Increased Risk Factors for Cataract Surgery in Postmenopausal Women

Increased Cataract Surgery Risks for Postmenopausal Women

According to a recent study reported in the journal Ophthalmology, smoking, diabetes and obesity may increase the risk of cataract surgery in postmenopausal women. The results of the “UK Million Women Study” included more than 1.3 million postmenopausal women who had not previously had cataract surgery. The women were followed for cataracts treated surgically and studies with powerful statistics to calculate the adjusted relative risks for cataract surgery in terms of use of hormonal therapies, reproductive history, lifestyle factors and diabetes treatment. Two percent of women had diabetes, which was the strongest risk factor for cataract surgery. Additionally, both past and current smoking was found to elevate the risk for cataract surgery. Obesity, with a Body Mass Index of 30 kg/m² or greater, was also found to have a small increase in risk of cataracts treated surgically.

If you or someone you know has been told they have a cataract or is concerned about cataract symptoms of cloudy vision, glare sensitivity or night driving problems and wishes to schedule a cataract & lens implant exam please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google+ or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment. Doctor & Associates offices are located at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.

Protect Childrens’ Eyelids from Dog Bites

Eyelid lacerations in children can be caused by all types of accidental occurrences. Parents should be aware of the increased risks of eyelid lacerations caused by dog bites. According to researchers from Boston Childrens Hospital eyelid lacerations caused by dog bites are much more likely to cause damage to the delicate tear gland-the lacrimal gland-and the tear drainage structures. For this reason, if your child is accidentally bitten on the eyelid by a dog, be sure to tell the eye doctor so that a very careful examination and evaluation of the eyelid tissue and tear ducts can be performed. In about 1/3 of eyelid dog bites in children, we will find some damage that needs to be treated or repaired.

If you or someone you know has a child who is bitten on the eyelid or face by a dog, please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google+ or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

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

Blood Thinners and AMD Hemorrhages

Blood Thinners and AMD Hemorrhages

Many seniors take blood thinners for various types of cardiovascular and other vascular disease as a preventative measure for avoiding a heart attack or stroke. This same senior population is also at greatest risk for age related macular degeneration-including wet or hemorrhagic macular degeneration (AMD). Thus, the question of whether taking anticoagulants might be increasing the risk of and progression of AMD is important and reported on in a study published in Ophthalmology. The results showed that taking anti-platelet or anticoagulant medication was not significantly associated with macular hemorrhage and increased AMD risk unless the patient also had hypertension.

Please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google+ or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

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

AMD Risk from Sunlight Exposure

There has been discussion about whether sun exposure can be a risk factor for developing AMD-a common senior eye problem. We know that excess exposure to sunlight can cause many untoward effects on the delicate tissues of the eye and the surrounding facial skin. Sun exposure is a known cataract risk factor, too much UV exposure can cause a “cornea sunburn” or “solar keratitis” and even damage the retina by causing a “solar retinitis”. Researchers reporting in the journal Retina evaluated the effects of current and past sunlight exposure and iris color on early and late Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Their conclusions were that sunlight exposure during working life is an important risk factor for AMD, whereas sunlight exposure after retirement seems to have less influence on the disease development. Therefore, preventive measures, for example, wearing sunglasses to minimize sunlight exposure, should start early to prevent development of AMD later in life.

If you are concerned about senior eye health and specifically your risk of AMD please consider wearing sunglasses to limit your exposure to sunlight beginning EARLY in life to preserve your eye health and vision. If you have not had a recent eye exam Please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google+ or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

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

Eye Cosmetic & Makeup Tips for Eye Health

Eye Health Makeup Tips

Eye makeup is very popular. But, unfortunately we often see careless handling and application of eye cosmetics that leads to infection or other eye problems. Safe use of eye makeup is important. Here are some common sense tips to know before using eye makeup that can help you maintain eye health:

·       Always wash hands before applying cosmetics.

·       Toss eye makeup after using it for several months, since bacteria and fungi can grow quickly in the tubes and containers and multiply within a few months. These germs can irritate and damage the eyes.

·       When opening new packages of eye makeup, use a permanent marker to write the date on the container to help you remember when the products were first used.

·       Use only eye cosmetics on the eyes-not cosmetics formulated for other facial areas. Always apply makeup with clean brushes and sponges.

·       Never apply cosmetics to the inner eyelid as this may irritate or inflame the eyelids and sensitive tissue around the eyes.

·       Don’t share cosmetics with other family members or friends.

·       Avoid permanent coloring and dyes for eyelashes, which can damage eyes if not used correctly.

·       Don’t use eye cosmetics if your eyes are irritated or infected.

·       Avoid using eye makeup products that are glittery or shiny, as they may include ingredients that contain fine particles that can irritate your eyes.

·       Before going to sleep, always gently wash off all cosmetics and brush a clean cotton swab along the eyelashes to remove makeup deposits.

If you or someone you know has redness, eye irritation, itchy or discomfort they believe might be related to eye makeup or cosmetics please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in Fairfield County, Google+ or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

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