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标签： 眼科实验室

发表于 通过 Dr. Elisa Xiao

Eye Spy a Stye

Many people have experienced styes or have at least heard of it. But what really is a stye? How can we prevent or treat them?

Photo credit: Cleveland Clinic

A stye is a bacterial infection which involves one or a few of the glands at the base of your eyelashes. Often, it resembles a boil or a pimple, it may have a white head and be tender to the touch. Styes can be caused by buildup of Meibomian gland secretions or be idiopathic in nature (unknown cause). In rare worst-case scenarios, recurrent styes in the same spot can be a sign of sebaceous gland carcinomas.

It’s important to maintain good eyelid hygiene by using eyelid cleansers and warm compresses daily. This not only helps to prevent styes, but also alleviates symptoms related to dry eye and eyelash mites.

With styes, patients typically notice pain and discomfort that disappears within a few days. However, more serious cases can develop into pre-septal cellulitis with progressively worsening symptoms and require antibiotics.

Warm compresses help to speed up recovery and relieve discomfort, but if you don’t see improvements after 48 hours, you’ll want to contact your optometrist.

发表于 通过 Dr. Melody Tong

Cataracts or Cadillac?

拍摄者 Vlad Sargu 在 不飞溅

What is a cataract?

If we are lucky to live long enough, we will develop cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in our eye. Think about the process of cooking an egg, instead of being clear, the egg becomes white and cloudy.

Similarly, our lens becomes white and cloudy due to damage from the sun and UV rays. This is why it is important to wear sunglasses, hats, and UV protection when we are outside. These preventative measures can slow or delay the process of developing cataracts.

拍摄者 Jonathan Cooper 在 不飞溅

How will I know when it’s time to remove a cataract?

When vision is substantially affected, usually 20/40 or worse, or when it becomes difficult to drive at night due to glare from headlights, along with the appearance of the cataract itself, is when your optometrist will recommend surgical removal of the cataract.

Can cataracts be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no way to predict who will get cataracts at what age, and how fast they will progress, but the best way to delay the development of cataracts is to wear sunglasses, and use UV protection when outdoors. Fortunately, cataract surgery is an elective surgery that is not urgent. Overall, cataracts are very common diagnoses and are not a big cause for concern.

发表于 通过 Dr. Sherman Tung

眨眼惊魂！

拍摄者 泰勒·桑德罗斯 在 不飞溅

眨眼是一种无需过多思考的非自主反射。虽然眨眼看似简单，但却非常重要。而且，信不信由你，眨眼也是有正确方法的。.

为什么眨眼如此重要？

  • 保护我们的眼睛免受碎屑和异物的伤害
  • 它能形成光滑的表面，使光线进入我们的眼睛并落在视网膜上，从而产生清晰的视觉。
  • 保持眼睛湿润，并均匀分布泪膜。

20/20/20 法则

当我们长时间盯着屏幕或持续进行近距离用眼工作时，眨眼规律就会被打乱。验光师建议每个人都遵循“20/20/20”法则，尤其适用于屏幕使用时间过长的人。“20/20/20”法则指的是每隔20分钟休息一下，将视线移至20英尺（约6米）远的地方，持续20秒。.

有一个 正确的 眨眼的方式

我们希望每次眨眼都是完全的，也就是说，上眼睑应该完全贴合下眼睑。很多人眨眼时只眨到一半，或者睡觉时眼睛没有完全闭上，这种情况很常见。这会造成问题，因为这样会使下半只眼睛暴露在外，影响泪液的有效分泌。正如你可能已经猜到的，这会导致干眼症状。.

遵循 20/20/20 法则，并更加注意眨眼的方式，可以大大有助于减少我们眼睛在一天中的干涩感。.

发表于 通过 Dr. Melody Tong

The Silent Thief of Vision – Glaucoma

拍摄者 Ryoji Iwata 在 不飞溅

Glaucoma is sometimes referred to as the “Silent Thief of Vision”, and if left untreated, is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. Glaucoma is associated with elevated intraocular pressure, which consequently puts strain and pressure on the optic nerve. This excessive pressure will lead to optic nerve tissue damage, which could cause gradual vision loss. The peripheral vision is typically affected first, however could eventually lead to central vision loss if no treatment is initiated.

The increase in intraocular pressure could be the result of two main problems:

  1. There is too much intraocular fluid being produced within the eye, called the aqueous humor
  2. The fluid being produced is not being effectively drained from the eye through the trabecular meshwork

Therefore, initial treatment of glaucoma involves topical medications which work on these two anatomical structures. Surgical intervention could also be warranted to control high pressure within the eye.

