Do Nearsighted Parents Have Nearsighted Kids?

Whenever we see children who need eyeglasses-especially those who need correction for nearsightedness to see clearly at distance for the first time-parents always want to know if the prescription will get worse, and if the parent wears eyeglasses, did this cause the child to need glasses. We have always known that there seems to be a familial predisposition so that children of myopic parents tend to become myopic or nearsighted and need glasses. According to research published in the journal of the Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation where a 22-year long study evaluated the parental influence on nearsightedness and its progression, there is no meaningful influence of the parent’s nearsightedness on boys, but there is a clear statistical influence on both the prevalence of nearsightedness and its progression among girls. Further, the cause of the nearsightedness seems to be related to corneal anatomy and its refractive power rather than the length of the eye.

It is important for all children to have regular eye heath and vision exams. Vision problems in kids can contribute to literacy problems and delays, overall learning problems and even the perception of attention and behavioral problems. Please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.

Possible Treatment Help for Dry AMD

Researchers seeking ways to treat the “Dry” form of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are encouraged by findings of their clinical trial. The researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School and the University of Crete have found that some patients taking high doses of atorvastatin (Lipitor®) had complete resolution of lipid deposits in the dry form of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Although we currently use therapeutic injections of VEGF inhibitors to treat the “Wet” form of AMD, as of yet we really do not have an effective treatment options for the “Dry” form-so this is encouraging.

The best way to avoid vision loss from the senior eye problem of age related macular degeneration (AMD) is by having regular eye exams for early detection diagnosis and treatment. Please

please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser.  

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354. 

Eyeliner Tips for Healthy Eyes

Eyeliner Tips to Keep Eyes Healthy

Eyeliner can be applied to create a new look, or enhance natural eye appearance. But our eye doctors want to share some tips and alert eyeliner wearer to watch when and where eyeliner is applied. Three tips for safe application:

When to Apply-If you’re running late to work, school or an appointment, you may be tempted to grab your makeup and apply it in the car. But don’t use eyeliner when the car is moving, you could injure or poke your eye. A better idea is to wait until you are safely parked.

Keep It Clean-Eyeliner pencils periodically need sharpening for easy application. Use a makeup sharpener, not a kitchen or pocket knife, or a sharpener used for pencils or crayons. Prevent spreading germs to your eyes by washing your hands before using eyeliner, and don’t borrow or share eyeliner products with others. This includes liquid and cream eyeliners as well.

Watch the Location-Applying eyeliner along the inside edge of the eyelid, called the waterline, can enhance the look of your eyes. But it also may increase the risk for contamination and vision problems. Studies show that flecks from eyeliner, especially those with glitter, may drop into the eye and collect in tear film. Vision may become blurry, and eyes may become red and irritated. A bacterial infection also may develop. This is a problem, especially for those who wear contacts or have dry, sensitive eyes.

If you or someone you know has a question about how to use eyeliner safely and protect eye health please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.