The American Diabetes Association says that diabetics are 40 percent more at risk to suffer from glaucoma than those without diabetes. The longer a person has diabetes also means glaucoma is more prevalent. Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye. In most cases, the pressure causes drainage of the aqueous humor to slow down so that it builds up in the anterior chamber. The pressure pinches the blood vessels that carry blood to the retina and optic nerve. Vision is gradually lost because the retina and nerve are damaged. There are several treatments for glaucoma. The surgeons at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons can perform a screening test to help determine your risk factor to prevent vision loss: https://www.scottsdaleeye.comour-services/eye-diseases-treatments/
7 Myths About Sunglasses
Seven myths about sunglasses that could damage your vision American Academy of Ophthalmology News|July 24, 2020 Did you know that too much sun on unprotected eyes increases the risk of eye disease? The good news is that prevention is simple: Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. But there are a lot of common myths about sunglasses and eye health. Thatās why the American Academy of Ophthalmology is working to debunk the myths and offer tips to promote smart eye health choices. Myth #1: Sunglasses are only for sunny days. False. UV light gets through clouds and haze. Regardless of the season, sun exposure can increase the risk of developing cataracts, growths on the eye and cancer. Sun reflecting off ice and snow can also lead to photokeratitis, a painful eye condition sometimes referred to as snow blindness. Myth #2: Babies and children donāt need to wear sunglasses. False. Children are just as susceptible to the sunās harmful rays as adults. Start them on healthy habits early. Myth #3: Cheap sunglasses donāt offer protection. False. Sunglasses donāt have to cost a lot of money to provide adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as more expensive options. Labels can sometimes be confusing. Some indicate sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from UVA/UVB radiation, others offer 100 percent UV 400 protection. Both block 100 percent of the sunās harmful radiation. Myth #4: Size doesnāt matter. False. The more coverage sunglasses provide, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider oversized sunglasses or wraparound-style glasses, which can help cut down on UV light entering the eye from the side. Wraparound glasses may also protect against dry eye due to the wind. Myth #5: Polarized lenses offer more protection from the sun. False. Polarized lenses do not block more radiation; however, they can cut down on glare reflecting off cars, water or pavement, which can make activities such as driving or boating more enjoyable. Myth #6: Darker lenses offer more protection from the sun. False. The darkness of the lens isnāt indicative of protection. Make sure the label on the lens says 100% UV-blocking. Myth #7: Tinted lenses offer more protection from the sun. False. Amber, green and grey lenses do not block more of the sunās harmful rays. However, tinted lenses do offer increased contrast for those who play sports, making a softball or a golf ball easier to see. āYour eyes need protection from the sunās damaging ultraviolet rays just like your skin,ā said Dianna Seldomridge, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. āSunglasses are your prescription for eye health. They are effective, inexpensive, and provide protection year-round.ā Stop by our optical boutique and try and on tons of designer shades!
4 Important Back to School Vision Tips
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 4 Important Back to School Vision Tips Back to school time is here, and the scramble to get everything done has begun. But have you remembered to make an appointment for your childās eye exam? Donāt worry you are not alone and we are here to help! Ophthalmologists remind busy parents during back to school season not to neglect one of the most important learning tools: their childrenās eyes!! Good vision and overall eye health are vital to learning!
