Wishing our patients, family and friends a very Happy Passover.
The Celebrity Circuit Does LASIK
Elton John, Kim Kardashian, and Brad Pitt are just a few celebrities who have opted in for LASIK vision correction, making their lives more enjoyable and easier to read movie and TV scripts and write and follow music lyrics and chords. LASIK is very popular in the celebrity circuit.
You don’t have to be a star to benefit from this affordable and very beneficial procedure that provides clearer vision. Eliminate the hassle of wearing contacts and glasses, contact Grosinger, Spigelman and Grey today to schedule an appointment to see if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery.
What Causes Eye Pain?
Many people experience eye discomfort at some point in their life. Some situations require no medical intervention. Others are more severe and can indicate an underlying health issue. It is best never to ignore unexplained eye pain.
Where Is the Pain Coming From?
The first step is to figure out where the pain is coming from. Our eyes are made up of different parts, each serving a different purpose.
- Eyelids – The exterior covering of the eye.
- Extraocular muscles – Muscles that rotate your eyes.
- Nerves – Internal network that carries information to the brain.
- Orbit – Also known as the eye socket, this is the part of the skull that houses the eye.
- Iris – The colored area of the eye that surrounds the pupil.
- Conjunctiva – Thin covering that protects the sclera.
- Sclera – Known as the whites of the eye.
- Cornea – Clear structure in front of the eye that directs light rays.
Common Causes of Eye Pain
Many conditions can cause eye pain. Some of the more common include:
- Foreign body – If something gets in your eye, it can cause persistent discomfort until it is removed. Most things can be washed out with water or artificial tears.
- Corneal abrasions – Corneal abrasion refers to a scratch on the cornea. This can happen from rubbing your eye or trauma. A doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops to help heal the injury.
- Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis is better known as pink eye. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that occurs due to infection or allergy.
- Corneal infections – Also known as keratitis, corneal infections can be caused by a virus or bacteria.
If you experience eye pain or other symptoms, seek medical advice right away. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey now to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Workplace Eye Wellness
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and it is a great time to learn more about protecting your vision while on the job. Almost 25,000 Americans rush to emergency rooms for a workplace eye injury each year. More than 2,000 suffer an eye injury daily. That translates to nearly one million U.S. citizens who have lost vision and over $300 million in lost wages, workman’s compensation, and medical costs.
How to Protect Your Eyes At Work
The risk to your vision will vary based on your occupation. The construction industry currently claims one of the highest injury rates per the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Common causes include:
- Hazards created by nearby coworkers
- Windy or dusty conditions that cause particles to enter the eye
- Exposure to arcs and flashes from welding
- Hammering metal which launches metal slivers or nail rebounding
- Wood, metal, dust, drywall, cement, or slag contacting the eye
Safety Starts with Following the Rules of Safety
Every worksite should have rules of safety to protect the vision of all. Engineering controls should be in place that includes machine guards that can catch particles. Welding curtains are also necessary to shield eyes from arc flash.
Administrative measures should also be in place. This includes having off-limits areas that are only accessible to employees who must be there to complete specific tasks. Finally, always wear proper protective eyewear. If you do receive an eye injury, go directly to the emergency room.
Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians in Bloomfield Hills to schedule an appointment.
Does the Zika Virus Effect the Eye?
The Zika virus has made headlines in recent years. The disease was reported in 86 countries as of February 2018. Mosquitos carrying the virus transmit it to humans. It can also be spread through sex, blood transfusion, or from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby. There is currently no vaccine.
Zika Virus Symptoms
Most patients will notice no symptoms or only mild effects. These commonly include:
- Muscle pain
- Red eyes
- Joint pain
- Headache & fever
- Rash
Zika deaths are very rare. Most patients don’t need to go to the hospital. The symptoms usually subside after several days to a week. That being said, Zika infection can cause a birth defect known as microcephaly as well as other serious brain conditions. It’s also linked to stillbirth and miscarriage.
Zika Virus & Your Eyes
Adults may notice mild redness, watery eye, lid redness, or eye pain. The effects are much more concerning for children. Developmental and structural issues have been identified in babies that were infected.
Every infant should be given an eye exam as well as routine check-ups as they grow. Early intervention can make a big difference.
If you have questions about how the Zika virus can affect your eyes, contact us. We would be happy to schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist to help you learn more and keep your eyes healthy.
Is It Possible to Prevent Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that harms the optic nerve. Increased intraocular pressure causes damage to the nerve, which is responsible for transmitting images to your brain. If it continues untreated, it can cause permanent blindness in as little as a few years. There are no early symptoms, which means that you may have glaucoma and not know it yet.
Eye Exams Are the Best Glaucoma Prevention
Early detection is essential to preserving your vision. That means the best prevention is regular eye exams. If you are under age 40, then you should visit your eye doctor once every two to four years. That should increase to once every one to three years if you have no underlying medical issues between the ages of 40 and 54. Patients ages 55 to 64 should go every two years, and those over age 65 should schedule exams annually.
Other Factors That Can Prevent Glaucoma
There are other things you can do to help prevent glaucoma. Along with regular exams, you can also maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Studies have shown that moderate exercise like jogging or walking three or more times each week can lower your risk.
An injury can cause traumatic glaucoma. Always wear proper protective gear when engaging in sports or working in high-risk areas.
Risk increases in individuals who are over age 40, have a family history of glaucoma, have poor vision, take steroid medications, or have diabetes.
How Can I Protect My Eyes From Glaucoma?
The best way to begin protecting your eyes from glaucoma is to schedule your next eye exam. An ophthalmologist can determine your risk and make recommendations that are based on your health status and individual needs. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey located conveniently in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to book your glaucoma screening.
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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.