Eye Surgical Medical Associates PC

Saturday Sign & Symptoms Taking it back to the basics and most frequent of the eye problems. Refractive Errors - These errors are a type of vision problem that makes it difficult to see clearly. They happen when the shape of your eye keeps light from focusing correctly on your retina (light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye) The type of errors include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. This effects more than 150 million American. Surprisingly, ...many people don't know they could be seeing better which is why eye exams, routinely, are so important. Myopia - nearsightedness, makes far away objects look blurry. Hyperopia - farsightedness, makes nearby objects look blurry. Astigmatism - can make far away and nearby objects look blurry and/or distorted. Presbyopia - makes it hard for middle-aged and older adults to see things up close. It's important to remember that not everyone may notice the gradual impairments which is why routine exams are so imperative. Symptoms could include * Double vision * Hazy vision * Seeing a glare or halo around bright lights * Squinting * Headaches * Eye strain (eye feel tired or sore) * Trouble focusing when reading or looking at a computer Anyone can have refractive errors, but you are at higher risk if you have family members who wear glasses or contact lenses. Most types of refractive errors, like nearsightedness, usually start in childhood while Presbyopia is common in adults ages 40-50 and older. Some refractive errors can be caused by the eyeball length, problems with the shape of the cornea (clear, outer layer of the eye), or aging of the lens. During your comprehensive eye exam you'll be asked to read letters both up close and at a distance. You will be dilated to widen the pupil and checked for other eye problems that may exist. Your eye doctor can correct refractive errors with glasses or contacts lenses. If you wear glasses or contact lenses and still have some of the symptoms earlier mentioned, you might need a new prescription. If you are bothered by these symptoms, it's been several years since your last, or if you just haven't made the time like many of us, call Eye Surgical Medical Associates for your Routine Eye Exam. We are conveniently open during the evening and on Saturdays. Love and Care for your Eye...because we do!

Saturday Signs & Symptoms Let's take a dive into a disease that affects 11 million people in the United States. This number is said to double by 2050. We are talking about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and it's stages. This is the leading cause of vision loss. Macular Degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the...Continue reading

Saturday Signs & Symptoms Ptosis or "droopy eyelid" Ptosis is a drooping or falling of the upper eyelid. The lid may droop only slightly or it may cover the pupil entirely. Some might have difficulty keeping their eyelids fully open and can restrict or block normal vision. The drooping may be worse after being awake longer, when the muscles are tired. ... Adults get ptosis when the levator muscle stretches or separates away from their eyelid. It may occur due to trauma, age, or various medical disorders. The condition can be present at birth and is known as congenital ptosis. When developed later in life, it's referred to as acquired ptosis. This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition, especially if the issue affects both eyelids. If just one of the eyelids droops, it may be a result of a nerve injury or a temporary stye. Routine Lasik or cataract surgery is, in some cases, to blame for the development of ptosis. Rarely and in more serious instances, droopy eyelid is caused by stroke, brain tumors, or cancer. It's so important to see your ophthalmologist to identify the cause of your ptosis (droopy eyelid) in order to recommend treatment. Your ophthalmologist will do a complete eye exam and may also order additional imaging, tests, and blood work. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, droopy upper eyelids can block or significantly reduce vision depending on how prominently it obstructs the pupil. In some cases, a prescription eyedrop might suffice while in cases where vision is impaired, surgical intervention is likely. Symptoms * droopy eyelid(s) * the need to tilt head or lift eyebrows in order to see out * extreme dry or watery eyes * aching * migraine headaches (when the headache occurs after noticing droopy lid(s), it's important to notate and report to your doctor) Treatment While eyedrops or surgery are, in most cases, typical treatments, it is imperative to rule out more serious causing issues. The underlying medical condition, when evident, is what will be addressed and treated. In such cases, treating this underlying medical condition may resolve the droopy eye. Surgery Blepharoplasty - this procedure is done to remove excess skin from the eyelid. The surgeon will make changes to the skin, fat or muscles of the eyelid to change appearance or function. Incisions are often placed to hide or minimize scars. Depending on the severity and how it impairs your vision, insurance companies, with evidence, may cover this procedure. If "droopy eyelids" is something that affects you, call Eye Surgical Medical Associates and schedule your evaluation. As always Love and Be Kind to Your Eyes...we DO.

Saturday Signs and Symptoms Conjunctivitis (pink eye) We are coming upon cold/flu season and it also marks the time where Conjunctivitis is most prominent and/or can accompany that cold. ... We are affected by a few different types of Conjunctivitis either viral, bacterial, or allergy related. While all range from mild to severe symptoms, in viral conjunctivitis they typically last 7-14 days where bacterial can last and be bothersome for 2-4 weeks or more. Conjunctivitis associated with allergies can come and go during peak allergy season and/or when dealing with an allergic reaction. The following are the symptoms associated - pink or red in the whites of the eye - itchy eyes - light sensitivity - watery/leaking eye - burning sensation - thick discharge that builds up at night - intense itching - gritty feeling You may suffer one or several of these symptoms however in bacterial conjunctivitis thick, green/yellow discharge will set it apart from the other forms. Its important to see a doctor to determine and appropriately treat. The viral or allergy associated conjunctivitis are NOT commonly treated with antibiotics and are extremely contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat and may require antibiotics. IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO GET THIS PROPERLY DIAGNOSED AS UNNECESSARY ANTIBIOTICS CAN MAKE SYMPTOMS WORSE. While there is no treatment for viral conjunctivitis as it has to run it's course, we can alleviate the bothersome symptoms. After being properly diagnosed and ruling out the need for antibiotics, the following can help reduce much of the associated discomfort. - discontinue use of contact lens and eye makeup - lubricating eye drops - warm compress - clean lids/lashes with either a baby wash, lid scrub wipes or spray. Treat each eye independently to avoid unnecessary spread. Change pillowcases and towels out between uses. Remember this is very contagious so avoid sharing any items that come in contact with your eyes. Eye Surgical Medical Associates has these supplies, in office, to purchase for your convenience. Love and Be Kind to Your Eyes.

