Contact lens wearers need to step up to the plate when it comes to contact lens hygiene!  A Study done by the The CDC found 99% of contact lens wearers reported at least one bad habit and a third of them had eye pain or symptoms!  These numbers are through the roof! When it comes to contact lens hygiene we were all taught the basics like changing out our contact case every 3 months, not sleeping in them, and taking them out before we hit the pool, but do we actually take care of our lenses like we should?
Femtosecond Laser: Watch as Dr. Kilpatrick demonstrates how it works
Cataract Surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed with over 3.8 million procedures annually just in the United States alone. What are Cataracts? Cataracts occur naturally as the eyes age and a build up of protein causes a clouding of the eyeâs lens. 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. Traditionally Cataract Surgery is performed manually using a small incision to remove the old cloudy lens. With the advancement of technology Cataract Surgery can now be done with lasers like the Femtosecond. Femtosecond Laser Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery was approved by the FDA in 2010 and has gained popularity in the last 10 years. The Femtosecond laser allows the surgeon more precision when making an incision in the eye and removing the lens. The lens is gently broken down using ultrasound energy. Laser-assisted cataract surgery can be done in approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Most patients are able to recover very quickly and are back to normal activities within 24 hours. One of the big questions is “Am I a good candidate for laser-assisted cataract surgery?” Most people are great candidates for laser-assisted cataract surgery. Having previous eye surges like Lasik or PRK do not affect your ability to have cataract surgery using the Femtosecond Laser. Scottsdale Eye Physicians is a leading Ophthalmologist in the valley when it comes to advancements in Cataract Technology. We are one of very few practices to use laser-assistance for cataract surgery. We are continually striving to be at the forefront of technology. Scottsdale Eye has been serving the valley for over 40 years and is a leader in eye care. For more info on the Femtosecond Laser click here and click here to read an article from the American Academy of Ophthalmology on how the Femtosecond laser minimizes in wound healing. Call our front office at 480-994-1872 to schedule a cataract consultation. Click here to watch Dr. Dennis perform femtosecond laser cataract surgery.
Save Your Vision With These 5 Easy Steps
5 Steps to Lower Your Risk of Eye Disease  By age 65, one in three Americans will have a vision-impairing eye disease. Many sight-robbing conditions can be effectively treated if detected early enough, in many cases limiting or eliminating the damage to eyesight. During the month of May, Scottsdale Eye Phycians & Surgoens, PC joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in sharing valuable information about how to take care of your vision. Four eye diseases â age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts â account for most cases of adult blindness and low vision among people in developed countries. Because these eye diseases cause no pain and often have no early symptoms, they do not automatically prompt people to seek medical care. But a thorough checkup by an ophthalmologist can detect them in their earliest stages. Early treatment is vital because it can slow or halt disease progression or, in the case of cataracts, restore normal vision with Cataract surgery. A thorough eye exam can also detect other health conditions, such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and some cancers. Itâs not uncommon for a trip to the ophthalmologist to actually save a life. The Academyâs global community of 33,000 physicians urges you to follow these five simple steps to take control of your eye health today: Get a comprehensive medical eye exam at age 40. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at this age. An exam by an ophthalmologist is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages. 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 this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your ophthalmologist evaluate your risk. Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold water fish. Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye. Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataract, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer. Always wear a hat and sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection while outdoors. âAn eye exam doesnât just check how well you can see, it evaluates the overall health of your eyes,â said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. âThe Academy encourages everyone, particularly if youâre over age 40, to get regular eye care. By making vision a priority, we can help protect our sight as we age.â Make an appointment today for a Comprehensive Eye Exam, it could be live saving! To make an appointment call 480-994-1872 or click here to schedule online! To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmologyâs EyeSmartÂŽÂ website.
Vitamins For Your Eyes? Experts Say Yes!
Did you know that you can protect your eyesight just by eating healthy foods? Â A recent study found that foods rich in vitamin D and omega-3’s can significantly protect against Age Related Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 65. This study showed, women in particular who frequently consumed foods high in omega-3 were at a much lower risk against developing age-related macular degeneration. At Scottsdale Eye Physicians we recommend eating a healthy diet rich in foods high in Omega-3’s and Vitamin D, we also recommend taking the the Vitamins. Â There are vitamins specially formulated for Macular Health by PRN. Â For more information on their products visit their website at www.prnomegahealth.com. Another study that was conducted and posted to the AAO.org website, said that women who had a high intake of vitamin D from either food or supplements reduced their chances of developing age-related macular degeneration by as high as 59 percent. On-going clinical trials are still being done to determine the exact amount of vitamin D or omega-3 that needs to be consumed. In the meantime, experts say that stopping smoking can reduce chances almost immediately. Vitamins and foods rich in omega-3’s and vitamin D have been shown to make a huge impact of preventing Macular Degeneration. If you have any questions about Macular Degeneration or to make an appointment to speak to one of our Doctors give us a call at 480-994-1872! Learn more: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/living/fish-and-vitamin-d-rich-foods.cfm
Why Are My Eyes Itchy and Dry?
