Category: Blog

Can I Fly With This Eye

Can I Fly With This Eye?

Article from aao.com   Written by: Dan Gudgel   Reviewed by: Raj K Maturi MD     Jan. 03, 2017

We are often asked by our patients if air travel after their eye procedure is possible. 

Read this article and find out . . .

Learn what eye conditions should keep you on the ground and which won’t interfere with air travel

fly with this eyeThe American Academy of Ophthalmology often gets questions about whether recovery from eye surgery or having a specific condition means that the patient shouldn’t fly. If you have questions about your eye health, you should talk to your own ophthalmologist. But it’s important to know that there are some times when air travel really could be a danger to your eyes.

If you’ve had any kind of surgery, talk to your doctor about your travel plans. Find out what to expect after your surgery, so you know if you’re having a serious symptom. Consider staying close to home for a few days — or as long as recommended by your doctor — in case a problem comes up. And always keep your follow-up appointments so your doctor can make sure that you are healing as expected.

If you have been diagnosed with an eye condition, ask your ophthalmologist if there are activities you should limit or avoid. Make sure you understand the doctor’s recommendations and ask questions about specific activities if you’re unsure.

For the complete article:

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/can-i-fly-with-this-eye

 

tags:  air travel after eye surgery, eye surgery, should I fly after surgery, eye conditions and limitations, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery

Are you experiencing signs of Macular Degeneration?

macular degenerationAre you experiencing signs of Macular Degeneration?
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can present itself differently in different people and may not be obvious in early stages. In some individuals, only one eye loses vision while the other eye continues to see well for many years making the condition hardly noticeable until both eyes are affected. Making detection even more difficult, our well-intentioned brains often learn to compensate and fill in missing parts of the picture.

What is AMD?
AMD is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. It causes damage to the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina and the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision, which lets us see objects that are straight ahead.

For the rest of the article: http://bit.ly/2hLFjZS

Tags: macular degeneration, eye health, vitamins, doctors advantage, AMD, vision loss

Even 5 Years After LASIK Surgery, Satisfaction Rates Are Above 90%

There have been several new studies focused on LASIK and LASIK outcomes. “Our patient satisfaction with refractive surgery has always been high and with these studies and results, are more positive proof that LASIK is a very safe and effective treatment for refractive errors”, says Dr. Darrell White at SkyVision Centers.
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The PROWL study is one of the most pivotal studies to date. Driven by the director of the FDA’s Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices, Malvina Eydelman, MD, the PROWL study looks into the shift that has come about, into what a patient thinks about the procedure results and not just the clinical measurement of success. The study drilled down on what the patients think about the procedure. Patients revealed a lower prevalence of symptoms at 3 months postop as compared to preoperatively. This included a reduction in ghosting, glare, halos, and starbursts in both groups. Additionally, the prevalence of bothersome visual symptoms decreased, in some instances significantly. The main outcome was that patients with bothersome or very bothersome symptoms decreased after LASIK, said Steven Schallhorn, MD, San Diego, a presenting physician. The study looked into how much difficulty a patient was having doing daily activities because of visual symptoms, he said, and in every category, the number having difficulty was reduced after surgery.

Dry eye symptoms postop can be a factor. The PROWL study showed the incident of severe symptoms is reduced 3 to 6 months after LASIK compared to what has been previously thought. At SkyVision Centers, dry eye treatment is a practice focus. All LASIK evaluations include evaluating the corneal surface for dryness and for some patients the treatment of the cornea prior to LASIK has helped to alleviate moderate to severe dry eye symptoms postop. If a patient has dry eye prior to LASIK they are treated preoperatively as well as postop. Treatments for dry eye can be a number of things including prescription eye drops, artificial tears, warm compresses/lid scrubs, Omega-3 fatty acids or Lipiflow®.

In a Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery study of over 2500 patients that looked at patient –reported outcomes after 5 years of follow up, the rates were above 90% for satisfaction. Dr. White is very excited about the future of refractive surgery for patients and continues to be one of Northeast Ohio’s first to adopt new practices in treatment for the best possible outcomes.

Click Here for Dry Eye Treatment Options.

Can Fish Oil Help Dry Eye?

Can Fish Oil Help Dry Eye?

(Adapted from an article by Celia Vimont aao.org 10/28/16)

While artificial tears or ointments are a common treatment for dry eye, studies suggest consuming omega-3 fatty acid supplements may also provide relief. Omega-3 oils appear to improve function in the eye’s meibomian glands, which produce the oily part of tears. Improved function of those glands can ease dry eye symptoms.

fish oilThe doctors at SkyVision Centers recommend a high quality omega-3 fatty acids vitamin to their patients. There are several brands available that meet these requirements either online or in specialty stores. PRN (Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals) is offered as an option to our patients along with other suggested brands.

Dry eye becomes more common as a person ages. The problem develops when the eyes cannot maintain a healthy coating of tears. Dry eye can be brought on by a number of causes. These include hormonal changes, a dry environment or workplace (such as wind or air conditioning); sun exposure, smoking or secondhand smoke exposure; or cold or allergy medicines.

Omega-3 oils may also help in the treatment of other eye diseases. The oils may reduce growth of abnormal blood vessels that occur in age-related macular degeneration and other retinal vascularization diseases.

For the full article go to: http://bit.ly/2g2jNNg

Other articles on Dry Eye:
– https://skyvisioncenters.com/eye-health-disease/dry-eye-syndrome/
– https://skyvisioncenters.com/blog/dry-eye-sufferers-try-blinking-exercises-app/
– https://skyvisioncenters.com/blog/dry-eye-disease-contact-lens-wear/
– https://skyvisioncenters.com/blog/new-medicine-treat-dry-eye-xiidra-approved-fda/

Yoga and Glaucoma patients – A Heads Up on Head-down Yoga

Yoga & Glaucoma

down dog yogaYoga is a practice that people use to enhance their health. For those with glaucoma, there are certain positions that may spell trouble. In four common positions in which the head is down, they found IOP (intraocular pressure) dramatically rises. This may be a cause for concern. The study had yoga patients in four common yoga positions with their head lower than their bodies. The four positions were downward-facing dog, standing forward fold, plow pose and legs-up-the-wall and the positions were held for 1 minute.

Dr. Robert Ritch MD advises those with glaucoma to be wary of maneuvers in which the head is down. “If you have glaucoma, watch out for positional changes where you have your head upside down,” he said. “If you have severe glaucoma, be careful.”

Read the full article here:
http://www.eyeworld.org/article-heads-up-on-head-down-yoga-maneuvers

I WAKE UP, BRUSH MY TEETH AND CLEAN MY EYELIDS…

After reading this title, you’re probably wondering why cleaning your eyelids should be a part of your daily hygiene. Well as funny and minimal as it seems, we’re here to explain why cleaning your eyelids may be one of the most important personal habits you can adopt on a regular basis – just like brushing your teeth.

For rest of the article click here https://dryeyeandmgd.com/i-wake-up-brush-my-teeth-and-clean-my-eyelids/

For instructions on cleaning your eyelids watch this video:
View Video

Having the Lipiflow treatment “was a Life Changing Event!”

Lipiflow patient Robert Eagle had a lot to say about the Lipiflow treatment he received over a year ago. Bob was a patient who would be considered as experiencing extreme discomfort and symptoms. He graciously shared some time with us today, after a visit with Dr. White, to tell us about his Dry Eye history and treatment results.

Robert had been a patient of another eye doctor for years until his doctor referred him to Dr. White, as he had run out of treatment options for his Dry Eye. He had been a long time Dry Eye sufferer to the point of “by the end of my work day (about 4 o’clock ‘ish) the thought of meeting up with someone after work or going out to dinner was not something I even considered”. Robert said his eyes were heavy and sticky and he just wanted to go home and close his eyes. It was difficult just to drive home. He would go to movies with his family in the past and he wouldn’t watch the movies. “I listened to the movies”, he said. He would take the opportunity in the dark theatre to close his eyes for some relief.

Having the Lipiflow treatment “was a Life Changing Event!” He drives a lot for work and now he can drive all the way to Chicago and get there and still go out afterward with no dryness or irritation. “I can actually squeeze my eyes and feel the lubrication”, he says. He said his co-workers have noticed that he is no longer constantly blinking throughout the day. He found the Lipiflow Treatment more like a relaxing spa treatment, very comfortable and easy, right in the office.

He thinks his great results have made him into a “bad patient” though as his symptoms are no longer debilitating. He admits to not always remembering to do his drops and eye compresses and he was counseled by Dr. White to continue to do these things. When he left today, his goal is to make sure he does these things regularly to make sure he stays in tip top shape! He always takes his Fish Oil (4xday)! Bob shared that he is aware that he may need a repeat treatment because his MGD was so severe and that adherence to the warm compresses, eye drops, and fish oil are a way of life if he wants to stay at his peak! As long as he continues to do what he loves to do without discomfort he is overjoyed!

He would recommend to anyone who may be suffering from similar symptoms not to hesitate being evaluated for Dry Eye (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) to see if the Lipiflow Treatment is right for them.

Good News! The Lipiflow treatment can be effective to deter further progression and discomfort as MGD is a progressive disease. For those who are at stages less severe than Bob’s this can be an excellent choice.

Set up your Dry Eye evaluation here and/or learn more about MGD here.

Halloween Eye Safety – What About Those Crazy Contact Lenses?

Halloween is a popular time for people to use colored contact lenses to enhance their costumes. From blood-drenched vampire eyes to glow-in-the-dark lizard lenses, costume contacts can certainly add that desired extra spooky touch.

The fact is, it is illegal to sell colored contact lenses without a prescription in the United States. All contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an eyecare professional.
Never buy colored contact lenses from a retailer that does not ask for a prescription. There is no such thing as a “one size fits all” contact lens. Lenses that are not properly fitted may scratch the eye or cause blood vessels to grow into the cornea.

For more on Halloween eye safety, here is an article from All About Vision that talks about Halloween Contact Lenses: http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/theatrical.htm”>http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/theatrical.htm

Majority of U.S. Adults Have Eye Problems, But Few Seek Help, Survey Says

SkyVision Centers is committed to your eye health!

Written by: Kierstan Boyd
Reviewed by: Rebecca J Taylor MD
From the AAO.org
Sep. 14, 2016
Think about it: if you noticed your car wasn’t running well, you likely would schedule an appointment to have it checked out. Would you do the same for your eyes?

If you’re like most people, probably not, finds a Harris Poll commissioned by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
According to this survey, nearly two out of three American adults report having eye or vision problems. Yet most of them fail to have medical eye exams that could save their sight.

Survey findings showed that 64 percent of adults had at least one or more of these problems with their eyes or vision:

Despite having these problems, only 13 percent of these people (about 1 out of 8) reported they had seen a medical doctor for an eye exam.

Ophthalmologists are committed to helping people maintain healthy eyes and vision as they age. With Healthy Aging Month happening during September, they are emphasizing the importance of having regular medical eye exams.

Just like our hair goes gray, our hips weaken and our metabolism slows, our eyes are impacted by age,” explains Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., an ophthalmologist in Nashville, Tennessee. “Common age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, can begin to steal your vision before you even realize it.

Having regular dilated eye exams, usually starting around age 40, is important for catching these problems before vision loss happens,” says Dr. Taylor. “Many adults around age 40 begin taking steps to prevent their risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other issues. Having regular exams to prevent potentially blinding eye disease should also be part of this overall health maintenance plan.

If you haven’t already, get your eye exam routine on track.” Encourage your family members to get on track too!

Start by making an appointment with a SkyVision Centers doctor by calling 440-892-3931.

From autos to eyes, routine maintenance is the best preventative medicine.

Click on this link for the full AAO Article.

CONTACT LENSES: THE NEXT 30 YEARS

How will contact lenses evolve between now and 2046?

HARVARD SYLVAN, OD       9/1/16

“We are in the midst of the digital age and on the doorstep of the “Internet of Things.” Technological breakthroughs are occurring at an accelerated pace. There is no reason to think that new technological advances won’t be made with contact lenses. Once the challenges of incorporating electronics into contact lenses are overcome, I have no doubt that there will be many new applications for contact lenses.

In addition, if long-term myopia study results indicate the successful reduction in myopic progression; if biometric coatings can increase lens comfort; if new multifocal designs create an increase in successful wear; and if augmented reality applications are viable, contact lens use will significantly increase. With an ever-expanding population, a foreseeable reduction in dropouts as comfort issues are reduced, and an increase in unique reasons for wearing lenses, contact lenses have a bright future 30 years from now.”

For complete article go to:

http://www.clspectrum.com/printarticle.aspx?articleID=114658

Dr. Sylvan currently practices with an optometric group in Hamden, CT. He has been a frequent lecturer on contact lens topics, has been involved in numerous clinical investigations, was a consultant to several contact lens manufacturers, and served in professional relations roles with two contact lens companies.

Contact Lens Spectrum, Volume: 31 , Issue: September 2016, page(s): 28, 29, 31-33, 71