Several factors can contribute to strain and discomfort. Poor lighting, glare from your screen, poor posture, incorrect viewing distance and undiagnosed vision problems are the most common. If you’re frustrated with your vision, seek the advice of an optical professional.

Your first step is to see your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam. Be sure to share how you use your eyes every day: what type and how many screens you use, the distance to and height of each screen, and the amount of daily hourly use.

Knowing how you use your eyes and details about your vision requirements, your doctor will be able to prescribe the best prescription computer glasses to reduce digital eye strain and help you see better. In addition to the correct refraction (prescription), your doctor may recommend:

• Specific computer lenses, such as Workspace or Eyezen
• Blue light-blocking coatings and treatments, such as Prevencia or Blue Zero
• Best positioning of your monitors
• Ideal posture for your eyes, neck, and back
• 20/20/20 Rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet into the distance for 20 seconds
• Best eye drop treatment to prevent dry or red eyes from too much screen time

Digital screen use is part of our everyday lives. Don’t be frustrated with your vision – there are many great solutions for your digital eye strain!

What is a Vision Screening?

A Vision Screening is a quick, limited test to identify people who have common vision problems. Screenings are performed by a school nurse or volunteer, doctor’s assistant, or a DMV employee. A vision screening isn’t a suitable substitute for an eye exam.  

School vision screenings are great and catch many basic conditions!  And I’m grateful that our local schools perform them because in my state of Wisconsin, we do not have a law requiring students to have verified good vision in every grade.  We know that one out of four school-aged children have vision problems that can affect their confidence, learning, and personality.

Children Grow Fast, and Their Vision Will Change as They Grow

Vision screenings in general are usually well designed to alert people of vision problems that are easy to screen for, but they do not capture the very important details of related vision, eye health and teaming issues of the brain’s vision system.  

Why Do I Need a Eye Exam with an Eye Doctor?

Only an eye care professional can perform a Comprehensive Eye Exam to diagnose and treat eye and vision problems in adults and children.  Even with all of the awesome technology we have, still there is no substitute for a knowledgeable and caring person to put it all together for you.

Yearly Routine Eye Exams Begin at Age 3

Studies show that up to 11% of children who pass a vision screening have a vision problem that was missed and needs treatment.  That’s why even if your child passes her vision screening at school, she should still have an annual eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who is great with kids.  

Kids don’t always know when something is wrong.  I’ve seen countless times the guilt and surprise on parents faces when a newly found vision problems was undiagnosed. 

Making sure the eyes are healthy and seeing properly and working together as a team is what make an eye exam comprehensive.  Just because your son tells you that he can see something small at a far distance doesn’t mean all is well!

Sometimes additional testing of the refractive, accommodative, or convergence system is needed.  A referral to a vision therapy center may be recommended for non routine eye problems which can impede efficient reading and learning.  

There is a Difference Between Seeing, and Seeing Well

To better understand functional vision, your eye doctor may ask how you or your child is doing in school, grades, reading habits, favorite subjects, sports played, and amount of screen time.  Any headaches, eye strain, doubling of vision?

With a comprehensive eye exam at Petrou Eye Care, you can expect a thorough and detailed dilated pupil eye health and vision system evaluation with explanations of specific situation and needs, such how posture and closeness to computer screens can affect the eye’s focusing system, or the importance of hydration, sleep, and exercise on the brain and eye’s ability to work together for reading, concentration and alertness.

To contact one of our knowledgeable team members with questions, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone at 414-247-2020 or by email at info@petroueyecare.com.

Best wishes for a lifetime of healthy eyes and great vision!

