https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news.atomEye Love - News2022-06-29T12:18:15-04:00Eye Lovehttps://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/ugh-ive-got-a-stye-now-what2022-06-29T12:18:15-04:002022-09-20T14:07:31-04:00Top 5 Stye Eye Drops and CleansersDr. Jenna Zigler
What Is a Stye? What Causes a Stye?
Eyelid bumps can be many things, but they are often associated with a bacterial infection with abscess formation (a collection of pus, like a pimple) in the glands of the eyelid. This is called a stye.
These meibomian glands are structures in the eyelid that create oils for lubricating the surface of the eye, enhancing comfort and improving vision. When an oil gland is blocked, it can cause the oil to stagnate, which may begin to increase the bacterial load within the gland, causing a painful bump on the eyelid.
Although there are many types of eyelid bumps, we'll specifically be discussing styes in this article.
Symptoms You May Experience
Tender or painful eyelids
Redness of the surrounding skin
Discharge/mucous coming from the area
Nodule, or bump, formation
A pimple on the eyelid
Top 5 Eye Drops and Home Remedies
Using an eye drop is not the best method to soothe an eyelid bump for a few reasons. The first being that they occur on the EYELID and not on the EYE.
The second being that an eye drop does not maintain contact with the eyelid area for that long, therefore not making as much of an impact as other methods.
Your body’s natural defenses can often resolve a stye without the need for special medication, but keeping your eyelids clean is among the most helpful things you can do to help support your body’s natural response to these painful eyelid bumps. Keeping your eyelids clean also helps support your body’s normal defenses against these bumps coming back.
Using an eyelid cleanser twice daily (think of it like brushing your teeth for your eyes) is where you should start. If you find that your eyes' defenses need more support to fight a stye than a cleanser can give, make sure to see your eye doctor for an evaluation.
Below are our top five tips for dealing with a stye:
1. Mediviz Eyelid Wipes
Using an eyelid wipe is a great way to keep your eyelids clean while dealing with a stye. You can actually use both a wipe and hypochlorous acid (below) for keeping your eyelids cleaner while you've got a stye.
Simply remove an eyelid wipe from its individual pouch, close your eyes, and gently motion the wipe back and forth over your eyelids and lashes, concentrating at the base of your eyelashes.
2. Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser
Released in June 2017, Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser is one of the first over-the-counter hypochlorous acid eyelid cleansers.
This natural, non-detergent based spray is perfect for deep cleaning the skin, which makes it great for use while you have a stye. You want to make sure to keep that area clean!
This is our "go-to" product as it is very gentle and we have had great success with our patients.
Shelf Life: 2 year shelf life after manufacture date
3. Heyedrate Foaming Face Wash
Although I know you're wishing I had an eye drop recommendation for your stye, unfortunately eye drops don't always work well to treat them. However, keeping your facial and eyelid skin clean can play an important role in helping your body’s natural defenses control conditions like styes that are often caused by dirt and debris clogging necessary glandular drainage.
We love the Heyedrate Foaming Face Wash because it contains minimal ingredients and it's gentle on your skin. We recommend washing your face twice daily while dealing with a stye.
4. Stye Ointment
There are over-the-counter stye ointments you can find at your pharmacyto help provide temporary soothing relief while your body’s natural defenses work to resolve your stye. You could grab one of those or use something similar – just make sure the product is intended for use in or around the eye to avoid additional problems.
After washing your face and cleansing with an eyelid wipe or hypochlorous acid eyelid cleanser, pull out the affected eyelid and squeeze about a quarter-inch of ointment inside. Or you can just apply it to the outside of your eyelid for ease.
If you need healing help, such as an antibiotic, for a particularly bad stye, you'll need to see your eye doctor. You should also consult a doctor and discontinue use of any ointment if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours.
5. Not A Drop But...A Warm Compress
Don't forget to apply a warm compress to your eyelid for additional temporary soothing relief. The one we've linked here even comes with a removable cover for easy cleaning. With painful eyelid bumps, make sure to keep the area clean, heat it up with a warm compress, and see your doctor if it gets worse or you see no improvement.
Last But Not Least...NEVER, EVER Pop a Stye
NEVER, EVER pop the bump on your eyelid. This can spread the infection and involve the entire eye area.
It is always a good idea to have your stye looked at by an eye care practitioner. If the infection is bad enough, oral or topical antibiotics may need to be prescribed.
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/visine2020-10-13T10:31:07-04:002021-09-07T10:34:40-04:005 Worst & 5 Best Eye Drops for Red Eyes | Visine, Rohto, LumifyDr. Jenna Zigler
5 Most Common Red Eye Causes
Visine and Clear Eyes are the most frequently used eye drops available on the market. What if I told you that these drops could potentially make your dry, irritated eyes worse?
All “redness-reliever” drops do, in fact, remove the redness from your eyes, but your eyes also get addicted to the redness remover, making you rely on the drops even more than before to keep your eyes white.
This is a fantastic marketing technique by those companies! You’re forced to continue purchasing the eye drops to keep your eyes white.
Also, when your eyes are red and irritated, there is usually an underlying cause. Figuring out the cause by seeing an eye care practitioner is always best. Here is a basic guide to why your eyes might feel like they do and what to do about it.
1. Dry, Irritated Eyes
Burning is an incredibly common symptom that goes along with dry, irritated eyes. Warm compresses and omega-3’s are a great starting point to get the oils moving and increase the quality of the oil your eyelid glands produce.
If you need an eye drop, the over-the-counter drop we recommend the most is Oasis Tears Plus Eye Drops. Keep in mind that artificial tears just cover up a problem and do not fix it, but this one is preservative free and is a great option.
2. Allergic Eye Infection
This condition will cause intense itching, especially in the corners of the eyes. Eyes will be watery as well. A great over-the-counter drop for itchy eyes is Alaway. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you're still not feeling better with Alaway, as you could be dealing with something else.
3. Viral Eye Infection (what you know as "Pink Eye")
This condition is contagious! You may notice redness, watery eyes, and general discomfort. This may spread from one eye to the other over the course of a few days, and it may spread to other family members as well.
There is no treatment for "pink eye" since it is viral. Frustrating, I know!
This is often accompanied by yellow, goopy discharge. Eyelids are often stuck together in the morning. Cleaning the eyelids more thoroughly both morning and evening can help support healthier eyes and eyelids.
We suggest using Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser both in the morning and at night after washing your face. You should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an antibiotic if you've got severe discharge or goopiness that persists despite cleansing your eyelids.
5. Contact Lens Complications
There are MANY conditions that fit into this category. Some contact lens complications can be sight threatening. Symptoms are often intense redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
Give your optometrist a call immediately if you notice any of these symptoms and especially if you've slept in your contact lenses recently (a big no-no!)
Contact Lens Dryness
If your contact lenses are dry, switching to a more frequent replacement lens, such as daily disposables (lenses that you throw away every day), is best.
If you do not throw your contact lenses away daily, switch to a solution without preservatives, such as ClearCare(please read the use instructions carefully and avoid eye contact). When using ClearCare, your lenses will need to sit in the solution for at least six hours before you put them back into your eyes.
As you can tell, an eye exam is essential to make sure you get the correct management for your red eyes. This does not mean you should call your nearest Urgent Care center...most eye doctors are always on call and would be happy to see you, even on weekends!
Lumify is the latest and greatest redness reliever on the market. Released in mid 2018, this eye drop contains brimonidine tartrate 0.025% and it's the first of it's kind. This medication has traditionally been used for years as a pressure-lowering medication for some eye conditions.
However, many were noticing that brimonidine gave their eyes a white, bright look, completely eliminating any redness in their eyes. Because of this side effect, Lumify was born.
Small studies have shown that Lumify does not demonstrate the same rebound redness effect that other redness relievers do, such as Visine and Clear Eyes. And this is great news for those of you who occasionally need redness relief.
Lumify is intended to be used up to four times daily, although we recommend using this medication only for special occasions and no more than once per day. We'll get to the why on that later!
This hypochlorous acid cleanser is a great answer for those of you with red, irritated eyes. We love this cleanser because it's helping to get to the root of the problem.
This solution is super easy to use. Simply spray it onto a cotton ball or round for application to your closed eyelids. There's no need to rinse it off and it has a 2-year shelf life.
If you love using eye drops, then this one is a great choice. It's preservative free and nonirritating. You'll love the feel of this lubricating eye drop, and you'll be able to use it as much as you want due to the lack of preservatives. It comes in small, single-use vials for your convenience. We also love the mission of this company, and they distribute directly through doctors so you know you're getting a quality product.
Refresh Advanced PF is a favorite of those in our community because it's been around awhile and it usually never disappoints. This is a non-preserved artificial tear that includes no additional chemicals which would irritate the eyes. The goal of artificial tears is lubrication of the tissues on the ocular surface, and this is a great option for daily use.
This eye drop was a favorite of ours for many years, and we prescribed it often in our clinics. The preservative free Retaine MGD is going to be a great choice when you want something to give you instant support for those dry, irritated eyes at the end of a long day, and you can feel free to use these as often as you'd like since they contain no preservatives. These also come in small vials for ease of carrying with you.
Wait, what?! Yes, you may have noticed that we put Lumify on both the good and bad list. First of all, Lumify is great for soothing redness of the eyes quickly and efficiently. It has also shown no rebound redness in studies, which makes it superior to other redness relievers on the market. However, we can still only recommend this for occasional use because it is not an artificial tear and it does contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which is a preservative that can further irritate the eyes. If you have a wedding or a big meeting coming up, go ahead and use a drop. But please don't make it a habit!
Visine solves the red eye problem by causing the affected blood vessels to artificially constrict. Tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%, the active ingredient in Visine, causes this physical shrinking of the conjunctival blood vessels.
This accomplishes the immediate goal of lessening the eye’s redness, however, as the medication eventually wears off, rebound redness may occur, which makes the initial problem that much worse.
Truthfully, we just can't recommend Visine use because this rebound redness, where your eyes become just as red as (if not more red than) before, may actually become the default condition of your eyes when used too often.
