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Eye Care Northeast offers a technologically advanced experience for our patients for routine and medical eye examinations. We offer the latest in computerized vision equipment to quickly and comfortably assess your glasses or contact lens needs. Our Certified Ophthalmic Assistants and Technicians will professionally and skillfully guide you through the testing that is necessary before seeing one of our physicians.

You can be comforted to know that we will give you the best prescription of contact lenses or glasses for your needs. Our physicians will also advise you about the different types of lenses available so that you may determine what is best for you or your child.

The biomicroscope, or slit lamp, is a vital tool in the examination process. It is a special microscope used with a high-intensity light source that can be focused to shine as a slit or left unfocused to provide general illumination. Our physicians use the slit lamp to see the different parts of the eye in extensive detail.

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a measurement that measures the amount of pressure of the liquid inside the eye. This is often referred to as the "glaucoma test" since having too much pressure inside the eye is a risk factor for glaucoma. However, this is just one test that doctors use to determine whether or not a patient has glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which is the cable that connects the eye to the brain. In glaucoma, the high pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness if not treated. Most patients usually notice no symptoms during early stages of glaucoma, that is why eye doctors measure the pressure inside the eye during a comprehensive eye examination. Glaucoma is treated by prescription eye medications and several types of surgeries. During tonometry, the eyes are first numbed with anesthetic drops. Our physicians use the "gold standard" of eye pressure measurements, called applanation, which involves contacting the cornea with a pressure-sensing device, illuminated by a blue light. The patient doesn't feel anything and the process takes only a few seconds. The measurements provided by this examination are instrumental in determining whether or not additional testing for glaucoma is warranted.

The refractive examination is how the doctor determines a glasses prescription. It is the process by which the doctor determines what lenses help you achieve your best visual acuity. Your "visual acuity" refers to the clarity of your central vision - how well you see objects in your direct line of sight. Your acuity can be affected by both internal and external conditions.

Dilation of the pupil is important for the inspection of the internal structures of the eye. An examination including dilation can detect serious conditions of the eye, like tumors, retinal detachments, hemorrhages and other conditions that can cause floaters, flashes, or spots appearing suddenly in the vision. There are no pain receptors inside of the eye, so thorough examination with dilation is often the first step in diagnosing a condition that could possibly have devastating effects on your vision.

Without dilation, it is difficult or impossible to determine the health of the retina. It is part of a comprehensive eye examination and is considered standard of care by most eye care providers. During this part of the examination the doctor uses different instruments to evaluate the health of the retina. Often, a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope is used, which is a specialized microscope with a bright light that the doctor wears on his/her head to view the retina. This instrument is valuable for evaluating the periphery of the retina. Many doctors also use a slit lamp and a small lens held in front of the eye to evaluate the central part of the retina.

Due to the widening of the pupil, dilation may cause light sensitivity (usually less than 4 hours, but it may last longer depending upon eye color). Most patients experience difficulty reading for several hours after dilation. While most patients do not have problems driving immediately following dilation, we encourage patients to have a driver with them in case they feel uncomfortable with their vision. You should not operate dangerous machinery until the effects of dilation have worn off. We can reschedule dilation for a more convenient time upon patient request.

Not all patients can be dilated and the doctor will determine the potential for dilation during the examination before dilation is performed.

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Eye Health for Adults

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Near Sightedness (Also known as Myopia)

Nearsightedness, medically referred to as myopia, refers to the ability to see objects that are near to you clearly. It is a common eye condition, affecting 30% of the population in the United States.

People who are nearsighted often experience eyestrain or headaches, and might squint or feel fatigued when using the computer, driving or playing sports for example. If you experience these symptoms, you may need a comprehensive eye examination.

Nearsightedness may be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. Depending on the severity of your vision problem, you may need to corrective lenses all the time, or only when you need distance vision.

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Far Sightedness (Also known as Hyperopia)

Farsightedness, which is medically referred to as Hyperopia, is a vision problem in which objects that are close appear blurred , and objects in the distance appear normal.

People who are farsighted may experience eyestrain or headaches, they may squint or feel tired when performing work at close range, such as reading and writing, the words appear blurred and fuzzy. Farsightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. You may need to wear your corrective all the time, or when doing tasks close up.

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Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that causes your body to not use or store sugar properly. When your blood sugar gets too high, it can damage your eye by weakening or swelling the tiny blood vessels in the retina. This damage may lead to diabetic retinopathy. This disorder usually occurs in both eyes and dims or obliterates vision temporarily. In fact, the longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he is to have retinopathy.

