July Is UV Safety Month
Don’t Forget to Protect Your Eyes
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) “The harmful ultraviolet rays from both the sun and indoor tanning sunlamps can cause many other complications besides skin cancer – such as eye problems, a weakened immune system, age spots, wrinkles, and leathery skin.”
UV exposure can cause cataracts, macular degeneration and corneal damage, and can even lead to blindness. There are things you can do today to help protect your eyes when you are outdoors or driving. How? When you are enjoying the sunshine, always wear wrap-around sunglasses with a 99% or higher UV block rating and a wide-brimmed hat.
Is LASIK Right for Me?
The LASIK procedure was developed for ophthalmic use in the early 80s and was approved by the FDA in 1995. A lot has changed since then. Is LASIK a safe way to correct your vision?
LASIK Has a High Patient Satisfaction Rate
Over 19 million LASIK surgeries have been performed in the United States. The procedure maintains a very high patient satisfaction rate. According to clinical data, over 95% of patients reported a positive response to the surgery. The rate of complications was under 1%, making it extremely safe for the majority of patients.
Different factors can affect results, which is why a medical professional should be consulted before undergoing LASIK. Your ophthalmologist can advise you on possible complications or if a preexisting condition could affect results.
LASIK May Be Safer Than Wearing Contacts
Did you know that LASIK surgery may be safer than wearing contact lenses? The procedure has been scrutinized through FDA clinical trials consisting of over 9,000 patients between 1993 and 2005. There are over 7,000 peer-reviewed studies that were published, all confirming that the surgery is safe and effective.
A recent analysis was performed that compared rates of infection between LASIK and soft contact lenses. There were three times more cases of microbial keratitis in patients who wore contacts compared to those who underwent LASIK.
Is LASIK the Best Choice for Me?
LASIK surgery works for many, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Make sure you choose a treatment that is ideal for you based on health status and vision needs. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey located in Bloomfield Hills to schedule a LASIK consultation.
How to Best Protect Your Eyes While Playing Sports
Sports can be lots of fun. They help people stay in shape, build coordination, and encourage teamwork. However, some activities can be hazardous to your eyes. An estimated $175 to $200 million is spent annually on sports eye injuries in the U.S. What can you do to protect your vision from injury on the field, court, rink, or wherever you play?
Wear Proper Sports Safety Gear
One of the best ways to avoid trauma is to wear proper safety gear. Polycarbonate lenses are recommended when engaging in high-impact activities. They are 10 times as resistant to impact as other similar materials. Statistics have shown that hockey players who wear adequate eye protection are four times less likely to suffer an injury. Along with eyewear, also remember to put on any other gear needed based on the sport you play. That includes a helmet, protective pads, and gloves.
What Do I Do If I Am Injured While Playing Sports?
A quick response is the best way to minimize the long-term effects of a sports eye injury. Seek medical advice immediately. An ophthalmologist can examine the eye and determine the extent of damage and best treatment option. It could mean the difference between a full recovery and losing your sight. If you have experienced a sports-related eye injury, go to the emergency room and then let us know. Quick action can save your sight.
Memorial Day 2019
In memory of our fallen heroes.
Why You Need to Blink
Blinking is something most of us do automatically without thought. Sometimes we blink because of external stimuli, like when an object comes close to our eye. Other times we blink because we are tired, or our eyes are experiencing fatigue. Why is blinking so important?
What Does Blinking Do?
Closing and opening your eyelid seems simple, but it serves an essential purpose. First, it cleans the eye by removing small particles that may have landed on it. It also helps moisturize eyes so that they don’t dry out.
Blinking is also part of our mental process. When you blink, it allows your brain to release attention on one thing and engage in cognitive activity. The act of blinking lets the brain assimilate what you are looking at. It gives us a brief mental rest while we observe and mentally process the world around us.
When Should I Blink?
Scientists estimate that the average person will blink between 15 and 20 times every minute. That totals as much as 1,200 times per hour or 28,8000 blinks per day. You should allow yourself to blink naturally.
There may be times when you need to blink more often. If you experience the discomfort of a foreign irritant in your eye, try blinking. The same goes for dry eyes.
People using computers for a prolonged period of time tend to blink 60% less. This can lead to dryness and strain. Remember to blink often when looking at a monitor or device screen. Also, practice the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds once every 20 minutes.
