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Specialty Eye Institute Voted One of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

NABR – West Michigan’s Best and Brightest

The National Association of Business Resources (NABR) will honor Specialty Eye Institute as one of the organizations awarded West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to work for at their upcoming awards banquet in May. Companies are rated based on their commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment.

An independent research firm evaluates companies based on an organization’s communication, work-life balance, employee education, development, diversity, recognition, and retention.

“We are honored to recognize the efforts of this year’s Best and Brightest companies,” said Jennifer Kluge, president and CEO, Best and Brightest Programs.

“These companies have created impressive organizational value and business results through their policies and best practices in human resource management. This award has become a designation sought after by hundreds of West Michigan companies and is a powerful recruitment tool in the drive to attract and retain exceptional employees.”

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® is a program that provides the business community with the opportunity to gain recognition, showcase their best practices and demonstrate why they are an ideal place for employees to work. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole.

How to Prevent Glaucoma: Risk Factors, Diet, & Tips

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people who are 60 years old and over. A fairly common condition, glaucoma causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve. Our optic nerve is vital for healthy vision and damage caused by glaucoma is mostly irreversible.

While it’s most common in older adults, glaucoma can also occur at any age. Sadly, many forms of glaucoma have little or no warning signs. This means that the damage is often so gradual that people do not notice a change in vision until the condition is quite advanced. If you are looking for ways to prevent glaucoma, we have created an outline of the risk factors for the condition.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Generally, glaucoma is caused by abnormally high pressure in the eyes. However, there are other risk factors that can cause the onset of this condition such as family history, thin corneas, and ethnicity.

The three types of glaucoma include open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and normal-tension glaucoma. We have created a list of the most the most common glaucoma risk factors and ways to reduce your risk of developing the condition.

Risk Factors For Glaucoma Include:

High eye pressure
Family history of glaucoma
Age 40 and older for African Americans
Age 60 and older for the general population
Thin corneas
Suspicious optic nerve appearance with increased cupping (the space at the center of the optic nerve, is larger than normal)

Risk Factors For Open-Angle Glaucoma Include:

High myopia (very severe nearsightedness)
Diabetes
Eye surgery or injury
High blood pressure
Use of corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers, and creams)

Risk Factors For Angle-Closure Glaucoma Include:

Age 40 and older
Family history of glaucoma
Poor short-distance vision
Eye injury or eye surgery
East Asian and Inuit ethnicity
Risk Factors for normal-tension glaucoma
Cardiovascular disease
Family history of glaucoma
Low eye pressure
Japanese ethnicity

Ways To Prevent Glaucoma

Since vision loss due to glaucoma can’t be recovered, it’s important to take a large number of precautions to reduce your risk or prevent this condition. Most importantly, try to have regular eye exams where an optometrist will measure your eye pressure. This way, if there is a problem, a diagnosis can be made in the early stages and treated appropriately to prevent glaucoma. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or even prevented.

Tips & Insights: Should I Receive A Second Opinion Prior to Cataract Surgery?

If you’re at risk of developing glaucoma, medical experts recommend a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet to improve your overall physical and mental well-being. Take note of the following tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Tips For a Lowering Glaucoma Risk

Maintain a healthy weight
Keep your blood pressure at a normal level
Don’t smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol
Limit caffeine intake to moderate levels, because some evidence suggests that high amounts of caffeine may increase eye pressure
Try to exercise daily by doing physical activities such as walking, swimming, or working in the yard
Prevent over exposure to sunlight by wearing sunglasses and hats when you’re outdoors
Get regular, comprehensive eye exams, and consult your doctor if you notice changes in your vision
If you are African American, taking prescription eye drops could cut your risk of getting glaucoma in half

Did you know including certain foods in your diet can help reduce your total amount of risk factors for glaucoma?Here is a list of vision-boosting foods to eat:

Types of Foods That Can Reduce Your Exposure to Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Foods That Contain Carotenoids

Foods containing carotenoids may help reduce your risk or prevent several types of medical conductions such as glaucoma. Research indicates that carotenoids may help protect your eyes from the damaging effects of blue light and reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) later in life. Carotenoids are found mostly in carrots and dark, leafy greens such as spinach, collard greens, and kale. Carotenoids are also found in yellow corn, okra, broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, mango, green beans, sweet potatoes, lima beans, squash, bell peppers, and egg yolks.

