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Happy Passover
Wishing our patients, family and friends a very Happy Passover.
The Celebrity Circuit Does LASIK
Elton John, Kim Kardashian, and Brad Pitt are just a few celebrities who have opted in for LASIK vision correction, making their lives more enjoyable and easier to read movie and TV scripts and write and follow music lyrics and chords. LASIK is very popular in the celebrity circuit.
You don’t have to be a star to benefit from this affordable and very beneficial procedure that provides clearer vision. Eliminate the hassle of wearing contacts and glasses, contact Grosinger, Spigelman and Grey today to schedule an appointment to see if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery.
What Causes Eye Pain?
Many people experience eye discomfort at some point in their life. Some situations require no medical intervention. Others are more severe and can indicate an underlying health issue. It is best never to ignore unexplained eye pain.
Where Is the Pain Coming From?
The first step is to figure out where the pain is coming from. Our eyes are made up of different parts, each serving a different purpose.
- Eyelids – The exterior covering of the eye.
- Extraocular muscles – Muscles that rotate your eyes.
- Nerves – Internal network that carries information to the brain.
- Orbit – Also known as the eye socket, this is the part of the skull that houses the eye.
- Iris – The colored area of the eye that surrounds the pupil.
- Conjunctiva – Thin covering that protects the sclera.
- Sclera – Known as the whites of the eye.
- Cornea – Clear structure in front of the eye that directs light rays.
Common Causes of Eye Pain
Many conditions can cause eye pain. Some of the more common include:
- Foreign body – If something gets in your eye, it can cause persistent discomfort until it is removed. Most things can be washed out with water or artificial tears.
- Corneal abrasions – Corneal abrasion refers to a scratch on the cornea. This can happen from rubbing your eye or trauma. A doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops to help heal the injury.
- Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis is better known as pink eye. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that occurs due to infection or allergy.
- Corneal infections – Also known as keratitis, corneal infections can be caused by a virus or bacteria.
If you experience eye pain or other symptoms, seek medical advice right away. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey now to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Workplace Eye Wellness
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and it is a great time to learn more about protecting your vision while on the job. Almost 25,000 Americans rush to emergency rooms for a workplace eye injury each year. More than 2,000 suffer an eye injury daily. That translates to nearly one million U.S. citizens who have lost vision and over $300 million in lost wages, workman’s compensation, and medical costs.
How to Protect Your Eyes At Work
The risk to your vision will vary based on your occupation. The construction industry currently claims one of the highest injury rates per the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Common causes include:
- Hazards created by nearby coworkers
- Windy or dusty conditions that cause particles to enter the eye
- Exposure to arcs and flashes from welding
- Hammering metal which launches metal slivers or nail rebounding
- Wood, metal, dust, drywall, cement, or slag contacting the eye
Safety Starts with Following the Rules of Safety
Every worksite should have rules of safety to protect the vision of all. Engineering controls should be in place that includes machine guards that can catch particles. Welding curtains are also necessary to shield eyes from arc flash.
Administrative measures should also be in place. This includes having off-limits areas that are only accessible to employees who must be there to complete specific tasks. Finally, always wear proper protective eyewear. If you do receive an eye injury, go directly to the emergency room.
Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians in Bloomfield Hills to schedule an appointment.
Does the Zika Virus Effect the Eye?
The Zika virus has made headlines in recent years. The disease was reported in 86 countries as of February 2018. Mosquitos carrying the virus transmit it to humans. It can also be spread through sex, blood transfusion, or from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby. There is currently no vaccine.
Zika Virus Symptoms
Most patients will notice no symptoms or only mild effects. These commonly include:
- Muscle pain
- Red eyes
- Joint pain
- Headache & fever
- Rash
Zika deaths are very rare. Most patients don’t need to go to the hospital. The symptoms usually subside after several days to a week. That being said, Zika infection can cause a birth defect known as microcephaly as well as other serious brain conditions. It’s also linked to stillbirth and miscarriage.
Zika Virus & Your Eyes
Adults may notice mild redness, watery eye, lid redness, or eye pain. The effects are much more concerning for children. Developmental and structural issues have been identified in babies that were infected.
Every infant should be given an eye exam as well as routine check-ups as they grow. Early intervention can make a big difference.
If you have questions about how the Zika virus can affect your eyes, contact us. We would be happy to schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist to help you learn more and keep your eyes healthy.
Is It Possible to Prevent Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that harms the optic nerve. Increased intraocular pressure causes damage to the nerve, which is responsible for transmitting images to your brain. If it continues untreated, it can cause permanent blindness in as little as a few years. There are no early symptoms, which means that you may have glaucoma and not know it yet.
Eye Exams Are the Best Glaucoma Prevention
Early detection is essential to preserving your vision. That means the best prevention is regular eye exams. If you are under age 40, then you should visit your eye doctor once every two to four years. That should increase to once every one to three years if you have no underlying medical issues between the ages of 40 and 54. Patients ages 55 to 64 should go every two years, and those over age 65 should schedule exams annually.
