Beauty Regimens and Eye Injuries

We have all seen these individuals as they walk through the mall or eat in a restaurant.  They have what many call “Bambi eyes”, framed by perfect, long eyelashes. This is a common way a lot of women strive to make themselves feel and look beautiful. But batting beautiful eye lashes should not come at the safety of the human eye. It is not unknown for ophthalmologists to see injuries in women searching for perfect lashes using the following techniques:

Separating lashes with a needle – As one beauty website puts it, “The ideal tool for separating eyelashes is a needle. It takes a little longer than with a comb, but the effect is immaculate.”

Park Ophthalmologist Dr. Beth Friedman says women should never use needles, toothpicks or any other sharp object to separate eyelashes. “It just takes one quick bump of the elbow to cause a lifetime of eye problems or even blindness,” she states.

This type of injury is not a minor one. Piercing the eye with a needle can cause corneal abrasions, lacerations or worse, deep puncture wounds. Any of these wounds can cause permanent or temporary blindness, sensitivity to light and problems seeing motion. Anyone with this type of injury should see us at Park Ophthalmology as soon as possible.

Eyelash extensions – These may be popular with women who have thin, pale lashes, but the American Academy of Ophthalmology has warned consumers that eyelash extensions can cause many problems including:

• Infections of the cornea and eyelid
• Contact dermatitis from an allergic reaction to the glue
• Swelling of the eyelid
• Permanent or temporary loss of eyelashes

These problems can often threaten vision. It is important to remember that eyelashes protect the eye from dirt and debris. If damaged permanently, it can place eyes at risk for an entire lifetime. Women who feel the benefits outweigh the risks should ensure that the aesthetician is certified and working at a reputable establishment. Ask about the eyelash adhesive ingredients.

Eyelash curlers – While not inherently as dangerous as needles, girls and women have managed to pull out their eyelashes by accident. In some cases, the lashes do not grow back.

Achieving the perfect eye lashes will not feel so rewarding if the results are dangerous. Remember that sight truly is more important than getting celebrity eyelashes.

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about eye injuries caused by beauty regimens is brought to you by the professional team atPark Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

Photo: marcus, freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

Vitamins Can Keep Eyes Healthy

Eye vitamins are something many Raleigh and Durham patients are asking more about at Park Ophthalmology. The importance of a healthy diet and its effect on the eyes are not new. In fact, eating a balanced diet can prevent many eye problems, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and easing glaucoma. Several foods contain vitamins good for good eye health. However, many people are asking Park Ophthalmologists about multivitamins. Studies vary on the benefits and disadvantages of multivitamins. However, some vitamins are crucial to good eye health and if not obtained through food, may be taken in a capsule or tablet.

One of the most important vitamins for eye health is Lutein, often called “the eye vitamin” because it is one of two major carotenoids found as a color pigment in the human eye. Scientists believe it functions as a light filter, protecting the eye tissues from sunlight damage, which in turn prevents an array of eye issues.

Many multivitamins contain Lutein, but often contain just a small amount, and it is not known whether supplements work as well as Lutein eaten naturally. A healthy amount is six mg per day. Try adding some lutein-rich foods to your day, such as broccoli, corn, orange peppers, kiwi, grapes and squash. 

Here are nine other “eye vitamins” that prevent macular degeneration or reduce the risk of other eye health issues:

• Beta-carotene: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, butternut squash, kale.
  

• Bioflavonoids: (Flavonoids): Citrus fruits, tea, red wine, soy, legumes, blueberries, cherries.
  

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon, mackerel and other cold-water fish, walnuts.
  

• Selenium: Seafood, brown rice, Brazil nuts.
  

• Vitamin A: Eggs, butter, milk.
  

• Vitamin C: Red and green peppers, strawberries, oranges, broccoli, cantaloupe.
  

• Vitamin D: Salmon, sardines, milk.
  

• Vitamin E: Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts.
  

• Zinc: Oysters, beef, dark turkey meat.
  

Ultimately, a discussion about whether to take multivitamins to get these nutrients is between you and Beth R. Friedland M.D. and will be based on your personal health needs and choices. Ask Dr. Beth Friedland about the best practices for your good eye health.

**

Park Ophthalmology welcomes patients from all areas of the Triangle and offers a wide variety of specialized services including surgery for diseases of the eye, vision examinations, eye safety information, sports medicine protective eyewear and counseling, contact lenses and evaluation, and all types of ocular diagnosis and treatment. Many types of surgery are available, including cataract and laser surgery. We are here for you and your eye and overall health. Give us a call today!

This article about eye vitamins is brought to you by the professional team at Park Ophthalmology located in the Triangle Region of North Carolina.

The information contained in this blog article is intended solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be offered as medical advice.

Locations:

Park Ophthalmology

5306 NC Highway 55, Suite 102 (adjacent to the RTP/ Research Triangle Park)

Durham, NC 27713

Office: 919 544 5375

Fax: 919 544 5829

**

Park Ophthalmology North

6512 Six Forks Road, Suite 105

Raleigh, NC 27615

919 846 6915

Photo: Graur Razvan Ionut, fredigitalphotos.net