Foods High In Vitamin C

Vitamin C is good for the blood vessels in your eyes, and science suggests it could lower your risk of getting glaucoma and cataracts. Foods that are high in vitamin C include peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, sweet and white potatoes, leafy greens and cantaloupe.

Tips & Insights: Should I Schedule a Cataract Surgery?

Foods High in Vitamin E

A large study found that vitamin E, together with other nutrients, can help slow age-related macular degeneration from getting worse. These foods include eggs, fortified cereals, fruit, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, nuts, nut oils, vegetable oils, and whole grains.

Foods Containing Vitamin A

Plant-based forms of Vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes and mango have proven to lower your risk of long-term eye diseases, including AMD and cataracts. It is thought that most western diets don’t get nearly enough Vitamin A, so be sure to make an effort to include Vitamin A rich foods in your diet.

Foods Containing Zinc

Zinc brings Vitamin A from your liver to your retina. Here it is used to make a protective pigment called melanin. If you are looking for ways to decrease your risk factors for glaucoma, oysters have more zinc per serving than any other food. In addition, foods such as chickpeas, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, and lentils are a good source of zinc.

Foods With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s have also been shown to protect your eyes from AMD and glaucoma. Low levels of these fatty acids have also been linked to dry eyes. So be sure to fill your diet with salmon, sardines, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds to up your fatty acid intake to help protect your eyes.

What Foods to Avoid

While a healthy diet that is low in processed foods and sugar is beneficial for your all-round health, there are no specific foods to avoid when it comes to how to prevent glaucoma. However, there is a link between excessive caffeine consumption and a rise in eye pressure. While a few cups of coffee won’t cause harm, moderation is key. So if you do drink a lot of coffee, think of switching to something else or at least swap a portion of your daily cups of coffee to decaf.

Our team of glaucoma specialists offer innovative glaucoma treatments to clients in areas such as Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Toledo, Lansing, and Jackson. In addition, we offer other types of eye care solutions such as LASIK surgery, blepharoplasty treatments, cataract eye surgery, and refractive lens exchange treatments. Make an appointment with an eye care specialist today to learn more about glaucoma and treatment options.

Tips & Insights: What is the Difference Between an Eye Exam and A Vision Screening?

Why Should You Consider Traveling for Cataract Surgery

Reasons To Travel For Cataract Surgery

An estimated 60 percent of Americans will eventually develop cataracts.

Once a cataract has progressed to advanced stages, surgery will be needed to ease the symptoms and restore visual acuity. The cost of cataract surgery will be an important factor in deciding where and when to have the procedure done, among other factors.

In searching for the best facility for your eye surgery, it might be wise to look beyond your hometown and consider traveling to get a better experience with your corrective surgery.

Research & Technology

At Specialty Eye Institute, you can feel confident about the quality of eye care you will receive because our doctors are committed to research and clinical studies using the most advanced equipment available to allow for early detection of eye conditions.

By diagnosing eye conditions early, the doctors have the best chance of giving each patient a successful outcome in treatment.

Tips & Insights: What to Expect After LASIK Eye Surgery

Traditional surgery to treat cataracts has been proven to be among the safest and most successful procedures in modern medicine. The popularity of laser cataract surgery has increased the degree of precision involved in performing certain critical steps of the procedure.

Types of Surgery & Lenses

Do you prefer a specific type of cataract surgery?

With the cutting-edge equipment and superior technology available at Specialty Eye Institute, our doctors will customize your surgery to give you the best possible results.

Traditional cataract surgery uses a no-stitch incision and is very safe and efficient and now with laser cataract surgery, Specialty Eye Institute can create incisions and potentially reduce astigmatism up to 10 times more precise than manual techniques for some portions of the cataract surgical procedure.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens will be removed and an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) will be inserted in its place. With the new, crystal clear lens, light rays will be able to penetrate to the retina and allow visual images to be sent to the brain.