We feel the same way about ClearEyes as we do Visine. The traditional ClearEyes includes lubricants, but it is also made up of Naphazoline Hydrochloride 0.012% (which is used as the redness reliever).
This is no better than other redness relievers on the market, and you'll still experience rebound redness when using it too often.
If they claim to "get the red out", you should just steer clear. If it's generic in any form, you should tread lightly. Generic eye drops are not as tightly regulated as branded eye drops, which most often have a specific profile of ingredients and preservatives.
Generic drops (even those that only provide lubrication) may change formulas from time to time and you may end up being sensitive to something you never were sensitive to before. This may be because an ingredient or concentration of the product changed, but the packaging did not.
This one makes the bad list because we have friends who love the tingle of these drops, yet they're no better than other redness relieving eye drops out there! Specifically, we're talking about the redness relieving Rohto drops, but they truthfully all contain BAK and should be used sparingly.
The redness reliever drops contain Naphazoline hydrochloride 0.012% as well as menthol, which help to get rid of the redness and also give that cool feeling. If you're into using these every once in awhile for a wedding or meeting, we're alright with that. However, these should only be used for occasional, as-needed use.
We, Eye Love, LLC, are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. MediViz and Heyedrate branded products are made by our company, Eye Love, but we truly believe that our products are the best on the market! It is important to know that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/how-to-pick-the-right-eye-drops-for-your-dry-eye2020-06-23T11:50:00-04:002021-09-07T12:33:07-04:007 Best Eye Drops | Best Preservative Free Eye DropsTravis Zigler
What Are The Best Eye Drops for Dryness?
Have you ever walked down the eye care aisle at your local pharmacy or grocery store and noticed all of the artificial tears available? The choices seem infinite! So, how do you make the right choice?
First of all, you want to avoid preservatives in eye drops because preservatives can further irritate your already sensitive eyes. One of the major preservatives used in eye drops is benzalkonium chloride (BAK), and you'll find this in everything from artificial tears to allergy drops.
For many people, preservatives can be irritants so it's best to avoid them at all costs. Also, everyone has a different cause for their dryness, so everyone may react differently. Here are some other tips for choosing eye drops:
Avoid redness reliever products. These products are designed to decrease the amount of redness in your eyes, not to decrease your dryness. In addition, these drops can often cause "rebound redness" some time later, making your eyes look more red and more uncomfortable than before.
If you wear contact lenses, use contact lens specific rewetting drops. Regular lubricating drops can be thick and adhere to your contact lenses, causing blurred or hazy vision for hours after use. Drops designed for contact lenses are not as thick as other artificial tears and will not cause blurred vision for very long. They will be labeled as “rewetting drops” or “for contact lenses.” Bonus points if they're preservative free!
You're correct...this isn't an eye drop. However, we believe it's one of the most important products you can incorporate into your eye care routine, so we're making it #1. This hypochlorous acid cleanser is a great one for those of you with red, irritated eyes. We love this cleanser because it's helping to get to the root of the problem instead of just covering up the symptom, as most artificial tears do.
By cleansing with hypochlorous acid, you're supporting your eyelid health (and therefore your eye health).
We don't recommend eye drops often, but when we do it's usually these. We love this drop because they lubricate, moisten and support delicate eye tissues.
Oasis TEARS is a true solution that keeps tears on the eye surface. The drops are free of preservatives and come with 30 sterile, single-use vials per box. They're recommended for both day and nighttime use, and are safe for use with contact lenses.
We also have nothing but good things to say about this company and their mission. They are dedicated to patients, and you're only able to purchase these straight from your eye doctor. So, if you purchase them online (anywhere but our website), know that this goes against Oasis's doctor to patient model. Check price and reviews.
This new, preservative-free, low blur formula fortifies and restores the lipid layer of the tear film. Its unique blend of natural oils helps prevent tear evaporation and is clinically proven to support your eyes.
We love this drop because it provides the ocular surface with the healthy omega-3 oils we always speak about. MEGA-3 does not require shaking prior to use, comes in sterile vials, and is a great option we recommend. Check price and reviews on Amazon.
This artificial tear is a favorite of patients because it's been around awhile and it usually never disappoints. This is a non-preserved artificial tear that includes no additional chemicals which would irritate the eyes.
The goal of artificial tears is lubrication of the tissues on the ocular surface, and this is a great option for daily use. We used this artificial tear for years in our clinics, and it works well. Check price and reviews on Amazon.
This eye drop was a favorite of ours for many years, and we prescribed it often in our clinics. The preservative free Retaine MGD is a great choice at the end of a long day, but you can feel free to use these as often as you'd like since they contain no preservatives.
These also come in small vials for ease of carrying with you. You'll need to shake these well before use, so make note of that. Check price and reviews on Amazon.
Bausch and Lomb's Soothe Lubricant Eye Drops are clinically proven to soothe the eyes.These revolutionary, advanced drops provide soothing comfort and long lasting lubrication, keeping eyes feeling fresh throughout the day.
We recommend this eye drop because it helps maintain your eyes' natural moisture balance. And they're preservative free, so they're gentle enough to use as often as needed. Check price and reviews on Amazon.
This is a unique innovation in eye drops. NanoTears contains Nanopids, or tiny, clear, soothing lipids that revitalize the eyes' natural lubrication by restoring the lipid layer of the tear film. They provide a barrier to tear loss without the blur associated with other drops.
With these drops, you'll notice long-lasting hydration, and these come in single use vials similar to the drops mentioned above. Check price and reviews.
If you are still unsure on which drop to use, your local eye care provider can suggest specific drops just for you and your eye condition.
How to Apply Eye Drops
Now I'm going to discuss a bit about best practices for using artificial tears, no matter what type you choose from the above list. First, always wash your hands prior to putting eye drops in your eye (or your child’s). It does you no good to use eye drops to solve one problem if you inadvertently create an entirely new problem by introducing a new irritant into the eye. Also, make sure you don’t touch the dropper tip or eyeball with your hands, as you could introduce a foreign contaminant that would then be transferred to the eye.
Always use a mirror when inserting your eye drops; trying to freehand an eye drop into your eye creates a completely unnecessary risk that you will scratch your eye with the dropper tip or a fingernail.
Looking in the mirror, pull the lower eyelid down and away from the face, and place a drop (or more, if prescribed) into the gap you’ve created by pulling the eyelid down. Before moving on to the next eye, close the first eye and look around with the eye closed to evenly distribute the artificial tear around the inside of the eyelid. It may also help to press on the small puncta next to your nose, to keep drops from leaking out of your eyes.
Repeat the entire process on the other eye. Alternatively, feel free to lie back on a bed or couch and apply the drops if the above method proves to be too difficult.
Don’t panic if you feel an odd sensation, like tasting the eye drops or feeling them in the back of your throat; the various tubes and sinuses in your head are all interconnected, and it’s not uncommon to feel eye drops in your throat.
11 Most Used Eye Drops
We decided to take a survey in our Support Community to find the 11 most used eye drops in hopes of simplifying your search. Below is a list of the results, including the product description, ingredients, directions, and where to purchase the drop.
Restasis comes in both single dose vials and a new multidose bottle, and both act in the same way to produce the same results. It is recommended to make Restasis part of your daily routine and use it twice per day, morning and evening, for best results. From our experience in practice, it can often take patients six months or more to notice a change in their symptoms.
Allergan, the manufacturer of Restasis, offers a savings plan which allows you to save hundreds of dollars per month. In addition to this, they also offer assistance to those who qualify, and you could be eligible to get Restasis for free.
5. Ocusoft Retaine MGD
Ingredients: Light Mineral Oil (0.5%) Mineral Oil (0.5%)
Directions: Shake Well before using; Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed and discard container.
Xiidra is a prescription eye drop approved by the FDA for both the signs and symptoms of dry, irritated eyes. Ask your eye doctor about prescription Xiidra.
Directions: To avoid contamination, make sure the container tip doesn’t touch anything. Tilt your head back looking skyward while gently pulling your lower eyelid down. Making sure the solution has moved to the tip of the Xiidra container, place the tip of the container close to (but not touching) your eye. Give the single-use container a gentle squeeze and drop into your eye. Repeat on the other side with the same container, and then discard.
In most cases, the more severe the dryness, the greater the need for autologous serum eye drops. Autologous serum eye drops are simply eye drops that have been made with the plasma that is located in your own blood. These drops are dependent solely on your blood and cannot be made with anything else.
This procedure and eye drop is not typically covered by medical insurance. To get a two month supply of autologous serum eye drops, you can expect to spend $175 to $300.
Vital Tears is an innovative company that is making it much easier for people to obtain autologous serum eye drops. This is great news for those who may be in rural areas or who may not have access to a specialist who is well versed in this technology.
11. Refresh Plus
Ingredients: Active Ingredients - Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%. Purpose: Eye lubricant. Inactive Ingredients - Calcium chloride; magnesium chloride; potassium chloride; purified water; sodium chloride; and sodium lactate. May also contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.
Directions: To open, twist and pull tab to remove. Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed and discard the container.
We, Eye Love, LLC, are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. MediViz and Heyedrate branded products are made by our company, Eye Love, but we truly believe that our products are the best on the market! It is important to know that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/my-eyes-are-itchy-and-they-are-painful2020-05-06T17:12:00-04:002021-10-15T12:37:43-04:00Why Are My Eyes Dry and Itchy? And 19 Ways to Support Healthy EyesTravis Zigler
Allergies are among the most disruptive conditions and, in severe cases, can be debilitating. Ocular allergies consistently rank high as a disrupter in quality of life surveys, likely because the eyes are an extremely sensitive part of the body and they can become EXTREMELY red, itchy, and painful.
Not only will your eyes be uncomfortable, painful, and itchy, but their cosmetic appearance may be less than desirable during a full blown allergic response (think red, puffy, watery eyes!)
So why are we talking about allergies when we usually talk about dryness? Because they can coexist! When this occurs, symptoms can often be worse and even more difficult for the patient and clinician to understand. It’s so important that you realize why these reactions occur and learn what you can do about them.
What is an Allergy?
