Because chronic forms can destroy your vision before any signs or symptoms appear, the following are higher risk factors to be aware of:

• Elevated intraocular (internal) eye pressure
• Age (for those over 40)
• Ethnic background (African-Americans, Asians and Japanese share a higher risk)
• Family history
• Medical conditions (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)
• Long-term corticosteroid use

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests a comprehensive eye exam for all adults once they reach 40 years of age, and every three to five years after that if no glaucoma risk factors are exhibited (such as the ones we previously mentioned). For individuals with other risk factors over the age of 60, a screening should be performed every one to two years, with ethnicities such as African-Americans recommended to go for periodic eye exams between the ages of 20 and 39.

The Symptoms (or How to Know if You Have Glaucoma)

Glaucoma is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve results in vision loss, and, as we’ve already established, the two most common forms are POAG and ACG. The Open-Angle type is often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight” because it exhibits no symptoms until significant vision loss has taken place. Due to this fact, it develops slowly and sometimes without noticeable vision loss for many years.

Compounding this situation is that most people who experience Open-Angle Glaucoma feel like themselves and do not report a change in vision, as the initial loss is of side or peripheral vision and the visual acuity or sharpness is maintained until late in the disease’s stages. What does this boil down to? By the time you are aware of vision loss, the disease is usually quite advanced; complete loss of vision due to this affliction is not reversible with treatment – even surgery.

This is why it’s vital to see a doctor for regular eye examinations if you fall into the groups previously mentioned. If glaucoma is detected during an eye exam, your doctor can prescribe a preventative treatment to help protect your vision.

In Open-Angle Glaucoma, the angle in your eye where the iris meets the cornea is wide and open – as it should be – but the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, causing an internal eye pressure increase and subsequent optic nerve damage. It remains the most common form of the disease, affecting approximately four million Americans – many of whom don’t even know they have it.

When it comes to Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma, symptoms can include:

• Hazy or blurred vision
• The appearance of rainbow-colored circles around bright lights
• Severe eye and head pain
• Nausea or vomiting (accompanying severe eye pain)
• Sudden loss of sight

In Angle-Closure Glaucoma (also known as Narrow Angle), the angle is closed in many or most areas, yielding increased eye pressure which leads to optic nerve damage and possible loss of vision. In an acute attack of angle closure, the rise in eye pressure may occur suddenly; early stages of the disease involve the closing of the angle with or without high eye pressure, with the optic nerve not affected at that point.

Symptoms of Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma are described by vision professionals as “blatant,” with damage that occurs quickly – which is why it is recommended you seek care from an ophthalmologist immediately should you experience any of them.

If You are Diagnosed with Glaucoma

There’s no way around it: You should set a regular schedule of examinations with your eye doctor to monitor any symptoms that pop up, and to make sure your prescribed treatment is effectively maintaining an eye pressure that’s safe. Rowan Eye Center can’t stress enough the fact that glaucoma and its symptoms can have a life-altering impact on anyone, but our ongoing education efforts and research updates help patients adjust to new realities, live a full and fulfilling life and manage symptoms.

Schedule an appointment with one of our expert representatives at Rowan Eye Center today if you are experiencing any such symptoms or if you’re overdue for a routine eye exam.

To this end, the human eye can be compared to a camera – the macula represents the central and most sensitive area of the so-called film, and when working properly collects highly detailed images at the center of the vision field before sending them up the optic nerve to the brain for processing (our bodies interpret them as sight). When macula cells deteriorate, images are no longer received accurately; in early stages, this doesn’t necessarily have to affect vision, but as the disease progresses, wavy or blurred vision can be experienced. If the condition continues to worsen, central vision may be completely lost, with people suffering from very advanced macular degeneration considered legally blind. However, even with these unfortunate characteristics, these people often retain their peripheral vision (which is not as clearly defined as central vision) because the rest of retina is still functioning.

Types

There are two basic types of macular degeneration: “Dry” and “wet.” Approximately 90-percent of cases are of the “dry” (atrophic) variety, while 10 to 15-percent are of the “wet” (exudative) type. In young people, a form of macular degeneration known as Stargardt disease is caused by a recessive gene.

Stages

There are three stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD):

• Early AMD – In the early stage of AMD, most people do not experience vision loss, making regular eye exams ultra-important – particularly if the individual is experiencing more than one risk factor (which we will discuss in a moment). Early AMD is diagnosed when the presence of medium-sized drusen (yellow deposits below the retina) are detected.
• Intermediate AMD – There may be some vision loss at this stage, yet with no noticeable symptoms; a comprehensive eye exam with specific tests will look for larger drusen and/or pigment changes in the retina.
• Late AMD – Loss of vision has become noticeable and alarming at this stage.

