Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey wish you and your family health this Passover. We know this year, the holiday will look very different for our family, friends and patients who celebrate. We hope next year, celebrations with extended family and friends will resume.
Conjunctivitis and COVID-19
Conjunctivitis is a rare indicator of COVID-19 but it has been exhibited in patients who have tested positive with the Coronavirus. Since this is a novel virus, it is essential that if you have conjunctivitis (pink eye), that you take precautions to prevent the spread including following CDC guidelines. If you have conjunctivitis, please adhere to the below:
- frequently wash hands
- wear glasses; not contacts
- clean glasses regularly
- do not touch your face
- do not share pillows
- do not wear eye makeup
- self-quarantine
Conjunctiva is a source of infection that can spread through people’s tears. If you have COVID-19, rubbing your eye can get the virus on your fingers and potentially spread it to another person. Please take precautions to not spread to others.
American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines recommend that only urgent eye issues and emergencies that can affect vision need to be treated during the pandemic. Regular eye exams will not be performed during the pandemic. If you have an eye emergency, please contact our Bloomfield Hills ophthalmology practice. If you need to schedule a telemedecine visit, please call (248) 221-1022.
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Contacts and Eyeglasses Disinfecting Procedures During COVID-19
Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey reminds our patients to be diligent in using proper hand washing techniques before inserting and removing contact lenses, as well as follow proper contact disinfecting methods to reduce the chance of contacting COVID-19 or another virus. We also recommend that you clean your eyeglasses often, since the Coronavirus can live on hard surfaces. Many of us put our glasses down on surfaces, plus it is very common to touch our glasses and our face which increases the likelihood of getting COVID-19.
Clean hands save lives! Are you doing it right? Read CDC recommendations.
COVID-19 Precautions
Our first priority is always to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We have put measures in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as per CDC guidelines. We have trained our staff about the latest guidelines and are sanitizing commonly used areas more frequently including doorknobs, counters, restrooms, keyboards and phones, and have hand sanitizer available. We ask you to stay home if you have a temperature greater than 100.4 F, or are experiencing fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, or have come into contact with a person who is infected with COVID-19. We thank you for your cooperation during these challenging times.
Diabetes and Ophthalmology
It’s easy to overlook the importance of eye care. When people think about good health, they usually think of vital organs. However, your eyes are closely tied to the health of the rest of your body. For patients who have diabetes, it is even more important to protect your eyesight. Why should you see an ophthalmologist if you are diabetic?
Increased Risk of Eye Disease
Diabetes raises your risk of developing eye diseases. You are more prone to conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. One of the biggest concerns is diabetic retinopathy. This problem can affect one or both eyes. Patients usually notice floaters or dark strings in their vision. They may also experience:
- Empty or dark areas in their vision
- Blurry vision
- Trouble focusing
- Partial or total loss of sight
- Change in color vision
You May Have a Problem and Not Know It
You should not wait until any of the above symptoms appear to see one of our ophthalmologists. Diabetic retinopathy may begin with no symptoms at all. Early detection is essential. Without routine eye exams, you may not get the diagnosis as early, which can lead to serious complications.
Schedule Your Eye Exam
Everyone, whether you have diabetes or not, should maintain a regular eye check-up schedule. Your eyes could also indicate whether your diabetes is under control. Eyes are an indicator of your overall health. Give yourself the best chance at a life with good eyesight by scheduling an appointment at Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey, Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians, today.
Can Arthritis Affect the Eyes?
Arthritis causes pain and swelling and is commonly found in the joints but arthritis can also affect the eye.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis harms connective tissue. Connective tissue is made up mostly of collagen. Collagen is found in the eye in the cornea and sclera. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to visit us regularly.
Dry Eyes – There is a link between arthritis and dry eye especially among women. There are many treatments available for dry eye to make it less annoying and reduce your chance of infection. Some are over the counter such as artificial tears, while others need a prescription or treatment from one of our ophthalmologists.
Eye diseases that are common amongst the population with arthritis include: Scleritis, Uveitis, and Glaucoma. Any inflammation in the eye, can affect your vision.
