Blog Archives | Specialty Eye Institute

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Study

Have you recently been diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? You may qualify to take part in a clinical research study to evaluate an investigational eye medication. Talk with your retina doctor for more details.

To participate you must be:

At least 50 years of age
Newly Diagnosed with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)

This clinical research study could be right for you!

If you qualify to participate:

Your participation may last up to 6 months and include approximately 8 visits.
You will receive study-related medication and study-related exams at no cost. Compensation for your time and travel expenses may be available.

For More Information Contact:
Shellie Fuentes, Clinical Study Coordinator
TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers

[email protected]
(517) 749-1755

Adrian Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Join us tonight to celebrate the grand opening of our new Adrian office.Wednesday, October 7, 2015TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers
1801 W. Maumee Street / US-223
Suite 100
Adrian, MI 49221

Join our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Tour our new office
Meet the Doctors and Staff

Eye Surgery: Types, Risks, & Recoveries

Eyes can be particularly vulnerable to damage, which is why there are so many types of surgeries that are designed to remove, repair, or manipulate your eye and its surrounding tissues.

Let’s discuss the different eye surgery types, why you would have them, the risks that eye surgeries come with, and what the recovery process is like.

Eye Surgery Types

Refractive Eye Surgery

Refractive eye surgery corrects refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

LASIK: Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis

LASIK is the most well-known refractive surgery. This procedure reshapes the tissue under the cornea’s surface by creating a flap and targeting it with a laser.

PRK: Photorefractive Keratectomy

PRK also reshapes the cornea but does not require a flap. The top layer of the cornea is removed so that a laser can reshape the cornea. Then, the top layer grows back over the next several days.

LASEK: Laser Subepithelial Keratomileusis

LASEK is similar to PRK, but a flap is created and placed back after the laser treatment. Some experts think that this promotes a more comfortable experience and faster recovery.

Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive lens exchange is a similar procedure to cataract surgery. However, in this procedure, the eye’s clear natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens to correct the refractive error.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery involves the removal of the eye’s natural lens that has become cloudy with age and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.

In the surgery, the surgeon removes the natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens referred to as an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is placed inside the lens capsule that was designed to hold the natural lens.

This procedure is low-risk and takes about 15 minutes. You will be able to go home the same day.

Three Types of Cataracts

Nuclear Cataract: this is the most common type of cataract in the senior population. It is a clouding and hardening of the lens center, which results in a blur, glare, and other changes in vision.
Cortical Cataract: this is an opacity in the outer layer of the natural lens. It’s more common in people with diabetes and hypertension.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract: this is a fast-growing opacity in the rear of the natural lens. This cataract is most common in people who take steroids or have diabetes.

Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma surgery is performed to lower the pressure inside the eye in people with glaucoma. When the pressure in the eye is too high, the risk of vision loss increases due to potential damage to the optic nerve.

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)

This is an in-office procedure that’s generally performed on people with open-angle glaucoma who have eye pressure because the fluid in front of the eye is not draining properly. It drains fluids out of your eye in order to reduce intra-ocular pressure.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Much like ALT, this procedure is generally performed on people with open-angle glaucoma. It uses a cold laser to drain the fluids in your eye and reduce intraocular pressure. The cold laser reduces scar tissue, making it a surgery that can be repeated if needed.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

This is an in-office laser procedure that’s used to treat or prevent narrow-angle glaucoma, which is much less common than open-angle glaucoma. Because the angle is narrow, it can close and increase in a sudden increase in eye pressure.

The surgery will ensure that the meshwork drains properly, but the drainage area will be narrowed or closed.

Trabeculectomy

This filtration surgery requires an incision and is used to treat open-angle glaucoma. The procedure will need to be performed in a hospital and is generally an option that is taken if medication and laser surgery are not effective.

Retinal Surgery

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye that is susceptible to damage and diseases. There are numerous types of surgeries to treat the retina and its surrounding structures.

Retinal Laser Photocoagulation

Laser photocoagulation uses a laser to slow down or prevent serious complications that could lead to vision loss.

It manages conditions like:

Diabetic retinopathy
Macular edema
Retinal vein occlusion
Retinal detachment

In this procedure, a laser generates heat and creates a burn, stimulating the development of scar tissue. This scar tissue can help seal off abnormal, leaky blood vessels and reduce swelling. Additionally, tears or detachments can be “welded” down with this procedure to prevent further vision loss.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

When the treatment area is near the center of vision, PDT is preferred over laser photocoagulation to minimize the chances of developing a blind spot. This procedure is commonly used in wet age-related macular degeneration patients.

It uses a laser and an injected drug that works in tandem. The drug is injected into the arm, travels to targeted blood vessels, and is activated by a low-power laser directed at leaky blood vessels. This procedure seals the blood vessels, which reduces the amount of fluid and blood they leak.