Diabetes may lead to new blood vessel growth on top of the retina. These blood vessels can develop into scar tissue, pulling the retina away from the back of the eye. This is called retinal detachment, and can lead to blindness if untreated. Additionally, irregular blood vessels can grow on the iris, leading to glaucoma.

Everyone who has diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. You may not notice any change in your vision in its early stages, which is why regular eye examinations are extremely important.

If detected early on, Diabetic Retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy to stop blood vessels from leaking and end new growth. If diabetic retinopathy has caused your body to form a cataract, it can be corrected surgically. Patients who have developed glaucoma should see a glaucoma specialist.

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Presbyopia (Also known as Old Eyes or Aging Eyes)

 

Presbyopia is a condition in which the aging eye is unable to focus on near objects. It typically begins around age 40. It is due to the loss of the normal elasticity (ability to bounce back to it's normal shape) of the lens of the eye. Over time, Presbyopia results in the inability to see close objects, as when reading a newspaper.

When presbyopia develops, people may need to hold newspapers, magazines, books, etc, at arm's length to focus clearly. They may experience eyestrain or headaches work on projects close up. Bifocal or progressive lenses may correct presbyopia. Reading glasses are another choice. Unlike bifocals and progressives, which usually are worn all day, reading glasses are worn occasionally when during close work. Contact lens wearers may use reading glasses that are worn while their contacts are in.

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Computer Vision Syndrome

 

Many people using a computer for long periods experience eyestrain, this is called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS affects everyone who works on a computer and consists of symptoms such as headache, dry eyes, fatigue, blurred and double vision.

CVS can be caused from the glare of overhead lights, or poor lighting, dry eyes caused by infrequent blinking, focusing close for long periods of time, the screen may reflect glare or ultraviolet lights poor screen resolution, etc. Also, your computer screen projects images in pixels which constantly change, forcing your eyes to constantly refocus. This constant adjustment caused strain on your eyes, causing your eyesight to become distorted or blurred.

Computer Vision Syndrome can be treated with pair of computer glasses, which are different from glasses used for their other visual needs . CVS glasses allow your eyes to focus easily by reducing the glare on the computer screen. Other ways to deter the symptoms of CVS are to set up your work area in such a way that it is easy to view your computer screen, which should be straight in front of you, about 24 inches away from your eyes, and out of the suns glare. In addition, you may use a desk lamp to create a more focused light where you are working.

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Astigmatism

Astigmatism is distorted vision caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea, which is the outside front portion of your eye. Vertical but not horizontal lines are in focus, or vice versa. Diagonal lines may also seem out of focus. Astigmatism sometimes occurs in conjunction with nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Depending on the severity of astigmatism, it may not be noticeable or it may cause just a slight blur in vision. If left untreated, astigmatism can cause eyestrain or headaches, it can blur and distort your vision at all distances.

Astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery may correct astigmatism, depending on severity. Treatment should always be discussed with a professional, call our office and schedule an appointment today.

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Cataracts

Please click here for more information

The lens of the eye is normally clear. When it becomes clouded over by thickened tissue, usually in old age, it is called a cataract . Cataracts prevent the lens from properly focusing light on the retina, at the back of the eye, resulting in a loss of vision. If the cataract blurs your vision severely enough to interfere with your daily routine, it is crucial that you speak with an eyecare professional immediately.

As cataracts grow larger and cloud more of your lens, more noticeable symptoms will develop. These symptoms include cloudy or blurred vision, colors that seem faded, poor night vision, dark spots or shadows, and double or multiple visions. These symptoms can also be a sign of other eye problems.

The exact cause of cataracts is uncertain, but it is known that chemical changes within the lens cause it to become cloudy. This is often thought of as a part of the natural aging process, but it may also result from heredity, an injury or disease.

At the onset of cataract formation, corrective lenses may help minimize the impact. However, the eye's internal lens may eventually lose so much transparency that surgical removal of the clouded lens is necessary to restore vision.

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that gradually steals sight without symptoms, pain, or warning. Typically characterized by high pressure within the eye, the passages that allow the normal fluid in the eye to drain become clogged and blocked. This results in the amount of fluid in the eye building up and causing increased pressure inside the eye. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. The optic nerve is the main carrier of vision information to the brain. Damage to it results in less information sent to the brain and a loss of vision. Glaucoma is one of the most common and severe eye disorders of people over 40. Early treatment is vital, or the condition can ultimately lead to blindness.

Chronic glaucoma has many times been referred to as the "Silent thief of sight" as there are no warning signs. Roughly half of Americans who have chronic glaucoma do not know it. Glaucoma reduces your peripheral vision so slowly, that once you notice it, permanent damage is done.

