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June Is Cataract Awareness Month

Cataract Awareness Month graphic with eye chart

Raising Cataract Awareness

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, and it is the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are more than 24 million Americans over the age of 40 who are affected by cataracts, so it’s important to educate ourselves on symptoms and risk factors associated with cataracts.

Prevent Blindness has declared June as Cataract Awareness Month. Read on to learn more! 

What Is A Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye that happens naturally over time.

Cataracts are among the most common age-related eye conditions; it is estimated that over 60% of Americans will develop a cataract at some point during their lifetimes.

Illustration of a Normal Eye and Eye with a Cataract

What Are Risk Factors For Cataracts?

Anyone can get cataracts. While most people don’t typically show symptoms until at least the age of 40, cataracts can also affect young adults or even children. Heredity, disease, eye injury and smoking could cause cataracts to develop at an earlier age.

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What Are Cataract Symptoms?

Symptoms of a cataract may include:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Sensitivity to light, especially bright lights from oncoming car headlights
  • Need to get closer to see distant objects, such as road signs
  • Loss of depth perception
  • A change in the color of the pupil to a milky white or yellow

How To Prevent Cataracts?

Some steps you can take now to protect your eyes from the formation of cataracts is to wear UV blocking sunglasses, take nutritional supplements, quit smoking, and learn your family health history.

We understand how precious your vision is, and one thing that can help keep your eyes healthy is a comprehensive eye exam at least once every other year.

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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.

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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

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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 offers competitive pricing to help in your search for affordable eye surgery. We are committed to helping you preserve your eye health and can assist with arranging 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!

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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.

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Eye Twitching Treatment Options & Eye Care Tips

Eye Care

Many people experience occasional eye twitching. Consistent twitching, while annoying, can also impact your daily activities. The good news is that with some minor changes to your daily routine, you can find a treatment option to relieve eye twitching. These changes will not only help alleviate your twitches but improve your overall eye health.

Treatment Options for Eye Twitching

Some types of eye twitching treatments are easier in comparison to others, but they are all important in increasing your overall wellness, in addition to reducing the frequency of eye twitches.

1. Change Your Routine

If you work in an industry where a large portion of your day requires you to sit in front of a computer or read extensively, a treatment option for eye twitching is to take a short break from your work every hour.

Frequent twitches can signal the onset of eye strain. Taking a walk around the office to relax your eyes will prevent eye strain and reduce the occurrence of eyelid spasms.

Stress and lack of sleep are common in high-stress lifestyles. Adding stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation to your daily routine can reduce stress and increase your ability to achieve restful sleep and prevent eyelid twitches.

Coffee

2. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

While it is common to indulge in a cup of coffee or the occasional alcoholic beverage, frequent and prolonged consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated stimulants can increase the frequency of eye twitches. If you are comparing different types of eye twitching treatments, you should consider reducing your intake of these substances if you consume more than three cups of coffee or alcohol daily.

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3. Schedule an Eye Exam

If you have tried to treat your eye twitches, and relief continues to elude you, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist. Further investigation may also reveal that you need a stronger corrective lens prescription.
There are many over-the-counter and prescription eye treatments that can quickly alleviate your twitches.

What Causes Eye Twitching?

According to Mayo Clinic, most occurrences of eye twitching are not life-threatening or even cause for concern.

Here are the most common habits that cause eyelid twitches and facial spasms:

Reading too much or working long hours on the computer
Lack of sleep
Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption
If this sounds familiar, keep reading for some simple solutions.

When Eye Twitching is Serious

If these treatment options are ineffective, your eye twitching may be a symptom of something more serious, and the ophthalmologists at Specialty Eye Institute can help.

Serious conditions like blepharitis, or clogging of the eyelash oil ducts, can be painful and should be treated with medication to prevent permanent complications. Similarly, other conditions like chronic dry eye and light sensitivity can occur at any age, and an ophthalmologist will create a personalized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.

Tips & Insights: Should I Receive a Vision Screening or Eye Exam?

If you experience eye twitching and headaches, your twitches increase in intensity and last for more than a few days, or treatment does not stop the condition, contact your ophthalmologist immediately because this can be a sign of a degenerative eye disease or neurological condition. Our staff offers eye care options such as keratoconus treatments, LASIK eye surgery, diabetic retinopathy treatments, cataract surgery, and presbyopia treatments. The most important rule for treating eye twitching is to monitor your overall eye health and talk with an ophthalmologist about an eye care treatment option that meets your needs.

Continue to visit your ophthalmologist every year because your eye twitching is a reminder to manage your physical health as well as your daily habits. Give our staff of doctors a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to receive assistance with an eye care issue.

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The Importance of Vision Screening Tests

Vision Screening Test

With the rush of our daily lives, it’s easy for things to slip your mind. You may forget to take the trash out or to return that phone call from your mom. But one thing you never want to forget is to schedule a vision screening.

It’s natural to have questions before making an appointment for a vision test. Your eye care is important to us, so we answered some of the most common ones for you.

What Does Your Eye Doctor Look for During a Vision Screening?

You may have received a vision screening at work or at school years ago. Maybe you had a vision screening test when you renewed your driver’s license.

This is not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. Screening is usually performed by volunteers, a school nurse, or a DMV employee and will last only a few minutes.

During a vision screening, you will be tested for major problems as quickly as possible. Some things that are tested for include blurred vision and loss of muscle control. This is usually done by reading the letters on an eye chart.

Vision ScreeningWhat is the Difference Between a Vision Screening and An Eye Exam?

