Blog Archives | Page 19 of 21 | Specialty Eye Institute

What is Tunnel Vision? The Causes & How to Treat It

As you’re reading this right now, can you see objects to your left or right? Or is your vision constricted into a circular tunnel? If unable to see objects to the left or right, you may have tunnel vision, also known as peripheral vision loss. Those with tunnel vision cannot see peripherally. They have to turn their heads to look at them head-on. If you are wondering what tunnel vision is, we have created a list of its causes, treatment options, and conditions.

Keep reading to learn the causes and the treatment options available to you.

What is Tunnel Vision?

Tunnel vision is a condition where a person loses their peripheral (side) vision while retaining central vision, making it seem as if they are looking through a narrow tube or tunnel. This can make daily activities like driving, walking in crowds, or even reading more difficult, as objects outside the direct line of sight become harder to detect.

What Does Tunnel Vision Look Like?

Tunnel vision alters how a person perceives their surroundings by restricting what they can see outside their central field of vision. While some experience a gradual darkening or blurring of their peripheral vision, others may have a sharp cutoff, similar to looking through a straw or a dark tunnel.

The severity of tunnel vision varies by individual. Some may retain a small degree of peripheral vision, while others experience a nearly complete loss of side vision. If you’re experiencing symptoms of tunnel vision, an eye exam and diagnostic tests can help determine the cause and potential treatment options.

What Causes Tunnel Vision?

Although the following conditions could lead to tunnel vision, the best way to determine the exact cause is to consult with your eye doctor.

1. Cataracts

Cataracts form as part of our aging process and simply put is the clouding of the natural lens in the eye. A nuclear cataract can damage the edges of the lens, leading to tunnel vision. Symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, a yellowish tint to objects, and difficulty seeing at night.

2. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the buildup of pressure and fluid in the eye's drainage canal. With this pressure, the optic nerve can be damaged. A damaged optic nerve can create blind spots and lead to tunnel vision. In addition, other symptoms include blurred vision, light halos, eye pain, and nausea.

3. Retinal Detachment

The retina sends images through the optic nerve to the brain where they are interpreted. If the retina tears or detaches from the back of the eye, it can lead to blurred vision, tunnel vision, or blindness. Floaters in vision can restrict peripheral vision, which you can experience as tunnel vision.

4. Choroideremia

This rare genetic disorder mainly affects men and leads to vision loss over time. The symptoms start with difficulty seeing at night, followed by blind spots that affect peripheral vision, experienced as tunnel vision. Over time, the field of vision continues to shrink and can result in blindness.

5. Brain Injuries

Both concussions and strokes can be causes of tunnel vision. During a brain injury like a stroke or concussion, blood flow to the brain is disrupted. The brain does not have enough oxygen, and dizziness and peripheral vision loss can occur.

6. Hallucinogenic Drugs

Drugs that contain hallucinogens such as LSD, ecstasy, magic mushrooms, and more can alter perception. While this does wear off, the effects can lead to temporary or permanent peripheral vision loss.

Treating Tunnel Vision

Losing peripheral vision can affect your quality of life. It makes everyday tasks incredibly difficult. Luckily, depending on the cause of your tunnel vision, there are treatment options available.

Treatment Options for Cataracts

If your eye doctor has determined cataract is the cause of your tunnel vision, surgery could be your best option. During cataract surgeries, your natural lens, which has become cloudy, is replaced with an intraocular lens.

Traditional Cataract Surgery is performed by an expert ophthalmologist. This technique is safe, efficient, and does not require stitches.
Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery is performed using a highly-accurate laser to create a precise incision. This can also reduce the effects of astigmatism.
Bladeless Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery has revolutionized cataract surgery through the use of femtosecond lasers. Each individual’s eye characteristics are taken into account, allowing for even more precise results.

Treating Glaucoma

Following a glaucoma diagnosis, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops to reduce the pressure. Depending on the severity of glaucoma, laser or traditional eye surgery may be required to drain the fluid build-up.

Reattaching the Retinal Tear

The majority of patients with retinal detachment need surgery to reattach the retina to the wall of the eye. The goal of retinal detachment surgery is to hold the wall of the eye and the retina together until the scarring can heal the tear.

Pneumatic Retinopexy does this by injecting a gas bubble into the space between the wall of the eye and the retina.
Vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel and replaces it with a gas bubble.
Scleral Buckling inserts a flexible band called a scleral buckle around the eye to hold the retina in place.

