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Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey

Michigan's Leading Eye Care Physicians

Eye Exams at Age 40

Grosinger Spigelman and Grey Eye Exams at Age 40

At age 40. it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist even if you never have had issues with your vision. As we age, risk factors increase exponentially. Unfortunately, there are common eye diseases such as glaucoma, that do not have symptoms early on, and if left untreated can lead to blindness.

If you have no known risk factors, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendation is to visit an ophthalmologist every two to four years if you are between 40 and 54, and more frequently after age 55. Please contact Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians, Grosinger, Spigelman and Grey located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for a comprehensive eye exam.

Why Can I See Better When I Squint My Eyes?

Grosinger Spigelman and Grey Why Can I See Better When I Squint

Most people think that you would see better when your eyes are open wider. This sounds logical. Your eye is getting a broader view of the world, and more light is accessible to produce a clearer image. However, in practice, many people find that the opposite is true.

When we squint, we can often see things a little clearer. That’s why we squint to see the alarm clock when we wake up at 2 am. What is it about squinting that helps us see better than when our eyes are wide open?

What Does Squinting Do to Your Eye?

Even though it doesn’t feel much different, squinting does three things to our eyes that lead to slightly clearer vision.

  • Our Eye Lens Changes Shape – The lens of the eye is flexible and changes shape when we squint.
  • The Eye Lens Adjusts – Small adjustments in the lens allow us to focus better, much like a camera.
  • Less Light Enters the Eye – Less light enters, reducing the impact on the retina and allowing the object we view to look sharper.

Why Do I Have to Squint So Much?

Occasional squinting is normal, even for people with healthy eyes and clear vision. If you are over the age of 40 and have never had to wear prescription glasses, then this is likely normal.

If you find yourself squinting a lot, then you may need to talk to an eye doctor. This could be a sign of eye strain or fatigue. You may need glasses if you also experience:

  • Headaches
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty reading

Other symptoms, like feeling pressure in the eye, seeing halos, and decreased night vision could indicate a developing problem. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to schedule an ophthalmologist appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to find out if you need glasses and assure that your eyes are healthy.

7 Ways to Help Prevent Macular Degeneration

Eye Michigan Prevent Macular Degeneration

Ophthalmologists are not sure the exact cause of macular degeneration, but they have discovered factors that can increase or decrease a patient’s risk of developing the condition. The following list can help you adopt a healthy lifestyle that will lower your chances of a macular degeneration diagnosis.

  1. Avoid smoking or stop if you currently smoke. Research has found that people who smoke a pack or more a day are twice as likely to develop blindness from macular degeneration.
  2. Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of green, leafy vegetables. Spinach, collard greens, and kale are great choices. Fruit should also be included in your regular menu.
  3. Consume fish twice a week or more for omega-3 fatty acids. The best choices include those that are high in omega-3, like sardines, salmon, herring, albacore tuna, and mackerel.
  4. Cut out the processed foods like cookies, cakes, candy, and potato chips. Many pre-packaged food items are not healthy for you. Also, avoid soft drinks.
  5. Maintain a healthy weight. If you are not currently at a healthy weight, now is the time to look into a diet that will get you there. Consult a physician to monitor progress and avoid gimmicky diets.
  6. Protect your eyes from blue and ultraviolet light with sunglasses. A hat or visor that shields your eyes from sunlight while outdoors can also be helpful.
  7. Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at normal levels. This goes hand-in-hand with exercise and a good diet.

A doctor can provide more insight into your macular degeneration risk. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

5 Reasons to See an Eye Doctor After Age 40 Even If You Do Not Have Symptoms

Eye Michigan Eye Doctor After 40

As we age, the recommended frequency for eye doctor visits changes. Healthy adults ages 40 to 64 are advised to see their eye doctor at minimum once every two to four years. After age 65, that recommendation changes to once every one to two years. That applies whether you are experiencing symptoms or not. If you do have an eye condition or wear glasses or contacts, it is suggested that you visit your ophthalmologist more frequently. Your ophthalmologist will provide you proper appointment frequency depending on your individual case and care needed. Why should you start or continue seeing your eye doctor after age 40?