Three Things Patients Should Know About Cataracts
Three Things Patients Should Know About Cataracts Approximately 25 million Americans have cataracts, which causes cloudy, blurry or dim vision and often develops with advancing age. Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons, PC joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in raising awareness of Cataract by sharing three things everyone should know about the condition and its treatment. As everyone grows older, the lenses of their eyes thicken and become cloudier. Eventually, they may find it more difficult to read street signs, colors may seem dull and their vision may seem overall dim an blurry. These symptoms may be an indicator for cataracts, which affect about 70 percent of people by age 75. Fortunately, cataracts can be treated with surgery. Cataract surgery is very popular and Ophthalmologists perform around three million cataract surgeries each year to restore vision to their patients. Get an idea of what someone with cataracts might experience with this cataract vision simulator. Check out these 3 facts about cataracts. Age isnāt the only risk factor for cataracts. Though most everyone will develop cataracts with age, recent studies show that lifestyle and behavior can influence when and how severely you develop cataracts. Diabetes, extensive exposure to sunlight, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and certain ethnicities have all been linked to increased risk of cataracts. Eye injuries, prior eye surgery and long-term use of steroid medication can also result in cataracts. If you have any of these or other risk factors, talk to an ophthalmologist. Cataracts cannot be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and brimmed hats when outside can help. Several studies suggest that eating more vitamin C-rich foods may delay how fast cataracts form. Also, avoid smoking cigarettes, which have been shown to increase the risk of cataract development. Surgery may help improve more than just your vision. During the procedure, the natural clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, which should improve your vision significantly. Patients have a variety of lenses to choose from, each with different benefits. Studies have shown that cataract surgery can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of falling. If cataracts are interfering with your ability to see well, consider asking your ophthalmologist about cataract surgery. A life-changing surgery At age 49, Michael’s vision had become so impaired by cataracts that he couldnāt distinguish shapes or colors without his glasses on, even if objects were right in front of him. His ophthalmologist recommended cataract surgery. āHaving the surgery was life-changing,ā said Sargent, who lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. āI can see everything from the time on my alarm clock to a birdās nest in a tree hundreds of feet away without glasses. Itās the most amazing experience Iāve ever had.ā What our patients our saying: You are more than a great eye doctor and surgeon – you are a “Miracle Man”. Ā I can see so much better in my left eye after your “cold laser” treatment to clean the lens. Ā Thank you! Ā I appreciate you! – Richard I am ecstatic with my cataract surgery results! I can’t believe how well I see! – Rhonda To learn more about cataracts and the treatment available click hereĀ Ā Ā Call you office at 480-994-1872 to make an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your options!
Low Risk of COVID-19 Transmission Through Tears, Researchers Find
We are all aware of the potential dangers that COVID-19 presents and the steps we must take to keep ourselves safe. Wearing masks and additional sanitation measures are the new normal and as we continue to navigate this disease new studies are being conducted. Amongst one of the newest studies conducted, helped to identify the transmission of COVID-19 through tears.
7 Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Computers, Digital Devices, and Eye Strain Eye Strain If you spend hours a day staring at a screen, there are different symptoms you can experience of digital eye strain including: blurry vision, achy or tired eyes, dry eyes, and may even sting or tear. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to help relieve eye strain.
Can Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery be Beneficial?
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery vs. Traditional Cataract Surgery When you find out you have cataracts, it can be unsettling and scary!
Macular Degeneration: Using Amsler Grid
February is Age Related Macular Degeneration Awareness month so lets take a look at how to use the Amsler Grid at home to monitor your vision. The Amsler Grid is a tool used by eye doctors to detect vision problems that are caused by damage to the macular which is the central part of the retina. Ā You need the macula to clearly see details right in front of you like text or faces. Damage of the Macula can be caused by Macular Degeneration or other eye diseases. For more info on Macular Degeneration click here!
Most Diabetics Skip Annual Sight-Saving Exams
People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing serious eye diseases, yet most people skip out on their annual eye exams, according to a large study. This is especially timely as Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons joins the Academy in reiterating the importance of eye exams during the month of November, which is observed as Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Researchers at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia have found that more than half of patients with the disease skip these important eye exams.
5 Dangerous Risks of Costume Contact Lenses!
Ophthalmologists Warn of Five Frightening Risks of Wearing Costume Contact Lenses Without a Prescription Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons, along with the American Academy of Ophthalmology share patient stories, urge Halloween revelers to avoid over-the-counter costume contact lenses Ā Zombie or devil costume contact lenses may elevate a Halloween costumeās fright factor, but wearing them without a prescription could result in something far more terrifying ā blindness. Scottsdale Eye Physicians and surgeons joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in urging Halloween shoppers to understand the risks of wearing over-the-counter contact lenses.