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New Laser Surgery Promises To Make Brown Eyes Blue

Eye_colo_brown_blueWhen Crystal Gayle sang, “Don’t it Make Your Brown Eyes Blue,” she was lamenting a relationship gone south. Now, almost 35 years later, the song title can be used to describe a new form of laser surgery that permanently transforms one’s brown or hazel eyes blue.

“I’m incredibly excited about it,” Gregg Homer, Ph.D., chairman of the board and chief medical officer of the Stroma Medical told MSNBC. “I have light eyes, and I think brown eyes are just as beautiful as blue eyes. But I started doing this because I thought it was a cool technology, and I thought it would be nice for people to have a choice … ”

The laser procedure disrupts the brown layer of pigment in the iris, causing the body to initiate a natural tissue-removal process. The procedure is then repeated on the other eye. A small ring around the edge of the pupil remains untreated, as the laser does not enter the pupil for safety reasons.

Because the Stroma laser treats the iris alone, the company says it should have no effect on vision, and thus far, this has indeed been the case. In addition, Stroma Medical says no adverse events have been reported to date.

However, several ophthalmologists voiced concerns that burning large amounts of brown pigment may cause inflammation, damage the cornea, cataracts or even glaucoma. Others called for long-term studies to assess the safety of the procedure.

The company says it expects the procedure to be available to the general public outside the United States in about 18 months and inside the United States in about three years with a retail price of around $5,000.

Via Optometric Management

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Tips For Safe Night Driving

Car HeadlightsAs the winter approaches and the days get shorter, more often we will find ourselves driving in the dark.  It’s important to remember that after the sun sets, there are more challenges than driving during the daylight. Yet many people don’t realize the dangers that night driving presents, or safe and effective ways to handle them.

At night our vision is limited in many ways.  Drivers have less contrast, and colors are more difficult to distinguish.  Also, studies have shown that depth perception and peripheral vision are reduced as well.

Here are a few tips you can use to make sure you’re seeing your best, and therefore driving safely:

  • When approaching an oncoming car, don’t look directly into their headlights. Instead look at the road or the white lines in front or off to the side. Staring into the light may leave a temporary spot in your vision, obstructing what you see for a few seconds.
  • Another tip is to use antireflective (AR) treatments on your glasses. A high-quality AR lens increases the amount of light reaching your eye by 8% and reduces halos and glare from lights.
  • Contact lenses may increase the glare or blurriness after wearing your lenses late into the night. Using the right solution and following your doctor’s recommended wearing time will give you better visual performance with your lenses.
  • Adjust your vehicle’s interior lighting. Any source of light inside the car will seem extremely bright and will make it more difficult to see. You can also dim your dashboard lights to help with glare.

Obviously, safe driving starts with a thorough eye exam to make sure your eyes are healthy and there are no underlying conditions that may impact your vision. Make your next car ride a trip to the eye doctor!

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November is Diabetes Eye Awareness Month

Diabetes_eyeAs the population ages, diabetes continues to be a growing epidemic in the United States.  Currently there are an estimated 17.9 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, and possibly another 5.7 million people that are unaware they have the disease.

What many of these individuals may not know is that all people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk for bleeding in the back of the eyes, also known as diabetic retinopathy.  In fact, bleeding from diabetes is responsible for 8% of legal blindness in the U.S., making it the leading cause of blindness among adults 20-74 years old.

With a dilated, comprehensive eye examination, an eye doctor can detect and diagnose diabetes and start you on the road to treatment for the disease. So a comprehensive eye examination should certainly be on your list as part of National Diabetes Month this November.

The American Diabetes Association recommends all diabetic patients have a dilated eye exam at least once a year with your eye doctor in order to detect any changes early and stop potential vision loss. Patients with a history of retinopathy should be seen more often than once a year.

The eye is the only part of the body where we can observe your blood vessels without cutting you open. When there is leakage or damage to the blood vessels in the eye, there are likely similar findings in the brain, heart, lungs and kidneys.

Unfortunately, in many cases there are no detectable symptoms of early stage diabetic retinopathy.  Some symptoms, however, include blurred vision, a droopy eyelid, spots missing from your vision or double vision.

If you have diabetes and have been putting off an eye exam, use this month as your reason to have one.  At our office, an exam with dilation lasts only an hour, with complete and comprehensive care for any of your eye conditions.  We accept most major medical insurance to complete this important and necessary exam, so call today and schedule your peace of mind.

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A Miracle Cure For Your Vision

Everyday I search the web for the latest news and notes on eye care, vision, glasses and contact lenses. And everyday I have to sift through countless blogs and articles that claim they have the cure to help you see “the natural way – without glasses or contact lenses.”

And like most things that sound too good to be true, the pipe dream of “curing” vision is just that.

Now, you may be thinking about LASIK vision correction, and you’d be right. And while LASIK surgery is a very effective means to get a person out of glasses or contacts, it is also a known and common procedure taught in medical schools. When undergoing LASIK, we tell you that your eye will have a non-invasive surgical procedure to flatten or steepen the front part of your eye.