  1. Many Eye Conditions Are Silent

Many eye-related conditions are silent. That means you will notice no symptoms until things have progressed. Once you start experiencing blurry vision or other effects, the problem may be much worse than it was when it started.

  1. Prevention Is the Most Effective Treatment

The most effective way to treat conditions is to avoid them altogether. Your ophthalmologist can monitor your ongoing health and make recommendations to help you keep your vision clear. For example, you may be advised to begin taking a vitamin supplement to help prevent age-related macular degeneration.

  1. Eyes Will Deteriorate As We Age

There is no way to avoid the fact that our eyes deteriorate as we grow older. Even if you live a model lifestyle with exercise and a good diet, your eyes will age. Your doctor can help manage these changes by adjusting your prescription and monitoring for other conditions.

  1. Establish a Record of Health

Seeing your eye doctor regularly will establish a record of health. This can be beneficial in case you develop a condition later. It can also help you observe the way lifestyle changes are affecting your vision.

  1. An Exam Could Save Your Sight

One comprehensive dilated eye exam could mean the difference between blindness and keeping your sight. An underlying issue could be present, but not yet obvious. Or, in some cases, you may attribute minor changes to other less concerning causes.

Regular ophthalmologist visits provide you more opportunities to catch diseases before they have a chance to rob you of your vision. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Southeast Michigan to schedule your next appointment.

 

Fireworks Eye Safety Month

Eye Michigan Fireworks Eye Safety Month June 2018

Summertime brings many families outdoors. It’s also the season of fireworks. Around 68% of the total fireworks-related injuries reported in 2016 happened around the 4th of July. Men accounted for 61% of fireworks injury patients. Children under the age of 15 made up 31% of injuries. How many of these incidents were preventable? The following safety measures can help you enjoy a legal, accident-free Independence Day celebration.

  • Check the Laws in Your Area

Rules will vary from one community to the next. Make sure you know what you are allowed to use before planning your party. Keep the festivities legal so that you can avoid a confrontation with law enforcement, which can be made much worse if fireworks injuries are involved.

  • Read the Instructions

Read through all the instructions on each fireworks product you buy. This will tell you how to safely setup and light fuses as well as what the product does, signs of damage, and how much space is required. Make sure you wear proper eyewear to protect your eyes and avoid injuries.

  • Have a Designated Areas for Spectators

Have a designated place for spectators that’s clearly marked. This should be positioned beyond the reach of the largest fireworks you plan to set off. Advise parents to make sure their children remain within the designated safe zone.

  • Do Not Re-Light Fireworks

If a firework fails, do not relight it. No one should approach it for at least 20 minutes. If it has not gone off after that time, carefully place it in a bucket of water before discarding.

  • Douse Spent Fireworks with Water

All fireworks should be given adequate time to finish burning before handling. Place the burnt remains in water to ensure that no flame or heat remains. Once soaked, the firework can be thrown away.

Start your summer off right by scheduling your annual comprehensive eye exam. An ophthalmologist can help you keep your eyes in great condition so you can see all the colors of this year’s fireworks displays! Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians for an appointment today.

#GrosingerSpiegelmanGrey #MichigansLeadingEyeCarePhysicians #EyeSafety #FireworksEyeSafetyMonth #EyeInjuryPrevention

Do Eyes Age? Understanding Natural Changes in Vision

When you think of aging, you probably envision gray hair and wrinkled skin. Our eyes also change as we get older. Most people report a gradual decline in vision. It’s important to note that if you experience a sudden change in eyesight, you should contact your Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey ophthalmologist right away. This is most likely not caused by natural aging and could indicate a problem or injury.

Vision Changes at Age 40

You may be surprised to learn that many people experience a change in their vision as early as age 40. During this period, it may become more difficult to look at objects that are close to you.

