FINE EYEWEAR & Eye Care Library » Eye Disease & Problems

Study determines if the eye is mirror to the heart

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:59:26 +0000

The University of Edinburgh is conducting a study to determine whether scanning blood vessels in the eyes can help detect heart disease

The researchers will use high definition scans of the eyes of more than 1,000 patients suspected of having heart disease. They will look for signs like changes in blood vessel width or suspicious branching, which may be linked to heart disease. Developing this type of method could avoid the need for invasive procedures such as biopsies and angiograms.

“We know that problems in the eye are linked to conditions such as diabetes and that abnormalities in the eye’s blood vessels can also indicate vascular problems in the brain,” says Dr. Tom MacGillivray, researcher at the University of Edinburgh, where he manages the image analysis laboratory at the Clinical Research Imaging Centre. “If we can identify early problems in the blood vessels in the eyes we might potentially pinpoint signs of heart disease. This could help identify people who would benefit from early lifestyle changes and preventative therapies.”

Exercise May Result In Epigenetic Modifications To DNA and Regulate Insulin Levels

admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:49:55 +0000

The CBS News (3/7, Castillo) “HealthPop” blog reported, “A new study in the March issue of Cell Metabolism shows that that when people exercise for something as little as a 20 minute workout, it can alter their DNA almost immediately.” Investigators “concluded that…’epigenetic modifications’ seem to be the early precursor to the genetic reprogramming of muscle for strength, structure and the metabolic benefits of exercise.” The study suggested why “exercise is one known way to maintain insulin sensitivity of organs and prevent diabetes,” since a “previous study showed that diabetics have different DNA methyl group patterns than healthy individuals, partially explaining why they cannot regulate their insulin levels.” Also covering the story are Fox News /NewsCore (3/8) and the UK’s Daily Mail (3/8, Macrae).

Frequent Walking May Help Regulate Glucose, Insulin Levels. Reuters (3/8, Grens) reports that according to a study published in the journal Diabetes Care, taking a walking break every twenty minutes, rather than prolonged sitting, could help regulate the body’s glucose and insulin levels after meals. This would prevent large spikes in blood sugar and insulin that are linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Changes In Retina May Portend Disorders Elsewhere In The Body

admin — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:40:25 +0000

The Washington Post (3/6, Thigpen) reports that according to studies, a specific freckle found in the back of the eye called CHRPE (congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium) “has a ‘statistically significant’ correlation with hereditary colon polyps known as familial adenomatous polyposis, or FAP.” The article quotes retina expert Neal Adams, who said, “When we look in back of the eye at the retina, we can find signs that may help us identify many disorders — common ones like high blood pressure and diabetes, rare genetic disorders and even life-threatening cancers.”

Fine Eyewear and Eyecare optometrists provides advanced vision care to the families of Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Round Rock and surrounding communities. To read more about our advanced eye exam instrumentation, including retinal imaging visit our main website.

Next-Generation Contact Lenses May Help Monitor Health

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:26:31 +0000

On its website, KDKA-TV Pittsburgh (1/12) reported that next-generation contact lenses, “called ‘smart lenses’…are packed with circuits, sensors and wireless technology — all designed to keep an eye on your health.” Researchers are now testing contact lenses that may someday “replace the standard blood test,” pointing out that “biomarkers found in the blood — such as cholesterol, sodium, potassium and glucose — can also be found on the surface of the eye.” Currently, one type of smart contact lens already out on the market in Europe monitors eye pressure over the course of a day. Called the Trigger Fish, it can diagnose glaucoma. Contact lenses still in the developmental stage may one day slowly release eye medication over a long period of time.

Fine Eyewear and Eyecare optometrists provides advanced vision care to the families of Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Round Rock and surrounding communities. Stop by and check out our world class optical studio. Our mission is to help you look and see your best! We don’t have these contacts available just yet, but we do have just about every other contact made on earth! More info can be found at www.FineEyewear.Net

New Study Links Daily Aspirin Use to Increased Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:21:38 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO—A large European study, published in the January issue of the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, links daily aspirin use to increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The study found that people aged 65 and older who took aspirin daily had double the risk of developing “wet” AMD (an advanced form of the disease that occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and bleed or leak fluid into the macula), compared with those who took it less frequently. The study also found a somewhat elevated risk of early-stage AMD in daily aspirin users. No higher risk was found for advanced “dry” AMD.

