Can Dr. Google Diagnose Eye Problems?

 

A recent study reported at a Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology concluded that while eye health information they found online can be helpful in informing patients with eye problems about conditions, often these online symptom checkers do not arrive at the correct diagnosis and actually provide the wrong recommendation on what to do, recommending self-care at home instead of calling an eye doctor or going to the emergency room. The study examining the diagnoses generated by WebMD Symptom Checker showed the online tool was correct only 26 percent of the time in making the right diagnosis and recommendation. With the wide availability of telehealth eye visits even if you are unable to get to an eye doctor’s office you would still have the benefit of “real doctor” evaluation and discussion in evaluation and recommendations.

If you or someone you know needs information or urgent care please know we always have an eye doctor on call and are happy to assist or schedule a telehealth appointment at 203-227-4113.

Tips for Computer Screen Eye Protection

 

Did you know that the average office worker spends 1,700 hours per year in front of a computer screen, without even considering the time spent on a phone or other digital device? All this screen time has led to an increase in complaints of eye strain, dry eye, headaches and insomnia. Computer use causes more eye strain than reading print material because focusing your eyes on computer screens or other digital screens is typically at less than ideal angles and distances and your blink rate decreases by a third to a half, causing dry eyes as well. Follow these simple tips for protecting your eyes from this computer screen eye strain:

Keep Your Distance: Keep the screen at arm’s length, about 25 inches away and position it so your eye gaze is slightly downward.

Reduce Glare: Use a matte screen filter to reduce glare.

Adjust Lighting: Adjust your room lighting to get the highest screen contrast increase the contrast on your screen as much as possible.

Take Breaks: Blink and follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Keep Eyes Moist: Keep artificial tears nearby to lubricate your eyes when they feel dry.

Stop Screen Use Before Bed: Limit screen time one to two hours before bedtime and use nighttime settings on devices and computers that minimize blue light exposure.

If you experience consistently dry red eyes or eye pain at any time, but especially with computer screen use please 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.          

Cataract Surgery Improves Driving Safety

 

Did you know that cataract surgery actually improves driving safety? The ability of cataract surgery to restore sight is well known. Patients say they’re stunned by the vibrancy of color after surgery and the improvement in night vision. Depending on the type of lens implant (IOL) selected to correct your vision after cataract surgery many patients no longer even need to wear glasses, reading glasses or bifocals after cataract surgery. Researchers reporting at a recent meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology used a driving simulator to test patients’ vision before and after cataract surgery. They found that near misses and crashes decreased by 48 percent after surgery! While visual acuity-how well you see the eye chart-is quickly measured after cataract surgery, it’s an incomplete assessment of how visually able you might be to drive. Cataract surgery appears to improve quantity of vision, or visual acuity, as well as contrast sensitivity leading to better night vision and improving drivers’ safety on the road.

These results highlight the importance of timely cataract surgery in maintaining safety and continued mobility and independence in seniors. If you or someone you know is experiencing cataract symptom such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants please schedule a cataract evaluation. 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.

Sleep Apnea & Diabetic Eye Problems?

 

If you have diabetes, did you know that having severe sleep apnea may increase your risk of developing diabetic macular edema, a complication of diabetes that can cause vision loss or blindness? Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) also appears to be more difficult to treat in patients with severe sleep apnea according to reports from researchers at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts, disrupting sleep and causing blood oxygen levels to drop. This drop in oxygen appears to unleash a host of changes in the body that may play a role in injuring blood vessels. People with sleep apnea are at risk of developing hypertension, heart attacks, stroke and type 2 diabetes. When people with diabetes have poor control over their blood sugar levels, the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye can become damaged. Sometimes, tiny bulges protrude from the blood vessels, leaking fluid and blood into the retina. This fluid can cause swelling or edema-called Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) in an area of the retina that allows us to see clearly. Researchers believe that sleep apnea may contribute to the development and worsening of diabetic retinopathy by increasing insulin resistance, elevating inflammation and raising blood pressure, all of which can damage the blood vessels at the back of the eye.

If you or someone you know is diabetic and especially if you suffer from sleep apnea, please be sure to have an annual eye exam and be tell your eye doctor that you suffer from sleep apnea as it is a risk factor Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). Please call us to schedule a diabetic 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.

Diabetics Need Annual Eye Exams!

