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How to Treat Strabismus – Crossed Eyes
Strabismus, or crossed eyes, affects approximately 4% of people in the United States. There are different types, including esotropia, hypertropia, exotropia, and hypotropia. Patients with the condition will have eyes that are misaligned. This occurs as a result of extreme farsightedness or poor eye muscle control.
The Risk of Strabismus
Family history can increase the risk of strabismus. Parents are more likely to have children who have the condition. People with significant farsightedness that goes uncorrected can also develop strabismus due to one eye compensating.
Some medical conditions also increase risk, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, stroke, or suffering a head injury.
Treating Strabismus
Several treatment options are available for strabismus. They include:
- Prism Lenses – These prescription lenses use prisms to reduce the amount of turning the eye must do to view an object.
- Contacts or Eyeglasses – This is all that many patients need to correct strabismus. It corrects farsightedness so that the eye no longer has to compensate.
- Vision Therapy – Includes a structured regimen of activities designed to improve eye focusing and coordination. It trains the eyes and brain to work together. Therapy can be done in the ophthalmologist’s office or at home.
- Surgery – Eye surgery can be used to lengthen or reposition muscles, so they are straight. Vision therapy is usually needed after the procedure to improve coordination and prevent the eyes from misaligning again.
Patients with strabismus should always seek professional advice from an ophthalmologist for treatment. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to make an appointment.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
Postoperative care after cataract surgery isn’t as scary as it sounds. In fact, the process is usually quick and easy. The procedure without complications takes around 10 minutes to complete. So what happens after the ophthalmologist is finished working on your eyes?
Immediately After Cataract Surgery
You will be moved into a recovery area immediately after cataract surgery. This is a safe, comfortable place for you to wait until sedation or anesthesia begins to wear off. This part of recovery usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Once you have recovered enough to head home, you will need someone available to drive you. You will not be able to drive immediately after your appointment. Rest is recommended when you get home. Your doctor will advise you on whether or not you need to keep a protective shield over your eye.
Adaptation After Cataract Surgery
Recovery is quick, but there is a period of adaptation after cataract removal. At first, you may notice cloudy, blurry, or distorted vision. Your eye will need to adjust to the intraocular lens that was added.
Patients often describe wavy effects in their vision. This should only continue for about an hour or so. If it persists, you should contact your ophthalmologist.
Your eyes may look bloodshot as well because of blood vessel damage that occurs during the procedure. This is normal and will go away over the course of several days. You may also see bruising on the skin under the eye that can occur if you received an anesthesia injection.
Many experience clear vision hours after surgery. Some may need as much as a week before they start seeing images in sharp focus. You will be provided postoperative care instructions after cataract surgery before going home.
Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to make an appointment for your cataract surgery procedure.
Am I at Risk for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of permanent blindness. There are currently over three million people in the United States that are living with glaucoma.
Each person’s risk will vary based on several factors. Genetics will play a role. Studies have indicated that over 50% of glaucoma is hereditary. If your sibling has the condition, then you may be as much as 10 times more likely to develop it as well. Talk to your family to learn more about genetic risks and to ensure that everyone keeps a regular eye exam schedule.
Other factors that can raise your glaucoma risk level include:
- Age 40 or older
- Asian, Hispanic, or African heritage
- Diagnosed with high eye pressure
- Suffering an eye injury
- Long-term use of steroid medications
- Corneas with a thin center
- High blood pressure or poor circulation
- Diabetes
- Migraines
Can I Prevent Glaucoma?
It’s not always possible to prevent glaucoma completely, but you can do things to lower your risk. Start with regular eye exams and a healthy lifestyle. Good diet and exercise are essential to prevent many diseases. Also, wear eye protection when engaging in activities like sports or anything that could cause an injury.
How Do I Know If I Have Glaucoma?
The only way to know if you have glaucoma is with a comprehensive eye examination. Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s ophthalmologists will measure eye pressure, inspect drainage, test peripheral vision, and assess your optic nerve to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommendation for treatment or ongoing care. Contact our Bloomfield Hills office today to make an appointment.
Macular Degeneration Facts
Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is a common eye condition. It is the primary cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 50. It happens when the central area in the retina deteriorates. At first, most patients experience no vision loss. That will change as the patient progresses into later stages of AMD.
What do you need to know about this common condition?
- AMD is not curable. That is why it is so important to stay healthy and have regular comprehensive eye exams to watch for signs of this disease.
- Significant vision loss is usually not noticed until late stage AMD. You could have the disease and not know it.
- Caucasians are more likely to develop AMD than Hispanic/Latinos or African Americans.
- Smoking will double your risk of AMD. It is best to avoid this habit altogether or quit if you currently smoke.
- If your family has a history of AMD, then you have a higher risk of developing the condition.
- While it is rare, there is a form of macular degeneration that can affect children and teens. This type is known as Stargardt Disease and is caused by a recessive gene.
- Tests are available that can detect the presence of AMD before symptoms appear.
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, eating a nutritious diet, and regular exercise are believed to lower the risk of AMD.
Have You Been Checked for Macular Degeneration?
If you haven’t been checked for macular degeneration, now is the time to do so. Even if you aren’t in the highest risk age group or you have experienced no changes in sight, you should still have an ophthalmologist examine your eyes. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey located in Bloomfield Hills to make an appointment.
Happy New Year!
There are many exciting new things to see and do in 2019. At Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey, our job is to help you maintain clear vision and healthy eyes so that you can experience all that life has to offer. We want to thank our amazing staff who provides our patients with the best care all year long. We also would like to show appreciation for our patients who trust their eyes to us. As you celebrate the New Year, we would like to share wishes for happiness, good health, and prosperity. May 2019 be your best year yet!
Happy New Year from Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Eye Surgeons
Happy Holidays from Eye Michigan
The Importance of a Retina Examination
Regular checkups are just as important for your eyes as they are for the rest of your body. Even if you notice no changes or problems, there may be a condition developing that will require treatment. The best way to monitor for these issues is by scheduling regular eye doctor visits which should include a retina examination.
What Is a Retina Examination?
A retina examination lets your ophthalmologist look at the structures found at the back of the eye. Your pupils are dilated beforehand. Your eye doctor will shine a bright light and look through a microscope to assess the optic nerve, retina, and blood vessels. The process is comprised of four parts.
- Dilating the Eyes – The first thing your eye doctor will do is dilate your eyes with drops that cause the pupil to widen. This allows more light to enter and provides a clear view of the inside.
- Tonometry Test – Tonometry measures pressure inside the eye. This helps your ophthalmologist look for signs of glaucoma. A puff of air is blown directly into the eye or a pressure-sensitive tip is positioned near or up against the eye.
- Visual Field Test – This test measures the entire scope of vision. That includes the center and peripheral fields. One eye is tested at a time. Modern testing devices will also track the patient’s ability to maintain a straight-ahead gaze.
- Visual Acuity Test – This test involves reading an eye chart. This is the most well-known of all eye tests.
What Can a Retina Exam Diagnose?
A retina exam can diagnose conditions like hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, detached retina, and macular degeneration. Some problems are not accompanied by obvious symptoms, making a test necessary for early detection. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians today to schedule your retina examination.
Safe Toys and Celebration Month
How Can Your Grandchild’s Toys Affect Their Vision?
December is an exciting time for families across the United States. Many celebrate religious holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah. It’s a big time for toy shopping as well. That’s why it is the perfect time to observe Safe Toys and Celebration Month.
The toys your grandchild plays with can present a risk to their vision. Some playthings are not as safe as others. That’s because they may contain parts or edges that could hurt your little one – including their eyes. Every parent and grandparent should keep this in mind when buying kids gifts this year.
10 Tips for Buying Eye-Safe Toys This Holiday Season
The following tips can help you choose the safest toys for every child on your gift list this holiday season.
- Avoid toys with sharp edges or components
- Avoid projectile toys like dart or pellet guns
- Only choose toys rated for your child’s age group
- Buy the necessary safety gear to go with items like sporting equipment
- Read toy warning labels before you buy
- Avoid toys with pointed ends like plastic swords and guns
- Laser pointer toys can cause blindness if misused
- Do not buy aerosol string because the chemicals used can cause eye irritation
- Buy playground equipment that is in new condition and intended for your child’s age group
- Be careful when browsing budget or off-brand toys because these tend to be less sturdy
Keep your loved ones safe over the holidays season.
Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Wishes You a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!
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