A vision screening test is intended to identify people with undetected vision problems. During the screening, you will be tested for many things including symptoms of major eye problems, and if the person performing the visual screening foresees any major issues, they will recommend you schedule an appointment with your optometrist or ophthalmologist for further examination.

A comprehensive eye exam, on the other hand, is an in-depth examination performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. During an eye exam, you will be checked not only for visual acuity and color blindness but also for signs of serious eye problems, like glaucoma and cataracts. Vision problems can be treated if they are detected early.

Early signs of serious health problems can also be detected during your eye exam. These can include high blood pressure as well as the risk of stroke and diabetes. Your doctor will discuss your results and go over any eye care instructions they may have.  

Adults should have comprehensive vision exams every two years. However, if you’re 60 or older you should have your eyes checked once a year to make sure you are seeing as well as you should.

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Eye DoctorWhat is a Cataract Screening?

A cataract screening is usually one part of a comprehensive eye exam. People with a cataract see the world as if they are looking through a foggy window. It can be hard to drive a car or read, and they may become more sensitive to light. Cataracts develop slowly and cloud the lens of the eye over time.

They are the leading cause of vision loss in adults 55 and older. During the vision screening, we will review your symptoms and medical history, and perform a few specialized tests.

These Tests May Include:

Visual Acuity Test – You will be asked to read a line of letters on a chart or through a viewing device. The letters will get smaller the farther down you go. Your eyes will be tested one at a time by covering one eye, then the other. This vision screening test determines your vision at a given distance.

Slit Lamp Examination – A slit lamp is a microscope that uses a bright line of light, or a slit, to allow your doctor to examine the anatomy in the front part of your eye. This allows your eye doctor to look at your cornea, lens, iris, and the area between your cornea and iris.

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Factors that Increase Your Risk of Cataracts Include:

  • Age
  • Diabetes
  • Previous eye injury
  • Previous eye surgery
  • Extreme exposure to sunlight
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Use of certain medications
  • High blood pressure
  • Excessive alcohol use

Vision Screening Tests From Specialty Eye Institute

A vision screening should be a part of everyone’s regular health routine. Undetected vision problems can lead to issues at work or school. Why take the risk? Do your eyes a favor and call us today to schedule your vision screening. In addition to offering innovative vision screenings to clients, our team of ophthalmologists offers other types of vision care solutions. Our doctors provide reliable vision treatments such as LASIK eye surgery, corneal transplants, blepharoplasty treatments, and refractive lens exchange surgery. Give our team of ophthalmologists and doctors a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to schedule an upcoming vision screening or treatment.

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Filed Under: Blog

5 Tips on How to Relieve Itchy Eyes from Allergies

5 Tips on How to Relieve Itching Eyes from Allergies

How to Relieve Itchy Eyes from Allergies

If you’re suffering from eye allergies, you’re not alone. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans deals with the annoyance of eye allergies, or ocular allergies also known as allergic conjunctivitis. While the symptoms caused by eye allergies can be bothersome, they almost never present a permanent threat to eyesight. You can almost always find how to relieve itchy eyes quickly when you take the right steps.

However, it’s important to note that itching, redness, burning sensations, and puffiness can also be signs of infection. In cases of infection, see your doctor if the symptoms don’t improve with time or with treatment such as over-the-counter remedies.

If you think you may have eye allergies, here are some helpful tips on how to get relief from your red, itchy, and watery eyes.

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Allergies Cause Itchy Eyes

1.) Avoiding Allergens

Keep an eye on pollen count forecasts. If the count is going to be high, consider staying indoors. A remedy to relieve itching eyes is to replace the filters in your air conditioner and/or furnace. This will help trap allergens while creating a more comfortable environment.

2.) Resist the Temptation to Rub Itchy Eyes!

While rubbing itchy eyes may feel natural, the contact with the eyes will actually release more histamine and aggravate the symptoms. In other words, rubbing itchy eyes may make the problem worse. You can relieve itchy eyes by using a cold-water compress placed over your closed eyes. This will help relieve the itchy sensation while also preventing you from rubbing your eyes. A cold-water compress isn't only an easy solution, but it's also the first natural remedy for itchy eyes you should try.

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3.) Remove Your Contacts

Did you know that the surface of contact lenses can attract and accumulate airborne allergens? If you are looking for ways to find relief for itchy or irritated eyes, you may want to consider wearing glasses during the allergy season. Also, consider switching to disposable lenses. This way, your contacts aren’t accumulating allergens over a period of days.

Eyedrops For Itchy Eye Relief

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4.) Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Your local pharmacy has many types of over-the-counter saline eye drops and remedies that may provide relief for your red, watery, and itchy eyes. This approach isn’t only convenient, but also budget-friendly. Your doctor can help you find the best saline eye drop brand for your symptoms.

5.) Prescription Medications

If eye drops are not providing itchy eye relief for moderate to severe, symptoms, it may be a good time to talk to your doctor about what prescription options are available. If your itchy eyes are from allergies, prescription antihistamines may help relieve your symptoms.

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Ophthalmologist

How Long Do Itchy Eyes Last?

If your itchy eyes are from allergies, your symptoms can last all the way through the pollen season. That can be anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

Eye Care Solutions

If you need assistance with a vision or eye problem, give our staff of ophthalmologists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to book an appointment. We offer eye care solutions to clients such as LASIK eye surgery, glaucoma treatments, cataract surgery, macular degeneration treatments, and presbyopia surgery. Our staff is committed to offering new and innovative treatments to patients.

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Filed Under: Blog

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