The Symptoms and Causes of 5 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.
Debunking the Myths Surrounding LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is more common and affordable than it was years ago. Many people are interested, but some are put off by the myths spread about this procedure. There are several things you should know before deciding if laser surgery is the best treatment option for you.
- Myth: Anyone Can Get LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK isn’t for everyone. It is not recommended for patients with irregular or thin corneas as well as those with eye viruses or diseases. Other conditions like autoimmune disease or poor health can increase risks.
- Myth: You Will Never Need Glasses or Contacts Ever Again
Everyone’s vision changes over time. Eventually, you may need glasses for reading or driving at night. Patients should continue having regular eye exams after LASIK to monitor health and eyesight.
- Myth: LASIK Surgery Is Very Painful
Most patients feels nothing during LASIK. Your doctor will apply numbing drops beforehand. You may notice a gritty sensation in your eyes a few hours after the surgery. Most patients experience minimal discomfort that is managed with ibuprofen or aspirin.
Is LASIK Eye Surgery a Good Choice for Me?
To learn more about LASIK eye surgery or to find out if you’re a candidate, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to schedule an appointment with one of their highly specialized ophthalmologists. A professional can examine your eyes and recommend the best option to correct your vision.
7 Dry Eye Care Tips That Will Help You Get Relief
Dry eye syndrome happens when there is not enough lubrication to moisten the surface of your eye. You may experience burning, itching, aching and eye fatigue. This condition can also affect your vision, causing light sensitivity and blurriness. What can you do to care for dry eyes?
- Adjust Your Diet – Some people get dry eye relief by adding omega-3 fatty acids to their diet. Flax oil works as well as eating more fatty fish like salmon or tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids help glands produce the oil in tears that slows evaporation.
- Use Heat to Open Oil Glands – Apply a warm washcloth to reduce lid inflammation and open up clogged oil glands.
- Reduce Screen Time – Use the 20/20/20 rule when looking at any screen. That means take a 20 second break to look at an object that is 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
- Add Moisture to Your Environment – A dry environment can also dry out eyes. Use a humidifier to introduce more moisture into the areas you spend the most time.
- Keep Eyes Shaded in Sunlight – Bright sunlight will increase dryness. Consider wearing sunglasses, especially wraparound styles. Look for a pair that offers adequate UV protection.
- Use Artificial Tears – Artificial tears can be used to soothe dry eyes. Some brands offer thicker gel or ointments that may work better if the regular drops are not enough.
- Get a Prescription Medication – Visit your ophthalmologist to examine your dry eyes. They may recommend a prescription medication like cyclosporine or lifitegrast drops.
Schedule an appointment with Grosinger, Spigelman and Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians in Bloomfield Hills to address the cause of your dry eyes. We can provide sound advice that will help you get the relief you need.
Do I Have Cataracts?
Cataracts are a very common eye condition that affects people all over the world. It is more common as we age, but can also appear as the result of an injury. At first, the condition may not have a significant impact on your ability to see. The problem will worsen over time until you begin to have serious issues with your sight.
The best thing to do is to catch the condition early so that a doctor can monitor progress and determine the best time for cataract surgery. What signs should you look for when you notice changes in your vision?
- Glare and Light Sensitivity – Many patients will start to notice increased sensitivity to bright light. They also see haloes or glare around light sources. This occurs because the cataract scatters light as it enters the eye.
- Loss of Color Vision – Cataracts can also reduce a person’s ability to see colors. The clouding effect can wash out hues, causing the world to look drab and muted. Red, yellow, and green shades will begin to appear similar.
- Other Common Symptoms – If you experience double vision, trouble seeing at night, and poor central vision, then you may have a developing cataract.
What Do I Do if I Notice the Signs of Cataracts?
If you notice any of the signs listed above, it’s time to seek professional advice. Only a doctor can examine your eyes and provide a diagnosis and treatment option. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to make an appointment.
Diagnosing Glaucoma
The word glaucoma is used to describe diseases that damage the optic nerve. They can cause a loss of vision or even blindness. The best way to prevent permanent damage is through early detection. Your ophthalmologist can examine your eyes and perform tests to determine if you have glaucoma.
