Summer Eye Protection Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wearers need to be extra aware of summer eye protection tips, especially when at outdoor events. Sunglasses should always be worn to protect the eyes from UV rays even if you are wearing contacts. When you’re out camping or at festivals it can also be difficult to maintain hygiene levels for contact lenses. Here are some additional summer tips for contact lens wearers.
40% of contact lens wearers neglect to wash their hands
Studies have found that around 40% of people neglect to wash their hands before handling their contact lenses, and that 15% of people will pick their contact lens up off the floor and put it back in their eye without cleaning it, and even more people lick their lens before putting it back in.
Dirt or other particles can easily get trapped in contacts
At an outdoor event there can very easily be dirt or other particles that become trapped in contacts and cause eye damage. It’s essential that contacts are washed if they fall out of the eye, especially when outdoors, and that the proper lens solution is used to clean them. Hands should also be washed before contact lenses are put back in the eye(s).
Disposable contacts or eyeglasses can be used
Those who have difficulty with maintaining proper contact lens hygiene should consider using disposable lenses for a period of time or eyeglasses. Daily disposable lenses avoid the need for cleaning contacts and eyeglasses are another simple option that can be more convenient.
If you think you may have an eye infection, contact Eye Michigan and make an appointment.
Basics of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves removing a cloudy part of the eye’s lens and replacing it with an artificial lens for the purpose of restoring vision. The surgery is minimally invasive and can be conducted on an outpatient basis. In this article, we will cover the basics of cataract surgery to help patients develop an understanding as to what happens during the procedure.
For most cataract surgeries, a high frequency ultrasound device will be used to break up the cloudy lens of the eye into smaller pieces, which are then removed using varying levels of suction. This procedure represents the latest in cataract surgery technology and requires smaller incisions compared to prior techniques.
After the cloudy parts of the lens have been removed, the surgeon will insert a clear IOL (intraocular lens) behind the pupil and iris, placed in the same position that the natural lens was in. The IOL may also be placed in front of the pupil and iris in some cases; however, this is not very common and will be evaluated on a patient by patient basis. By replacing the clouded natural lens with an artificial, clear lens, vision is restored to the patient.
The cataract removal procedure is completed by the surgeon by closing the initial incision. A protective shield is placed over the eye after the operations to ensure the eye is kept safe during the early stages of recovery. Laser assisted cataract surgery reduces recovery time for patients, getting you back to clear vision faster. The team at Eye Michigan can be reached online or by phone at (248) 221-1022 to schedule an appointment.
Reducing Vision Loss at Any Age
The steps you take now toward reducing vision loss will pay off in dividends as you age. If you have a genetic risk of developing an eye disorder or lifestyle factors that increase your risk of eye problems, you’ll need to be extra cautious about protecting your vision.
Below are some tips for reducing vision loss at any age:
- Wear eye protection – Over 2.5 million eye injuries occur each year at work, home, or during sports to people of all ages, and most of them can be avoided with the appropriate eye protection.
- Wear sunglasses – Wearing sunglasses is one of the most effective ways to prevent cataracts as you get older, along with protecting your eyes from direct ultraviolet rays that can damage the retina.
- Stop smoking – Smoking is another major risk factor for vision loss and problems like macular degeneration, so quit smoking as soon as you can. Studies have found that current smokers have a significantly higher chance of developing age related macular degeneration.
- Eat a healthy diet – A healthy diet that includes foods like fatty fish, green leafy vegetables, nuts, fruits, and other non-meat protein sources can prevent vision loss by maintaining good eye health throughout your life.
It is also crucial to schedule annual eye exams if you are 50 years of age or older, and every 2-3 years if you are younger than 50 so that you can discuss unique vision risk factors with your doctor. Contact Eye Michigan for an appointment.
How LASIK Eye Surgery Works to Improve Vision
LASIK eye surgery reshapes the cornea to allow light to be properly focused on the retina. For the vast majority of patients, LASIK eye surgery results in improved vision among a wide range of other benefits including the ability to avoid wearing contacts or glasses, long term vision improvement, and more.
To begin the process of receiving LASIK eye surgery, an ophthalmologist will apply numbing drops to the eye. The drops take effect immediately and last for up to 15 minutes. A device is used in order to painlessly open the eye, allowing for direct access to the affected areas. The surgery is performed using a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome, which create a thin circular “flap” in the cornea.