Narrow-angle glaucoma, can produce sudden symptoms such as, headaches, eye pain, halos around lights, red eyes, nausea, vomiting, and vision loss. These attacks may last for a few hours, and go away, then return again, each taking a part of your field of vision.

At this time there is no cure for glaucoma. The best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma is early diagnosis and treatment.

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Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration, often called AMD, is an age-related breakdown of the macula, a portion of the retina, which is the light sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. The macula allows you to read, drive, and do other activities requiring fine, sharp, and straight-ahead vision. Without a healthy macula, seeing detail or vivid color is not possible.

There are two types of Macular Degeneration. The dry form, which is responsible for 90% of cases, involves the tissue of the macula becoming thin and stops functioning properly. This type is thought to occur as part of the aging process of the eye in some people. In the wet form, which is less common, fluids from newly formed blood vessels leak under the macula and cause significant vision loss. Macular degeneration produces painless loss of vision which can occur slow or suddenly. Straight lines may look wavy , vision seems fuzzy, or there are shadowy areas in your central vision, you may be experiencing early signs of AMD.

An eyecare professional will often detect early signs of macular degeneration before you experience any of these symptoms.

There is no cure for macular degeneration, but prescription eyewear can sometimes improve vision. Remember, early detection is the most important factor in determining if you can be treated effectively. Call our office and schedule an appointment today.

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Floaters

Floaters are what appear to be small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. But they are actually small clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. They may look like strands, webs, specks, or other shapes, but they are shadows cast on the retina.

Floaters are inside your eye, so they move with your eyes when you try to see them. You may see flashes of light, but these occur more in older people as the vitreous humor thickens and pulls on the retina. These flashes could be a warning sign of a detached retina.

People may experience flashes that look like jagged lines or heat waves, they may last 10-20 minutes. These kinds of flashes are typically caused by a spasm of blood vessels in the brain, called a migraine. A headache following the flashes, is a migraine headache.

Most floaters are merely annoying, yet harmless, and many fade over time. If you suddenly see floaters, or if they are accompanied by flashes of light or peripheral vision loss, it could be a sign of serious conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or the beginning of a retinal detachment. The retina can tear if the shrinking vitreous gel pulls away from the wall of the eye, causing a tiny amount of bleeding in the eye that may appear as new floaters.

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Dry Eye

Dry eye is a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture in the eye, causing slight but regular irritation. Relentless burning in your eyes, dryness, and scratching are signs of dry eye syndrome, or you may have the feeling like there is a foreign body sensation in your eye. Another symptom can be tearing due to excessive dryness.

Dry eye syndrome can be managed with prescription eye drops, or artificial tears to relieve the burning, dryness, and scratching.

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Cataract Surgery

Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

Just as you have options when it comes to choosing the lens that you receive during cataract surgery, you also have the option of choosing the technology that’s used to perform the procedure. That means you have the choice between surgery performed by hand or with the assistance of laser technology.
Either type of procedure can be effective when performed by a skilled surgeon, but laser-assisted cataract surgery procedures are generally more predictable and precise. Laser-assisted cataract surgery technology can automate certain steps during the procedure with laser precision.
The LenSx® Laser system maps your eye, assisting in a cataract surgery that’s unique to you.

Customized Precision with the LenSx® Laser

If you opt for laser cataract surgery, your surgeon may operate using the LenSx® Laser, which offers a level of accuracy exceeding that of manual surgery methods. The LenSx® Laser first images your eye to plan a procedure that’s unique to you. A bladeless, computer-controlled laser then helps surgeons perform your surgery with exacting, individualized precision not attainable with traditional surgical methods.

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What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye that obstructs normal vision. Typically, your eye’s lenses should be clear, allowing you to see people and objects in crisp focus. Cataracts, though, create a fog-like effect over all or part of the lenses so that things appear blurry and out of focus.

When your eyes’ lenses are working the way they should, light passes through the cornea (this is the clear dome that sits over the front of your eye) and the pupil (the black hole at the center of the colored iris of your eye) into the lens. The lens is located just behind the iris and the pupil. It focuses light to produce sharp pictures of what you’re seeing on the retina (the membrane on the back wall of your eye). As a cataract develops, the lens becomes clouded and delivers fuzzy images to your retina, causing your vision to be blurry.

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How Do Cataracts Develop?

Cataracts develop slowly over time in most cases (the exceptions being trauma and injury). Although they can materialize separately, cataracts typically develop symmetrically in both eyes. They can affect all or only part of the eye’s lens. You might not notice the clouding at first, but as it progresses, your vision can be severely interrupted. The process begins with needing more reading light or eyeglasses, but you may notice that as the cataracts worsen, you begin thinking about cataract surgery to correct the problem.

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Who is at Risk for Cataracts?

