FitSugar

Wear Contact Lenses? Keep These in Mind

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:00:00 -0700

If your vision isn't perfect, and you're an active person, contact lenses are essential in my book. Contacts don't fog up when you're running, or fall off when you're biking. And you can wear them when swimming, you just have to wear goggles or keep your eyes shut. If you're a contact lens wearer like me, here are some things you should keep in mind.

Always wash your hands before inserting or removing your lenses. Touching your eye with germy fingers is a great way to get sick or contract an eye infection.
If you suffer from allergies, wearing contacts can make your symptoms worse since allergens can stick to the lenses. Wear glasses if your symptoms are really bad, and if you can't part with your contacts (I don't blame you), be sure to clean them thoroughly or replace disposable lenses more often. Also, look for drops containing antihistamines that may help relieve watery or itchy eyes.

For more tips and to see what that photo is all about keep reading

Healthy To-Do: Get Your Eyes Checked

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Suffering from dry eyes and blurry vision, major league baseball player Brain McCann, catcher for the Atlanta Braves, was recently outfitted for glasses after having his eyes checked.

While most of us don't depend on our peepers to track incoming curve balls, we all rely on our eyes for just about everything. This is why it is important to have your eyes checked regularly. The American Optometric Association recommends that adults have their eyes checked at least every two years. Early detection with vision problems means corrective action is easier to make, and the health of your eyes can be an early warning sign of diabetes. If you are one of the 81 percent of Americans who wear corrective lenses, be they glass or contacts, make an appointment to have your eyes checked. Your eyes may have changed and correcting your prescription can save you a lot of headaches, and I mean that literally.

Source

Your Contact Lenses Could Make You Blind

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Many of you rely on your contact lenses in order to help you see, but your lenses could end up taking away your vision. What an ugly irony. The problem starts with a simple single cell microorganism - acanthamoeba.

Acanthamoeba is one of the most common types of protozoan that live in soil and fresh water. They can be found in city tap water, so if you rinse your lens case in water from the sink, this amoeba can be transferred to your contact lenses and then to your eye. These protozoan can live and multiply in both your contact case and your eyes, and can go back and forth between the two because commercial contact lens solution can't kill them. Once they're in your eyes, they can cause a painful infection known as amoebic keratitis, which can lead to blindness. The prevalence of this infection has increased because so many people wear contact lenses now.

The lenses that you wear for a year or two were found to contain the most pathogenic (disease-causing) strains of acanthamoeba. The ones that you keep for a month or two weeks contained fewer, and the daily lenses contained no acanthamoeba. Talk to your eye doctor about the kinds of contact lenses you wear to see which would be the healthiest for your eyes. Scientists are on the move trying to develop a contact lens solution that can kill this nasty amoeba, but for now, it's recommended that you don't rinse your lens case in tap water.

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Speak Up: How Do You Feel About Lasik Eye Surgery?

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

I started wearing glasses when I was in fourth grade and later switched to contacts. I can't see without either, especially the alarm clock in the early hours of the day. Every morning, the site of the fuzzy alarm clock sends thoughts of Lasik Eye Surgery running through my mind. It sounds so simple; you walk into the doctor's office, everything's blurry, and after the surgery everything's clear. While it sounds amazing, I do have a friend who had the surgery, but still needs to wear glasses. I guess for some folks, the success rate isn't that great.

Lasik is also super pricey, and I'm not sure I could go through with an operation like this knowing there's a possibility that it wouldn't work. Also, the actual procedure freaks me out a little. A laser in my eye? I don't think I'd ever be ready for that.

What do you think? Have you ever thought about having Lasik Eye Surgery? Have you already gone through this procedure? If so, would you recommend it to others? Do you know anyone who's had a bad experience? I'd love to hear your thoughts so share in the comments section them below.

Are Polarized Sunglasses a Must For Protecting Your Eyes?

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700

When exercising outside, sunglasses are a must. Personally, I can't stand to have the sun blinding my eyes. Not only that, but UV rays can cause cataracts and glaucoma. Two more reasons to slip on some shades. Last year, I bought a pair of expensive polarized sunglasses, thinking that "polarized" meant they blocked out those harmful UV rays.Unfortunately, polarized lenses act as a filter to absorb light waves, which helps to reduce glare that bounces off smooth surfaces like pavement or water. This filter action is great when biking or boating but unfortunately has nothing to do with how well shades protect your eyes from UV rays. Unless the pair you wear is labeled as blocking 99 to 100 percent of UV rays (or the label may say "UV absorption up to 400nm") then all your sunglasses are doing is looking pretty. While it's possible that lenses can be both polarized and UV blockers, you can't just assume that so read the labels. If you want even more UV protection, go for wraparound sunglasses since they'll block sunlight from getting to the sides of your eyes.

Fit's Tip: When choosing sunglasses, you also want to make sure the lenses screen out 75 to 90 percent light. Try them on in front of a mirror and if you can see your eyes easily then the lenses are probably too light.

Source

Eye wash (Into the eye)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Used to wash out eyes to relieve irritation, discomfort, or itching, or to remove a chemical or foreign material from the eye.