By definition, an allergy is an atypical, hypersensitivity reaction to substances within a person’s normal environment. These substances are often commonplace, and the body has merely developed an immune response to these elements, which may be anything from pollen and dust to food and animal dander. You may even have a sensitivity to elements within new laundry detergents or facial lotions. Unfortunately, the possibilities are endless.
Types of Allergies
Allergies can take on many forms, and they are different for everyone. Seasonal allergies are quite possibly the most well known. This form is most often associated with plant pollens and typically will affect you during the spring. Perennial allergies, on the other hand, are noticed year-round. These allergens are typically due to indoor elements such as animal dander and insect proteins.
You may notice during these times that your eyes tear more often and, in fact, your tears play a very important role in both allergic conditions and dryness. When the surface of your eye detects an allergen or becomes unstable due to dryness, reflex tearing occurs and your eyes begin to water.
This reflex tearing occurs because the eye is calling for tears to flush out the allergens and protect the ocular surface. Although annoying, these tears can be helpful in flushing away allergic material and reducing the contact time with your eye, minimizing the allergic response. However, the unstable surface of the eye must still be supported.
Why Are My Eyes Dry and Itchy?
There are so many reasons for dry, itchy eyes, but since you're here reading about allergies, there's a good chance this is the cause for you. This is the first cause we think of when you have itchy eyes. Pollen is the number one instigator, but grass, trees, and weeds can all contribute to both seasonal and perennial allergies.
Pet dander is another common cause of allergies, and so is mold. These can both be found readily in many homes and contribute to perennial allergies.
Some allergy sufferers also notice that they react to other things, such as cigarette smoke. If you're a smoker or have one in your home, you should make an attempt to quit for the comfort and health of both you and those around you.
Lastly, perfumes, cosmetics, and household cleaners and detergents can all contribute to allergies. If you're suffering from allergic symptoms but it seems to be something other than pollen, take a look at the products you're using on a daily basis.
19 Ways to Support Healthy Eyes and Eyelids
1. Removal of the allergy
The first step with allergies is to attempt to figure out what you’re allergic to and remove it from your environment. Sometimes, this is easier said than done, as I am in no way telling you to get rid of your pets!
2. Eye drops for itchy eyes
If removal of the allergan is not possible, ocular allergy medications are the best way to block allergic reactions and allow for a stable surface. The current eye drops available are most often antihistamines and mast-cell stabilizers that provide quick relief.
I know this isn't the most natural home remedy, but we use over-the-counter Alaway eye drops, which you can purchase on Amazon, and we recommend using them twice a day, even before allergy seasons starts.
3. Keep your eyelids and eyelashes clean
One job of your eyelashes is to prevent debris and allergens from getting into your eye. When the eyelashes become "over-pollinated", the eye can't help but become red and itchy. We recommend using Heyedrate Lid & Lash Cleanser twice daily to keep the eyelids and eyelashes nice and clean.
Simply spray the solution onto a cotton ball or round and apply to your eyelids. Let it dry, since there's no need to rinse or remove.
4. Apply a cool compress to the eyelids twice daily
Sometimes, all you'll need is a cool compress on your eyes. This may help with puffiness and helps support your eyes as they improve. Simply place a cold compress mask, such as the MediViz Cooling Eye Mask, in the freezer for at least two hours (keep it in there during allergy season!) and then place it over your closed eyes for 10-20 minutes.
5. Chamomile tea bags and tea
Steep 1 chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag, then allow the tea to cool. Use the cool tea as an effective eyewash, 2 or 3 times a day.
Alternatively, put used chamomile tea bags in the refrigerator. Put the chilled tea bags over your closed eyelids for 10 minutes. Do this 3 or 4 times a day for fast recovery.
6. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are naturally soothing for the eyes! If you don't have a cool compress or tea around, you can slice up some cucumber and place the slices over your closed eyes for 10-20 minutes. Cucumbers contain caffeic acid as well as vitamin C, which can both help to support eyelid health.
7. Green Tea
Green tea is filled with antioxidants. We recommend using the above procedure in a similar fashion with green tea:
Put used green tea bags in the refrigerator. Put the chilled tea bags over your closed eyelids for 10 minutes. Do this 3 or 4 times a day for fast recovery.
Enjoy a drink of that green tea as well!
8. 20-20-20 rule
We love this rule. When you're sitting at your computer working all day, your eyes can get tired and irritated and this is even more noticeable when you're suffering from allergies. Every 20 minutes, look up from your computer (20 feet away or further) for at least 20 seconds. This will help to give your eyes a rest. You could also use this time to use a cool compress.
9. Artificial tears as needed
We discussed allergy eye drops above, but regular artificial tears can be supportive as well. You're only supposed to use allergy eye drops 1-2 times per day (unless you purchase a preservative free version), so in between those uses you can feel free to use non-preserved artificial tears. These will help flush out any allergens in your eyes and get you through until the next drop of allergy medication or until you can use that cool compress.
10. Blue blockers when working on the computer
Like we stated earlier, the eyes can get super tired while working on the computer and this is the last thing you want while suffering from an allergy attack. Grab yourself a pair of blue light blocking glasses to wear while working on your computer. These lenses help filter out damaging blue light that could be causing loads of eyestrain and disrupting your sleep.
11. Avoid rubbing the eyes
This tip is a biggie. When you're suffering from allergies, histamine is released, which causes the intense itching and irritation you're noticing. When you rub your eyes, more and more histamine is released and this exacerbates the issue. Do everything you can to avoid rubbing your eyes throughout the day, so keep yourself busy!
12. Do not wear contact lenses during high allergy index days
Contact lenses harbor bacteria and allergens, and this is even more apparent during a high pollen day. For those of you in the South, you know when the yellow pollen begins to hit, and these are not the days to wear contact lenses. Enjoy your glasses for awhile or, at the very least, make sure you're wearing daily disposable contact lenses that you throw away every day.
13. Switch to daily disposable contact lenses
We just discussed this a bit, but daily disposable contact lenses are a great way to wear contact lenses without the fear of making your allergies too much worse. You're going to take these lenses out at night and dispose of them anyway, so you'll be throwing all of the attached allergens out as well. For many people, dailies are the way to go if they suffer from allergies or dryness.
14. Never share contact lenses, solutions, or cases with anyone
This should go without saying...NEVER share these things with others. Do you bathe in the same water someone else did? We're sure that you likely do not, and you shouldn't share these either. Keep your contact lenses on your own eyes, and your cases and solutions in your own hands.
15. Have a Green smoothie
We love a good green smoothie because they're full of antioxidants and nutrients needed to keep your body at it's peak of performance. We recommend replacing your breakfast with a green smoothie every single day.
16. Avoid fans and turn vents in your car away from you
I detest fans. Ceiling fans, upright fans, vents in my car...I really wish they didn't exist because all they do is dry out your eyes and spread allergens around. When you're suffering from irritation or an allergy attack, this is the last thing you want. Make sure to avoid fans in your home and work area whenever possible. It might be a bit hot if it's summer time, but it'll be worth it.
17. Keep your windows in the car closed and the windows of your house closed
During allergy season, windows are like fans. They have the potential to let allergens into your environment that wouldn't otherwise be there. Your house is already full of allergens, but don't contribute to this by allowing yellow pollen to invade your living and working spaces. Keep the windows closed!
18. Wash your sheets and towels often during allergy season
Allergy season means that allergens in your house are inevitable. We recommend washing your sheets and towels more often during these times, especially if you're sensitive to anything in your environment at the time. If you've never done so, try out eco-nuts for washing and organic wool balls for use during drying. This helps you avoid any additional chemicals in your laundry.
19. Use an all natural and minimal ingredient soap for showering and washing your face.
Body washes, shampoos, face wash, lotions, and perfumes are filled with nasty, unwanted chemicals and we are constantly putting these in and on our bodies. This can lead to sensitivities and allergic reactions that we don't even know about.
We love Heyedrate tea tree soap as it contains only five ingredients and each ingredient is in there to help support your skin.
We, Eye Love, LLC, are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. MediViz and Heyedrate branded products are made by our company, Eye Love, but we truly believe that our products are the best on the market! It is important to know that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/protecting-eyes-from-ultraviolet-light-when-wearing-contacts2017-10-20T09:00:00-04:002020-09-17T23:48:36-04:00Protecting Eyes from Ultraviolet Light When Wearing Contact LensesDr. Jenna Zigler
UV Light
Ultraviolet (UV) light damage is nothing new to people when they consider protecting their exposed skin, but what might happen to the eyes after repeated exposure to ultraviolet light?
What Is UV Light?
UV light gets its name from the size of its wavelength. Violet light has the shortest wavelength of visible light and ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths. There are three types of UV radiation: UV-C, UV-A and UV-B. UV-C radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere, the ozone layer specifically, and is harmless because of this absorption. UV-A and UV-B radiation can cause lasting damage to vision.
UV light has many useful traits, though. When UV comes into contact with human skin, it helps generate Vitamin D. This vitamin is needed to combat depression and other ailments. Some people experience something called Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months when they receive less sunlight and less Vitamin D.
UV light also has negative traits. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage the skin drastically. It produces an increase in melanin, especially in those people with lighter skin, but it can also lead to burning, even in a short period of time. Exposure to UV rays has similar effects on the eyes. Short-term overexposure can cause a disorder called photokeratitis, a sunburn of the eyes, causing irritation and a painful sensation for a brief time. Long-term exposure, however, can cause permanent damage. Studies show that long-term UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts as well as macular degeneration later in life.
People who wear corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses need to be concerned about protecting their eyes from UV light exposure. Eye glass wearers have been able to get UV protected lenses for a number of years but it’s been more recent that contact lens wearers can also protect their eyes.
Here are a few brands that offer UV protected contact lenses:
Vistakon/Acuvue
Xperio
Coopervision/Avaira
There are many others as well, although Acuvue seems to be the most popular and is readily available to all contact lens wearers. The next time you visit your eye doctor, ask them about these lenses. Make sure you get them to protect your eyes from UV light over-exposure and the damage it causes!
