November is Diabetic Awareness Month

 People with diabetes are more likely to develop blinding eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. Yet recent studies have revealed low awareness of the issue among ethnicities at higher risk for diabetes. With the findings signaling that many Americans may not be defending themselves against diabetes-related vision loss, Dr Boyer and Dr Brian encourages those with diabetes to take proactive steps to protect their vision.

Diabetic eye disease has no warning signs, however, early detection and timely treatment can help reduce the risks.  An annual, comprehensive dilated eye examination is one of the best ways to detect early signs of diabetic eye disease.  Taking your diabetic medication as prescribed, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and refraining from smoking can also help control your diabetes which lessens your risks of diabetic eye disease.

Ways that diabetic eye disease may affect your eyes:

• Cataract: Clouding of the lens of the eye
• Diabetic retinopathy: damage to the blood vessels in the retina
• Glaucoma: increases the fluid pressure inside your eye and leads to optic nerve damage and loss of vision

It is a good idea to have an annual comprehensive eye examination even if you do not suffer from diabetes and especially if you’ve experienced any visual problems.  If you suffer from diabetes, make sure you have a comprehensive eye examination with dilation each year.  Make an appointment with our experienced trained doctors today.

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Emergencies

Ocular emergencies can happen in a heartbeat. Our doctors have treated numerous ocular emergencies in their years of optometric practice. An eye doctor is the best first contact for ocular emergencies.  Optometrists have specialized equipment and training to treat eye problems.  Urgent care centers are not well-equipped to deal with ocular emergencies.

Here at Dr Boyer Optometrist, the Doctors routinely treat ocular emergencies promptly, often on a walk-in or same-day basis.  Since emergency department visits can be costly, it also makes economic sense to see an eye doctor first.

Some eye conditions require seeing an eye doctor promptly.  These include:

Sudden loss or change of vision	Flashes of light
Severe eye pain	Seeing double
Eye trauma	Chemical splash
Foreign body in eye	Injuries from fireworks

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750

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

 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD drboyeroptometrist.com

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Conjunctivitis gets the nickname pink eye because it gives the affected eye a shade of pink. Symptoms of pink eye vary depending on which of three types of pink eye you have contracted. One or both eyes can be affected by these symptoms:

1. Viral conjunctivitis produces watery and itchy eyes and causes sensitivity to light. It can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

2. Bacterial conjunctivitis creates a yellow-green discharge in the corner of the eye. It can cause your eyelids to stick together while you are sleeping. This type of pink eye is spread through direct contact with infected hands or objects.

3. Allergic conjunctivitis leads to watery, burning and itchy eyes. Other associated symptoms include a runny nose, stuffiness, and light sensitivity. Both eyes are affected by it, but this form of pink eye is not contagious.

Conjunctivitis Causes

Causes behind a case of conjunctivitis vary based on which type you have contracted. Some types of conjunctivitis are more dangerous to the long-term health of your eyes than others.

1. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus. It is a contagious form of pink eye, but typically clears up on its own within a few days. 

2. Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most dangerous type of pink eye. It results from a bacterial infection. If left untreated by an eye care professional, the bacteria can cause serious damage to the affected eye.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually connected with allergies, so it typically flares up when exposed to seasonal irritants like pollen or everyday irritants like dust or pet dander.

Conjunctivitis Treatments

Treatments for conjunctivitis vary based on the type afflicting your eyes. Viral conjunctivitis does not usually require medical treatment. A cold wet washcloth is often enough to relieve symptoms. Allergy medications can be effective in reducing or preventing bouts of allergic conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis can only be treated through applying antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by your eye care professional.

Don’t hesitate to call and get it checked and treated to prevent spreading it.

Our doctors are in office 10-5 Monday through Friday for all essential care. Appointments are necessary for social distancing.  

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

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

www.drboyeroptometrist.com #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD