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Healthy
Eyes:
The Basics
2
About Us:
The Eye Institute of Utah is known throughout the Intermountain West as a leader in the eye care
industry. We specialize in cataract lens-implant surgery, cosmetic surgery and refractive surgeries
including LASIK and Intraocular Lenses (ReSTOR, Crystalens, Toric and Tecnis MF). We also provide
glaucoma treatment, dry eye treatment, laser and retina-vitreous surgery, and corneal transplantation.
Dr. W. Andrew Lyle established the Eye Institute in 1980 at 755 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.
At the time, it was the first and largest office-based eye surgical center in Utah. Today, this comfortable,
state-of-the-art facility allows skilled surgeons to perform major eye and cosmetic surgery using some of
the most technologically advanced equipment available.
The 30,000-square-foot facility houses SurgiCare Center, an outpatient, ambulatory surgical facility
with four operating rooms and a viewing area where families can watch operations. The facility also
has a full-service clinic. The Eye Institute staff includes surgeons and doctors of medicine and op-
tometry, technicians, nurses and office personnel. Most patients are from Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and
Nevada.
In addition to its surgeries, the Eye Institute of Utah is also known for its research. We have focused our
clinical research on new technology and procedures; these greatly improve patient care once imple-
mented. Ongoing research will concentrate on new lasers and lens-based refractive surgery. The suc-
cess of our patient-oriented research depends on support from our outstanding staff and referrals from
co-managing doctors.
We have published more than 50 scientific research papers in major ophthalmic journals over the past
years. These articles are highly valued by eye care professionals around the world and are frequently
quoted at conferences in the field. The Eye Institute of Utahs research team has also published several
firsts in ophthalmic literature.
The Eye Institute of Utah is committed to the highest quality in patient care. We are known for our
warmth and friendliness, as well as our expertise in eye care, and we look forward to helping you with
your eye care needs.
3 A PUBLICATION FOR OUR VALUED CLIENTS AND PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS
2
About Us
12
Client Testimonials
14
Meet Our Doctors
4
Healthy Eyes: The Basics
Many eye diseases have no symptoms until
late in the disease, making many eye diseases
are not apparent until diagnosed during a
comprehensive eye examination.
6
Computer Games, Children,
and Eye Strain
Despite the fact that video games almost
certainly have an important place in your
childs life, what are those games doing to your
childs eyes?
8
About Cataracts
Developing cataracts is considered part
of the normal aging process. About fifty
percent of people between the ages of 65
and 74 are developing or have developed
cataracts, and the percentage increases to
70 percent for those who are 75 or older.
Insight magazine is published three times each year for our valued patients and prospective patients.
The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review and
consideration. The contents do not constitute legal or specifc fnancial advice and should not be relied on as
such. Insight is published for The Eye Institute of Utah by the newsLINK Group, LLC. For further information,
please contact The newsLINK Group, LLC at 855-747-4003.
2013 The Eye Institute of Utah. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written
permission.
4
Get regular, comprehensive eye
examinations.
Many eye diseases have no symptoms until late in
the disease, making many eye diseases are not ap-
parent until diagnosed during a comprehensive eye
examination. The American Academy of Ophthal-
mology currently recommends the schedule below
for comprehensive medical eye examinations in
healthy people with no family history, personal his-
tory, or risk factors for eye disease. Since everyone
is different, consult your doctor as to how often you
should get a comprehensive eye examination:
Age 2029: at least once each year
Age 3039: at least twice each year
Age 4064: every 24 years
Age 65 or older: every 12 years
Stop smoking.
If you smoke, stop. Smoking increases your risk
of developing cataracts and aggravates uncom-
fortable dry eyes. It also builds up plaque in your
bloodstream and weakens arteries. This not only
increases your risk of a heart attack, but it can
damage the retina and cause vision loss. Addition-
ally, smoking can increase ones risk of macular
degeneration and many other diseases by increas-
ing oxidative stress, narrowing blood vessels, and
reducing blood f low to the eye. The good news
is that after you quit, your risk of eye disease is
about the same as for non-smokers.
