Better Brains After Cataract Surgery?!

As we get older and get cataracts we start to lose our ability to see blue light. Cataracts, especially the brownish nuclear sclerotic cataracts that are so common in aging, are nature's blue blockers! A small pilot study done in England has shown that removing cataracts and increasing the amount of blue light that reaches the retina boosts our brain function.

"Aging is asssociated with insomnia, depression , and cognitive decline," the study authors said. "Removal of a yellow cataract and replacement with a clear intraocular lens as a means of increasing blue-light trnasmission has potential benefits to non-visual brain responses."

These responses are linked to the melanopsin-dependent systems in the brain, specifically our circadian rhythm or wake/sleep schedule. In turn, a disruption in this cycle--older individuals tend to sleep less, sleep more poorly, and have more trouble staying on a regular sleep/wake schedule--is associated with not only depression but also a slowing of brain responses to all kinds of mental tasks.

15 individuals with an average age of 75 had cataract surgery and then underwent a series of mental tasks that were both simple and complex. Aftert the surgery their reaction times were dramatically  faster, regardless of their vision!

The more we study cataract surgery the more benefits we discover!

Low-glycemic diet seen to reverse diastolic dysfunction of diabetes

Vienna, Austria - A diet that was short on carbohydrates and long on protein, given to diabetic patients engaged in a supervised exercise and weight-loss program, appeared not only to cut proinsulin levels and postprandial glucose and triglyceride levels, it seemed to improve LV diastolic function [1].

In the study that compared the "low-carb" diet to a traditionally recommended low-fat diet, the one designed to flatten out resulting insulin and glucose curves also allowed them to take far fewer oral diabetes medications and apparently cut both systolic and diastolic pressures. The low-fat diet had no apparent effect on diastolic function or med use or on blood pressures.

Prof Helene von Bibra

On the other hand, the two diets led to about the same declines in weight and waist circumference and lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, reported Prof Helene von Bibra (Technical University Munich, Germany) here at the Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome 2013 Congress.

Many patients with insulin resistance, diabetes, or both have subclinical diastolic dysfunction, with severe prognostic implications if it becomes symptomatic, von Bibra reminded heartwire. About 65% of the 32 patients in the study had abnormal diastolic function as defined echocardiographically by low early diastolic myocardial velocity. That measure in most cases nearly normalized after the low-carb diet, but not after the low-fat diet, she said.

Of 32 overweight or obese diabetic patients (mean body-mass index, 34) without cardiac disease who were engaged in a "rehabilitation program in order to lose weight" that included two hours of supervised aerobic exercise per day, half followed a low-glycemic diet (25% carbohydrate, 45% fat, 30% protein) and the other half a low-fat diet (55% carbohydrate, 25% fat, and 20% protein) for three weeks. The diets provided the same amount of calories. Those on the low-fat diet then switched to the low-glycemic diet for an additional two weeks. Cardiac function by echo and metabolic parameters were assessed daily before and after a 400-kcal breakfast.

From baseline to three weeks, patients on the low-carb diet reduced their use of conventional oral antidiabetic medication by 86%. Those on the low-fat diet reduced them by only 6% by the end of three weeks, but intake went down another 57% by the end of their two-week low-glycemic diet phase. "And still they had improvements in glucose," von Bibra said. Medications other than oral ones for diabetes, such as antihypertensive drugs, were not changed in anyone during the study.

Laboratory and echo changes in overweight/obese diabetic patients assigned to low-glycemic (n=16) and low-fat (n=16) diets

Initial assigned diet	Baseline	3 wk	2 wk after crossover to low-carb	p
Low-glycemic
Triglycerides (mg/dL)	150	111	—	<0 .005="" br="">
Postprandial glucose (mg/dL)	141	125	—	<0 .04="" br="">
E' (cm/s)	9.5	10.4	—	<0 .03="" br="">
Low-fat
Triglycerides (mg/dL)	208	194	138	<0 .003="" 3="" baseline="" br="" vs="" wk="">
Postprandial glucose (mg/dL)	168	137	127	<0 .008="" baseline="" br="" vs="">
E' (cm/s)	10.8	10.7	11.4	<0 .02="" 3="" br="" vs="" wk="">

E'=early diastolic myocardial velocity by tissue-Doppler echocardiography

The gains in diastolic function probably were not independently related to the associated blood-pressure reductions; rather, she proposed, they reflected improvements in myocardial energy utilization on the low-glycemic diet. Insulin resistance can lead to diastolic dysfunction via several pathways, she noted, but the most prominent seems to be myocardial energy deficiency secondary to microvascular dysregulation and mitochondrial imbalances of glucose vs fat oxidation.

