presbyopia Archives - Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey

Why Is It Hard to Focus When I Read Now That I’m Over 40?

November 6, 2019

Our bodies change as we age. Those changes extend to our eyes. It’s important to understand what is happening so you can learn how to overcome the challenges of growing older.

Seeing After Age 40

Many adults notice diminished eyesight by the time they reach their early to mid-40s. This usually causes problems when seeing objects that are close by, like when reading a book or newspaper. This condition is known as presbyopia.

You may be able to adapt by holding your reading material farther away from your face. Some adults may need prescription glasses. You may be at a higher risk for developing presbyopia if you:

Have a family history of macular degeneration or glaucoma
Were diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes
Work in a field that is visually demanding
Take medications for anxiety, depression, arthritis, thyroid issues, or high cholesterol

Signs of Age-Related Eyesight Changes

The number of symptoms and level of severity will vary from one patient to the next. The following, lists common signs that your eyesight changes are age-related:

Difficulty viewing things that are close to you
Difficulty with glare, especially when driving at night
Difficulty distinguishing different shades of color
Dry or irritated eyes with less tear production
Need more light to see well

Signs Your Vision Problem Isn’t Age-Related

Just because you are over age 40 doesn’t mean your vision change is age-related. Seek medical advice right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:

Vision that fluctuates in clarity
Seeing floaters or spots
Loss of peripheral or side vision
Images viewed appear distorted

Even if you suspect your changes are related to age, you should still talk to an ophthalmologist. It is important to make sure there are no other underlying causes and recommend the best way to address the problem. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Bloomfield Hills offices now to schedule your eye exam.

Healthy Aging and Your Eyes

September 17, 2019

Grosinger Spigelman Grey Eye Michigan Healthy Aging — Routine ophthalmologist visits can help keep your eyes healthy.

Your eyesight will change as you grow older. It’s important to understand what’s normal, what isn’t, and when to see an ophthalmologist.

Common Age-Related Eye Problems

The problems listed here are common and can be treated. However, you should not delay in seeking medical advice. They could be a sign that something else is going on.

Presbyopia – You may notice the gradual loss of your ability to see small print or close-up objects. This is a slow change that will happen as you age. You may also notice increased eye strain and headaches. Reading glasses usually correct the problem.
Excessive Tearing – Your eyes may become sensitive to wind, light, or changes in temperature. This can lead to excessive tearing. Protecting your vision with sunglasses or eye drops can help. It could also indicate that you have a blocked tear duct, which should be addressed by a doctor.
Floaters – Floaters look like cobwebs or specks in your field of vision. You can see them in bright light. While they are normal, they can also be a sign of a detached retina.
Eyelid Issues – Older people sometimes experience eyelid problems. This can include redness, itching, and swelling. If you notice discomfort, you could have blepharitis, which can be treated with warm compresses.

When Should I See an Ophthalmologist?

You should schedule an ophthalmologist appointment right away if you notice sudden changes in your vision. You should also seek advice if you have:

Eye pain
Double vision
Flashes of light in your vision
Unexplained eye swelling

It is very important to have routine exams. Regular ophthalmologist visits are a big part of healthy aging. Some eye diseases can be treated if caught early. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s Bloomfield Hills office today to schedule your appointment.

Why Can I See Better When I Squint My Eyes?

August 28, 2019

Most people think that you would see better when your eyes are open wider. This sounds logical. Your eye is getting a broader view of the world, and more light is accessible to produce a clearer image. However, in practice, many people find that the opposite is true.

When we squint, we can often see things a little clearer. That’s why we squint to see the alarm clock when we wake up at 2 am. What is it about squinting that helps us see better than when our eyes are wide open?

What Does Squinting Do to Your Eye?

Even though it doesn’t feel much different, squinting does three things to our eyes that lead to slightly clearer vision.

Our Eye Lens Changes Shape – The lens of the eye is flexible and changes shape when we squint.
The Eye Lens Adjusts – Small adjustments in the lens allow us to focus better, much like a camera.
Less Light Enters the Eye – Less light enters, reducing the impact on the retina and allowing the object we view to look sharper.

Why Do I Have to Squint So Much?

Occasional squinting is normal, even for people with healthy eyes and clear vision. If you are over the age of 40 and have never had to wear prescription glasses, then this is likely normal.

If you find yourself squinting a lot, then you may need to talk to an eye doctor. This could be a sign of eye strain or fatigue. You may need glasses if you also experience:

Headaches
Double vision
Difficulty reading

Other symptoms, like feeling pressure in the eye, seeing halos, and decreased night vision could indicate a developing problem. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to schedule an ophthalmologist appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to find out if you need glasses and assure that your eyes are healthy.

Planning a Trip to San Francisco?

August 21, 2019

The first public museum strictly to address vision is set to up in 2020. Learn more.

Why Does My Doctor Dilate My Eyes During an Exam?

August 14, 2019

Eye dilation is an important part of your exam. This is usually done using eye drops that keep the eyes dilated for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Patients with lighter color eyes may experience a longer duration before the effect wears off. Once applied, the drops cause the pupils to open fully.

Getting a Good Look Inside Your Eye

Dilated eyes allow your ophthalmologist to get a better look at what’s going on in your eye. They can identify problems that, if left untreated, could cause blindness, like a tumor or detached retina. They can also look for signs of eye diseases, including:

Cataracts – A cataract is a cloudiness that forms on the eye lens. It causes vision problems and requires surgery to remove.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration – AMD can be diagnosed by the presence of abnormal blood vessels and pigment or protein build up.
Glaucoma – Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve over time. If untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetic retinopathy includes blood vessels in the retina that swell, leak, or grow abnormally.

What Can I Do While My Eyes Are Dilated?

Dilated eyes don’t usually affect your ability to see at a distance. However, your pupils cannot control how much light enters your eye, which can make glare a problem. This may mean it is unsafe to drive unless you wear sunglasses to help manage the glare.

You may not be able to return to work right away if you need to see things that are close to your face, so it is best to schedule your appointment accordingly.

Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey located in Bloomfield Hills to book an appointment with one of our top ophthalmologists.

Is LASIK Right for Me?

August 8, 2019

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.