Causes

Unfortunately, it’s not conclusively known what the specific factors are that cause macular degeneration, and making matters worse has been a lack of sufficient funding to continue research into this sometimes misunderstood disease. What is known about age-related variants, at this point, is that the causes are complex but include both heredity and environment; scientists continue to work on understanding what causes the cells of the macula to deteriorate to one day report on a treatment breakthrough.

Rowan Eye Center Fun Fact: Dr. Carl Kupfer, former Director of the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, has stated that macular degeneration will soon take on characteristics of an epidemic as the “Baby Boomer” generation ages; as he says himself, “As the ‘Baby Boom’ generation ages, and in the absence of further prevention and treatment advances, the prevalence of AMD is estimated to reach epidemic proportions of 6.3 million Americans by the year 2030.”

Risk Factors

Age is by far the most significant risk factor with regard to macular degeneration; your risk increases as you age, and the disease is most likely to occur in those 55 and older.

Other risk factors include:

• Genetics (those with a family history of AMD pose a higher risk)
• Race (Caucasians are more likely to develop the disease than Hispanics/Latinos or African-Americans)
• Smoking (this doubles the risk of AMD)

Treatment

Though there is currently no known cure for macular degeneration, there are steps that can be taken to reduce your risk and possibly retard the progression once you’ve been diagnosed. Good examples of these steps include pursuing lifestyle changes such as dieting, exercise, avoiding smoking and protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light.

If you have been putting off a routine eye exam, or have been experiencing out-of-the-ordinary symptoms based on your age, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Rowan Eye Center today.

What’s important when you’re buying a new pair of eyeglasses? What do you need to know? What mistakes can you avoid, and is there any way to enhance the enjoyment of your new eyeglasses? Rowan Eye Center has the comprehensive checklist for buying glasses at an optical shop – whether it’s a pair for near and distance vision, progressive lenses, sports lenses, reading purposes or the workplace. Eyeglasses are a very personal item of everyday use, unique to you and your needs, and should therefore be perfectly tailored to your lifestyle; what’s more, there are different factors that influence how well you see with your new glasses.

This is precisely why you should have a comprehensive consultation at the vision care outlet and be ready with a series of questions, so you can make the right decision, in addition to a refraction with treatment that’s unhurried and exudes professional expertise. You should feel nothing but relaxed and comfortable during the refraction process, and vision tests shouldn’t be administered if you are suffering from, say, hay fever with its associated eye irritation or a migraine. Under these conditions, errors could be made during the eye exam and refractions can’t be corrected once the eyeglasses are finished, resulting in possible visual discomfort and a fitting that’s anything but perfect.

Irrespective of the type of eyeglasses you purchase, the following points are important when making your decision:

• For what purpose are the new eyeglasses intended?
• Consider the conditions in which you will be wearing your glasses – both professionally and privately.
• Do you have any diseases that may affect your eyes?
• What did and didn’t you like about your previous pair?
• What lens coatings are you considering?

Of course, cost is a factor when shopping for new eyeglasses – like everything else in life, unfortunately – but in order for you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, there are additional considerations to keep in mind that are very relevant. Here are some questions to ask when shopping for eyeglasses that will help you find the pair that’s perfect for you.

How do I Determine the Best Shape and Color for my Facial Features?

Based on your prescription, sense of style and the look you’re going for, choosing the best frame shape and color is a collaborative process; after all, you want a look that is compatible and complimentary to your coloring and facial features. So, consider:

• Is your style sporty? Retro? Hip/Chic? Designer? Classic?
• Is your personality type loud and flamboyant or cool and understated?

A good optical business like Rowan Eye Center will help you find the perfect style and color in these matters, but it’s important to make sure these outlets don’t work on commission and aren’t just recommending something to benefit the eyeglass curator (we don’t).

What Considerations Should I Make for Choosing My Lenses?

