See Well Archives

The Link Between Alzheimer’s Disease and the Eyes

Written By Courtney Dryer

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, an acquired progressive brain disorder. Currently, it is estimated that 44 million worldwide live with dementia, but the number is expected to triple by 2050 with an aging population. Memory loss and cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s can interfere with one’s daily living.

Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by an abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain. The initial damage occurs in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus parts of the brain which are involved in memory.

Later into the disease process, the cerebral cortex becomes affected, which is responsible for language, reasoning, and social behavior. Eventually, other parts of the brain become damaged. Patients may have trouble finding the right words, have vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment in the early stages of the disease. As the disease progresses, those with AD may also have changes in their behavior or personality.

AD patients develop abnormal protein clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (Tau) in the brain. Another finding in Alzheimer’s disease is the loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. Neurons transmit messages between parts of the brain, and from the brain to other parts of the body.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhages: Why Is There Blood In My Eye?

Written By Michael Healy

Our eyes are intricate and delicate structures that are essential for how we perceive the world. While it’s easy to take your vision for granted, occasional abnormalities can occur, and when they do, they often cause serious alarm and concern. One such unsettling occurrence is the appearance of a subconjunctival hemorrhage, or the presence of blood in the eye.

The presence of a subconjunctival hemorrhage can be especially alarming when it shows up in the conjunctiva, or the thin, clear membrane that protects the eye, the inside of the eyelid, and the sclera (the white part of the eye).

While the presence of blood in your eye can be quite alarming at first glance, understanding its causes, risk factors, and potential treatments can help alleviate fears and even improve your overall eye health.

Is Uveitis Easy to Treat? (And Other FAQs)

Written By Courtney Dryer

Ever heard of uveitis? It’s a rare condition that affects only 38 in 100,000 people, but results in 30,000 new cases of legal blindness each year.

While uveitis is a serious eye condition. The condition will not resolve without treatment and can result in blindness.

However, if caught early, it is easily diagnosed and treated.

Sunglass Lens Colors: How Color Affects Your Vision and Eye Health

Written By Michael Healy

Did you know that the color of your sunglass lenses goes far beyond aesthetics? Sunglass lens colors play a crucial role in not only safeguarding your eye health but also enhancing your performance during specific activities.

This article takes a deeper look into how different sunglass lens colors can affect your well-being and why certain shades are better suited for particular activities.

How Cancer Treatments Can Affect Your Eyes

Written By Courtney Dryer

As you’ve heard, the eye is the window to the body. We know that many systemic diseases can affect the eye, but did you know many medications also have side effects that affect your vision? Many new cancer treatments, called immunotherapies, may have ocular side effects.

As with any cancer treatment, doctors must evaluate whether the ocular side effects are detrimental enough to discontinue the drug or if continuation of the therapy is best to save the patient’s life. Often, the oncologist and eye doctor will work together to monitor the eye for changes prior to the next round of treatment.