A variety of lenses are available to choose from, and the type of lens used will affect the price and outcome of your surgery. And, certain lens options aren’t right for everyone so your doctor will help guide you to find the best option that fits your individual needs.

Different Lens Options:

Depth-of-Focus Lens
Toric Lens
Multifocal Lens
Monofocal Lens

Cost, Insurance & Payment Plans

Most private insurance carriers and Medicare cover the costs of basic surgery for cataracts. There will be some out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pays and deductibles. Costs will also vary depending on the type of lenses chosen for your surgery.

Specialty Eye Institute’s staff will work with you every step to give you the best possible care at the most affordable price.

Financing is also available to expedite your needed surgery. We offer the Alphaeon credit card to spread out your payments over time, with low monthly payments that fit your budget. Alphaeon offers you financing plans that might not be available with your current credit card companies.

Specialty Eye Care offers competitive pricing to help in your search for affordable eye surgery. We also help arrange for discounts on hotel rooms to accommodate you during your surgical experience.

Combined with the technological advantages, cutting-edge equipment and some of the best doctors and medical staff to be found, traveling to Michigan for your cataract treatment could be one of the best decisions you have ever made!

Why Specialty Eye Institute?

The highly qualified doctors at Specialty Eye Institute offer state-of-the-art technology and Board Certified Eye Surgeons to give you the optimal experience in traditional or laser cataract surgery.

Dr. Paul H. Ernest founded Specialty Eye Institute in Jackson, Michigan in 1978. The Institute currently has 10 locations in Michigan and Ohio, with more than 20 physicians on staff.

Additional Resources:

When Should You Have Cataract Surgery? Symptoms & Causes

When Is the Right Time to Have Cataract Surgery?

At the beginning of cataract formation, it may be easy to improve your vision through glasses, magnification, bifocals, visual aids, and appropriate lighting. When the cataract progresses to the point that it impairs vision and the way of life, it may be the right time to have cataract surgery.

Aging is considered as the primary factor of poor vision, but getting cataract surgery is painless and simple enough to get your clear vision back. According to PBA, visiting a certified ophthalmologist to perform cataract surgery is an excellent way to get your vision back, and it is the most successful surgery performed in the US, with more than three million Americans undergoing the surgery every year.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is identified with the clouding of the natural lens in an eye. People who are over 40 are the most affected by cataracts when it comes to vision impairment. In addition, cataracts are the world’s primary cause of blindness.

To understand the seriousness of the widespread effect of cataracts, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) stated that cataracts are more common in comparison to the combined cases of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Cataracts now affect approximately more than 22 million Americans over the age of 46, and PBA states that the figure will rise to 30 million by 2020.

Symptoms and Signs of Cataracts

Cataract symptoms often include blurry vision, similar to looking through cloudy glass. You may also become more sensitive to light. Driving at night may become a challenge because the headlights from oncoming cars may cause more glare than they used to. If you are struggling to see the contrast between different colors or the colors you observe appear less vibrant, this is a sign it’s time to talk with a certified ophthalmologist about the advantages of having cataract surgery.

Tips & Insights: What Are The Signs of Macular Degeneration?

What Causes Cataracts?

The eye’s lens functions like the lens of a camera, it is used to focus light to the retina, and it adjusts the focus of the eye for you to see things clearly for both close or distant objects. The main components of the lens are protein and water.

The protein is organized in a way to keep the lens clear for the light to easily pass through. Over time, the protein may build up and form a small cloudy part of the lens. The cloud may become larger over time forming a cataract, which will make it harder for you to see.

The reason as to why the lens changes as we age is unknown to us, but doctors have identified factors that cause a cataract; they include:

Diabetes
Hypertension
Obesity
UV radiation
Smoking
High Myopia
Previous inflammation or eye surgery
Hormone replacement therapy
Use of corticosteroid medications
Statin medicines
High intake of alcohol

One of the known theories about the formation of cataract is the oxidative changes in the lens. Nutrition studies support this theory because vegetables and fruits that have antioxidants can help prevent the cause of distinct types of cataracts.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

When you talk with an ophthalmologist about having a cataract surgery, you will become familiar with the process of removing the clouded lens in your eye with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Intraocular lenses are plastic in nature.

