comprehensive eye exam — Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey

7 Ways to Help Prevent Macular Degeneration

November 13, 2018

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

August 6, 2018

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

June 13, 2018

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 4^th 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

May 16, 2018

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

May 1, 2018

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

April 10, 2018

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

April 3, 2018

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

April 3, 2018

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 1/10^th 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

Why Do I Have Vision Loss in One Eye?

September 6, 2017

Eye Michigan Vision Loss in One Eye

Vision loss doesn’t always mean complete blindness. It can mean an inability to see in just one eye. This condition can be very frightening and can happen very quickly. Sudden vision loss is considered any loss of sight that occurs within a few minutes or over the course of a day or two. Many conditions can cause this problem, which is why it’s important to seek help as soon as it happens.

Common Causes of Vision Loss in One Eye

There are four common causes of vision loss in a single eye. They include:

Abnormalities in the optic nerve and related pathways that carry signals from the eyes to the brain
Abnormalities in the retina
Clouding of transparent eye structures
Trauma

Other Visual Problems

Blindness isn’t the only indication of a problem. Some people notice shadows, flashing lights, or floaters. If you notice increased floaters, flashing lights, or a gray shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision, this could indicate a retinal detachment. Many factors can increase your risk for this condition, including:

Increased age
A previous detachment
Family history
Extreme nearsightedness
Previous eye injury
Previous disease or inflammation

What to Do When You Experience Vision Loss

While some symptoms may be mild and common, vision loss should always be considered a serious problem. Seek the assistance of your Eye Michigan ophthalmologist right away if you lose vision in one or both eyes, even if it is only a partial loss. Contact our offices in Southeast Michigan to schedule an appointment for a routine or non-routine comprehensive eye exam.

If there is any indication of retinal detachment, eye trauma, or other eye emergency, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

#EyeMichigan #PreventVisionLoss

Understanding Cataracts: What They Are & How to Treat Them

June 26, 2017

Eye Michigan Understanding Cataracts

Cataracts are a common vision problem that affects more than 24.4 million people over the age of 40 in the United States. While they are generally not dangerous, they can cause the gradual loss of eyesight.

What Causes Cataracts?

The lens in the human eye is 65% water. It contains no blood supply and is transparent to allow light to pass through. Our bodies continue to produce new cells to replenish our lenses. An array of factors can cause protein to build up on the lens, making it cloudy. Common causes include:

Age

Age is the most common cause of cataracts. The condition may start to form long before the patient notices any loss of vision.

Trauma

An injury to the eye at any age can cause a cataract to form.

Congenital

Babies can be born with cataracts. This can happen as a result of injury, infection, or poor development before birth. They can also appear as the baby enters childhood.

Symptoms & Side Effects

A cataract may be the symptom of a medical condition. They can also form as a side effect due to exposure to radiation, UV light, toxins, or when taking certain medications like diuretics or corticosteroids.

Cataract Treatment

Your ophthalmologist may prescribe contacts or glasses in situations where vision can be corrected. Otherwise, cataract surgery may be required. This is an outpatient procedure that involves removing the lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Over 95% of patients who have cataract surgery report better vision afterward. Contact Eye Michigan for an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam and to find out if you need treatment for cataracts.