Beyond style of frame, a respectable eye care center will help you choose lenses and frame styles that also fit your lifestyle. Here are some tips we can offer in this regard:

• If you are physically active – like children are – safety will be a consideration, so think about Trivex or polycarbonate lenses.
• Do you sit in front of a computer all day? Consider Blue Light protection.
• Essentially all lenses should exhibit glare-free characteristics by way of a high-quality multi-layer anti-reflective coating that’s easy to clean.
• “Multifocal” glasses come in “no line” lens styles known as “progressives;” these can be made as models suited for all-day computer use so there’s no “crooking” of the neck in order to see the screen.
• Wear glasses all the time? Consider ultra-lightweight rimless or semi-rimless glasses.
• Play a sport? Consider lenses made specifically for every athletic indulgence to enhance performance and concentration on the ball.
• “Chemistrie clips” can be added to nearly every lens to transform them into a custom-made pair of sunglasses.
• The staff you’re speaking with should be trained not only to recommend these kinds of features to you, but also to explain the benefits that impact and improve your lifestyle.

What Should I Expect with Regard to Replacement and Repairs?

Because the goal of your eye care professional should always be to provide you with the perfect pair of eyeglasses, he or she should make sure your vision is in optimal health and your glasses are properly fitted and comfortable. In choosing a professional who does whatever is necessary to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your eyewear purchase, consider these factors in the area of replacement and repairs:

• A quality frame should rarely need to be repaired; if you find yourself losing screws and the glasses are constantly too loose, quality is most likely lacking.
• Many eye care centers offer some form of warranty and adjustments on eyewear, so ask for specifics – don’t pay extra for a warranty.
• Once you’ve picked your perfect pair of eyeglasses, don’t forget to ask about the logistics – i.e. how long will the manufacturing process take?
• Inquire if the glasses are made in the U.S. or even on-premises.
• Ask about delivery options if you require the glasses be shipped to you; can the glasses be hand-delivered to your door, or do you need to come back into the shop?
• Find out what type of patient education is offered to enhance your experience with the new glasses, and know the “rules of the road” regarding how your glasses will be used.

Ready to see your future clearly? Contact Rowan Eye Center to schedule an appointment for new eyeglasses, routine eye exams and much more.

Retinopathy describes any damage the retina of the eyes endures, often causing impairment of vision, and usually refers to retinal vascular disease or damage to the retina caused by abnormal blood flow. Technically included under the “umbrella term” of retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration is usually mentioned as a separate entity; the word itself can be broadly categorized into proliferative and non-proliferative types.

Important to note when discussing this affliction is that it’s often related to diabetic patients or those people suffering from hypertension – in fact, diabetes has been recognized as the most common cause of it in the U.S. since 2008, with diabetic retinal disease the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population and accounting for about five-percent of blindness worldwide. The situation is so serious with this condition that the World Health Organization has designated it a “priority eye disease.”

Why Rowan Eye Center Stresses Diabetic Eye Care

We all love sugar – from soft drinks to ice cream cones and from birthday cakes to those boxes of cookies we can’t stop eating while watching our favorite shows. But it’s just an unfortunate fact that sugar is sheer poison for our bodies; at worst, complications lead to diabetes, which is when we have no choice but to watch (or eliminate) our sugar intake. Unbeknownst to many, diabetes can harm the eyes, to the point that some severe diabetics who abuse their condition by not taking insulin injections or continuing to consume massive amounts of sugar end up going blind. What happens is the small blood vessels in the retina, at the back part of the eye, are damaged, thus leading to diabetic retinal disease. Diabetes also increases the risk of glaucoma, cataracts and other eye problems.

The approach we stress here at Rowan Eye Center is to have regular eye exams. We specialize in taking care of diabetics through a comprehensive exam that includes:

• Dilating of the eyes to enable a good view of the entire retina; only an eye doctor can perform this kind of exam.
• Special photographs, if needed, of the retina that may replace the dilated eye exam; this is known as digital retinal photography.

Signs and Symptoms

Interestingly (and perhaps alarmingly), many people do not exhibit retinal vascular disease symptoms until it’s very late in the disease’s course. What’s most concerning about this fact is that patients often show symptoms when there’s already irreversible damage, and these symptoms, while normally not painful, can include:

• Vitreous hemorrhage
• “Floaters,” or small objects that drift through the field of vision
• Decreased visual acuity
• A “falling curtain” effect over eyes

Other Causes

Rare causes of certain forms of retinal vascular disease involve genetic mutations and are usually “x-linked,” such as the NDP family of genes causing Norrie Disease, FEVR and Coats disease, among others. Rowan Eye Center physicians have studied emerging evidence that there may be a genetic predisposition in patients who develop retinal issues of prematurity and diabetic types.

Still, the most common cause remains diabetic complications, affecting approximately five million people each year worldwide. There is some evidence that “hypersensitive” retinal problems can be considered the next most common cause, affecting anywhere from three to 14-percent of all non-diabetic adults.