Tunnel Vision Care From the Eye Specialists

Having tunnel vision is frustrating and difficult. Not to mention, it can upend your daily life. Our team of eye doctors and ophthalmologists offer eye care solutions to help you preserve and improve your vision. Our doctors provide innovative eye care treatments such as LASIK eye surgery, retinal detachment treatments, cataract surgery, astigmatism treatments, and refractive lens exchange surgery. The eye doctors and ophthalmologists at Specialty Eye Institute are here to diagnose the cause of your tunnel vision. In addition, we will create a treatment plan that meets your requirements. Your vision health is our top priority. Schedule your exam with an eye expert. Schedule Appointment online or by calling (877) 852-8463.

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Botox Around The Eyes: What To Expect, Benefits, & Results

What is Botox?

While Botox has been used for cosmetic procedures, such as lifting fine lines and wrinkles, its ability to safely paralyze muscles and nerves also has great medical benefits. That’s because it contains a purified neurotoxic protein that stops a certain neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, from leaving your nerve endings. An advantage of receiving Botox injections around the eyes is reconstructing areas you’re unhappy with.

They also aid in the alleviation of symptoms caused by health conditions. These include excessive sweating, uncomfortable neck muscle spasms, and issues around the eyes. To help you decide whether or not Botox treatments are the correct discussion for you, we have created an outline of what to expect, treatments, and results.

Common Botox Treatments Around The Eyes

When it comes to your vision, cosmetic and medical Botox injections can be placed around and under the eyes to treat conditions such as:

• Eye Twitching
• Drooping Eyelids
• Chronic Migraines
• Eye Dryness
• Excessive Tearing

Many plastic surgeons are trained in both medical and cosmetic Botox. This means you don’t necessarily need to find another oculoplastic professional if you’re interested in getting both options! If you are receiving a Botox treatment, you can expect to improve or eliminate issues including frown lines, crows feet, forehead lines, and sagging brows.

How Long Do the Results Of Botox Last Around the Eyes & Other Areas?

Technically speaking, Botox is only a temporary solution. This means you would need to go back into your Botox clinic every so often to get another treatment done and maintain optimal results. Medical and cosmetic Botox treatments are designed to impact the targeted muscles for three months. However, you may be able to visually see the results of Botox treatments for four to six months.

What to Expect From Botox Treatment Around The Eyes

There’s a lot you should take into consideration before typing “Botox near me” into your search engine. You don’t want to randomly pick just any Botox clinic for your procedure! We recommend researching the procedure, preparation, treatment, and recovery beforehand. Read on to find out exactly what to expect from a Botox clinic before deciding to move forward.

Before Your Botox Injections

Before getting Botox injections, you’ll need to set up a consultation at an accredited eye clinic in your area, such as Specialty Eye Institute. Here, you can meet with an expert oculoplastic surgeon to share your cosmetic or medical concerns and learn about what customized Botox treatment options are available to you.

At the Botox Clinic

If you haven’t had Botox injections in the past, it’s normal to be nervous going into your first Botox treatment. Rest assured—you’ll be in great hands under the care of a board-certified SEI oculoplastic surgeon.

Following your consultation, your eye doctor will use a thin needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the skin, muscles, and/or nerves around your treatment areas. Because of the tiny needle, Botox quantity, and quality of care at SEI, you shouldn’t expect to feel any pain: only minimal discomfort.

The number of injections you receive will depend on the severity of your eye condition, the type of Botox, the surface area of the treatment location, and other factors.

After Your Botox Treatment

Botox treatment recovery is typically quick, as long as you follow the doctor’s orders. You may notice small red bumps right after you receive your Botox injections. Those tend to fade within the first 20 to 30 minutes following your Botox treatment.

Should you develop a headache after your Botox treatment, consult with your doctor and see if you can take acetaminophen. Try to refrain from taking aspirin or other blood thinners otherwise.

It’s recommended to avoid physical activity for at least four hours. You can wait longer depending on how you’re feeling. Be sure not to rub, massage, or touch your eyes for at least 24 hours so you don’t push the Botox and spread it into other areas. As always, listen to the recommendations provided to you by your doctor for the smoothest recovery.

