Patient Education

1. Wear safety eyewear when appropriate to protect your eyes from sight threatening injury.
2. Wear ultraviolet protecting sunglasses and a hat outdoors. Ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor for conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
3. Exercise regularly. Set a goal of moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes five days a week. Studies tell us individuals who exercise regularly can reduce their risk of macular degeneration by up to 70%.
4. Follow your physician’s instructions in controlling systemic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases affect eye health at a greater rate when they are not properly controlled.
5. Discontinue smoking habits. Smoking has a negative effect on eye health and can worsen eye diseases such as macular degeneration and dry eye.
6. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants can help slow progression of eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
7. Drink 64 ounces of water each day. This is especially important for those individuals with dry eyes.
8. Keep your glasses and/or contact lens prescription current. Injuries are less likely to occur when vision is at its best.
9. Change contact lenses at the prescribed replacement interval and comply with intructions for contact lens hygeine.
10. Have your eyes examined every year or at the frequency recommended by your optometrist. The key to good vision and health is prevention.

1. Make sure your fingers are clean and dry.
2. Remove your lens from the package or storage case.
3. Inspect the lens to make sure it is not inverted.
4. Inspect the lens for any debris and rinse if necessary.
5. Place the lens on the tip of the index finger of your dominant hand.
6. With the middle finger of your other hand, pull your upper lid up to prevent you from blinking.
7. Pull down your lower eyelid using the middle finger of your inserting hand.
8. Gently place the lens on the center of your eye.
9. Slowly release your eyelid and gently close your eye.
10. Gently blink a few times.
11. Insert the other lens following the same procedure.

1. Remove your lenses if you experience discomfort, redness, or decreased vision.
2. Lenses may become contaminated if worn in swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas.
3. Always use fresh solution. Never reuse solution to store your lenses.
4. Discard your lenses at the interval recommended by your doctor.
5. Remove lenses before using medicated eye drops.

Glaucoma

Macular Degeneration

All diabetic patients should have an annual dilated eye health exam. Early detection of retinal changes can help prevent severe vision loss.

Studies have shown anti-oxidants help slow progression of eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

Healthy foods rich in Vitamins A, C, E and lutein include spinach, kale, carrots, strawberries and tomatoes. Cold water fish such as salmon contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids, also a healthy choice for your eyes.