What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Individuals living with diabetes face a host of complications stemming directly from the disease itself. From kidney damage to cardiovascular disease, maintaining and controlling blood sugar is key to preventing many complications. Too much sugar, or too little sugar, can increase risk factors for many of these impediments, including diabetic retinopathy. But, with proper management and treatment from your Scottsdale ophthalmologist, diabetic retinopathy will not lead to blindness.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is defined as a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. Specifically, this complication is caused by too much sugar in your blood, which damages the blood vessels in the eye that nourish the retina. Over time and without proper treatment, the blood supply to the retina can be completely cut off and vision loss can result.

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Exercise is good for your eye health

Exercise is good for your eye health

Exercise and eye health

We all know that exercise is beneficial but did you know that hitting the gym could actually be preserving your vision and eye health?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye diseases are often times linked to other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and even high cholesterol.  So, as we work out to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure we could be also lowering our risk for eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Studies have proven that people who exercise are less likely to develop serious eye disease than people who chose not to participate in physical activity.  One study in particular proved that people who exercised for 30 minutes were 25 percent less likely to develop glaucoma than those who were inactive.

A study performed in 2016 shows evidence of exercise lowering the risk for cataracts, so taking a brisk walk or jog around the park could significantly help lower the risks of age related cataracts.

People with glaucoma have greatly benefited from exercise.  In fact, research shows that participating in moderate physical exercise can actually lower your intraocular pressure (IOP) and improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve.  This includes an activity as simple as a brisk walk around your neighborhood several times a week.

Eye diseases are on the rise

A study performed in 2016 shows that visual impairments and blindness is on the rise in the United States and around the world.  It is expected that by the year 2050 the number or people will visual problems will nearly double!  As these findings come to light we must do all we can do to protect and preserve out vision.

What can you do?

  1. Visit your eye doctor for regular eye exams.  From as young as 6 months of age is when one should start having their eyes checked and this should continue every year or two on average.  If you have a family history of eye diseases or impairments you may need to be seen more often.
  2. Make eating right and exercising a priority!  As we know diet and exercise are a great recipe for maintaining over all health and well being.

Start making exercise a priority for your overall health and well being and reap the benefits in more ways than one!  If you haven’t been in for an eye exam recently or are suffering from vision impairments call 480-994-1872 to make an appointment Today!

Do I have Pink Eye?

Do I have Pink Eye?

We have all heard of or had pink eye! Its never fun and can be highly contagious! With the kids back in school and cold and flu season upon us it’s always good to know the warning signs of pink eye!

Red, watery and itchy eyes may be a sign of conjunctivitis or pink eye.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the top symptoms of pink eye include:

•           Redness or swelling of the white of the eye

•           Increase amounts of tears

•           White, yellow or green discharge

•           Itchy or burning eyes

•           Increased sensitivity to light

Viruses and bacteria can cause pink eye. It’s important that you see your physician. While it can get better on its own, sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed to clear it up.

Don’t hesitate if you think you might have pink eye.  Call our office at 480-994-18972 to make an appointment!

Learn more: http://www.cdc.gov/features/conjunctivitis/

Diabetics more at risk for glaucoma

The American Diabetes Association says that diabetics are 40 percent more at risk to suffer from glaucoma than those without diabetes. The longer a person has diabetes also means glaucoma is more prevalent.

Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye. In most cases, the pressure causes drainage of the aqueous humor to slow down so that it builds up in the anterior chamber. The pressure pinches the blood vessels that carry blood to the retina and optic nerve. Vision is gradually lost because the retina and nerve are damaged.

There are several treatments for glaucoma. The surgeons at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons can perform a screening test to help determine your risk factor to prevent vision loss: https://www.scottsdaleeye.comour-services/eye-diseases-treatments/

 

 

 

Femtosecond Laser: Watch as Dr. Kilpatrick demonstrates how it works

Cataract Surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed with over 3.8 million procedures annually just in the United States alone.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur naturally as the eyes age and a build up of protein causes a clouding of the eye’s lens. By age 65 more than 90% of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, worsening vision. In addition, cataracts can result from exposure to toxic substances, diseases such as diabetes, or arise after an eye injury. A cataract can develop in one or both eyes and fortunately can be treated with a common and safe surgery. 

Traditionally Cataract Surgery is performed manually using a small incision to remove the old cloudy lens.  With the advancement of technology Cataract Surgery can now be done with lasers like the Femtosecond. 