This circular flap is folded back in order to remove some of the cornea tissue with an excimer laser. The laser removes the tissue based on each individual’s prescription. A computer is used to track eye movement during the surgery and to ensure precision. Such accuracy is required with an organ as sensitive as the eye to yield perfect vision each time. Each LASIK eye surgery is customized for the patient and can be used to correct astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. Once the correct amount of cornea tissue has been removed, the corneal flap is replaced using special instruments.
The healing process begins as soon as the patient leaves the facility, with the surgery taking just 30 minutes for the majority of patients. After the surgery, follow up visits are scheduled to track healing and to ensure long term health of the eye. To learn more about the LASIK procedure conducted at Eye Michigan, please call our team of eye care experts at (248) 221-1022 or visit our website.
Avoid Summer Eye Problems
The summer months can cause irritation and damage to your eyes. The sun’s rays and summer allergens, such as pollen, dust and smoke can all cause eye troubles. Below are some items to watch out for this summer and best practices to help protect your eyes this season.
Sun exposure can cause damage to eyes. Most people are aware of the harm that sun can cause on their skin but few realize the damaging effects on eyes. Wearing sunglasses with sufficient UV protection works to reduce UV-A and UV-B damage. Protecting your eyes can also help reduce your risk for sunburn or the cornea, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and uveal cancer.
Dry Eyes cause excessive tearing, irritation, and redness accompanied by a dry feeling which can be made worse by summer weather. Over the counter or prescription eye drops are used to lubricate the eye for those suffering from this condition. Make an appointment and your ophthalmologist will assess your condition for a proper treatment plan.
Eye Allergies Those who suffer from reactions to pollen and air pollutants should try to avoid these allergens especially during peak conditions. Sunglasses will add an extra barrier for your eyes. If you are a contact wearer, consider changing to single-use contacts to reduce buildup. There are medications that can be prescribed to further help reduce symptoms. Make an appointment with your ophthalmologist.
Swimming 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.
Sports Whether you are participating or watching sports, make sure your eye is on the ball. If you do get hit in the eye, see your ophthalmologist immediately or go directly to the emergency room.
Fireworks Every year, more than 9000 people are injured from fireworks in the United States. 30% of these injuries are to the eyes. A quarter of fireworks eye injuries result in permanent vision loss or blindness. Experience fireworks only from a safe distance.
Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Styes are a red painful bump that forms in the upper or lower eyelid, caused when sweat or oil glands get blocked. Stye infections are not contagious and do not affect vision.
Conjunctivitis causes red, itchy eyes sometimes accompanied with a gritty, “sand in your eye” sensation. Dustier air during the summer makes it easier for the wind to blow irritants causing problems for eyes. Conjunctivitis can be contagious, so proper handwashing techniques are necessary not to spread to others. Make an appointment with your eye doctor for proper treatment.
To reduce your chances of developing a summer related eye problem, always remember to wash your hands, stay away from irritants, wear UV protected sunglasses, keep yourself hydrated, and rest your eyes. If your eyes do become infected or injured, make an appointment immediately. Only your eye doctor can diagnose and recommend proper treatment.
Eye Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is performed on individuals who have cataracts or a clouding inside of the eye. Cataracts can cause a loss of vision that cannot be corrected with other surgery options like LASIK, or corrective lenses such as glasses or contacts.
Cataract surgery is highly effective at eliminating most of the vision problems associated with cataracts, or the buildup of protein in the eye. In many cases the procedure can reduce a person’s need to wear eyeglasses entirely. Cataracts typically affect those who are 40 years of age or older and are relatively common, with more than 200,000 cases in the US per year. This number is expected to grow significantly in the upcoming years as the result of an aging population.
By the year 2050, it is estimated that there may be over 50 million Americans with cataracts. However, cataract surgery is without a doubt one of the safest and best surgeries, with an extremely high success rate. Some testing is required prior to the surgery which includes an A-scan to measure the length of the eye, as well as Keratometry, which is used in order to measure the curve of the cornea. Over 3 million surgeries are performed each year and the vast majority of these surgeries have excellent outcomes, both for the recovery of the patient and for improved vision. The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not require a hospital stay. Our senses play a vital role in our day to day lives, that is why it is so important that you take good care of your eyes!
If you or someone you know is experiencing a loss of vision, please contact our team at Eye Michigan online or by phone at (248) 221-1022.
An Overview of LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK is a frequently performed laser eye surgery used to treat a range of vision problems including astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia. LASIK is a procedure used to reshape the cornea to allow light to be correctly focused on the retina. This correction clears the vision of the patient without the need for corrective lenses.
