A Look at Your Pet’s Eyes

You may already know that animals have very different ways of seeing than humans. But did you know, for example, that dogs aren’t really color blind (contrary to popular belief)? Here are some fun facts about your pets and how they see:

Goldfish
These little aquatic guys have excellent, full-spectrum vision, and they also have a visual memory of up to three months. So, if you’re the person responsible for feeding them, they are able to recognize and remember you. They’re also sensitive to sudden light changes because they have no eyelids.

Cats
Furry felines see things in a lower resolution than humans, and they also see less vibrant colors than humans. However, they do have better night vision and their eyes are developed to detect small, quick movements so they are better able to catch prey.

Dogs
Your trusty old sidekick can see colors, although it’s a common misconception that dogs are color blind. However, they see the world with less colors than we do. They’re only able to see blue, yellow, and gray tones, making a dog’s vision very similar to a person that is red-green color-blind.

Do you know any other fun vision-related facts about pets? Share them in the comments below!

Should I be Concerned About Eye Twitches?

If you’ve ever been short on sleep or stressed to the max, you might have also experienced repetitive, uncontrollable eye spasms known as blepharospasm, or eye twitching.

While it can be annoying, eye twitching is usually painless and harmless. It typically happens when you have an increase in fatigue, stress, or caffeine intake. Once these issues stop, you’ll notice your eye twitch is likely to disappear.

In very rare cases, eye twitching can become a chronic condition and affect an individual’s quality of life. In some circumstances, it can also progress to the point of severe vision impairment.

If an eye twitch doesn’t resolve itself within a few days or the twitch is strong enough to close the entire eye or affect other areas of someone’s face, it’s time to set an appointment with our optometrist. Give our office a call and we can determine the underlying cause of your eye twitch and begin any possible treatments.

Protect Your Eyes With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are nutrients that defend cells from damage caused by molecules known as free radicals. Too many free radicals can cause eye health issues, including cataracts and advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Not only do antioxidants help reduce the formation of free radicals, but they also protect and repair any cells damaged by them.

To lower your risk for cataracts and AMD, you need to focus on eating more fruits and veggies. The American Optometric Association recommends at least five servings every day to increase the amount of antioxidants in your diet.

Vitamins C and E are the antioxidants you need to protect your eyes, and they’re often found in colorful fruits and vegetables. Focus on adding the following nutrient-rich foods to your meals, and you’re well on your way to good eye health:

Good sources of vitamin C: orange juice, grapefruit juice, papaya, cantaloupe, green pepper, orange, tomato juice, strawberries, broccoli.

Good sources of vitamin E: almonds, sunflower seeds, safflower oil, peanuts, peanut butter, corn oil.

What Causes Double Vision?

Double vision, which is also known as diplopia, is a condition that happens when you simultaneously see two images of one object. The vision displacement can happen horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally. It can also occur occasionally, all the time, or when looking in one specific direction. While some causes of double vision are relatively insignificant, others are serious and should receive immediate medical attention.

Here are some of the common causes of double vision:

• Cataracts, which is a common problem with the eye lens. The condition may appear in one or both eyes, but it’s treatable with minor surgery.
  
  
• Corneal problems, such as corneal scars, dry corneas, and corneal infections.
  
  
• Weak eye muscles can distort vision, as a weak eye can no longer smoothly move in unison with the healthy eye. Those who have certain autoimmune illnesses and thyroid conditions are more likely to have weak eye muscles.
  
  
• Any condition that can cause damage to the nerves that control your eye muscles, such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
  
  
• Because your brain directly connects to nerves that control your eyes, any brain issues, including strokes, brain tumors, migraines, brain trauma, and aneurysms.

If you or someone else you know is experience double vision, please give us a call to schedule an appointment. We can determine the cause and address the underlying reason for the condition.