Quality Kontrol

Ocular Allergies Are Hereditary?

 

Are ocular allergies hereditary? Yes, research indicates that eye allergies, like baldness, height and eye colour, are often hereditary. They occur due to the processes that may be associated with other kinds of allergic responses.

An allergy is caused when the body reacts to a foreign substance that is termed as an allergen. Most human beings exhibit an Immunoglobulin E response as a defence mechanism against parasitic infections. However some others over respond to antigens present commonly in the environment. This is a hereditary disposition and is termed as atopy. It is observed that harmless non parasitic antigens such as dust is capable of stimulating an over production of Immunoglobulin E in atopic individuals.

In simpler non technical terms, an ocular allergy is simply an overreaction to foreign substances by the immune system of the eyes.

An allergy can also personify itself with symptoms such as excessive production of tears and mucus in the eyes of an allergic or overly sensitive individual. Ocular allergies often co-exist with other hypersensitive situations such as high temperature and even with skin allergies.

A recent study in the US showed that nearly 59 percent of people in the US have allergy symptoms and nearly 75 percent of them exhibit symptoms that affect the eyes. Allergies can also trigger eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, and asthma. Several people are affected by Rhinoconjuctivitis that is a result of combined nasal and eye allergies.

What can cause an ocular allergy?

There are many allergens present in the environment that can cause an allergy when they come in contact with your eyes or nose. A few of them include mold, dust, cat or any other pet dander, and pollen. These airborne allergens cause symptoms such as- Red or itchy eyes or swollen eyelids, sneezing etc. An allergic reaction may also be triggered by allergens such as cosmetics, perfumes, certain eye and skin medication, and also smoke.

Though it has been established that ocular allergies are hereditary and that it can surface at any age, there are several ways one can protect themselves from getting exposed to allergens that trigger an allergy.

•  Keep your house clean and free from dust and animal dander.
• Stay within the confines of an air conditioned room when there is a lot of pollen in the air.
• Use high quality furnaces that help trap airborne allergens and replace the furnace filters regularly.

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Alicia Surge has worked for several Eye Clinics in the U.S. and amd is now with Sugarland Eye & Laser Center - http://www.sugarlandeyes.com/ - as an administrative coordinator. She aims to help other people to gain a better vision by getting rid of glasses and contacts, and learning about LASIK.

When Do Dry Eyes Become A Problem?

 

 

When a physical condition noticeably and consistently interferes with the activities, enjoyment, comfort, and well-being of a person’s daily life, it becomes a problem. The syndrome of dry eye is no exception.  When there are not enough sufficient tears being produced to protect and coat the eyes on a steady basis, the eyes become excessively dry, irritated, and physically uncomfortable.  

A person afflicted with dry eye syndrome may experience symptoms that make it challenging to function normally throughout the day without being distracted by or tending to their uncomfortable dry eyes. Persons with dry eyes may experience blurred vision; not being able to consistently see clearly becomes a problem – if not a safety issue – when trying to drive a car, operate machinery, or cook on a stove. Blurred vision makes it impossible to enjoy a book, operate a computer, or even watch TV without distraction.  Redness of the eyes, an inability to continue wearing contact lenses or eye makeup comfortably, or bouts of excessive tearing are also dry eye symptoms; physically looking and feeling different from one’s norm can interfere with one’s ability to attend and participate in social and professional activities. Missing work or important life events over an extended period of time because of dry eye syndrome can become a problem that not only affects one’s finances, but also one’s confidence and desire to be around others.

Sometimes people experience dry eyes due to an identifiable, immediate irritant. External variables like a windy day at the beach, excessive exposure to bright lights, extended strain from reading small print in a book or a text message, prolonged staring at a computer screen, being physically too close to fire or smoke, or simply a lack of sleep can all lead to a temporary feeling of dry eyes. Dry eyes caused by these factors do not typically cause lasting symptoms or lead to long-term problems. However, when the eye is unable to maintain a consistent layer of tears to coat it in an otherwise healthy person – for no apparent outside reason - dry eye syndrome becomes problematic and often requires medical treatment.

When do dry eyes become a problem? The distraction, discomfort, and irritation of dry eyes becomes a problem when it not only negatively affects a person’s ocular health, but also one’s overall well-being, stress level, emotional health, and/or ability to function safely and normally throughout the day. 

