Month: October 2016

5 Signs Keratoconus Is Making You Depressed

When it comes to dealing with Keratoconus, there are many factors that may leave you at a loss of confidence, or motivation to be the person you once were. You may be feeling like your life will never be “normal” again. However, every person is different, but depression is something that everyone can agree is a serious matter.  If you can relate to any of the following signs below, getting immediate help from a health care professional is advised.

         1. Daily Activities Do Not Sound Appealing

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You are starting to lose interest in some of the daily activities you were once interested in. You may not care about pervious hobbies, social activities or anything that anything that once brought you joy. This  is common to experience when you are in a state of depression.

2. Appetite is Suppressed

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All the foods you once loved eating do not satisfy your craving. You may be skipping meals or just feel like you have no appetite at all. If you are noticing that you are losing a significant amount of weight ( 5% of body weight a month)  seek immediate help.

3. Little or No energy

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You are always tired or feeling sluggish, even after doing little or no physical activity. You do not feel like moving because of how emotionally drained you are. It is common to experience headaches and migraines due to lack of sleep.

4. Anger Levels Rise

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Every little thing is bothering you. You are feeling more agitated, short tempered and possibly violent. You may act out in unusual behavior. Dealing with Keratoconus can be upsetting and difficult to cope with.

5. Reckless Behavior

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You start to engage in activities that can put you in danger. Substance abuse and gambling are a few examples. If you are turning to these options for relief, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. There are other positive healthy alternatives.

Isn’t it too Cold For Sunglasses?

Understanding Photokeratitis

Purchasing new sunglasses is often something we think of for the beach or summer weather, but they should be something you think about all year round. The stylish fashions and spurts of purchases when it comes to sunglasses flourish every year during warm weather when vacations and beaches are on everyone’s minds.

But the glare, and the protection sunglasses offer, should be on your mind all year. Why? Sunglasses do much more than make a fashion statement. In the winter they can prevent “Snow Blindness”, as well as keep harmful UV rays from the sun from damaging your eyes. Most of you have heard of the protection that sunglasses provide from the Sun’s UV rays but “Snow Blindness” or Photokeratitis, is a serious condition that sunglasses can also protect your eyes from.

Snow Blindness (Photokeratitis):

“Snow Blindness” is an acute condition brought on by too much exposure to the Sun’s UV rays when in the snow. Snow Blindness is when the cornea is burned from exposure to the Sun and Sun’s rays. It’s much like a sunburn of the eyes.

During the winter months many people are active skiing, sledding, Bobsledding, and participating in other outdoor activities. Without the protection of UV 400 sunglasses, you can be exposed to the sun’s rays in Two ways: directly (from exposure to UV rays) and indirectly (from the reflection of the UV rays from the snow). This is very damaging to the cornea and puts you at even more risk of developing this condition than with sun exposure alone. After too much exposure to these rays after a long period of time you can experience partial or complete loss of vision.

Photokeratitis Treatments:

There are many treatments for “Snow Blindness” including Anesthetic eye drops. These are used for a short time only as they can hinder your cornea’s recovery. Also, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops and cold, wet compresses can also provide relief.

Recovery duration from “Snow Blindness,” or Photokeratits, can vary depending on how long you were exposed and how severe the burn is. It’s best to be examined by your eye care professional if you have pain and/or light sensitivity after being outside for extended periods of time.

Photokeratitis Symptoms:

  • Sore/Painful eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Eye Lid Twitching
  • Foreign Body Sensation
  • Halos and/or Spots in the vision

Photokeratitis, or “Snow Blindness” can be very damaging to your vision. If you have been exposed to the sun or reflection from snow for long periods of time and have any of the above symptoms you should see your eye care professional.

In summary – the best option is to reduce exposure from the beginning by protecting your eyes with wrap-around style, 400+ UV protection sunglasses.These are not necessarily the most expensive glasses, and as a matter of fact inexpensive sunglasses can provide just as much, if not more protection than many ‘designer’ pairs so you don’t have to ‘break the bank’ to protect your eyes.

Click below to hear “TV’s Eye Doctor” Brian Boxer Wachler answer a patient inquiry regarding sun protection during winter.