LASIK is a relatively pain free procedure and can be completed in just about 15 minutes with an almost immediate improvement in vision. Those who are considered for LASIK surgery must have healthy eyes, as any conditions that affect how the eyes heal or respond to a surgery must be resolved before LASIK surgery is scheduled. Each candidate must be evaluated in order to determine whether or not LASIK is a good option for them. Those who are not a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery do have other options available to them such as LASEK and PRK surgery.
LASIK eye surgery has a phenomenal track record for success and the majority of people who receive it are very satisfied with the results. The eye doctors at Eye Michigan can determine whether or not LASIK is a good choice for you. LASIK is the perfect solution for individuals seeking clarity of vision and an improvement in quality of life. If you are in the Troy, Birmingham or the greater Detroit area and would like to learn more about LASIK eye surgery, please visit our website or give us a call at 248-221-1022.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication from diabetes that affects the eyes. There are approximately 200,000 cases of Diabetic Retinopathy diagnosed per year. Proper treatment and diagnosis can improve quality of life by maintaining or possibly restoring the eyes function. There are ways to reduce the risk of developing this condition and helpful treatment options for those who have developed it already. Although, Diabetic Retinopathy does not have a cure yet, treatment options such as those offered by Eye Michigan ophthalmologists can manage your symptoms. With Eye Michigan support and guidance, best case scenarios are possible to achieve. It is helpful to know the facts.
Did you know that Diabetic Retinopathy affects both individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes begins in youth (juvenile onset) and is insulin-dependent. This means that a healthy diet and lifestyle changes may help (as it does in managing any illness), but not nearly as much as it aids those with Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more typically found to develop in adulthood. It is currently rising in prevalence in younger and younger ages due largely to poor lifestyle habits such as a lack of exercise, obesity, high sugar intake, and additives in processed foods. The body no longer is able to use insulin properly. For the eyes, what can result, is high blood sugar levels that damage the network of tiny vessels that supply blood to the retina.
How to Reduce Your Risk
There is a high percentage of Type 1 patients who develop Diabetic Retinopathy, and a smaller, yet still significant, percentage of Type 2 patients who will also develop it if no preventative action is taken. Controlling blood sugar levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 patients’ is very important to reduce risk. If insulin levels are more stable, inflammation decreases, and therefore the blood vessels of the eyes are also less affected. Be sure to talk to your doctor to learn more about dietary choices that will keep your body as healthy as possible. With inflammation and blood sugar levels under control, you dramatically improve your odds of avoiding the diabetic complication of this disease.
Treatment
There is a wide range of treatment options available to help you manage Diabetic Retinopathy. Treatments such as laser photocoagulation, modified grid laser photocoagulation, panretinal photocoagulation, intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide, intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs, vitrectomy, and light treatment. Aspirin use is even sometimes helpful. Eye Michigan ophthalmologist will recommend the best treatment plan to work for you.
Contact us to learn more.
A Closer Look at Alcon LenSx Laser for Cataract Surgery
No matter what type of surgery you or a loved one may be undergoing, the benefits of each procedure come with some risk. Your sense of sight is among the most important of your five senses, so it is important to seek the top specialists.
Drs. Grosinger, Spigelman, and Grey were the first doctors to perform the laser assisted cataract surgery in Southeastern Michigan. If your eyes are compromised by cataracts, it is strategic to choose the best option for your treatment. Your Eye Michigan doctor performs a complete, comprehensive eye exam and reviews your health history to determine the best route for you to resolve your cataract problem including if the Alcon LenSx Laser for cataract surgery is the right choice.
What is the LenSx Laser and what does it offer that regular cataract surgery lasers do not?
The creator company, Alcon, describes the LenSx Laser as “the complete anterior segment cataract surgical experience”. Its goal is to elevate precision and efficiency in cataract refractive surgery. Currently, the LenSx is used in more cataract surgeries across the globe than any other “femtosecond” laser. The benefits of this laser are significant. The LenSx creates greater automation in the procedure, more precise and customizable incision architecture, yields pristine capsulotomies, allows for a variety of fragmentation patterns, offers a simple and efficient one-piece patient interface, and is made with innovative, high-definition OCT technology. All of these benefits are here to work for you, to preserve your eyes, to restore your vision.
Make an appointment with one of our Eye Michigan experienced, knowledgeable, ophthalmologist specialists. They will provide the optimal treatment plan for your case and condition. If appropriate for you, your Eye Michigan ophthalmologist will introduce you to the Alcon LenSx option for your cataract surgery and answer any questions you may have about this very safe and effective procedure.