What I read on the web sounds more like hoping and eye exercises to get that perfect vision.

Out of curiosity, I actually clicked the latest headline “No More Reading Glasses,” just to see what the average person might find. I was shocked to find a pseudo-article masked as an advertorial claiming that a large study was done and scientists have finally found the answer to cure poor vision.

Being inquisitive, I clicked on the “study” with the actual “data.”  It read more like comedy than science, and I want to share a my favorite line from the article:

In terms of the regression of near vision over time, Dr. ***** said that most patients achieved [perfect near vision] in the immediate postoperative period, followed by a quick decline between one week and one month.

So basically they can perform a procedure on your eye to correct your vision for one to four weeks.

I always implore my  patients to take their eye-health and medical advice from experts trained in the proper fields and not from the internet.  If a new procure comes around to correct vision, your eye doctor will have heard about it, learned about it and, if the procedure is right for you, recommended it.

Please contact our office with any questions.

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Generations Don’t See ‘Eye to Eye’ On Vision Care

According to the latest American Optometric Association (AOA) annual American Eye-Q® survey, when it comes to eye and vision care there are differing levels of knowledge and varying views amongst different generations.  The survey found that the traditionalist (or silent) generation (1925-1945), baby boomers (1946-1964) and generations X (1965-1977) and Y (1978-1994) all vary in their eye and vision knowledge and habits.

Even though these differences exits, most of those surveyed recognize that it is essential to maintain visual health through yearly, comprehensive eye exams.

The following are interesting points from the survey:

According to the survey, Gen Y-ers are the most diligent about following their doctor’s contact lens wear and care instructions, while baby boomers proved to be the greatest offenders, with 67 percent admitting to wearing lenses longer than recommended.

Gen Y respondents also scored the highest for appropriately storing their lenses, with almost half reporting they replace their contact lens case every one to three months, as directed. Again baby boomers have room for improvement – with just 28 percent saying they replace their case every one to three months.

As for glasses, the two younger generations, Generations X and Y, are twice as likely to consider glasses a fashion accessory compared to the traditionalists and boomers. This is most likely a result of the fashion eyeglass trend storming the market 20 years ago.

Americans of all ages are using technology more than ever for entertainment, work and general communication, and the toll these technologies are taking on the eyes is apparent according to the Eye-Q survey. More than half of all respondents report experiencing eye strain or vision problems as a result of using technology. Gen Y-ers report seeing the greatest impact, with more than two-thirds reporting technology-related eye or vision problems.

When it comes to knowledge about the visual consequences from diabetes and glaucoma, the traditionalists and baby boomers were more informed than generations X and Y. According to the survey, baby boomers and traditionalists are twice as aware that glaucoma can develop without early warning signs compared to generations X and Y. Likewise, baby boomers and traditionalists are more likely to correctly know that there aren’t any early warning signs or symptoms associated with diabetic eye disease.

Regardless of age, a yearly comprehensive eye exam from your eye doctor is essential in preserving your eye health and overall wellness.  The good news from the survey was that even though there are generational differences in eye and vision health and awareness, the majority of respondents report seeing an eye doctor within the last year.

The sixth annual American Eye-Q survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB). From May 19 to 23, 2011, using an online methodology, PSB interviewed 1,000 Americans 18 years and older who embodied a nationally representative sample of U.S. general population. Full results of the survey are posted on the AOA’s website.

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NASA Reports That Space Flight May Damage Astronauts’ Eyes

Astronaut EyesNASA has already reported on astronauts experiencing bone and muscle loss due to the weightlessness of space.  Now the first study of returning space travelers’ eyes may suggest that extended amounts of time in orbit can take a serious toll on vision, the long-term effects of which aren’t yet clear.

Of the more than 300 astronauts in the U.S. space program who were enrolled in the study, nearly 50 percent of those on missions six months or longer reported experiencing new problems with their vision.  The most common complaint was a loss of the ability to see objects up close while they were in space and for some time after returning to Earth.

The researchers also performed physical examinations on seven astronauts who reported vision problems after returning from six month trips in space. They found a handful of signs of eye stress in all of them, including an accumulation of fluid around the optic nerve, early signs of changes to the vessels that supply blood to the retina and shortening of the eyeball.

Dr. Tom Mader, an ophthalmologist at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, who led the study said:

People have been flying in space for 50 years and nobody has gone blind yet.  But it’s still something to be concerned about… It’s very hard for us at this point to define exactly what is causing all of this.”

Mader went on to speculate that less gravity in outer space may increase the pressure of the fluid surrounding the brain by not allowing this fluid to properly drain back into the body. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear.

David Robertson, who runs the Center for Space Physiology and Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, was somewhat surprised by the extent of the eye changes.

Robertson did add that astronauts experience swelling in the face in space, which has been chronicled by in-flight pictures. He went on to say:

There are more changes in the eyes that I might have expected, but I would imagine that the increased headward movement of fluid during travel in space, together with the puffiness of the face and facial tissues likely also affects the eye.”

While these results aren’t exactly “out of this world,” it certainly is something to keep an eye on.

