protect eyes from blue light

How to Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light

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Blue light is all around us today. Prior to cell phones, blue light was only prevalent in televisions, for the majority of people. But today blue light is all around us. In the natural world, our eyes are exposed to all the different waves of light, and our bodies and eyes are designed to live in that world.

Our bodies are designed to respond to light in different ways. Sunlight triggers Vitamin D production increases serotonin levels and triggers the mitochondria in our cells to start energy production. But when we stare at blue light, such as looking at screens all day, a very small wavelength ends up monopolizing the cells that respond to light to act in unhealthy ways, such as lowering melatonin production at night. There is even a link between blue light exposure and lowered Vitamin B12 levels. Following are some of the best ways to protect your eye from blue light.

Use Blue Light Blocking Software

Some of the best blue light blocking software includes Flux, Nightshift, and Iris. Flux and Nightshift are free software, while Iris is paid software with a trial version. Flux is the best free choice because you can specify the level of warm or red light you want. Under the settings in iPhones, you also have the option to turn on night mode, which blocks blue light.

Use Dark Mode on Your Computer and Phone

Set the theme and background of your computer and phone to dark mode. The more white light and bright colors being emitted from your screen, the more blue light comes from it. Most computers and devices have an option for dark mode.

Wear Blue Light Blocking Lenses

There are now blue light blocking eyeglasses that you can ask your eye doctor about. These are very comfortable and do a lot to keep eyes shielded from blue light while you’re working on your computer at home or at work.

Blue light is a prominent danger to your eye health today. Making a little effort to block blue light from your devices as much as possible will help protect your eyes. With these steps in mind blue light won’t be completely gone, but it will be at a level that is less threatening.

Got a Stye On Your Eye? Home Remedies, When to Call the Eye Doctor, and More

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Styes are a small, localized infection affecting hair follicles or oil glands in the eyelid. The problem is relatively common among children, who are more likely to rub their eyes. However, styes can affect anyone and can stem from not properly cleaning contact lenses, wearing certain types of makeup, and a number of other everyday actions. If you have a stye, you may find some relief with home treatment, but you should also know when to see the eye doctor for help.

Home Remedies for Mild Styes

Mild styes can usually be treated at home and will subside in a few days. In general, you will need to keep your eyelid really clean and help encourage the oils trapped in the area to drain. Try to:

  • Avoid wearing eye makeup on your eyelids for a few days
  • Take the time to clean your eyelid with baby shampoo or mild soap and water a few times daily
  • Use a warm compress made of a wet tea bag to apply gentle pressure to the area
  • Massage the area with a clean finger gently

Avoid trying to scratch, pop, or poke at the stye. This may look like a pimple, but trying to squeeze the stye can actually make the problem worse.

When to Call an Eye Doctor for Help

Even though a stye will most often go away relatively quickly, occasionally, the small issue can become a more worrisome problem. You should reach out to the eye doctor for advice if:

  • The stye appears to be growing instead of getting smaller
  • The stye seems to be interfering with your ability to see because of its size or placement
  • The stye is not going away or you have repetitive problems

Common Treatments for Eye Styes

Eye styes that are not going away on their own may require further treatment from your eye doctor. The medical professional may prescribe topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, or other forms of medicinal treatment. In extremely rare cases, a stye will need to be surgically lanced or removed.

Call a North Syracuse Eye Doctor for Help

While styes usually go away on their own, you may occasionally need to visit your eye doctor in North Syracuse for help. If you have issues with styes or other eye health concerns, reach out to us at Mcpherson Optometry to schedule an appointment.

 

Is My Child Too Young for Glasses?

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Young children can have eye problems, too. Even children as young as 12 months may need corrected vision. If you think your child may have vision issues, regardless of age, make an appointment with your local vision center today.

Symptoms of Poor Vision in Young Children

Poor vision often manifests in children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old. Sometimes, the problem is easy to recognize as a wandering or “lazy” eye. Crossed eyes is another symptom of vision issues in young children. If your child suffers from either of these conditions, you and your pediatrician will likely both notice.

Sometimes, young children have vision problems that are less noticeable, such as uneven focus. Because they’ve had the condition since birth and have never seen the world differently, they won’t notice there’s a problem. This is when your child’s routine vision screenings become vital.

Symptoms of poor vision in very young children include:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Redness
  • Eye rubbing
  • Crust
  • Swelling or tearing
  • Bulging eyes
  • Drooping eyelids

If you notice these symptoms in your child, regardless of age, schedule a vision screening.