“If future studies support our results, then recommendations on aspirin may need to be modified for patients with age-related macular degeneration,” said Paulus T. V. M. de Jong, MD, PhD, of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience and Academic Medicine, who led the research team. “It’s possible that increased AMD risk may outweigh aspirin’s potential protective benefits for some patients, but we need to know more about the impacts of dose, length of use, and other factors before we can say for certain, or make specific recommendations.”

Dr. de Jong’s research was part of the European Eye Study that examined and surveyed more than 4,600 Europeans between 2000 and 2003. The study’s main goals were to estimate AMD prevalence and to investigate the impacts of sun exposure and antioxidant vitamin use on disease development. The researchers said they think medical professionals should stick with their current advice on aspirin for older, cardiovascular disease patients, until other studies confirm the link between daily aspirin use and wet AMD risk.

For more information, visit www.aao.org.

Sudden Onset Of Floaters, Flashes Requires Prompt Medical Attention

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:30:34 +0000

The New York Times (11/8, D7, Brody) reports in “Personal Health” that “when blood flow through the retina is blocked or when the retina pulls away from the wall of the eye, getting the problem properly diagnosed can be an emergency. Modern treatments can do wonders if they are begun before the damage is irreversible. But a delay in getting to a retinal specialist can diminish the ability of even the best therapy to preserve or restore normal vision.” The piece goes on to describe symptoms of, and treatments for, retinal-vein occlusion and retinal detachment.

In a related feature in the New York Times (11/8, D7, Subscription Publication), Denise Grady describes her experience with a vitreous hemorrhage. Patients who experience symptoms of a “mini-avalanche of the spots that doctors call floaters” along with “lightning-bolt” flashes are advised to seek medical attention promptly. In some cases, a detached retina may present with “blind spots or…black curtains,” and laser surgery is necessary to save sight. In Grady’s case, however, “the vitreous gel that fills the center of the eyeball had shrunk — a normal part of aging — and had pulled away from the retina. The flashes of light were symptoms of its tugging on the retina.” The problem will resolve itself in a couple of weeks.

About Dry eye

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:37:27 +0000

Dry eye is one of the least understood ocular diseases and yet one of the most common complaints we hear from patients.

Women are more frequently affected than men. Dry Eye Disease is often caused by hormonal changes due to aging, menopause, and other medical conditions or their treatments.

Your eyes need a constant layer of healthy, balanced tears called the “tear film” to stay nourished and protected. A change in the quality or the quantity of your tears can result in an un-balanced tear film.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease may include:

Stinging
Burning
Scratchy Sensation
Sensitivity to Light

Tearing
Tired Eyes
Contact Lens Discomfort
Blurred Vision

These dry eye disease symptoms often worsen at the end of the day or after visually focusing for a prolonged period on a nearby task.

Often dry eye symptoms are mistaken for allergies, climatic conditions or just “eyestrain”. While all of these may aggravate Dry Eye Disease, they are not the cause.

Dry Eye Causes

Environmental Causes:

Hot, dry and/or windy climates, high altitudes, excessive sun exposure, central heating, air conditioning, cigarette smoke, air pollution, air travel.

Refractive eye surgeries:

Dry eye is the most common complaint following LASIK. Your doctor should test your eyes prior to surgery to ensure the best outcome.

Contact Lens Wear:

Two million people a year give up on wearing contact lenses. 50% of these contact lens “dropouts” say its due to dryness or discomfort. If you have Dry Eye Disease, your doctor can prescribe a specific lens for your condition or prescribe treatment to allow you to wear your lenses more comfortably.

Low blink rate:

Blinking is critical in stimulating tear production, as well as spreading the tears across the eye’s surface. The three common culprits responsible for reducing your blink rate are computer use, reading, and watching TV. Sometimes just remembering to blink can improve how your eyes feel.

