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Why are my eyes so dry?

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Do your eyes feel dry after looking at a computer screen for several hours or when you’re sitting in an air-conditioned room? If you are experiencing a stinging or burning in your eyes, you may have dry eye. It’s a common condition and treatment is available to help you be more comfortable and prevent dry eyes from getting worse. Read on to learn more about dry eye disease and what you can do about it.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye disease occurs when the healthy tear film of your eyes is compromised. There are three layers in the tear film – an oily layer, watery layer and mucus layer. The film’s job is to keep the eyes lubricated, smooth and clear. If there are problems with any layer of the film, you may experience dry eye.

Inflamed eyelid glands, hormone changes, autoimmune disease can disrupt the tear film. Decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation leads to inadequate lubrication for your eyes. If you don’t produce enough tears or produce poor quality tears, this tear instability can lead to inflammation and damage the eye’s surface.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of dry eye usually affect both eyes. You may feel a burning, stinging or scratchy sensation in your eyes, watery eyes or blurred vision. A stringy mucus may be in or around the eyes. If you have redness, sensitivity to light or the sensation that there is something in your eyes, these are common signs of dry eye.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

A comprehensive eye exam, along with a number of tests can determine if you have dry eye disease and the underlying causes. For treatment, most people need over-the-counter eyedrops for mild symptoms. If you have persistent or more severe symptoms, prescription medications or procedures such as closing tear ducts or using light therapy may be indicated.

If you have dry eye, you may be able to manage this disease with frequent eyelid washing and over-the-counter eyedrops. Call (413) 782-0030 to schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor about the treatment that is right for you.

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Smooth out lines and wrinkles with BOTOX and JUVEDERM

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When our faces begin to show the signs of aging, people often think they need to go under the knife to turn back time. Cosmetic injectables such as BOTOX Cosmetic and JUVEDERM are popular, non-invasive treatment options that are safe and effective and work quickly to restore a more youthful, rejuvenated look. Here we tale a look at how these fillers work and the different wrinkles they treat.

BOTOX Cosmetic treats dynamic wrinkles

There are two different types of wrinkles – dynamic and static. BOTOX treats dynamic wrinkles, which form in the skin when a muscle contracts from facial expressions such as laughing or squinting. These wrinkles appear as forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes and the “11” frown lines between the eyebrows.

BOTOX is made of a purified protein that is injected directly into the skin using a fine needle. It relaxes the nerves just beneath the skin to prevent muscle contractions temporarily. This will diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles for up to six months. The treatment lasts for about 10 minutes or so, and the full effect will be seen a few days after treatment.

JUVEDERM for static wrinkles

Our skin loses volume and becomes less elastic as we age. Other factors such as sun damage, smoking, nutrition and genetics can also affect the appearance of skin and lead to lines and wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles will become static over time as well. Examples of static wrinkles include marionette lines, nasolabial folds, smile lines and wrinkles on the upper lip and under the eyes.

While BOTOX treats dynamic wrinkles, it isn’t effective on static wrinkles. Dermal fillers such as JUVEDERM work best on static wrinkles by adding volume and filling in wrinkles using a gel made with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body. Results last for up to a year before additional treatment is needed to maintain results.

BOTOX and JUVEDERM are extremely popular non-surgical ways to bring a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance to your face. They can be used separately or together to tackle your concerns. Call our office today at (413) 782-0030 to schedule a consultation and learn more about cosmetic injectables.

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Consider LASIK? 4 criteria to know

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LASIK laser vision correction is an incredibly popular procedure as patients grow tired of having to reach for glasses or spend time putting in contacts every day. How do you know if you’re a candidate for this procedure? Read on to learn about four criteria.

You are 18 years old or older. LASIK is an FDA-approved laser vision correction treatment for patients 18 years old and older. Your eyes have to achieve ocular maturity and be fully developed in order to be considered a candidate for LASIK. A consultation with your eye doctor will determine if your eyes have fully developed and you are a good candidate for surgery.

Your prescription is stable. It’s important that your prescription for glasses or contacts remains stable for at least one year prior to considering LASIK. LASIK treats a range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Once your vision stabilizes, there is less likelihood that your nearsightedness or farsightedness would progress. If your prescription changes, it could also mean you have an undiagnosed eye disease or condition that would prevent you from surgery.

