Category: Blog

As the leaves change colors and fall quickly approaches, the air gets drier causing the eyes to dry out. Dry eyes is a common condition that is suffered by many people around the world. One of the main causes of Dry Eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Meibomian gland dysfunction causes a blockage of your meibomian gland, and causes inflammation causing discomfort, and irritability in the eye.Tear-flow imbalance, age, side effects from certain medicine can also be common reasons for dry eyes.

For those who have chronic dry eyes there are many treatments available to help you to reduce symptoms, even in some cases fix the problem.

Below are a few treatment options available and symptoms of dry eyes.

Symptoms

• Reddening of the eyes
• Irritation
• Increased rubbing
• Burning sensations
• Stinging
• Watering
• Foreign body sensation
• Excessive blinking
• Excessive eye rubbing

Treatments for Dry Eyes:

Artificial Tears & Eye Drops

There are several over the counter drops or artificial tears that will allow you temporary relief from dry eyes. This solution is only a temporary fix. Being evaluated to find the underlining cause of your dry eyes is very important.

Temporary Punctual Occlusion

This also a temporary fix if the ducts in the eye are draining too much the plugs can close the ducts to allow some relief. It is also used to determine if this would be a good permanent fix for your dry eye condition.  If so than permanent plugs can be added or non-dissolving punctual occlusion.

LipiFlow

Lipiflow, which is an FDA approved treatment is a non-invasive, 12 minute spa-like treatment that cleans out the clogged oil glands using heat.Most patients describe the procedure as a “mini- facial” for the eyelids.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Studies have shown that fueling the brain in the morning helps you think, act and learn. Being alert and awake in the morning can often be difficult without a little boost, but incorporating these foods in your diet with give you the brain power and nutrients to do just that.

1. Whole Grains

Whole grains release glucose into the bloodstream keeping you mentally alert throughout the day. Brown cereals, and grainy bread supply energy as well. The benefits of fiber, vitamins and minerals help improve your overall health.

2. Blueberries

Consumption of this antioxidant filled fruit is essential for improving memory and brain function. Studies have showed that the antioxidants in the berries interact with aging neurons improving cell signaling.

3. Caffeine

This antioxidant helps fight inflammation that can lead to many chronic conditions, arthritis and certain cancers. Caffeine also helps with concentration and memory. It boosts short-term memory.

4. Spinach

 Green leafy vegetables are loaded with lots of nutrients that help skin, hair, iron, and provide protein. There has been studies that suggest this low calorie vegetable have a lower rate of cognitive decline compared who those who ate less.

5. Avocados

This fiber filled food has multiple benefits, improving vascular health and blood flow. Avocado is a high fat food, containing oleic acid that reduces inflammation and benefits effects on genes linked to cancer.

6. Beets

Beets are useful in blood flow to the brain. The naturally- occurring nitrates and potassium help the nerve and muscle function. Beets also contain high amounts of anti-inflammatory agents.

7. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has caffeine content that is antioxidant rich. It contains flavonoids, a class of antioxidant that helps boost blood flow, brain health and regulating cholesterol and blood pressure.

8. Garlic

Not only does garlic boost immune system and control cholesterol, the organosulfar compound diminishes glioblastoma cells which is a type of tumor cell.

9. Lentils

This legume is high in protein, fiber and vitamin B. Folate decreases levels of amino acids that may impair brain functioning. Lentils also carry oxygen throughout your body which increases energy production and metabolism.

Below is a list of Green Lutein filled food known for protecting eye health. Next time you are at the grocery store remember to incorporate these into your diet!

1. Kale

1 cup raw

Kale is beneficial to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. Kale contains lutein and zeaxanthin which strengthen the retina. Out of all 20 carotenoids (plant pigments) found in the human blood zeaxanthin and lutein is found in the visual system, reducing glare and enhancing contrast.

2. Turnip Greens

½ cup cooked

Turnip greens provide antioxidant and protective light- filtering functions. They are a part of the cruciferous vegetable family containing lutein and zeaxanthin. Turnip greens are also a preventative against mascular degeneration and cataracts.