Cryotherapy

This procedure places a probe that freezes tissue to treat a retinal tear or detachment. The probe damages the tissue surrounding the tear, which results in a scar that “welds” it into place.

Scleral Buckle

A person with retinal detachment will be treated with either laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy, which will then be followed by the placement of a scleral buckle. This is a silicone band placed on the outside of the sclera to help prevent the retina from detaching again

This procedure is outpatient and will require either local or general anesthesia. The surgery typically lasts around two hours.

Pneumatic Retinopexy

During a pneumatic retinopexy, the eye is numbed, a small needle is inserted, and fluid is removed and replaced with a gas bubble. The gas offers gentle pressure against the retina to help it reattach.

This procedure would need to be followed up by a laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy.

Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy removes the vitreous, which is a gel-like fluid that fills the back two-thirds of the eye, providing support and maintaining its round shape.

This procedure could be performed for conditions like:

Diabetic retinopathy
Retinal detachment
Macular pucker
Macular hole
Endophthalmitis
Trauma

This outpatient procedure requiring local or general anesthesia involves a small incision made in the eyeball to remove the vitreous and replace it with saline or a bubble of gas and silicone oil. A patch will need to be placed over the eye, and medication will be given to help the eye heal.

Corneal Transplant

Corneal transplant surgery may be necessary when the cornea becomes severely damaged.

This procedure can help heal the damage from:

Corneal infection
Inflammation
Severe dryness
Dystrophies
Degenerations
Injuries

Penetrating Keratoplasty

This is a full-thickness cornea transplant. A diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.

Endothelial Keratoplasty

This is a partial corneal transplant that doesn’t need stitches. The back layers of the cornea are replaced.

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

This procedure replaces the middle tissue layers of the cornea with donor tissue.

Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

This procedure replaces the cornea’s outer layers with donor tissue.

Eye Muscle Surgery

Eye muscle surgery assists in aligning the eyes in a condition referred to as strabismus. This is when the eyes point in different directions, causing double vision.

The muscle that needs to be adjusted will be shortened or reattached further back into the eye. Depending on the age of the patient, the procedure could require anesthesia. An overnight stay in the hospital usually isn’t necessary.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, corrects eyelids that have become droopy, causing vision impairment. It can be performed on both the upper or lower lids and involves removing excess skin or fat. Then, the muscle that opens the eyes is repaired.

Risks Associated with Eye Surgery

With every surgery, there is always some amount of risk. With laser eye surgeries, one risk is that the procedure will be unsuccessful or need to be repeated eventually.

Eye surgeries also run the risk of:

Pain
Infection
Bleeding
Vision changes
Dry eyes

There is also a small risk of vision loss after surgery. You can discuss the specific risks of your procedure with your surgeon during your consultation.

Recovery Process After Eye Surgery

The recovery time of your eye surgery will depend on the type of procedure that you have.

Cataract Surgery: typically takes four to eight weeks to recover completely, though your routine should be returned to before then.

LASIK: you will be able to go back to work the next day, but it may take up to four weeks to get back to all of your usual activities.

Glaucoma Surgery: the recovery time for this procedure is usually two to six weeks.

Corneal Transplants: you should have full vision after three months, though it could take as long as 12 months.

Listening to the instructions of your surgeon for aftercare is essential to guaranteeing a smooth recovery process. It’s also crucial to attend follow-up appointments so a professional can ensure that you are recovering as you should.

Ensuring Vision Health and Safety with Specialty Eye Institute

Promoting your eye health requires reliable care you can count on. At Specialty Eye Institute, our dependable team of specialists is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience, whether you're dealing with secondary cataracts, seeking LASIK eye surgery, or simply in need of a regular eye check-up.

We are devoted to providing the utmost care for your eyes. Here at Specialty Eye Institute, our foundational principles include:

Patient-Centered Advocate
Compassion
Excellence
Integrity

If you’re in need of eye care, don’t hesitate to call us at (866) 435-8935 or schedule an appointment on our website.

Why Am I Seeing Flashes Of Light In The Corner Of My Eye?

Has this ever happened to you? You’re going about your day—running errands, grocery shopping, taking care of yard work—when you suddenly see flashing lights in the corner of your eye that take you by surprise. You know it wasn’t a camera flash or a strike of lightning, but you’re not sure how to explain the phenomenon. To your luck, there’s a medical explanation for seeing flashing lights in the corner of your eyes.

Let’s explore the vision-related causes of these flashing lights and floaters in the eye along with when you need to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.

Why Am I Seeing Flashes of Light in the Corner of My Eye?