This is called presbyopia. It occurs due to a hardening of the lens within the eye. You can adjust by holding objects or reading material further away. There will eventually come a point where you will need glasses or contacts to compensate.

Vision Changes at Age 50

Presbyopia will continue to worsen as you enter your 50s. The change may happen a little quicker, which means that you will have to change your contact or glasses prescription more frequently. Some people find that a single prescription is no longer effective for general use and may need one for daily tasks and another for specific tasks like reading or using a computer.

Common Age-Related Eye Changes

Along with a decline in vision strength, many people also experience other age-related changes, including:

  • A need for more light to see properly
  • A change in color perception, making it harder to discern shades
  • Decreased tear production causing dryness and irritation
  • An increase in glare

If you have questions about eye aging, notice changes in your vision, or are due for your routine comprehensive eye exam, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians to schedule an appointment today.

#GrosingerSpigelmanGrey #EyeMichigan #MichigansLeadingEyeCarePhysicians #EyeExam #VisionChanges #AgeRelatedVisionChanges #AgingEyes

5 Reasons to Schedule an Eye Exam During Healthy Vision Month

Eye Michigan Healthy Vision Month May 2018

May is Healthy Vision Month, making it a great time to look for ways to improve your eye care habits. One of the best things you can do for your sight is to undergo regular comprehensive eye examinations. Why should you consider calling an ophthalmologist today?

  • Reason 1: Your Eyes Change as You Age

Our eyes change as we age. Your eye doctor can prepare you for these changes and help you cope when they happen. They can also determine whether a change is age-related and/or something to be concerned about that might require treatment.

  • Reason 2: Early Detection Can Make a Huge Difference

The earlier you detect an eye problem, the better your chances of a positive outcome. In some cases, it could mean the difference between recovery and blindness. Never ignore discomfort or changes in your eyes.

  • Reason 3: Eye Disease Doesn’t Always Come with Symptoms

Many eye diseases can appear with no symptoms at all. In some cases, the problem doesn’t become noticeable to the patient until it causes serious issues that may not be repairable. Regular comprehensive exams will lower your risk of developing a disease without knowing it.

  • Reason 4: Vision Is Essential to Many Aspects of Your Life

You use your eyes for many things each day including cooking, reading and driving to name a few. Work with your eye doctor to maintain your lifestyle and quality of living.

  • Reason 5: Establishes a Record of Your Eye Health

Regular visits will allow you to establish a record of health. This could be helpful later when diagnosing new problems or changes in your sight. Get started by calling and making an appointment with one of Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s experienced ophthalmologists and schedule a comprehensive eye exam today.

 #GrosingerSpigelmanGrey #EyeMichigan #MichigansLeadingEyeCarePhysicians #EyeExam #HealthyVisionMonth

Eye Injuries from Laser Pointers – What to Know to Protect Your Eyes

Eye Michigan The Danger of Laser Pointers

Laser points range from a practical tool to a fun toy. They are available everywhere and appear as a safe, unassuming device. What harm could a little pocket-sized light do to a person? The reality is that, under the right conditions, they can cause severe damage to eyesight.

The Power of a Laser Pointer

The damage a laser pointer can do depends on two factors: its power and how long it is shined in an eye. The higher the power of the device, the smaller the time margin for safe exposure. This is especially important when using pointers over five milliwatts. Many laser pointers are not properly labeled and are often sold as toys for children.

What Do I Do After Being Blinded by a Laser Pointer?

When a laser pointer shines on a person’s eye, they will initially notice a bright flash. If possible, you or someone with you should look at the device and its rating to determine if a medical assessment is needed.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for classifying light-producing devices. Regulations outline different classes, with a class 2 being safer than higher number classes. Most laser pointers produce one to five milliwatts, which falls into subclass 3A. Those that are on the high end can cause damage while those on the lower end are not likely to cause permanent harm.