Medications:

It is important that your eye doctor know all of the medications that you take. Some medications known to aggravate dry eye disease are; allergy medications, decongestants, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, birth control pills, diuretics, and pain medications just to name a few.

Diseases:

Some diseases associated with dry eye disease are; Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Lacrimal Gland Deficiency, Blepharitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and Rosacea.

Hormonal deficiencies or changes:

Thyroid conditions, hormonal changes during menopause, decreased production of androgen, estrogen supplementation can all affect ocular health. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking hormone replacement therapy or have a thyroid condition.

Treatment

Many treatments for dry eyes are available without a prescription. However, it’s wise to see an optometrists to evaluate the cause of the condition and to create the best treatment plan for you.

Treatments for dry eyes may include:

Changes in diet
Supplementation
Artificial Tears: There are many artificial tears available over the counter. Ask an Accredited Dry Eye Center which drop is best for your specific condition.
Ointments. If your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant, such as an ointment, at night.
Plugs (temporary and permanent punctual occlusion). Sometimes it is necessary to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. Temporary or permanent plugs can be inserted to hold tears around the eyes longer. Many patients find that plugs improve comfort and reduce the need for artificial tears.
Restasis®. For the treatment of chronic dry eye, Restasis is currently the only prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production with continued use.
Other medications. Other medications, including topical steroids, may also be beneficial in some cases.
Surgery. If needed, the ducts that drain tears into the nose can be permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye. This is done with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. There are no limitations in activity after having this surgery.

Our doctors at Fine Eyewear & Eye care in Cedar Park treat patients who suffer from dry eye every day. Fine Eyewear is located at the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX . Some of the local neighborhoods served by Fine Eyewear include Forest Oaks, Silver Oaks, Teravista, Avery Ranch, Stone Canyon, Mayfield Ranch, The Ranch at Brushy Creek, Vista Oaks and Wood Glen – we have an eye doctor close by for you! Come and See us! Visit our main website at www.FineEyewear.net

Dermatologist Recommends Sun Protection For All

admin — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:25:03 +0000

In “Medicine Matters,” Medscape (7/21, Fryhofer) posted a video and transcript of Dr. Sandra Fryhofer discusses “six tanning and sunscreen myths.” Fryhofer recommended that everyone wear sunscreen as much as possible, along with UV-protective sunglasses and a hat. She also pointed out that even inside cars, people need to wear sunscreen, since “a study in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that people who spend a lot of time in the car are more likely to get skin cancers on the side exposed to sunlight during driving.”

Reading On Smartphones May Strain Eyes

admin — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:23:10 +0000

HealthDay (7/21, Gardner) reports that, according to a study published in Optometry and Vision Science, “people reading text messages or browsing the Internet on their smartphones tend to hold the devices closer than they would a book or newspaper.” Some suggest increasing font size on smartphones, e-readers, and using “Verdana 12-point font, the only font designed specifically for computers.

One In Three Adults Unaware Of Eye Health Risks Of Too Much Sun Exposure

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:31:56 +0000

USA Today (6/9, Healy) reports that wearing a hat and protecting eyes “from harmful UV rays” is as much a part of sun protection as slathering on sunscreen. “A 2009 survey by the American Optometric Association found that one in three adults are unaware of the eye health risks of spending too much time in the sun without proper protection.” Excessive UV exposure may result in pterygium, macular degeneration, or cataracts. And, “even a few hours of intense, unprotected exposure can have consequences, says optometrist Sarah Hinkley of the American Optometric Association,” possibly leading to painful photokeratitis.

Don’t wait until it is too late and never go outside without your sunglasses on, even on a cloudy day. UV rays go right thru clouds like they’re not ever there! F.E.

Fine Eyewear & Eyecare offers a full line of fashion and sport sunglasses with 100% UV protection. We are a Maui-Jim Gold store! We’re located in the Heb Whitestone shopping center at Parmer and 1431, located at the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX . Some of the local neighborhoods served by Fine Eyewear include Forest Oaks, Silver Oaks, Teravista, Avery Ranch, Stone Canyon, Mayfield Ranch, The Ranch at Brushy Creek, Vista Oaks and Wood Glen – we have an eye doctor close by for you! Come and See us!