Category Archives: Eye Disease & Problems

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!

Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Sunglasses

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

Wearing a hat and protecting eyes from harmful UV rays is as much a part of sun protection as sunscreen. Excessive UV exposure may result in pterygium, macular degeneration, or cataracts. And, even a few hours of intense, unprotected exposure can have consequences.

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!

Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer vision syndrome

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a complex of eye and vision problems experienced during or related to computer use. Ocular symptoms may include asthenopia, accommodative and vergence difficulties and dry eye. CVS occurs in up to 90% of computer workers.

SOURCE: Chu C, Rosenfield M, Portello JK, et al. A comparison of symptoms after viewing text on a computer screen and hardcopy. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011;31(1):29–32.
If you’re experiencing computer vision issues, its quite possible you don’t have the proper lenses required for the task. If you spend 5 or more hours a day at the computer, or 2 or more hours of intense, staring at the screen you may need lenses specifically designed for such intense computer work – F.E.
Computer Lenses, designed specifically for intense computer work are available at Fine Eyewear. Fine Eyewear & Eyecare is a full service eye care facility specializing  high quality lenses.  Our eye care facility is staffed by eye doctors who care about your computer vision requirements.  We’re located in the Heb 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. A few of the neighborhoods that surround us are Teravista, Avery Ranch, Lakeline Ranch, Davis Springs, The Ranch at Brushy Creek, Stone Canyon, Mayfield Ranch, Vista Oaks, Wood Glen, Forest Oaks and many others!
Anti-Reflective Treatment, Computer Vision Syndrome, Eye glasses lens technology, Glasses and Contacts

Inexpensive Reading Glasses Leave Wearers With Blurred Vision

The UK’s Daily Mail (10/28, Poulter) reports that inexpensive reading glasses that can be purchased in supermarkets “may leave wearers with eye strain headaches, or even blurred or double vision.”

It is always best for people who need reading glasses to undergo an eye examination to get the right prescription and to check eye health.

Note: another common problem, in many cases, each eye has a different prescription, but drug store lenses always have the same prescription for both eyes. These cheap glasses do not correct for astigmatism either. They also do not have anti-glare properties – glare can further increase strain on the eye. Anti-glare treatment also allows more light to enter the lens, allowing you to see better in low light situations.  Not to mention, drug store glasses simply are not very becoming!  – F.E.