~Christina Petrou, OD

Vision Services at Petrou Eye Care

Comprehensive Eye and Vision Exam with Routine Eye Health Screenings:

• All Ages – First Annual Routine Exam at age 3
• Glasses for near, computer, and far 
• Contact Lenses for driving, middle, or reading
• Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Presbyopia
• Computer Vision and Ergonomic Consultation
• Eye Nutrition Consultation
• Eye Disease Preventive Care and Education
• Eye Strain
• Red Eye
• Dry Eye
• Eye Irritation
• Blurry Vision
• Pupil Testing
• Eye Muscle Movements
• Strabismus and Amblyopia
• Visual Field Testing 
• Dilated Pupil Fundus Viewing
• Glaucoma – Eye Pressure, Optic Nerve
• Cataracts 
• Macular Degeneration 
• Retinal Holes, Tears, or Detachment

Medical Eye Services at Petrou Eye Care

Comprehensive Medical Eye Exam with Management, Evaluation, Referral, and/or Treatments:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular Degeneration
• Auto-Immune Related Eye Problems
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Retinal Detachment, Holes, or Tears
• Vitreous Eye Floaters
• Loss of Vision
• Blurry Vision
• Itchy Eyes
• Swollen Eyes
• Painful Eye
• Red Eye 
• Pink Eye
• Allergic Conjunctivitis
• Dry Eye – Rx and OTC Drops, Punctal Plugs
• Eye Strain
• Double Vision – Prism 
• Foreign Body Removal
• Eye Injury 
• Concussion Syndrome 
• Headache – Brain Tumor
• Visual Field Testing – Threshold
• Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography 
• Strabismus – Crossed Eye
• Amblyopia – Lazy Eye

Contact Lens Services at Petrou Eye Care

• Contact Lens Evaluation and Fittings
• Contact Lens Prescription Update
• Adults and Children of All Ages
• Soft, Rigid, Multifocal, Monovision, All Brands
• Contact Lens Insertion and Removal Training Classes or Refreshers
• For Full Time, Part Time, or Occasional Wear

Optical Consultation at Petrou Eye Care

Complimentary Consultations and Optician Services:

• Eyewear Styling
• Sunglass Lenses
• Image Consulting
• Contact Lens Insertion and Removal
• Sports Protective Eyewear
• Eyewear Repair 

Medscape  (7/23, Brown, Subscription Publication) reports researchers found that people who eat “at least one orange per day have a 60% lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 15 years later compared with those who do not eat oranges.” The findings  were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

They “report independent associations between dietary intakes of total flavonoids, and some of the common flavonoid classes (e.g., flavonols and flavanones), and AMD among older adults. Furthermore, the consumption of oranges and orange juice, one of the main foods and beverages contributing to total flavanone intake, is also likely to independently influence the risk of AMD,” the authors write.

“Bamini Gopinath, PhD, from the Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Australia, and colleagues published their findings online July 6 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”

“The researchers conducted a population-based cohort study of data from the Blue Mountains Eye Study. They included 2856 adults aged 49 years or older at baseline who provided dietary information for prevalence analyses, 2037 of whom were followed up 15 years later and were included in incidence analyses.”

“The study also may have been underpowered to detect modest associations between flavonoid intake and the development of incident AMD, as the number of participants who developed incident AMD was small.”

The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Healthy vision offers patients more than good eyesight; for many, their quality of life is greatly diminished if their vision is less than adequate. For example, needing help reading a menu or being nervous to drive at night can limit patients’ independence, but nutritional support can help maintain long- term eye health. Perhaps some of the most talked-about antioxidants necessary for healthy vision are zeaxanthin and lutein, but why all the excitement around these two nutrients?

What’s all the hype about Zeaxanthin and Lutein?

Zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-aZAN-thin)

Zeaxanthin is a member of a group of compounds known as carotenoids.1  In the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function (ZVF) Study, researchers refer to this carotenoid as a “superior antioxidant” because of its chemical structure.2  In the same study, authors remark that “the macula selectively places [zeaxanthin] in its foveal center where the greatest protection is needed, which is last to degenerate.” This means that zeaxanthin is responsible for protecting the crisp, clear central vision needed for reading, seeing faces, and other daily tasks. While this antioxidant can be found in orange peppers, corn, and spinach, many Americans do not consume enough of these foods in their diet. 

Lutein (pronounced LOO- teen)

Like zeaxanthin, lutein is also classified as a carotenoid. Accumulated by the retina in the peripheral aspect of the macula, this antioxidant protects peripheral vision and low-contrast visual acuity.2 Lutein can be found in dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, and collard greens. While most patients know that these foods are beneficial, Americans sadly have moved toward a diet lacking in leafy greens. 