Don't worry - this is a common phenomenon that most people experience in their lifetime. Both seeing floaters and flashes of light in the corner of your eye are a result of shrinking vitreous. The vitreous is fluid in the back of the eye that protects the retina and helps the eye maintain its shape.

As your eyes’ vitreous supply naturally diminishes as they age, floaters drift in front of the retina—effectively blocking your field of vision. Dust-like floaters appear differently for everyone, and anyone can experience them as they age. People in their 50s, 60s, and 70s are most likely to experience floaters in their vision. However, other factors such as diabetes, nearsightedness, and past eye swelling issues can increase your risk of developing the eye condition.

Both flashing lights and floaters affect the retina. The retina’s job is to process light that enters your eye and then send that information to your brain. The vitreous is attached to the retina by small fibers. The friction that occurs on these fibers can lead to flashing lights in the eye.

Schedule Appointment

Vision-Related Causes of Flashing Lights in the Eye

This friction in the eye can be caused by a few different factors, and not all are vision-related. Health conditions such as migraines and diabetes along with medications can create flashing lights in the eyes.

Four main vision-related conditions cause flashing lights to appear. Take a look at what those conditions are, what causes them, and what their effects are:

1. Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Posterior vitreous detachment is one of the more common vision-related causes of flashing lights and floaters in the eye. As you age, the vitreous can detach. If this detachment occurs suddenly, the resulting friction can cause floaters and flashing lights to appear in the corner of your eye. This condition occurs naturally in people over the age of 40. While it cannot be prevented, it can be treated.

2. Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is a disorder of the optic nerve that causes swelling and inflammation. The swelling and inflammation can cause flashing lights in the eye and even lead to vision loss or blindness. Other common symptoms include eye redness, blurred vision, double vision, and headaches.

3. Retina Pressure

Excess pressure on the retina can result in flashing lights appearing in one or both of your eyes. The pressure can be caused by rubbing your eyes, coughing too hard, or getting bumped or hit on the head. Additional symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and sore or burning eyes.

4. Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a condition in which the retina detaches from the underlying tissue in the back of the eye. When this detachment occurs, flashing lights may begin to appear in the eye. Other symptoms include scarring and swelling of the eye. Retinal detachment can be caused by injury due to trauma or inflammation, aging, and underlying eye disease. Since retinal detachment can lead to partial or total vision loss, it should be treated immediately.

When You Need To See an Eye Doctor for Flashing Lights in the Eye

Catching a quick flash of light in your vision now and then isn’t usually a big deal. But if you start noticing bright spots, streaks like lightning, or bursts of light off to the side more often, it could be a sign of something more serious going on with your eyes. While eye floaters are not hereditary, retinal tears and detachment can be. Since both eye floaters and flashing lights in the corner of your eyes result from retinal detachment, consult your eye doctor if you begin experiencing either phenomenon.

You should also see an eye doctor if you experience:

Blurry vision
Darkening vision
Vision loss
Dizziness
An eye injury
An increase in seeing flashing lights
An increase in seeing floaters
Frequent ocular migraines
Vision changes

Schedule an appointment today with an expert ophthalmologist to get an accurate diagnosis regarding the cause of flashing lights and floaters and to receive a customized treatment plan.

Expert Eye Care at Specialty Eye Institute

When it’s time to visit an eye doctor to discuss the floaters and flashing lights in your vision, go to the experts at Specialty Eye Institute. Our team of ophthalmologists and eye doctors will accurately diagnose your condition and provide a treatment plan designed for your unique vision needs.

We offer treatments for retinal detachments that can be performed in-office—such as laser retinal detachment surgery and retinal cryopexy. We use the most advanced equipment and techniques to perform these procedures, which enables us to produce optimal vision results for our patients.

Find a Specialty Eye Institute doctor at one of our convenient locations in Michigan or Ohio to receive the professional eye care you deserve. Schedule your appointment online or by calling 877-852-8463 today.

Three Types of Tears and What They’re Made Of

Tears are more an emotional response; they are a fundamental part of your eyes' health and function. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate world of tears, explore their multifaceted nature and the vital role they play in maintaining optimal ocular health.

What are Tears Made Of?

Tears are a blend of various components, each serving a unique purpose to help keep your eyes healthy and functional. Tears consist of three primary parts:

Mucus

Provides a sticky base that helps tears adhere to the surface of the eye.
Aids in spreading tears evenly over the eye's surface, ensuring proper lubrication and hydration.
Facilitates the binding of tears to the underlying epithelial cells, promoting eye comfort and clarity.

Water

Constitutes the bulk of tears, providing hydration to the eye surface and washing away debris and foreign particles.
Helps maintain the pH balance of tears, ensuring optimal conditions for ocular health.
Essential for maintaining the transparency of the cornea and facilitating clear vision.

