Pink Prescriptions - April 2025

April 2025 Issue — Pink Prescriptions

Eye Health is a Real Eye-Opener:
Celebrating Women's Eye Health Month

By Dr. Erin P. Benjamin | Goulas Eye 

It’s hard to think of anything more important than our eyesight. It affords us the luxury to see the world in our own unique way, watch our children grow up, and take in the beauty all around us, especially seeing beauty the of our Lowcountry. If you stop and think about it, eyesight is truly a miracle. However, two out of every three people living with blindness or vision problems are women, according to the National Eye Institute, so we have to ask, “Are you seeing your eye doctor every year?” If not, you need to because keeping your eyes healthy can be as simple as catching things early. April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month—designed to remind us to care for our eyes and vision. Don’t let this year go by without having your eyes checked. Clearly, your eyes will thank you.

 

What can I do to keep my eyes healthy?
Do carrots really make a difference?

To keep your eyes healthy, schedule regular eye exams to detect early issues. Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses with UV protection, especially living in sunny South Carolina! When reading or working on a screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and omega-3s—this includes green, leafy vegetables, and yes, carrots! And avoid smoking, which increases the risk of eye conditions. Stay hydrated to avoid dry eyes, and practice proper hygiene, especially if you wear contacts. Lastly, manage chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, as they can affect your vision.

 

When buying sunglasses what are the most important features to look for? Do $10 drugstore sunglasses still help?

When buying sunglasses, the most important features to look for are UV protection, lens quality, and fit. Ensure the sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from harmful sun exposure, which can lead to cataracts and other eye issues. Look for lenses that reduce glare and offer clear vision, such as polarized lenses. Polarized lenses can help reduce reflections from water, roads, or snow, enhancing visibility.

As for $10 sunglasses, while they may block UV rays, the lens quality and durability could be lower than higher-end options. Cheap sunglasses may offer some protection but may not provide optimal clarity or durability. It’s worth investing in a good pair with proper UV protection and quality lenses for long-term eye health.

 

Are there other medical conditions
that can affect eye health?

Several systemic medical conditions can affect the eyes.

Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss.

Hypertension: High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to hypertensive retinopathy and increasing the risk of stroke or vision problems.

Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to dryness, uveitis, or retinal problems.

Thyroid Disorders: Graves’ disease, a thyroid condition, can cause bulging eyes, dry eyes, or double vision.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS can damage the optic nerve, causing optic neuritis, which can result in pain and vision loss.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause temporary vision changes due to hormonal fluctuations, which affect the cornea and fluid retention. This may result in blurred vision, dryness, or difficulty with contacts. Conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia can also impact eye health, but most changes resolve
after childbirth.

 

What are the top 3 most common eye diseases?
What are the symptoms and is there anything
I can do to prevent them?

The three most common eye diseases are cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

1. Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurry vision. Symptoms include difficulty seeing at night due to halos/glare/starbursts, difficulty reading print, and faded colors. Prevention includes wearing sunglasses, managing diabetes, and avoiding smoking.

2. Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. Symptoms are often silent in early stages, but can include peripheral vision loss and, in some cases, eye pain. Regular eye exams help detect glaucoma early.

3. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Deterioration of the central part of the retina, causing vision loss. Symptoms include blurred or distorted central vision. Preventing AMD involves eating a diet rich in antioxidants, protecting eyes from UV light, and not smoking.

Routine eye exams and a healthy lifestyle are key to preventing and managing these diseases.

Erin Benjamin, DO is a board-certified ophthalmologist, specializing in comprehensive ophthalmology with an emphasis on micro-incision cataract surgery. She is also fellowship trained in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration and dry eyes. Goulas Eye: 843-815-5454; 60 Main St, Ste A, HHI, and 23 Plantation Park Dr, #401, Bluffton.