Macular Pigment 

Zeaxanthin and lutein work together to protect the sensitive tissues in the retina and form what is called the xanthophyll macular pigment. Found in the center of the macula, this protective pigment works like internal sunglasses, filtering harmful wavelengths of light before they reach the photoreceptors. Healthy, or dense, macular pigment may improve visual functions such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity, and glare recovery. 

From Review of Optometry Online May 10, 2018.

Sources: 

1. Heiting, Gary. “Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Eye and Vision Benefits.” All About Vision, AAV Media, LLC., Dec. 2017, www.allaboutvision.com/nutrit ion/lutein.htm. 

2. Richer SP, Stiles W, Graham-Hoffman K, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zeaxanthin and visual function in patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF) FDA IND #78, 973. Optometry. 2011 Nov;82(11):667-680.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.optm.2011.08.008. 

3. Herman JP, Kleiner-Goudey SJ, Davis RL (2017) Case Report of Dietary Supplements Improving Macular Pigment and Visual Function. Adv Oph thalmol Vis Syst 6(1): 00166. DOI: 10.15406/aovs.2017.06.00166. 

Tips for Avoiding Diabetes:

1.  Wear a pedometer and get 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day.
2. Eat plant-based diet (seven servings of whole vegetables and fruits every day; at least 14 different types of vegetables each week.
3. Get  7-8 hours of sleep each night.
4. Eliminate high-fructose corn syrup and keep added sugars under 25g each day (read your food labels).
5. Take 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 every day to get blood levels above 40 mg/dl (see your PCP or consider a home test available through www.grassrootshealth.org).
6. Promote healthy gut bacteria that improve insulin sensitivity by taking a prebiotic or probiotic containing oligofructose and avoiding aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose.

Diabetes in a known cause of blindness if left untreated.  Long-term exposure to high blood sugars causes the retinal blood vessels to become leaky and cause permanent irreversible damage to the sensitive photoreceptors, rods and cones.

Tips for Good Sugar Control if You Have Diabetes:

7.  Do everything listed in steps 1 through 6 above.

8.  Limit carbohydrate content of any large meal to less than 30 grams.

9.  Take 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar before meals to l lower blood sugar spikes.

10.  Slow down, put your fork down while slowly chewing food.

11.  Take prescribed diabetes medications on time, every time; take rapid-acting insulin at least 15 min before eating if required prior to food.

12.  Fast at least one day a week to increase healthy gut bacteria and insulin sensitivity.

See your eye doctor regularly and ask what you can do to keep your eyes their healthiest.

Source: Paul A.  Chous, OD, MA, FAAO

Louie’s Last Regatta, the final local sailboat race of the 2017 season, has raised well over $1,000,000 for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin since 1998.  This fabulous event is open to the public by registering online, or just showing up at Milwaukee Ale House after the race.

Come join Petrou Eye Care to support, donate, and cheer on the hundreds of boats and thousands of sailing fans as they celebrate the end of the season and raise funds for this very worthy cause.

This year’s big sailing event will begin at high noon Saturday, September 23, and held off the Milwaukee shoreline in the waters of Lake Michigan.  To raise additional funds for Children’s Hospital, after the race has ended around 2pm, a raffle and silent auction will be at Milwaukee Ale House!  Trophies are awarded for most funds raised, first place, and to keep it fun, awards are given for best costumes and ugliest spinnaker.  It’s fun for all!

Even sanctioned bribery is allowed during the post-race party as a pirate-worthy fund raising challenge.  This is an opportunity for boat crews, their shore teams and general party participants to buy their way to a better race position!  All bribe proceeds are, of course, given to Children’s Hospital.

This year, they have produced a fantastic video showcasing the impact of the event as well as the community and camaraderie it fosters.  Check it out!

[vimeo_video] 192156399 [/vimeo_video]

You sail!  You pledge!  The kids win!

Petrou Eye Care is proud to be a sponsor and supporter Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Milwaukee’s boating community again this year.

There are many other ways to give and raise funds.  To learn more, go to http://www.louieslast.org.