Recent developments in IOLs allow patients to have lens options based on their lifestyle. There are 4 main types of IOLs:

Monofocal lens – These lenses can provide clear distance vision for patients without astigmatism.
Multifocal lens – These lenses can provide a range of vision from near to intermediate to distance.
Astigmatism Correcting (Toric) lens – correct higher levels of astigmatism and provide clear distance vision. You will still need glasses for near and intermediate vision.
Depth-of-focus lens – This lens provides a continuous range of vision at all distances to fit your active lifestyle.

Men should also be careful to know that some prostate drugs can cause IFIS (Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome) when the cataract removal is being performed.

If there is a cataract in each of your eyes, typically cataract surgery is performed on your non-dominant eye first followed by your dominant eye 1-2 weeks later. The time between the two cataract surgeries is in case infection or complications occur.

Tips & Insights: What is the Recovery Timeline For LASIK Eye Surgery?

To prevent yourself from having a cataract surgery, use antioxidant vitamins like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C and also wear sunglasses to block UV rays when you are enjoying the sun. If you are struggling to read or drive at night, this is a sign of vision issues that need to be diagnosed by a certified ophthalmologist or optometrist. Our staff of ophthalmologists offers innovative eye care solutions such as LASIK eye surgery, blepharoplasty surgery, glaucoma treatments, and keratoconus options. Give our team of ophthalmologists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to discuss eye care treatments.

Schedule your cataract screening today!

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6 Tips For Maintaining Good Eyesight

How Do I Maintain Healthy Vision?

Maintaining healthy vision is more than getting a regular vision screening. Your overall health can impact your eye health. Here are 6 tips for maintaining good eyesight.

Eat the Right Foods

Fill your plate with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. These nutrients may help lower your chance of developing macular degeneration or cataracts. Green veggies, salmon, eggs and citrus fruits are a great place to start!

A healthy diet also decreases your chance of diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of blindness.

Use Protective Eyewear

An estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year, so it is very important to wear proper eyewear to protect yourself from eye injuries.

Whether you’re on the job, working on a home improvement project, or playing hockey with the neighborhood, always wear protective eyewear or safety glasses to avoid the risk of anything making contact with your eyes.

Need Help? Our Staff of Ophthalmologists in Toledo, OH Are Committed to Preserving & Improving Your Vision

Always Wear Sunglasses

Don’t just use the free pair of shades you picked up at a concert. Invest in a decent pair that will actually protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Too much UV exposure increases your chances of cataracts.

When shopping for your next pair of sunglasses, look for 99-100% UVA and UVB protection.

Throw Away Old Makeup

Did you know bacteria grows fast in liquid makeup?
Replace your products every 3 months to avoid developing an eye infection.
Never share cosmetics with others and avoid the store samples.
Always clean your face before and after using makeup.

Take Frequent Screen Breaks

When you stare at a computer, tablet or phone screen too long, you may experience eyestrain, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, and headaches. To avoid these things you should:
Take a screen break every 20 minutes
Find a supportive chair and make sure your screen is eye level
Keep your glasses/contacts prescription up to date and suitable for staring at screens
Remember to blink!

Get Regular Eye Screenings

Everyone should be getting eye screenings on a regular basis. During the screening, your doctor may recommend you schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist if they believe there’s a potential vision problem.

Here are some things you can expect during a comprehensive eye exam:

A review of your health and family history of eye disease, like glaucoma or macular degeneration
Vision testing
A dilated eye exam to check the retina and optic nerve
A refraction test to determine the sharpness of your near and distance vision

Anyone with symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should schedule an appointment with our team of ophthalmologists in Ann Arbor, MI to determine how frequently your eyes should be examined.

Need an eye screening? Schedule your appointment with Specialty Eye Institute!