Diabetes and the related diabetic eye problem of diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause preventable blindness in the United States among adults age 20 to 74. About 1/3 of the 30 million Americans with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy. With early detection and treatment vision loss from diabetes is preventable! Often, people may not notice vision changes in the disease's early stages. But as it progresses, diabetic retinopathy usually causes vision loss that in many cases cannot be reversed. Even if you don’t notice changes in your vision-diabetics should have annual eye exams. That’s why it’s so important that everyone with diabetes has yearly exams for early detection. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still reports that less than 2/3 of people with diabetes undergo their recommended annual dilated ophthalmic examination. We all lead busy lives but diabetics need annual eye exams to prevent vision loss.

If you or someone you know is diabetic please remind them to have an annual eye exam or call us to schedule a diabetic 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.

Avoid Eye Injury from Halloween Contacts

Spooky contact lenses can complete your Halloween costume. But beware of the dangers of illegal costume contact lenses lurking on store shelves and invading online retailers. Though the federal government works to keep illegal and harmful versions of decorative or color contact lenses off the shelves, they can still be purchased at costume shops, gas stations, corner shops and online. Here’s an easy way to tell if your lenses are counterfeit: Can you purchase them without a prescription? If the answer is yes, those creepy lenses are a danger to your vision.

That's why the American Academy of Ophthalmology is urging people to buy decorative contact lenses only from retailers who require a prescription and sell FDA-approved products. It’s easy to forget that decorative lenses are medical devices, not costume jewelry. They must be prescribed and fitted by an eye care professional, just like regular contact lenses. That's because a poorly fitted contact lens can easily scrape the cornea, the outer layer of the eye, making the eye more vulnerable to infection-causing bacteria and viruses. Research shows that people who purchase contacts without a prescription face a 16-fold increased risk of developing an infection.

To help ensure you won’t be haunted by a ghoulish and painful contact lens-related eye infection, here are some tips to follow:

• See an Eye Care Professional for a Prescription for Costume Contact Lenses. Packaging that claims “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye doctor” is false. Get properly fitted by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
• Buy Only FDA-approved Contacts. Buy contacts only from eye care professionals or retailers that require a prescription and sell FDA-approved lenses.
• Never Share Contacts. Sharing contacts can spread germs and bacteria, potentially causing blinding corneal infections and even pink eye.
• Practice Good Hygiene. It is important to follow directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing costume contacts. See an eye doctor right away if you notice any swelling, redness, pain or discharge from wearing contacts.
• Limit Wear of Colored Contact Lenses to 4-5 Hours. The dye and less expensive materials used in costume lenses can restrict oxygen flow to the cornea. Less “breathable” lenses are less healthy for the eye. Never sleep in contact lenses, even if you have a prescription.
• Spread the Word About the Dangers of Costume Contacts. Don’t let friends make the mistake of wearing costume contacts without a prescription. It can cost them their vision.

If you or someone you know has questions about or needs a fitting for Halloween colored contact lenses please schedule an appointment 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.

Cataracts Don’t Return: Facts You Might Not Know

 

Cataracts Don’t Return or Regrow

From time to time we hear patients ask about whether cataracts “regrow” after they have had cataract surgery. Sometimes patients will tell us that a friend, neighbor or relative had a cataract regrow. The fact is that cataracts do not come back after they are surgically removed!

When your cataract surgeon performs cataract & lens implant surgery, the cloudy natural lens of your eye is replaced with a clear artificial lens that is placed within a thin membrane-called the “lens capsule”-that is intentionally left in place to secure the new artificial lens. The new lens does not become cloudy again. However, some people do develop what is called a “secondary” cataract some time later after the initial surgery that occurs when the thin membrane that holds the lens becomes cloudy. With a quick painless procedure called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy, your eye surgeon can make an opening in the cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through again for clear vision. This YAG procedure almost instantly restores clear vision with the entire procedure taking less than 5 minutes and requiring no downtime.

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

What is a Retinal Tear or Torn Retina?

 

What is a Retinal Tear or Torn Retina?

A torn retina is a serious eye problem that can happen when the retina has a tiny tear or hole that actually tears further, like a rip in a piece of cloth.  If not treated right away, a torn retina can lead to an even more serious problem called a detached retina where the retina is lifted away from the back of the eye and puts you at considerable risk of vision loss.

