Cataract Surgery Can Benefit Those With Alzheimer’s Disease

As we age the natural lens in the middle of the eye will eventually become more cloudy, this is known as a cataract. With the cloudy discoloration present in a cataract, the eye’s natural lens begins to act like a filter causing a decrease in vision, contrast and the overall amount of light entering into the eye. In turn, everyday activities of daily living such as moving about the house, reading, and cooking can become more difficult. Studies have shown those with Alzheimer’s Disease also have difficulty perceiving contrast. Recently several studies have been released showing the benefits of cataract surgery for Alzheimer’s patients. Reports show with better vision comes better sleep patterns, less depression, and a better overall mood. Patients studied had mild dementia and at least one significant cataract. A neuropsychologist evaluated patients at their 1 month and 3 month post-operative visits. Mood, behavior, sleep patterns, the ability to function independently, and cognitive abilities were assessed. Results showed an overall increase in mood, recognition, ability to function independently, and sleep patterns. Dr Alan Lerner says, “If you can’t perceive something, it is hard to remember it.” A simple statement that is so true. The overall conclusion of the study showed that by improving the ability to perceive, cataract surgery can give an Alzheimer’s patient a better quality of life.

What is that floating spot in my vision?

Floaters are small semi-transparent or cloudy particles that are suspended within the vitreous body of your eye. The vitreous body is the clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the inner portion of the eye.

Generally a few floaters are normal and are seen by many individuals at one time or another. These floaters often appear as specks of various shapes and sizes or similar to cobwebs in your vision. These floaters are often more apparent in your vision when in natural lighting and staring at a constant light background; such as when reading a book outside.

There are a few different causes for floaters. They may be small flecks of protein trapped during the formation of the eyes before birth that remain suspended in the clear fluid of the vitreous. Deterioration of the vitreous fluid may also cause floaters to develop. This deterioration is a normal part of the aging process, though this process can be brought on by certain eye diseases or injuries as well.

However, if you are experiencing the appearance of streaks of light in your vision this may be a sign of a vitreous or retinal detachment. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms please see you eye doctor for an eye exam. In a comprehensive eye examination, your eye doctor can examine the vitreous, retina and the other interior parts of the eye to determine the causes of the flashes and floaters that you see.

Keep Driving Safely and Comfortably with Polarized Sunglasses

I always look forward to the cooler weather and watching the leaves change this time of year. But something I usually don’t expect is having to reach for my sunglasses more and more often. However, as the season has changed, you also may have noticed your day getting shorter and the sun setting earlier (especially on your evening drive home).
Hopefully like me, you have some polarized sunglasses you can rely on to reduce glare when you are driving, for a safe and comfortable ride home.

Most light reflected from surfaces such as a flat road or smooth water is generally horizontally polarized, meaning that this light is traveling in a horizontally oriented direction. Polarized lenses have a filter within them that blocks this reflected light and thus reduces glare.

Polarized lens technology has been popular with fishermen for years due to their ability to help eliminate the reflected glare off the water. Today many other outdoor enthusiasts have discovered the benefits of polarized sunglasses as well; including golfers, skiers, bikers, joggers, and more. Of particular benefit, these lenses can reduce eyestrain and fatigue from squinting on the golf course for enhanced sports performance. Also, when driving these lenses can help reduce glare off the hood of your car and the surface of the road.

When choosing a Polarized sunglass lens it is important to choose a lens that blocks glare from every angle, effectively manages blue light, and enhances colors for the best optical clarity available. For more information on polarized sunglases check out this article and link.

Computer Use and Your Vision

Computers are so consistently integrated into our lifestyles today from the work station at our jobs, to the family laptop, and even our smart phones; it is no wonder we often spend the majority of the day with our eyes locked into some sort of virtual screen display.

If you routinely spend hours in front of a computer screen you have probably experienced symptoms of Computer vision syndrome (CVS) at one time or another. CVS symptoms can include eye strain, headaches, loss of focus, burning eyes, double vision, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain, and much more.

Creating a work environment that is more ergonomically friendly can help reduce eye and musculoskeletal symptoms associated with Computer vision syndrome. A custom pair of computer eyeglasses may also alleviate your symptoms by helping you see better at precisely the right distance range of your computer monitor.

Read more about practical tips to ease computer eye strain to improve your visual efficiency, productivity, and comfort while in front of the computer.