, book an appointment to talk through your options and find out more about how you can protect your vision.

October is observed as Vision Awareness Month , which makes it a perfect opportunity to pay attention to protecting your eyesight and to keep your eye health in good shape. Since regular eye care is an important element of your general health, having an annual full eye examination can enable your eye care professional to spot any changes in your vision and to identify some eye conditions before noticeable symptoms appear. At the Ross Eye Institute of UBMD our eye care specialists carry out thorough eye exams in order to check your vision and examine your eye health. Although a large number of people arrange for an eye examination when they notice a change in their vision, it is also important to have routine exams even when your eyes feel fine and your vision appears normal. An eye examination doesn't just tell you whether you need glasses or a prescription change; during the exam, your eye care provider can detect signs of several conditions that may affect your vision and overall health. Conditions that may be detected during an eye exam include: • Diabetes and diabetic eye disease • Glaucoma • Retinal abnormalities • Cataracts • Macular degeneration • Changes affecting the optic nerve Some eye conditions can progress gradually without obvious symptoms at first. With regular examinations, your eye care provider can identify changes over time and suggest appropriate treatment or further testing if needed. What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam? An eye examination goes beyond assessing your ability to read the letters on an eye chart, and your eye care provider might examine your visual acuity, your eye movements, your pupils, your eye pressure, and the general health of the various structures inside and around your eyes. Your doctor might also examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of disease or other abnormalities, depending on your circumstances and risk factors. Such examinations are especially important for people who have conditions like diabetes or who are at greater risk of glaucoma or retinal disease. Why Annual Eye Exams Matter Including an annual eye examination in your regular healthcare routine helps keep you informed about your vision and eye health. It may detect early signs of a condition that needs monitoring or treatment, even if you don't notice any changes in your eyesight. How often you need eye exams may vary based on your age, medical history, family history, vision needs, and risk factors. Your eye care physician will be able to advise you on how often you should have a full eye examination based on your particular circumstances. Protecting Your Vision Through Regular Eye Care Vision Awareness Month reminds us that eye care should be an ongoing priority. Routine eye exams can help detect changes in your vision and provide useful information about your eye health. At the Ross Eye Institute of UBMD, we offer thorough eye care to help patients keep their vision healthy. If it has been a year or longer since your last examination, you should discuss with your eye care provider the idea of arranging a comprehensive eye exam and finding out more about how to protect your vision.

Driving at night, walking through poorly lit spaces, or adjusting to darkness can become more difficult when your vision changes. Night vision problems , also called nyctalopia or night blindness , make it hard to see clearly in low light and may make everyday activities less comfortable or safe. At Ross Eye Institute at UBMD , our eye care specialists evaluate changes in night vision to identify the cause and recommend customized treatment options. Understanding why night vision changes occur can help you take the right steps to protect your eye health. Night vision problems occur when the eyes have difficulty seeing clearly in dim or dim-light environments. Some people notice symptoms gradually, while others experience a sudden change in their night vision. Common signs of night vision problems include: Difficulty driving at night Increased sensitivity to headlights and bright lights Trouble seeing in dark rooms Difficulty adjusting when switching from bright to dark environments Seeing halos or glare around lights Blurred or reduced vision in low illumination conditions Difficulty recognizing objects or people in dim lighting Occasional difficulty seeing at night may be normal, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an eye care professional. What Causes Poor Night Vision? Several eye conditions and vision changes add to poor night vision . A common cause is an outdated glasses or contact lens prescription. Refractive conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can make nighttime vision especially challenging. Other possible causes include: Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens can cause glare, halos, and reduced contrast, particularly at night. Glaucoma: Changes associated with glaucoma can affect vision and may make navigating low-light environments more difficult. Retina disorders: Diseases affecting the retina can interfere with the eye’s ability to function in low light. Dry eye disease: An unstable tear film may contribute to variable vision, glare, and discomfort. Certain medications or health conditions: Some medications and medical conditions may affect how the eyes adapt to darkness. Because night vision problems have many causes, a comprehensive eye exam is important to determine what affects your vision. When Should You Have Your Eyes Examined? If you regularly struggle with night driving , have increased glare from headlights, or notice changes in your vision in dark environments, schedule an eye exam. Also seek evaluation if symptoms develop suddenly or come with other vision changes. Your eye care provider may evaluate your visual acuity, prescription, eye health, and other structures of the eye to determine the source of your symptoms. Improving Your Night Vision Treatment for night vision problems depends on the underlying cause. Updating your prescription may improve vision for patients with refractive errors, while conditions such as cataracts or other eye diseases may require additional treatment.  At Ross Eye Institute at UBMD, we provide comprehensive eye care focused on identifying the cause of vision changes and helping patients preserve clear, healthy vision. If nighttime glare, difficulty seeing in the dark, or other night vision problems are affecting your daily life, schedule an eye exam to learn more about your options.