The most common determinant of cataract surgery patients is age. For older adults, cataracts are surprisingly common. Some 66 percent of all people over the age of 60 male and female alike, commonly get cataracts. Many people do not realize cataracts are the leading cause of blindness. Cataracts can develop at any age, however, due to a variety of diseases or congenital conditions. Besides aging, some causes of cataracts include:

• Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light

• Long-term or short-term exposure to radiation

• Peripheral effects of certain diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension

Get back your youthful vision now!

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Choices in Intraocular Lens Implants for Cataract Patients

As you get older, the natural lens inside your eye becomes firm and opaque, reducing visual clarity, decreasing contrast details, and causing glare. When the lens begins to reduce vision, it is known as a cataractous lens, or a "cataract," for short.

During cataract surgery, the lens is dissolved using ultrasound and vacuumed out of the eye. In its place, Dr. Dean places an intraocular lens implant.

When a cataract is removed, it is replaced with an intraocular lens. There are a variety of IOL's that can be used in cataract surgery. The FDA approval process for IOL's used in the United States have undergone rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness.

Cataract surgery using a no-stitch technique represents a wonderful opportunity for you to both improve vision AND become less dependent upon glasses.

Dr. Dean performs over 600 cataract surgeries per year, and our staff members are experts in the latest cataract surgery techniques and intraocular lens technology.

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ReStor Multifocal Intraocular Lens

The prefix, "multi" means many, and a multifocal lens works at many different distances. Dr. Dean utilizes the Alcon ReSTOR Multifocal IOL. This lens has a series of rings that create different points of focus in the back of the eye.

Patients who have ReSTOR lenses implanted are also less dependent upon glasses than patients with monofocal lenses. The ReSTOR lens works best for distance and near vision. Some patients who have ReSTOR lenses implanted often require an eyeglass for intermediate vision, such as seeing prices on a store shelf. Additionally because of the ring design, patients sometimes complain about reduced contrast on bright days, when their pupils are small.

Multifocal IOLs have a slighter greater tendency to cause night vision complaints than other IOLs, so those who drive a great deal at night may wish to consider a different IOL.

Medicare and supplemental insurers and other insurance companies pay for a portion of the cataract surgery. However, they do not pay for the additional costs associated with implanting or ReSTOR lens. Flexible payment plans are available.

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AcrySof® IQ Toric

The latest in a long line of IOL innovations from Alcon, the new AcrySof® IQ Toric lens takes the most trusted platform for precise astigmatism correction and adds the enhanced image quality of an aspheric lens,taking the toric IOL to a whole new level.

With the combined benefits of toricity and asphericity, the AcrySof® IQ Toric lens truly offers the best of both worlds:

Astigmatism Correction

• Unique toric design offers astigmatism patients the best opportunity for spectacle-independent distance vision

• AcrySof® single-piece platform ensures exceptional rotational stability, with less than 4º average rotation 6 months after implantation

• Range of cylinder powers includes patients with lower levels of astigmatism

Visual Performance

• Proven aspheric technology reduces spherical and higher order aberrations

• Aspheric optic offers increased contrast sensitivity and improved functional vision in challenging environments

• Proprietary blue light-filtering chromophore filters more than UV

 

Surgical Technique

Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure performed at Day Kimball Hospital. This means you will only be there for a few hours and then you may go home. You will need to have a driver the day of surgery and the day after.

Dr. Dean performs his cataract surgery at Day Kimball Hospital's Ambulatory Care Unit. Click here for more information about Day Kimball Hospital. 

Dr. Dean's current technique is a "clear cornea" technique and typically no stitches are needed. Topical anesthesia is normally used for this technique. The nurses will begin by placing eye drops in your eyes to dilate your pupil and numb and anesthetize the surface of your eye. Several sets of eye drops may administered for Cataract Surgery. The use of eye drop anesthesia is sufficient for most Cataract patients so that they feel just about nothing and experience little if any discomfort at all. In general it is not necessary for the Cataract Surgeon to use injections or needles to anesthetize your eye. On some occasions, a patient may need additional anesthesia such as a retrobulbar injection.

A small amount of IV sedative (a Valium type drug) is given for relaxation. An anesthesiologist will monitor the patient's vital signs. The patient is asked to fixate (look) at a light and generally feels no pain but may feel some pressure. If the patient experiences and undue discomfort, and additional anesthetic may be necessary. Patients frequently say the see "a light show" (no extra charge!) and are amazed when the procedure is done in 10-20 minutes.

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Post-operative Care and Complication

You will be taken down to the Ambulatory Care Unit after your operation is over. They will give you something to eat and instructions that Dr. Dean has prepared. A technician from Eye Northeast, PC will contact you later in the day to go over instructions and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

If you experience any severe pain, headache or discomfort, you need to call our office as soon as possible.