3. Collard Greens

½ cup cooked

Collard Greens is an excellent source of lutein and antioxidants. This green is loaded with vitamin A, that helps fight dry eyes, damaged night vision and degeneration of your eyes.

4. Spinach

1 cup raw

Protects the eyes from age related macular degeneration and cataracts stored in the macula. The macula is part of the retina that blocks the eye from harmful light. The lutein and zeaxanthin absorb blue light.

5. Broccoli

1 cup cooked

Repair eyes from radiation, aids with macular degeneration and cataract prevention. 1 cup of broccoli is equivalent to 2,015 micrograms, lutein and zeaxanthin per serving. Vitamin B2 is a top source for riboflavin contained in broccoli also which helps your eyes adjust to light changes.

6. Brussels Sprouts

1 cup cooked

 Filters our harmful blue light rays increases protection against UV light damage. Brussel sprouts also contain vitamin A which supports mucosa skin and eye health. They also help aid in retinal damage, macular degeneration and age- related macular degeneration.

Most women can agree that having dark circles under their eyes is one of their main beauty insecurities. It’s no secret the “panda eyes” do not just come from lack of sleep. Diet, sun exposure, allergies, heredity, contact dermatitis, eczema and thinning of the skin related are all common causes of dark under eye circles. Being sleep deprived is the most common cause and can be simple to prevent, however oversleeping can cause dark eye circles as well. If the dark circles appeared in early childhood, one can assume it is an inherited trait that some people may or may not grow out of. Nasal congestion from allergies dilates the blood vessels around the eyes making the circles more apparent. Iron deficiency can also stop blood circulation to carry oxygen into the eye tissues. Excessive drinking and smoking is also a main contributor. Since alcohol dehydrates the body, after a night of heavy drinking it is important to drink lots of water and apply moisturizer to the under eye area. Controlling the amount of sodium your body intakes will also help with under eye circles because salt causes fluid retention in the body as well as the eye area.

One should seek medical attention in rare cases like hypothyroidism which is a disorder that does not let the thyroid gland produce enough thyroid hormone, liver disease and Trichinosis, a disease caused by parasite worms.

1. Do not exceed frequent sun exposure
2. Cold eye compresses: any frozen item with a soft cloth around it can be applied o the eyes
3. Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep leaves dark ugly circles making one look “hollow-eyed”
4. Concealer: For a temporary alternative, makeup application can lessen the dark rings around your eyes

Besides the four listed items above, there are many helpful remedies you can try at home. I provided you with a list below.

1. Cucumbers and Potatoes: thinly slicing some and apply to the eyes for 15 min
2. Tea bags: freeze or refrigerate tea bags and apply to the eyes
3. Almond oil: massage a small amount to the under eyes and leave overnight
4. Lemon juice: squeeze lemon juice on a cotton ball and apply to under eye area
5. Mint: make a paste combining tomato juice and mint leaves, apply to the under eyes
6. Yoga: relaxing the body and mind will help you feel more rested
7. Water: consume plenty of water to keep your skin glowing
8. Coffee beans and Honey: ground coffee and honey to make a paste, apply to under eye area
9. Baking soda: apply baking soda to hot water making a paste and apply to under eye area
10. Aloe Vera: apply gel to under eye area to help reduce inflammation

1. Seafood: Fish contains some of the highest levels of quality omega-3 essential fatty acids, in addition to being very tasty! Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can support proper visual development and retinal function over time. If you don’t like the taste of fish, raw almonds are a great alternative to incorporate omega-3s into your diet.

1. Camu camu: This Brazilian superfruit is a newcomer to the American market, and it packs the highest vitamin C content of any fruit on the planet. Vitamin C plays a key role in lowering your risk for developing cataracts and can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration while protecting against visual acuity loss.

Brian & Selina Boxer Wachler talk with Max Flowertv about their involvement in the community. They support the foundation “Giving Vision”, which helps children who cannot afford proper services or eyeglasses to improve their vision. They also are helping the homeless, with the foundation “Homeless not Sock-less”, which provides homeless people with socks.