Safe Laser Pointer Practices

The following tips will help you use a laser pointer safely

  • Always angle the laser pointer away from your face or the faces of others
  • Never look directly into the light-producing end of a laser pointer
  • Never use a laser pointer when driving or operating heavy machinery
  • Never point a laser toward streets or high-traffic areas
  • Be aware of nearby reflective surfaces like mirrors or metal objects

Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians for an appointment if you have questions about your vision, are in need of a comprehensive eye exam or experience a change in eyesight.

#GrosingerSpigelmanGrey #MichigansLeadingEyeCarePhysicians #EyeMichigan #LaserPointers #EyeExam

How to Prevent Injury During Sports Eye Safety Month

Eye Michigan Sports Eye Injury Month April 2018

Sports Eye Safety Month is here, making this a great time to learn more about injury prevention. Whether you, your children or grandchildren play sports casually or as part of a team, precaution should always be taken to shield your eyes from trauma. The following tips will help protect you and your loved ones while playing sports.

Sports Eye Injury Prevention Tip 1: Regular Glasses Are Not Enough

Don’t rely on your regular prescription or non-prescription glasses to shield your eyes. These are not designed to withstand the potential impacts you may experience while engaging in sports. Your eyewear could be damaged and may further injure your face and eyes.

Sports Eye Injury Prevention Tip 2: Choose the Right Batting Helmet

Batting helmets can help protect your eyes. When choosing gear for youth and adult baseball leagues, always use a batting helmet that’s equipped with a polycarbonate face shield.

Sports Eye Injury Prevention Tip 3: Use Approved Hockey Helmets & Watch for Wear

Hockey is a high-impact sport, which puts your eyes at risk. Make sure you only wear helmets that are U.S. Amateur Hockey Association approved. Regularly check your equipment for damage and replace as needed.

Sports Eye Injury Prevention Tip 4: Check Goggles for ASTM F803 Approval

Always wear safety goggles when participating in high-risk sports like racquetball, basketball, and paintball. These should be lensed polycarbonate protectors that come with ASTM F803 approval.

Sports Eye Injury Prevention Tip 5: Monitor Eye Health On and Off the Field

Eye safety starts with good health. When your eyes are in great condition, they will be more resilient and will function properly. When you see better, you will be better able to avoid falls and impacts. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

#GrosingerSpigelmanGrey #EyeMichigan #MichigansLeadingEyeCarePhysicians #EyeExam #SportsEyeSafetyMonth #ProtectYourEyes #SafetyGoggles #HealthyEyes

Exploring the Human Eye

We rely on the human eye every day. It allows us to navigate the world, engage in our favorite activities, and perceive the colors that make our environment so beautiful. Despite its importance, many people don’t understand how it works.

How Does the Human Eye Work?

The human eye has many parts to it, and each is essential to its function. Light enters through a clear lens at the front of the eye called the cornea. The iris adjusts the size of the pupil to control the amount of light that reaches the back of the eye. This process is similar to how a camera aperture works.

A second lens is positioned at the back of the pupil and further focuses the light entering the eye. This process allows us to focus on approaching or near objects. The remaining light reaches the retina, which contains rods and cones that convert light into signals. The optical nerve carries the signals to the brain, allowing us to perceive what we are seeing.

Human Eye Facts

The human eye is a fascinating organ. Did you know that:

  • The average person blinks about 12 times per minute, and each blink lasts about 1/10th of a second.
  • Eyes have the ability to heal quickly. A healthy eye can repair a corneal scratch in about 48 hours.
  • The seeing process involves use of about half of the human brain.
  • Newborn babies do not have fully formed tear ducts and can’t make tears until four to 13 weeks old.
  • Every eye has a small blind spot where the optic nerve attaches to the back of the retina.

Approximately 80% of all vision problems throughout the world are curable or avoidable. Make sure you do your part to improve statistics and preserve your eyesight. You can start by contacting Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey; Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

#GrosingerSpigelmanGrey #EyeMichigan #MichigansLeadingEyeCarePhysicians #HumanEye #EyeExam #Eyesight

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