Grey — Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey

The Importance of a Retina Examination

December 13, 2018

Eye Michigan 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.

What Causes High Intraocular Pressure?

December 10, 2018

Eye Michigan High Intraocular Pressure

Intraocular pressure is the term used to describe the fluid pressure inside an eye. This is measured using tonometry, which provides readings in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Sometimes pressure in the eye becomes excessive, leading to a condition known as ocular hypertension. You may notice no symptoms, which is why it is so important to schedule regular eye examinations to check for changes in pressure. A reading of 21 mmHg or more is usually considered higher than normal.

Causes of High Intraocular Pressure

Various problems can lead to high intraocular pressure. The best course of treatment will depend on the root cause of the condition.

Excessive Fluid Production – The aqueous is the clear fluid inside the eye. It is produced by the ciliary body and moves between the iris and cornea. If too much is produced, it will increase pressure within the eye.
Inadequate Fluid Drainage – Inadequate drainage of fluid can also cause ocular hypertension. The fluid that moves through the eye eventually drains through the trabecular meshwork, which is found where the iris and cornea meet. If it doesn’t drain properly, it can cause imbalance and build pressure in the eye.
Eye Injury and Trauma – Any trauma inflicted on the eye can affect the aqueous. The effects may not be noticed until months later, which is why all injuries should receive treatment right away.
Medications – Some medications can cause high intraocular pressure, including steroids prescribed for asthma.

A condition like corneal arcus or pigment dispersion syndrome can also change the pressure in the eye. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for an appointment to measure your intraocular pressure and check for conditions like glaucoma.

Study Shows Cataract Surgery Reduces Car Crash Risk

December 5, 2018

Eye Michigan Cataract Surgery Reduces Car Crash Risk

Cataracts are a common problem that affects over 24 million people over the age of 40 in America. More than half of all U.S. citizens develop cataracts by the time they are 80 years old.

Do Cataracts Cause Vehicle Accidents?

When people grow older and develop cataracts, it becomes much harder to do the things they used to do. That includes everyday activities like driving. Oxford Academic published a study on September 28^th, 2018 that found cataract surgery had a positive impact on the number of seniors involved in car crashes.

The study involved 2,849 drivers age 60 or older in Western Australia. Each had undergone cataract surgery on both eyes and were involved in a vehicular accident as the driver. A total of 1,312 participants were involved in 1,347 accidents during the 12 months before they had cataract surgery. A total of 775 were involved in 850 accidents during the time between their first and second surgeries. And 895 were involved in 916 accidents during the year after their second cataract surgery.

Researchers compared the results and worked in other risk factors to find that there was a 61% reduction in accident risk after the first cataract removal. There was a 23% reduction after the second surgery.

Cataract Removal Reduces Accident Costs

The total cost of all the accidents counted in the study was around $80.5 million AUD (or $57.30 million USD) during the year before the first removal. The total was $60.4 million AUD after the second surgery. The total surgeries cost $5.1 million AUD, which netted a savings of $14.9 million AUD for the community that was credited to participants having their cataracts removed.

If you experience vision changes, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s ophthalmologists for an appointment. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment that will keep you driving safely well into your golden years.

Happy Hanukkah

December 2, 2018

Eye Michigan Happy Hanukkah 2018

The Symptoms and Causes of 5 Common Eye Diseases

November 27, 2018

Eye Michigan Common Eye Diseases

Common eye diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms. Often, the earlier a disease is detected, the better the outcome is for the patient. The following list will provide an overview of five common eye diseases and their causes and symptoms.

Cataracts – Cataracts cause clouding on the lens of the eye. This can occur as the lens becomes less flexible and thickens due to natural aging. They can also form after an eye injury. Symptoms can include blurry or dim vision, poor night vision, light sensitivity, seeing halos, fading colors, and double vision in one eye.
Glaucoma – Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause blindness. This happens due to increased pressure from fluids in the eye. It can be hereditary and may not be noticeable without an examination because it often causes no symptoms. Eventually, the patient will begin to lose their peripheral sight that eventually moves into the center field of vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to blood vessels found in the light-sensitive tissue in the retina. This can develop in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Symptoms include spots or strings floating in the field of vision, blurred or fluctuating vision, inability to see colors properly, dark spots, and vision loss.
Keratoconus– Keratoconus is a progressive condition that happens when the cornea thins and starts to bulge, causing a cone-like shape. This causes light to be deflected and distorts vision. Symptoms include irregular astigmatism, progressive nearsightedness, light sensitivity, glare, and blurry vision.
Macular Degeneration – Macular degeneration happens when the center of the retina deteriorates. This area focuses our central vision and allows us to do things like read, recognize faces, and see detail. Symptoms include the appearance of straight lines that seem distorted as well as dark areas or a whiteout that starts at the center of the field of vision.