The best way to detect and diagnose glaucoma is through annual eye exams with your optometrist. This will allow them to monitor optic nerve health, as well as measure intraocular pressure to ensure stability. It is especially important to be screened for glaucoma if there is a family history of the disease.

发表于 通过 Dr. Sherman Tung

What’s That Floating In My Vision?

拍摄者 Al Soot 在 不飞溅

Many patients are concerned about a constant “black dot” floating in their line of sight. Most tend to notice that it worsens when looking at a blank wall, bright lights, or the sky. Although quite bothersome, it is a very common complaint.

The eye is filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous, which allows the eye to keep its shape. Over time, the proteins within this gel begin to clump up and solidify, leading to formation of “floaters”.

Floaters can occur in one eye or both eyes. Typically, floaters are a benign finding. However, it becomes worrisome when the vitreous is strongly adhered to and pulls on the retinal layers. It could potentially lead to retinal holes, tears, or potentially a retinal detachment. These occurrences could be detrimental to vision, so it is important to see your optometrist immediately if these symptoms arise.

Symptoms to look out for:

  • A sudden increase in the number of floaters
  • 闪光
  • Curtain over vision

How are floaters treated?

Unfortunately, there is no way to remove floaters unless you surgically remove the entire vitreous. This procedure has more risks than benefits and it typically not done to treat this condition. The good news is that, with time, the brain gets accustomed to the floaters and is able to ignore them, allowing them to become less bothersome and noticeable.

发表于 通过 Dr. Elisa Xiao

Is Diabetes Affecting My Eyes?

拍摄者 Matt C 在 不飞溅

Did you know that diabetes is one of the most common causes of blindness?

You may be surprised to learn that optometrists can detect diabetes before primary care doctors and before the patient even knows they have it. This is because the eye is the only organ in our body where we can directly see blood vessels without invasive techniques. Since many systemic diseases affect our arteries and veins, the eye is a great way to look into what is happening inside our body.

Photo source: Cleveland Clinic

Diabetes is becoming an epidemic in North America, and it is important to be aware of its effect on ocular health. Once diagnosed with diabetes, it becomes much more important to receive yearly eye exams, to monitor for diabetic retinopathy. This is a condition in which buildup of sugar in the blood causes blockages or damage to blood vessels, resulting in decreased oxygen supply to the eye. To compensate, new blood vessels develop. However, instead of helping, these new blood vessels are weak and leaky, leading to retinal bleeding. Although a diabetic eye exam is very similar to a regular comprehensive exam, there is more emphasis on inspecting the health of the retina and blood vessels.

How will I know if I have diabetic retinopathy?

Symptoms like floaters, blurred or fluctuating vision, dark spots in your vision, and vision loss could be signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent diabetic retinopathy. Some of these preventions include:

  • Yearly eye exams with your optometrist (even if you think your vision is fine!)
  • Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
  • Proper dosage and compliance of medication provided by your Family Physician
  • Engaging in regular daily activity and exercise
  • Eating a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain healthy body weight

发表于 通过 Dr. Elisa Xiao

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Photo credit: Casey Horner 在 不飞溅

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited eye disorder that affects the retina – the back of our eyes responsible for capturing light and sending visual signals to the brain. The condition, which is inherited through genetic mutations, can lead to gradual loss of vision as the photoreceptor cells within the retina deteriorate over time. While some individuals may experience slow vision loss over decades, others might face more rapid deterioration.  

Symptoms

One of the most distinctive symptoms of RP is night blindness, where individuals struggle to see in low-light conditions or darkness. As RP progresses, it often causes tunnel vision, a narrowing of the visual field, and can even impact color perception.  

Treatment

No cure currently exists for RP, but researchers are actively exploring possibilities. Gene therapy aims to introduce normal genes into the retina to replace the mutated ones. Another avenue of research is retinal implants, which seeks to restore vision by using electronic devices to stimulate the remaining normal cells.  

Individuals with RP should work closely with eye care professionals to manage their condition. Regular eye exams help track disease progression and determine the best strategies for preserving vision. Additionally, patients can explore low-vision aids and technologies that improve daily life.

发表于 通过 Dr. Elisa Xiao

让我们来了解一下干眼症！

干眼症是一种与眼表和泪膜不稳定相关的疾病，可能导致炎症、干燥或损伤。其症状包括灼烧感、瘙痒、干燥、畏光、疲劳和视力模糊。.

