Development of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. However, with early detection and treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.

Immediate treatment for early-stage, open-angle glaucoma can delay progression of the disease. That’s why early diagnosis is very important.  Narrow angle glaucoma can also be treated at an early stage with an in-office laser procedure.

Glaucoma treatments include medical therapy (primarily drops), laser trabeculoplasty, filtration surgery (trebeculectomy), drainage shunts (Ahmed or Baerveldt), or a combination of any of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma. The appropriate treatment option is best determined by your individual disease and needs.

Cataract Surgery

If you were told you were not a candidate for laser vision correction due to age or early cataract, a clear lens exchange may be the refractive surgery choice for you. Our surgeons at Clarity Eye Center have a wealth of experience and are looking forward to helping you with your visual needs.

Holiday Eye Care Tips:

1. Be Wary of Excessive Screen Time. …
2. Protect Your Eyes From Hazards. …
3. Eat and Drink Cautiously. …
4. Consider Using Eye Drops. …
5. Purchase Eye-Safe Gifts. …
6. Practice Good Makeup Hygiene. …
7. Wear Sunglasses…

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, often called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye disorder associated with aging and results in damaging sharp and central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina that allows the eye to see fine details. There are two forms of AMD—wet and dry.

AMD is the leading cause of permanent impairment of reading and fine or close-up vision among people aged 65 years and older.

What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eye?

People tend to make fewer tears as they get older due to hormonal changes. Both men and women can get dry eye. However, it is more common in women—especially those who have gone through menopause.

Here are some other causes of dry eye.

*Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus
*Blepharitis (when eyelids are swollen or red)
*Entropion (when eyelids turn in); ectropion (eyelids turn outward)
*Being in smoke, wind or a very dry climate
*Looking at a computer screen for a long time, reading and other activities that reduce blinking
*Using contact lenses for a long time
*Having refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK
*Taking certain medicines, such as:
-Diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure
-Beta-blockers, for heart problems or high blood pressure
-Allergy and cold medicines (antihistamines)
-Sleeping pills
-Anxiety and antidepressant medicines
-Heartburn medicines

YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!

• Follow the age recommendations for children’s toys. A recent study shows that 96% of parents do not follow age labels and recommendations for toys. These suggestions are based on kids’ developmental abilities at a given age and not on a child’s intelligence. Not following these recommendations can lead to misuse of a toy and potential injury.
• BB, pellet and paintball guns can be hazardous. Provide protective eyeglasses for children using these items. These guns should only be used with adult supervision.
• While toys such as foam-dart-shooting guns  might appear safe due to the soft projectiles, they can cause serious eye injury. Instruct children not to aim for the face while playing with these toys, and always supervise them during play.

Pediatric eye exams are an integral part of insuring that children are able to develop normal vision for functional use throughout their lifetime. There are medical diseases that may need a time sensitive intervention. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that school-age children be evaluated regularly for visual acuity and ocular alignment. In addition to providing comprehensive medical ophthalmic care for your child, Clarity Eye Center may be able to offer procedures to alleviate excessive tearing, lift the lid to an appropriate height, or realign the eyes.

Christmas Time Clarity

Winter Shades

Lower levels of light during winter can make reading much more difficult so instead, turn on an extra light and avoid straining your eyes. Winter can be rough on your eyes, but many people pack away their sunglasses once summer has ended, forgetting that eyes need UV protection all year round.

Eye’ll Be Home For Christmas

EYE SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Decorations

• Consider using flameless or battery powered menorahs and other festive candles, as flames can cause thermal burns to the eyes and skin.
• Take precautions while decorating and admiring your Christmas tree, as this holiday essential can come with an overlooked hazard. Be alert around branches and pine needles, especially as you decorate. They can become lodged in your eyes if you fall or walk into them.
• Be careful around glass and pointed ornaments on the tree or around the house. Keep them out of the reach of children.

Gifts

• Follow the age recommendations for children’s toys. A recent study shows that 96% of parents do not follow age labels and recommendations for toys. These suggestions are based on kids’ developmental abilities at a given age and not on a child’s intelligence. Not following these recommendations can lead to misuse of a toy and potential injury.
• BB, pellet and paintball guns can be hazardous. Provide protective eyeglasses for children using these items. These guns should only be used with adult supervision.
• While toys such as foam-dart-shooting guns  might appear safe due to the soft projectiles, they can cause serious eye injury. Instruct children not to aim for the face while playing with these toys, and always supervise them during play.

Celebrations

• While a little bit of the bubbly can be an enjoyable ending to a holiday celebration, the corks in champagne bottles can release at almost 50 mph. The force can be strong enough to cause major damage to the eye. Aim the bottle away from your own or others’ eyes to avoid injury.
• Lighting fireworks is a less common winter holiday activity, but if you are present during these displays, always practice proper eye safety.

Sunlight Rays

• Use proper eye protection from the sun while traveling or while playing outside, particularly in snow. While ultraviolet radiation is generally lower during the winter months, snow reflection can double your exposure to it.

Basic precautions will help keep you and your loved ones safe. Prepare ahead of time, and enjoy the holidays safely!