Could you be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome? Do your eyes ever burn or feel sandy and gritty? Are they ever red and irritated? You may be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome. Historically, eye doctors attributed dry eye syndrome to a reduced amount of tears on the eyes. Although this is a very common cause of dry eye, studies have shown that dry eye is far more involved. Your eye doctor will check the amount of tears, the drainage and quality of your tears, the oil glands that align your eye lids, and the way you blink. All of these factors are important to know prior to determining a treatment plan specific to your individual needs. In many cases, simply adding an artificial tear to oneâs daily routine is not enough to manage symptoms of dry eye. Because there are a multitude of underlying conditions that can lead to dry eye, we treat not only our patientâs symptoms, but the underlying cause of our patientâs dry eye as well. At Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our first approach to treating dry eye disease is utilizing a homeopathic technique when possible. In many cases, incorporating warm compresses, artificial tears, and a doctor recommended Omega-3 supplement into your daily routine, can significantly improve your symptoms. If you are experiencing burning, redness, gritty sensation, excessive watering or intermittent blurry vision call 480-994-1872Â to make an appointment or click here to make an appointment online!
5 Easy Things You Should Be Doing To Protect Your Vision
5 Easy Things You Should Be Doing To Protect Your Vision  Take Simple Steps to Protect Your Sight Approximately 37 million adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, all of which can cause visual impairment or blindness, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI).[1] However, recent studies show that making healthy choices and getting regular eye exams can help reduce a personâs risk of vision loss. In support of NEIâs Healthy Vision Month in May, Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are encouraging everyone to take charge of their eye health and preserve their sight by following some simple tips. Live a healthy lifestyle. Eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can lower your risk of eye disease. Foods that boost eye health include dark green leafy greens, cold water fish and citrus fruits. A study recently published in the journal Ophthalmology showed that a diet rich in vitamin C can cut the risk of cataract progression by nearly a third.[2] Other research shows that smoking doubles the risk of the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, is linked to cataracts, and worsens dry eye. Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing the condition. In addition, a family history of glaucoma increases your chances of developing the condition by four to nine times. So talk to your family members about what eye conditions they have. It can help you and your eye care professionals evaluate whether you may be at higher risk. Get a dilated eye exam. Many eye diseases may have no symptoms in their early stages. A dilated eye exam is the best way to detect eye diseases so they can be treated as soon as possible to help prevent vision loss. The Academy recommends that adults have a baseline comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor by the time they turn 40. This is when age-related eye changes often begin to occur. People who are 65 and older should get an eye exam every one to two years. Those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure or known eye diseases may need to go earlier and more often. Wear sunglasses. Over time, exposure to UV rays from the sun can increase your risk of cataracts, certain cancers and growths in or around the eyes. When choosing sunglasses, pick ones that block out at least 99 percent of UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat offers great additional protection as well. If you are not sure that your sunglasses have UV protection stop into our optical boutique and we will check them for free! Use protective eyewear to prevent injuries. Roughly a third of all emergency room visits for eye-related issues stem from traumatic eye injuries, according to a recent study in the journal Ophthalmology.[3] To help prevent these injuries, wear the right protective eyewear when doing activities that could cause eye injuries, such as home repair, garden work and sports. âPeople donât often realize that simple, everyday actions can help them preserve their vision well through their golden years,â said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. âWe encourage everyone to take these steps in order to keep their eyes healthy.â To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s public information website at www.aao.org/eye-health. If you have not been in for a comprehensive eye exam, call our office to make an appointment or request an appointment on our website! [1] https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/adultvision_usa [2] Genetic and Dietary Factors Influencing the Progression of Nuclear Cataract, Yonova-Doing, et al, Ophthalmology, article in press March 2016. [3] Eye-related Emergency Department Visits in the United States, 2010, Vaziri, et al. Ophthalmology, April 2016.
