Eye Health Tips for High School and College Students Students face special challenges to the eyes when they are under academic performance pressure. Lack of sleep, prolonged computer use and long hours studying make for tired eyes that are dry, scratchy and achy. Prolonged computer use contributes to eye fatigue because you blink less frequently. Less blinking significantly reduces lubrication in the eye making it feel tired, scratchy and âdryâ as a result. Also eyes are not designed for prolonged focus on a single object, such as the computer. Remedy: place a note on the computer screen as a reminder to blink and to look away from the screen and focus on objects in the distance. Looking out a window (20 â 20 â 20 rule: for every 20 minutes of computer work, look away for 20 seconds, and focus on a scene or object at least 20 feet away) is a good break for the eyes. The key is to give your eyes a rest. âDry eyeâ is a common feeling from not giving your eyes enough rest while some people just naturally do not produce enough tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. Some common symptoms of dry eye are stinging and burning to the eyes, scratchiness, excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind and excessive tearing. Remedy: If you have occasional symptoms of dry eye, you should try eye drops called artificial tears. These are similar to your own tears and help lubricate the eyes and maintain moisture. For persistent âdry eye,â see your Eye MD. For more information about contact lenses and proper contact care guidelines please visit http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/glasses-contacts-lasik/contact-lens.cfm. This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmartÂŽ program (www.geteyesmart.org).
4 Simple Contact Lens Tips for Teens
Contact Lens 101: a Back-to-School Must for Teens Studying up on proper contact lens care can prevent serious eye infections Many children and teenagers start wearing contact lenses in junior high or high school. However, young people are notoriously poor at caring for their contact lenses, creating a potential gateway for serious eye infections that can cause impaired vision or even blindness. Contact lenses have been implicated in nearly 25 percent of childrenâs emergency room visits related to medical devices. Research has shown that poor contact lens care practices by teens and young people raise their risk of eye conditions such as infectious keratitis and corneal ulcers. In the most severe cases, they may require corneal transplants to restore sight. To help prevent contact lens related eye infections in young people, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons are providing tips for teens and their parents this August in recognition of Back to School Eye Health Month. âIâve seen plenty of young people who misuse contact lenses and end up with serious eye infections that are largely preventable with good hygiene and diligence,â said Thomas Steinemann, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. âParents can help protect their childrenâs vision â and their future â by sharing the potential consequences of not caring for their contact lenses the right way, and reinforcing good contact lens habits early on.â Fortunately, many eye infections can be prevented by following simple contact lens care guidelines. Even so, experts say there are lesser known safety tips that teens with contact lenses should follow to avoid eye infections. Four Contact Lens Tips Every Parent Should Share with Their Teens 1. New quarter, new case â Replacing your contact lens case every three months will help keep germs at bay. To make it easy to remember, swap out your case at the beginning of each quarter. A study from the journal Ophthalmology showed that waiting to replace lens cases after 6 months increases the risk of eye infection by nearly 5.5 times. 2. Just say no to H20 â You may be captain of the swim team, but you shouldnât swim, shower or go in a hot tub wearing lenses. Water from the tap might be clean enough to drink or bathe in, but itâs still home to the parasite Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe eye infections resulting in vision loss. For the same reasons, do not use water to rinse or soak contact lenses or cases. 3. You snooze, you lose â Never sleep in your contact lenses. The same Ophthalmology study also found that even occasionally sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of moderate to severe eye infection by 6.5 times. Unfortunately, a recent poll of nearly 100,000 people by BuzzFeed found that about 70 percent of respondents occasionally or regularly sleep in their contact lenses. 4. Itâs too late if you wait â Symptoms of eye infections include redness, pain and light sensitivity, and should be examined by an ophthalmologist immediately. Waiting to get examined or treated could lead to vision loss. Make your childâs eye health a priority and share with them these helpful tips on contact lens care. Also, donât forget to get your kids in for regular eye exams! Call 480-994-1872 to make your appointment today! For more information about contact lenses and proper contact care guidelines please visit http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/glasses-contacts-lasik/contact-lens.cfm. This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmartÂŽ program (www.geteyesmart.org). References: Emergency Department Visits for Medical Device-Associated Adverse Events Among Children, Pediatrics, 2010 Risk factors for moderate to severe microbial keratitis in daily wear contact lens wearers, Ophthalmology, Aug. 2012 Clinical characteristics of Acanthamoeba keratitis infections in 28 states, 2008 to 2011. Cornea, Feb. 2014 11 Gross Contact Lens Habits You Should Stop Doing Right Away Please, Buzzfeed.com
Find out why the Zeiss i.Profiler is a leader in eye exam Technology
At Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we strive to offer the best vision possible for our patients! With our new technology, the Zeiss i.Profiler and i.Scription, we can make that a reality. We now offer state-of-the-art eye exams with the i.Profiler. The first instrument based on innovative wavefront technology that precisely measures the vision profile of the eyes.  Because over 70% of our patients are suitable for the i.Profiler, it represents one of the most exciting developments in vision correction in the last decade. For over 150 years eye doctors have used a machine known as a phoropter to generate glasses prescriptions.  The phoropter only checks for three optical aberrations: nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The new Zeiss technology checks for those three, plus six other higher-order aberrations. This is done all without the patient having to answer the question, âwhich is better, one or two.â Patients being measured with the i.Profiler is the starting point for i.Scription technology. In less than one minute, this unique instrument measures more than 2500 reference points in your eyes.  The i.Scription provides a highly detailed analysis of your vision profile.  This detailed analysis allows your eye care physician to find your exact prescription. This prescription is then used to create Zeiss customized lenses.  These lenses will have a more exact match than any other lenses. You will quickly begin to appreciate the benefits of i.Scription lenses when you discover how much better you can see.  You will see colors more brilliantly and night vision will appear to have  fewer reflections or halos.  This makes for better overall vision. An added benefit of the Zeiss i.Profiler is that we can often obtain an accurate eyeglass prescription on a patient who is incapable of understanding directions during a traditional refraction.  These technology is very effective for patients who may have suffered a stroke victim, or patients with Alzheimerâs or dementia. Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons is one of the few practices in the state that offers Zeiss i.Profiler technology.  Next time you are in for an eye exam ask about the i.Profiler. To schedule an eye exam call our office at 480 994-1872 or schedule online!
Are You Protecting Your Eyes From the Sun?
Are you protecting your eyes from the sun? We all know that we need to wear sunglasses when we are outside, but did you know that your eyes can become sunburnt like your skin, or that wearing sunglasses with only tint can be harming your eyes more than not wearing them at all? For most of us sitting outside in the sun sounds like a great afternoon but the suns Ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful if the proper precautions are not taken. UV radiation is a component of solar radiation, but it can also be given off by artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers. We all know that UV rays can be dangerous to our skin if we donât wear sunscreen, but many may not realize that exposure to UV radiation can harm. There are three types of UV radiation: UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat; UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse long- and short-term effects on the eyes and vision. If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis. Photokeratitis, sunburn to the eyes, may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent eye damage. The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing later in life such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration. Since it is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, the AOA recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection. It is recommended that sunglasses block 99% to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Wearing sunglasses that only provide tint can actually be harming your eyes. The tinted lenses cause your eyes to slightly dilate, which allows for more UV rays to enter the retina and potentially cause damage. If you are unsure if your sunglasses are offering UV protection stop in to our Optical Boutique and we will check your shades for free! Be sure to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with one of our Doctors if you have not been seen in the last few years. It is a good way to monitor your eye health, maintain good vision and keep track of your solar radiation protection needs as well as new advances in eye protection. Call 480.994.1872 to make your appointment! UV Radiation Checklist If you can answer âyesâ to one or more of the following questions, you could be at higher risk for harm to the eyes from UV radiation: Do you spend a great deal of time outdoors? Do you spend time skiing, mountain climbing or at the beach? Do you use a sunlamp or tanning parlor? Do you live in the mountains or the United States Sunbelt? Are you a welder, medical technologist or do you work in the graphic arts or in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards? Do you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can increase your sensitivity to UV radiation (check with your optometrist, pharmacist, or physician)? Have you had cataract surgery in one or both eyes?
Dr. Bill is Retiring From Scottsdale Eye!
Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons announces the retirement of Dr. William R. Kilpatrick, MD at the end of March 2015. Dr. Bill has been serving patients at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons since 1977 when he joined his father, WRJ Kilpatrick, MD, at the family practice. After 38 years, Dr. Bill has made lasting relationships with his patients and helped shape Scottsdale Eye to be one of the top practices in the state. As Dr. Bill steps out, Dennis L. Kilpatrick, MD, his younger brother, will continue to lead the valley in providing exceptional eye care services. Dr. Dennis joined Scottsdale Eye in 1985 to also carry on the families traditions. The Kilpatrick Family has been dedicated to improving patients’ vision and comfort since the doors opened in 1972. Dr. Bill is looking forward to taking some time to travel with his wife of 49 years, and to enjoy more time with friends and family. Dr. Bill has been a major part in the success of Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons. We wish him the best of luck with his new adventure in life! Thank you for your time and dedication to taking care of our Valleyâs vision!