How Do Young Children Manage Glasses?

If your very young child needs glasses, don’t despair. The key is to purchase ones that are durable and resist breakage. You may also want to purchase extended protection plans for glasses meant for youngsters.

To help young children manage and care for glasses, first find out how often they need to wear them. It may also be helpful to let your child help pick out their glasses. When kids play a role in choosing, they’re often more invested in caring for them. Once you’re home with the new glasses, have a sit-down conversation with your youngster to discuss how important it is to take care of them. Outline rules to help, such as storing the glasses in their case when not in use and taking them off before engaging in active play.

Contact McPherson Optometry in Syracuse, NY

Call McPherson Optometry in the North Syracuse area today to schedule an appointment for children who exhibit signs of vision problems. Our friendly professionals are waiting to help.

 

When Eye Floaters Can Be a Sign to Call the Eye Doctor for Help

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They look like strings to some, cobwebs to others, and sometimes take on the appearance of bugs, specks, or spots. Their colors can range from white to black and every shade in between. Eye floaters are a detached matter from the intricate parts of the eye that cast a shadow on the retinal nerve. Here are a few situations when eye floaters may be something you need to talk to your eye doctor about.

The floater is so large that it disrupts your vision.

Floaters can look vastly different depending on what is causing them, but they can also range in size rather dramatically. If you have a tiny floater, there is a better chance that the visual disruption will subside within a few days. However, if you have a floater so large it is making it hard to see out of the affected eye, it is definitely a sign that you need to seek a professional’s advice. Eye floaters of this size rarely go away on their own; surgical intervention may be necessary.

The floater does not go away on its own within a few days.

Floaters do not necessarily “go away.” What normally occurs is your eyes grow accustomed to seeing in spite of the floater as if it is no longer there. This explains why an eye floater can seem relatively significant at first but as time goes on, you have to really concentrate to see it. Nevertheless, some floating matter in the field of vision may not subside or may not be something your eyes can adjust to. In these instances, it is best to have an eye doctor take a look.

The floater is accompanied by other symptoms of eye health risks.

Floaters are relatively common, and they are usually not anything to be severely concerned about. However, if these visual disturbances are accompanied by other symptoms of eye health risks, it is critical that you seek the advice of your eye doctor right away. A few additional symptoms that should spur you to call for an appointment include:

  • You feel pain or pressure in the affected eye
  • You experience drastic changes in your visual abilities
  • Your vision seems cloudy or dark

Don’t Let Eye Floaters Scare You – Contact Your North Syracuse Eye Doctor

Something floating in your field of vision is never a welcome thing, and, yes, eye floaters can be rather alarming. If it has been a while since you’ve had your visual health assessed or you have floaters you are concerned about, reach out to us at McPherson Optometry in North Syracuse, NY for an appointment.

Warning Signs That Vision Problems Might Be Developing

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If you are worried that you might be developing eye problems there are certain signs you can look out for to determine if you might have visual

problems in the future.

 

Temporary Blurriness when Refocusing

You might find you have blurriness when you refocus your eyes, or when you wake up there might be blurriness. Try avoiding screens and televisions for a period of time to see if this resolves the issue. Signs to watch out for is if episodes like this occur more frequently over the following weeks to months.

 

White Spots in Vision

If you notice white spots in your vision that aren’t stars caused by a rush of blood to the head then could be a warning sign of a coming vision problem. You may notice white spots in your vision that either stay when you look at them or go away. This is usually an atypical vision problem and is cause for concern, as it’s probably something that will need the attention of an optometrist. A serious warning sign is if it frequently occurs and doesn’t go away over days to weeks.

 

Haziness in Vision

If you notice a hazy fog or just haziness in your vision, it’s another warning sign. Your vision might look more generally white and blurred out. This could be caused by UV damage from staring at sources of UV

light like the sun, or visiting a tanning bed. If this is the case, wait 24 hours to see if the haziness goes away on its own. If it doesn’t, contact your eye doctor. If you haven’t been exposed to UV light as far as you know, and you still have haziness in vision, seek medical attention as you may be experiencing the beginning stages of a serious vision problem.

 

Itchy Eyes

If you feel like your eyeballs are itchy it’s probable that swelling is occurring in your eyes. This could be caused by UV damage. If the problem persists beyond a day or two, seek help from your eye doctor.

 

All sorts of eye problems can occur, but many of them are treatable if you catch them early enough. If you notice any of the above signs of vision problems, contact your eye doctor right away.

