Cosmetic Procedures to Change Eye Color

 

It is possible to permanently change the color of your eyes. This can be done by adding or removing pigment, or by replacing the entire iris. It is important to note that eye color change surgery is typically an elective procedure, as the color of the iris does not affect one's vision. It is worth mentioning that the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved any eye color procedure for cosmetic purposes.

Medical professionals are warning the public about a concerning trend on social media. Misleading information about eye color surgery is being spread online, promoting two types of surgery that are not advisable. The first type of surgery, Iris Implant Surgery is the more invasive of the two types, which involves the inserting of a prosthetic iris to cover the natural iris. An eye surgeon cuts open the cornea (the clear layer in front of your iris) and inserts a colored silicone implant. The second type is laser surgery, also known as Keratopigmentation. This involves using a needle or a laser to create a channel in the cornea itself, into which a color pigment is injected, permanently changing the cornea from clear to opaque and covering over the natural iris color inside also called “tattooing.”

Both carry serious risks for vision loss and complications. Social media only shows the positive aspects of the results of the procedures and having it done. Potential complications of cosmetic iris implant surgery include:

• Reduced vision or blindness
• Light sensitivity
• Increased pressure inside the eye can lead to a potentially blinding disease, glaucoma.
• Cataract, or clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens.
• Injury to the cornea, the clear outer area of the eye that focuses light and makes vision possible. If severe enough, a corneal transplant may be needed.
• The iris can become inflamed leading to pain, blurred vision, and tearing.

Risks with Keratopigmentation include:

• Damage to the cornea can lead to cloudiness, warping, fluid leakage, and vision loss.
• Light sensitivity
• Reactions to the dye, which the eye can become inflamed, uveitis, or blood vessel growing into the cornea.
• Bacterial or fungal infections, which can result in corneal scarring and vision loss.
• Uneven distribution of the dye.
• Leakage of the dye into the eye.
• The dye moving or leaking into the eye causing the color to fade.

The use of prescription colored contact lenses is a safer non-permanent option. Like all contacts these lenses should only be worn as prescribed, dispensed, and fitted by a qualified optometrist.

Sources:

www.scrippsnews.com

www.verywellhealth.com

www.aao.org

www.webmd.com

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2024 Solar Eclipse

 

Every year there are several Solar and Lunar eclipses. A solar eclipse happens when, at just the right moment, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth.

A partial solar eclipse is when the moon only blocks part of the sun light.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon blocks all of the sun’s light. A shadow is cast on part of the earth, by the moon blocking the sun.  The shadow cast on the earth by the moon’s shadow as the earth rotates is called the path of totality. This is where to experience the total darkness during the eclipse. It gets so dark along this path it looks like nighttime during a full moon.

We are slightly less than a month out from the historic solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Parts of western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio lay in what is known as the path of totality. Pittsburgh does not lie in the path, we will only see a partial eclipse, 97% of totality. Erie will be in totality a short drive north of Pittsburgh.

The Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore will be hosting an "Eclipse Extravaganza in Pittsburgh" with plenty of activities for the family leading up to the big event. The Science Center will have a solar telescope and live stream footage from NASA on the Buhl Planetarium Dome among other activities.

Beginning at approximately 2 PM the moon will start to move in front of the sun. The max view for Pittsburgh will occur at 3:17 PM and end at 4:30 PM.

While this eclipse is an exciting and unique experience, it is crucial to prioritize safety when viewing an eclipse.

During a solar eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the sun without eye protection specifically designed for solar viewing. Failure to protect the eyes while looking at the sun during a solar eclipse can result in "eclipse blindness" or solar retinopathy, causing damage or destruction to the cells in the retina.

Everyday sunglasses are not safe for looking directly at the sun even very, very dark ones. Specialized solar eclipse glasses are about 100,000 times darker than regular sunglasses. Solar eclipse glasses should be labeled as IS012312–2 international standard compliant. Always inspect your eclipse viewing glasses and handheld viewers for wear If torn, scratched, or damaged in anyway, throw away the device.

When viewing the sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope using a polarizer does not offer enough protection, it is best to use a special-purpose solar filter. Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics can cause severe eye injury. By design, these lens-based devices intensify light rays, damaging both the solar filter and your eyes.

Another concern with a solar eclipse is to protect your skin from invisible UV rays. If you are viewing the eclipse, you may be in the sun for hours. Remember to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to prevent skin damage. Sunburn is the skin's reaction to UV radiation damage to the outermost layers of skin. When your skin gets tan it is the skin reacting to UV radiation by producing more pigmentation. The pigment known as melanin provides the skin with its color and protects the skin against the sun's rays.

Sources:

www.planetary.org

www.nasa.gov

www.aao.org

www.aas.org

www.carnegiesciencecenter.org

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Where’s Wendel

Dr. Claudia Wendel can’t be found in McKees Rocks.

Dr. Claudia Wendel can’t be found in Bridgeville.

Dr. Claudia Wendel can now be found as an Independent Doctor of Optometry at Pearle Vision - Robinson Town Center, 1450 Park Manor Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15205.

Dr. Wendel is still the same caring, patient, and professional you have all come to know, just at a new location.

Call at 412.331.9696 to schedule your appointment.

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Properly Fitting Glasses

 

Eyeglasses are only effective in correcting vision when they are on your face. Poorly fitted glasses can cause eyestrain, headaches, and vision problems. 

Glasses must fit comfortably and make balanced contact with three points: 

• The bridge of the nose
•  At the top and/or behind the ears. 

Additionally, they should be optically aligned. Your eyes should be in the center of your lenses for optimal vision. The width of the glasses should be equal to the width of your face plus two index fingers. 

If glasses are too loose, they may slide off your face, and if they are too small or tight, they may leave red marks, and indents, or cause skin irritation. 

These guidelines also apply to well-fitting sunglasses.

Activities should be considered when choosing glasses too. Are the glasses going to be worn for sports or computer work, doing work where there is flying debris? In certain environments, you may want to consider various coatings or styles that wrap around.

So, ask yourself:

• Are my glasses too loose?
• Are my glasses too tight?
• Are my glasses right for my face?
• Am I wearing the right glasses for my activities?

If you are not happy with the answers consult with an optician who is trained to help guide, you in selecting the right glasses. 

Sources:

www.eyeandvisioncare.com

www.SportsRX.com

www.paireyewear.com

www.warbyparker.com

#PearleVisionRobinson

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