Detecting Glaucoma
A series of tests are used to diagnose this condition. Your doctor will dilate your eyes before performing the following:
- Eye Chart (Visual Acuity Test) – This is a standard test that involves reading an eye chart at varying distances. It is usually the first thing most people think of when they hear the words “eye exam.”
- Visual Field Test (Peripheral Vision) – This test measures your side vision. Glaucoma can cause a loss of peripheral sight.
- Dilated Eye Examination – A magnifying lens may be used to inspect the retina and optic nerve for indications of damage or disease. This can cause your close-up sight to appear blurry for several hours afterward.
- Pressure Measurement (Tonometry) – A device called a tonometer is used to measure the pressure inside your eyes. Numbing drops may be applied before this procedure.
- Measure Cornea Thickness (Pachymetry) – This is another test that may involve numbing drops. An ultrasonic wave instrument is used to determine the thickness of your cornea. A thin cornea can cause an inaccurate eye pressure reading when diagnosing glaucoma.
How to Treat Glaucoma
Glaucoma cannot be cured. However, some treatments used during the early stages of the disease can help slow its progress. These can include surgery, laser trabeculoplasty, and medication. This is why it is essential to have annual eye exams. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians for an appointment today.
Repairing Macular Holes
Every eye contains a light-sensitive tissue known as the retina. This tissue houses the macula, which gives us the central vision we need to drive, read, and see details. A number of health and aging factors can cause a hole to form in the macula, which affects our ability to see.
What Causes Macular Holes?
Macular holes are more common in people over 55. The condition is spontaneous, which means that there is no preventative treatment available. Several factors increase the risk of a macular hole, including:
- Diabetes-related eye disease
- High degree of nearsightedness (myopia)
- Eye trauma or injury
- Retinal detachment
- Shrinking vitreous due to aging
How Does a Vitrectomy Work?
If you are diagnosed with a macular hole, then you may need to undergo a vitrectomy. The procedure can take several hours. You will stay awake and apply numbing drops or shots in the eye, or you may be put under general anesthesia.
The doctor will cut the exterior of the eye and the sclera. Vitreous fluid is removed with a needle. Debris or scar tissue is also removed. This clears the way for the doctor to make the needed repairs. A bubble of gas may be injected to keep your retina in place during the procedure. This will gradually go away on its own.
Once the doctor has made the repairs, they will refill the eye with saline or silicone. An antibiotic ointment will be applied, and you will have to cover it with a patch during recovery.
Macular Hole Symptoms
Patients notice a minor distortion in their straight-ahead sight during the early stages of a macular hole. Straight lines may appear wavy. This will affect reading and similar activities. If you notice any of these symptoms or other changes in your vision, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey ophthalmologists right away to schedule an appointment.
Avoiding Eye Strain
For most people, eye strain is an annoyance. It is usually a temporary condition that is easy to correct by resting your eyes. When it happens, it can make you feel tired and reduce your ability to focus.
Symptoms of Eye Strain
The most common side effect of eye strain is blurred vision. This usually goes away once you give your eyes a rest. A number of other uncomfortable symptoms can also appear, including:
- Burning or itching of the eyes
- Dry or watery eyes
- Neck, shoulder, and back soreness
- An increase in light sensitivity
- Inability to keep eyes open
- Headaches
While symptoms are usually mild, they can cause irritation and affect your ability to complete certain tasks. For example, if you drive long distances, eye strain may hinder your ability to concentrate on what’s ahead of you. This can create a safety hazard that should be addressed before getting behind the wheel.
Causes of Eye Strain
A number of activities and behaviors can bring on eye strain. Some of these you probably do every day. Common causes include:
- Staring at digital devices for extended periods of time
- Reading without giving your eyes a break
- Exposure to intense light or glare
- Straining eyes to see in dim settings
- Driving long distances without stopping
- Experiencing stress or fatigue
- Exposing eyes to moving air for a period of time
If you have questions about eye strain or if you experience symptoms that do not go away quickly, you should talk to a professional ophthalmologist. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in southeast Michigan to make an appointment.
5 Reasons to See an Eye Doctor After Age 40 Even If You Do Not Have Symptoms
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.