Brand Name(s)

Steri-Optics Eye Wash, Eye-Cept Rewetting Drops, Eye Wash, OcuFresh Eye Wash, OcuFresh Eye Shower, Rite Aid Sterile Eye Wash, Advanced Eye Relief, Ocu-Wash, Mediwash Eye Irrigant, Irigate, Ocusoft Irrigating Solution I, Eye Clean Station, Eye-Stream, Eye Clean, Optigene Eye Wash

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the eye wash you are using. Be sure to read the label. Do not use if the liquid changes color or becomes cloudy.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove contact lenses before using this medicine. Shake the bottle well just before each use.
To use right out of the bottle: Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket. Hold the bottle tip close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into your eye, or squeeze the bottle to direct a steady of stream into the eye.
To use with an eye cup: Rinse the eye cup with the eye wash before you use it. Do not let anything else touch the rim and the inside of the eye cup. Fill the cup half full of eye wash. Put the cup over the eye to be rinsed. Press the cup tightly to your skin to keep the liquid from leaking out. Tilt your head back and open your eye wide. Move your eye from side to side and up and down to allow the liquid to wash all parts of the eye.
Do not rinse or wipe the bottle tip or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine is to be used when needed. Follow the directions on the label.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle upright and tightly closed when you are not using it.Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

See a doctor right away if you have an open wound in or near your eye, if your eye was burned with a chemical, or if you have a foreign object in your eye that you cannot rinse out.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Changes in vision.
Eye pain, redness, or irritation that is not relieved by using this product.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

New or worsening eye symptoms.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5309

Tetrahydrozoline (Into the eye)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:08:55 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Tetrahydrozoline (tet-ra-hye-DROZ-a-leen)

Treats redness of your eyes caused by certain allergies.

Brand Name(s)

Visine, Vision Eye, Optigene 3, Opti-Clear, The Medicine Shoppe Eye Drops, Altazine, Steri-Optics Redness Reliever, Vision Clear, Geneye

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tetrahydrozoline.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Drop

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
Do not use the eye drops if the solution has turned cloudy or changed color.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine is to be taken as needed. Follow the directions on the package.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have glaucoma.
You should not wear contact lenses while using this medicine.
You should not use this medicine for your child under 6 years of age without a doctor's approval.
This medicine may make your pupils large temporarily.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Changes in your vision.
Pain, redness, or irritation in your eyes.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5249

Eye lubricant (Into the eye)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:43 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes.

Brand Name(s)

Refresh, Genteal, Refresh Plus, Refresh Liquigel, Tears Naturale Free, Refresh PM, Tears Naturale, Refresh Endura, Theratears, Lacri-Lube S.O.P., Bion Tears, Refresh Tears, FreshKote, Murocel, Enuclene

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients listed on the label of the product you are using.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Ointment, Gel/Jelly, Drop

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove contact lenses before using this medicine. When using eye drops, shake the bottle well just before each use.
Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.If using a single-dose unit, throw it away after use. Do not save any of the liquid to use later.
To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to any eye medicine or product in the past.
Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored. Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has become cloudy.
See a doctor right away if you have an open wound in or near your eye, if your eye was burned with a chemical, or if you have a foreign object in your eye that you cannot rinse out.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Changes in vision.
Eye pain, redness, or irritation that is not relieved by using this product.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Eye dryness that lasts longer than 72 hours.
New or worsening eye symptoms.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5308

Bugging Out: How to Deal With Computer Eye Strain

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:00:00 -0700

If staring at a computer screen all day has your eyes bugging out, try this simple trick for a little relief.

Start by rubbing your palms together for about 10 seconds to build up heat in your hands.
Place the heels of your hands lightly over your eyes and block out as much light as you can. Allow your finger tips to gently press into your forehead because chances are high it is tense, too.
Hang out in the "dark" for five to 10 slow breaths. While you're breathing, focus on allowing all the tension in your face and jaw to release.

While it is not quite the same as lying on the couch with a lavender eye pillow, it works well in a pinch.

Source

Speak Up: Are the Reebok EasyTone Ads Offensive?

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:00:24 -0800

In a sea of words, a title like "Make Your Boobs Jealous!" really jumps out at you - something I can attest to when I came across it on one of my favorite blogs this weekend. The post is a scathing commentary from Jezebel on the new Reebok commercials for EasyTone.

If these shoes do what Reebok claims, the shoes themselves seem pretty neat - balance pods in the shoes create natural instability in your step, which forces muscles to adapt and encourages toning in the butt, legs, and thighs. Listen, I'm all for a little help in getting firm in the right places, but the Jezebel writer points out that the ads seem more intent on sexualizing women than really touting the benefits of the shoe, or exercise for that matter.

To see these controversial commercials and judge for yourself, read more.

In the commercials, the camera constantly focuses in on the butt of the actresses and two out of three times you don't even see a face. And in the commercial where a face is shown, the actress playfully teases with the cameraman that he must like what he sees since he's zooming in so much. Some of the tag lines seem questionable too: "88% of men will be speechless, 76% of women jealous, and 0% will know the reason is on your feet." I don't know about you, but my reason for staying fit is not to make the women around me feel inadequate.

I shared the commercials with a friend and she thought I was being a bit too serious. She got a good laugh out of them and thought they were playful and funny. She especially loved the one where a woman's breasts are given life as they complain about not getting any more stares. Why? Because the butt has taken all the attention away, thanks to EasyTone sneakers! Cue tag line: "Make your boobs jealous!"

When I asked why she wasn't the least bit offended, she left me with the reasoning that "sex sells" and "women want to feel beautiful." She also said that she has more to worry about than a silly commercial. I might not be as pissed off as the Jezebel writer, who says: "My boobs actually felt sorry for my brain when it had to process the amount of bullsh*t in these three ads, and my eyes were jealous of my toes for being tucked deep in my socks, away from this sexist mess. Thanks, but no thanks, Reebok. You can kiss my butt, and my money, goodbye." But shifting the blame to "sex sells" as a justification for the ads seems too easy. I'm going to mull over my friend's comments and ask myself if I am being way too serious, but in the meantime, I'd like to know what you think of these ads. Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.