You are in good health, and your eyes are generally healthy. Eye injuries, infections and certain diseases can make you ineligible for LASIK surgery. Your corneas much have appropriate thickness. Cataracts can affect results. If you have diabetes or an autoimmune disease or are pregnant, you may not be a candidate. Women’s bodies experience hormonal changes during pregnancy, which may temporarily affect your prescription. Medications such as corticosteroids and acne medications may affect the healing process. Be sure to tell your doctor about all health concerns and medical history, and bring a list of current medications with you to your appointment.

You have prepared and have realistic expectations. Do your research and come to your appointment prepared with a list of questions to find out of LASIK is right for you. During your appointment, your eye doctor will help you understand what to expect from the procedure, recovery and results.

Ready to discuss LASIK and find out if you’re a fit for this procedure? Call our office today at (413) 782-0030 to schedule a consultation.

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Your eyes and the sun

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Most of us remember to apply sunscreen to our skin to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. Don’t forget to protect your eyes as well. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning can damage the eye and surrounding tissues. Here’s a look at eye conditions you can avoid by taking special care when in the sun.

Sunburn on your eye?

Yes, it is possible to have a sunburn on your eye. Keratitis is a corneal sunburn caused by UV exposure. UV radiation is a cause of several other serious eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and conjunctival eye cancers.

Damage to eyelids

Ultraviolet radiation can lead to premature aging of the delicate skin around the eyes and even skin cancer on the eyelids. Eyelid cancer typically responds well to treatment if it’s diagnosed and treated early. Untreated eye cancers lead to tissue damage and blindness.

Protecting your eyes

Here are simple actions you can take when you’re out in the sun to protect the health of your eyes and the sensitive skin surrounding them:

  • Wear sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
  • Wear sunglasses all year long when you are out in the sun. And don’t think that cloud cover means you’re safe. The sun’s rays can penetrate clouds and haze.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes, ears, head and face.
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
  • Find shade, especially when the sun is most intense (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
  • Be extra cautious when you’re near water, snow and sand, and 80 percent or more of the sun’s rays reflect off of these surfaces. Wear eye protection when you’re skiing, snowboarding or hiking as UV intensity increases with altitude.

These are just a few things you can do to protect your eyes. Regular eye exams are important to maintaining eye health. To schedule an eye exam at Papale Eye Center, contact our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030.

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5 steps to reduce eyestrain

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Your smartphone, tablet and other screens might be to blame for your eyes feeling dry and tired and your blurry vision at the end of a day. But giving up the digital devices that cause eyestrain is not realistic or possible. So, here are five steps you can take to reduce or prevent eyestrain when using your devices.

Start with adjusting the digital device. Place your computer screen at an arm’s length from your face and just below eye level. Place an anti-glare cover over the screen as too much glare can strain your eyes. Increase the text size on the device or computer screen to make it easier to read, and play around with the brightness and contrast settings to where you’re most comfortable. You can lower the color temperature of your screen, which reduces the amount of blue light it gives off, as blue light is linked to eyestrain.

Take regular breaks and often. There’s a useful rule for device use called the 20-20-20 rule, where you take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object that’s at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds or more. If you plan on being on your device for two or more hours, take 15-minute breaks to truly give your eyes time to rest. If you wear contacts, you can give your eyes a much-needed break by wearing your glasses instead.

Improve your air quality. Dry moving air contributes to dry eye. Use a humidifier in the room where you use your devices most often. Use artificial tears to treat dry eyes. Avoid smoking and being around smoke if you can, because the smoke will dry your eyes and worsen eyestrain.

Check your lighting. Lighting can make a huge difference on eyestrain. When reading, try to position the light source behind you so the light is directed onto what you’re reading. If you’re reading at a desk, position a shaded light in front of you to keep the light from shining directly into your eyes.

Get a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor can recommend glasses and contact lenses that are designed specifically for computer work. During this exam, simple refractive errors can be detected and treated, and serious eye problems or diseases can be diagnosed and treated at their earliest stage.

Regular eye exams are important in maintaining eye health. To schedule an eye exam at Papale Eye Center, contact our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030.

