Category Archives: Eye Disease & Problems

Eye Disease & Problems

Are generics are just like their name-brand drugs?

If you’re a layperson, this is the way you probably think of generics: They’re the exact same products in different packaging.

The FDA agency’s definition of bioequivalence is surprisingly broad: A generic’s maximum concentration of active ingredient in the blood must not fall more than 20% below or 25% above that of the brand name. This means a potential range of 45%, by that measure, among generics labeled as being the same.

There are other differences. The generic must contain the same active ingredient as the original. But the additional ingredients, known as excipients, can be different and are often of lower quality. Those differences can affect what’s called bioavailability — the amount of drug that could potentially be absorbed into the bloodstream.

These and other factors need to be taken into consideration, especially if your medicate is designed to save your eyesight or other vital organs.

 

 

Diabetes

Weight Lifting May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk In Men.

Bloomberg News (8/7, Ostrow) reports, “Lifting weights 30 minutes a day, five times a week, may reduce a man’s chance of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 34 percent, and when combined with aerobic exercise like brisk walking or running, cuts the risk as much as 59 percent.”

“Even a small amount of weight training helped,” HealthDay  (8/7, Dallas) reports. “Men who lifted weights for just up to 59 minutes a week reduced their risk for diabetes by 12 percent.”

 (8/7, Fiore), the study “was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.” Also covering the story are Medscape  (8/7, Brown), BBC News  (8/7), and Reuters 8/7, Joelving).
Diabetes, Eye Disease & Problems

Is the eye the mirror to the heart ?

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 def eye scans of  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.

 

Diabetes

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

The CBS News  “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.”

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.

Eye Disease & Problems, Eye exam instruments

Changes In Retina May Signal Disorders Elsewhere In The Body

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.”

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.

Contacts, Glaucoma, New Advances in Optometry

Next-Generation Contact Lenses May Help Monitor Health

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

Macular Degeneration

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

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.

For more information, visit www.aao.org.

Eye Disease & Problems

Sudden Onset Of Floaters or Flashes Requires Prompt Medical Attention

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 needs to be done ASAP.  Treatments can do wonders if   begun before the damage is irreversible.  A delay in getting to a retinal specialist can diminish the ability for therapy to preserve or restore normal vision.”

Patients who experience symptoms of a “mini-avalanche of the spots referred to as floaters” along with “lightning-bolt” flashes should see an eye doctor immediately. In some cases, a detached retina may present with “blind spots or…black curtains,” and laser surgery is necessary to save sight.

Dry Eye

About Dry eye

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

Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Sunglasses

Dermatologist Recommends Sun Protection For All

In “Medicine Matters,” Medscape (7/21, Fryhofer) Dr. Sandra Fryhofer discusses “six tanning and sunscreen myths.” Fryhofer recommends everyone wear sunscreen as much as possible, along with UV-protective sunglasses and a hat.  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.”

And don’t forget your sunglasses!