Treatment

Of course, any diagnosis of a problem in the human body would be virtually worthless without a treatment response, and in this case that response comes primarily in the form of laser therapy to the retina. Laser photocoagulation therapy has been the standard treatment for many types of diabetic vision problems, with evidence proving that such laser therapy is generally safe and improves visual symptoms in sickle cell and diabetic retinal malfunction.

Recently, a procedure targeting the pathway controlling vessel growth, or angiogenesis, has shown promise in this area, while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is believed to play a vital role in promoting neovascularization.

Other treatment options include:

• Anti-VEGF Therapy – This approach involves the injection of medication into the back of the eye; the medication works as an antibody to bind and remove the excess VEGF present in the eye causing the diseased state.
• Intraocular Steroid Injection – As a treatment for diabetic macular edema, this therapy helps reduce the amount of fluid leaking into the retina, yielding improvement in vision.
• Vitrectomy – Sometimes recommended in advanced stages of proliferative diabetic retinal disease, this microsurgical procedure is performed in an operating room and details removal of the blood-filled vitreous, which is replaced with a clear solution.

The Bottom Line

People with untreated diabetes are 25 times more at risk for blindness than the general population. Let that sink in for a moment…

The longer a person suffers with diabetes, the higher the risk of developing diabetic eye problems. But, fortunately, with regular proper eye care and treatment when necessary from a respected clinic such as Rowan Eye Center, the incidence of severe vision loss can be greatly reduced.

If you are a diabetic and have been experiencing vision problems, contact Rowan Eye Center today to schedule an appointment with one of our vision experts.

This kind of eyelid surgery, like all surgery, involves a period of recovery following the procedure, and we have found that patients knowing what to expect after the surgery is sometimes just as important as knowing what to expect during the procedure. Here, we’re going to discuss what is involved in recovery from eyelid surgery, as well as how long the process should ultimately last.

While we’ll get into the details concerning physical elements of the recovery period later in the blog – such as swelling and bruising – we can say that in a general sense, patients can initially expect redness and swelling around the incision areas, and that the eyes may tear excessively. Any dryness that develops in the area can be remedied by ointment that the eye care surgeon can provide; however, it’s important to note that patients may experience a temporary blurring of vision as a result of using such ointments. Regardless, temporary blurred vision is generally one of the common side effects of eyelid surgery, and recovery may also encompass temporary sensitivity to light.

Rowan Eye Center Fun Fact: Cosmetic eyelid surgery is one of the most common forms of plastic surgery procedures performed by ophthalmologists.

The Truth About What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery

Most patients, after getting eyelid surgery, are often unsure of what the normal expectations for healing are. Some of the questions we often hear are:

• How bruised am I expected to be?
• When will the swelling improve?
• When will I look myself again?

We’re going to give you an honest account of what your expectations should be following blepharoplasty.

To begin with, it’s important that we get some fundamental basics out of the way here: when you opt to have eyelid surgery, it is in fact surgery – regardless of whether an incision is being made with a cautery needle, blade or laser, the skin is being cut and tissue is being manipulated. From your body’s perspective, this is no different than when you sustain any other kind of injury or trauma, it’s just that in this case it’s being done in a “controlled” fashion. So, swelling and bruising are totally normal after any procedure.

Secondly, the more procedures that are performed on you, the more swelling and bruising you can expect (so if you have eyelid surgery plus other forms of plastic surgery done around your face, there will be excess bruising and swelling). Finally, when a doctor tells patients that most people are back to normal in two weeks, he or she really means 75 to 85 percent of people…in other words, all results will vary.

The following are several components of the healing process we’d like to now make you familiar with, encompassing bruising, swelling, scar and incision healing and lid position:

Bruising

Following eyelid surgery, expect to experience some bruising. Keep in mind, as we mentioned, this can be variable – some patients experience a light amount of redness near the incision site, while others see redness covering the entire eyelids. Bruising normally takes about two weeks to diminish.

Swelling

Immediately after surgery, you will experience swelling in the eyelids or face; this is because the body is sending in cells to heal the surgical area. Swelling may get worse over the first couple of days, as with any trauma, but within two weeks of a procedure, 90 percent of the swelling is usually gone. The remaining swelling usually diminishes within two to three months.

