How Does the Retina Work?

The Retina, located at the back of the eye, contains specialized cells called photoreceptors which are sensitive to light of different colors. These allow us to see in both the light and the dark. There are two mail types of photoreceptors: rods, which operate in dim light and provide low acuity vision in scales of grey; and cones, which operate in bright light and provide high acuity, color vision.

The eye has adapted through evolution to be extremely sensitive to light. However, the bulk of the eye tissue in not responsive to light; rather, the muscles which surround the eyeball, as well as the iris, cornea and lens, all act to focus light on to the retina, a relatively small area at the back of the eyeball which contains photoreceptors.

At its simple level, the Retina consists of four layers of cells:

• at the back of the retina is the outer, pigmented layer-these epithelial cells absorb light
• next are aligned a layer of photoreceptors which are able to convert light energy into electrical energy
• the electrical potentials the photoreceptors generate are transmitted to the bipolar cells
• the bipolar cells in turn communicate with ganglion cells; these nerve cells receive information from photoreceptors which they pass on to ganglion cells

Thus light has first to travel through the ganglion and bipolar cells before it reaches the light-sensitive photoreceptors at the back of the Retina. The, all of this information is transmitted to the Optic Nerve and finally makes its way to the brain so that we can see.

If you have any questions about your Retina, please do not hesitate to call Doctor & Associates at 203-227-4113 with any questions.

Finding the Best Cataract Surgeons in Connecticut

To find the best Cataract Surgeons requires a little bit of work and investigation but is always worth it. Finding an eye surgeon who is a Cataract Specialist can help you to be confident that you are getting the most current information, thoughts and techniques to deal with your cataracts.

Ask People You Trust for a recommendation. Ask your friends, co-workers and family-but most importantly ask you primary care physician who they would go to or who they would send a parent to for cataract surgery.

Don’t Limit Yourself to Insurance Lists. Just because a Cataract Surgeon is “in network” isn’t a reason to use them if you are able to identify a top cataract surgeon you wish to go to who isn’t listed. Paying a slightly higher co-pay or deductible may be very worthwhile to get the Cataract Surgeon of your choice. If the best Cataract Surgeon in your area happens to be in the insurance list then you are all set.

Use the Power of the Internet. Take a minute to search “cataract surgeons in (insert your town/city/state)” or “best cataract surgeon in (insert your town/city/state)”. This will at least give you a starting place to begin creating a list of eye surgeons to investigate further.

Visit the Cataract Surgeon’s Web Site. Once you have compiled a list, visit their web sites and get a feel for their practice culture and philosophy. While a web site by itself can’t tell you much about surgical skills, it can tell you about how well he or she presents information and explains detail to patients. This is important in how comfortable you may feel in that practice.

Schedule a Consultation and Meet the Cataract Surgeon. The only sure fire way to find out if you are comfortable and get a sense of trust from a cataract surgeon is to schedule a consultation and meet the surgeon personally. They should be able to clearly explain your eye health and vision as well as the cataract procedure and answer any questions you have in understandable language and terms. Whether or not you find the right cataract surgeon right off the bat it is never inappropriate to………

Get a Second Opinion. Making a decision about eye surgery is a big deal. Getting to a place where you feel confident, relaxed and comfortable is important. 

If you or someone you know has a Cataract or wishes to learn more about Cataract Surgery please call Doctor & Associates at 203-227-4113.

Bloodshot Eyes-What Causes Them?

Bloodshot eyes can be surprising and even alarming to patients. A lot of us notice sometimes that our eye gets red, bloodshot and some of us even say: "my eye is bleeding". What does it mean and where does it come from?

If you have repetitive events of subconjunctival hemorrhage it is advisable to be seen by either your general physician or an ophthalmologist. If have any questions or would like reassurance on your condition please call Doctor & Associates at 203-227-4113 with any questions.Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs most often in elderly persons with diabetes or hypertension but commonly no cause can be found. A predisposing cause appears to be events that produce a sudden rise in venous pressure, such coughing, straining, lifting, sneezing or vomiting. There is no treatment for this condition, which is entirely innocuous, other than reassurance.

Occasionally a subconjunctival hemorrhage is part of a general bleeding disorder but it must be emphasized that such an event is rare. If you have no other symptoms but bloodshot eye it most likely means that you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage.  Subconjunctival hemorrhage is caused by a ruptured conjunctival blood vessel. It usually produces an irregular red patch because of pooling of blood under the conjunctiva. Its appearance is alarming because it is accentuated by the white of the sclera. Invariably, a collection of blood, like any other bruise under the skin, spreads and seems to enlarge as the blood is disseminated. Eventually the blood pigment breaks down to its component parts until it is absorbed. This process can take anywhere from 7 days to 3 weeks, depending on the size of the hemorrhage.

Aspirin & Macular Degeneration (AMD)

There may be a relationship between frequent aspirin use and Macular Degeneration (AMD) according to researchers from the European Eye Study who  reported some interesting findings on the October 2011 publication Ophthalmology which is the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They found that frequent aspirin use may be associated with an increased risk of early or late “wet age-related macular degeneration”, with an “odds ratio” that increases upon frequency of consumption. However the study is somewhat limited in that there was an unknown amount of aspirin taken, as well as the possibility that participants may have taken aspirin after experiencing visual problems. So, at this time the study is interesting but inconclusive and certainly patients taking aspirin to offset the coronary risk profile or other vascular problems should NOT discontinue taking aspirin unless they have been directed to do so by their personal physician. Patients who have question or concerns about Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) should feel free to contact Doctor & Associates at 203-227-4113 for information or to schedule an appointment and visit us at facebook.com/doctorandassociates.

Eye Trauma in Children

Eye trauma in children is more common than most people realize. Injuries that occur in and around the eye threaten vision and must be addressed with immediately. Some head injuries can cause an ocular problem down the road.  Holes and tears in the retina can develop slowly and retinal detachment can occur later in life. To avoid any of these problems, a parent should inform an Ophthalmologist of any incident of head injury or any other eye accidents.

Here are some common types of eye trauma we see in children:

1. Your child was playing in a sandbox, suddenly cries and rubs his or her eyes. This behavior should alert you to a foreign body entering and lodging under the lid. You should wash the injured eye with cotton or a gauze pad with warm water. It is best to have a bottle of sterile eye irrigating solution so that you could irrigate the eye. A foreign body can cause damage to the child's cornea. The corneal abrasion that often results can be very painful. It is important to see an Ophthalmologist, remove the foreign body if necessary and start treatment.
2. Black eyes are not uncommon. They frequently occur from a punch in the eye, a toy thrown in the eye, a fall, an insect bite, etc. We realize from this partial list of unfortunate possibilities that bringing up children can sometimes prove hazardous to their eyes. They challenge us to always be alert and respond quickly to signs of possible danger. It is important to call an Ophthalmologist and discuss the issue over the phone. Based on symptoms and presented situation the doctor will advise how soon the child needs to be seen.
3. Eyelids are swollen or red could be another observation of a parent. Apply cold compresses but do not wait until the lid improves. Call your eye physician and be prepared to provide a complete history. Based on your description the next step will be decided by the doctor.

Parents can appreciate the fact that trauma to the eye must always be taken seriously. Careful evaluation of the eye is very important. If you are concerned about your child's eye or your child happens to be in a similar situation do not hesitate to call us at Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113 with any questions.