Since the 1960’s false eyelashes have been a trending cosmetic product amongst women everywhere. Thanks to stars like the Kardashians, Nicki Minaj and Beyonce, these trendsetters have promoted the market for fabulous falsies. When it comes to a product that’s going near your eyes, one cannot be too careful. Below are some Q & A’s to consider before scheduling an appointment.

Will extensions damage your own lashes?
Yes, it is possible that your own eyelashes can break off if they are not applied by a trained professional. Each lash should be individually applied. Making sure not to pull or rub them off will ensure longevity and healthy lashes. If constantly used, it is possible for the eyelashes to weigh down on the natural lashes tearing them out.

Are they safe to use for contact wearers?
Yes, contact wearers can use them but are still prone to get irritated eyes. Bringing a contact case with extra solution to avoid dry eyes is recommended. The eyes area should also be thoroughly cleaned before eyelash application.

What happens if glue gets in your eye?
Glue cannot directly get into your eyes, since they are shut the whole time, but it is not impossible. Glue products have gotten to the top layer of the eye causing irritation and scarring. Be sure that the glue does not contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, which is a common ingredient in glue known to cause allergic reactions.

Can you go blind?
No, you cannot go blind from eyelash extensions because your eyes are closed during the procedure. But in extreme cases, coming in contact with formaldehyde can cause blindness. It is important to go to an eyelash expert who knows how to properly apply the adhesive and lashes.

How do I remove the lashes?
Going to a professional and getting the extensions removed would be your best option, they are trained in removing them without harming your natural lashes. If an allergic reaction has developed, seeing medical attention and visiting your eye doctor should be your first step.

Blue light, a colour in the “visible light spectrum” that can be seen by the human eye, is everywhere. From the sunshine rays you are soaking up, to your hand held digital devices. The damage it can cause can contribute to many eye problems,one being Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Age-related Macular Degeneration is a progressive eye condition affecting 15 million Americans and many others around the world. It is the leading cause of vision loss as well as blindness. On the light spectrum, sunlight contains many shades of colors with different energy and wavelengths. Blue light rays with short wavelengths and high energy known as blue-violet contribute to invisible rays called ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Too much exposure can lead to sunburn skin and sunburn to the eyes, this condition is known as Photokeratitis. The main source of blue light is from direct sunlight. For those of you that spend the most time outdoors during the day, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen to prevent sun damage is recommended. Blue light rays are also found indoors. Flat-screen televisions and computer screens, also emit the fluorescent and LED lighting. The amount of light they emit does not come close to the amount that is emitted by the sun, but rather the amount of time people spend using these devices. Other risks of blue lighting, is digital eyestrain syndrome: blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, headaches and neck. This increases the chance of cancer and can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss. Although blue light could be harmful for your eyes, it is vital to help boost alertness, elevate your mood and increase well- being. So whether you are indoors or outdoors, you are exposing yourself to these rays. Below are some tips that can help you protect your eyes.

Conductive Keratoplasty also known as CK is an 8- minute procedure done here in our office. CK uses non-laser radiofrequency energy that helps reshape the cornea. Heat is applied to the outer cornea reducing the astigmatism and improving the eyesight. This treatment can help fix a number of conditions including Farsightedness, nearsightedness and in some cases help with Keratoconus. CK is often combined with Intacs®, since CK can provide further improvements to eyesight and supplement the improvement of Intacs® alone. Intacs® and CK are routinely performed on the same day.

 CK Procedure Benefits:

There are many benefits to having the CK procedure done for those who are suffering from both Farsightedness and Keratoconus. The CK procedure is non-invasive and provides the patient with a speedy recovery. Below are other benefits a patient can have from receiving the CK procedure:

• Little to no pain
• Quicker recovery time
• Increased quality of vision
• Procedure can be done here at our Beverly Hills office
• No overnight hospital stays
• Patient may have freedom from glasses or contact lenses
• Procedure can be done in combination with other procedures

CK is also FDA-approved for patients who need reading glasses. CK can also be used to decrease astigmatism and improve the quality of distance or reading vision as well as improving reading vision after cataract surgery.