Scar/Incision Healing

It may take some time for the red line where the incision was made to heal; in the upper eyelids, this occurs in the eyelid crease, while in the lower eyelid (if this is performed) it usually occurs in the side corner near the lashes. While these scars heal to an almost unnoticeable form, the incisions can take up to a year to heal, although most cases are at their worst around six weeks.

Lid Position

Eyelid position can be affected by the bruising and swelling that occurs, but this usually corrects itself within six weeks or so.

As we stated, not all of the information and results described will be the same for every individual, but this gives a good idea of what to expect should you make the choice to have cosmetic eyelid surgery. For more detailed information about this procedure, schedule an appointment with a Rowan Eye Center representative.

For the approximately 64 percent of Americans who wear them, prescription glasses are part fashion-accessory and part medical device. Proper eyeglasses correct vision and help you tell the world how you’d like to be looked at. Rest assured, you will get nothing but the highest of quality by going through a professional eye care solution such as Rowan Eye Center, where convenience, selection, service and an incredible value arrive at the crossroads of expert craftsmanship.

Where and how you should shop for glasses is dependent on your needs and preferences. If the objective is a dynamic combination of savings, a rich selection of frames and a personal touch that comes with dealing with a professional face-to-face, Rowan Eye Center provides you with that perfect mix.

Some important steps to remember:

• Get Educated – Hop online to a source such as rowaneyecenter.com to become familiarized with the process. Knowing a little something about the types of frames, lenses and coatings can help you understand your options.
• Talk to Your Doctor – Ask your doctor for advice regarding which lenses are best for you and if there’s anything you need to consider when buying frames and lenses. For example, a narrow frame may not be able to accommodate your prescription if you need “progressives” or other multi-focal lenses. Conversely, rimless and semi-rimless frames may be a bad choice if you are working with a strong prescription that requires thicker lenses. At Rowan Eye Center, our trained professionals can assist you with these decisions.

Picking the right optometrist for your needs is equally as important as selecting the proper eyeglasses.

What to Look For When Choosing an Optometrist

Choosing an eye doctor is just as important as selecting any other general health physician. Our eyes are not only a treasured window to the world, they also serve as a window to overall health, and because they’re an essential part of everyday life, your choice of a good eye doctor is not one that should be taken lightly.

The following are three key elements to consider when choosing an optometrist:

• Understand the Difference Between Optometrist and Ophthalmologist – Optometrists can treat some eye diseases, prescribe medication and do not perform surgery on the eyes; ophthalmologists treat all kinds of eye disease, prescribe medication and perform surgery.
• Determine Which One is Right for You – For a general eye exam, either kind of eye doctor will do, but if you have a specific eye disease you may want to consider an ophthalmologist for ongoing care, depending on the condition.
• Eye Doctor Availability – When it comes to optometrists, find out if the practice offers openings within the week of your desired vision exam. Rowan Eye Center is open for appointments Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The Rowan Difference

Specializing in all eye care needs, Rowan Eye Center offers hundreds of men’s and women’s frames to choose from as well as a range of affordable-to-luxury brands. In priding ourselves on having unique, quality eye wear you won’t find anywhere else, Rowan also offers:

• Premium lenses custom-made for every patient
• Specialization in standard and bifocal contacts to fit all needs
• Specialization in low vision
• Licensed optician on-premises to help with all selections

If you’ve been shopping for glasses in the New Port Richey area but have been ultimately disappointed by the lack of choices, expertise or care, call Rowan Eye Center today to schedule an appointment.

Interestingly, many eye health professionals liken cataracts to candy – and indeed, there is some validity to this. Much like an M&M, a cataract has an outer coating (known as a capsule) and an inner nucleus (akin to the chocolate in a M&M). When an eye surgeon performs cataract procedures, a circular opening in the front-facing capsule of the lens is made, and from there the inner nucleus is removed. The remaining capsular envelope supports a new artificial lens, which is typically injected into the capsule’s opening. With the passage of time, the capsule shrinks to wrap around the new lens – much like cling film or shrink wrap.

Because the capsule contains live cells, some capsules develop a layer of new cells that form a “frosting” on the back surface of the lens, referred to as posterior capsular opacification (or PCO) or “after-cataract.” Occurring in up to 10-percent of patients following lens/cataract surgery, this developed frosted layer is much like the frosting on a window, which can blur the view through the glass; in the case of our eyes, vision is blurred through the new lens. PCO can occur at any time after surgery, including a few weeks to even months later, and in some cases an adherent plaque may be present on the capsule, in response to which surgeons may prefer to leave it rather than risk tearing the capsule.