APRIL 22, 2013 Steve Stiles

Nike SportsVision Golf!

Did you know that all of the Skyvision Centers doctors are golfers? Dr. Kaye has actually competed in some of the biggest Cleveland golf events. All of our doctors know the importance of protecting their eyes from UV light. But what about performance? Can a pair of sunglasses make you see BETTER on the golf course?

You bet! The Nike Max Tint SportsVision series of sunglass lenses are designed to only let the most important wavelengths of light make it to your eyes for your special sport. The Nike Golf lens is a purple lens that makes the white golf ball "POP"  against the green background of a golf course so that you can follow your shots better.

The other big advantage of wavelength management is how the Nike Golf Lens allows a golfer to see contours on both the fairways and the greens. Dr. Kaye wears his all the time and feels he can see the breaks on the greens much better when he is wearing his Nikes!

Skyvision Centers is the leading provider of Nike Max Tint sports lenses in Cleveland. Let the doctors and our optical staff fit you with the perfect pair of Nike Golf lenses so that you an improve your game!

Know the Dry Eye Facts

You’ve been staring at your computer and sifting through paperwork for hours. Your eyes begin to feel gritty, sore and tired. You could be among the 30 million Americans that suffer from dry eye disease, and not even know it. Since dry eye symptoms can mimic many other syndromes, sufferers frequently go undiagnosed and often don’t realize what they are afflicted with. Additionally, many people confuse dry eye symptoms with seasonal allergies or the common cold. It is imperative to know the facts; and we have made it easy for you with our dry eye fact sheet.

So, why is being aware of dry eye disease important, you ask? Well, if dry eye is left untreated or undetected, it can be much more than just a bothersome and uncomfortable condition. Untreated, excessive dry eye disease can damage the eye’s delicate tissues and disrupt the cornea, which can ultimately lead to vision impairment or even loss. Permanent scarring on the ocular surface and frequent eye infections can also be a result of undetected dry eye disease. Do not take eye hydration for granted!

In every practice, there are hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of patients who suffer from some form of ocular dryness. In fact, dry eye disease is the number one reason for eye doctor visits. And while we can’t change the fact that we have dry eye disease, we can limit the environmental factors that aggravate symptoms. Being aware of potential dry eye triggers and becoming familiar with recognizing the symptoms can be exceedingly beneficial.

With so much to know, and so little time to read literature on the topic, how can one be more knowledgeable regarding the proper protocol to detect, ease and avoid dry eye symptoms? Further, who are the unlucky individuals more likely to be plagued with dry eye disease? Know the answers to these questions and the most common do’s and do not’s of dry eye disease to lessen your risk before the problem progresses. Proactively reduce your chances of developing or worsening dry eye symptoms by printing or sharing this child-friendly, educational dry eye fact sheet! Know the basics, your eyes will thank you!

Always see an Accredited Dry Eye doctor for a regular eye examination, or if you think you may have dry eye disease.

September 6, 2012 by All About Dry Eye 

Using Eye Makeup

Follow these tips to keep your eyes healthy as well as beautiful:

• Throw away eye makeup after three months. Infection-causing bacteria grow easily in creamy or liquid eye makeup. If you develop an eye infection, immediately toss all of your eye makeup.
• Never share eye makeup, and when sampling makeup in stores use only fresh applicators and samples that have not been contaminated by multiple users. (The safest choice is to avoid store samples altogether.)
• If you tend to be allergic, introduce only one new eye makeup or care product at a time. If there is no reaction, add another new product, and so on. If you notice an allergic reaction, find out what the ingredients are and let your doctor know. Avoid products that contain untested or harmful chemicals.
• Before applying makeup, be sure your face and eyelids are very clean. Always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye, to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid. These glands secrete oil that protects the eye’s surface. Never apply makeup while in a moving vehicle.
• Do not separate your mascara-clumped lashes with sharp items.
• If you tend to have dry eyes, avoid metallic/glitter, powder or other makeup that flakes. Flakes can get into the tear film and increase your eyes’ irritation. Glitter eye makeup is a common cause of corneal irritation or infection, especially in contact lens users.
• Remove all eye makeup at night before sleeping, especially mascara that can stick to the lashes. Brush a clean cotton swab along the base of the eyelashes to remove all makeup remnants. If you use eye makeup remover, avoid getting it in your eyes and thoroughly rinse remover off your eyelids.