3 Tips to Reduce Eye Strain

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If you read or work on the computer a lot, you know all too well about eye strain. Eye strain is caused when your eyes have to work a lot to view small details. People who work at professions or hobbies that involve lots of close-up work like jewelry-making, stamp collecting, and other things also are vulnerable to eye strain.

Eye strain is a temporary condition, but it can be very uncomfortable. If it’s bad, it can even force you to stop doing your activity until your eyes can rest a while. There are some things you can do to reduce eye strain so that you can continue to be productive.

1. Turn on a Light

If you’re working on a computer or mobile device at night, you can significantly reduce eye strain simply by turning on a light. This decreases the light contrast between the screen light and the surrounding darkness. The light from a small lamp is usually enough to reduce eye strain.

2. Install a Lighting App

Computers and other electronic devices emit blue light. This blue light can cause eye strain and it might even be further harmful after several years of exposure. There are lots of lighting apps that can reduce the blue light coming from your computer screen. Consider investing in one that automatically adjusts according to the light in the room where you’re working. This can significantly reduce eye strain while working on a computer.

3. Use a Magnifying Glass

If you engage in a lot of close-up work like sewing or making jewelry, you can reduce eye strain by using a magnifying glass. This simple solution works by enlarging everything you’re looking at so you don’t have to squint and strain your eyes. Large magnifying lenses on adjustable swivel arms are available online and in hobby stores.

Eye strain isn’t something that you should just live with and ignore. It could have long-term effects on your vision that you aren’t yet aware of. To be sure that your eyes are in the best possible condition, implement these three tips into your daily life. You should also get regular eye exams so your eye doctor can keep track of your eye health over time. To book your appointment now, please contact us.

What Causes Cataracts?

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Cataracts are a type of physical condition in the eyes that causes cloudy vision. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to complete blindness. Cataracts form when the cells that form tissue in the lens membrane of the eye overproduces tissue. Cataracts can be removed by a professional eye doctor. If you worry about developing cataracts, here are some important facts to know.

Signs of Cataracts

Cataracts don’t go away on their own; they only grow thicker and larger. It’s important to have your cataracts removed as soon as possible. To do that, you should know the common signs of cataracts. These include:

  • cloudy vision
  • blurred vision
  • increased difficulty seeing at night
  • spotty blurred vision
  • increased glare from oncoming headlamps at night

If you notice one or more of these common signs, consult with your eye doctor.

What Causes Cataracts?

Many people develop cataracts as they get older, although it is not necessarily something that everyone gets. There are elderly people who have never gotten cataracts. Cataracts is not a disease, but cataracts can be a symptom of a disease. Cataracts are formed because the eye lens’ ability to restore itself becomes compromised. This damage can occur because of many things, including eye trauma, radiation, genetics, disease, old age or malnutrition. Of all the possible factors to cause damage, old age and genetic diseases are the only non-preventable factors.

Trauma

Trauma, such as blunt force to the eyes, can cause the inner fibers of the eye lens to swell and grow and impair the eye’s ability to recover. This sometimes leads to cataract growth. To prevent eye trauma, wear protective eyewear when playing impact sports

Radiation

Photo radiation from the sun and blue light from electronic devices are the most common cause of cataracts. Help reduce radiation exposure by wearing sunglasses outdoors and limiting your use of electronic devices.

Disease

Disease and genetics can set in motion a chain of reactions that leads to cataract growth. Many of these diseases have treatments available to reduce the chance of cataract growth.
Cataracts can be successfully removed, even in patients who are elderly. If you suspect you may be developing cataracts, talk to your eye doctor about treatment options.

How Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyes?

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If you have diabetes, you have a heightened risk for eye diseases and complications than those who don’t have diabetes. However, with regular eye exams, your eye doctor can detect and treat eye problems early, and help to save your vision. Below are the main ways diabetes can impact your vision.

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision may indicate that your blood sugar is too high and is unmanaged. When you have high blood sugar, your eye lens may swell, leading to blurry vision and altering your ability to see. Usually, getting your blood sugar back into its targe range can return your vision back to normal.

Diabetic Retinopathy

High blood sugar can damage the very small blood vessels in your retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This condition needs to be treated in order to preserve your vision. You are more susceptible to developing diabetic retinopathy, the longer you have diabetes and if you don’t keep your blood sugar levels under control. People with diabetic retinopathy can also macular edema, whereby small blood vessels in the retina become leaky and cause the retina to swell.