In cases such as these, early treatment to clear the frosting may be necessary, and that’s where YAG laser surgery comes into play.

The YAG laser technique is an approach used to clear the frosting from the back surface of an intraocular lens, and to this day, remains a tactic that is both painless and completed from outside the eye in a few minutes. During YAG laser eye surgery, eye health professionals may use a magnifying contact lens to aid with YAG laser aiming at the layer of the frosting. During treatment, patients normally experience flashes of light and clicking sounds, but you can rest assured knowing this is normal.

Before YAG laser treatments can be administered, the pupil needs to be dilated to allow a clear view of the lens surface, and after treatment, a doctor will prescribe a short course of anti-inflammatory and pressure drops. Most patients experience an improvement in clarity and vision within a day. YAG laser treatments typically only required once because the capsule does not regrow after it is vaporized by the procedure.

So let’s recap for a moment; YAG laser treatments are administered as a result of cataract surgery complications, the most common being clouding of the capsule that remains (known as posterior capsule opacification). If cloudiness affects vision, patients may choose to have this laser surgery known as YAG, or posterior capsulotomy, to correct the problem.

From there, the procedure consists of:

• Surgeon applying topical anesthetic (eye drops) so there’s no pain
• He or she using a laser to cut a hole in the clouded back lining of the lens capsule
• Allowing light to pass through the membrane to the retina at the back of the eye

Some Reasons Why You May Consider YAG Laser Surgery

If you have gone through cataract surgery and notice cloudiness (what experts in the field call “after-cataract”) after several months or years, and if it has actually caused as much or more vision loss as your original cataract, you are probably a good candidate for YAG surgery. The decision to have this procedure is based on the same criteria as the decision to have the original cataract surgery:

• Vision problems are affecting your work or lifestyle
• Glare caused by bright lights poses a problem
• You cannot pass a vision test required for a driver’s license
• You experience double vision
• The difference in vision between your two eyes is significant
• You have another vision-threatening eye disease

Rowan Eye Center Pro Tip: The YAG procedure is not required unless vision loss caused by clouding of the lens capsule is seriously affecting your vision and lifestyle.

Things to Think About

It is common to experience a new “floater” in the eye following a YAG procedure, and it’s not used to prevent clouding of the back lining of the lens capsule. Further, there is currently no way to know who will experience clouding in the back of the eye after cataract surgery. Certain lenses used in the surgical procedure to remove the cataract may lower this risk and the need for later laser surgery.

As with cataract surgery, it is important to balance the risks and possible benefits of laser capsulotomy before deciding to have the procedure, and that’s where Rowan Eye Center can help. Dr. Rowan performs YAG laser treatments at his own surgery center, and our patients routinely tell us about how quick and painless the whole procedure is, normally lasting less than five minutes. Most patients experience clearer vision immediately, enabling them to drive home themselves.

If you’re experiencing cloudy vision or halos after cataract surgery, contact our office to schedule an eye exam.

Defined as a clouding of the lens inside the eye causing loss of vision that cannot be corrected with contact lenses, glasses or corneal refractive surgery like LASIK, cataracts are associated with the aging process and remains a condition common among older people.

Rowan Eye Center Not-So-Fun Fact: According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), 68.3-percent of Americans 80 and older reported cataracts in 2010. Additionally, more than three million cataract surgical procedures are performed in the U.S. every year, with the vast majority of these yielding “excellent visual outcomes.”

The Basics

When surgery for cataracts is performed, the lens inside the eye that has become cloudy is removed and replaced with an artificial lens – referred to as an intraocular lens, or IOL – so clear vision can be restored. The procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis, and does not require an overnight stay in a hospital or other medical care facility.

Most cataract procedures done today involve the use of a high-frequency ultrasound device that breaks up the lens that’s cloudy into small pieces, which are then gently removed from the eye via suction. This implementation, known as phacoemulsification, or “phaco,” can be performed with smaller incisions compared to cataract removal surgical techniques of the past, thus promoting quicker healing and reduction of complications such as retinal detachment.

Once all remnants of the cloudy lens have been removed from the eye, a cataract surgeon inserts a clear intraocular lens and positions it securely behind the iris and pupil – in the same position the eye’s natural lens occupied. In special unique cases, an IOL might be placed in front of the iris and pupil, though this is not as commonly seen.

The surgeon then completes the removal of the cataract and IOL implementation procedure by closing the incision in the eye (a stich may or may not be required), and a protective shield is placed over the eye to keep it safe in the early stages of recovery.