One-day Post Operative Exam

Dr. Dean will see you at this visit. You will be given three drops to use. These include and antibiotic, topical NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) and a topical steroid. You will be given a printed instruction sheet. It is extremely important that you take your drops until told to stop.

Temporal Clear-Corneal Incision (No Stitch)

Yes, even the most modern techniques in cataract surgery require that an incision be made in the eye. No, cataract surgery cannot be performed with lasers (a common misconception; so called "secondary cataracts" can be treated with laser, but secondary cataracts only occur in eyes that have already had cataract surgery).

Over the past 20 years or so, incision size has come down from 16, to 12 to less than 3 millimeters in length. With the very small incisions used today, the preferred location of the incision has also changed. It is now possible to make micro-incisions in the temporal clear cornea, rather than the superior, sub-conjunctival, or "scleral-tunnel" approach. The principle advantages to temporal, clear-corneal incisions are: (1) they induce very little trauma, and therefore heal faster; (2) the cornea can be completely anesthetized with drops only, thereby facilitating topical anesthesia; and (3) they are easier to make, and safer to use for both the patient and the surgeon. We are not aware of any substantial disadvantage to the temporal, clear-corneal incision. Because this type of incision is so small, it does not require a stitch to close it.

Phacoemulsification ("fake-o-E-mull-sa-fa-kay-shun")

Phacoemulsification or Phaco is the modern method for removing cataracts utilizing high energy ultrasound. Using this technology, a cataract which measures 12 millimeters in diameter and 4 millimeters in thickness can be vacuumed through an incision which measures only 3 millimeter or less! Basically, phaco uses a hollow needle which, when activated by the surgeon, vibrates at 40,000 times per second thereby emulsifying the cataract. Emulsified cataract is aspirated through the hollow center in the phaco needle, and fluid is simultaneously infused into the eye in order to keep it "inflated" during surgery. Cataracts CANNOT be removed by laser.

Foldable Lens Implant

The final step in cataract surgery is lens implantation. Prior to the development of safe intra-ocular lens implants, anyone who had their cataracts removed was forced to wear incredibly thick and heavy glasses, or contact lenses to correct their vision to normal. A typical "three piece" lens implant looks like a miniature, round magnifying glass, about 6 millimeters in diameter, with two wiry attachments called haptics. The haptics extend out to a total diameter of about 13 millimeters, and when slightly compressed, they suspend the lens implant inside the lens capsule (which you may recall, has a diameter of only 12 millimeters). Obviously a rigid six millimeter lens, with haptics that extend out to 13 millimeters is not going to fit through a 3 millimeter incision. Flexible, or foldable lens implants however, can be rolled up into special insertion devices and "injected" through tiny 3 millimeter micro incisions. Once unfolded inside the eye, the wiry haptics suspend the implant inside the same space formerly occupied by the cataract. After a few weeks, the haptics heal into place and further stabilize the implant. "Plate" lens implants are also available. Although made from a single piece of silicone, plate lenses also have haptics, and a central lens or optic. The image above shows a foldable plate lens implant unfolding as it is injected into the eye.

Before cataract surgery, we will make measurements on the eyes that assist us in selecting the correct lens power. Usually the power is selected to optimize your distance vision. In other words, by controlling the power of your implant, your surgeon can correct any pre-existing near-sightedness or far-sightedness.

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Contact Lens Examination

 

Contact lenses are prescription medical devices that are worn on the cornea of the eye. In order to prescribe contact lenses an eye doctor must evaluate the health of the eye, determine the proper contact lens prescription based on each individual patient's different glasses prescription, vision needs, corneal health and curvature and examine the contact lens on the eye to ensure proper alignment with the cornea. A contact lens evaluation is a separate part of a comprehensive eye examination and requires additional testing that people who do not wear contact lenses do not need to have. Contact lens examinations and fittings have different levels of difficulty, this depends on the types of contact lenses needed, the visual requirements of the patient and the health of the patient's eyes.

Eye Care Northeast provides exceptional professional contact lens services. If you are interested in contact lenses, one of our Certified Ophthalmic Assistants can discuss your options with you. Our recommendations are individually tailored to each patient and are based on many factors including your glasses prescription, visual needs, overall health and eye health. Contact lenses come in wide range of materials, sizes, shapes, thicknesses, colors and designs. They can correct myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Contact lenses are also prescribed for patients who are aphakic or have no natural lens in their eye.