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Alicia Surge works as a Vision Laser Consultant at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center - http://www.sugarlandeyes.com/ -  She aims to educate people on common eye diseases and the latest technologies on how to treat them. 

Christmas Competition

The Eyeglass Light

Enter to win one of 12 Eyeglass Lights! All you need to do to enter the draw is 'Like us' on our Facebook page. This will allow you to tag yourself on the Christmas tree image. Once tagged, your name will be entered into the draw. 12 winners will be randomly chosen from names tagged on the photo on December 31st. Winners names will be posted on the facebook fan page on New Years Day! Help us to spread the word by sharing this  with your facebook profile. Click here for the competition.

Shipping Rates Updated

Our Shipping rates have been updated to include courier deliveries to UK and  International customers for extra peace of mind. Where our free shipping service does not include tracking, some customers will benefit from using a tracked service for keeping in touch with the whereabouts of their order.

 

The new list of options are below and are competively priced.

 

Please choose one option appropiate for your item and delivery area, then proceed to the checkout. Please be aware that the free postage does not include tracking, if you want peace of mind please choose a tracked service. We cannot guarantee nextday deliveries if ordered after 12.00 Courier deliveries to R.O.I and Scottish Islands need the international tracked courier option.

 

Delivery Options :

Free Shipping UK and International, Royal Mail	£0.00
International Tracked Royal Mail	£4.99
UK Tracked Mon-Fri	£4.99
UK Tracked Saturday Delivery	£6.99
UK Mainland, Next Day Courier Mon-Fri	£9.99
International Tracked Courier	£17.99

Is Your Vision Still Fit To Drive?

 

Recent research shows an astounding number of motorists are driving without meeting the minimum vision requirement. Several think that they are safe since passing the  number plate eye test on their driving test which in some cases can be decades ago!

There are new new driving eyesight standards due to be introduced into UK law by 2013 as part of EU Directive 2009/113/EC.

It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure his/her eyesight is within the law for driving safely.

This problem can only be exacerbated by the Department of Transport who have been reviewing the outdated number plate test with proposals to make it easier rather than harder making it less safe on Britain’s roads. The decision for this has been postponed until at least October this year.

If the D. O. T. want to help decrease accidents on the road then they would do well to make it harder by scrapping the number plate test and getting new driving applicants to take a proper eye test by a registered optician before the applicant can take the test.

 

Written for Kontrol Sports who retail prescription driving sunglasses.

Cataract Surgery - What Is Involved?

Cataract surgery was once conducted with scalpels on a level that modern professionals would find unthinkable, but medical technology and modern electronics have transformed the procedure into a painless outpatient procedure with an extremely rapid recovery. Patients generally experience no discomfort and return to normal activities the very next day.

The eye is essentially a sphere with an opening, called the pupil, to let in light. A transparent crystalline lens is positioned within the pupil, and the interior of the eye is filled with a clear, gelatinous fluid. The shape of the lens is adjusted by the iris to focus the light entering the pupil. The lens is held in place by a thin, transparent layer called the cornea.

Light must pass through the cornea, the lens, and the gelatinous fluid inside of the eye to reach the retina. This is where light is transformed into the signals transmitted by the optic nerve to the visual cortex of the brain. If the transmission of light is impeded in any way, vision is impaired.

A cataract is a cloudiness that develops in the lens of the eye. Most patients with cataracts are elderly, but certain chronic illnesses can increase the likelihood of developing cataracts at earlier ages. Without treatment, the cloudiness can increase to such a level that almost no light passes to the retina.

In modern cataract surgery, a tiny incision is made through the cornea at the side of the lens. The lens is fragmented with high frequency vibrations and removed, and an artificial lens is inserted to replace it. Patients are anaesthetised but conscious for this procedure.

There are multiple varieties of artificial lenses, and all are extremely flexible. They are folded to a fraction of their normal size and unfolded once they have been inserted. This allows the corneal incision to be much smaller than the diameter of the lens and to heal rapidly.

The artificial lens has a certain corrective element. Patients who wear eyeglasses prior to cataract surgery often require far weaker prescription lenses afterward. New eyeglasses are not prescribed until the incision has completely healed and the pupil has gradually recovered from chemical dilation.