Botox Treatment Results

The results of Botox treatments will take a small amount of time to become noticeable. You should not expect to see visual improvements right after leaving the clinic. Results can take several days, or weeks, to appear depending on the type of Botox treatment you receive. Remember—you’ll need to adjust your muscles to be more relaxed at the injection site(s) to make the most out of your new look or enjoy your improved eyesight.

When you begin to notice your condition slowly return, usually between three to six months following your Botox treatment, it’s time for a touch-up. Setting up a recurring Botox treatment schedule with SEI makes it simple to keep yourself or your vision in tip-top shape.

How Much Does Botox Cost?

Costs vary from one eye practice, or Botox clinic, to the next. Though for the most part, you can assume that a medical Botox procedure has a higher chance of being covered by your insurance than a cosmetic one.

The cost of Botox itself is priced per unit. The cost of each injection is between $10 to $15. For example, a cosmetic forehead smoothing procedure takes an average of 20 injections. You could pay anywhere from $200 to $300. These injections tend to be more cost-effective than surgery—especially surgery on eye muscles.

Cosmetic and Medical Botox Treatment at SEI

When it comes to your eyes, you don’t want to take a chance on just any local Botox clinic. Our team of doctors offers innovative Botox treatments to clients in your area. In addition, our staff provides innovative blepharoplasty surgery and treatments to accommodate your unique needs. Our team is committed to offering premium eye care services to help you improve or preserve your vision. Our staff of ophthalmologists and doctors offer various types of eye care solutions such as cataract surgery, retinal detachment treatments, LASIK eye surgery, refractive lens exchange treatments, and corneal transplants. Give our doctors a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 or contact our team online to learn more about how our Botox treatments and eye care solutions can improve your vision and life.

Specialty Eye Institute Named One of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, the Second Year in a Row!

The National Association of Business Resources (NABR) has named Specialty Eye Institute (SEI) as one of West Mic higan’s Best and Brightest Companies to work for the second consecutive year in a row. SEI was recognized for demonstrating exceptional innovative human resource practices.

An independent research firm evaluates companies based on compensation, benefits and employee solutions; employee enrichment, engagement and retention; employee education and development; recruitment, selection and orientation; employee achievement and recognition; communication and shared vision; diversity and inclusion; work-life balance; community initiatives; and strategic company performance.

“As we move into a new chapter after COVID-19 and discover more about the “new normal” we look forward to continuing to be inspired by our employees and what they can handle to support the well-being of our patients and each other. Receiving this award, is another example of how proud I am to be working alongside such remarkable talent,” says Kathleen Fox, PHR, Director of Human Resources at Specialty Eye Institute.

About The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®:

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® is a program that identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole.

Interested in a career with Specialty Eye Institute, visit our career page.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Table of Contents

Dry eye is an extremely common condition that can cause a lot of discomfort. Dry eye symptoms can be triggered by a huge variety of causes, which is why it’s important to address them with a professional as soon as you first start feeling the symptoms.

Let’s discuss what dry eye is, what symptoms you need to look for, what causes it, and how it can be treated.

What You Should Know About Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition that affects your tear film, which consists of three layers of tears that cover and protect the surface of your eyes. To be able to see clearly and comfortably, you need a stable and smooth tear film. If there are any disruptions in your tear film, it can cause itching, burning, blurred or watering vision.

These are the symptoms of dry eye to look out for:

Feeling sensitive to light
Mucus that comes out of your eye
Blurred or changed vision
Burning or stinging
Watery eyes

The Most Common Causes of Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can be difficult to find the root cause of because there are so many complex risk factors that can trigger it. It’s essential to see a professional who will be able to assist you in finding the underlying cause, as some of them can be serious and need immediate attention.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction is a group of disorders that are linked by functional abnormalities of the meibomian glands. It can lead to altered tear film composition, ocular surface disease, and evaporative dry eye.

Medications

There are certain medications that have a side effect of dry eye.

These include:

Tranquilizers
Antihistamines
Certain Heart Medications
Diuretics
Birth Control Pills
Ulcer Medications

Autoimmune Conditions

Dry eye is often associated with autoimmune conditions.

You may find yourself with dry eye if you have:

Sjogren’s Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Lupus
Scleroderma
Grave’s Disease
Diabetes

Impact of Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses can dry your eyes out because the thin layer of contact lens material on your cornea limits oxygen flow to the eyes. Without a steady flow of oxygen, it’s more difficult for your eyes to create natural tears.

