January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and at Scottsdale Eye we strive to provide our patients with not only the best care but also the best tips to make sure you are taking care of vision and preventing diseases. Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve and is often times called the āsilentā killer because its symptoms and warning signs can go unnoticed. Here are 5 tips to help prevent glaucoma.
Ophthalmologists Say Work Related Eye Injuries Can be Avoided
On-the-job safety goes well beyond avoiding slips, falls, and heavy lifting. Caring for your eyes should be a high priority and part of an overall workplace wellness routine. This is important because each day, about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain work related eye injuries that requires medical treatment[1]. However, 90 percent of these accidents can be avoided by wearing eye protection[2]. As part of an ongoing effort to stress the importance of workplace eye wellness, Scottsdale Eye Physicians and SurgeonsĀ and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, during the month of March, is encouraging the public to do right by their eyes and wear appropriate eye protection.
What’s That Ring Around My Eye?
One frequently asked question Dr. Dennis hears from his patients is, āwhatās that ring around my eye?ā What patients are referring to is a white, grey, or blue opaque ring that overlies the colored part of the eye just about where it meets the sclera, or white of the eye. The ring is actually in the cornea, a clear dome-like covering over the front of the eye, which acts likes much like the crystal of a watch. The cloudiness commonly appears after age 60 and is called arcus senilis, or just arcus. This cloudiness typically starts at the top and bottom of the cornea, but can eventually fill in to create a full ring around the eye. This ring is created from a gradual deposition of cholesterol and lipid (fat) in this layer of the cornea. A study shows that it does not indicate high cholesterol levels when it occurs in the middle aged and elderly population. People younger than 40 with the onset of arcus should have their cholesterol and blood lipids checked as studies do show that if this ring can be predictive of heart disease. The white ring or Arcus does not interfere with vision and does not require treatment of the eye. If the ring is more pronounced on one eye, it can indicate that blood flow to that eye is decreased. If your asking yourself “what’s that ring around my eye” or would like to make an appointment to have your questions answered call (480) 994-1872 today! Click here for more info on corneal arcus!
Most Americans Unaware of One of the Leading Causes of Blindness Among Seniors
Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds the public that a simple eye exam is key to saving sight against Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Age-Related Macular Degenerationis one of the leading causes of blindness among seniors, affecting approximately 2.1 million people nationwide[1].
Macular Degeneration. What You Need to Know
Macular Degeneration, often referred to asĀ Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina. The retina’s central portion, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye. It controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail. Macular degeneration is diagnosed as either dry or wet. Wet Macular Degeneration refers to growth of new blood vessels in the macula, where they are not supposed to be. The dry form of Macular Degeneration is more common than the wet AMD. Eighty five to ninety percent of patients are diagnosed with dry AMD. Macular Degeneration by itself will not lead to total blindness. In almost all cases, some vision remains and few Macular Degeneration patients experience total visual loss
Early Detection Critical to Treating Glaucoma
Early Detection Critical to Treating Glaucoma Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology remind the public of the importance of eye exams Glaucoma is a major cause of vision loss worldwide. It affects more than 3 million people in the United Statesānearly half of whom are unaware they have the disease. During Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in reminding the public that early detection and treatment can help protect your sight.
Laser Vs Traditional Cataract Surgery
What is a Cataract? Breaking down the difference between Laser vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery starts with understanding Cataracts. Cataracts occur naturally as we age and a build-up of protein causes clouding in the lens. Cataracts are the most prevalent cause of eyesight disturbances. By age 65 more than 90% of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, worsening vision. In addition, cataracts can result from exposure to toxic substances, diseases such as diabetes, or arise after an eye injury. A cataract can develop in one or both eyes and fortunately can be treated with a common and safe surgery.
Simple Adjustments to Your Desk Can Help Eye Fatigue
Ergonomics for the Eyes: Simple Adjustments to Your Office Environment Can Help Reduce Eye Fatigue Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC and the American Academy of Ophthalmology offer tips for avoiding dry, strained eyes during Workplace Eye Wellness Month in March! These simple tips can significantly help eye fatigue! We have all heard that ergonomic desks are good for backs and necks, but they are also important for the health and comfort of the eyes. In support of Workplace Eye Wellness Month in March, Scottsdale Eye and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are offering tips to desk workers everywhere whose eyes may need relief from too much screen time. Many people who spend long hours reading or working on a computer for their jobs experience eye discomfort. Focusing on tiny type for hours on end can cause eye strain, fatigue and headaches. Staring at screens for long periods can also leave eyes parched, red and gritty-feeling.
What is Digital Eye Strain & How Can I Prevent it?
All of us have experiences digital eye strain at some point, but do you know how to protect your eyes? Digital eye strain is caused from using a digital device for two hours or more at one time. Ā
Four Tips to Make Sure Your Kids Vision is āGrade Aā This School Year
Four Tips to Make Sure Your Kids Vision is āGrade Aā This School Year A Kids Vision is the best asset they can have for school With back-to-school upon us, parents will be scrambling to buy new school supplies and clothes. As they tick off their long list of school to-dos, ophthalmologists are reminding moms and dads not to neglect one of the most important learning tools: their childrenās eyes! Good vision and overall eye health are vital to learning. Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in emphasizing the importance of healthy vision to academic success during Childrenās Eye Health and Safety Month in August. Because children are still growing, being vigilant about eye health is important. The earlier problems are identified; the sooner they can be addressed. For healthy eyes and vision throughout the school year, here at Scottsdale Eye Physicians we recommend the following four tips: 1. Get regular childhood vision screenings ā Kids vision changes rapidly, making regular vision screenings an important step in detecting and correcting eye problems early. In addition to screenings for infants, the Academy recommends further vision screening for children when they are: Pre-school age, between age 3 and 3 and a half Entering school Experiencing a possible vision problem For school-age children, a vision screening, which is less comprehensive than a dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist, can be performed by a pediatrician, family physician, nurse or trained technician during regular checkups. If the screening detects a problem, the child may need to see an ophthalmologist — an eye physician and surgeon ā or other eye care professional. 2. Know and share your family eye health history ā Everyone should find out whether eye conditions or diseases run in their family. Parents should share that information with the person performing the screening when possible. Examples of common eye conditions include nearsightedness, crossed eye, known as strabismus, and lazy eye, known as amblyopia. If these are not treated in childhood, they can cause permanent vision loss in one eye. 3. Watch for signals of eye problems ā Parents should be alert to symptoms that could indicate an eye or vision problem, such as complaints of eyestrain, headaches and squinting when reading or performing other common activities. Other symptoms to look for include a white or grayish-white coloring in the pupil, one eye that turns in or out, or eyes that do not track in sync together. 4. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports ā Eye injuries while playing sports can cause serious damage to your kids vision, whether by getting smacked with an elbow during basketball or hit with a hockey stick. If your child plays racket sports, hockey, field hockey, baseball or basketball, consider having them wear goggles or other certified protective eyewear. Good vision is your childās best asset for going back to school, make sure and be scheduling regular exams and taking the best steps to ensuring good vision! At Scottsdale Eye our doctors are trained to offer care for children of all ages! Call 480-994-1872 today to make an appointment! Visit the Academy’s website to learn more about common childhood eye conditions and how to care for your kids vision!