The Laser Factor

Recently, Rowan Eye Center has been studying the advantages of femtosecond lasers – similar to the lasers used to create the corneal flap in all-laser LASIK procedures – being that they’ve been approved by the FDA for use in cataract surgeries performed in the U.S. According to our research, these lasers have garnered approval for the following stages in surgery for cataracts, reducing the need for blades and other hand-held devices:

1. Creating corneal incisions to allow the surgeon access to the lens
2. Removing the anterior capsule of the lens
3. Fragmenting the cataract so less phaco energy is required to break it up and remove it
4. Creating peripheral corneal incisions to reduce astigmatism (as needed)

But here are some tidbits we’d like to share about cataract laser surgery: This procedure (also more accurately referred to as cataract laser-assisted surgery) is somewhat new and significantly increases cost, and while studies have suggested that lasers can improve accuracy during certain stages of such surgery, they may not necessarily improve factors such as recovery time, safety and visual outcomes in every single case.

For the latest information about cataract laser surgery, patients can call our offices or inquire during a preoperative eye exam and surgery consultation.

Preparing for Surgery and Choosing an IOL

An optometrist and/or ophthalmologist, prior to performing surgery on cataracts, will perform a comprehensive eye exam to check overall eye health, determine if there are any reasons a patient shouldn’t have the surgery and identify any risk factors involved. What’s more, a refraction will be performed to accurately assess the amount of farsightedness, nearsightedness and/or astigmatism a patient exudes prior to surgery. Additional measurements of the eyes are taken to determine the curvature of the cornea and length of the actual eye.

Why are these eye health measurements essential? They help the cataract surgeon select the intraocular lens’ proper power and provide the patient the best vision possible after the surgery.

Today, there are many types of IOLs to choose from for surgery on cataracts depending on specific needs; in addition to IOLs that correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, there are now “toric IOLs” that address astigmatism, as well. For most patients that don’t mind wearing glasses after surgery, a monofocal lens implant is typically used, and often times only part-time use of reading glasses is required after surgery featuring monofocal IOLs. In the case that prescription eyeglasses are required (what often occurs when only one eye needs surgery), an eye doctor usually prescribes new glasses approximately one month after surgery.

The Recovery Stage

Cataract surgeries without complications typically last only about 15 minutes, but patients can expect to be at the surgical center for 90 minutes or longer because extra time is required to prep (dilating the pupil, administering preoperative medication, etc.) and for a brief post-op evaluation to go over instructions about the surgery before the patient leaves.

It is a must that a patient bring someone who can drive him or her home following the surgery, and prescribed medicated eye drops are typically administered to be used several times each day for a few weeks.

A representative of Rowan Eye Center can provide additional instructions and recommendations when it comes to cataract surgery recovery, depending on specific needs and the outcome of a procedure. Call our offices today to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing any of the cataract symptoms we’ve mentioned.

How a Cataract Forms

The lens is located behind the iris (the colored part of your eye) and functions much like the lens of a camera. It focuses light onto your retina, producing clear, sharp vision. The lens also controls your ability to focus and lets you see clearly close and at a distance.

Because of normal aging, the lens loses its flexibility and becomes thicker and less transparent. Over time, the tissues inside the lens break down and clump together, clouding a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and as it continues to develop, it can grow larger and cloud a bigger portion of the lens. Since a cataract blocks and scatters light as it passes through the lens, your vision becomes blurred.

Causes of Cataracts

Now that you know how a cataract forms inside the lens, let’s look at some of the most common causes. During your eye exam at Rowan Eye Center, Dr. Rowan will discuss which of the following risk factors may increase your risk of developing a cataract.

• Age: Although a cataract can form at any age, your risk of developing them significantly increases as you get older. It’s been estimated that almost half of people in the United States ages 65 to 74 have a cataract, and nearly 70% of people over age 75 will develop them.
• Prolonged sun exposure: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun increases your risk of cataract development. To protect your eyes, it’s best to wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outside, even on cloudy days.
• Smoking: Smokers are also at an increased risk. The toxic chemicals found in a cigarette can damage the cells in your body, including cells found in the lenses of your eyes. If you currently smoke, quitting smoking can reduce your risk of cataract development and help preserve your vision.
• Diabetes: Persistent high blood sugar levels caused from untreated diabetes can damage the lens of your eye over time, increasing your risk of developing a cataract.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Your diet may also play a role in the formation of a cataract. Some studies suggest that you may be at an increased risk of developing a cataract if your diet is low in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium. To keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp, it’s important to eat a healthy diet consisting of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and good fats, such as monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Eye injury: An injury or any physical trauma to the eye can cause thickening and swelling of the lens, increasing your risk of developing a cataract.
• Eye diseases: Specific eye problems and diseases that cause inflammation and swelling affecting the inside of your eye, such as uveitis, can also increase your risk of cataract development.
• Alcohol: Though more research is needed, there is some evidence that suggests a relationship between cataract development and higher amounts of alcohol consumption.
• Prescription drugs: Long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and statins, are associated with an increased risk of cataract development.
• Family history: If your parents, siblings, or other family members have a cataract, you’re at an increased risk of developing them as well.