One Love,
Dr. Jenna Zigler
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/top-5-unbreakable-sunglasses2017-10-12T20:17:00-04:002021-09-07T12:33:22-04:0013 Best Indestructible, Unbreakable Polarized SunglassesDr. Jenna Zigler
What Makes a Great Pair of Unbreakable Polarized Sunglasses?
When you're looking for a high quality pair of sunglasses, there are a few things that you should consider. First of all, you want to make sure you're choosing sunglasses that are as unbreakable as possible, because most of us are known for breaking our sunglasses! To learn more about the benefits of wearing sunglasses check out this article.
Lens material - What is a Polycarbonate Lens?
Looking for sunglasses with polycarbonate lenses is a great idea. Lenses made of polycarbonate are the most impact resisitant lenses on the market, meaning they're going to be less likely to shatter or break. They are 10X more protective than plastic or glass lenses and they provide 100% UV protection, or UV 400 protection. These protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
In addition to them being impact resistant, they are also super lightweight so they're the ideal choice for athletes, pilots, children, and those with jobs in hazardous environments.
To enhance polycarbonate lenses, it's often recommended to add an anti-reflective and hydrophobic coating as well as scratch resistance (which is often included).
Frame material - Titanium and TR90 explanation
Now that you've got the lenses chosen, you'll also want to look into frames that are made of titanium or TR90 plastic. Titanium frames, for those of you who prefer metal sunglasses, are going to be lightweight, durable, and hypoallergenic. Titanium is silver in color and boasts high strength.
TR90 plastic is a great choice for those who prefer plastic frames. This lightweight material is incredibly durable and actually pretty bendable, so it's great for those who tend to be tough on glasses and sunglasses. TR90 can also come in any color.
Polarized Lenses | What Does Polarized Lens Mean?
Asides from the actual style and shape of sunglasses, you'll also want to make sure they're polarized. Polarized lenses ensure that you're not dealing with extra, unwanted glare and they are similar to an anti-reflective lens.
Normally, when the sun hits a flat surface such as water, the road, or a windshield, it bounces off and is horizontally polarized. This causes extremely intensive light to travel directly to your eyes. Polarized lenses contain a unique filter that blocks this horizontally polarized light, reducing that awful glare! Regular, non-polarized sunglasses allow this intense light to hit your eyes. Do yourself a favor and choose polarized! If you'd like to read more about polarized vs. non-polarized lenses, click here.
13 Best Indestructible, Unbreakable, Polarized Sunglasses
It can be difficult to find a great pair of sunglasses that don't break after a few uses, and many people can relate to this! I am always speaking with patients about the importance of wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection while outdoors, and I often hear complaints about how easily sunglasses break. For this reason, many new sunglasses have come onto the market that promise better outcomes.
1. William Painter - The Hook Titanium Polarized Sunglasses with Bottle Opener
The William Painter "The Hook" Titanium Polarized Sunglasses are our #1 choice because they're so versatile! This is a classic style made with aerospace grade titanium, so these frames are super lightweight and durable. We love that they have the world's lightest nylon polarized lenses with scratch resistance and 100% UVA UVB protection. They're also an authentic, small batch design made by an independent team in California.
In addition, they come with a discrete yet interesting feature...a bottle opener. This bottle opener is set within the temple or ear piece of the frame, so you won't notice it until you're ready to use it on your favorite beverage. This is the perfect pair of sunglasses for a day on the lake, out on the town, or just hanging out with friends and family.
2. Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Classic, Rubber Black Frame
You knew we couldn't craft this list without including Ray-Ban. Ray-Ban is the world's most iconic eyewear brand and is a global leader in its sector. Every model in the Ray-Ban collection is the product of meticulous, original styling that translates the best of the latest fashion trends into an ever-contemporary look for millions of Ray-Ban wearers around the world.
Using the same iconic shape as the classic wayfarer, these sunglasses offer an updated version that includes a smaller frame and slightly softer eye shape. These lightweight and durable frames boast polarized lenses for 100% UV protection and new gradient lenses and matte colors are available to make this style even cooler.
I absolutely love this pair of sunglasses, and I believe it's one of the best options for a great pair of unbreakable, sporty sunglasses. Plus, they're super lightweight! Maui Jim is a well-known, privately owned company who prides themselves on crafting the absolutely best quality polarized sunglasses on the market. If optimal vision is what you're looing for, Maui Jim sunglasses are what you need.
They recently earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as an effective UV filter for their PolarizedPlus 2 Technology, and their polycarbonate lenses are a great addition. One of the other reasons I love Maui Jim is because of their outstanding customer service and 100% money-back, satisfaction guarantee.
Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge. Their dedication drives the brand to look beyond the conventional ideas of industry standards. It's in Oakley's DNA to identify problems, create inventions, and wrap those inventions in art.
The Fuel Cell style is a combination of clean and authentic. It has a smooth look and its originality and authenticity speaks for itself. These sunglasses are widely popular and, although they're not polarized, they are able to be customized with your prescription, which is nice. Overall, this is a great pair of sunglasses for all of your needs.
REKS makes a great pair of sunglasses made with lightweight, unbreakable, and high quality polymers to ensure that you have these shades for a long time. The frame material has a rubberized finish that absorbs sweat and enhances grip and comfort, which is pretty cool if you're wearing these for sports.
UV400 polarized lenses ensure that your eyes are protected from glare and 100% of the UVA and UVB light out there. I love this sporty style as well, and I know many people are looking for a similar indestructible style. This may be it!
EuphoricHD Polarized Lenses provide high end quality without the high-end price. Like blinds on a window, these lenses prevent the glare from hitting your eyes. This reduces the eyestrain off water and snow and allows for comfy, happy, relaxed eyes with unobstructed vision. These sunglasses also come in a variety of colors to suit any taste.
The timeless look and feel of this frame seems to capture the feeling of being young and on top of the world. These frames will always be the most important part of the roots of Nectar's company, and they're a constant reminder to live life to the fullest. Also, we love this brand because they partner with The Bee Cause, to help repopulate endangered honey bees in the United States. For every purchase, they donate a portion of profits to this important program.
A favorite of so many of our Southern friends, Costa knows quality and style. Always ready to hit the flats or hook a deep-sea behemoth, the Costa Fantail sunglasses are the perfect size and offer great durability. One of the best polarized sunglasses on the water, these men's performance sport fishing sunglasses with mirrored options are polarized, co-molded and are perfect for any angler.
Costa's 580 Polycarbonate polarized lens provides high clarity, impact- and scratch-resistance along with lightweight all day wear-ability. This co-injected bio-based nylon frame material is both tough and durable, while offering a comfortable fit. I also love that every pair of Costa sunglasses includes a limited lifetime warranty.
Eliminate slippage when sweating and bouncing while running due to the special grip coating and snug, yet featherweight, frame. This pick is perfect for runners or anyone who plays sports such as soccer, tennis, and basketball. These shades feature glare-reducing, polarized lenses with 100% UV protection.
goodr started with the belief that running is fun and your stories and gear should be too. They designed the goodr OGs to look good(r) and stay comfortably on your face whether you're haulin' ass down a mountain trail or drinking beers in a Mexican cantina. If you love style and hate when sunglasses slip down your nose, these are for you.
Ocean Polarized Sunglasses are marketed to those who love water sports, and this is a great way to show that they have unbreakable qualities. They are made from lightweight, weatherproof neoprene which is renowned for its outstanding durability, resilience, and comfort.
Instead of polycarbonate, Ocean uses virtually indestructible Grilamid®. It's an ultra-tough, deceptively lightweight and impact resistant material that will withstand water collisions. These are UV400 polarized and block 100% UVA and UVB rays. If you're into water sports, give them a try!
10. Typhoon Mariner Sunglasses
Typhoon Optics is for the wearer that demands the most from their sunglasses both in style and function. The resilient frames are engineered for all day comfort. The lenses are polycarbonate and UV protected, ensuring that your eyes are fully protected.
Typhoon lenses are manufactured by a division of Carl Zeiss Optics, and most models are compatible with a prescription from your eye doctor (according to the company - but check with your doctor). The sporty look of these sunglasses is one that many people out there are looking for, and I believe it's a great option for unbreakable sunglasses.
There's nothing fancy about these bold, hardworking frames—they're just eye-catching. Made of a durable nylon and with sturdy integral hinges, they're as tough as they look. On top of that, they're versatile: they come in five epic colors.
Costa's co-injected bio-based nylon frame material is both tough and durable, while offering a comfortable fit. TR-90 nylon is a premier material for sports and performance frames as it is resistant to heat and cold. Though it is flexible, it is still durable. Nylon is easily molded into Costa's iconic wraparound shape.
Performance, protection and comfort are sculpted into a new dimension of style with an interchangeable lens design that keeps you a step ahead of changing light conditions. The latest evolution of the coveted Half Jacket sunglasses, these wrap your vision in the razor-sharp clarity of high definition optics.
These boast 100% UV protection and include a specialized feature that decreases slip when you sweat. They're lightweight, polarized, and everything you'd want in an indestructible pair of polarized sunglasses.
A versatile sunglasses style with great coverage to suit any face. Polarized lenses and cellulose acetate frames that are natural, BPA-free material, adjustable, strong and lightweight.
They also have incredible blue light blocking glasses to choose from! When blocking the blue light from all of your devices, this means better sleep, increased energy, and better eye protection.
We, Eye Love, LLC, are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. MediViz and Heyedrate branded products are made by our company, Eye Love, but we truly believe that our products are the best on the market! It is important to know that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The common condition known as “pink eye” may be familiar to those working in daycares, schools, or any shared working environment. Pink eye is more formally known as viral conjunctivitis because it is caused by a family of viruses known as adenoviruses. An adenovirus spreads from skin to skin contact especially with those who are sneezing or coughing, touching objects with the virus on it, and improperly washing hands before touching the face or eyes. You can see why it’s easily spread in daycares and schools!
The major characteristics include injected blood vessels on the eye giving it a pink appearance and it is often accompanied by a watering eye. It is highly contagious and may take up to a week to two weeks to completely resolve. Children may be more likely to get pink eye as adenovirus rapidly inhabits daycares and schools, but the virus affects all ages.
