Does Eye Patching Work for Kids with Lazy Eye?

Amblyopia or Lazy Eye is the most common cause of single eye vision poor vision in children. Amblyopia is most often caused by an eye turning problem-strabismus (crossed eyes or turned out eyes), an uncorrected refractive error such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism in one eye more than the other or by some other type of visual deprivation such as a pediatric cataract. The standard treatment is correcting the refractive error with eyeglasses and patching of the better seeing eye. Researchers looked at a large group of children over 15 years to see how well the amblyopic children maintained their vision. Generally, this occlusion therapy is a very successful treatment. However, its success is hampered by non‐compliance. The level of non compliance was directly related to: a) a low initial visual acuity b) poor parental fluency in the national language and c) a low parental level of education. They found that with strong parental education about the children, their vision and success with patching, the compliance could be improved significantly and thus the vision as well.

If you or someone you know has a child with an eye turning problem or appears to have other eye health or vision problems, please do not wait. Schedule an eye exam at Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, or Facebook.

Doctor & Associates offices are conveniently located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.

Retina Problems & Bladder Medication?

Did you know that the common bladder medication Elmiron (Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium) prescribed for Interstitial Cystitis may be associated with retinal damage? Interstitial Cystitis causes chronic pain in the bladder and pelvis area for more than 1 million people in the United States. Elmiron is the only FDA-approved pill to treat it-but we now know that this medication may be toxic to the macula, or central area of the retina. It is recommended that if you are taking this medication you should have a screening for retina damage at least once a year even if you show no signs of damage. If you show any signs of damage your eye doctor will need to alert your Urologist or Ob/Gyn that it might be necessary to discontinue the medication. The good news is that if identified early, the damage may be mitigated by stopping the medication. In the late-stage, toxicity can mimic late-stage dry atrophic age-related macular degeneration and result in permanent vision loss.

If you or someone you know has been taking Elmiron for Interstitial Cystitis please schedule an appointment for an eye exam today at Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, or Facebook to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are conveniently located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.

Bifocal Contacts Can Slow Kids Nearsightedness

Did you know that wearing bifocal contact lenses can actually help to slow down increases in nearsightedness-called myopic progression-in kids? High amounts of myopia are associated with an increased risk of sight-threatening problems, such as retinal detachment, choroidal degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Slowing the progression of myopia could potentially benefit millions of children in the USA. A recent study published in JAMA concluded that the wearing of high bifocal addition power could help in slowing the increases in myopia experienced by children. While they only shared results over a three year timeframe, it is a hopeful place to start if you child suffers from progressive myopia.

If you or someone you know has a child who suffers from continuing increases in nearsightedness, please schedule and eye exam and we will be happy to discuss whether bifocal contact lenses might be beneficial. Call us at Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, or Facebook to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are conveniently located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.

What is MIGS Glaucoma Treatment?

 

Glaucoma affects 2.7 million people in the United States, a number that is expected to grow to 6.3 million by 2050. The most common type of glaucoma-called Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is typically treated with eye drops or an in office laser treatment as the first option. In the past, if the disease progressed to moderate or advanced stage or wasn’t well controlled, ophthalmologists would perform an invasive surgical procedure called Trabeculectomy. Today, we are fortunate to have options called Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, or MIGS which offers a new option for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma, filling a gap between medication and more invasive Trabeculectomy procedures. MIGS is less invasive with quicker recovery times, has fewer complications and is also safer than Trabeculectomy.

If you or someone you know is over 40, or has other glaucoma risk factors such as family history or being of African-American or Hispanic heritage, please be sure to have annual eye exams with glaucoma testing as glaucoma vision loss can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Schedule an eye exam at Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, or Facebook to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are conveniently located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.          

Lifestyle Choices for Glaucoma Prevention

 

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, affecting nearly 60 million people. With healthy lifestyle choices it may be possible to minimize the risk of vision loss from glaucoma. Certain habits may help minimize the risk of losing vision, beyond drugs, lasers and surgery. 

·       Exercise Regularly. A recent study showed that people who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity appear to have a 73 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. This is because blood flow and pressure inside the eye may change with exercise, which may affect glaucoma risk.

·       Diet. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially green, leafy ones. One study showed that people who ate more leafy vegetables have a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. Why? Nitrates in green vegetables can be converted to nitric oxide, which can improve blood flow and help regulate pressure inside the eye.

·       Drink Coffee-Better yet, Drink Tea Instead of Coffee. A study published last month showed that people who consumed at least one cup of hot tea daily had 74 percent decreased odds of having glaucoma compared with those who did not consume hot tea. A little coffee is fine, but excessive caffeine intake is not ideal.

·       Consider Taking a Magnesium Supplement. Studies suggest that an adequate intake of dietary magnesium may be beneficial for patients with glaucoma. Why? Magnesium improves circulation and seems to have a beneficial effect on glaucoma patients’ vision. 

·       Brush, Floss & Visit the Dentist Regularly. A recent study showed that tooth loss may be linked to increased glaucoma risk. This is because periodontal disease may trigger an inflammatory response that can contribute to glaucoma.

·       Don’t smoke. Studies indicate that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of glaucoma, and has an overall negative impact on eye health.

·       Maintain a healthy body weight. Studies show that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk for diabetes, and having diabetes puts people at risk of glaucoma. Having a too low BMI is also associated with increased glaucoma risk.

·       Avoid Inverted Postures in Yoga. Studies show head-down positions can increase eye pressure and are not recommended for glaucoma patients. There are plenty of yoga exercises that don’t have this effect.

·       Avoid neckties. Researchers say that a too-tight necktie may increase the risk of glaucoma by increasing blood pressure inside the eyes.  

Get screened regularly for glaucoma, especially if you have a family history of the condition. Researchers have recently identified certain genes that increase the risk of glaucoma. Those at higher risk of glaucoma include people of African descent, people with diabetes, and those with a family history of glaucoma.

 

If you or someone you know is over 40, or has other glaucoma risk factors please schedule a glaucoma eye exam at Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, or Facebook to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates offices are conveniently located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.