Cataract Diagnosis and Treatment at Rowan Eye Center

If your vision has become blurred or cloudy, or if you’re noticing an increased sensitivity to light and glare, contact Rowan Eye Center today to schedule an eye health examination. A comprehensive eye exam is the most effective way to detect and diagnose cataracts in their early stages. Don’t let a cataract interfere with your lifestyle or prevent you from engaging in activities you enjoy. Contact us today, and learn about the different cataract treatments available that can restore clear, sharp vision.

Receiving a comprehensive eye exam each year is the most effective way for you to enjoy good vision throughout your life. Whether you haven’t received an eye exam for a few years or if you’re a new patient to Rowan Eye Center, here’s what you can expect when visiting an optometrist.

The Exam Process

Your comprehensive eye exam will take about an hour. If it’s your first visit, your exam time may take a little longer. During your comprehensive eye exam your optometrist will perform several different tests to check your vision and the overall health of your eyes. Here are some of the eye and vision tests you can expect during your appointment.

Visual Acuity

A visual acuity test measures the sharpness and clarity of your vision. During this part of your eye exam, your optometrist will ask you to cover one eye at a time and read letters of different sizes on a chart from a distance and up close.

Color Perception Testing

This part of the exam tests your ability to tell the difference between colors. With one eye covered, you will look at a series of cards with a multicolored dot pattern. Each color pattern contains a number or symbol, and you will be asked to identify each one.

Cover Test

The cover test measures how well your eyes work together and helps detect lazy eye, crossed eyes, or a decrease in overall depth perception. While focusing on a distant object, each eye is covered alternately.

Eye Movement Testing

During this simple test that measures the muscles controlling the movement of your eyes, your eye doctor will ask you to follow the movement of a pen or other small object.

Visual Field

To check your peripheral (side) vision, you will sit behind a computer screen and focus on a target in the middle of the screen. Different objects will be shown on-screen, and without moving your eyes, you will tell the eye doctor when you are able to see the objects in your side vision.

Eye Pressure Test

This test measures the pressure inside your eyes and is a common test for glaucoma. The eye pressure test can be performed with a machine that blows a small puff of air into your eye or with an instrument that looks like a pen that is placed on the surface of your eyeball. Both methods are painless.

Pupil Dilation

During this part of the exam, special eye drops are applied to dilate your pupils. By increasing the size of your pupil, your optometrist is able gain a better view of your retina and other tissues in the back of your eye. This test is optional, but we recommend it for patients who have risk factors for eye disease.

Refraction

This is a test that measures nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, or astigmatism. The eye doctor places an instrument in front of your eyes and shows you a series of different lens choices. You are asked which lens is clearer, and based on your responses, the eye doctor determines your eyeglass prescription.

Slit Lamp Exam

To examine all parts of your eye and evaluate their overall health, your eye doctor uses an instrument called a slit lamp. This piece of equipment magnifies your eyes many times and shines a bright light to allow your eye doctor to clearly see all parts of your eye. Based on this exam, your eye doctor can detect early signs of disease, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

What Should I Bring?

• If you have vision insurance, please bring your insurance card or other form of payment, if necessary.
• If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please bring them with you.
• A list of any supplements or any prescription medications you’re currently taking.
• A list of any specific questions you might have about your eye health.
• A list of any allergies or medical conditions.
• If your appointment includes having your pupils dilated, you may need to bring a friend or family member with you to drive you home. After having your pupils dilated, your vision will be blurry, and you may not be able to see well enough to drive safely.
• Since many eye diseases are hereditary, such as glaucoma and cataracts, please be aware of your family history.

Schedule Your Eye Exam

At Rowan Eye Center, we use the most up-to-date equipment to ensure that you receive the best optical care. If you are currently without an optometrist or would like to be more proactive about your eye health, we welcome you to contact us to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam.