Dr. Alan Spigelman discusses his practice which is eye care.
How to deal with symptoms as you get older such as cataracts, glaucoma, and issues with your retina.
Can I Increase Vision Correction Naturally?
Everyone wants perfect eyesight. It’s much easier and less expensive never to have to buy glasses or contacts (unless you are doing so as a fashion statement). Laser eye surgery is very effective to correct many vision problems. Some people believe that they can naturally increase vision correction through exercises and relaxation techniques. Can this be true?
Can I Correct Nearsightedness or Farsightedness Naturally?
The short answer is no. You cannot correct nearsightedness or farsightedness using exercises and other natural methods. A 2013 report published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that there was no improvement for people trying to use exercises and similar techniques to correct poor eyesight or other issues caused by disease.
What Can Natural Vision Correction Exercises Do?
Eye exercises may not be a magic fix-all for poor eyesight, but they do offer other benefits to some patients. Some eye doctors use this method as a physical therapy treatment that can benefit the brain and eyes.
Visual therapy won’t help things like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, but it can assist with other issues. Patients with convergence insufficiency may benefit. This condition means that the eyes have a difficult time moving together when focusing on an object that’s moving closer to the viewer. It can result in double vision and eye strain. Some believe that visual therapy can have a positive effect on this type of condition.
If you would like to learn more about LASIK vision correction that will actually reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses, schedule an appointment with Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills. Our ophthalmologists can assess your eyes and determine the best treatment including LASIK for clearer sight. We offer 0% down and 0% interest for 12 months.
7 Dry Eye Care Tips That Will Help You Get Relief
Dry eye syndrome happens when there is not enough lubrication to moisten the surface of your eye. You may experience burning, itching, aching and eye fatigue. This condition can also affect your vision, causing light sensitivity and blurriness. What can you do to care for dry eyes?
- Adjust Your Diet – Some people get dry eye relief by adding omega-3 fatty acids to their diet. Flax oil works as well as eating more fatty fish like salmon or tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids help glands produce the oil in tears that slows evaporation.
- Use Heat to Open Oil Glands – Apply a warm washcloth to reduce lid inflammation and open up clogged oil glands.
- Reduce Screen Time – Use the 20/20/20 rule when looking at any screen. That means take a 20 second break to look at an object that is 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
- Add Moisture to Your Environment – A dry environment can also dry out eyes. Use a humidifier to introduce more moisture into the areas you spend the most time.
- Keep Eyes Shaded in Sunlight – Bright sunlight will increase dryness. Consider wearing sunglasses, especially wraparound styles. Look for a pair that offers adequate UV protection.
- Use Artificial Tears – Artificial tears can be used to soothe dry eyes. Some brands offer thicker gel or ointments that may work better if the regular drops are not enough.
- Get a Prescription Medication – Visit your ophthalmologist to examine your dry eyes. They may recommend a prescription medication like cyclosporine or lifitegrast drops.
Schedule an appointment with Grosinger, Spigelman and Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians in Bloomfield Hills to address the cause of your dry eyes. We can provide sound advice that will help you get the relief you need.
Do I Have Cataracts?
Cataracts are a very common eye condition that affects people all over the world. It is more common as we age, but can also appear as the result of an injury. At first, the condition may not have a significant impact on your ability to see. The problem will worsen over time until you begin to have serious issues with your sight.
The best thing to do is to catch the condition early so that a doctor can monitor progress and determine the best time for cataract surgery. What signs should you look for when you notice changes in your vision?
- Glare and Light Sensitivity – Many patients will start to notice increased sensitivity to bright light. They also see haloes or glare around light sources. This occurs because the cataract scatters light as it enters the eye.
- Loss of Color Vision – Cataracts can also reduce a person’s ability to see colors. The clouding effect can wash out hues, causing the world to look drab and muted. Red, yellow, and green shades will begin to appear similar.
- Other Common Symptoms – If you experience double vision, trouble seeing at night, and poor central vision, then you may have a developing cataract.
What Do I Do if I Notice the Signs of Cataracts?
If you notice any of the signs listed above, it’s time to seek professional advice. Only a doctor can examine your eyes and provide a diagnosis and treatment option. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to make an appointment.
Wishing You a Sweet New Year!
Diagnosing Glaucoma
The word glaucoma is used to describe diseases that damage the optic nerve. They can cause a loss of vision or even blindness. The best way to prevent permanent damage is through early detection. Your ophthalmologist can examine your eyes and perform tests to determine if you have glaucoma.
Detecting Glaucoma
A series of tests are used to diagnose this condition. Your doctor will dilate your eyes before performing the following:
- Eye Chart (Visual Acuity Test) – This is a standard test that involves reading an eye chart at varying distances. It is usually the first thing most people think of when they hear the words “eye exam.”
- Visual Field Test (Peripheral Vision) – This test measures your side vision. Glaucoma can cause a loss of peripheral sight.
- Dilated Eye Examination – A magnifying lens may be used to inspect the retina and optic nerve for indications of damage or disease. This can cause your close-up sight to appear blurry for several hours afterward.
- Pressure Measurement (Tonometry) – A device called a tonometer is used to measure the pressure inside your eyes. Numbing drops may be applied before this procedure.
- Measure Cornea Thickness (Pachymetry) – This is another test that may involve numbing drops. An ultrasonic wave instrument is used to determine the thickness of your cornea. A thin cornea can cause an inaccurate eye pressure reading when diagnosing glaucoma.
How to Treat Glaucoma
Glaucoma cannot be cured. However, some treatments used during the early stages of the disease can help slow its progress. These can include surgery, laser trabeculoplasty, and medication. This is why it is essential to have annual eye exams. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians for an appointment today.
Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey provides state-of-the-art eye care services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Every patient has unique needs, and our staff is committed to addressing them all while maintaining comfort and confidence.
Labor Day was officially recognized over a century ago to honor the people who help us build businesses, towns, and economies. Without them, we would not be able to provide the eye care services that our patients trust. We would like to say thank you to our employees and all hardworking Americans who help make our lives better every day.
Swimming and Your Eyes
Avoid wearing contacts if possible in the water. If you are an avid swimmer, you may want to invest in prescription goggles. If you must wear contacts, make sure you properly clean them immediately after swimming to prevent eye infections. If you think you may have an eye infection, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to make an appointment.
Repairing Macular Holes
Every eye contains a light-sensitive tissue known as the retina. This tissue houses the macula, which gives us the central vision we need to drive, read, and see details. A number of health and aging factors can cause a hole to form in the macula, which affects our ability to see.
What Causes Macular Holes?
Macular holes are more common in people over 55. The condition is spontaneous, which means that there is no preventative treatment available. Several factors increase the risk of a macular hole, including:
- Diabetes-related eye disease
- High degree of nearsightedness (myopia)
- Eye trauma or injury
- Retinal detachment
- Shrinking vitreous due to aging
How Does a Vitrectomy Work?
If you are diagnosed with a macular hole, then you may need to undergo a vitrectomy. The procedure can take several hours. You will stay awake and apply numbing drops or shots in the eye, or you may be put under general anesthesia.
The doctor will cut the exterior of the eye and the sclera. Vitreous fluid is removed with a needle. Debris or scar tissue is also removed. This clears the way for the doctor to make the needed repairs. A bubble of gas may be injected to keep your retina in place during the procedure. This will gradually go away on its own.
Once the doctor has made the repairs, they will refill the eye with saline or silicone. An antibiotic ointment will be applied, and you will have to cover it with a patch during recovery.
Macular Hole Symptoms
Patients notice a minor distortion in their straight-ahead sight during the early stages of a macular hole. Straight lines may appear wavy. This will affect reading and similar activities. If you notice any of these symptoms or other changes in your vision, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey ophthalmologists right away to schedule an appointment.
Avoiding Eye Strain
For most people, eye strain is an annoyance. It is usually a temporary condition that is easy to correct by resting your eyes. When it happens, it can make you feel tired and reduce your ability to focus.
Symptoms of Eye Strain
The most common side effect of eye strain is blurred vision. This usually goes away once you give your eyes a rest. A number of other uncomfortable symptoms can also appear, including:
- Burning or itching of the eyes
- Dry or watery eyes
- Neck, shoulder, and back soreness
- An increase in light sensitivity
- Inability to keep eyes open
- Headaches
While symptoms are usually mild, they can cause irritation and affect your ability to complete certain tasks. For example, if you drive long distances, eye strain may hinder your ability to concentrate on what’s ahead of you. This can create a safety hazard that should be addressed before getting behind the wheel.
Causes of Eye Strain
A number of activities and behaviors can bring on eye strain. Some of these you probably do every day. Common causes include:
- Staring at digital devices for extended periods of time
- Reading without giving your eyes a break
- Exposure to intense light or glare
- Straining eyes to see in dim settings
- Driving long distances without stopping
- Experiencing stress or fatigue
- Exposing eyes to moving air for a period of time
If you have questions about eye strain or if you experience symptoms that do not go away quickly, you should talk to a professional ophthalmologist. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in southeast Michigan to make an appointment.