Do you ever feel like all the moisture from your eyes has disappeared and left your eyes feeling uncomfortable, malnourished, or even painful? Many peopleâs first instincts may be allergies, but another likely possibility is dry eye. Dry eye, an affliction where the eyes do not produce enough or good quality tears to lubricate the eyes, is very common and can be quite irritating. Keep reading to find out if your symptoms are similar to those of dry eye and how you can seek treatment.
Most Americans Unaware of One of the Leading Causes of Blindness
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 Degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness among seniors, affecting approximately 2.1 million people nationwide[1]. By 2050, it is expected that the number will more than double to 5.4 million[2]. People may be putting themselves at unnecessary risk of vision loss by neglecting to have sight-saving eye exams. Throughout February, Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in emphasizing AMD awareness and encouraging those who are most at risk to ensure the health of their eyes by getting an eye exam from an ophthalmologist â a physician who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and conditions.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams and Screenings
As Scottsdale ophthalmologists, we urge our patients to have regular eye exams to maintain healthy vision. But do you truly understand the importance of regular eye exams? From 6 months old through your final years, every age, every race, and every gender needs to maintain regular eye exams. Why Do I Need Eye Exams? Even if you have no family history and have seemingly perfect vision, eye exams are still a necessity to evaluate your eyes for a variety of conditions, many of which are not hereditary. Children should have their vision checked at 6 months, 3 years and before first grade. Adults should see an eye doctor every 2 – 3 years. Seniors over the age of 60 should visit their eye doctor every 1 – 2 years. If you have diabetes or a family history of eye conditions, your eye doctor might recommend more frequent exams.
Healthy Aging: Are you taking care of your vision?
Ophthalmologists Encourage Making Your Eyes Part of a Healthy Aging Strategy According to a national survey released by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly two out of three American adults report having eye or vision problems. A significant percentage of them, however, fail to seek medical attention in the form of regular, sight-saving eye exams. In observance of Healthy Aging Month in September, the Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in emphasizing the importance of having regular eye exams to maintain healthy eyes and vision. Some of the more common age-related eye diseases include age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can help to save sight before vision loss occurs [i]. Ophthalmologists â the physicians that specialize in medical and surgical eye care â recommend a dilated comprehensive eye exam as the best way to prevent these conditions from becoming debilitating. U.S. Adults Do Not Get Eye Exams as Often as Recommended The survey results emphasize a need for more education about the importance of medical eye exams. Findings showed that 64 percent of adults had at least one or more of the following issues with their eyes or vision: difficulty seeing at night blurry vision reading up close flashes of light red, watery eyes double vision Despite experiencing some level of impairment, only 13 percent admitted they had been seen by an ophthalmologist. How Often Do Adults Need Eye Exams? The Academy recommends that a healthy adult get a baseline eye exam at age 40, even if they have no history of eye problems or eye disease. Those who have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may require more frequent exams. Your vision is your most valuable asset so donât wait, call 480-994-1872 or click here to make an appointment! [i] https://nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/aging_eye SaveSave
Did You Know? Vision Problems are Common in Children with Hearing Loss
Did You Know?? Vision Problems are Common in Children with Hearing Loss About one-fifth of children who have a particular type of hearing loss also have visual disorders, according to a recent study. An estimated one to three children per 1,000 has some degree of sensorineural hearing loss, which occurs as a result of abnormalities in the inner ear or in the auditory center of the brain. Half of all cases in children result from environmental causes and half from genetic causes; one gene accounts for a large proportion of sensorineural hearing loss cases in Caucasian patients. Because children with hearing loss rely heavily on their other senses, undiscovered visual problems could have further harmful effects on their development. Eye examinations for all children with sensorineural hearing loss can lead to early diagnosis and to help minimize visual problems. If your child suffers from hearing loss call us today and make an appointment for an eye exam! This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart⢠campaign (www.geteyesmart.org).
Studies Show Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men
Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men American Academy of Ophthalmology urges women to make eye health a top priority  Studies show there is a gender gap in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from blindness and conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma.1 In support of Healthy Vision Month, Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology remind women to make vision a top priority. Women make up 65 percent of AMD cases; 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract patients are women, and 66 percent of blind patients (blindness) are women.2 Why the inequity? There are a few theories. On average women live longer and many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Social and economic factors affect womenâs access to eye care, especially in developing countries. Whatever the cause, there are a few unique vision problems women need to watch out for more than men. Dry eye occurs at double the rate in postmenopausal women.3 In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, SjĂśgrenâs syndrome and hyperthyroiditis. Also, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to the hormones pregnant women experience. Good news is most vision loss is preventable. The Academy offers five simple steps to take control of your eye health today: Get a comprehensive medical eye exam at age 40. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at this age. An exam by an ophthalmologist â a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care â is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages. 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 this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your ophthalmologist evaluate your risk. Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold water fish. Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye. Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataract, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer. Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection and a hat while enjoying time outdoors. âEye exams arenât only about checking a person’s visual acuity or sharpness, but also determining the overall health of their eyes,â said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. âWe encourage women as well as men to get regular eye care. By making vision a priority today, we can help protect our sight as we age.â To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmologyâs EyeSmartÂŽÂ website.  Have you had your eyes examind in the last few years? If not call and make your appointment Today, 480-994-1872 or make an appointment online, click here!  National Eye Institute National Eye Institute 3. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Aug;136