How Does a Torn Retina Happen?

When you are young the vitreous gel in your eyes is pretty firm. As we get older, the vitreous gel in your eyes starts to shrink and get thinner. Normally, the vitreous moves around on the retina without causing problems. But, IF the vitreous sticks to the retina it can pull hard enough to actually tear it. When that happens, fluid can pass through the tear and lift it or detach the retina.

What Will I See if the Retina Tears?

When the retina tears, you may suddenly see flashes of light or floaters. Sometimes blood can leak into the vitreous. This is called a vitreous hemorrhage, and it can cause a large number of floaters to appear suddenly. With any sudden onset of flashes of light or floaters you need to be examined right away as a torn retina can quickly cause a retinal detachment and you could lose vision.

If you or someone you know experiences sudden flashes of light or floaters please call our office and tell us that you need an immediate appointment. 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 a Stye?

 

A stye-also called a Hordeolum-is a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid that grows from the base of your eyelash or under the eyelid. Most styes are caused by a bacterial infection. There are two kinds of styes:

·        External Hordeolum: A stye that begins at the base of your eyelash often from an infection in the hair follicle that looks like a pimple.

·        Internal Hordeolum: A stye inside your eyelid that is caused by an infection in an oil-producing gland in your eyelid.

You can also get a stye if you have blepharitis-an inflammation of your eyelids- that makes your eyelids at the base of the eyelashes red and swollen. When you first get a stye, your eyelid is probably red and tender to the touch. Your eye may also feel sore and scratchy.

There are a number of ways your doctor can treat a stye including warm compresses, antibiotics or in office surgery if the other treatments aren’t helping. Never squeeze stye!

If you or someone you know has a stye please schedule an appointment 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.

Could Eye Drops Replace Reading Glasses?

 

Believe it or not, we may be able to use eye drops instead of reading glasses! More than one-third of Americans have presbyopia, a gradual loss of near vision with age. Most people reach for eyeglasses or bifocal contact lenses, but in the future there may be a promising non-surgical  eye drop treatment for presbyopia. There are two types of eye drops that may help patients with near vision age related focusing problems. One type-called a miotic-constricts the pupil and limits out of focus visual information. Another type-a lens softening eye drop-works by softening the crystalline lens which restores the flexibility of the crystalline lens making it able to change focus as it did when you were younger. Both types of drops are in clinical trials, where their safety and effectiveness are being tested in patients and experts predict that perhaps one drop may get the approval within the next two years. Every person’s eyes are unique and glasses, drops and surgery all have their pros and cons. In the meantime if you or someone you know needs help with presbyopia and near vision please call and 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

Durysta Implant for Glaucoma

 

In order to maintain the best control of glaucoma and prevent vision loss, many patients with glaucoma must be quite consistent in their use of eye drops to maintain the proper eye pressure or Intraocular Pressure (IOP). For many, glaucoma laser treatment is often helpful in reducing or eliminating glaucoma eye drops but for others eye drop use is part of their daily routine several times each day. Recently a microscopic implant containing a glaucoma eye pressure medication was FDA approved to help glaucoma patients improve their quality of life by reducing the need for eye drops as well as ensuring better consistency and compliance and thus an exciting option for lowering IOP in the treatment of glaucoma and a step in the right direction to reducing blindness related to this common disease.

If you or someone you know is being treated for glaucoma with eye drops, please schedule a glaucoma eye exam and ask about options for glaucoma treatment to help reduce the need for daily eye drops. 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.          

Eye Problems in Autistic Kids

 

Did you know that the risk and prevalence of certain eye problems is greater in kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1.85% of children in the United States and is increasing in prevalence. For quite some there was the suspicion that kids with ASD might be at greater risk for certain eye disorders such as amblyopia, strabismus, optic neuropathy, nystagmus and even retinopathy of prematurity. Recently researchers reporting in the American Journal of Ophthalmology reviewed data from over 10 million children and found the prevalence in non ASD kids to be 3.5% and in ASD kids 12.5%.  They concluded that ASD kids had about three times the likelihood of having these eye problems and suggested further studies to understand if the severity of the ASD might be related to the eye problems.

If you or someone you know has a child with ASD it would be important to schedule an eye exam. 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.          