Unlike a bacterial infection, viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting, meaning there are no medicated eye drops available to speed up the healing process. Lubricating artificial tears and cool compresses are the best treatment recommended by an eye doctor to provide relief for any symptoms of discomfort. Typically children should return back to school when all of their symptoms have resolved in order to prevent transmission to others.
Those with viral conjunctivitis should also avoid rubbing their eyes, sharing towels and pillowcases, cease contact lens wear, and should frequently wash hands with soap and water before handling food, coming in contact with others, or touching shared objects. It is always important to confirm any symptoms of pink eye with your eye care specialist to rule out other eye conditions and maintain healthy eyes.
One Love,
Dr. Travis Zigler
References:
Ehlers, Justis P., and Chirag P. Shah. The Wills Eye Manual: Office and Emergency Room Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Adenovirus. Retrieved from
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/why-you-should-not-use-visine-and-cleareyes2017-05-22T13:35:00-04:002020-09-18T00:14:12-04:00Why you should NOT use Visine and Cleareyes by Dr. Travis ZiglerDr. Travis Zigler
Why you should NOT use Visine and Cleareyes by Dr. Travis Zigler
Hey there, Dr. Travis Zigler here from Eye Love. We’ve been getting a lot of activity on our blog in our website lately regarding Visine and Cleareyes and our articles about why you should not use something like Visine and Cleareyes has been getting a lot of attraction. So, I wanted to do a quick video on it. The reason that you don’t want to take Visine or Cleareyes, it has a substance in it called “tetrahydrozoline”. Hydrozoline, what that does is it's a vasoconstrictor. A vasoconstrictor just is a fancy word for making the blood vessel smaller, and so, the blood vessels of your eye when they are dilated or big, they’re going to look redder, or more red, and when they look more red there’s a reason for that problem. It could be allergies. It could be dry eyes. It could be any number of things, pink eye, viral infection, bacterial conjunctivitis, a bacterial infection. It can be any of those things. So, finding the problem, the root cause of that, is the key thing and Visine doesn’t even get close to finding the cause, it just makes the blood vessels shrink. What happens is, if you start getting reliant on Visine, your constantly putting the drug in to shrink your blood vessels. What that's going to do eventually is, it’s going to make you rely on that medication and so you’re going to start taking it once a day, and then you’re going to start taking it twice a day, and you’re going to start taking it 3x a day, four, etc. You’re going to start taking it more, more, and more. You’re going to make the problem worse by taking it more times a day. The reason this happens is something called rebound, the rebound effect. So when you take it your blood vessels get reliant on it and then it expands a lot bigger. Then you take it again, and then it expands a lot bigger again. It just constantly goes through this cycle, so finding the cause of the problem is the best treatment and that’s just seeing an eye care practitioner, going by symptoms, and having them take a look at your eyes. Most likely the common cause, the most common cause, is usually dry eye and that’s a pretty easy fix. We’ve done many articles and videos on that and you can read more on the blog as well. Let me know if you have any questions about that on why not to use Visine or Cleareyes or any of those and I’ll talk to you in the community.
One Love,
Dr. Travis Zigler
0:00:00.870,0:00:03.670 Hey there, Dr. Travis Zigler here from Eye Love.
0:00:03.670,0:00:09.630 um, We’ve been getting a lot of activity on our blog in our website lately regarding Visine
0:00:09.630,0:00:14.790 and Cleareyes and our articles about why you should not use something like Visine and Cleareyes
0:00:14.790,0:00:16.240 has been getting a lot of attraction.
0:00:16.240,0:00:19.010 So, I wanted to do a quick video on it.
0:00:19.010,0:00:22.670 Um, the reason that you don’t want to take Visine or Cleareyes, it has a substance in it called
0:00:22.670,0:00:24.580 “tetrahydrozoline”.
0:00:24.580,0:00:29.260 Hydrozoline, what that does is it's a vasoconstrictor.
0:00:29.260,0:00:36.929 A vasoconstrictor just is a fancy word for making the blood vessels smaller, and so, the
0:00:36.929,0:00:41.760 blood vessels of your eye when they are dilated or big, they’re going to look redder, or
0:00:41.760,0:00:46.659 more red, and when they look more red there’s a reason for that problem.
0:00:46.659,0:00:47.659 It could be allergies.
0:00:47.659,0:00:48.659 It could be dry eyes.
0:00:48.659,0:00:54.010 It could be any number of things, pink eye, viral infection, bacterial conjunctivitis,
0:00:54.010,0:00:55.519 a bacterial infection.
0:00:55.519,0:00:57.329 It can be any of those things.
0:00:57.329,0:01:02.309 So, finding the problem, the root cause of that, is the key thing and Visine doesn’t
0:01:02.309,0:01:07.040 even get close to finding the cause, it just makes the blood vessels shrink.
0:01:07.040,0:01:11.690 What happens is, if you start getting reliant on Visine, your constantly putting the drug
0:01:11.690,0:01:13.960 in to shrink your blood vessels.
0:01:13.960,0:01:18.440 What that's going to do eventually is, it’s going to make you rely on that medication
0:01:18.440,0:01:21.470 and so you’re going to start taking it once a day, and then you’re going to start taking
0:01:21.470,0:01:25.020 it twice a day, and you’re going to start taking it 3x a day, four, etc.
0:01:25.020,0:01:27.140 You’re going to start taking it more, more, and more.
0:01:27.140,0:01:32.410 You’re going to make the problem worse by taking it more times a day.
0:01:32.410,0:01:36.700 The reason this happens is something called rebound, the rebound effect.
0:01:36.700,0:01:42.560 So when you take it your blood vessels get reliant on it and then it expands a lot bigger.
0:01:42.560,0:01:45.380 Then you take it again, and then it expands a lot bigger again.
0:01:45.380,0:01:51.370 It just constantly goes through this cycle, so finding the cause of the problem is the
0:01:51.370,0:01:56.860 best treatment and that’s just seeing an eye care practitioner, going by symptoms,
0:01:56.860,0:01:59.310 and having them take a look at your eyes.
0:01:59.310,0:02:04.420 Most likely the common cause, the most common cause, is usually dry eye and that’s a pretty
0:02:04.420,0:02:05.420 easy fix.
0:02:05.420,0:02:11.260 We’ve done many articles and videos on that and you can read more on the blog as well.
0:02:11.260,0:02:16.670 Let me know if you have any questions about that on why not to use Visine or Cleareyes
0:02:16.670,0:02:19.269 or any of those and I’ll talk to you in the community.
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/important-information-for-those-with-thyroid-disease-and-dry-eye2017-01-30T10:00:00-05:002020-09-18T00:03:56-04:00Important Information For Those With Thyroid Disease And Dry EyeDr. Travis ZiglerDid you know that, according to the Cleveland clinic, dry eye syndrome can be directly linked to thyroid disease? Many people, when they think of dry eye syndrome, do not associate the condition with thyroid disease. After all, what would your thyroid have to do with your eyes?
What is This Condition?
The condition called thyroid eye disease (TED) occurs in people who already have thyroid disease, usually hyperthyroidism. In some cases, the dry eye that is an associated symptom is what brought the sufferer to the doctor's office in the first place. Research conducted by the Cleveland clinic suggests that TED is an autoimmune disorder, which is an imbalance in the immune system. Our immune system protects us from foreign bodies such as viruses and bacteria, as well as from cancerous cells.
In people with this condition, the immune system sends off abnormal alerts to the soft tissue around the eyes. This causes the muscles and tissue to swell and, as a result, cuts off the tear ducts that supply your eyes with the moisture needed to function properly, causing dry eye. Although most people who suffer from TED will show abnormal blood tests for thyroid hormone levels, in rare cases some who get the disease may show normal results. In such a case, your eye doctor may send you to an endocrinologist for further tests regarding your hormone levels.
Eye Symptoms
TED can affect many different parts of the eye. A complete list of symptoms are as follows:
Dry eyes
Watery eyes
Red eyes
Bulging eyes
Double vision
Difficulty closing the eyes
Problems with vision
If you suffer from any or all of these symptoms, it is recommended that you take a trip to an eye specialist immediately. Early diagnosis can save your eyes from harm and, in worst case scenarios, the permanent loss of sight.
Treatment
Treatment for these symptoms includes artificial tears for irritation and an anti-inflammatory medication for the swelling of the soft tissue and muscles around your eyes. Your eye specialist will know the proper treatments for the various symptoms. Early detection and proper thyroid treatment are so important, as this can eliminate further issues and prevent damage caused by the disease. Do you suffer from TED and dry eye? Let us know if anything has helped you find relief!
One Love,
Dr. Travis]]>
https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-moisture-goggles-to-improve-dry-eye2016-12-05T08:00:00-05:002022-06-28T16:59:10-04:005 Best Moisture Chamber Glasses and GogglesDr. Jenna Zigler
Having dry, irritated eyes means that you might have insufficient tear production, poor tear quality, itching, burning and redness of the eyes, and other painful and irritating symptoms. Causes vary and can include overuse of the television and other electronics such as cellphones, computers, and tablets, ill-fitting contact lenses, diseases of the glands of the eyelids, and several common disorders which prevent the eyelids from fully closing during sleep.
For those currently suffering from dry, irritated eyes, a moisturizing sleep mask or a set of sleep goggles could help support healthy eyes and mitigate some of the issues you're facing. Below are a few of the symptoms you may experience with dry, irritated eyes, so you can know if you may benefit from a pair of moisture chamber goggles or glasses:
Red eyes
Irritation and burning
Eye fatigue or tired eyes
Sensitivity to light
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Difficulty seeing to drive at night
Pain or aching feeling in the eyes
Fluctuations between watery eyes and dryness
Intolerance to contact lenses
Sensation that something is in the eyes
Before we get into the Goggles, here's a rundown of my nightly routine for irritated eyes:
1. Remove all makeup thoroughly and wash face with the Heyedrate Tea Tree Foaming Face Wash. This product contains 19 plant botanicals and extracts designed to support healthy skin.