If you notice any changes in your eyesight, contact an ophthalmologist immediately. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to schedule an exam that could save your vision.

Happy Thanksgiving

November 19, 2018

Eye Michigan Thanksgiving 2018

There is so much to see this holiday. As you admire the fall colors, the bountiful feast on the table, and the smiling faces of loved ones, we hope that you know how much we appreciate you. We are grateful to have such a dedicated staff who work hard to bring our patients the best vision care possible. We would also like to express our gratitude to everyone who trusts us to care for their eyes. Our patients mean the world to us, and we wish them all the best now and all year round. May you and your loved ones enjoy a Thanksgiving full of warmth, love, and happiness!

What Causes Excessive Tearing?

November 16, 2018

Eye Michigan Excessive Tearing

Watery eyes describe a condition where the eyes produce excessive amounts of tears. This can happen in people of all ages for a variety of reasons. Some are minor, but others may be more significant and require medical attention.

Excessive Tearing Causes

Certain types of medications can cause watery eyes. They include epinephrine, echothiophate iodide drops, pilocarpine drops, and chemotherapy drugs. Radiation therapy can also increase your risk of excessive tearing. Non-medication related causes include

Tear duct blockages
Common cold
Allergies and hay fever
Eye scratch or damage
Eyelid that’s turned out or in
Corneal ulcer
Infection in tear duct
Ingrown eyelash
Inflamed cornea
Foreign object in eye
Contact with a chemical substance
Trachoma (bacterial infection)
Eye injury

Watery eyes can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition. You may be more likely to develop excessive tearing if you are diagnosed with:

Chronic sinusitis
Bell’s palsy
Facial nerve palsy
Rheumatoid arthritis
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome
Thyroid disorder
Tumor

How to Treat Watery Eyes

The best treatment plan for watery eyes will depend on what’s causing the condition. You may need prescription eye drops, antibiotics, or a medication to help reduce allergy symptoms. If a tear duct is blocked, then you may need surgery. Scratches, burns, or injuries should be treated accordingly to allow healing that will eventually correct the problem.

Your ophthalmologist can provide more information and recommend an effective treatment plan for watery eyes. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey, Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians today to schedule an appointment.

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.

Happy Halloween

October 31, 2018

Eye Michigan Happy Halloween 2018

November Is American Diabetes Month

October 29, 2018

Protect Your Eyes by Managing Blood Sugar Levels

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report that states over 100 million U.S. adults live with diabetes or prediabetes. An estimated 23.1 million were diagnosed, and 7.2 million were undiagnosed per the 2017 report.

Diabetes can raise your risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma. This November, celebrate American Diabetes Month by learning about the condition and finding out how to protect your eyes from its effects.

How to Live with Diabetes

You can live a full life with diabetes. The following tips will help you adopt a lifestyle that will let you stay in control of your blood sugar levels.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast with a glass of water before you go to work. This will help you prepare for the day with less stress, which can raise blood sugar levels.
Pay close attention to how your body reacts. This is especially important when exercising, changing diet, and taking medication. It will help you figure out the best way to manage diabetes and make it easier to identify a problem.
Stay active and maintain healthy body weight. Obesity is closely tied to diabetes. Staying fit will help reduce your risk and manage the condition.
You can still eat the foods that you like. You will have to watch portions and understand how different foods will affect your blood sugar levels. A dietician can help you come up with a menu you enjoy that’s good for your body.

Get Your Eyes Checked

Staying in touch with your health care team is essential to diabetes management. That includes your eye doctor. Now is a great time to get your vision checked. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s Southeast Michigan office today to schedule an ophthalmologist appointment.