Eyes give us the ability to perceive the world around us. They are intricate and complex. Keep your eyes healthy and working properly with these tips and know what to avoid.

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Flaxseed oil and fish oil have been proven to prevent or control dry eyes. Flaxseed oil contains high levels of an omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Upon digestion, it is converted into two different omega-3 fatty acids: EPA & DHA. These fatty acids are used throughout the body to protect cell membranes. Flaxseed oil is a natural alternative to help alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes are often caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye. It can also be caused by situations that dry out the tear film, including dry air from air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. There are a few other possible alternatives as to why you are suffering from dry eyes, including menopause, side effects to a medication, and diseases that include rheumatoid arthritis.

Flaxseed Oil Benefits

According to a 2006 study,a 2006 study showed that flaxseed oil may be as effective as commonly used dry eye medication doxycycline for the treatment of dry eye. The study compared oral flaxseed oil capsules (3,000 mg daily or 3 capsules a day) with the antibiotic doxycycline (100 mg twice a day) for the treatment of dry eye in patients who had undergone LASIK eye surgery. Eighty-one patients (152 eyes) were treated with either 3,000 mg daily of flaxseed oil or 100 mg twice daily of doxycycline for seven days before and after LASIK surgery.

Study results indicated that flaxseed oil was as effective as doxycycline in preventing dry eye after LASIK eye surgery. An added benefit is that flaxseed oil has fewer side effects than doxycycline, making it a good alternative.

(Colin C. K. Chan, M.D., and Brian S. Boxer Wachler, M.D.: 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery).

Flaxseed oil can be taken in a variety of form but the most common and simplest is orally. For better absorption, take flaxseed oil with liquids, cottage cheese, and yogurt.

According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four school-age children have vision problems, that if left untreated, can affect learning ability, personality and adjustment in school. In order to improve your child’s learning ability, it’s best to schedule a mid-year, back-to-school eye exam should you see any of the warning signs below.

Does your child do any of the following:

• Sit too close to the TV?
• Hold a book too close to the face?
• Squint or tilt his/her head to see better?
• Frequently rub his/her eyes?
• Closes one eye to read or watch TV?
• Avoids activities that requires near vision, including reading, homework, or recreational activities?
• Complains of headaches/tired eyes?
• Avoids the computer because it hurts his/her eyes?
• Receives lower grades despite exponential effort?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it’s time to schedule an eye exam for your child at Valuvision. One of our specialized, friendly eye care specialists performs a thorough evaluation of your child’s eye care needs to provide an educational and social advantage after the holiday break is over.

It is one question you should always be expected to answer when you visit an eye care professional for the first time, “Do you have any history of head trauma?”

Ever wonder why? Well, the fragile condition of the eyes makes trauma related with any amount of shock to the head. The incident in question could be as simple as a slip and fall or being involved in a serious car collision.

In terms of the visual effect of a head injury, there are numerous parts of the eye that could be effected by what you thought was a simple bump on the head.

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The Optometrist is the primary eye care provider for eye and vision care.  His or her role includes not only the fitting of corrective eyeglass and contact lenses, but also the treatment of visual disorders, eye disease and infection, and trauma.  Optometrists, or eye doctors, can follow patients that have been diagnosed with eye diseases such as Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration, and are able to co-manage pre- and post-operative cataract and refractive (such as LASIK) surgery patients with eye surgeons. Read more »

Lately, you hear a lot about new “wonder” foods and supplements that are beneficial to our health.  This month I’d like to discuss a new supplement we are offering in our offices that directly correlates with two major eye diseases, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Most of us take a multivitamin recommended to us by our primary care physician. Unfortunately, not all vitamins are created equal.  Not all vitamins get absorbed by our bodies and are thus released.  We get a lot of vitamins from the foods that we eat, which is why it is so crucial to Read more »