You can purchase approved solar filters at:
https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters

On Monday, August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will span the United States. The moon will cover at least part of the sun for 2 to 3 hours, with some areas experiencing totality (or complete blockage) for up to 2 minutes 40 seconds. The 2017 Great American Eclipse is noteworthy for its path that makes it visible from most Americans’ backyards; 500 million people across North America will see at least a partial eclipse, yet only about 12 million live within the “path of a totality”. That means it’s especially important for Americans to clearly understand how to safely view the eclipse depending on their location.

“Looking at the sun, even for a short period, without proper protection can cause irreparable eye damage, even permanent eye vision loss,” advises Dr. David P. Nelson, Madison area optometrist and current President of the Wisconsin Optometric Association (WOA). “Since Wisconsin is not an area that will experience complete coverage, wearing glasses specifically designed for eclipse viewing is critical.”

Standard sunglasses, regardless of ultraviolet markings, including UVA and UVB, will not provide enough protection for eclipse viewing due to the intensity of the rays.

The sun’s rays may be partially blocked during an eclipse, but the remaining visible rays are still intense enough to cause serious eye damage or even loss of vision. “Eclipse glasses” should have an ISO 12312-2 marking on them to be considered safe for looking at the sun. These glasses should be closely inspected prior to use to ensure the solar filters are free of any scratches or damages. If imperfections are found, the glasses should be discarded. Binoculars, cameras and telescopes should not be used when viewing the eclipse, even if wearing eclipse glasses during use, as these devices can magnify the sun’s rays and negate the effectiveness of the protective eyewear.

“Children should be closely monitored during the eclipse,” explains Dr. Nelson. “Unlike the mature lens found in an adult eye, a child’s lens cannot filter out UV rays as easily, causing damage to the child’s retina. When children play outside, they are often excited and may remove their glasses or their glasses may fall off during activities.”

Overexposure to the sun rays can cause damage to both the front surface of the eye (photokeratitis) and the inside or back of the eye (solar retinopathy).

Symptoms include eye pain, burning or red eyes, light sensitivity, blurred vision, difficulty in recognizing shapes, objects’ appearing distorted, headaches, watery eyes, and/or swelling around the eye or eyelid.

“If experiencing any post-exposure symptoms, medical attention should be sought immediately, especially if the condition is worsening with time,” says Dr. Nelson. “Just as with a sunburn, delayed symptoms can also occur several hours after overexposure.”

The best way to monitor eye health, maintain good vision, and keep up-to-date on the latest in developments in vision protection is by scheduling yearly comprehensive eye exams for you and your family.

Purchase approved solar filters online:  https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters

About the Wisconsin Optometric Association

The Wisconsin Optometric Association (WOA) is a nonprofit affiliation of licensed doctors of optometry and associated businesses dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the vision welfare of the people of Wisconsin. The WOA accomplishes its goals through: education and dissemination of information, organized governmental activity, legislation and regulation, mediation with consumer and public interest groups, and provision of collective benefits to its members. Approximately 640 doctors of optometry are currently members of the WOA, located in nearly every county in the state. All members must be licensed to practice optometry by the State of Wisconsin. For more information, visit WOA’s website at www.woa-eyes.org

AMD usually develops gradually and painlessly, and good vision in one eye can mask vision loss in the other eye. As AMD progresses, signs may become obvious.

Warning Signs for AMD:

Macular degeneration occurs in the center of the retina

• Difficulty reading or doing close work
• Distorted or wavy lines, borders, words, or details
• Blurry or faded faces, print, TV
• Blind spots, dark spots, or missing areas of straight-ahead vision

Know the risk factors…and if you notice any sudden or gradual change in your vision, don’t assume you need new glasses or contact lenses, make sure you have a complete eye exam. See your eye doctor as soon as possible.

Risk Factors for AMD:

• Aging – AMD affects one-third of adults over 75
• Heredity – A family history of AMD increases risk
• Gender – Women are more likely to develop AMD
• Race – Whites are at greater risk of AMD
• Smoking – increases risk by 2-5 times
• Poor diet, poor circulation, obesity, and inactivity
• Prolonged UV exposure
• Less overall body pigment and light-colored eyes

If you’ve been told you have high risk macular degeneration, ask your eye doctor about using a home Amsler Grid to monitor your central retina for distortion from advancing macular degeneration.

Amsler Grid Home Eye Test