Statins show continued potential as treatment for dry AMD
High doses of statins, known for lowering blood cholesterol, may someday prove to be a viable treatment for the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a new study. “As the population ages, finding safe and inexpensive strategies for the treatment and management of AMD is paramount.” The results of the relatively small study were published Feb. 4 in the online journal, EBioMedicine. In the study, high doses of Lipitor (80 mg) were given daily over a 12- to 18-month period to 23 people who suffered from dry AMD, which occurs when high deposits of lipid and fatty proteins form under the retina. In the pilot study, 10 patients experienced a regression in drusen deposits and their sight improved slightly. None of the subjects saw their sight worsen. Researchers have been looking at the potential of statins for years as a treatment for AMD, says Steven G. Ferrucci, O.D., chief of optometry at Sepulveda VA Medical Center and professor at Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. But the results have been mixed. Dr. Ferrucci has written and lectured extensively on AMD. “For many years, researchers have postulated that statins may be protective for AMD,” Dr. Ferrucci says. “One study from 2001 looked at the incidence of AMD in patients using statins. Those who took statins had significantly decreased risk of being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration compared with those who were not taking statins.” Dr. Ferrucci noted the size of the new studyâonly 23 patients participated. So it’s important to keep the results in perspective. He agreed with the study’s authors, a team of researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School and the University of Crete, that more study is needed. “These patients represent a specific subset of AMD patientsâthose with soft lipid depositsâwhich not all dry [AMD] patients have,” he says. “So obviously more research with a larger study must be done, and even then, it seems it may only benefit a percentage of AMD patients.” What the study means for eye doctors and patients Dr. Ferrucci says, “We should stay alert to these studies so we can properly inform our patients of new developments that may be of help, as well as temper those stories that might send false hope.” And for patients? A leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 50, AMD affects 1.8 million Americans with millions more at risk for the condition. “If statins turn out to be a successful treatment, that’s great for patients,” Dr. Ferrucci says. “Repurposing current FDA-approved medications, such as statins, which are very accessible and well-studied, would be huge. It would represent a huge cost and time savings versus discovering a novel drug.” He adds, “Statins are already well studied. They have a good safety profile and there’s lots of clinical experience regarding dosing and side effects. As the population ages, finding safe and inexpensive strategies for the treatment and management of AMD is paramount.” The AOA follows all research closely, including potential dry AMD treatments. Although statins are an interesting treatment possibility for patients, more research is needed regarding their influence on visual health. For more information or help for better vision, please visit the AOA website.
6 Foods That Could Be Saving Your Vision!
We all know eating a healthy diet has many positive benefits, but did you know it could be preventing eye diseases? Here are a list of 6 Foods that could be saving your vision and other tips! Foods that are full of vitamins like C and E, zinc, lutein and omega-3âs are extremely beneficial for eye health!  According to Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS) these nutrients are linked to a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and dry eye later in life.  Itâs always a good idea start incorporating healthy foods into your diet no matter how late or early in life we begin. Here are 6 foods the be incorporating into your diet: People who have diabetes or AMD or are at risk for eye diseases and can benefit by following a low-glycemic index diet.  A low-glycemic index diet contains foods that do not raise the blood sugar in the body. For more information on the low-glycemic diet click here! People with AMD may be able to slow the progression of the disease by taking a special nutrient supplement developed as a result of the AREDS2 research.  Supplements like PRN have been developed because of the AREDS2 study! . The formula includes: Vitamin C (500 mg); Vitamin E (400 IU); Lutein (10 mg); Zeaxanthin (2 mg); Zinc oxide (80 mg); and Copper oxide (2 mg). PRN has a few supplements for eye health click here to read more about the supplements and where to purchase them. This is promising news for people who are at risk for, or already have AMD. But before stocking up on these supplements, be sure to talk with one of our Eye Doctors to learn if they are recommended for you. Some people should not take large doses of antioxidants or zinc for medical reasons. People who smoke should ask their physician before taking the original AREDS supplement, because one of the ingredients, beta carotene, as been associated with a higher risk of lung cancer in smokers or people who have recently quit smoking. An alternate version of the original AREDS supplement formulated to be safe for smokers is available. Our Eye Doctors can give you more information on this option. As you think about ways to improve your eye health, remember: vitamins and nutritional supplements are not a cure for eye disease, nor will they give you back vision that you may have already lost. But good nutrition at all ages is vital for your entire body, and plays an important role in maintaining healthy eyes. Hopefully you found these 6 Foods that could be saving your vision helpful!  Talk with one of our Eye Doctors about any concerns you have about your eye health or call 480-994-1872 to make an appointment!