Fourth of July Fireworks Eye Safety

Every Fourth of July, families, friends, and communities come together throughout the country to view firework displays. And every year, we encourage the public to leave the fireworks to the professionals and go to a public display. We remind the patients that consumer fireworks are dangerous both to those who set them off and to bystanders. Here are the facts:

·        The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 10,000 injuries and 12 firework-related deaths in 2019.

·        A 2017 study showed that 65 percent of people injured by fireworks are bystanders.

·        An April 2020 study in JAMA Ophthalmology, showed that an estimated 34,548 firework-related eye injuries occurred between 1999 and 2017, with approximately 65 percent occurring in children. The most common injuries were ocular burns, ocular foreign body, and conjunctival irritation. Most injuries occurred at home (75 percent) with consumer use of fireworks during the 4th of July. Although all types of consumer fireworks are dangerous, bottle rockets caused the most severe injuries, such as ruptured globes.

There is significant variability among state and county laws regarding the use of consumer fireworks. Setting off fireworks at home is illegal in some states. For people in states in which it’s legal, here’s how to make sure your backyard celebration doesn’t end in the ER:

·        Don't pick up duds and misfires: Fireworks nearly cost an Ohio firefighter his sight. He took all the right precautions for his backyard Fourth of July fireworks celebration. But a split-second decision to inspect a "dud" was almost fatal.

·        Supervise children closely: Sparklers seem like harmless fun for the kids, but they are responsible for about 1,400 eye injuries each year. Even those tiny poppers or snappers can pose dangers.

·        Wear protective eyewear: Ophthalmologists recommend American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved protective eyewear. Stop by any hardware store and pick up some safety glasses for the entire family.

If you or someone you know experiences a fireworks injury please schedule an appointment 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.

Eyebrow & Eyelash Enhancement Risks

 

Did you know that eyebrow and eyelash enhancement treatments performed in salons can have risks you should be aware of? Having your eyebrows and eyelashes treated in a salon may seem like an easy way to enhance your look, but microblading, eyebrow lamination, eyelash lifts and tints can have risks to know about.

Types of Eyebrow & Eyelash Enhancement
Eyebrow & Eyelash Tinting: During this 15-minute procedure, semi-permanent dye is painted onto the eyebrows or eyelashes to make them appear thicker, darker and fuller. The color lasts for about three to six weeks.
Eyebrow Microblading: Microblading is also known as eyebrow tattooing, micro feathering or micro shading where a permanent pigment is tattooed into the skin using a needle mounted on a small handheld tool. The effects last for years.
Eyebrow Lamination: This is a chemical treatment, takes less than 1 hour and does not involve needles or semi-permanent dye, but rather a perming cream is brushed into the eyebrows to allow the hair to be sculpted into a more desirable shape. The procedure effects last for several weeks.
Eyelash Perm: During an eyelash perm the lashes are coated with an adhesive and curled around rollers. Chemical solutions are then applied to the lashes to create a long-lasting curl with the effects lasting one to two months.
Eyelash Lift: An eyelash lift, often combined with an eyelash tint, involves combing eyelashes to a silicone shield and holding them there with adhesive while a chemical lotion is applied to break down the protein in each eyelash and encourage it to grow upward instead of outward. The results last about six to eight weeks.

Risks of Eyebrow & Eyelash Enhancement
Eyebrow and eyelash enhancements pose eye health risks because they are so close to the eye. These treatments could cause problems with the eyes and affect vision, especially since there is a risk of sensitivity due to repeated exposure during the treatments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any color additives for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows. The agency says permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries, including blindness. Despite issuing warnings, the FDA cannot regulate salons. That job falls to state and local governments, which can have different rules. There are no set standards for eyelash and eyebrow tinting and it can be hard to judge how safe it is. Even if the FDA were to approve dyes for tinting, it would still be possible to get infections and allergic reactions, so FDA approval alone does not automatically make the procedure guaranteed totally safe. If you have a reaction to any type of hair dye or cosmetic, you should contact your health care provider as well as schedule an appointment to see us if it involves your eyelashes, eyelids or delicate tissue around your eyes. 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.

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.

What Is a Detached Retina?

 

What Is a Detached Retina?