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Options for treating the vision problem that occurs around age 40

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If you find yourself holding reading materials farther and farther away to see them more clearly, then you’re like experiencing a condition called presbyopia. It’s a normal part of aging and usually shows up around the time you turn 40 years old. There are several things you can do to treat this condition and reduce the eyestrain or headaches that usually accompany it.

Readers

Over-the-counter reading glasses are usually the first purchase made by people to treat their presbyopia if they haven’t had their vision corrected before. You may need to try on several pairs to determine the power of magnification that works best for you. Start with the lowest number and move up from there.

Office Progressives

Some patients get progressive lenses that are perfect for computer work and up-close vision. Usually, you don’t wear these outside of work.

Bifocals & Trifocals

Bifocals have lenses with a visible horizontal line that separates your distance prescription with your reading prescription. Users look above the line for distance and below the line for reading. Trifocals are similar to bifocals, only they have a zone for middle vision for computer work.

Contact Lenses

If you don’t want to wear glasses, contact lenses may be another option. If you have overall good vision outside of presbyopia, contact lenses may not work for you.

Intraocular Lenses

Patients with presbyopia can benefit from the latest innovations in lens implant technology to help dramatically reduce or eliminate the need for glasses. Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are implantable lenses that restore vision by inserting an artificial lens in front of the natural lens. IOLs also can replace the natural lens for cataract patients. The majority of patients at Papale Eye Center report high satisfaction with IOLs to correct presbyopia.

Presbyopia develops gradually, and there’s no way to stop or reverse the normal aging process that causes it. To learn more about your options for presbyopia, schedule your next eye exam by contacting our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030.

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9 tips for healthier eyes

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It’s easy to take good vision for granted. That’s why you should take steps to protect your eyesight and prevent or prolong eye problems and diseases from developing. Here are some ways to improve the health of your eyes, especially with aging:

Eat a balanced diet. Certain foods such as green, leafy vegetables have vitamins and minerals that may help prevent or delay the onset of vision problems and diseases. Oily fish such as salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Get moving. Exercise improves blood circulation, which increases the flood of blood to the optic nerve and retina. Studies show regular exercise can even reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Don’t smoke. Smoking is linked to several different diseases, and it can make you more prone to cataracts and other eye diseases. Talk to your doctor for smoking cessation ideas such as medications and free programs to help you quit.

Watch your weight. Obesity increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, which can lead to a number of vision-related problems, including blindness. Obesity can also increase your risk for high blood pressure, which can lead to eye diseases such as hypertensive retinopathy.

Get your sleep. A lack of sleep can leave your eyes feeling strained and dry. A 2019 study of more than 6,700 people over the age of 40 in the United States shows a possible link between glaucoma and sleep problems.

Wear sunglasses. You need to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Wearing sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection will help tremendously. Also wear sunglasses on overcast days as the sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds as well.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat. In addition to wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat can protect your entire face from the sun’s harmful UV rays, protecting your eyes and your skin.

Take a break from your electronic devices. Staring at your computer screen or smartphone can strain your eyes,

Use lubricating drops to soothe dry eyes. If you suffer from dry eye, you know the discomfort it can bring. Talk to your doctor about artificial tears and whether over-the-counter and prescription options are best for you.

Regular eye exams are important to maintaining eye health and detecting diseases and conditions at their earliest, most treatable stages to prevent further damage. Schedule an appointment today by calling our Springfield office at (413) 782-0030.

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5 things to know about LASIK eye surgery

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LASIK is a life-changing eye surgery that treats a range of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. If you’re considering having LASIK done to improve your vision and help you ditch the glasses or contact lenses, here are a few things you should know about the procedure.

Your prescription needs to remain stable for one year prior to the LASIK procedure. If your prescription continually changes, it could mean you are dealing with an eye disease or another condition that would not make you a candidate for surgery. The goal of LASIK is to correct the refractive error present in the eyes at the time of the surgery.

The procedure isn’t painful. The surface of the eyes is numbed with anesthetic eye drops before the procedure. After surgery, most people have an increased sensitivity to light, dry eyes and a “gritty” sensation in their eyes. This is temporary and usually disappears within 1-2 days. Most patients are able to return to work at that time.

