- ArthritisDry eyes are also associated with certain systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren’s Syndrome (a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).
- Primary CareAs a final point, it is crucial that the distinction be made when comparing a simple vision screening and a comprehensive eye examination. Some people assume that by having a nurse practitioner or primary care doctor carry out a vision screening they are maintaining a sufficient grade of eye care. What they do not know, however, is the fact that the vision screening may only consist of the reading of letters off an eye chart which vary in size. After looking at the several other types of procedures and inspections that have been examined above, any person will grasp that the vision screening does not consider the other various health issues and afflictions that you may be suffering from. Therefore, by having a full eye exam carried out on an annual schedule, you can make certain that your eyes continue to be maintained healthfully.
- Emergency CareIt’s not always necessary to go to an emergency room for eye emergencies. Studies have shown that the overwhelming majority of people who sought urgent eye care at an emergency room could have been treated by an optometrist.
- GlaucomaA recent eye care study points to a possible connection between carbs and preventing glaucoma. 30 Second review. Recently, an eye doctor at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) conducted a unique research study exploring the potential link between long-term dietary changes and preventing primary open...
- Macular DegenerationMacular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the portion of the eye responsible for processing fine detail and providing sharp central vision (called the macula).
- Laser Eye SurgeryLASEK (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a relatively new procedure that combines the benefits of LASIK and PRK. LASEK is a refractive surgery technique developed by Italian doctor, Massimo Camellin, MD and first publicized in 1999. The motivation behind LASEK was to find a surface ablation technique like PRK that induced less discomfort, offers a lower incidence of corneal haze, and provides the patient with faster vision recovery
- CataractsCataracts is a disease of the eye that results in the clouding of the lens of the eyeball. Cataracts prevent clear images from appearing on the eye’s retina; causing mild, moderate, even severe blurred vision. Watch a short video about cataracts now.
- Cataract SurgeryTypically an eye disorder associated with aging (over half of the people in America over age 80 have either had a cataract or cataract surgery ), cataracts generally occur later in life as the lens structure within the human eye changes and gets older.
- Eye ExamAre a leading provider of eye care and vision services. Healthy Eyes for Life utilizes the latest and most advanced ophthalmic technology in the eye care industry to provide its patients a state of the art eye exam experience.
- Multiple SclerosisThe optic nerve connects the eye directly to the brain and is to some extent an extension of the central nervous system. Swelling or inflammation of the optic nerve can therefore be viewed as an early sign of multiple sclerosis. Although this kind of swelling can also indicate a number of other ailments or even a viral infection or vitamin deficiency, about 20% of people with multiple sclerosis first experienced swelling of the optic nerve.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyOne of the main risks of diabetes is a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which is associated with consistently elevated blood sugar levels, and can result in damage to the blood vessels and leakage of fluid onto the retina and macula. This can lead to significant vision loss, including blindness: Timely detection and treatment, combined with a healthy lifestyle and diet, can help minimize the impact of both diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.
- UltrasoundAn Optical Coherence Tomography scan (commonly referred to as an OCT scan) is the latest advancement in imaging technology. Similar to ultrasound, this diagnostic technique employs light rather than sound waves to achieve higher resolution pictures of the structural layers of the back of the eye.
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyA scanning laser used to analyze the layers of the retina and optic nerve for any signs of eye disease, similar to an CT scan of the eye. It works using light without radiation, and is essential for early diagnosis of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinal disease.
- BlepharoplastyDry eye syndrome is more common in women, possibly due to hormone fluctuations. Recent research suggests that smoking, too, can increase your risk of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye has also been associated with incomplete lid closure following blepharoplasty – a popular cosmetic surgery to eliminate droopy eyelids.
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Skin CancerWe cannot stress this enough…YES! You know how the sun’s UV rays can harm your skin-wrinkles; premature aging and skin cancer are some of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure. The same rays that age and damage your skin can and will hurt your eyes as well. Strong sunlight, and artificial light from sources like welding arcs or tanning lamps can burn the surface of the eye, much like sunburn on the skin. Reflected sunlight (from the water, for example) is particularly dangerous. There is also evidence that exposure to UV light can contribute to the development of eye diseases that commonly occur as we age, such as cataract and macular degeneration. Visible Light Visible light is the part of the sun’s energy that you can see. It is made up of a spectrum of colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The eye is not equally sensitive to all of these colors. It is most sensitive to yellows and greens which it can see the best. The eye is less sensitive to reds and blues.Different Ultraviolet Rays Ultraviolet rays have shorter wavelengths and more energy than visible light rays. They can have a harmful effect on the eyes immediately or cumulatively from regular exposure over a number of years. The industry has set standards for how much UV may be transmitted (passed) by types of sunglasses. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest at high altitudes, low latitudes, and in open or reflective environments (like sand, snow, or water). They are also strongest at midday. Scientists divide UV rays into three bands according to wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA-short wave UVA rays have been shown to penetrate the under layers of the skin, causing damage and contributing to the skin’s aging and cataracts. Therefore, it is certainly wise to require protection from them in sunglasses. UVB-long wave UVB rays, the sunburn rays, are the ones that cause the most concern. They can cause keratitis, which is similar to sunburn on the eye, and also have been linked to the development of cataracts. UVC UVC rays are the shortest, the most energetic, and may be the most harmful. Fortunately, they are blocked in the upper atmosphere and never reach the earth. If sunglasses protect against UVB, we can assume they protect against any possible exposure to UVC.