Viewpoint
On Eye Care Spring 2015
Institute for Total Eye Care, P.C.
this issue
Roy T. Hager, M.D. F.A.C.S.
What You Need to Know About Cataracts
James D. Izer, M.D.
Low Vision: Ways To Help Preserve Your Eyesight
Could Your Eye Infection Be Bacterial Keratitis?
Charles N. Robbins, M.D. Richard M. Murphy, O.D. Roger R. Yonker, Jr. Administrator Offices: 4255 Carmichael Court N. Montgomery, AL 36106 334-277-9111 800-255-3012 Fax: 344-270-9359
8007 U.S. Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-9111 Fax- 344-567-8004
www.eyes-itec.com itecinfo@eyes-itec.com
Spring Eye Allergies Ask an Eye M.D.
What You Need To Know About Cataracts
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f your vision has become blurry, cloudy, or things have become dim or not as colorful as they used to, a cataract may have developed in one or both of your eyes. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, and many people say having a cataract cloud their vision is similar to the effect of looking through a dirty car windshield. Most cataracts are part of the normal aging process. As a cataract slowly begins to develop, you may not notice any changes in your vision. Eventually, as the cataract progresses, it may start to interfere with your daily activities. Other symptoms of a cataract developing are difficulty seeing at night or in low light, sensitivity to light and glare, and seeing halos around lights. Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions or double vision in one eye may be caused by a cataract. A dilated eye exam is the only way to know if you have a cataract or if it is another condition that may be causing your eye or vision problems. A full eye exam by your ophthalmologist can also detect any early signs of cataract development, and early detection and treatment can be critical to preserving sight. Since cataracts develop as part of the natural aging process, eventually everyone is at risk for developing a cataract. As we age, our eyes’ lenses slowly become less flexible, less transparent and thicker, leading to the development of a cataract. People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing cataracts, as well as those who have high blood pressure and obesity. Children and those under 40 may also be at risk for developing a cataract. A family history of cataracts, previous eye injury or eye surgery and long-term use of steroid medications can also increase your risk. When you are diagnosed with a cataract, your ophthalmologist will monitor your vision regularly for changes. Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss and can’t be reversed; however, they are treatable with cataract surgery. A cataract doesn’t need to be removed right away unless your daily activities are significantly affected; simply changing your eyeglass prescription may help improve your vision. When your vision problems start to interfere with your lifestyle, you may need surgery to remove the continued on page 2 cataract. Spring 2015
Could Your Eye Infection Be Bacterial Keratitis?
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acterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea, can develop quickly and can cause blindness if left untreated. This infection can cause eye pain, reduced vision, light sensitivity and tearing or discharge from the eye. A bacterial keratitis infection can be a result of several different causes: • Contact lens use, especially when using extended-wear lenses • Using contaminated eye medicine or other solution that you apply to the eye • Using topical steroid • Recent corneal disease • Reduced immunity as a result of diabetes, alcoholism or poor nutrition To accurately diagnose whether or not you have bacterial keratitis or another type of infection, your ophthalmologist may gently scrape the eye to take a small sample of material and test it for infection. The treatment for bacterial keratitis includes antibiotic drops and possibly a topical steroid applied to the eye. It is very important to safely handle, store and clean your contact lenses to reduce your risk of infection. If you experience any symptoms of bacterial keratitis, please call your ophthalmologist immediately. It is very important to start on a treatment right away in order to prevent possible blindness. 8
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If changing your eyeglass prescription is not helping you see well enough to do the things you like or need to do, cataract surgery may be beneficial. With cataract surgery, your eye’s cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens implant. The artificial lens does become a permanent part of your eye. The new, artificial lens allows light to pass through and focus properly on the retina. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and doesn’t require an overnight stay in a hospital; however, you will need someone to drive you home. For best results and to lower your risk of developing an infection, it is important to follow the guidelines of recovery as set by your ophthalmologist. Getting a baseline exam at age 40 can help your ophthalmologist see early signs of eye disease. Call today to schedule your dilated eye exam with your ophthalmologist, and talk about your family history of eye disease. Early detection is key to preserving sight. 8
QUICK GUIDE TO CATARACTS Myth: Only older people develop a cataract. Fact: Cataracts do affect more people 40 years of age and older; however, young adults and children can develop a cataract. Some risk factors that may lead to younger people developing cataracts are intense heat or long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun, long-term steroid use, certain diseases such as diabetes, heredity influences, eye injuries, eye diseases, and smoking. Myth: Lasers are used to remove a cataract. Fact: In cataract treatment, the clouded lens is surgically removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant. Occasionally, the membrane behind the implant may become cloudy after cataract surgery, and then laser treatment may be used to open the cloudy membrane. Myth: For best results, you should have cataract surgery when it is first diagnosed. Fact: Most people need cataract surgery when the cataract causes enough vision loss to interfere with work, play or other daily tasks. Since cataract