Hormone Changes

Hormonal changes can cause dry eye, especially in women after menopause and during pregnancy. The changing levels of estrogen and progesterone can affect the meibomian gland, leading to dryness and irritation.

Allergies

Dry eye is common with allergies because the allergic reaction causes inflammation in the area of the eye that can reduce tear production.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

TearCare at Specialty Eye Institute

TearCare is a wearable eyelid technology that offers lasting relief from chronic dry eye caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

Your eye doctor will place flexible eyelid devices on the contours of your eyelids, fitting them to the unique shape. Combined with SmartLid technology and eye blinking, the device applies low heat to unclog the meibomian glands and increase your meibum production. This procedure will be repeated each year or biannually until the ideal tear production is achieved.

This pain-free, open-eye procedure is:

Non-invasive
FDA-approved
Takes 15 minutes or less

Artificial Tear Drops

Artificial tear drops are the most common type of treatment. You will need to find the right product for you and apply it regularly, even when your eyes feel fine. If your eyes dry out at night, you will want to consider a thicker product, like an ointment.

Temporal Punctal Occlusion

Temporal punctal occlusion is when your doctor closes the punctum, which is the duct that drains tears from your eye. Typically, they will start with a temporary plug that is designed to dissolve over time to see if a permanent plug is right for you.

Nondissolving Punctal Plugs and Punctal Occlusion By Cautery

If your temporary plugs help your condition, your doctor may choose to insert a longer-lasting plug or a procedure called cautery. With cautery, a special tool will be used to burn the opening for your duct shut to create a permanent plug through the scar.

Testosterone cream

Dry eye symptoms can be related to a lack of testosterone in the oil glands on your eyelids. In this case, your doctor may give you testosterone cream to apply to your eyelids to help your oil glands function better.

Get Dry Eye Relief From Specialty Eye Institute

Are you suffering from dry eye? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at Specialty Eye Institute. When it comes to eye health, it’s crucial to find care that you can rely on. We’re here to help, whether you need dry eye treatment, more serious procedures like a corneal transplant, or just a routine eye exam.

We are utterly dedicated to providing exceptional service and treatment each and every time you visit. At Specialty Eye Institute, our core values include:

Patient-Centered Advocate
Excellence
Integrity
Compassion

Don’t hesitate with your eye health. Call Us Today or schedule an appointment on our website.

Does Glaucoma Cause Blindness? Treatments & Insights

A common myth is that “My vision is great so my eyes must be healthy.” A variety of eye conditions such as glaucoma can cause blindness if they have not been treated by an ophthalmologist or doctor. Unfortunately, a large number of people lose sight each year of conditions that can be treated or eliminated.

Does Glaucoma Cause Vision Loss?

Glaucoma is referred to as the silent thief because it’s like carbon monoxide. It’s odorless, it’s tasteless and it’s dangerous. With early detection and treatment, the risk of losing sight from glaucoma can be greatly reduced or eliminated. How long does it take for glaucoma to cause blindness? The total amount of time it takes to lose your vision will vary depending on the type of glaucoma you have and other variables.

Classic glaucoma is when the pressure in the eye goes up high and that high pressure damages the optic nerve or the cable that connects the eye to the brain. There are many other types of glaucoma as well, but most patients with glaucoma are treated with drops, although some will even need to go on for laser treatments or surgery. Fortunately, the treatments are improving. Especially our surgical options with a recovery time and the postoperative risk having been greatly reduced.

Warning Signs Of Glaucoma

The warning signs of glaucoma include blurred vision, damage to peripheral vision, halos around lights, nausea, irritated eyes, and headaches. If you encounter any of the main indicators of glaucoma, we recommend contacting your local ophthalmologist immediately to schedule an eye exam.

The Importance of Eye Exams

Remember, with early detection, we can prevent blindness due to glaucoma. The best prevention method is scheduling your annual eye exam. Our team of glaucoma specialists offers innovative eye care solutions that are designed to maintain and improve your vision. To prevent mild to severe vision loss, our ophthalmologists will perform an eye exam to diagnose an early stage of glaucoma. Next, our doctors will utilize the latest treatments and techniques to prevent damage to your vision. In addition to offering treatments for glaucoma, our team of ophthalmologists offers other types of eye care solutions such as cataract eye surgery, retinal detachment treatments, and LASIK eye surgery. Our doctors will collaborate with you to treat glaucoma and other types of eye conditions.