3. Follow this with the Heyedrate Lid and Lash Cleanser. Simply spray it onto a cotton ball or round, rub over your closed eyelids and let it dry. You can use your favorite moisturizer of choice after that, and I'm a huge fan of the Heyedrate Eye Cream and Face Moisturizer because you can use it all over your face, eyelids, and neck without worry.
What are Moisture Chamber Glasses and Goggles?
Moisture chamber goggles are usually fitted with foam contours to adhere perfectly to the face, creating a safe, non-abrasive seal to keep in moisture. All major brands are adjustable for fit, and the moisturizing pads that sometimes come with the glasses can be inserted into the lenses and sized to accommodate the depth of the eye socket. The benefits they provide include:
Sealing eyes off from air and contaminants
Keeping the tear film intact overnight
Helping eyes stay closed during sleep
Preventing unconscious rubbing and scratching of the eyes during sleep
Blocking out wind, insects, and flying debris while outdoors
The delicate pressure exerted by a pair of well-fitted moisturizing goggles helps to fully close the eyes at night and, depending on the pair chosen, helps shield the eyes from dirt, wind, dust, and other particles while working or exercising outside.
Moisture chamber glasses worn at night may help your eyes function better during the day and may help safeguard against some eye issues.
Some people find that moisture chamber spectacles may be helpful for exercising or working outdoors as well, especially during activities such as running or biking, mowing the lawn, and working in the garden.
5 Best Moisture Chamber Glasses and Goggles
There are several leading brands of moisture chamber sleep masks and goggles. They all provide different benefits for your eyes and vision, and we'll discuss these benefits in detail.
1. TranquilEyes Travel and Sleep Kit:
This kit includes one pair of Tranquileyes goggles, one set of black foam inserts, one spare set of foam, and one mesh wash bag for cleaning. These goggles can help provide natural nighttime eye support, sheltering the eyes from drafts, dust, and low humidity environments.
The innovative removable moisture pads can be soaked in water, which increases humidity and slows tear evaporation. The pads can also be frozen to help reduce puffiness and migraines. We love that this is a complete set that can be used to not only block out air and dust during sleep, but also keep the eyelids tightly closed at night.
2. 7eye Chubasco SharpView Glasses (Clear)
These are great because they can work for during the day, even while outdoors or when working near a window. The 7eye have fixed air shield foam cups which provide full protection against wind, dirt, pollen, and irritants. They are best suited for adventure sports (motorcycling, skiing, fishing, etc.) and are great for dryness sufferers for use during the day.
Even better, these are 100% UVA protected to ensure that you're getting the most protection for your sensitive eyes. This set includes a zipper case, microfiber bag, leash, and sticker. The polycarbonate lenses give you a strong foundation. Sharp view lenses with anti-fog coating are tapered and de-centered to provide you with brilliant clarity and glare-cutting capability.
3. Eyeseals 4.0 Hydrating Sleep Mask
This pair of sleep moisture goggles gently shelters eyes from CPAP air leaks, air drafts and low humidity environments while creating a moisture rich environment. They're lightweight and comfortable, and the Eyeseals 4.0 hydrating sleep mask is clear, allowing you to wake up to daylight if you wish.
The mask ishypoallergenic, latex-freeand made in the USA. It's recommended for nighttime use in patients that have issues with their eyelids fully closing at night. They may also be beneficial for those who deal with persistent erosions of the cornea. This pair of goggles is great for air travel, since the dry environment in the airplane can be super uncomfortable for most with irritated eyes.
4. 7eye Chubasco Photochromic Sunglasses
These actually transition into sunglasses when you go outdoors, so they're the best of both worlds. These are great because they can work for during the day, even while outdoors or when working near a window.
The 7eye have fixed air shield foam cups which provide full protection against wind, dirt, pollen, and irritants. They are best suited for adventure sports (motorcycling, skiing, fishing, etc.) and are great for dryness sufferers for use during the day. These have the fastest color-changing lens on the market. This lens starts off clear and darkens to gray in bright conditions. Win-win!
You may be wondering how this one made the list, but it's due to the versatility of this mask. This reusable eye mask not only provides effective warm and cold for the eyes, but is also super comfortable and relaxing to use. Use this mask as a warm compress by placing it in the microwave for 20 seconds, use it as a cold compress by placing it in the freezer for 2 hours, or wear it overnight if you wish. It even comes with a removable cover that you can just throw in your washing machine!
We, Eye Love, LLC, are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. MediViz and Heyedrate branded products are made by our company, Eye Love, but we truly believe that our products are the best on the market! It is important to know that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/waking-with-painful-or-dry-eyes2016-09-02T11:57:00-04:002021-10-01T19:56:11-04:009 Best Tips To Support Dry, Irritated Eyes In The Morning | STOP Waking Up With DrynessTravis Zigler
Why Do Your Eyes Hurt When Waking Up In The Morning?
Dealing with irritated eyes can be a pain. The symptoms are pretty common in the U.S! Waking every morning with burning, itchy, red eyes that are overly sensitive to light is no fun, so we're here to give you a few tips to help support your eye health when this occurs.
If the symptoms are intermittent or associated with a changing season or new activities in your life, then make some lifestyle adjustments based on what you think may be causing the problem. If that doesn’t help within a few weeks, see an eye care specialist.
If, however, the symptoms have been with you for a while, or you know the reason for them because you have a diagnosis from an eye doctor, then do some research or check with your optometrist about possible treatments or lifestyle changes that might lessen the effects.
If you didn’t know already, eyelid inflammation is often caused by staph, which is a bacterial infection on the eyelids. As the body tries to fight the infection, toxins are released into the system and those toxins often try to exit the system through the eye tissues. At night, when your eyes are shut, the toxins build up on your eyelids and cause extreme irritation and pain on the surface of your eyes. Thankfully, there are simple things you can do to support healthier eyelids.
Top 9 Ways To Support The Eyes In The Morning
1. Drink a full glass of water just before you go to bed, and keep a bottle of water near your bed to enjoy if you wake during the night. This will hydrate your entire system, which may help your eyes stay lubricated longer. Don't forget to drink an entire glass of water right when you wake up as well. We recommend keeping a reusable water bottle, such as this one, with you at all times throughout your day. Fill it with filtered water and enjoy. You should be drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day, so if you weigh 150 pounds, that's 75 ounces of water you should be drinking each day. The reusable bottle will help remind you!
To use this spray, simply spray the solution onto a cotton ball or round before applying. There's no need to rinse this solution off.
3. Adjust the angle of any vents that are directed near your face. It could be that the air blowing from an air conditioner or heater is the cause of your dryness. Some people sleep with their eyes partially open, and that alone can contribute to dryness, but if you add the forced dry air into the equation, then it could amplify your symptoms. Be wary of overhead fans as well! If you just like the noise of the fan, purchase a white noise machine instead.
4. Try using an eye gel just before going to bed. These are better than artificial tears because they're much thicker. Apply the gel in a thin line just inside your lower eyelid and then close your eye and gently massage the eyelid to get full coverage over the surface of the eye (cornea). Most of these gels are thicker, so do it immediately before you go to bed, because the gel will make your vision very blurry. We recommend Refresh Celluvisc Preservative-Free. By doing this, you can help support the surface of the eyes while you sleep.
5. Cut down on computer screen time, TV viewing, and smartphone usetwo to three hours before you go to bed. When looking at such screens, it is easy to forget to blink enough. The blue light that back lights most screens can also be disruptive to your sleep, and fatigue aggravates eye irritation. Also grab a pair of blue light blocking glasses for protection. Click here to check prices .
6. Use a warm compress eye mask. We love a good eye mask, and a warm compress can really help support eyelids health. If you have eyelid inflammation or meibomian gland issues, you'll have stagnant oils that are stuck in your glands, unable to come out. By using a warm compress, you can heat up these oils and help them release onto the eyes. We recommend the Heyedrate Warm Compress Eye Mask and it's simple to use. Place it in the microwave for 20 seconds, test the temperature, and then place it over your closed eyes for 10-20 minutes. Do this both in the morning and the evening.
7. Remove your makeup before going to bed. We should not have to tell you this. However, there are still so many women who do not completely remove their makeup before bed. Makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria, and this can cause you to wake up with dry, red, irritated eyes. We love the Heyedrate Eye Makeup Remover Oil because it's free of harsh chemicals. Watch Dr. Jenna Zigler's Nightime Routine here.
8. Try an eye mask while sleeping. Many people sleep with fans on and either the heat or air conditioner running, and this can dry out your eyes as you sleep. In fact, there are many of you who sleep with your eyes open just a bit! To avoid drying out the surface of your eyes, try a sleeping mask or goggles. Simply place them on before you turn out the light and keep those eyes moistened all night long.
9. Practice gratitude and yoga. You may be thinking...really?! But yes, keeping a gratitude journal and writing down 3-5 things you're grateful for every single day can change your life. By focusing on the positive, you'll be constantly looking for things to be grateful for in your life. If you're unsure where to begin, check out this gratitude journal which helps you along the way. Besides this, yoga is a great wind-down tool to get in a little stretching and help you fall asleep more quickly. To make it super easy on yourself, buy a yoga mat and leave it right next to your bed.
After trying these changes, hopefully your eyes will feel more comfortable. If not, get in to see your primary eye care specialist.
We, Eye Love, LLC, are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. MediViz and Heyedrate branded products are made by our company, Eye Love, but we truly believe that our products are the best on the market! It is important to know that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/diabetes-and-dry-eye-what-you-need-to-know2016-08-17T10:01:00-04:002020-09-17T23:22:39-04:00Diabetes and Dry Eye: What You NEED to KnowDr. Jenna ZiglerYou may be shocked to hear that over 8% of the US population is suffering from diabetes. Unfortunately, this number is only on the rise! Diabetes is associated with multiple vascular complications within the body, making it ever so important to visit an eye doctor at least once per year if you have this condition. For anyone suffering from diabetes may be interested to know online sites such as TestStrips4Money.com allow diabetics to sell their spare test strips in return for quick cash. (They sponsored this post)
With each passing year of having this disease, your chance of ocular complications increases (especially if your diabetes is uncontrolled or difficult to control). If you’re diabetic, you likely know that this condition can affect the blood vessels in the back of the eye, causing you to lose vision. But recently, a few studies have reported a possible association between diabetes and dry eye syndrome. How is this possible?