Lipid

A lipid is a fatty, oily, or waxy compound that is insoluble in water. In tears, they:

Form a thin outer layer that helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
Help maintain the stability of the tear film, reducing tear evaporation and promoting longer-lasting lubrication.
Enhance tear film integrity, protecting the eye from environmental factors such as wind, dust, and dry air.

What Are The 3 Types of Tears?

Tears serve a variety of purposes, and different types of tears are produced in response to specific stimuli or needs. The three primary types of tears are:

Basal Tears

Basal tears are always being produced to keep the eye moist and lubricated. These tears are essential for maintaining the health and integrity of the ocular surface. Basal tears also help protect the eye from debris and foreign particles, ensuring clear vision and comfort.

Emotional Tears

Emotional tears are triggered by strong emotions such as sadness, joy, or stress. These tears contain higher levels of stress hormones and natural painkillers, which may contribute to the cathartic effect often associated with crying. Emotional tears serve as a form of emotional expression and can help alleviate emotional distress.

Reflex Tears

Reflex tears are created in response to external stimuli or debris, such as makeup, smoke, dust, or onions. These tears help flush out irritants and protect the eyes from potential harm. Reflex tears are typically more watery than basal tears and serve as a rapid defense mechanism to maintain ocular health and comfort.

How Are Tears Made?

Tears are produced by a complex process involving various glands located around the eyes. Here's a breakdown of how tears are made:

Lacrimal Glands

Located above each eye.
Release the watery component of tears in response to emotional or environmental stimuli.

Accessory Lacrimal Glands

Found in the eyelids and conjunctiva.
Contribute mucus to tears, enhancing their viscosity and adherence to the ocular surface.

Meibomian Glands

Situated along the eyelid margins.
Produce lipid components that help stabilize the tear film and reduce tear evaporation.

All of these glands work together in a coordinated manner to produce a precise balance of water, mucus, and lipid components that comprise tears.

The combined efforts of these glands ensure the continuous production and distribution of tears.

What Causes Dry Eyes If Tears Are Always Being Made?

Dry eyes can occur when there is a disruption in the production or quality of tears, leading to inadequate lubrication of the eyes. Several factors can contribute to this condition:

Age: As we get older, tear production tends to decrease, leading to dry eyes.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry or windy climates, smoke, air conditioning, and heating can all contribute to dry eyes.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome), diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect tear production.
Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapies, can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
Eyestrain: Prolonged use of digital screens, reading, or driving can lead to decreased blinking and contribute to dry eyes.
Eyelid Problems: Conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or meibomian gland dysfunction can affect the quality of the tear film.

Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of dry eyes is crucial for managing this condition and maintaining ocular comfort and health.

When to See a Doctor for Dry Eyes

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms of dry eyes, it's advisable to consult an eye care professional. Additionally, if over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes do not alleviate your symptoms, or if you notice changes in your vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty performing daily tasks, seeking medical attention is essential.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medications that may contribute to dry eyes, discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider can help ensure appropriate management and treatment. Early intervention can prevent potential complications and improve your overall eye health and comfort.

If dry eye symptoms persist, worsen, or begin affecting your vision or daily life, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional like the dry eye experts at Specialty Eye Institute to get the right treatment and protect your long-term eye health.

What Causes Watery Eyes?

Watery eyes, or epiphora, can result from various factors such as eye irritation, inflammation, blocked tear ducts, eye infections, or eyelid abnormalities.

Excessive tear production is often a response to these issues, leading to watery eyes.

Watery Eye Symptoms

Excessive tearing or watery discharge from the eyes
Blurred vision due to excessive tearing
Irritation or discomfort in the eyes
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Redness and inflammation of the eyes
Crusting or sticky discharge around the eyes, especially upon waking
Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
Feeling like there's something gritty or foreign in the eye
Occasional or frequent blinking to clear tears from the eyes
Difficulty keeping the eyes open for extended periods due to excessive tearing

When to See a Doctor for Watery Eyes

If you experience persistent or bothersome symptoms of watery eyes, it's advisable to consult an eye care professional. Additionally, if watery eyes are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as eye pain, redness, vision changes, or discharge, seeking medical attention is essential.

Furthermore, if over-the-counter remedies or home care measures do not alleviate your symptoms, or if you have a pre-existing eye condition, consulting a doctor is recommended. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of watery eyes and determine the appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve eye health.

Schedule an Appointment with Specialty Eye Institute

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, such as dry eyes, watery eyes, or discomfort, it's essential to seek professional help. Contact Specialty Eye Institute today to schedule an appointment and receive personalized care and treatment tailored to your eye health needs.

Don't wait any longer to address your eye concerns. Let SEI doctors help you maintain optimal eye health and vision.