Dr. Ambati and his highly skilled team in Eugene provide excellent eye care for you and your family.
What are common things to look for on an eye checkup?
We check vision, eye movements, pupil responses, and all the structures of the eye. Based on what we find and the patient's history, other tests or scans might be needed. A dilated exam should be done at least every 5 years as an adult (and at least every year over the age of 60 or if someone has diabetes, hypertension, a significant eye disease, or another significant medical problem).
What are common causes of vision loss or blindness?
In adults, cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinal problems are the leading causes of vision loss and blindness in the US. Depending on the situation, each of these can be treated.
What general medical problems can affect vision?
Almost any disease can affect the eye. The eye is the only part of the body that a physician can actually see nerves and blood vessels, so the eye holds a lot of information about the rest of the body. Diabetes, hypertension, lupus, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, leukemias and solid cancers, and many other conditions can affect the eye. Prescription medications (e.g., antihypertensives, antidepressants, blood thinners, steroids, chemotherapy) can also affect the eye.
My eyes are dry, irritated, red, stinging, and/or achy. What might be causing this and what can I do to help?
Common causes of these symptoms include dry eyes and eyelid inflammation. Climate (e.g., the Rocky Mountains) can cause dry eye. Lack of sufficient sleep, medications like antihypertensives and antidepressants, age over 40 (increasing wisdom and maturity!), and staring at computer screens can all make these worse. A humidifier, remembering to blink, wearing wrap-around sunglasses outside, warm compresses (either with a hot towel or a Fire & Ice Mask), wearing a moisture chamber at night (e.g., Tranquil-Eyes) and over-the-counter artificial tears (e.g., Theratears, Refresh, Systane, blink), lubricating gels (e.g., Genteal gel, Refresh PM), and flaxseed oil (1 gram 3x/day) can all help. If these don't work or are not sufficient, your doctor can offer additional measures (e.g., certain medications or tear duct plugs). If your vision is decreased or if you have significant pain, see your doctor as soon as possible.
My eyes are puffy, red, and tearing. What might be causing this and what can I do to help?
Conjunctivitis (either allergic or bacterial) can be responsible. Consider if you were recently exposed to someone who had similar symptoms (in that case, you might be infectious, and should avoid hand contact with your other eye or with other people) or if you are having allergies (are you exposed to any new pets, fabrics, or is there a seasonal pattern?). Cold compresses and artificial tears are often helpful. If these don't work or are not sufficient, your doctor can offer additional measures (e.g., certain medications or tear duct plugs). If your vision is decreased or if you have significant pain, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Is Visine or Clear-Eyes good for the eyes?
You may find yourself taking these drops to "get the red out". In general, this is not a good idea as these drops can be habituating (your eye needs more and more of them). Consider if you are getting enough sleep or staring at a screen too long. Cold compresses, wearing sunglasses outside, and artificial tears are often just as effective without being habituating. If your eyes are persistently red, come see your eye doctor. If your vision is decreased or if you have significant pain, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.
What can I do in my diet to take care of my eyes and vision?
For the general population, dark, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, carrots, and fruits are rich in nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and antioxidants which help reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Conversely, red meat and fatty foods can increase the risk of macular degeneration. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are good for general eye health as well (these include avocado, salmon, guacamole, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seed, almonds, organic eggs). Foods that are high in omega-6 fatty acids (red meat, processed foods) are generally unhealthy for the eyes (and heart). Food supplements ("nutraceuticals") that might help you in these goals include flaxseed oil, fish oil, Ocuvite, PreserVision, EyeCaps, TheraTears supplements, Ojo Liquid Eye Nectar, or Lumega-Z.
Diabetes and hypertension can cause eye problems by themselves or contributing to things like cataract, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. So if you have those conditions, reducing sugar and salt while increasing foods with a low glycemic index and high in potassium can be very helpful.
What lifestyle changes will help me take care of my eyes and vision?
Sleeping well (and if you have sleep apnea, treating sleep apnea with Provent or a CPAP machine), stopping smoking if you smoke, controlling high blood pressure, reducing stress, and increasing regular exercise (30 minute stretches at least 3 times a week) are good for the eyes (and general health). If you have a family history of glaucoma or have early glaucoma, wearing a tie for long stretches can be bad for your glaucoma. If you have a family history of macular degeneration or have early macular degeneration, wearing yellow sunglasses (which block blue and ultraviolet light) may be helpful in slowing down macular degeneration.
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To learn more about eye care contact us in Eugene at 541-343-5000.