Contact lenses are medical devices that can only be dispensed by a prescription. They must be regarded with the same caution you would use for prescription drugs, which include prescription expiration dates and follow-up visits with your eye doctor. Your eyes go through gradual changes in size, shape and physiological requirements (such as for oxygen) while wearing contact lenses. These changes can affect the health of the cornea and need to be monitored on a regular basis.

For the health of your eye our physicians do not recommend nor prescribe contacts that you sleep in.

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Keys To Successful Contact Lens Wear

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Suggestions for healthy contact lens wear:

• Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses

• Always clean your lenses after taking them out and before putting them in the storage case

• Keep your storage case clean!!! Rinse with water and let it dry out bottom-up after every use and wash your case with soapy water once a week

• Replace your storage case every 3 months

• Do not switch solutions. Your doctor will recommend a specific solution for your type of lens. Switching solutions may lead to allergies, unclean contact lenses or eye infections (see suggestions on solutions below)

• Follow the directions for the solution recommended by your doctor

• Replace your lenses as recommended by your doctor. This decreases the risk of possible complications from contact lens wear

• The risk of infection with extended wear (sleeping overnight in contact lenses) is 15x higher than when patients do not sleep in contact lenses

• Do not sleep in your contact lenses unless your doctor has approved your lenses for overnight wear (as in treatment for certain ocular conditions)

• Always have a back-up pair of glasses for emergencies and times you cannot wear your contact lenses

• Sunglasses are recommended to protect your eyes from UV exposure

• Return for your doctor-recommended regular check-ups if you wear contact lenses

• If you experience redness, itching, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, pain or anything unusual when wearing your contact lenses, remove your lenses and contact your eye care provider.

 

Suggestions for Contact Lens Solutions

• Different solutions cannot always be used together and not all solutions are safe for use with all lenses. Use only recommended solutions with your contact lenses.

• Do not heat the wetting/soaking solution and lenses.

• Always use fresh un-expired lens care solution. Keep the container closed after using.

• Always follow directions in the package inserts of the contact lens solutions used.

• Use only a chemical lens care system. Use of a heat (thermal) lens care system can cause damage by warping the contact lenses.

• Sterile unpreserved solutions, when used, should be discarded after the time specified in the labeling directions.

• Do not use saliva or anything other than the recommended solutions for lubricating or wetting lenses.

• Always keep the lenses completely immersed in the recommended storage solution when the lenses are not being worn (stored).

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Vision Examinations for Children

 

When parents fail to get regular vision examinations for their children, they are putting more than eyesight at risk-they are threatening their children's educational development as well. One out of every four children from ages five to 12 has a vision problem that could affect their educational performance. While parents often are quick to schedule regular physical checkups for their children, they might overlook the importance of a professional eye examination. Screenings offered at schools are designed to identify problems with a child's vision. However, they simply are not thorough enough to expose problems of eye muscle coordination, eye disease or peripheral vision or short-comings in near-distance vision---areas very important to the learning process.

Parents should not wait until their children report visual problems. With some visual skills reaching full development at about 5 years of age, correction after this point becomes more difficult. Visual defects discovered before this age can be treated; therefore it is vital for parents to schedule regular eye examinations as recommended by the American Optometric Association. Parents should pay attention to these indications that a child might be experiencing problems:

 

• squinting

• reading from books held unusually close to the face

• eyes pointing in different directions

• twisting or tilting of the head to favor one eye

• headaches and dizziness

• blurred or double vision

• ability to read only for a short period of time

• frequent blinking or rubbing of eyes

• inability to judge distance properly (bumping into things)

• using a finger to follow words when reading

• poor school performance

• poor athletic performance

A child's eye examination involves the comprehensive testing of anatomical, functional and perceptual development. It usually begins with a review of the family's medical history (some visual problems are hereditary), a review of the child's visual history, and a test to check for visual acuity or clarity of vision. Your child will also be dilated with drops that affect your childs ability to accommodate resulting in a more accurate glasses determination. Our physician will perform an external examination for structural anomalies such as the position of the eye in the socket and the extent of tearing and lubrication. This is followed by an internal examination in which the doctor uses an ophthalmoscope to look into the eye and examine the retina or inner lining of the eye. Subsequent testing can check the child's ability to interpret color information and visually track a moving object. Children may even be screened for glaucoma.

 

Near Sightedness (Also known as Myopia)

Nearsightedness, medically referred to as myopia, is where you can see objects that are near to you, but objects that are far away appear blurred. Children who are nearsighted may complain of headaches, or you may notice them squinting when playing sports, or watching TV. They may do poorly at school because they cannot see the material on the blackboard clearly. Call our office and schedule an appointment today if you suspect your child is experiencing any of these symptoms. Nearsightedness is a common problem that has a tendency to run in families and can affect girls and boys equally. Nearsightedness may be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

Nearsightedness can progress quickly in children, which is why regular eye examinations are important.

