HCM

Have you ever heard that eating carrots is good for your eyesight? Fish may be even better.
Results from two U.S. women’s health studies show that eating fish and vitamin D-rich foods may protect against Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over 65. One study found that women who frequently ate fish high in omega-3 fatty acids were significantly less likely to develop AMD, and another study found a 57% decrease in risk of AMD in women who consumed the most vitamin D compared to those who consumed the least. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, trout, and tuna; and top food sources of vitamin D were fish, milk, and fortified cereal. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2EAh3ne and share with your friends and family.

Using the internet to diagnose eye problems can be dangerous to your health. Because most eye conditions and diseases require an in-person examination by an expert, online Ophthalmology-related symptom checkers have inherent limitations. A recent study showed that a popular online symptom checker was correct only 26% of the time, and in 14 of 17 cases made incorrect recommendations about what the patient should do next. Never hesitate to contact your Retinologist at High Country Macula should you ever experience any eye discomfort or distorted vision. Learn more about the study at http://bit.ly/2RgGwGY

Planning to spend time quality time outdoors this Winter? Be sure to take precaution to prevent damage to your Corneas and Retinas. Conditions like snowblindness result from a sunburned cornea due to overexposure to the sun’s UV rays. When hiking, skiing, or anytime you plan to be outdoors for extended periods of time, be sure to wear goggles or glasses that block 100% of the sun’s UV rays. For maximum protection also choose eyewear that are wrap-style or have side shields to protect your eyes from indirect as well as direct sunlight. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2RktUBO, and share with your friends who enjoy the outdoors this time of year.

Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the Retina. RP is an inherited disorder that results from gene mutations that damage photoreceptors in the Retina. There are two types of photoreceptors – Rods, which allow us to see in dim and dark light, and Cones, which allow us to perceive fine visual detail and color. Symptoms of RP typically appear in childhood. Children may have difficulty getting around in the dark, and as their visual field becomes restricted, they often trip over things or appear clumsy. RP progression varies greatly from person to person. Some people experience a restricted visual field into their 50s, while others experience significant vision loss in early adulthood. Eventually, individuals with RP will lose most of their sight. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2CXyGfF .

Changes in your Retina offer a glimpse into your heart health. A recent study found that rising blood pressure and stiffening arteries – two indicators for vascular disease – create easily detectable changes to the tiny blood vessels in the back of the Retina. Although these changes don’t necessarily signal vision problems, narrowing Retinal arteries may signal a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, or death. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2XBJxWk. Share this with your loved ones, and be sure to schedule regular eye exams with your High Country Macula physician.

If you experience sudden flashes of light, be sure to see your Retinologist at HCM right away.
Flashes are pinpricks or spots of light that appear in your field of vision. People often refer to them as “shooting stars” or “lightning streaks.” Occasional flashes are usually harmless, but sudden or repeated flashes of light could be a sign that your Retina has torn or detached, which must be treated quickly to prevent blindness. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2Ow5uSv . If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms do not hesitate to contact your Retinologist at High Country Macula. Share this to help to preserve vision.

As you gather with family during the Holidays, be sure to learn more about your family’s history of eye disease. Age-related Macular Degeneration and many other eye diseases can be genetic, so having a family history of eye disease can put you at a higher risk for developing one yourself. When you’re with family this holiday season, ask if any of your relatives have suffered with eye disease. Being aware of risks could help save your sight.