Technology Can Help Seniors with Low Vision
Technology, Tools and Rehabilitation Can Help Seniors with Low Vision Maintain Their Independence Each day, approximately 10,000 Americans turn 65, and one in six adults this age and older has a vision impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.[1] As part of its support for Low Vision Awareness Month this February, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons, PC are providing older adults with low vision guidance on how to make the most of their remaining sight and keep their independence. An estimated 2.9 million Americans have low vision, which makes it difficult or impossible for them to accomplish activities such as reading, writing, shopping, watching television, driving a car or recognizing faces. Low vision can be caused by eye diseases that are more common in older people, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Fortunately, there are many strategies and resources available to people with low vision that can help them overcome these challenges. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons, PC recommends that people with low vision and those who care for them follow these tips: Make things bigger – Sit closer to the television or to the stage at performances. Get large books, phone dials and playing cards. Carry magnifiers for help with menus, prescription bottles and price tags. Make things brighter – Make sure areas are well-lit and cover shiny surfaces to reduce glare. Consider increasing color contrasts as well. For instance, drink coffee from a white mug and always use a felt-tipped pen with black ink. Use technology – Many of today’s newer technologies have applications that can help with low vision. For example, e-readers allow users to adjust the font size and contrast. Many smartphones and tablets can also be used to magnify print, identify cash bills and provide voice-navigated directions. Organize and label – Designate spots for your keys, wallet and frequently-used items in your refrigerator. Mark thermostats and dials with high contrast markers from a fabric store; label medications with markers or rubber bands; and safety-pin labels onto similarly colored clothing to tell them apart. Don’t isolate yourself – Keep your social group, volunteer job, or golf game. It might require lighting, large print cards, a magnifier, a ride, or someone to watch your golf ball. Ask for the help you need. Consider low vision rehabilitation – If you have low vision, you can greatly improve your quality of life through vision rehabilitation, which teaches you how to use your remaining vision more effectively. Talk with your eye doctor to determine if referral for low vision rehabilitation is right for you. Having low vision does not mean giving up your activities, but it does mean finding new ways of doing them. If you think you may have low vision, schedule an appointment with one of our Doctors right away. The faster you receive care, the faster you can return to doing the things you enjoy and do them more independently. Call 480-994-1872 to make an appointment or make on online here! This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmologyâs EyeSmartÂź program (http://www.geteyesmart.org) [1] http://www.pewresearch.org/daily-number/baby-boomers-retire/
Donât Let an Eye Injury Ruin Your Valentineâs Day
Itâs almost Valentineâs Day and love is in the air. Â But, if champagne corks go flying, an eye injury could turn your sweet celebration into a real-life nightmare! Every year, improper cork-removal techniques cause serious, potentially blinding eye injuries. A champagne cork can fly up to 50 miles per hour as it leaves the bottle â fast enough to shatter glass. At such high speeds, you have no time to react and protect your eye. Â That’s why it’s so important to learn how to open a bottle of bubbly correctly and avoid flying corks in the first place. This Valentineâs Day, our ophthalmologist reminds you to be safe when opening champagne bottles. Before your champagne toast, watch this video demonstration of how to properly open a champagne bottle to prevent an eye injury. In the event that an eye injury does occur, seek medical help from an ophthalmologist immediately. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our ophthalmologist please call our office at 480-994-1872.
Half of Those with Glaucoma Donât Know It; Are You At Risk?