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Far Sightedness (Also known as Hyperopia)

Farsightedness, which is medically referred to as Hyperopia, is a vision problem in which objects that are close appear blurred, and objects in the distance appear normal. Children may have difficulty when reading or writing, both appearing fuzzy and blurred.

Call our office and schedule an appointment today if you suspect your child is experiencing any of these symptoms.

Farsightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Children may need to wear their corrective lenses all the time, or just when doing tasks close up.

 

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that causes your body to not use or store sugar properly. When your blood sugar gets too high, it can damage your eye by weakening or swelling the tiny blood vessels in the retina. This damage may lead to diabetic retinopathy. This disorder usually occurs in both eyes and dims or obliterates vision temporarily. In fact, the longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he is to have retinopathy.

Diabetes may lead to new blood vessel growth on top of the retina. These blood vessels can develop into scar tissue, pulling the retina away from the back of the eye. This is called retinal detachment, and can lead to blindness if untreated. Additionally, irregular blood vessels can grow on the iris, leading to glaucoma.

Everyone who has diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. You may not notice any change in your vision in its early stages, which is why regular eye examinations are extremely important.

If detected early on, Diabetic Retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy to stop blood vessels from leaking and end new growth. If diabetic retinopathy has caused your body to form a cataract, it can be corrected surgically. Patients who have developed glaucoma should see a glaucoma specialist.

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UV Protection for Children

Children may not be as interested as adults are in the fashion aspect of sunglasses. However, they need sun protection just as much as adults do and sometimes even more, since they are spending more time playing outdoors and in direct sunlight and are therefore more susceptible to harmful UV rays. The sun can do as much damage to your eyes as it can to your skin. This is especially true for children, whose risk is higher because the lens in their eye doesn't filter as much UV light and because they spend so much time outside.

With that in mind, here are a few important points to keep in mind before you send your child out to play.

• 80% of a person's lifetime exposure to UV occurs before age 18

• The lens' in children's eyes does not block as many UV rays as they do in adults' eyes, putting them at increased risk for sun damage to the eyes

• Although 82% of parents feel it is important for children to wear sunglasses and 91% feel sunscreen should be worn, children are two times more likely to wear sunscreen than they are sunglasses.

• Almost 50% of parents report that their children "seldom" or "never" wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Many American children spend one to three hours per day on the computer, talking online, playing games, or doing homework. Children are encouraged to use the computer at ages two and three. A child's eyes can become stressed when sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods of time because the computer can force the child's vision to focus and strain more than any other task. Parents need to be aware of the vision problems associated with computer work. Computer use forces fine motor skills from children whose young eyes are not well developed. Not until the visual system matures is the child able to effectively handle the stress of computers.

According to the American Optometric Association, the influence of computer use on a child's vision involves these factors:

• Children have a narrow degree of self-awareness. They may be on a computer for hours with a small number of breaks. This extended activity can cause eye focusing and eye strain problems.

• Children are incredibly adaptable. They assume that what they how they see is normal - even if their vision is not. It is important for parents to monitor the time a child spends at a computer.

• Children are smaller than adults. Computer workstations are usually set for adult use, this changes the viewing angle for children. Computer users should view the screen slightly downward. Children may experience neck, shoulder and/or back pain, because they have difficulty reaching the keyboard or placing their feet on the floor.

Eye doctors deem that environmental stress of the indoor world rather than genetics is creating a nearsightedness epidemic. In fact, children who use computers before their visual systems are fully developed are susceptible to computer vision syndrome. CVS can be prevented by annual eye examinations, setting up computer workstations that will fit a child, position the monitor correctly, and watch your child closely. If you notice your child running their eyes frequently, tilting their heads, or their eyes are red , among other symptoms, call our office and schedule an appointment today, don't take any chances with your child's eyes.

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Eye Safety for Children

Most childhood accidents occur at home, many with toys. Children spend a great deal of time playing with their toys, so you need to make sure those toys are safe for eyes. Avoid toys that shoot objects in the air, such as slingshots, dart guns or arrows, for children under 6, and closely supervise any child playing with such toys. If your older child plays with a chemistry set or woodworking tools, give him or her safety goggles.

Sports-related eye injuries are topping 100,000 per year, and almost all are preventable by protective eyewear . Children are especially vulnerable to an eye injury because they don't know that their vision, and possibly a lifetime of healthy vision, is at stake. For children, eye injuries happen mainly while playing. They should wear eye protection for any sports and recreational activities that uses a projectile or racket, involves rough contact with other players, or requires travel at high speed. Ask an eye doctor about the best eye protection for your child.