If you have arthritis or are experiencing dry eyes, red eyes, or eye pain, schedule an appointment with Grosinger, Spigelman and Grey ophthalmologists located in Bloomfield Hills today.
Refractive Lens Exchange
When you talk about vision correction, most people immediately think of LASIK. While this is a popular option in our practice, it isn’t the only treatment that’s available.
LASIK is not appropriate for everyone. It comes with a list of disqualifying factors. Many patients who are over age 40 are advised that they are not good candidates for the procedure.
Does that mean that you will have to wear glasses or contacts forever? Not necessarily. You may be able to have refractive lens surgery (RLE) instead.
What Is Refractive Lens Surgery?
During RLE, your ophthalmologist will replace the natural lens in your eye with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is very similar to cataract removal.
RLE is usually suggested for patients whose vision has deteriorated due to the aging process. Our bodies change as we grow older. For many, that can mean a loss of eyesight. RLE helps patients regain their vision so they can continue living independently and with the same quality of life.
Am I a Candidate for Refractive Lens Surgery?
You may be a candidate for RLE if you have early cataracts, presbyopia, or moderate to severe hyperopia.
Cost can also be a factor when deciding if RLE is right for you. On average, the procedure costs about twice as much as LASIK surgery. Many insurance providers do not cover it, so you may end up paying out of pocket.
The best way to find out which is better for you is to talk to our ophthalmologists. They can evaluate your vision and provide insight into your corrective options. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s Bloomfield Hills office today to schedule a consultation for RLE.
3 Life Changing Benefits of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a routine procedure these days. While it’s not uncommon, it can still be intimidating for some of our patients. Most already know that having cataracts removed can improve their vision. However, there are other benefits that you may not have expected. Getting rid of your cataracts can improve your life in other ways.
- You Are Less Likely to Fall
Falls can be very dangerous, especially as we age. Vision loss is a significant contributing factor in falling incidents. For some, a severe fall can be deadly.
A study of Medicare beneficiaries was published in 2012. The data revealed that cataract removal decreased the risk of a hip fracture by 16%. For patients with severe cataracts, the risk was lowered by 23%.
- You Enjoy a Better Quality of Life
Cataract removal can improve your quality of life. Vision is needed to complete many everyday tasks. It can determine a person’s ability to live independently. Those who feel less independent also have a higher risk of becoming socially withdrawn, which can lead to depression.
A 2013 study concluded that people who had cataract surgery experienced a 36% quality of life improvement when compared to those who did not have surgery.
- Cataract Removal Can Help You Live Longer
A long-term study was released in 2013 that found a connection between cataract removal and longevity. People who had the surgery had a 40% reduction in their mortality risk. Being able to see improves your odds of enjoying a longer life.
If you have cataracts or other vision concerns, we can help. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s Bloomfield Hills office today to schedule an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists.
Why Is Vision Care Important?
We often take our ability to see for granted. In reality, this sense has a profound impact on the way we live our lives. Good vision care habits are essential to preserving and protecting sight. Why should you be proactive when it comes to eye health?
- Vision Can Impact Work Performance
Most jobs require good eyesight. That means a worker with poor vision is much more likely to struggle in their job duties. A part of being proactive is making sure you get regular exams and comprehensive screenings.
- Myopia Can Worsen
Myopia is on the rise. Also known as nearsightedness, this condition may seem like no big deal. However, the younger a person is when they develop it, the worse the progression of the condition can be. It also increases the risk of serious conditions as you age, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.
- Your Eyes Are Connected to Your Overall Health
Your eyes serve as a window to your overall health. Our ophthalmologists can sometimes identify diseases like cancer, diabetes, Sickle Cell disease, and more just by examining your eyes. Regular visits will help ensure an early diagnosis that may improve your long-term outlook and treatment options.
- Sight Can Make Everyday Tasks Easier or More Challenging
Most people rely on their eyesight to complete everyday tasks. This sense is one of the most important for activities like driving and reading. There are eye diseases that can be managed or cured if you see an ophthalmologist in time. Depending on the injury or disease, you can retain your sight or slow down its progression.
Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s Bloomfield Hills office today to request an appointment to take steps to care of your vision.