Always Wear Sunglasses.
UV radiation can hurt your eyes just like it does
your skin. Effects add up and can cause problems
like cataracts, cornea burns, and even cancer of
the eyelid. Whenever youre outside -- even on
cloudy days -- wear sunglasses or contacts that
block 99% to 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays.
Protective lenses dont have to be expensive, just
check the label. Hats block exposure, too. Snow,
water, sand, and concrete all can ref lect UV rays.
Eat for Your Heart and Your Eyes.
Foods that help circulation are good for your
Healthy Eyes: The Basics
5 A PUBLICATION FOR OUR VALUED CLIENTS AND PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS
heart, eyes, and vision. Your eyes rely on the nu-
trients you consume. Choose heart-healthy foods
like citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, and whole
grains. Foods rich in zinc -- beans, peas, peanuts,
oysters, lean red meat, and poultry -- can help eyes
resist light damage. And carrots do help eyesight:
the vitamin A in them is important for good
vision. Other nutrients that help eyes include beta-
carotene (found in many yellow or orange fruits
and veggies), and lutein and zeaxanthin (found in
leafy greens and colorful produce). This may be
especially important in light of research implicat-
ing oxidative stress in major eye diseases.
Take a 20-Second Computer Break
Staring at a computer (or any digital screen)
wont hurt your eyes, but it can make them feel
tired and dry. Surprisingly, we blink about half as
often when were looking at a screen. Follow the
20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at least 20
feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, place your
screen so its about 25 inches away and slightly
below eye level. Reduce glare by moving light
sources or using a screen filter.
Use Safety Glasses at Work and Play
Nearly half of all eye injuries happen at home, not
on a job site. Use safety glasses whenever a project
might send debris f lying or splash hazardous
chemicals. Protective eyewear may prevent 90% of
sports-related eye injuries. Lenses should be made
of polycarbonate plastic -- which is 10 times more
impact resistant than other materials. Some sports
with the most injuries are baseball/softball, racket
sports, lacrosse, and basketball.
Dont Ignore Eye Problems
If your eyes are itchy or red, soothe them with
cold compresses, antihistamines, or eye drops. If
you feel grittiness, like theres sand in your eye,
rinse with clean water or saline. See a doctor if
symptoms continue, or if you have eye pain, secre-
tions, swelling, or sensitivity to light. Other rea-
sons to see a doctor: dark f loating spots, f lashes of
light, or any time you cant see normally.
Clean Your Contact Lenses
Take care of your eyes by taking care of your con-
tacts. Always wash your hands before handling
lenses. Use only cleaners and drops approved by
your eye doctor. Clean, rinse, and dry the case
each time you remove the lenses, and replace it ev-
ery two to three months. Dont wear lenses when
youre swimming or using cleaning products.
Dont leave daily wear lenses in while you sleep,
even for a nap. And dont wear lenses longer than
recommended.
Know Your Health History
Many seemingly unrelated health conditions can
affect your eyes. High blood pressure and diabe-
tes can reduce blood f low to the eyes. Immune
system disorders in the lungs, thyroid glands, or
elsewhere can inf lame eyes, too. Other threats
include multiple sclerosis, aneurysms, and cancer.
Tell your eye doctor about any current or past
health issues, including family members with eye
problems or serious illnesses.
Read Drug Labels
Many types of drugs -- or combinations of drugs
-- can affect your vision. These include analge-
sics, antacids, anti-anxiety drugs, antibiotics,
anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants,
antihypertensives, corticosteroids, diuretics, and
oral contraceptives. Ask your doctor about pos-
sible side effects and look for issues like dry or
watery eyes, double vision, light sensitivity, puffy
or droopy eyelids, and blurred vision.
Use Safety Glasses at Work and Play. Nearly half of all eye
injuries happen at home, not on a job site. Use safety glasses whenever
a project might send debris fying or splash hazardous chemicals.
Protective eyewear may prevent 90% of sports-related eye injuries.
6
B
ut despite the fact that video games almost
certainly have an important place in your
childs life, what are those games doing to
your childs eyes?