7 Tips to Help Save Your Vision!
March is the National Save Your Vision Month and at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons it is our mission to provide our patients with the best eye care services! Here are a few tips from our Ophthalmologist, Dennis Kilpatrick or our Medical Optometrist, Dr. Candria Meharry, for a lifetime of healthy vision! Â Having your eyes examined regularly is important to make sure your vision is in tiptop shape but itâs also important to prevent any damaging eye diseases. Not everyone needs to get in for a yearly exam, frequency depends on age, family history or other conditions. Contact us today to schedule an exam! Before you grab your sunglasses make sure you are wearing shades that have UV protection. If you think that UV protection is just the tint then think again, the UV coating that protects from the sun is actually clear. Tinted sunglasses without UV protection could be harming your eyes as your eyes slightly dilate due to the tint and allow the UV Rays to enter more easily. If you donât know if your sunglasses have UV protection drop into Scottsdale Eye Optical Boutique and we will gladly check your lenses for you free of charge. Whether youâre outside gardening, working on the car or playing a quick game of tennis it is very important to wear glasses or goggles. Without the proper protection, your eyes are susceptible to harmful debris or objects that could have damaging effects. Your diet can be playing a big part in your eye health! Make sure to eat lots of leafy greens, Omega 3âs and Vitamin C. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with lutein, zeaxanthin and antioxidants that, studies show, lower the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Fish, like tuna and salmon, are rich in Omega 3âs and berries that are loaded with Vitamin C have also been shown to reduce the risk of eye diseases. If you wear contacts lenses itâs very important to keep them clean! Make sure to soak them in clean contact solution each day and clean them before putting them in your eyes! Dirty lenses can bring unwanted bacteria into the eye! If you have any questions about contact lenses, please call our office to make an appointment with our contact lens specialist, Dr. Candria Meharry. If you work on a computer, which today is just about everyone, take a break! Every 20 minutes look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will give your eyes a rest and prevent digital eye strain! Â When we concentrate on the computer screen we donât blink as often, so apply frequent lubricating eye drops if your eyes feel dry. Address things early! If you feel anything is out of the ordinary, like a change in your vision, a bump on your eyelid or eye pain make an appointment immediately! Waiting just a few extra days or a week can cause irreversible damages! If you have not been seen by an eye doctor in a few years itâs time to make an appointment! Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons has been serving the valley for over 40 years and is committed to providing improved vision and comfort! Call 480-994-1872 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Kilpatrick or Dr. Candria Meharry.
Immediacy and Affordability with In-House Ophthalmology Pharmacy
We pride ourselves on delivering accurate diagnoses, offering effective treatment options and proving on-going care to keep your eyes healthy. For over 40 years, weâve stood by our mission to provide exceptional care with state-of-the-art services and friendly, dedicated professionals. Itâs because of our strong conviction to high standards that we first implemented an in-house pharmacy. In fact, we are one of the few ophthalmologists in Scottsdale to be able to provide our patients with highly specialized, immediate and affordable medications. Benefits of an In-House Pharmacy Yes, you could always have the prescription sent over to your local pharmacist and in most situations that local pharmacist can fill what you need and explain itâs uses. However, in those situations when medications must be ordered or are increasingly more expensive at your local pharmacist, turn to our in-house pharmacy.
From Gaming to Golf, Specialty Eyeglasses Make Great Holiday Gifts
Happy Holidays from your friends at Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons. Hopefully you have all of your holiday shopping completed and are ready to enjoy the splendor of the holiday season. However, if youâre running around in search of some last minute gift ideas that will impress and amaze, consider the specialty, non-prescription eyeglasses that we offer at our Optical Boutique. Whether your loved ones love to hit the green, hit the court, or hit the PlayStation, weâve got the perfect items to improve their game on all levels.
Know Your Eyeglass Lenses â A Breakdown of Lens Types
The world of eyeglass lenses can be complicated and overwhelming to a newcomer. Fortunately, you can always turn to Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons for high-quality eye care, the latest technology and the most knowledgeable physicians and staff to keep you looking fashionable while maintaining precise vision and comfort. In our office, at Scottsdale Optical Boutique you will find a variety of lens types, frames and materials, including designer brands and cutting-edge lens technology.
Better Supplements for Better Eye Health
At Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons we take eye care far beyond cutting edge technology and the latest surgical procedures. While those details set us apart from other ophthalmologist offices in Scottsdale and around the valley, itâs our dedication to delivering the highest quality vision and overall comfort â our experienced and compassionate staff â that truly sets us apart. With over 40 years of experience in this health field, we are still learning and progressing based on every patient and every unique experience. And through our experience on a personal level as well as professional level, we now offer Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals (PRN), nutritional supplements that we have seen greatly benefit the vision health of our patients.