If you wear contact lenses, chances are you have had at least one eye infection. While common, contact lens-related eye infections it can lead to more serious complications if not properly treated. Symptoms of contact lens-related infections may include blurry vision, unusual redness of the eye, pain in the eye, tearing or discharge from the eye, increased light sensitivity, or the sensation of something in your eye, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Safe handling, storage, and cleaning of your lenses are key steps to reduce your risk of infection.  Learn more at: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/contact-lens-related-infections.cfm

If you like to drink wine, you’ll be happy to know that a new study out of the University of Wisconsin suggests that moderate wine consumption can lower the risk of long-term visual impairment. Led by Dr. Ronald Klein of Wisconsin’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, researchers analyzed data from the Beaver Dam Eye Study, a 20-year look at nearly 6,000 43- to 84-year-old adults in Beaver Dam, Wis.  Subjects also reported various lifestyle factors, including their smoking, drinking and exercise habits. The study concluded that moderate drinkers who exercise regularly and do not smoke have better odds of maintaining their eyesight.  These lifestyle habits may be associated with other factors, such as diet, that correlate with vision quality. Read the entire study and findings at: http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/50176

The Arizona Medical Eye Unit (AMEU) began in 1976 as a rural outreach program for patients without access to an ophthalmologist (a medical and surgical eye physician, or eye MD). The program was a collaborative effort with the University of Arizona Department of Ophthalmology and hundreds of Arizona Ophthalmology Society volunteer ophthalmologists. Greg King has been Acting Director since its inception. His success in establishing long-term relationships with rural clinics has allowed thousands of patients to receive timely and necessary eye care from a board certified ophthalmologist. The program expanded its scope in 2008 with the help of the Arizona Lions Eye Organization. Learn more at: http://www.azeyemds.org/

American Academy of Ophthalmology states that Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans age 65 and older and affects an estimated 11 million people in the United States. Some studies have also found an association between AMD and high blood pressure, but this has been inconsistent. In addition to increased age, the cause of AMD may be attributed to several risk factors, including hereditary risk and smoking. The researchers found that using any vasodilator such as Apresoline and Loniten, which open (dilate) the blood vessels – was associated with a greater risk of developing early-stage AMD. Among people who were not taking vasodilators, an estimated 8.2 percent developed signs of early AMD. In comparison, among those taking a vasodilator medication, 19.1 percent developed the disease. Read the full report at: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/eye-health-news/blood-pressure-drugs-and-amd.cfm

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 300,000 people visit an emergency room annually for workplace eye injuries, nearly half occur in professions such as manufacturing, construction, and mining. These injuries range from eyestrain to severe trauma, which could cause permanent damage and even vision loss. Make sure to protect your eyes by always wearing protective eyewear. The most common causes of eye injuries include flying objects, tools, particles, chemicals, and other hazards. If you think an eye injury has occurred, be sure to get medical attention immediately. For more information about workplace eye injuries, protection, and treatment, visit: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/living/eye-injuries-work.cfm

Avoid injury this Fourth of July by knowing how to protect yourself from fireworks. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 9,000 firework injuries happen every year, and 47 percent are bystanders. If you or someone you know experiences a firework eye injury, be sure to get medical attention immediately. Some other tips on what to avoid include: Don’t rub your eyes Don’t rinse your eyes Don’t apply pressure Don’t remove objects stuck in your eye Learn more about staying safe this Independence Day by visiting:  http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/eye-health-news/fireworks-injuries-infographic.cfm

With the official launch of summer, it is an important reminder to protect your eyes from the blazing sun. Did you know that sunlight could increase your chances for developing cataracts, growths on the eye, and cancer? Experts from the American Academy of Ophthalmology say that UV radiation can damage the eye’s surface tissues, cornea, and lens. Proper eye protection is encouraged from an early age to prevent ultraviolet ray exposure. Not sure if your sunglasses have UV protection? Look for sunglasses that protect from both UV-A and UV-B rays. Still unsure which sunglasses to choose? Talk to our experienced optician, JanetLynne Schultz, at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons for help or for more information. We offer a free test that will quickly tell if your glasses have UV protection.