Saturday Signs & Symptoms Let's talk about a systemic disease which has a huge impact on your eyes and vision. . Diabetes. ... With early detection of Diabetes, 90% of vision loss due to the disease, can be prevented. Part of this early detection is getting a yearly, dilated eye exam if and when you are diagnosed with diabetes. There are several eye diseases that result from diabetes. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy - is when the blood vessels in the retina swell, leak, or close of completely. Could also cause newly formed blood vessels to grow abnormally on the retina. Signs/Symptoms may include... Floaters or seeing spots Blurriness Dark shadows in your vision Impaired color vision Vision loss 2. Diabetic Macular Edema - happens when fluid starts to build up in the macula and causes swelling (edema) Signs/Symptoms Although this disease may not cause any symptoms, the following could occur and should be an indicator to make that appointment for a comprehensive eye exam if you have not already. Blurred and/or distorted images Seeing colors that appear "washed out" Increases/excessive amount of floaters Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema may include various Intravitreal injections and or laser. Some diabetic eye disease can be reversed with the proper care, treatments, maintenance of diabetes. Diabetes could increase the chances and progress the onset of both Glaucoma and Cataracts. There is also a higher risk in diabetics, for Branch or Central Retinal Vein Occlusions. Diabetes can affect your eyes in other ways too which do not fall into diabetic eye disease if left uncontrolled. In Individuals who have uncontrolled/drastically changing blood sugar levels, it could change the shape of your eye's lens causing blurred vision. It is crucial to get the levels under control so vision can return to normal. Left undetected and untreated, symptoms can progress and cause these diabetic eye diseases. To prevent eye damage from diabetes, maintain good control of your blood sugar. Follow your primary care physician's diet and exercise plan. If you have not had an eye exam with an ophthalmologist, it is crucial to get one now. Be sure to never skip the follow-up exams that your ophthalmologist recommends. Studies show that an alarming 60% of diabetics are not getting the exams their doctors recommend. Don't fall into this category, early detection and maintenance are key. Call our office today if you've been diagnosed with diabetes, are due for you comprehensive dilated exam, or suffer from these symptoms. (215) 343-8118 We encourage everyone to stay educated about your eyes and eyecare, you can do so by visiting aao.org

Saturday Signs & Symptoms Glaucoma: There are two types of Glaucoma: open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma Open-angle Glaucoma - open OR wide angle Glaucoma is the most common form of the disease and what we'll learn more about here. This is when the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork (tissue area located around the base of the cornea responsible for draining) is partially blocked. This causes the pressure in the eye to gradu...Continue reading

Wednesday Wellness Work long hours on a computer? To help maintain health of your eyes,consider doing the following. 1. Remember 20/20/20...every 20 mins you're focused on a computer or tablet, take a 20 sec look-away break and stare at something about 20 ft away. 2. Don't forget to BLINK. Blinking produces moisture in your eyes and prevents dry eye. 3. Short and frequent breaks. Stand up, take a stretch and a breather.... Love Your

TUESDAY Teaser.... What do you see? https://pin.it/3QaHkrx

Saturday Signs & Symptoms CATARACTS: cloudy of a normally clear lens of the eye. Signs/Symptoms to self assess.... 1. One of the initial signs that might be most noticeable is light sensitivity. Lamps, headlights, or might suddenly seem bothersome. 2.Color changes within the affected eye might start to look yellowish or light brown. This is caused by clumping of protein build-up 3. The protein build-up may cause blurred vision in some which becomes worse as the Cataract increases. Images become less sharp, fogged, cloudy,or dim 4. Frequent needs to change your prescription glasses. Having rapid deterioration in vision could be a warning sign 5. Although not a stand-alone sign, double vision can be warning sign. 6. Loss of night vision has become more bothersome due to the above mentioned vision impairments 7. Seeing halos or rings during times of brighter lighting exposure 8. Nearsightedness will decrease as Cataracts worsens 9. No longer seeing details and outlines,again as the vision dulls adding that layer of hue. You u could begin to lose the focus of facial details and/or newspaper, even the TV remote. 10. The need for more/brighter light in or to see objects could be a simple sign of Cataracts. Although most of these signs are gradual they becomes more problematic as the severity of the Cataracts becomes worse. If you find yourself affected by these symptoms, it may be time to get a medical diagnosis and see if surgery is right for you.

Tuesday Teaser https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=995270827578155&id=100012857418428

Monday Mind-Blower Did you know!? The average person blinks 15-20 times per minute. That's up to 1,200 times per hour.....28,800 times in a day! We spend about 10 percent of our waking hours with our eyes closed.

Saturday eyesight FACT: 80% of all Learning comes through the eyes! ..with the school year quickly approaching, make sure your child is ready to Learn...schedule an eye exam.

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When was your last Eye Exam? Make it AUGUST 2020, during National Eye Exam month!! We are open Monday-Saturday with convenient evening hours too. (215) 342-8118