Approximately 2.7 million Americans have the potentially blinding eye disease glaucoma, but only half are aware of it. Meanwhile, glaucoma incidence is on the rise. Researchers predict that glaucoma will affect as many as 6.3 million Americas by 2050. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are sharing a list of risk factors that can lead to the disease. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which links the eyes to the brain. It is most commonly associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure, or IOP. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss in a personâs side vision, then in his or her central vision. With early diagnosis and treatment, sight can be preserved. However, glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so it is imperative that people know the risk factors. Certain factors can increase an individualâs risk of developing glaucoma, including: Family History: Individuals with a parent or sibling with glaucoma have a nine times higher risk of developing the disease, according to one study. Older Age: As people age, their risk for glaucoma increases. Because this is the case for several eye diseases, the Academy recommends that adults start getting regular comprehensive eye exams at age 40. This is the age when early signs of eye disease and changes in vision may first occur, even if you have seemingly perfect vision. It is important to get comprehensive eye exams from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, a physician specializing in eye care. African, Hispanic or Asian Heritage: People of African and Hispanic heritage are three times more likely to have the most common form of glaucoma than Caucasians. Glaucoma-related blindness is at least six times more prevalent in African Americans than in Caucasian Americans. Additionally, people of Asian heritage are at an increased risk of a sudden and acute form of glaucoma known as angle-closure glaucoma. Nearsightedness: People who are nearsighted are more likely to have glaucoma. One study even found that the more severe the nearsightedness, the higher the risk of glaucoma. Type 2 Diabetes: Having type 2 diabetes increases risk of glaucoma. The longer a person has lived with diabetes, the greater their risk for glaucoma becomes. Additionally, when the cornea â the clear, round dome on the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil â is abnormally thin, IOP readings may be falsely low. This puts patients at increased risk for undiagnosed glaucoma. This is common among those who have had refractive surgery, such as LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy. Another risk factor associated with glaucoma is a history of eye trauma. âMany of my patients are surprised to learn that one or more of these factors put them at an increased risk,â said Andrew Iwach, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and glaucoma specialist. âBeing aware of your personal risk of glaucoma is the first step to saving your sight. If you are at risk, get an exam â the sooner you do, the better we can protect you from vision loss Recently the Diopsys, a new very sensitive test has become available to screen for glaucoma that may not be obvious. Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons is one of the few eye physician practices in the area that now offers this test. Glaucoma treatment ranges from medicated eye drops to a variety of surgeries that can help reduce high IOP. This may involve procedures that make small changes in the eye to help fluid drain more easily. In some cases, small devices known as shunts or stents are inserted in the eye to increase the flow of the eyeâs fluid. If you have questions about glaucoma or want to schedule a comprehensive eye exam call our office at 480-994-1872 or visit www.scottsdaleeye.com. This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmartÂź program (www.geteyesmart.org).
Answering The Most Common Surgery Fears
Answering the Most Common Cataract Surgery Fears Having surgery performed on your eyes can be a little scary so our Ophthalmologist, Dennis Kilpatrick, MD, has answered some of the most common surgery fears! Can I go blind from surgery? Going blind after cataract surgery is extremely rare. If a patient were to go blind it would most likely be due to an infection in the eye. With the antibiotics and advanced technology blindness after cataract surgery is very uncommon! Do I need stitches in the eye? The incision for the surgery is about 2.5mm in size and most of the time no stitches are needed. In some more rare cases a stitch will be used. The stitch is usually removed 1 week after surgery and most patients do not feel it being removed. Do I need to wear a patch on my eye? Eye patches are not usually necessary after cataract surgery! Do I need a driver after surgery? Yes, State Law requires someone other than the patient to drive away from the surgery center after cataract surgery. Most patients will be able to drive themselves the day after surgery, however. How limited are my activities? Almost not at all. You can go back to your regular routine the day of surgery! Years ago patients were not allowed to shower, bend over, pick up heavy objects, or sleep on the side that the eye was worked on; but with the advancements in surgery technology there is no longer a need for extreme limitation in your daily routine. Can I swim? Swimming or sitting in a hot tub after surgery is totally fine as long as no water gets in the eye. Protective eyewear is highly encouraged. There is no restriction on tap water, such as face washing or showering. When can I go back to work? The next day in most cases! Will I experience any pain? Dr. Kilpatrick almost always uses topical anesthetic to numb the eye when performing cataract surgery. After surgery, if there is minor discomfort, Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be taken. Will I need a shot in my eye! No shots will be needed in or around the eye for cataract surgery! Shots in the eye are a very rare occurrence! Will I need glasses after surgery? Yes, after cataract surgery reading glasses are usually needed. Special implant lenses are available to correct astigmatism and replace reading glasses. However they are not covered by insurance. Are there any questions we didn’t answer about Cataract Surgery? Call Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons at 480-994-1872 to speak with one of our staff members or to make an appointment with one of our Doctors!