Dry, irritated eyes can make everyday activities such as uncomfortable. Artificial tears and other treatments may deliver temporary relief but do not always provide a permanent solution to the underlying cause of chronic dry eye. For many patients, the problem begins with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common condition that affects tear film quality. At Ross Eye Institute at UBMD, we use advanced technology to treat the root cause of dry eye with OptiLight® IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and OptiPLUS™ , helping patients achieve long-lasting comfort and healthier eyes. What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)? The meibomian glands are tiny oil-producing glands located along the edges of your eyelids. These glands release oils that help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When the glands become blocked or stop functioning properly, tears evaporate faster, leading to dry eye symptoms such as: Burning or stinging eyes Redness Blurred vision Gritty or sandy sensation Watery eyes Eye fatigue Light sensitivity MGD is a leading cause of dry eye disease and frequently worsens over time without treatment. What Is OptiLight® IPL? OptiLight® is an FDA-approved Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment specifically tailored to manage dry eye disease associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. During treatment, the skin around the eyes is exposed to controlled pulses of light. These gentle pulses help reduce inflammation, improve meibomian gland function, and decrease abnormal blood vessels that contribute to chronic dry eye. Many patients notice gradual improvement after a series of treatments, with benefits including: Reduced dry eye symptoms Improved tear stability Less eyelid inflammation Greater comfort during daily activities Boosted overall eye health The procedure is non-invasive, requires little or no downtime, and usually takes a short office visit. What Is OptiPLUS™? OptiPLUS™ is often used alongside OptiLight® to deliver a more comprehensive treatment for dry eye disease. Following IPL therapy, OptiPLUS™ gently clears blockages from the meibomian glands, allowing healthy oils to flow more freely into the tear film. This combination targets both inflammation and gland obstruction, two major contributors to evaporative dry eye. Through combining these advanced technologies, patients may experience more effective and longer-lasting relief than with traditional treatments alone. Who May Benefit from IPL Dry Eye Treatment? OptiLight® and OptiPLUS™ may be recommended for patients who: Have chronic dry eye symptoms Have been diagnosed with meibomian gland dysfunction Depend on artificial tears multiple times each day Experience eyelid inflammation or redness Have not found sufficient relief from conventional treatments Spend long hours using digital devices A comprehensive eye exam lets your eye care specialist determine if these treatments suit your individual needs. What to Expect During Treatment Your provider will first evaluate your eyes and eyelids to determine the severity of your dry eye disease and meibomian gland function. During an OptiLight® session, protective shields cover the eyes while pulses of light are delivered to the treatment area. Patients often describe the sensation as a mild snapping against the skin. If OptiPLUS™ is included in your treatment plan, your provider will then gently express the meibomian glands to remove blockages and restore healthy oil flow. Most treatment plans include a series of treatments scheduled several weeks apart to get the best possible results. Find Lasting Relief from Dry Eye Living with chronic dry eye does not have to be your new normal. Advanced therapies like OptiLight® IPL and OptiPLUS™ treat the underlying causes of evaporative dry eye rather than just masking symptoms.  At Ross Eye Institute at UBMD, our experienced eye care specialists extend personalized dry eye evaluations and advanced treatment options to help restore comfort, improve tear quality, and protect your long-term eye health. If dry, irritated eyes are affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment to learn whether OptiLight® and OptiPLUS™ are right for you.

Red, itchy, irritated eyes can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Many people assume these symptoms are caused by allergies, but dry eye syndrome can produce similar signs. Understanding the difference between dry eye and eye allergies is important to find the right treatment and protect your long-term eye health. At Ross Eye Institute at UBMD, our specialists work hard to identify the source of their symptoms and develop specific treatment plans to improve comfort and vision. Understanding Dry Eye Dry eye occurs when the eyes don’t make sufficient tears or when they evaporate too quickly. Tears play a key part in keeping the surface of the eye lubricated, nourished, and protected. Several variables lead to dry eye syndrome, including: • Aging • Extended screen time • Certain medications • Hormonal changes • Environmental conditions such as wind or dry air • Preexisting health conditions Dry eye symptoms may include: • Burning or stinging sensations • Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes • Blurred vision • Eye fatigue • Sensitivity to light • Excessive tearing as a response to irritation Symptoms often worsen after reading, computer use, or prolonged visual tasks, so many patients notice discomfort later in the day. Understanding Eye Allergies Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to environmental allergens in which the eyes become inflamed. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and seasonal allergens. When the eyes come into contact with an allergen, the immune system responds by sending histamines through the body that cause inflammation and irritation. Common symptoms of eye allergies include: • Intense itching • Redness • Watery eyes • Swollen eyelids • Burning sensations • Mucus discharge Unlike dry eye, allergy symptoms often occur alongside other allergy-related issues such as sneezing, nasal congestion, or a runny nose. Key Differences Between Dry Eye and Eye Allergies Although the symptoms can overlap, several important differences may help distinguish between the two conditions. Itching Is More Common with Allergies Itching is often the hallmark symptom of eye allergies. While dry eye may cause irritation or discomfort, significant itching is more likely to be associated with an allergic reaction. Dry Eye Often Causes a Gritty Feeling Many patients with dry eye describe feeling as though sand or a foreign object is trapped in their eyes. This experience is less common with allergies. Allergies Usually Produce More Tearing Eye allergies often trigger excessive watering as the body responds to allergens. Dry eye can also cause reflex tearing, yet the eyes still feel dry. Symptoms May Follow Seasonal Patterns If symptoms worsen during spring or fall allergy seasons, eye allergies may be the cause. Dry eye symptoms persist year-round and may worsen in dry environments or during lengthy screen use. When to Schedule an Eye Examination Dry eye and eye allergies can look very similar, so a professional eye examination is often the best way to determine the underlying cause. You should schedule an evaluation if you experience: • Persistent redness or irritation • Ongoing blurry vision • Eye discomfort that does not improve • Frequent tearing or dryness • Light sensitivity • Symptoms that impede daily activities An eye care professional can assess tear production, evaluate the ocular surface, and find signs of allergies or other eye conditions. Finding Relief for Your Symptoms Proper diagnosis is the primary pathway to effective treatment. Dry eye management may include artificial tears, prescription medications, habit modifications, or advanced therapies. Eye allergy treatment often focuses on avoiding triggers and using antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications when appropriate. At Ross Eye Institute at UBMD, we provide comprehensive eye care services to help patients find relief from dry eye symptoms, eye allergies, and other vision concerns. If you are experiencing ongoing eye irritation, scheduling a thorough optical test can determine the source and restore your comfort and eye health.

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