 A detached retina is when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye. The retina does not work when it is detached, making vision blurry. As we get older, the vitreous gel in our eyes starts to shrink and get thinner. As the eye moves, the vitreous moves around on the retina without causing problems. But sometimes the vitreous may stick to the retina and pull hard enough to tear it. When that happens, fluid can pass through the tear and lift or detach the retina.

Who is at Risk of a Detached Retina?

Patients who are at greater risk for detached retina are those who:

>Are nearsighted and need glasses to see far away

>Have had eye surgery such as cataract surgery

>Have had a serious eye injury

>Have had a retinal tear or detachment in the other eye

>Have family members who had retinal detachment

>Have weakened areas in their retina from thinning or degeneration

What are Symptoms or Warning Signs of a Detached Retina?

>Sudden Flashes of Light. Some people say this is like seeing stars after being hit in the eye.

>New Floaters. These can look like specks, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision.

>A Shadow in Your Side Vision.

>A Gray Curtain covering part of your field of vision.

A detached retina is a serious problem. If you experience any warning signs of a detached retina you need to have it examined immediately or you risk losing vision 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.

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.

Sunglass Myths & Eye Damage Prevention

 

Sunglass Choice Helps Prevent Eye Damage

Did you know that too much sun on unprotected eyes increases the risk of eye disease? The good news is that prevention is simple: Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. But there are a lot of common myths about sunglasses and eye health. Here is some information to help debunk the myths and provide tips to promote smart eye health choices.

Myth #1: Sunglasses are Only for Sunny Days
False. UV light gets through clouds and haze. Regardless of the season, sun exposure can increase the risk of developing cataracts, growths on the eye and cancer. Sun reflecting off ice and snow can also lead to photokeratitis, a painful eye condition sometimes referred to as snow blindness.

Myth #2: Babies and Children Don’t Need to Wear Sunglasses
False. Children are just as susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays as adults. Start them on healthy habits early.

Myth #3: Cheap Sunglasses Don’t Offer Protection
False. Sunglasses don’t have to cost a lot of money to provide adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as more expensive options. Labels can sometimes be confusing. Some indicate sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from UVA/UVB radiation, others offer 100 percent UV 400 protection. Both block 100 percent of the sun’s harmful radiation.

Myth #4: Size Doesn’t Matter
False. The more coverage sunglasses provide, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider oversized sunglasses or wraparound-style glasses, which can help cut down on UV light entering the eye from the side. Wraparound glasses may also protect against dry eye due to the wind.

Myth #5: Polarized Lenses Offer More Sun Protection
False. Polarized lenses do not block more radiation; however, they can cut down on glare reflecting off cars, water or pavement, which can make activities such as driving or boating more enjoyable. 

Myth #6: Darker Lenses Offer More Sun Protection
False. The darkness of the lens isn’t indicative of protection. Make sure the label on the lens says 100% UV-blocking.

Myth #7: Tinted lenses offer more Sun Protection
False. Amber, green and grey lenses do not block more of the sun’s harmful rays. However, tinted lenses do offer increased contrast for those who play sports, making a softball or a golf ball easier to see.

Your eyes need protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays just like your skin. Sunglasses are your prescription for eye health. They are effective, inexpensive, and provide protection year-round. Schedule an appointment to select and be fit with fashionable sunglasses to look good and protect your eyes! 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.

Dry Eyes from Cholesterol Medications?

 

Did you know that the lipid lowering cholesterol medications called “statins” might also cause lipid layer instability in your tear film-and lead to dry eye symptoms? Researchers reporting in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that patients with a history of taking stains to lower their cholesterol are more often than others bothered by dry eye disease and problems.

Dry eye disease (DED) affects some 7% to 33% of the general population. The actual incidence and severity of DED increases with age and female gender but is almost always characterized by decreased tear production and/or increased evaporation and can lead to symptoms of ocular discomfort, visual disturbances, and a diminished quality of life. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause of evaporative dry eye and involves abnormalities in the quantity and/or composition of tear film lipids, including excess free cholesterol. Researchers have now identified that there is an association between MGD/DED and Dyslipidemia which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affecting an estimated 12% of adults.  It is most often treated with “statin” medications. So, if you are one of the millions of patients taking cholesterol medication to lower your risk of heart disease and suffer from dry eyes, grittiness, sandy feeling eyes and changing fluctuating vision, please schedule an eye exam so we can provide a proper diagnosis and help for dry eyes. Call us 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.