LASIK patients will see well the day after the procedure. The goal of LASIK is to reduce dependency on glasses and contact lenses. While there is no guarantee of perfect vision, the majority of patients see better than 20/30 without correction, and many see at 20/20 or better.

Most patients get both eyes treated at the same time. Treating the eyes together means only one healing period, minimizing discomfort and inconvenience. If you get only one eye done at a time, your doctor may have you wait for a certain period of time before having surgery on the other eye.

If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK, there is another option. The implantable contact lens known as Visian ICL works with the eye to correct vision. It’s positioned inside the eye between the iris and the natural lens, where it stays indefinitely. If your vision changes dramatically, the implantable lens can be removed.

To learn more about LASIK eye surgery and whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure, contact our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030 and schedule an appointment.

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Why do I need a regular eye exam if my vision is fine?

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Even if you aren’t having symptoms of vision problems, you need to have regular eye exams to identify problems at their earliest, most treatable stages, to help prevent vision loss that could lead to blindness. The frequency of comprehensive eye exams is based on the patient’s age and circumstances. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that you get regular eye exams every five to 10 years if you are younger than the age of 40, every 2-4 years for those ages 40-54, every 1-3 years for those between 55-64 and every 1-2 years for those 65 years or older.

The difference between an eye exam and vision screening

Vision screening only tests visual acuity and often performed by an optician, pediatrician, or even a school nurse. A comprehensive eye exam is a thorough evaluation of the eyes to detect any problems. A variety of tests are performed on the eyes in addition to visual acuity, including retinal examination, slit-lamp, tonometry for the presence of glaucoma, keratometry for astigmatism, and refraction.

Correct blurry vision

An eye exam will help you pinpoint the common eye conditions causing your blurry vision. These common refractive errors include nearsightedness, in which nearby objects are clear and distant objects are blurry; farsightedness, where distant objects are in better focus than objects closer to the eye; astigmatism, which is blurred vision at any distance caused by an irregular curvature of the eye; and presbyopia, an age-related condition in which the eyes lose their ability to focus on close objects.

Detect glaucoma early

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. If you have glaucoma, you may not have any symptoms until you’ve lost a significant amount of your vision. That’s why early detection during a comprehensive, routine eye exam is necessary for early detection and treatment to help prevent or delay further vision loss.

Depending upon what is found during the examination, you may need eyeglasses or contact lenses for vision correction, medication for infection or inflammation or other therapies. To learn more or to schedule an exam, call our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030.

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How BOTOX® and JUVÉDERM™ work together to achieve a more youthful appearance

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Patients are increasingly turning to cosmetic injectables to help turn back time on their faces because these non-surgical treatments can smooth out lines and wrinkles with little to no downtime. Relatively painless and safe, BOTOX® and JUVÉDERM™ work on different types of wrinkles but can be done together to maximize results. Here’s how:

BOTOX® for dynamic wrinkles

BOTOX® is an FDA-approved treatment that can reduce the appearance of forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet and other facial expression lines – all wrinkles and lines in the upper part of the face. These are called dynamic wrinkles and form when the muscle beneath the skin contracts.

BOTOX® consists of small, diluted amounts of botulinum toxin type A, which is delivered into specific muscles through fine-needle injections. It works by blocking signals from the brain to the muscles, which then stops muscles from contracting. The blocked signals mean the wrinkle doesn’t form on the surface and existing wrinkles relax and soften.

BOTOX® treatment takes only a few minutes, and no anesthesia is required. It takes up to a week to see full results. The results last four to six months. You will need additional treatments to maintain results.

JUVÉDERM™ for static wrinkles

Dermal fillers such as FDA-approved JUVÉDERM™ restore lost volume and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles called static wrinkles. These are wrinkles in the cheeks, lips and around the mouth that show at all times. JUVÉDERM™ is an injectable gel made with hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the body that binds with water molecules under the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen to plump the skin.

Treatment typically takes less than an hour. JUVÉDERM™ provides immediate results that last six months to two years, which is when you will return for maintenance treatments.

Papale Eye Center offers a customer loyalty program called Brilliant Distinctions, where you earn dollar rewards toward future treatments with each treatment you receive. To learn more about this program and these non-surgical ways to achieve a youthful appearance, contact our Springfield office today at (413) 782-0030.

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