What are cataracts?Wednesday, May 22 2013 - 0 comments Cataracts are a common eye condition affecting the lens portion of the eye. They are not a growth or film on the eye, but rather a clouding of the focusing lens of the eye, which is located behind the pupil. Cataracts are especially common in aging adults, though some younger patients can develop the condition. In a healthy eye, light travels through the pupil of the eye where it is focused through the clear lens onto the retina. The lens, which is made mostly of water and protein, can develop clumps of protein with age. These protein deposits are what cause the lens to become cloudy. Mild clouding... |
How to prevent or treat diabetic retinopathyMonday, May 20 2013 - 0 comments Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye disease affecting an estimated 40 to 45 percent of diabetics in the U.S. This eye condition causes tiny blood vessels that carry blood and nutrients to the retina to swell, leak or even become blocked. When the vessels become blocked, new blood vessels may develop. These vessels are very fragile and can leak blood into the back of the eye, damaging the eye and even causing vision loss or blindness. Preventing diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is the result of a medical condition – diabetes – but can be further induced by an unhealthy lifestyle... |
How Eye Disease Develops from DiabetesFriday, May 17 2013 - 0 comments People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy. The National Eye Institute estimates that 40 to 45 percent of all Americans with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy . High blood glucose levels can cause the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina to swell, leak or even become blocked. As the blood vessels become blocked, the supply of blood and nourishment to the retina is cut off. This can result vision loss. To compensate, the retina may signal the body to produce more blood vessels, but these new vessels are fragile and can leak... |
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?Thursday, May 16 2013 - 0 comments Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults 20 to 64 years of age. Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye disease in the back of the eye that causes blood vessels to swell, leak fluid or close off completely. With diabetic retinopathy, abnormal new blood vessels can also grow on the surface of the retina. Because diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness, early detection of the condition is vital. The National Eye Institute estimates that 40 to 45 percent of all Americans with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy. The incidence of diabetic retinopathy is typically associated with... |
Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) for treatment of astigmatism and cataractsWednesday, May 15 2013 - 0 comments Astigmatism is an eye condition in which the shape of the cornea or lens of the eye is abnormally curved. Due to the irregular curvature, light does not hit the eye in such a way that it is properly focused on the retina and both distance and close range vision is affected. People who are nearsighted or farsighted may still have astigmatism. Symptoms of astigmatism include blurry vision, eyestrain, headaches and squinting to see clearly. Some people may have astigmatism, as well as another refractive error, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. There are several treatment options for correcting... |
Treating dry eyesThursday, May 09 2013 - 0 comments Dry Eye Syndrome is an irritating, uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, common eye condition caused by a lack of tear production or an improper chemical balance in the tears. Without proper tears to keep the eyes moist and lubricated, individuals with Dry Eye Syndrome may experience minor symptoms from an itching, burning or scratchy sensation in the eyes to more serious symptoms such as blurred vision. Read more about dry eyes in this article. There are a number of treatment options for dry eyes . The course of treatment often depends on the symptoms and type of dry eye experienced by the... |
What are dry eyes?Tuesday, May 07 2013 - 0 comments Dry Eye Syndrome, defined by chronic insufficient lubrication on the surface of the eye, is an uncomfortable condition. It is one of the most common complaints eye doctors hear from patients. Symptoms of dry eyes can range from minor, occasional discomfort or irritation to frequent pain in the eyes that for some can be debilitating. Dry eyes are caused by inadequate tear production. Our eyes require tears to wash out dust and debris and to stay moist. Healthy tears are comprised of oil, water and mucus. Individuals who suffer from dry eyes may not make enough tears to keep their eyes lubricated... |
Get The Facts About Oculoplastic SurgeryThursday, May 02 2013 - 0 comments When many people think of eye surgery, they think of LASIK, cataract surgery and other vision correction surgeries. In addition to these types of eye surgeries, there are many conditions in which cosmetic restoration surgery is needed. Eyelid surgery , called oculoplastic surgery is corrective and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, tear ducts and orbit of the eye rather than corrective surgery to the cornea or lens of the eye itself. Conditions such as drooping upper eyelids, eyelids that turn inward or outward, eyelid growths, tear duct blockage and disfigurement from injuries, burns and birth... |
Treating Astigmatism and Cataracts with Toric Intraocular Lens ImplantsTuesday, April 30 2013 - 0 comments If you have been diagnosed with astigmatism, your eye doctor may have told you about toric contact lenses to correct vision problems due to astigmatism. Toric lenses are created with curvatures at different angles and have two different powers in them. Now there are also surgical options for individuals with astigmatism, such as LASIK laser vision correction, astigmatic keratotomy (AK), or limbal relaxing incisions (LRI). Limbal relaxing incision is commonly used to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery and involves making small incisions in the cornea to correct vision problems due to the... |
7 Vision Safety Tips for RunnersSunday, April 14 2013 - 0 comments Are you running in the Big D Texas Marathon ? As you may know, running outside comes with some potential hazards and risks for runners. With a little common sense and taking extra precautions, you can prevent being injured while running. Stay safe during the race today and anytime you lace up your shoes for a run. Follow these seven safety and vision tips for runners: Wear sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses is an important part of eye care . The sun’s UV rays can be extremely damaging to your eyes. When running during the day, always wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays. Oakley,... |