If you are experiencing eye irritation or dry eyes, please let us know. Schedule an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists at Grosinger, Spiegelman & Grey today.
Should I Fret about an Eye Twitch?
Eye twitching, also known as blepharospasm, is a condition that can affect one or both eyes. The lid will spasm every few seconds over the span of a minute or two. It’s painless and usually goes away on its own. While modern medicine hasn’t found a specific cause, many believe eye twitching is linked to caffeine intake, smoking, air pollution, stress, or fatigue.
What If My Eye Twitch Keeps Happening?
Some patients may experience eye twitching over a prolonged length of time – like days, weeks, or even months. This situation isn’t common but can be upsetting. It may be a sign of another condition like pink eye, dry eyes, inflamed eyelids, or light sensitivity.
In rare cases, some patients may have a nerve or brain disorder like Tourette’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Dystonia, or Bell’s palsy.
Eye Twitching and Medications
Some prescription medications can cause eye twitching. The most common spasm-causing drugs are those used to treat epilepsy and psychosis. If you experience prolonged eye twitching, talk to your doctor about the side effects of any prescriptions you are currently taking.
When Should I Worry About Eye Twitching?
The good news is that most of the time, eye twitching is not a serious condition. It’s usually harmless and will eventually stop. However, if you notice excessive twitching or twitching that persists, you should talk to a professional to rule out a neurological condition.
Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey ophthalmologists to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam.
May Is Healthy Vision Month: Are You Taking Care of Your Eyes?
May invites us to evaluate our eye care regiment with Healthy Vision Month. While everyone should take steps to protect their sight all year round, this month serves as a reminder to protect our eyes. When a person loses some or all of their vision, it can have an enormous impact on their life and livelihood.
What Can I Do to Protect My Vision?
Even if you are in excellent health, you should still take action to protect your vision. A healthy diet and exercise are a great start. Also remember to:
- Wear sunglasses when you go outdoors – even if it is cloudy!
- Give your eyes a break when staring at a computer or device screen
- Get enough sleep every night to refresh your eyes
- Avoid bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking
- Adjust nearby lighting to decrease glare on computer screens
- Make sure you blink often, especially when looking at a device or computer
- Soothe dry eyes with lubricating eye drops as needed
- Always wear protective eyewear when engaging in sports and high-risk activities
- Have regular eye exams even if you aren’t having any problems
How Can I Help Spread Awareness During Healthy Vision Month?
There are several things you can do to help spread awareness during healthy vision month. Tell friends and family about this month’s focus. Share tips and information to help them protect their vision. You can also post information on social media to reach more people.
Volunteering is another great way to celebrate Healthy Vision Month. Look for organizations that support eye care and individuals with blindness.
Most importantly, don’t forget to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist to have your eyes checked. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians to schedule an exam.
Women Are at a Higher Risk of Developing Eye Disease
Eye health should be a priority for everyone, especially women. Studies have found that females have a greater chance of developing eye disease than males. This often comes from conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Approximately 66% of patients with blindness are women, along with 61% of glaucoma and cataracts cases and 65% of AMD reports.
Why Are Women’s Eyes at a Higher Risk?
While there isn’t one definitive answer, there are several theories that could shed light on why women are more prone to developing eye disease. One is that, on average, women tend to live longer than men. More years means more time to develop age-related conditions.
Other factors could also be at play. For example, social and economic factors may cause women to be at risk. Women are also more likely to develop some conditions, like dry eye.
What Can I Do to Protect My Vision?
Taking a proactive approach to eye care is a great way to protect your vision. This goes for women and men of all ages. What can you do to lower your risk?
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle – A healthy lifestyle will lower your risk of many diseases. That means eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of exercise, and not smoking.
- Review Family History – Genetics can warn patients of potential risk factors. If a family member had or has an eye condition, you may have a greater chance of developing the condition as well.
- Use Sun Protection – Shield your eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses. Look for a pair that offers 100% UV protection. You can also wear a hat when spending time out in the sun.
The best thing you can do for your vision is to keep up with regular eye exams. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Bloomfield Hills office today to schedule a visit with one of our exceptional ophthalmologists.
Spring Eye Allergies
More than 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from seasonal allergies. If you are one of them, Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey can create a personal plan for eye allergy relief so you can enjoy the season. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our Bloomfield Hills office.