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Is Sunshine Bad for Your Eyes?

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No doubt you’ve heard that too much sunshine can have negative effects on your skin, but what about your eyes? As your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, the doctors at Champaign Eye Professionals are committed to helping our patients take good care of their eyes. Here’s what you should know about sunshine and how it affects the eyes.

Is Sunshine Bad for Your Eyes?

Exposure to sunshine helps your body produce vitamin D, which in turn is good for your eyes. However, it doesn’t take that much sunshine exposure to get the daily recommended dose of vitamin D. Too much exposure to sunshine can be bad for your eye health in a variety of ways.

What Happens When Your Eyes Are Exposed to Sunshine?

Too much sunshine can cause the following problems for your eyes:

Cataracts. This condition, caused by a yellowing of the lens of the eye, can cause your vision to become cloudy. Left untreated, cataracts can eventually cause blindness.

Cancer of the eyelid. Eyelids that are frequently exposed to sunshine can develop cancer over time. Watch for signs like a bump on the eyelid that changes shape or bleeds, irregular swelling of the eyelid, persistent redeye or loss of your eyelashes.

Sunburn of the eyes. Corneal sunburn, also called photokeratitis, is a condition that occurs when the eyes are exposed to intense sunshine. Spending a day on the water, in the snow or on the beach can lead to photokeratitis.

How Can You Protect Your Eyes From Too Much Sun?

If you have prescription lenses, prescription sunglasses in Champaign, IL can help you protect your eyes from the sun. Get your sunglasses from a trusted source in Champaign, IL. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we stock a wide range of brands in our showroom. Call today to make an appointment.

winter-eye-care

4 Winter Eye Care Tips

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As the weather turns colder, it’s important to take care of your eyes. Changes in weather can impact your eye health and comfort. Knowing how to ensure that your eyes will stay healthy this winter is important. As your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, we can help! Here’s what to know about how to take care of your eyes as the weather gets cool.

1. Use Over the Counter Eye Drops

Sometimes winter weather can lead to dry eye, a condition that occurs when the eyes don’t make enough tears. Using over the counter eye drops can help alleviate discomfort from dry eye. Eye drops are sold in pharmacies, convenience stores and grocery stores. Keep eye drops on hand to keep your eyes comfortable if you start experiencing the effects of dry eye.

2. Wear Sunglasses

Glare on snow can make seeing difficult when you’re driving and participating in outdoor activities. Don’t put your sunglasses away, just because it’s winter! Keep your sunglasses with you in a case, and put them on when spending time outside.

3. Protect Yourself from Dry Eye

Aside from using over the counter eye drops, there are other things you can do to protect yourself from dry eye. Run a humidifier in your home to keep the air moist and comfortable. Avoid using your blow dryer on high heat; use a cooler setting. If you continue to experience the effects of dry eye, talk to your eye doctor.

4. Make Your Annual Eye Appointment

If you wear corrective lenses, you should see the eye doctor on a regular basis to get an updated prescription. If you haven’t yet been to the eye doctor for your routine eye exam in Champaign, IL, contact Champaign Eye Professionals to make an appointment.

How Can I Tell If I Have Macular Degeneration?

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Macular degeneration is an eye condition that can cause you to lose your central vision. This eye condition can’t be cured, but treatments can slow its progress. Therefore, it’s important to get a quick diagnosis, so you can take steps right away to help protect your vision. Working with your eye doctor in Champaign, IL can help. Here’s what to know.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that occurs when the part of the retina called the macula sustains damage. There are multiple types of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD.

Dry AMD occurs when the macula gets thinner with age and clumps of protein begin to grow. This causes the central vision to slowly deteriorate.

Wet AMD is a condition that occurs when abnormal, leaky blood vessels grow under the retina. This causes scarring on the macula, which in turn causes vision to deteriorate more quickly.

What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Knowing the symptoms of macular degeneration is important. If you notice any of the signs below, see an eye doctor. Keep in mind that some of the symptoms of macular degeneration can look like other eye conditions. Don’t assume you know what’s wrong – just see a professional.

  • Difficulty recognizing familiar faces
  • Straight lines appear wavy
  • Blurry vision, particularly in the central vision

If you have macular degeneration, you may also notice tiny yellow deposits in the retina (called drusen). This is a common sign of macular degeneration.

How Will I Know If I Have Macular Degeneration?

Do you think you may have macular degeneration? You can find out by getting a comprehensive eye exam in Champaign, IL. Contact your eye doctor today to make an appointment and learn more about this condition.

Is It Important to Wear Sunglasses in Winter?

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When you think of summer, do you think of sunglasses? For many people, sunglasses are a symbol of sunny summer weather. Despite this association, sunglasses need to be worn all year round. Knowing the benefits of sunglasses important, and can help you make good choices for your eyes. In this article, we’ll discuss why you should wear sunglasses in Champaign, IL, even when the weather is cold outside.

What Are the Benefits of Sunglasses?

Sunglasses have many benefits, including:

  • Block glare. Glare can affect your eyes all year round, causing challenges while you’re on the road and participating in outdoor activities. Wearing sunglasses can make driving safer and easier, no matter what time of year it is.
  • Protection from UV rays. UV rays can do damage to your eyes in many ways. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can put you at risk for cataracts, and too much exposure on a bright sunny day can even cause your eyes to become sunburned. Sunglasses can help protect you from these problems.
  • Protection from eye strain. Exposure to bright lights can cause eye strain, which can be uncomfortable. Wearing sunglasses can prevent eye strain.

Why Should You Wear Sunglasses in Winter?

Sun shines all year round. In addition, snow can reflect sunlight in a way that can cause eye strain and glare. Wearing sunglasses is one of the best ways to protect yourself from these problems.

Do You Need Prescription Sunglasses? Contact Your Eye Doctor

If you have prescription lenses, then you should have prescription sunglasses. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we have a wide range of glasses frame options. Need new prescription sunglasses? Call us to make an appointment with your eye doctor in Champaign, IL.