Cataract surgery has potential issues which may concern patients. Although patients can return to normal activities the day following the surgery, functioning with uncorrected vision in the post-operative eye can be troublesome.

Most cataract surgeries require a follow-up treatment approximately one year after surgery. The thin layer of cornea that holds the artificial lens in place gradually develops a yellow tint after surgery. An ophthalmologist treats this condition by using a laser to remove the yellowed layer. The treatment is required only one time, is completely painless, and is usually completed during an office visit.

Les writes about laser eye surgery for Personal Eyes where you can find out more about eye procedures to suit your lifestyle.

 

Thankyou Les for this informative article for Kontrolsports who provide suitable eyewear for post op eye surgery to help relieve pain from sensitive light.

Eye Vitamins for Macular Degeneration

 

The importance of good sight is known to all; unfortunately the percentage of people who managed to keep and protect the quality of their eye sight is very little. Among the most common type of eye – related problems is Macular Degeneration, this is the breaking down of the macula of the eye. Macula is a tiny region at the back of the eye that enables a person to see small, fine details vividly. When this macula is damaged, it tends to malfunction thus, blurriness or darkness happens in the center of the vision making activities like reading, sewing and threading a needle either challenging or impossible.

There are however, ways to keep the eyes healthy from diseases using sunglasses for example may be beneficial to counter macular degeneration, not reading in the dark and not watching the TV too close may also be helpful for the eyes. But still, vitamins are your best bet when it comes to taking care of the eyes, supplements like vitamin C, beta carotene, zinc and vitamin E are all rich in nutrients and antioxidants that may help one battle macular degeneration as well as other eye – related diseases. Not only will they reduce your chances of acquiring and developing eye problems, they may also help in optimizing your vision.

Vitamin A leads the pack as it is very important for night vision. It is likewise significant in wound healing and effective function of the immune system. Since beta – carotene is vitamin A's precursor; it was also placed by AREDS in their formula. The benefits of beta carotene include boosting of the immune system, acting as antioxidant and in some cases, may also help in reducing risks of cancer. AREDS stands for Age Related Eye Diseases Study. It was a study sponsored by the National Eye Institute that belongs to the National Institutes of Health based in the United States. They focused on exploring the history and risk factors of macular degeneration and cataract as well as the effect of zinc and antioxidants with respect to the two conditions.

After A comes B but in a complex form. Vitamin B-complex that contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 folic acid, biotin and choline are believed to may help lessen chronic inflammation. According to studies, vitamin B complex may have a significant contribution to lessening the risks of macular degeneration as well as aid in the treatment of uveitis, known to cause blindness. In the same way it is known to prevent elevated homocysteine levels, which has been linked with vascular problems

Vitamin C is also part of the AREDS formula. Vitamin D, on the other hand, is greatly linked to decreased risk of macular degeneration. Vitamin E is likewise part of the ARED formula. Vitamin E deficiency is characterized by muscle weakness, involuntary movement, poor coordination, nerve damage and breakage of the red blood class that may eventually result to anemia.

Aside from these mentioned vitamins, Lutein, a kind of carotenoids, Omega – 3 and bioflavonids which makes vitamin C absorption better, are also believe to prevent macular degeneration and bring about healthy eye sight.

Byline:

Kontrol Sports, would like to thank Oktay for providing this guest article. Oktay is a health enthusiast and he has written several articles about the advantages of healthy living and regular intake of supplements. He has discussed the benefits of beta–carotene and vitamin C benefits to name but a few.

Ophthalmology Tools

As health is a growing concern among the general populace, it’s important to remember proper eye care. Your eyes are very tender, vulnerable organs that can be easily damaged by factors in your everyday existence. Exposure to intense sunlight, for example, can severely damage your eyes, and we’re all familiar with mother’s qualms about reading in the dark.

Fortunately, professional ophthalmologists and optometrists are ready to examine and treat your eyes with numerous tools in the event of any damage.

Ophthalmology vs. Optometry: What’s the Difference?

In terms of service and procedures, you can generally expect the same from an ophthalmologist and optometrist. They both provide eye examinations and prescribe glasses or contacts. They are both capable of diagnosing and treating any eye diseases and disorders

The real difference is in the title. An ophthalmologist is an M.D; a medical doctor of the eyes, which is different from an O.D; or Doctor of Optometry.