Cataracts

Anyone can get cataracts, but if you have diabetes, you’re at risk of developing them earlier and they could worsen more quickly. Cataracts cause your vision to look cloudy as if you were looking through a smudged or dirty window.

Glaucoma

When the fluid in your eye is unable to drain as it should, pressure builds up, which can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your eyes. Over time, this can lead to loss of vision, usually beginning in the peripheral vision. Eye care professionals can screen for glaucoma, and if detected, can treat it to help to preserve your vision. While glaucoma can lead to blindness, proper and diligent treatment can halt the disease or slow down its progression.

If you have diabetes or were recently diagnosed with the condition, contact us here at McPherson Optometry in North Syracuse for an eye exam and screening for eye complications related to diabetes. We use advanced, state-of-the-art optometric and diagnostic equipment to give you the level of care you and your vision deserves. Call us at (315) 458-1000 or complete our online form.

Adults with sunglasses laughing

The Importance of Sunglasses in the Summer

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The UV rays during the hottest months of the year are not merely irritating to your eyes, they can be downright destructive to them. When summer rolls around, the sun and its rays are literally at their worst, which is why you need to start seeing your sunglasses as more than the perfect complement to your outfit.

Reduce Your Odds

Because your DNA is not quite like the DNA of anyone else, there are few guarantees when it comes to eye-related diseases. However, you’re doing a wealth of good for your eyes when it comes to prevention:

  • Cancer: UV protection starts with the tissue-thin skin over your eyes. Your eyelids are difficult to protect with sunblock and yet still susceptible to skin cancer. This cancer can be spread to the rest of the body if it goes undetected for too long. If you’re out in the sun for long periods of time, your sunglasses will do the work that your sunscreen can’t.
  • Cataracts: From diabetes to unfortunate genetics, there are a number of reasons why a person might develop cataracts. But one overlooked reason for the formation of cataracts is sun exposure. According to a study that was partially funded by the National Eye Institute, there is evidence to suggest that sunglasses could help prevent this condition. Cataracts may lead to blindness, so everyone should take the precaution of wearing sunglasses (it’s certainly one of the easier measures you can take)!

Cornea and Retina Protection

The retina and the cornea work together to transmit light and shapes to create what you see. The cornea is a membrane and acts as a protector for the retina by filtering everything from light to dust. It is possible for the cornea to develop a sunburn or serious inflammation due to the sun. Keeping UV lights out of the cornea can help it remain strong for the retina. Sunglasses may also be able to stave off macular degeneration to the retina, allowing you to retain your field of vision for as long as possible.

While all sunglasses provide some degree of protection, it’s important to find a pair with the best possible safeguards for you. If you have questions, McPherson Optometry, P.C. may be able to help. Contact us today if you would like to schedule an appointment!

What Are Ocular Migraines?

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An ocular migraine is a frightening condition that can leave you with temporary vision loss in one eye. It is sometimes referred to as a retinal migraine. Although some people also use the term “ocular migraine” to refer to visual migraines, the two conditions are not the same. Visual migraines affect both eyes, typically only last about 30 minutes and are much more common than true ocular migraines. In fact, about 20 percent of all migraines occur with auras.

woman suffering from ocular migraines

On the other hand, true retinal migraines typically affect a single eye for about an hour and are much rarer. Only about one out of every 200 people who have migraines will be affected by this condition. If you are unsure whether or not you are having an ocular (retinal) or visual migraine, cover one eye at a time. If you notice that the symptoms are only in a single eye, you are experiencing an ocular migraine.

Symptoms of Ocular Migraines

Some of the symptoms of an ocular migraine include seeing flashes of lights, floating lines and zigzag patterns. You may also experience spots that may cause partial to complete temporary blindness. These symptoms may occur at the same time as or after a migraine headache, which will typically be felt behind the eye in which you are noticing symptoms.

The exact cause of migraines is not known, but it is believed that they may be the result of spasms in your blood vessels. In ocular migraines, the reduction in blood flow occurs in the retina. For visual migraines, the change occurs in the blood flow to the occipital lobe or visual cortex, which is the area of your brain that is responsible for vision. Because visual migraines are a result of an issue occurring in the brain, you will still have symptoms even if you close your eyes, which is not true in the case of ocular migraines.

The loss of vision in one eye can also be a symptom of other serious conditions, such as a retinal detachment, so it is very important to consult with an eye doctor as soon as possible.