Diagram of Conjunctiva, Lacrimal Gland, and mucus, water and oil layers of Tear Film in the eye
资料来源：美国验光学会

干眼症（DED）包括两种截然不同的类型：水液缺乏型干眼症（ADDE）和蒸发过强型干眼症（EDE）。在水液缺乏型干眼症中，尽管眼部蒸发功能正常，但由于泪液分泌减少，导致泪液大量蒸发。相比之下，在蒸发过强型干眼症中，泪腺功能正常，泪液蒸发增加是由于泪膜暴露所致。部分患者可能同时患有混合型干眼症。.

干眼症的风险因素包括结缔组织疾病、干燥综合征、雄激素缺乏、激光近视手术、某些环境条件（例如污染和低湿度）、药物使用（例如抗组胺药和抗抑郁药）、电脑使用以及佩戴隐形眼镜（隐形眼镜会影响泪膜止血并降低其厚度）。研究表明，新冠疫情的爆发也增加了干眼症的发生率。新冠疫情导致人们长时间使用电子产品，户外活动减少，据报道智能手机的使用量增加了44%。长时间盯着屏幕会降低眨眼频率，从而减少眼睛的水分分泌。这会导致眼表疲劳，而佩戴隐形眼镜的人受到的这种压力更大。.

治疗干眼症的一些建议包括使用眼部润滑剂（各种类型的眼药水）、热敷、挤压睑板腺（我们在 Eyelab 提供此项服务）、眼睑清洁以及处方药物。.

资料来源：Unsplash 上的 Towfiqu Barbhuiy

在 Eyelab，我们拥有专业技能和技术，能够准确地为您提供符合您独特情况的解决方案。. 立即预约 了解更多我们如何为您提供帮助的信息！

发表于 通过 Dr. Sherman Tung

圆锥角膜

拍摄者 Sigmund/ 不飞溅

The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina. In individuals with keratoconus, the cornea progressively thins and bulges, taking on a cone-like shape. As a result, vision becomes distorted and blurry, often accompanied by nearsightedness and astigmatism.  

Symptoms

Keratoconus doesn’t appear overnight; rather, it develops gradually, usually during adolescence or early adulthood. As the condition progresses, several symptoms become noticeable:

  1. Blurry and Distorted Vision
  2. Light Sensitivity
  3. Prescription Changes
  4. Halos and Glare
  5. Eye Strain and Headaches

Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include

  • Eye glasses
  • Soft contact lenses
  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses
  • Surgical interventions like collagen cross-linking or corneal transplant

If you suspect you have keratoconus or experience any unusual changes in your vision, it’s crucial to consult an eye doctor. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can make a significant difference in preserving your vision and overall well-being.

发表于 通过 Dr. Melody Tong

视觉技能和运动视力

拍摄者 乔什·赫姆斯利 在 不飞溅

您的例行眼科检查顺利吗？你有20/20的视力吗？那太棒了！然而，视力远不止以完美的敏锐度进行观察。事实上，看到20/20只是 17 种不同视觉技能中的 1 种 我们有。常规眼科检查通常不会涵盖所有这些技能，因为它们往往侧重于眼部健康和视力。可以使用功能性视力评估 (FVA) 期间完成的一组不同的测试来测量诸如眼动追踪、眼部配合和眼部聚焦等技能。

以下是日常生活中需要的一些视觉技能的总结。 FVA 测试所有这些技能以及更多。

视觉技能它是什么例子
固定能够专注于一个主要目标找到一个物体并与其保持目光接触
追踪（移动目标）能够在不移动头部的情况下聚焦并跟踪移动目标观看空中的球
眼跳（跳跃）能够从一个物体跳到另一个物体阅读;您通常一次阅读一到三个单词，然后继续阅读下一组单词
住宿（眼睛聚焦）能够聚焦进入眼睛的光线 看到离您很近的图像，然后立即看远处的物体
双目（眼组） 当物体从远到近移动时，协调双眼，反之亦然 观察移动目标靠近或远离

如果您无法专注于物体或最近发生了一场事故，导致您的视觉能力受损，FVA 和视力治疗可能是您的一个选择。在视觉治疗期间，您有机会提高这些视觉技能。

如果您的视觉能力足够，您实际上可以进一步提高它们！如果您参加竞技运动，这一点尤其适用。视觉治疗中的许多活动直接适用于篮球、排球、橄榄球和足球等运动。它可以提高您的反应时间、手眼协调能力和可视化能力。如有任何问题， 请随时与我们联系 我们非常乐意为您提供更多信息。