Other Factors That Can Prevent Glaucoma
There are other things you can do to help prevent glaucoma. Along with regular exams, you can also maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Studies have shown that moderate exercise like jogging or walking three or more times each week can lower your risk.
An injury can cause traumatic glaucoma. Always wear proper protective gear when engaging in sports or working in high-risk areas.
Risk increases in individuals who are over age 40, have a family history of glaucoma, have poor vision, take steroid medications, or have diabetes.
How Can I Protect My Eyes From Glaucoma?
The best way to begin protecting your eyes from glaucoma is to schedule your next eye exam. An ophthalmologist can determine your risk and make recommendations that are based on your health status and individual needs. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey located conveniently in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to book your glaucoma screening.
Do I Have Proptosis?
Proptosis is a condition where one or both of the eyes bulge from the socket. While the problem may sound straightforward, there can be a number of underlying health issues that cause it. It’s important to know how to identify proptosis, so you know if you need to seek additional medical advice for treatment.
Symptoms of Proptosis
Vision problems can sometimes accompany proptosis. You should talk to an eye doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Retracting Eyelid – As the eye bulges, the top and bottom eyelids will appear higher and lower than normal.
- Excessive Whites – You will begin to see more of the whites of your eyes. They may appear bigger or rounder as the condition progresses.
- Unexplained Headaches – If a growth exists, it can apply pressure to nerves that cause headaches. You may also experience headaches if you have to strain due to a change in your vision.
- Difficulty Moving Eyes – If it seems difficult to look out of the corner of your eyes, you may have proptosis.
- Difficulty Closing Eyes – Bulging eyes can also make it difficult to close your eyelids. You may notice a sticky sensation when you try to blink.
- Unexplained Dry Eyes – Reduced moisture in the cornea can cause dry eyes. You may also notice increased itching.
- Discomfort and Pain – Eye socket pressure can cause discomfort and pain as proptosis progresses.
Causes of Proptosis
Proptosis can happen due to a list of underlying health problems. One of the most common is Graves’ disease. Other possible causes include an overactive thyroid, tumor, infection, or fistula. Only a professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey ophthalmologists to make an appointment.
How Has LASIK Surgery Improved Over the Years?
LASIK, or laser eye surgery, is a procedure that’s used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and other vision errors. It can reduce a patient’s reliance on prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses. This procedure has been around for years and has seen significant improvements in methods and technology.
Better Tools Mean Better LASIK Results
One of the biggest advancements in LASIK is the introduction of improved tools. An excimer laser and microkeratome were originally used to cut a corneal flap. The Kremer Exciser Laser was approved by the FDA in 1995. This tool was equipped with eye-tracking technology that vastly improved efficacy and safety.
The first femtosecond laser was approved in the U.S. in 2001. This became the preferred tool for LASIK. It came with better vision improvement and a lowered risk of complications. It’s cleaner, more precise, and can also be used in cataract surgery.
Wavefront LASIK was approved two years later. This method included evaluating the characteristics of the patient’s eye. It allowed doctors to provide a customized procedure with 3D mapping.
What Does the Future of LASIK Surgery Look Like?
LASIK surgery has improved by leaps and bounds over the past two decades. It was the most popular elective surgery by 2010. Approximately 95% of patients who had LASIK reported satisfaction with the results.
As tools and methods continue to improve, so will the appeal and reliability of LASIK. If you are interested in better vision without glasses or contacts, then this might be a good choice for you. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to schedule a consultation for LASIK.
Does Stress Affect Eyes?
Most people know that stress can have a negative impact on their health and wellbeing. It is often associated with headaches and fatigue. However, did you know that stress can also affect your vision?
Fight or Flight and Your Eyes
Stress can trigger certain reactions within your body. Long ago, these reactions would cause us to go into fight or flight mode to deal with a physical threat. Today, stress can be caused by many non-physical issues like an argument with a loved one or problems at work. Our bodies don’t differentiate between the different types of stress. Instead, they react the same way they used to: by producing adrenaline and other hormones.
If you sustain this state for a long time, it can cause eye problems. Constant dilation can bring on light sensitivity and strain. If you’re tense, you may tighten muscles in your face and around your eyes which can cause soreness. Common stress-related symptoms include:
- Tunnel vision
- Eye twitching
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Eye floaters
- Eye strain
How Can I Reduce the Effects of Stress On My Eyes?
The first thing you should do if you notice stress-related symptoms is to find ways to relax. A warm bath, exercise, meditation, and deep, slow breathing can help. If you experience chronic stress, then you may need to see a doctor or therapist. If you notice any changes in your vision, contact Grosinger, Spiegelman & Grey ophthalmologists for an appointment.