An important study noted that a reduction of corneal nerve density (the nerves supplying the front covering of the eye) is indicative of peripheral neuropathy risk. A reduction in the length of corneal nerves was shown to be predictive of the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Now I know what you’re thinking...so, what?
Well, corneal nerves greatly support the ability of the front of the eye to replace itself and regenerate. If the nerves are not functioning correctly, the front of the eye will have a tough time regenerating itself, and this may put the patient at risk for dryness and a break in the corneal surface. Without proper epithelial healing, the surface of the eye may continue to be continuously eroded (a disease we call Recurrent Corneal Erosion). It also makes sense that if the cornea cannot heal itself, dryness can continually be a burden because of this inability to regenerate new cells.
Evidence also shows that diabetes can make it more difficult for people to produce enough good quality tears to lubricate the eyeball. The reduction in proper tear exchange will often lead to dryness, erosions, and sometimes pain.
Just like with any disease, it is so important to keep diabetes under control. Please work with your physician to make sure your medications are balanced, you’re taking them on time and as instructed, and you get an eye exam with dilation at least once per year!
How many of you suffer from diabetes? Do you notice dry eyes as well? Let us know if anything you’ve tried has helped you find relief!
Until next time,
Dr. Jenna
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/dryeyecauses2016-08-16T18:31:00-04:002021-09-29T12:52:51-04:0017 Most Common Dry, Irritated Eye Causes | Rethinking Dry Eye Treatment BookTravis Zigler
Dry Eye Causes
The tear film that coats the front of the eye is very complex and contains three important layers. The outer layer of the tear film is oily, produced by special glands (meibomian glands) within the eyelid, and this serves to prevent evaporation of the salt water middle layer. Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when these oil glands are not producing oil or the oil is to thick to release, therefore causing dry eye disease. The salt water middle layer comes from the aqueous gland which is located in the upper, lateral part of your eyelid. Sjogren's is the most common cause of a problem with this layer. The inner layer is made of mucus secreted from cells onto the front surface of the eye and is important in helping the salt water layer spread evenly across the front of the eye.
Blinking spreads the tears across the front of the eye while also causing excess tears to be pushed out of a drainage system that leads from the inner corner of the eyelids into the nose. This drainage system starts at the puncta, which are two small holes in the upper and lower eyelids by the nose, runs through the nasolacrimal duct, and then drains into your nose. This is why your nose starts to run when your eyes are watering.
Dry eye disease is a condition that has many causes, and they are different for everyone. You may be able to pinpoint your one cause, while someone else suffers from dry eyes due to multiple variables. The commonality between most of these dry eye causes is inflammation. Almost all disease is caused from inflammation, and the causes listed below usually result in inflammation.
Without further adieu, here are the 17 most common dry eye cause.
17 Most Common Dry Eye Causes
1. Aging
Dry eye disease is heavily associated with aging. Many people over the age of 65 suffer from at least a few symptoms of dry eye, including occasional irritation or redness.
This is usually a hormone driven change and most commonly occurs after menopause.
In some cases, poor tear quality and reduced tear quantity have no specific causes and are simply due to the aging process. Aging affects the meibomian glands which can atrophy over time or it can affect the lacrimal gland's ability to make tears, so dry eye is very common as you get older.
2. Pregnancy
The shift in hormones during pregnancy can contribute to dry eye. Excess estrogen is usually to blame, although excess progesterone that your body is not used to having around may also be a culprit.
More often than not, we find that those who are pregnant often suffer from dry eye symptoms, although there area select few lucky ladies whose eyes actually feel better!
3. Skin disease around the eyes
Skin issues such as eczema or an allergic rash can lead to dry eyes. The skin of the eyelids is very delicate and susceptible to skin diseases that may be present on other parts of your body.
It all boils down to inflammation, and if you have inflamed skin on or around your eyelids, you're more likely to notice inflammation in your eyes as well.
The skin condition rosacea is also a major cause of dry eyes, and it can lead to ocular rosacea (often due to meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD). Click here to read more about ocular rosacea.
4. Laser eye surgery
Dry eyes are a temporary side effect of laser eye surgery, in most cases, and many of you have surely seen news stories covering people who have suffered from dry eyes and extreme, boring pain after having LASIK or another refractive surgical procedure.
This is exactly why we rarely recommend refractive surgery and, if we do, we ensure that the patient does not have any signs or symptoms of dry eye disease to begin with.
Refractive surgery disrupts the corneal nerves and, although they regenerate in most people, there are those in which the nerves never heal back the way they are supposed to. These people can experience not only dry eyes but neuropathic pain as well, and this can cause them to experience pain due to stimuli that would normally not cause pain.
If you're thinking about having LASIK, PRK, or a similar procedure, think twice.
5. Allergies
Common allergies can create dry eyes, and this is because allergies can lead to inflammation of the eyes and really disrupt the natural, healthy surface of the conjunctiva (and cornea, in some cases).
Allergies most often lead to itching, irritation, redness, and watery discharge that is often confused with dry eyes. In fact, you may even have both allergies and dry eyes, which can complicate matters even more. In addition to this, medications used to combat allergies (which we'll discuss in more depth below) can lead to dry eyes.
6. Damage to the tear glands from radiation or inflammation
Damaged tear glands (lacrimal glands) may produce an insufficient amount of tears or poor quality tears. Damage to the lacrimal glands, which normally produce the watery portion of your tears, can occur due to a few things. Aging is the most common, but chemotherapy and inflammation from certain diseases can lead to damaged lacrimal glands.
Autoimmune disease, such as Sjogren's syndrome, is one of the most common diseases which can cause issues with the tear glands and lead to aqueous deficient dry eye disease.
7. Medications
Dry eye disease is a common side effect of many medications, including antihistamines and decongestants (used for allergies and sinus issues) and blood pressure medications such as beta blockers. Other medications that can cause dry eyes include retinoids (like Accutane), medications for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
This can be difficult, because you often cannot just discontinue your medications, especially those for heart conditions. You'll want to speak with your doctor and try to find other options for treatment which do not have dry eyes as a side effect.
As far as allergies go, try to limit the amount of antihistamines and decongestants you take. Only take them when necessary, and consider using antihistamine eye drops instead, as these only need to be used once or twice per day but can be effective for clearing allergic symptoms in both the eyes and nose.
Also, try to get off the medications by working with your doctor on ways to do this. This is exactly what we talk about in our book Rethinking Dry Eye Treatment. If you work on putting the pieces in place that we discuss in this book you can usually start to wean off all medications eventually. Some are harder than others, and you should always work with your doctor when doing this.
8. Wind or dry air
Common environmental conditions can easily lead to an increase in tear evaporation. A few common examples of this include overhead fans in your bedroom or place of work, desktop fans, air conditioners and heaters (even in the car!), and natural wind while outdoors.
Try to limit the amount of time you use fans, if you use them at all, and never point them toward your face. If you use a fan for the noise at night, purchase a white noise machine instead. If you must be around wind in any form, consider using moisture chamber goggles to prevent dry eyes.
We also recommend the Dyson fan, due to its reduced wind disruption technology that makes it a lot less irritating to those who suffer from dry eye. Check it out here!
9. Smoke
Being around smoke can an increase in tear evaporation and, often, an increase in inflammation. Smoke from cigarettes and campfires are likely the most common you'll come into contact with.
If you're a smoker or live with someone who is, this could be the cause of your dry eyes. No only dues smoking increase the evaporation rate of your tears, but it also increases inflammation in your body (even if it's secondhand). Smoking is one of the worst habits you could have, so now's the time to quit!
If you're going to be around a camp fire or other fire, consider wearing wrap around sunglasses or goggles to prevent smoke from coming into contact with your eyes.
10. Lack of blinking
This is typical of people who read a lot or look at computer monitors for their jobs. Anything that causes a disruption of blinking, such as staring at a computer, the wind, and blowing fans, can compromise the tear film and lead to dryness.
When we read or look at a computer, we automatically blink less than normal. This leads to an increase in the evaporation rate of the tears and leaves you with minimal tear coverage on the front of your eyes.
To combat this, practice the 20-20-20 Rule. Every 20 minutes of near or computer work, look 20 feet away for a t least 20 seconds. It'll give you a break and lead to a healthier tear film! Click here to find out how to perform the 20-20-20 Rule.
Also check out a pair of blue light blocking glasses while you work on the computer. It will help reduce eye strain and also help you sleep much better which is both great ways to reduce dry eyes.
11. Vitamin Deficiency/Surplus
A lack of some key vitamins or an excess of vitamins can cause dry eyes. I know this is confusing, but vitamin A is a great example. A deficiency in vitamin A, which is common in underdeveloped countries, can lead to dry eyes.
Alternatively, excess vitamin A (especially in the form of Accutane and other retinoids) can actually destroy your meibomian glands. These glands are the oil factories for your tear film and, without them, you'll have no oil to lubricate and spread the tears over your eyes.
This can lead to loss of sensation on the cornea and dry eyes as a result. You may love wearing your contact lenses! But the reality is that long term use can lead to dry eye symptoms.
Rigid gas permeable lenses are the most common lenses to cause dry eyes, due to their effect on the corneal nerves over time. However, even soft contact lenses can cause issues. Contact lenses, in general, cause an increase in evaporation of the tear film as well, so you're likely to experience more dry eye symptoms when you wear your contact lenses than when you wear your glasses.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the front of the eye, is a major cause of dry eyes and many may find that they experience dry eyes long after the conjunctivitis has been treated and resolved.
We've already discussed inflammation, but it plays a large role in dry eyes. When your eyes are inflamed, you'll experience irritation, redness, burning, and other symptoms. The best way to fight inflammation is to prevent it in the first place with a regular eyelid hygiene regimen and a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet.
14. Menopause
The major shift in hormones that women experience can cause dry eyes. This is similar to pregnancy, except this time you'll experience a rapid decline in estrogen.
