Dr. Chris Surdykowski - Optometrist

07/25/2025

Red Flag on Popular Lash Trend?

Eyelash extensions are growing in popularity among young women, promoted widely on social media for their glamorous appearance and low-maintenance appeal. There can be underestimated risks associated with eyelash extensions. Some of the concerns and complications range from conjunctivitis and allergic reactions to more serious conditions like keratitis and corneal ulcerations.

In practice, I’ve seen several patients develop conjunctivitis after receiving eyelash extensions. These cosmetic procedures are increasingly promoted on social media, often promising a glamorous look and striking eyes with minimal effort. However, behind this pursuit of aesthetic enhancement lies a frequently underestimated risk to ocular health.

•What are some risks associated with eyelash extensions?

Eyelashes serve to protect the eyes from external irritants. Extensions are applied to a particularly sensitive area and are not without risks. We see a growing number of patients presenting with dry eye, eyelid inflammation, conjunctivitis, allergic reactions to adhesives, or infections. Extensions also place added weight on the natural lashes, and over time, this repeated trauma can lead to natural lash loss. While regrowth may occur initially, it can eventually result in eyelash alopecia or misdirected regrowth, where lashes curve inward toward the eye rather than outward — causing significant discomfort. �In more severe cases, complications such as keratitis or corneal ulcerations may develop.

•What causes these complications?

The glues used to apply false lashes can be harmful. Some contain substances known to cause irritation and allergic reactions, such as formaldehyde or cyanoacrylates. Using these just millimetres from the cornea can trigger inflammation. Any eye injury is serious and can result in severe, even irreversible, complications. Application technique can also be an issue. Some salons may not follow strict hygiene protocols and may spread bacteria like staphylococcus. There’s often no requirement for technician training, so mistakes in handling extensions or improper disinfection of tools can occur.

•What precautions should be taken by those considering eyelash extensions?

The reputation of the salon should be carefully checked. Staff should wear gloves and masks, disinfect their hands, and use sterilized, single-use tools. The procedure occurs very close to the eye, which is delicate, and must be performed correctly. Extensions should also be used sparingly. It’s not about banning them, but common sense and moderation should take priority over beauty at all costs.

If an individual has a history of allergies, this should be discussed in advance with their primary care doctor or allergist. Some salons also use UV lamps to speed up glue curing, but UV exposure is harmful to health — for both the client and the technician. Salons using UV should be avoided.
Finally, if after the procedure the person experiences discomfort or a sensation like sand in the eye, they should seek medical attention immediately.

07/13/2025

06/11/2025

Semaglutide & eye health: Can Ozempic cause vision problems?

https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/related/ozempic-eye-side-effects/

06/02/2025

If My Eyes Are Dry …

It might feel like there is sand in your eyes, or they might burn or itch. You might be sensitive to light, have blurry vision, or, in some cases, your eyes might even water. Yes, a dry eye can water uncontrollably with reflex tears!

Check out this WebMD slideshow for things that make your eyes irritated and uncomfortable, and find out how to treat and prevent them.

05/30/2025

Stop Smoking Now to Protect Your Vision, Experts Warn.

Current smokers faced up to 12-fold higher risk for age-related macular degeneration, a threefold higher risk for primary open-angle glaucoma, and a fourfold higher risk for cataracts. The risk for certain ocular disorders persisted among individuals with a previous history of smoking.

* The occurrence of the following ocular diseases linked to exposure to to***co smoke was analyzed: Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, primary open-angle glaucoma, dry eye disease, and toxic amblyopia.
TAKEAWAY:
* Current smokers had a significantly higher risk for age-related macular degeneration than nonsmokers (odds ratio [OR], 11.93; 95% CI, 4.40-32.33; risk ratio, 7.45; 95% CI, 4.09-13.57); individuals who had, at any point in their life, smoked to***co products had an increased likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration (OR, 7.09).
* Current smokers had approximately triple the risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 2.07-4.54), with past smokers also having a similarly elevated risk (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 2.33-3.00).

“Understanding the relationship between smoking and these ocular conditions is crucial, as smoking is a modifiable risk factor that could be targeted to reduce the prevalence and possible progression of these conditions,” the researchers reported.

Reference: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/stop-smoking-now-protect-your-vision-experts-warn-2025a10009my?ecd=mkm_ret_250530_mscpmrk_top-content_etid7454445&uac=200345HG&impID=7454445

05/24/2025

"What is my PD?" is a question that often arises from patients wanting to purchase spectacles on-line.

Pupillary distance, or PD, measures the distance between yourpupils. An accurately taken PD is one of many measurementsneeded to ensure that when the eyeglasses are manufactured, theprescription lenses are appropriately centered in a frame in front ofyour eyes.

The PD measurement is not a required component ofan eyeglass prescription, nor is it required clinical information thatmust be gathered as part of a routine comprehensive eye examination.

A College of Optometrists of Ontario FAQ states; "Your optometrist does not need to include this measurement inyour eyeglass prescription.Instead, the measurement of your PD is a component of thedispensing services and is measured by the licensed dispenserwhen the eyeglasses are ordered."

For more information on how one might measure their own PD...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE_h5O8RfDU

05/24/2025

Air Pollution Can Cause Eye Problems, Study Shows

Research suggests living in a city with poor air quality may increase your chance of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — a leading cause of blindness. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, found that residents of highly polluted areas were at least 8% more likely to be diagnosed with AMD than residents of less polluted areas.

AMD develops when the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision, is damaged.

How Does Air Pollution Cause Eye Problems?
“This study shows an association between air pollution and AMD risk, but we still don't know the mechanism involved,” said Raj Maturi, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “We do know that increased inflammation can increase risk of dry macular degeneration, and pollutants increase inflammatory responses.”

How Do I Know If I Have Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Symptoms include loss of central vision, blurry vision, or seeing "wavy" lines.

During the early phases of AMD, people often notice no changes to their vision. Because of this, getting your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist is critical.

Lower Your Risk of Vision Loss From Macular Degeneration
While some factors may be out of your control, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of vision loss from AMD. These healthy habits include not smoking, eating an eye-healthy diet and exercising regularly.

“We know that our genetics can contribute to almost half the risk of macular degeneration in some people. We, of course can't change this—though there are drugs currently in research studies to address this,” said Dr. Maturi. “The risk factors that we can modify include smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.”

Treatments for eye diseases like wet AMD are most effective with an early diagnosis. Make sure you get regular comprehensive eye exams to lower your risk of vision loss.

Published Mar. 12, 2025 in American Academy of Ophthalmology

04/30/2025

Smoking to***co (ci******es, ci**rs or pipes) can cause lung disease, heart disease, cancer, and many other serious health problems. But did you know that smoking can also harm your eyes?

Smoking contributes to major health problems, including heart disease and cancer. But many people do not know that smoking also affects your vision.

04/16/2025

Eye Twitching: Why Does it Happen? What to do about It.

An eye twitch is an eye muscle or eyelid spasm or movement that you can't control. Eye twitching can be common and is often not a cause for concern. However, there are some conditions that cause eye twitching, including myokymia, the most common cause. It's usually a sign of stress, being tired, or having too much caffeine.

Eye Twitching: When your eyelid, usually the upper one, spasms or moves & you can’t make it stop. Learn about types, causes, treatment, & outlook for eye twitching.