Ophthalmologists are also responsible for the more complex surgeries and are often involved in eye research studies. In performing surgeries, ophthalmologists require quite a few hefty tools.

Ultrasound

Though ultrasound is generally known as a tool for the imaging of developing babies, it can also be applied to the field of ophthalmology.

Ophthalmic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create cross section images of the eye. This can be used to view opacities in ocular media and to evaluate tumors. Recent innovations allow for interpretation of the status and position of vitreous.

Excimer Lasers

An excimer laser is an ultraviolet laser that is used for eye surgeries, mainly LASIK, though it is also used for constructing microelectronic devices. The laser is capable of removing very fine, precise layers of surface material, leaving surrounding tissue or material intact, which makes the laser perfect for LASIK surgery.

Excimer lasers come in a few types and can be fitted with wavefront aberrometers, which measure any aberrations in the eye, to better guide the system.

• Slit scanning: This type of excimer laser uses small beams emitted from gradually enlarging slit holes in a rotating device. The beams scan across the slits, creating a uniform beam with smooth ablations.
• Spot scanning: These excimer lasers are most frequently used in LASIK procedures. Spot scanning lasers emit small diameter beams scanned across the patient’s cornea to create an ablation zone. This laser creates the smoothest ablations and is one of the best treatments for irregular astigmatism.

Kontrol Sports would like to thank http://usa.nidek.com/ for this Guest Post to our Sports Sunglasses blog

Contact lenses and pregnancy

 

Dry and irritated eyes are quite common during pregnancy. Hormonal changes are responsible for most of pregnancy signs and symptoms, and dry eyes are no exception. Many women tear more easily, experience burning sensations in their eyes, have itchy eyes or constantly feel like there is something in their eyes. Contact lens wearers are more likely to have these kinds of symptoms, especially from the second trimester onwards. Some women may want to stop wearing lenses altogether while they are expecting, but fortunately there are some steps you can take to be more comfortable.  
 
When I got pregnant with my first child, it never occurred to be that I might have trouble wearing lenses. The eyes can swell and change shape during pregnancy, and as my pregnancy progressed, I constantly had irritated and red eyes. The feeling of wearing lenses was very similar to wearing lenses with a bit of dirt or fibre on them. It was so uncomfortable that I decided to wear glasses for the remainder of my pregnancy, and for quite some time after that too.  
 
If your experience is similar, a simple change in the lenses you are wearing might make all the difference. Even if you have been wearing the same kind of lenses for years, they may suddenly irritate you when you have a baby on the way. Some women also find that using eye drops helps keeping their eyes hydrated. Before you try this, visit your optometrist – some ointments are not safe during pregnancy, while others are not suitable for lens wearers.  
 
Keeping a humidifier in your home or workplace can also help combat dry eyes. An alternative to this would be opening the windows for a while, or keeping plants nearby. Some women even find that gently massaging their eyelids, while not wearing lenses, makes them feel more comfortable.  
 
Remember that your prescription can actually change while you are pregnant, either temporarily or permanently. If you notice any change in your eyesight, a visit to your optician is warranted. Getting an eye test after you deliver is also recommended.  
 
Trying To Conceive is a blog dedicated to fertility, pregnancy, and other reproductive issues. Those who are hoping to get pregnant can use their free ovulation calendar to find out when they are likely to be most fertile.

Kontrol Sports would like to thank Tania at http://www.trying-to-conceive.com for providing this eye care guest post to our Sports Sunglasses blog

Are 3D Glasses Safe?

 

Electronics retailers are all awash with the latest in entertainment with the exciting 3D TVs.

But does anyone know of the long-term impact of wearing 3D glasses for long periods? Many customers are wary of this and the optical trade doesn’t currently have an answer due to the sudden implementation of these TVs on the market and lack of testing unto now.

The GOC (general optical council) cannot offer guidance until the release of prescription 3D glasses later this year although currently you can purchase non prescription 3D glasses off the shelf unaware of the long-term affects. Some people suffer from a reduced binocular vision which in fact will give them no 3D effects at all. The GOC is powerless to act on these as they are non prescription and out of their jurisdiction.

With around 25% of households believed to be owning a 3D T.V by 2015, it is vital that guidance is given for customers to make the right choice.

 

Written by Steve Hocking for Kontrolsports who retail prescription sunglasses