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Too Many Diabetics Neglect Simple Tests to Control Their Disease

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, and most of these sight-stealing cases can be attributed to neglecting their disease. Unfortunately, new research has shown that the next generation of diabetic patients aren’t likely to fare much better.

A new study in the journal of Pediatrics reports that young Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics are not getting routine tests, such as eye exams, needed to properly manage their disease – setting them up for many future complications.

The most staggering statistic is that one third of those surveyed had not undergone routine eye exams nor had tests of long-term blood sugar control – both recommended by the American Diabetic Association (ADA).

Unlike a simple blood sugar test, a hemoglobin A1C test gives a snapshot of a patient’s blood sugar over the previous three months, a much better indicator of long term control. The ADA recommends this test every six months.

Diabetes EyesiteThe ADA also says patients should have a routine eye exam from their optometrist or ophthalmologist at least once a year – but 34% of diabetic respondents had not had this crucial exam. The eye is unique in that it is the only place in the body where a doctor can see your blood vessels without cutting you open.

Diabetes is ultimately a disease of the blood vessels where blood cannot nourish your body and instead leaks out where the arteries meet the veins. This lack of nourishment can harm limbs, shut down organs and cause blindness.

The ADA guidelines are the most widely accepted method to control diabetes and prevent damage caused by this disease. Diabetes, for the most part, cannot be cured, only managed. The first steps are though routine medical exams, physical activity and a healthy diet.

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The Classroom of Tomorrow May Be Affecting The Eyes Of Today

Schools all around South Florida are upgrading their technology and moving classrooms into the 21st century. But with the installation of new state-of-the-art equipment to enhance learning, we may be putting increased strain on our children’s eyes.

According to a new survey by the American Optometric Association, parents have concerns about the effects of evolving technology. Fifty-three percent of respondents with children 18 or younger believe viewing digital screens may be harmful to a child’s vision or eyes. Twenty-nine percent of parents feel very concerned that their child may damage their eyes due to prolonged use of computers or hand-held electronic devices.

childrens_eyeglassesStudents can help relieve eye strain from a computer or close device by practicing the 20-20-20 rule. That is for every 20 minutes of near work, take a 20-second break and view something at least 20 feet away.

The eyes focus like any other muscle, and studies show that people need to rest their eyes to keep them relaxed, so staring off into the distance helps the eyes from locking into a close-up position.

Smartboards are interactive white boards replacing chalkboards of the past. And while this enhanced technology is ushering in 21st century learning, these new digital screens offer less contrast and force too many kids to squint just to see their daily assignments. Toward the end of the last school year, I noticed a trend – an increase in students complaining of seeing worse in classes that have this new technology.

No matter what device your child’s school may be using, optimal vision is a must for optimal learning. And good eye care starts with a yearly comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist, especially in school-aged children.

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Don’t Fail Your Child Before School Starts

A usual back-to-school checklist for parents includes things like new sneakers, a new backpack and a trip to Office Depot for school supplies. But don’t leave off having your child’s eyes examined as well – even if you don’t hear them complaining about their vision.

Eighty percent of everything a child learns comes through their eyes, so starting them off on the right foot with a comprehensive eye exam can make the difference for a successful start to the school year.

Child with glassesUnfortunately, even the most attentive parents can miss vision problems in their kids – especially during a summer filled with camp, TV and video games. Children don’t always complain that their vision may have deteriorated simply because they may not even realize it. Vision changes happen slowly, and I always compare it to realizing you’re growing. You don’t feel it until eventually something doesn’t fit.

Now, many parents bring their kids to the pediatrician before the school year and have a vision screening there. And some parents know there is usually a vision screening at school. I’m here to tell you that the National Institute of Health have determined that distance-vision screenings miss 50% of all problems.

It is essential that your child have a comprehensive eye exam.

I recommend an exam before Kindergarten, and then again before third grade. From there we can start to get a feel for how a child’s vision is developing and what they might need as they transition into a full-fledged learning machine.
If you have any questions about your child’s eyes or vision, please don’t hesitate to call or email our office. We are a family optometry practice looking to build long-lasting relationships in our community. That’s why it is so important the next generation of community leaders can see clearly.

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May Is Healthy Vision Month

The National Eye Institute (NIE) has declared May ”Healthy Vision Month” in order to educate our country on the importance of making vision a priority for  your overall health.  It is vital for our nation to understand that prevention, protection and early diagnosis of eye diseases can improve and preserve our health and wellness.

One of the first, and most important, steps to preserving your vision is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist.

During an eye exam, we examine your eyes to look for common vision problems and eye diseases – many of which have no warning signs. Most eye diseases, in fact, are painless and do not affect your vision.

A comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect eye diseases in their beginning stages, before any vision loss has occurred. So it’s no surprise that early detection and treatment can help save your sight.

Don’t put off your eye exam any longer.  I often see patients who put off exams for too long, and regret not coming in earlier. Seeing clearly and making sure your preserve your vision should be at the top of your to-do list.

For more information on Healthy Vision Month, visit http://www.nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/.

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