Viagra & Vision Problems

Did you know that in high doses the erectile dysfunction medicine Viagra can cause vision problems? Recent reports in Frontiers in Neurology relayed that Sildenafil, sold under the brand name Viagra is considered safe for men with erectile dysfunction, but at high doses the drug can have lasting effects on vision. The men in this study took the drug without prescription and at the highest recommended dose: 100 milligrams. All of the men experienced vision disturbances ranging from light sensitivity and blurriness to colorblindness and blue-tinted vision. The symptoms continued long after the drug’s desired effects wore off and in some cases lasted as long as three weeks.

What We Know

Viagra boosts blood flow by turning off an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5. But in the process, the drug also meddles with a related enzyme in retinal cells. At high doses, experts say, this could permanently damage the retina. Side effects most often emerge in men with other underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or heart conditions. Erectile dysfunction drugs are tied to ischemic optic neuropathy, a sudden and permanent vision loss caused by interrupted blood flow to the optic nerve. This in fact is most common in men with high blood pressure or heart conditions.

While the report raises concerns, experts do not recommend discarding the drug. One key takeaway: Only use ED medicine under medical supervision, and at a prescribed dose!. Also, purchase the drug from a trusted source. Counterfeit drugs, often sold online, are not regulated by the FDA and may not meet quality and safety standards. Please call 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.

Eye Drops for Droopy Eyelids

 

Did you know that there is a prescription eye drop to help droopy eyelids? It is estimated that 10-12% of adults have a droopy eyelid, but many don’t know it’s considered a disorder, or that it can be treated. Droopy eyelid occurs when muscles that keep the eye open lose function with age. It can affect one or both eyes. As the eyelid droops, the opening of the eye constricts and vision can become impaired. Until now, the only way to treat ptosis was to have eyelid surgery. Ptosis eyelid surgery is usually only performed in severe cases of droopy eyelids. Recently a once a day prescription eye drop, called Upneeq, became available to help with droopy eyelids. The prescription eye drop provides an alternative to surgery and off-label drugs, the only options for fixing droopy eyelid until now. Upneeq works on a muscle that elevates the eyelid. It causes that muscle to contract, allowing the eyelid to open 1-2 millimeters wider than before treatment. Upneeq doesn’t work for people who have droopy eyelid due to excess skin, saggy eyebrows, or underlying eye injury or nerve problems. The drug is not a treatment for congenital ptosis and has not been studied or approved for children born with droopy eyelids.

If you or someone you know suffers from droopy eyelid please schedule an appointment so we can evaluate your individual case and help determine if Upneeq or another treatment option might be right for you. Call 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.

Astigmatism Lens Implants & Laser Cataract Surgery

Best Astigmatism Lens Implant Results with Laser Cataract Surgery

If you have astigmatism, and need cataract surgery, it is likely that your cataract surgeon will recommend a toric lens implant to correct your vision. A recent study reported in the Journal of Refractive Surgery suggested that the best results of astigmatism cataract lens implants was achieved by performing the cataract surgery using the femtosecond laser as a laser cataract surgery procedure. The laser procedure allowed for better marking of the axis of the astigmatism correction adding to the precision of the final results.

If you or some you know is experiencing cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants please call 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.          

Sunglasses Are A Must!

 

Did you know that sunglasses are a “must wear” item! The skin around the eye is delicate, and an area of some of the thinnest skin on the body making it more susceptible to damage. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can damage not only the skin, but also the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye. Specifically, UV damage can cause solar keratitis-an inflammation of the cornea, cataracts and even eyelid skin cancer. Sunglasses help to prevent skin cancer around the eyes and good shades also guard against vision loss as if you wear sunglasses, you decrease your risk over your lifetime of cataract formation. Invest in fashion-bigger is better! But, be sure to choose sunglasses that offer broad spectrum coverage, specifically protection against UVA and UVB rays. Be stylish and be safe!

Learn more about UV eye protection & sunglasses 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.          

When Is It Time for Cataract Surgery?

 

Cataracts affect more than 24 million Americans age 40 and older and are the most common cause of treatable vision loss in people 55. Cataracts generally develop slowly and painlessly, but sooner or later, you are bound to experience one or more of the following symptoms:

>Blurred Vision-Blurriness is one of the earliest and most common signs of cataracts. Changing your prescription may help, but it can’t correct the problem permanently.

>Faded or Dull Colors-Colors appear less vivid than they once were. Certain shades can become more difficult to differentiate from one another.

>Poor Night Vision-At first, you may simply need more light to read. Over time, you may find it more difficult to see objects in the dark, particularly when driving.

>Sensitivity to Light-Lights may seem uncomfortably bright, or appear to have halos around them.

Left untreated, cataracts have the potential to cause a significant loss of vision and compromise your safety and mobility. The decision to have cataract surgery & lens implants is a personal one that you and your eye doctor can decide based on how much your cataracts interfere with your daily activities. Some things to consider, when considering cataract surgery:

·        Can you see to safety do your job and to drive?

·        Do you have problems reading or watching TV?

·        Is it difficult to cook, shop, climb stairs or take medications?

·        Do vision problems affect your independence?

·        Do bright lights make is harder to see?

If you or someone you know is experiencing cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants please call 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.