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BOTOX® treatment for blepharospasm (eyelid spasms)

Blepharospasm can also be treated with BOTOX®. This condition causes spasms in and around the eyelids. This results in frequent blinking and closing of the eyes that you can't control. Because of these symptoms, it can be hard to see. Treatment with BOTOX® can help reduce muscle spasms. This reduces blinking, which may help improve your ability to see. The product has been used in a variety of other therapeutic applications such as Spasmodic Neck, Writers

Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX), is a sterile purified botulinum toxin produced from cultures and supplied to doctors for use in treating certain forms of strabismus and blepharospasm.

 

Botox for Bleharospasm

Botox is a nerve impulse "blocker". It binds to nerve endings and prevents the release of chemical transmitters that activate muscles. These chemicals carry the "message" from the brain that causes a muscle to contract: if the message is blocked, the muscle doesn't spasm. Botox usually takes full effect with in one to two weeks. However, the nerve endings usually grow new connections to the muscles at sites that have not been exposed to Botox. Therefore, treatment must be repeated as directed by the physician.

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Cosmetic Botox

Botox injections are used to treat facial wrinkles, restoring a youthful, rested appearance.

BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used to temporarily reduce facial lines in over 1 million people. Since its approval by the FDA in 2002 BOTOX® Cosmetic has become extremely popular as a non-surgical treatment for frown lines and wrinkles. These facial lines are caused by repeated muscle movement. As we frown or smile, muscles contract and pull the skin. As we age our skin becomes less elastic. Repeated pulling of the skin results in the formation of lines and wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein that when injected into a muscle will block the nerve impulses that cause that muscle to move. The doctor injects small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic into the facial muscles responsible for the frown lines and wrinkles. By reducing the movement of the muscle the lines begin to diminish and the face appears much smoother.

The BOTOX® injections are minimally invasive and are administered in the doctor's office. The entire process usually takes less than 15 minutes. Most patients resume normal activities immediately following the treatment. Patients will usually see results within a few days. The treatment lasts approximately three months.

As with all cosmetic procedures there are risks. You should be properly evaluated by a qualified doctor to determine if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you. Call our office 860-928-0414 to schedule an appointment with Dr. James C. Dean.

 

Juvederm®

Juvederm is a gel filler used to treat problem areas around the mouth and nose. When we are young our skin contains a large amount of hyaluronic acid which works to hydrate our skin. As we age we lose some of our supply of hyaluronic acid resulting in the formation of wrinkles and folds.

Juvederm is used to restore our supply of hyaluronic acid. The gel is injected directly into the wrinkles and folds. It acts like a filler, smoothing out those problem areas. The treatment is administered in the doctor's office. The procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes and may last up to one year.

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Latisse®

There's been a growing interest in this product ever since it was introduced. And it's no wonder. LATISSE® is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker.

Discover the LATISSE® difference.
LATISSE® solution is a growth treatment for lashes. In fact, it's the only FDA-approved treatment clinically proven to grow lashes. And it's the only lash growth product of its kind available by prescription. So you'll need to talk to your doctor to see if it's right for you.

LATISSE® grows lashes longer, fuller and darker.
LATISSE® solution is a once-a-day treatment you apply topically to the base of your upper eyelashes, as instructed by your doctor. Then, gradually, the results come in. You may start to see more length in as little as 4 weeks and you should achieve full growth in 16 weeks. It's not an illusion of growth. It's your own eyelashes — only better.

How LATISSE® works.
LATISSE® makes lash growth possible because of its active ingredient: bimatoprost. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, LATISSE® is believed to affect the growth (anagen) phase of the eyelash hair cycle in two ways: first, it increases the length of this phase, and second, it increases the number of hairs in this growth phase.

The history behind LATISSE®.
Although LATISSE® is a treatment for inadequate or not enough eyelashes, it was developed through years of research by Allergan, a pharmaceutical leader with expertise in eye care products.

LATISSE® Indication
LATISSE® solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker. Eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.

LATISSE® Important Safety Information
If you are using, or have used, prescription products for any eye pressure problems, only use LATISSE® under close doctor care. Although not seen in LATISSE® clinical studies, may cause increased brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye which is likely permanent. Eyelid skin darkening may occur which may be reversible. Only apply at the base of the upper eyelashes. DO NOT APPLY to the lower eyelid. Hair growth may occur in other skin areas that LATISSE® solution frequently touches. If you develop or experience any eye problems or have eye surgery, consult your doctor immediately about continued use of LATISSE®. The most common side effects after using LATISSE® solution are itchy eyes and/or eye redness. If discontinued, lashes will gradually return to their previous appearance.