Myopia and your child

Can Myopia be reversed?

 Is it possible to reverse myopia? That’s a question many of those with nearsightedness have probably asked at one point or another. Glasses can correct this common refractive error but can’t turn the clock back.

Myopia can’t be reversed, but myopia control can slow its progression in kids whose eyes are still growing. Regular eye exams play a crucial role in managing myopia. They allow optometrists to monitor your eye’s progression and adjust prescriptions accordingly. While we can’t hit ‘undo’ on myopia, we can certainly take steps to manage it effectively.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition that affects nearly 30% of Americans. It’s a type of refractive error—a problem with your eyes that affects how you see. In a healthy eye, light rays land directly on the retina, the layer of light-reactive cells at the back of the eye. The retina sends this information through the optic nerve, where the brain turns it into an image.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is overly curved, causing the light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of onto it. This makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly, while close objects are typically sharp and clear.

What Causes Myopia?

Although myopia can affect people of any age, it usually emerges in childhood and worsens during adolescence. Genetics play a major role in determining who develops myopia; if one or both parents have myopia, their children are at higher risk of developing it as well. However, environmental factors may also increase your chances, such as:

• Excessive screen time
• Lack of outdoor activities
• Reading in poor lighting conditions

Correcting Myopic Vision

The most common treatment for myopia is prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eyeglasses are available in many styles and designs, offering a stylish way to meet your unique needs. For people who prefer a more natural look, contact lenses are an alternative to glasses that sit directly on the eye.

Whatever you choose, these devices work by bending light to focus it directly on the retina, which can improve visual acuity and clarity for people with refractive errors. Your optometrist has to measure your refractive error with an eye exam to determine the correct prescription.

Myopia Control

Since myopia can worsen until a child’s eyes stabilize around age 20, myopia control focuses on slowing down the rate at which a child’s myopia progresses. Every child’s eyes are unique, so myopia control plans are individualized to meet each child’s needs.

After an eye exam, our doctors may recommend a range of myopia control methods. Be sure and discuss these with Dr Brian and Dr Boyer

(909) 596-6756 LaVerne (909) 982-0100 Upland

 www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Eye Love My Patients ♥️

 

Your eyes love you. Love your eyes. 😍 There are things you can do to help keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially deep yellow and green leafy vegetables. Eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut can also help your eyes.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of developing diabetes. Having diabetes puts you at higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise may help to prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These diseases can lead to some eye or vision problems. So if you exercise regularly, you can lower your risk of getting these eye and vision problems.
• Wear sunglasses. Sun exposure can damage your eyes and raise your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by using sunglasses that block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
• Wear protective eye wear. To prevent eye injuries, you need eye protection when playing certain sports, working in jobs such as factory work and construction, and doing repairs or projects in your home.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts and can damage the optic nerve.
• Know your family medical history. Some eye diseases are inherited, so it is important to find out whether anyone in your family has had them. This can help you determine if you are at higher risk of developing an eye disease.
• Know your other risk factors. As you get older, you are at higher risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions. It is important to know you risk factors because you may be able to lower your risk by changing some behaviors.
• If you wear contacts, take steps to prevent eye infections. Wash your hands well before you put in or take out your contact lenses. Also follow the instructions on how to properly clean them, and replace them when needed.
• Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time using a computer, you can forget to blink your eyes and your eyes can get tired. To reduce eyestrain, try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
• Eye Exams and Tests Getting comprehensive dilated eye exams is especially important because some eye diseases may not have warning signs. The exams are the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages, when they are easier to treat.The exam includes several tests:

• A visual field test to measure your side (peripheral) vision. A loss of peripheral vision may be a sign of glaucoma.
• A visual acuity test, where you read an eye chart about 20 feet away, to check on how well you see at various distances
• Tonometry, which measures your eye's interior pressure. It helps to detect glaucoma.
• Dilation, which involves getting eye drops that dilate (widen) your pupils. This allows more light to enter the eye. Your eye care provider examines your eyes using a special magnifying lens. This provides a clear view of important tissues at the back of your eye, including the retina, macula, and optic nerve.

 (909) 596-6756 LaVerne (909) 982-0100 Upland

 www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Sunglasses are important in winter 🥶

 

Winter brings cloudy days and dropping temperatures, but don’t put your shades away. Wearing your sunglasses when it’s cold is just as important as shielding you from the sun’s rays when it’s warm. 

So keep those sunglasses around (or opt for a special winter pair) to keep your eyes comfortable and protected from the harsh winter elements.

Here are five reasons wear sunglasses in winter:

1. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays in winter

One big question everyone asks: Should you wear sunglasses in winter? 

In short, yes. No matter the time of year, your eyes need protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. 

However despite the health risks and warnings, Vision Impact Institute research finds that while 75 percent of Americans are concerned about UV safety, only 31 percent wear sunglasses when they step outside. 

For optimal eye sun-safety, the American Optometric Association recommends wearing sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays and screen out 75% to 90% percent of visible light. 

2. Sunglasses should be worn for winter activities

Sunglasses aren’t just for sunny days at the beach or the slopes. In fact, everyone should be protecting their eyes in winter, too.  

For adults, sunglasses should be part of every daytime driving routine. Because a car’s windshield offers very little protection from UV rays and glare, protective eyewear is needed for safety. 

Outdoor leisure and exercise like skiing, running and hiking also call for proper eyewear to keep activities easy on the eyes, no matter your age. 

Ask your eye care professional for recommendations for the right sunglasses to fit your activities and lifestyle. 

3. High-quality sunglasses fend off some eye diseases

Well-made sunglasses do more than just keep your eyes covered and comfortable. 

In fact, wearing a high-quality pair of sunglasses also can help prevent certain eye diseases related to the sun, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula and pterygia.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization, with many cases believed to be enhanced by UVB rays. 

Macular degeneration also can occur after unprotected sun exposure, along with pinguecula and pterygia, which cause yellowish and raised bumps on the whites of the eyes. 

So whether the weather is looking bright or snowy, be sure to bring your sunglasses with you at all times to keep your eyes clear and healthy. 

4. UV rays are intensified during winter 

If sunglasses are for blocking the sun, should they still be worn on dreary winter days? Yes. And in some cases, it’s even more important to wear sunglasses in cold weather.

While the sun sits lower in the sky in the winter months, the UV rays are just as intense. And in some cases, the colder months actually bring a risk of double exposure to UV rays.

Sunlight bounces off wet and icy surroundings, producing a glare and doubling our exposure to harmful UV rays. So if it’s wet or snowy outside, be sure to bring your polarized sunglasses to shield your eyes from the glare. 

5. Sunglasses and goggles prevent snow blindness

As mentioned above, water is one of the most reflective surfaces. And whether the sun is fully visible or not, being on or near snow or ice increases the amount of UV radiation you receive. Many winter sport activities also usually take place at high altitudes, where the sun’s UV rays are stronger. 

When combined, reflective surfaces and high altitudes double your risk of getting sunburned eyes. This temporary loss of vision is also known as “snow blindness” or photokeratitis. 

In addition to preventing snow blindness, wearing sunglasses from November through March can help reduce winter glare and vision-related headaches. So if you’re hitting the slopes, selecting appropriate sunglasses for skiing and snowboarding is essential. 

Schedule an eye exam and discuss your winter activities with our doctors. They will help you find the right eyewear to keep your peepers protected and comfortable through the winter months.

(909)596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD #eyewear #sunglasses #winter www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Glioblastoma Awareness Day-19 July

 GLIOBLASTOMA 

July 19, 2023, marks Glioblastoma Awareness Day. More than 14,000 Americans are expected to receive a diagnosis in 2023, with a five-year survival rate of about 7%, according to the National Brain Tumor Society.

SYMPTOMS:

Symptoms may depend on where in the brain the tumor is located.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons says the warning signs include:

• Persistent headaches
• Double or blurred vision
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in mood and personality
• Changes in ability to think and learn
• New onset of seizures
• Speech difficulty

The exact cause of glioblastoma is unknown — most patients don’t have a family history or identifiable risk factors. 

There is no cure for glioblastoma, and treatment is difficult since the cancer grows tentacles into the brain rather than forming a solid mass that doctors can target and remove. The disease and its harsh treatments can affect cognition, mood, behavior and every function of the body

Regular eye exams especially at the onset of any vision difficulties can help with early detection and therefore early treatments. It’s always comforting to know that some of the symptoms above can be unrelated to Glioblastoma, and can be less serious and treatable. Our office uses the latest technology to diagnose eye disease, and we can direct you to the best possible care.

Don’t hesitate to call and get an appointment 

(909)596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD #eyewear #sunglasses #glioblastomaawarenessday www.drboyeroptometrist.com

 

JULY is Ultraviolet Safety month (UV)

Studies show that long-term exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer.

UV rays reflected off sand and water can cause eyes to sunburn, potentially resulting in temporary blindness in just a few hours. In support of UV Safety Month this July, our office reminds our patients and friends of the importance of shielding eyes from the sun’s harmful rays with 100% UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats.

Here are some tips:

• Don’t focus on color or darkness of sunglass lenses: Select sunglasses that block UV rays. Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag or how dark the sunglass lenses are.
• Check for 100 percent UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV-A rays and UV-B rays.
• Choose wrap-around styles: Ideally, your sunglasses, either the lenses of the frame, should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side.
• Wear a hat: In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.
• Don’t rely on contact lenses: Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, remember your sunglasses
• Don’t be fooled by clouds: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime.
• Protect your eyes during peak sun times: Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside, and it’s especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense.
• Never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy, damage to the eye’s retina from solar radiation.
• Don’t forget the kids: Everyone is at risk, including children.
• Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, if possible, try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

In addition to the proper safety eyewear, regular eye exams for early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases are essential to maintaining good vision at every stage of life.

(909)596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD #eyewear #sunglasses www.drboyeroptometrist.com

 

The Heart Eye Connection ♥️ 👁️

 

They say the eyes are the window to your soul, but did you know they can also show how healthy your heart is? If you weren’t aware, you’re not alone. Specifically, researchers found that approximately half of the nearly 2.2 billion cases of vision impairment worldwide could be improved, or even prevented, by taking simple steps to improve your overall cardiovascular health.

Eye exams are the most reliable, non-invasive way to identify a number of serious—often fatal—cardiovascular conditions.

An annual eye exam detects risk factors consistent with heart disease much sooner than tests and checkups conducted during an annual physical, including identifying high cholesterol 65% of the time, high blood pressure 30% of the time, and diabetes 20% of the time.

In most cases, patients are unaware of minor changes occurring in the vascular system located at the back of the eyes. Changes may include:

• Increased force against the arterial wall—a sign of hypertension
• Tiny embolisms or clots in and around the retina—a sign of blocked arteries
• Small changes in the blood vessels of the eye caused by increased blood sugar levels—an indication of diabetes

Long-term eye health effects

Obviously, left untreated, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes result in debilitating and even deadly outcomes, but over time they also result in specific vision issues, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

The good news is that researchers now believe, with increasing confidence, nearly 50% of all eye health issues can be improved or prevented by making heart-healthy lifestyle changes.

5 lifestyle changes for a healthy heart and vision

1. Quit smoking

Smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death, by far. Thousands of studies have proven smoking causes significant damage to your blood vessels and your heart health. It’s also a leading contributor to high blood pressure and contributes to increased insulin resistance and diabetes.

2. Live an active lifestyle

You don’t need to run marathons but should make some sort of physical activity a part of your day, every day. Your heart and eyes are muscles, and the stronger your muscles, the better they function. Specifically, the stronger your heart, the easier it is for blood to be pumped throughout your body, including to your eyes. Research consistently shows walking 15-20 minutes a day, or even for 10 minutes after each meal, lowers your blood sugar and improves blood pressure.

3. Lose weight

Being obese, or even overweight has devastating effects on your health. In fact, even being slightly overweight adds additional stress to your heart, increases blood pressure, and contributes to nearly 30% of heart disease in the U.S.

4. Eat a heart and eye-healthy diet

Research shows us that eating a healthy diet prevents heart disease, lowers cholesterol, and helps maintain a healthy weight. 

A healthy diet means many things to many different folks, but at its core, a healthy diet focuses on eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans, while eating less saturated fat and avoiding processed foods at all costs.

You can get as specific and detailed with a “healthy” diet as you’d like but focusing on the essentials is the key to improved heart and vision health.

5. Reduce your stress

You’ve heard that stress kills, right? It can cause serious damage to your heart as well as your eyesight.

Some of the ways to reduce stress include exercise, yoga, meditation and deep breathing.

The connection between the health of your eyes and the health of your heart is just one example of how the health of one organ can affect the health of another and can be a key indicator of your overall health.

Make sure to schedule an annual eye exam with Dr Boyer and Dr Brian. It’s crucial in taking care of your overall health. 

Drboyeroptometrist.com

(909)596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784