If you have eye surgery, do not wear makeup around the eye until your ophthalmologist tells you it is safe to do so, and then use only fresh, new makeup.

Eye Tips for Teenagers

Exercise

Our eyes need good blood circulation and oxygen intake, and both are stimulated by regular exercise. Regular exercise also helps keep our weight in the normal range, which reduces the risk of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Remember to use sun safety and protective eye wear when enjoying sports and recreation.

No Smoking

Avoiding smoking, or quitting, is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health. Even though old age seems a long way off, smoking as a teenager can increase your risks for cataracts as well as for cardiovascular diseases that indirectly influence our eyes’ health. Smoking increases the risk of severe vision loss people with other eye diseases as well. 

Decorative Contact Lenses

Decorative contact lenses, including circle lenses, are a potentially dangerous trend among teenagers and young adults. These cosmetic lenses are designed to change the appearance or color of the eye. These decorative lenses can be bought in stores and online without a prescription.

Buying any decorative contact lenses, including circle lenses, without a prescription is hazardous to your eye health. Pain and swelling are frequently caused by improperly fitted, over-the-counter lenses. More serious problems can include corneal abrasions and blinding contact lens-related infections. All contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription, proper fitting by an eye care professional and a commitment to proper contact lens care by the wearer.

Info - courtesy of EyeSmart

Eye Health Tips for High School and College Students

Students face special challenges to the eyes when they are under academic performance pressure. 

Lack of sleep, prolonged computer use and long hours studying make for tired eyes that are dry, 
scratchy and achy. 


Prolonged computer use contributes to eye fatigue because you blink less frequently. Less
blinking significantly reduces lubrication in the eye making it feel tired, scratchy and “dry” as a
result. Also eyes are not designed for prolonged focus on a single object, such as the computer.
Remedy: place a note on the computer screen as a reminder to blink and to look away from the
screen and focus on objects in the distance. Looking out a window (20 – 20 – 20 rule: for every
20 minutes of computer work, look away for 20 seconds, and focus on a scene or object at least
20 feet away) is a good break for the eyes. The key is to give your eyes a rest.

“Dry eye” is a common feeling from not giving your eyes enough rest while some people just
naturally do not produce enough tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. Some common
symptoms of dry eye are stinging and burning to the eyes, scratchiness, excessive eye irritation
from smoke or wind and excessive tearing. Remedy: If you have occasional symptoms of dry
eye, you should try eye drops called artificial tears. These are similar to your own tears and help
lubricate the eyes and maintain moisture. For persistent “dry eye,” see your SkyVision doctor.

Contact Lenses and Sleep Deprivation 

When a contact-lens wearer stays awake studying for 18-20 hours or more with their contacts in,
it’s almost the equivalent of sleeping with contacts in, something that Eye M.D.s warn against.
Prolonged wearing of your contact lenses is a problem for people who wear regular hydrogen
lenses, since traditional hydrogels are relatively less permeable to oxygen than newer alternatives
like silicone hydrogels. The eye needs oxygen to keep it healthy. Without regular exposure to
oxygen, the eye’s cornea can become inflamed and the vision blurry. Prolonged contact lens use
can even lead to infections or corneal ulcers that in the worst case can permanently damage
vision.

Sometimes students fall asleep without knowing it (with their contacts in), while studying.
Remedy: Alternate wearing contact lenses with use of eyeglasses during long study periods.
Also, students with irregular sleep patterns can wear contact lenses made of silicon hydrogen, a
new material with improved oxygen permeability, which may reduce risk of infection and
discomfort.

Make sure you have a current prescription for your spare eyeglasses! 

For more information about contact lenses and proper contact care guidelines ask one of the SkyVision doctors.

This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart 
Campaign (www.geteyesmart.org).