When hormones fluctuate or decline quickly, dry eyes can occur, and this is just the product of changing hormones. Some women may find that HRT can be helpful during this time, but you may find that it's not.
Everyone is different, but every woman can benefit from a few simple lifestyle changes which can make menopause a much more pleasant experience.
Dry eyes are more common in women than in men, and this is likely a product of fluctuating hormones throughout life. Women's hormones often fluctuate on a daily basis, and you may find that one day you feel great while the next you feel awful.
Ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems are commonly linked to dry eye disease. Usually, autoimmune conditions are a big culprit because they cause your body to attack itself in ways that are often difficult to fight.
Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid conditions, diabetes, rosacea, and other inflammatory conditions can lead to inflammation of the eyes because there is inflammation going on throughout the body.
Again these are all inflammatory based, and the most common cause of inflammation is the food we put in our body. Our book Rethinking Dry Eye Treatment helps you tackle the anti-inflammatory diet and gives you a step by step guide.
17. Eyelid problems
Blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the eyelids, or an inward or outward turning of the eyelids, can lead to dry eyes. Blepharitis most often occurs due to an oversupply of bacteria on the eyelids and lashes, and it may occur due to demodex eyelash mites. Read more about blepharitis and its treatments here.
Also, when the eyelids do not position against the eyes correctly (turning too far in or out), you end up with tears that do not drain properly, whether too quickly or not at all.
Meibomian gland dysfunction is where the meibomian glands, which are the oil glands that are responsible for the outer layer of tears, do not perform properly. This can lead to your tears evaporating quicker and more problems with watery eyes and dry eyes. Click here to read more about MGD.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eyes can range from a mild dry eye surface to a very disrupted, poor tear film. The person suffering from dry eyes might experience excessive tearing or eye-watering as the tear gland tries to resolve the dry eye condition itself, over-producing unwanted, low-quality tears in an attempt to coat the eye.
When the tear levels are low, the eye senses burning and grittiness. Itching and discomfort can also be signs of dry eyes. As the condition worsens, the eyes can become continually red, and vision can become blurry. Reflexive tears are released in an attempt to combat these issues, but instead they leave you with nothing but watery eyes.
Do you have dry eye? What do you suspect or know to be the cause for you?
We, Eye Love, LLC, are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. MediViz and Heyedrate branded products are made by our company, Eye Love, but we truly believe that our products are the best on the market! It is important to know that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines-for-your-eyes2016-08-15T09:00:00-04:002020-09-17T23:38:47-04:002015-2020 Dietary Guidelines: For Your Eyes!Dr. Jenna Zigler
Every few years, new dietary guidelines are released, and we find out that the old guidelines were misleading us. No longer is a low fat diet considered healthy, as high-quality fat intake has become the new recommendation. You may not think that diet can affect the eyes, but the health of your eyes are largely dependent on the nutrients you intake daily! Below are a few of the new guidelines and what they mean for you and your eyes.
NEW Dietary Guideline
Real Life
Ocular Health Benefit
Limit sugar to 10% of calories
Sugar equivalent= 1 can of soda; NO other added sugar
Decreases risk of cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and dry eye
Limit Cholesterol phobia
Egg yolks high in cholesterol are back!
Egg yolks are a potent carrier of lutein/zeaxanthin/Meso-zeaxanthin.
Benefit dry eye and macular degeneration. Beware processed and red meats- they can increase cancer risk and problems with ocular blood vessels.
Vegetables and Fruits
2.5 cups vegetables-all colors
2 cups fruits (50% whole fruit)
Prevents diabetes and vascular disease; high in lutein and zeaxanthin.
Moderate alcohol is OK
1 glass for women
Two glasses for men
Red wine benefits cardiovascular and ocular health.
Moderate coffee is OK
3-5 cups per day; when taken with food, helps prevent glucose spiking
Decreases risk of Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s Disease.
Fat-free is out/Fat aware is in!
-Emphasize Omega-3 “good” fats
-Limit Saturated “bad” fats
-Limit Trans fat
10% of calories
Decreases dry eye symptoms and blepharitis. Prevents problems with the blood vessels inside the eye.
Less salt
Less than 2300 mg/day
-Avoid packaged/processed foods
-Less salt=Less iodine
Watch for iodine deficiency.
Think Ethnic
-Mediterranean diet options
-Vegetarian diet options
Variety of nutrient-dense foods is the best
Decrease morbidity- enhance immunity, longevity.
Hopefully, these guidelines will be easy enough for you to understand and implement. Diets high in colorful (especially green), leafy fruits and vegetables, along with optimal protein and fat intake, allow the eyes to function at their best. And if you follow these recommendations, I'm pretty sure the rest of you will feel great as well!
One Love,
Dr. Jenna
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/122025219-frequently-asked-thoroughly-answered2016-05-03T17:01:00-04:002020-09-18T00:20:11-04:00Frequently Asked...Thoroughly AnsweredDr. Jenna Zigler
We get tons of questions daily on our products, so I thought it might be helpful to go through a few of the most frequently asked questions our customers have. Hopefully, you'll learn a little bit in the process!
Where are sunglasses from Eye Love made? Eye Love is a small family business based in South Carolina in the United States. We have looked around the U.S. for a great sunglasses manufacturer, but no one could make a high quality, premium pair of sunglasses at a great price. All of our sunglasses are made in the city of Wenzhou, which is located at the extreme southeast end of the Zhejiang Province in China. This is an area of China that is known for its sunglasses, especially Ray Ban. Be on the lookout for a Made in America line in the future!
Can you see directly into the water when fishing? Yes, you absolutely can! The technology you need to see straight into the water is a polarized sunglass lens. Polarization blocks the sun's reflections off the water making it easy to see directly into the water and scout those fish! All of the sunglasses from Eye Love are polarized because we believe that these lenses are the healthiest for your eyes. Read more about polarized sunglasses in this blog post!
I have insanely sensitive eyes. Do you think these are darker than most you see in stores? Great question! If you want the darkest lens available, check out the Eye Love Wanderer. These boast Polarized Gray 3 lenses, which are the darkest that you can get. You will love them! If you desire something lighter, our Eye Love Metal Sunglasses or our Eye Love Women's shades are a wonderful, polarized option (check out the photo below and see me attempting to model our brown women's pair!)
Are these sunglasses one-size-fits-all? Unfortunately, sunglasses are never really one-size-fits-all. Every face and every person are unique, and therefore, every pair of sunglasses will fit each person differently. However, they can often be adjusted to fit better. If you are unsatisfied with the fit of your sunglasses, we recommend taking them to your local optometry office to have an optician adjust them for you.
How do you adjust the nose pads? On our metal and plastic sports sunglasses, there is a small screw that holds the nose piece onto the frame. Do not unscrew this (unless you want to remove the entire piece), but rather gently bend the nose pad feet in and out, depending on if you want them closer or further apart. I ALWAYS recommend leaving this to the professionals in order to avoid breakage. You can take them into an optometry office, and they would be happy to adjust them to your liking!
What does the warranty cover? At Eye Love, we stand by the quality of our product. The warranty for manufacturer's defects is for a lifetime, but this does not include accidental breakage or scratches. Don't forget to register your warranty after purchase so that you can enjoy this benefit! There is also a satisfaction guarantee with every pair. If your new sunglasses don't delight you, return them for a full refund, no questions asked!
I hope I've been able to answer a few of your burning questions today. If you think of any others you'd like addressed, just comment below and I'd be happy to answer them. Until next time...
Dr. Jenna
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/116994307-what-we-stand-for2016-03-31T08:00:00-04:002020-09-18T00:07:17-04:00What We Stand For!Dr. Jenna Zigler
With every purchase, Eye Love donates a portion of all proceeds to eye exams, glasses, and sunglasses for patients who can neither afford nor obtain quality eye care. We do this at our home in South Carolina and Jamaica (our second and slightly more tropical home).
We are super excited because we just booked our trip this year to spend 11 DAYS in Negril, Jamaica in October. This trip gives us the chance to help so many deserving people get the eye care they need. Our last trip was in rural Seaford Town, Jamaica (also known as German Town, due to a large number of residents with German ancestry). You can view the amazing highlights below...be prepared to smile and feel all warm and fuzzy!
One Love,
Dr. Jenna
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @eyelovethesun, and hashtag your selfies and sunsets #eyelovethesun
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https://eyelovethesun.com/blogs/news/116830275-who-we-are2016-03-29T10:30:00-04:002020-09-18T00:19:27-04:00Who we are!Dr. Jenna ZiglerHello, there friends! Since you've come across our site, I'm sure you're wondering why we're here. We are a husband and wife eye doctor duo that is looking to change the world, one person at a time. By day, you will find us practicing and actively seeing patients at Advanced Family Eye Care in Blythewood and Camden, South Carolina. By night, we work with a team of three to four people who help run our online eCommerce store, Eye Love. Our goal is to provide you with excellent quality, polarized sunglasses at a fantastic price. We hand-select each pair to meet our quality expectations, so you know that every pair you buy comes from a source you can trust.
Read more about each of us below:
Dr. Travis graduated in 2010 from The Ohio State University College of Optometry with Magna Cum Laude honors. He also did his undergraduate studies at OSU. Dr. Travis has most recently served as Zone Governor of the Central Ohio Optometric Association. He is also a member of the American Optometric Association and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Travis specializes in “difficult to fit” contact lenses for patients with astigmatism, patients that need bifocals, keratoconus, and dry eye. Dr. Travis is a fellow of the Scleral Lens Society, which is given to eye care physicians that have demonstrated excellence in scleral lens fitting.
Dr. Jenna graduated in 2011 from The Ohio State University College of Optometry second in her class with Summa Cum Laude honors. She did her undergraduate studies in Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science at University of Michigan. Dr. Jenna has most recently served as trustee of the Central Ohio Optometric Association. She is currently a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a member of the American Optometric Association.
The Drs. Zigler has been actively involved with Volunteers for Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), which is a group that travels worldwide to give eye examinations to people who can neither afford nor obtain quality eye care. They have made trips to Ecuador, Peru, and Jamaica twice, and have plans to participate in future missions. With your help, no one will have to go without the eye care and eye wear that they deserve!