surgery is elective surgery, talk with your ophthalmologist and your family to decide if and when surgery is needed. Myth: A cataract may be treated with eye drops. Fact: Surgery is the only proven treatment for cataracts. A cataract can’t be treated with medicines. If you have a cataract in both eyes, separate surgeries are scheduled. Myth: Cataracts can be prevented with Vitamin E, Vitamin C or aspirin. Fact: There is not enough evidence to say whether Vitamin E, Vitamin C or aspirin prevents cataracts or reduces your risk of a cataract. Unless prescribed by your doctor, don’t take these vitamins or aspirin in large doses. Talk to your ophthalmologist about your family history of cataracts and have regular eye exams to catch cataracts early. Myth: Cataract surgery is dangerous. Fact: While cataract surgery is a delicate operation, it is one of the safest operations done today. Myth: It can take months to recover from cataract surgery. Fact: Most people can see well enough to resume normal activities only a few days after having cataract surgery, and your vision will continue to improve over the following days and months. If you have additional eye problems, such as glaucoma, it may take longer to recover. 8
low vision: ways to help preserve your eyesight
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ow vision is a loss of eyesight that makes everyday tasks like reading, writing, shopping, watching television, driving a car or recognizing faces difficult or impossible. Low vision can affect our lives and daily routines in many different ways, and some adjustments can be difficult. Though vision loss can’t be reversed, there are, however, many ways to help adjust to dealing with low vision. When your vision can’t be improved with regular eyeglasses, medicine or surgery, it may mean finding new ways to enjoy your favorite activities. You can make the most of your remaining sight and keep your independence by using low vision aids and low vision rehabilitation. When your central vision becomes obstructed by a blind spot, finding your next best spot can be helpful. To find that spot, imagine that the object you want to see is in the center of a large clock face, and move your eyes along the clock numbers. When you see the center of the object most clearly, you have found your next best spot.
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Using low vision aids, such as carrying a penlight or a flexible desk lamp where you work, can help make things bigger and brighter. Covering shiny tables and counters inside the house and wearing a visor outdoors can help reduce glare. Moving closer to the television or buying books with enlarged print help keep your activities enjoyable and relaxing. Setting up your living space in an organized way, such as designating spots for certain items and minimizing clutter, or labeling things with smaller words or numbers can keep daily activities easy. There are new technologies for some people with low vision as well. Smart phones, e-readers and tablets are portable and affordable for people on the go. Applications are available that
have text-to-speech functionality and can be read aloud to the user. Many different apps and built-in functions guide you in regards to magnification and illumination, map routes, and voice interface. The new technologies and digital devices may need to be used in conjunction with other aids to achieve the best possible vision. Learning to live with low vision can be hard and frustrating at times. Ask for help when you need it, and talk to a low vision rehabilitation specialist. Low vision rehabilitation teaches you to use your remaining vision more effectively and improve your quality of life. Talk to your ophthalmologist about different strategies of vision rehabilitation to stay active and ways to continue to take care of your eyesight. 8
Spring Eye Allergies
o red, itchy, watering eyes have you dreading all that spring has sprung? Eye allergies are a common condition that occur when the eyes react to something that irritates them. This irritating allergen is fought off when the eyes produce a substance called histamine. As a result, your eyes can become red, itchy and watery. People who suffer from eye allergies may also have nasal allergies as well. There are many causes of eye allergies, including indoor and outdoor allergens. Avoiding or limiting contact with what irritates your eyes is key to treating eye allergies. However, that is not always an option. Artificial tears, decongestants, and oral antihistamines can be helpful in reducing the effects the allergens have on you. Allergy eye drops with antihistamines or steroid eye drops can be prescribed by your ophthalmologist. Talk to your doctor to see which treatment is best for you. Call ITEC today to set up your appointment. The earlier you start a regimen to reduce your eye allergy symptoms, the more effective the treatment can be. 8
4255 Carmichael Court N. Montgomery, AL 36106 334-277-9111 ------------------------------8007 U.S. Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-9111 ------------------------------www.eyes-itec.com
Ask an Eye M.D. Question: Can someone with diabetes have cataract surgery? Answer: Yes, someone with diabetes can have cataract surgery. However, talk to your opthalmologist about the precautions you should take before and after cataract surgery. Diabetics are more prone to infection and swelling, so a different postoperative protocal may be taken with patients who have diabetic eye disease. Question: I had cataract surgery last week. I was fine for a day or so, but today I am not able to read normal sized print. Is this common after surgery, and will it resolve itself? Answer: It is not an uncommon complaint, and it can happen for several reasons. Vision can fluctuate after surgery. A sharp decline in vision is less common and should be addressed with the surgeon. Call your opthalmologist today if you have follow up questions about your cataract surgery.
Carmichael Optical Shoppe 4255 Carmichael Court North Inside ITEC Business Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Phone: 334-277-7677 Opticians: Haviland Smith Licensed Optician Tonya Boles ABO Certified Optician William Harris Lab Manager Ashley Pittman Sales Associate Glenda Butler Sales Associate, Wetumpka Location