Halloween Warning: Costume Contact Lenses Could Contain Harmful Chemicals
Halloween Warning: Over-the-Counter Costume Contact Lenses Could Contain Harmful Chemicals Ophthalmologists say to stay away from non-prescription lenses, which can damage eyes and vision Wearing costume contact lenses on Halloween can be a real scream. However, the scare from non-prescription contact lenses can be all too real when chemical exposure or potentially blinding infections take place. To help prevent eye damage and vision loss, Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons is sharing a warning from the American Academy of Ophthalmology to costume shoppers about over-the-counter decorative contact lenses after a recent study found that several varieties tested positive for chlorine and other harmful chemicals. Research published in September found chlorine in three types of non-prescription costume contact lenses.[1] Iron was found on four pairs of lenses. One pair seeped chlorine after a routine rinse, prompting concern from researchers about toxicity to the eye. Researchers say the chemicals may come from colorants used to tint and create playful patterns on the lenses. Their study also noted that colorants printed or pressed onto some decorative lenses create an uneven texture. Those rough surfaces could scratch the eyes, potentially allowing in bacteria that can cause infection and even blindness. Four of the five lenses in the study are not available legally in the United States because they are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Despite that sales restriction, many decorative lenses of unknown origin can be bought online. Around Halloween, they often crop up for sale at beauty parlors or even gas stations. The problem is that contact lenses not approved by the FDA may be made with materials that can harm the eyes by causing corneal ulcers or keratitis. Both of these conditions can result in scarring that impairs vision or causes blindness. For this reason, the Academy advises against wearing decorative lenses without a prescription. âYou canât be sure what youâre getting when you buy over-the-counter contact lenses, which can be very dangerous to your eyes,â said ophthalmologist Thomas Steinemann, M.D., spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. âIf you want decorative contact lenses, get a prescription or steer clear of them. Itâs not worth the risk to your vision.â Costume Contact Lens Safety Guidelines To safely wear decorative contact lenses this Halloween or any time of year, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following these guidelines: Only buy decorative contact lenses from retailers who require a prescription and sell FDA-approved products. If you donât already have a contact lens prescription, obtain a valid prescription and schedule an eye exam at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons to see one of our Doctors. Even for those with perfect vision need to get examined and fitted for the right size contacts by an eye health professional. Ill-fitting lenses can scratch the surface of the eye, creating an opening for infection. Redness, swelling, excessive discharge, pain or discomfort can signal eye infection. If you have these symptoms, immediately see an ophthalmologist. Eye infections can cause blindness if left untreated. For more information on costume contact lenses click here! [1] Scanning Electron Microscopy Findings with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Investigations of Cosmetically Tinted Contact Lenses, Eye & Contact Lens, Sept. 2015
October is Eye Injury Prevention Month
October is Eye Injury Prevention Month! You might think that the family home is a fairly unthreatening setting. And responses to a recent public survey commissioned by the American Academy of Ophthalmology show that people generally agree. Less than half of survey respondents mentioned the home â especially the yard or garage â as the most common site of serious eye injury. Only 35 percent of those surveyed always wear protective eyewear when doing home repair or projects. However, medical statistics tell a different story: nearly half of all eye injuries each year occur in and around the home, and home-based injuries are increasing each year. This alarming trend is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma now recommend that every household have at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear for use during projects and activities that may present risk of injury. (ANSI-approved protective eyewear is manufactured to meet the American National Standards Institute eye protection standard.) Here are some common places for eye injuries to occur: In the house: Using hazardous products and chemicals, such as oven cleaner and bleach for cleaning and other chores (accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year) Cooking foods that can splatter hot grease or oil Opening champagne bottles during a celebration Drilling or hammering screws or nails into walls or hard surfaces like brick or cement; the screws or nails can become projectiles or fragments can come off the surface Using hot objects such as curling irons around the face; inadvertent contact with the userâs eyes can cause serious injury Loose rugs and railings or other hazards that could cause falls or slips In the yard: Mowing the lawn Using a power trimmer or edger Clipping hedges and bushes In the garage or workshop: Using tools (power or hand) Working with solvents or other chemicals Any task that can produce fragments, dust particles or other eye irritants Securing equipment or loads with bungee cords For more eye-healthy tips, visit geteyesmart.org. This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmartÂź program (www.geteyesmart.org).