For anyone, too much time on the computer can
make your eyes tired. Theres a name for digital
eye strain: Computer Vision Syndrome, and it
affects as many as 93 percent of those who use a
computer. Thats not just the traditional
desktop computer anymore; you
also have to include laptops, tablets,
smart phones, and even e-readers
anything with a bright, interesting
screen. Although not everyone who
has a problem will seek medical help, some op-
tometrists have reported that about a third of their
patients have some symptoms related to CVS.
How serious is the problem? The Kaiser Family
Foundation did a study to find out. They surveyed
participants who were between the ages of eight
and 18, and they found that these children were
spending more than 7.5 hours every day using
some form of electronic media. About 1.5 hours of
that time was time spent texting.
Why is staring at an electronic screen a problem?
There are really a couple of reasons. The first is
that the eye functions best and most naturally
Computer Games, Children,
and Eye Strain
ITS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT MANY CHILDREN TAKE TO VIDEO GAMES (AND JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE THAT IS ELECTRONIC) WITH
A REMARKABLE DEGREE OF EASE. ITS GOOD WHEN THE VIDEO GAMES ON THE LATEST ELECTRONIC TOY KEEP YOUR CHILDREN HAPPY AND
OCCUPIED WHEN YOUR CHILD IS WAITING TO SEE A DOCTOR.
7 A PUBLICATION FOR OUR VALUED CLIENTS AND PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS
when looking at objects located about 20 feet
away. When the eyes look at something closer,
they have to focus more, which puts more strain
on the eyes. Not only that, but when anyone looks
at an electronic screen, the tendency is to blink
less, which in turn leads to dryer eyes.
The symptoms are serious ones: vision that is
blurred, difficulty in continuing to focus at close
range, eyes that are dry and irritated, a feeling of
being tired, and headaches. Its harder to learn
and it is also harder to be productive when the
eyes are not functioning correctly, so protect your
childrens eyes as much as possible. CVS can be
a problem for adults at work, but imagine what it
does to your child at school.
Your child may not realize the need for rest; they
often take problems with their eyes for granted,
and dont realize that the problem exists, or that it
needs to be fixed. What can you do as a parent?
One simple defense is just to teach your children to
take a vision break periodically. You can make it a
requirement that your child needs to surface periodi-
cally in order to rest the eyes. Some doctors call it
the 20/20/20 rule: stop every 20 minutes, and look
at something located approximately 20 feet away for
about 20 seconds. You may have to help your chil-
dren with this by helping them find an object that is
located an appropriate distance from their favorite
spot for using electronic media; you can also help by
having them use something simple, like a timer, to
remind them to take a break.
Another rule is one you probably have already.
Dont let your child be someone who spends 7.5
hours a day using electronic media. Set limits
do not let children under the age of two spend any
time at all looking at a screen, and dont allow
more than two hours a day after that. Follow up
on those limits, too, and watch for signs of a de-
veloping problem. If you can see that your child is
squinting a lot, rubbing both eyes, and complain-
ing about pain in the head, neck, or back, the real
problem might be CVS.
Check to see how close your child holds a device.
The distance between your childs elbow and first
knuckle is called the Harmon Distance. It should
be the minimum distance between your child
and any electronic device. Closer than that, your
childs eyes will have to compensate by working
harder. Holding a device at least that far away
should be natural, so if your child isnt, theres
also a chance your child has some kind of vision
problem. Dont assume things are fine; have an
eye doctor check it out.
Encourage outdoor play for about an hour a day.
Your child needs exercise, of course, but this also
makes it less likely that your child will become
nearsighted. Give the muscles of the eye a chance
to focus on something farther away than an iPad
or iPhone.
Its also an excellent idea to schedule periodic eye
checkups with an eye doctor, starting when your
children are still extremely young . The first eye
exam should take place at six months. After that,
take your children to see the eye doctor at the age of
three, just before starting school, and then annually.
As long as a child is not experiencing any prob-
lems, some doctors think an exam is only neces-
sary every couple of years, but even if every-
thing seems to be fine it is still important to let
the doctor know whether you have any concerns
about eye strain.