Femtosecond Laser

Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery was approved by the FDA in 2010 and has gained popularity in the last 10 years.  The Femtosecond laser allows the surgeon more precision when making an incision in the eye and removing the lens.  The lens is gently broken down using ultrasound energy.  Laser-assisted cataract surgery can be done in approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Most patients are able to recover very quickly and are back to normal activities within 24 hours.  

One of the big questions is “Am I a good candidate for laser-assisted cataract surgery?”  Most people are great candidates for laser-assisted cataract surgery. Having previous eye surges like Lasik or PRK do not affect your ability to have cataract surgery using the Femtosecond Laser.

Scottsdale Eye Physicians is a leading Ophthalmologist in the valley when it comes to advancements in Cataract Technology. We are one of very few practices to use laser-assistance for cataract surgery. We are continually striving to be at the forefront of technology. Scottsdale Eye has been serving the valley for over 40 years and is a leader in eye care.

For more info on the Femtosecond Laser click here and click here to read an article from the American Academy of Ophthalmology on how the Femtosecond laser minimizes in wound healing.

Call our front office at 480-994-1872 to schedule a cataract consultation.

Click here to watch Dr. Dennis perform femtosecond laser cataract surgery.

Vitamins For Your Eyes? Experts Say Yes!

Vitamins For Your Eyes? Experts Say Yes!

Did you know that you can protect your eyesight just by eating healthy foods?  A recent study found that foods rich in vitamin D and omega-3’s can significantly protect against Age Related Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 65.

This study showed, women in particular who frequently consumed foods high in omega-3 were at a much lower risk against developing age-related macular degeneration.

At Scottsdale Eye Physicians we recommend eating a healthy diet rich in foods high in Omega-3’s and Vitamin D, we also recommend taking the the Vitamins.  There are vitamins specially formulated for Macular Health by PRN.  For more information on their products visit their website at www.prnomegahealth.com.

Another study that was conducted and posted to the AAO.org website, said that women who had a high intake of vitamin D from either food or supplements reduced their chances of developing age-related macular degeneration by as high as 59 percent.

On-going clinical trials are still being done to determine the exact amount of vitamin D or omega-3 that needs to be consumed. In the meantime, experts say that stopping smoking can reduce chances almost immediately.

Vitamins and foods rich in omega-3’s and vitamin D have been shown to make a huge impact of preventing Macular Degeneration.

If you have any questions about Macular Degeneration or to make an appointment to speak to one of our Doctors give us a call at 480-994-1872!

Learn more: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/living/fish-and-vitamin-d-rich-foods.cfm

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams and Screenings

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams and Screenings

As Scottsdale ophthalmologists, we urge our patients to have regular eye exams to maintain healthy vision. But do you truly understand the importance of regular eye exams? From 6 months old through your final years, every age, every race, and every gender needs to maintain regular eye exams.

Why Do I Need Eye Exams?

Even if you have no family history and have seemingly perfect vision, eye exams are still a necessity to evaluate your eyes for a variety of conditions, many of which are not hereditary. Children should have their vision checked at 6 months, 3 years and before first grade. Adults should see an eye doctor every 2 – 3 years. Seniors over the age of 60 should visit their eye doctor every 1 – 2 years. If you have diabetes or a family history of eye conditions, your eye doctor might recommend more frequent exams.

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Immediacy and Affordability with In-House Ophthalmology Pharmacy

Immediacy and Affordability with In-House Ophthalmology Pharmacy

We pride ourselves on delivering accurate diagnoses, offering effective treatment options and proving on-going care to keep your eyes healthy. For over 40 years, we’ve stood by our mission to provide exceptional care with state-of-the-art services and friendly, dedicated professionals. It’s because of our strong conviction to high standards that we first implemented an in-house pharmacy. In fact, we are one of the few ophthalmologists in Scottsdale to be able to provide our patients with highly specialized, immediate and affordable medications.

Benefits of an In-House Pharmacy

Yes, you could always have the prescription sent over to your local pharmacist and in most situations that local pharmacist can fill what you need and explain it’s uses. However, in those situations when medications must be ordered or are increasingly more expensive at your local pharmacist, turn to our in-house pharmacy.
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UPDATE:Scottsdale Eye Employees Spreading Holiday Cheer to the Less Fortunate

Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons’ lead technician Shanta McFarland is making the season a little brighter for one Phoenix family. McFarland partnered with Phoenix Children’s Hospital to “adopt” a family of six, including the family’s five-year-old child who is receiving treatment at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

UPDATE:

From; Shanta McFarland

“I want to say thank you to everyone who helped by donating to my adopted family. Together, we were able to give the family of six over six hundred dollars worth of toys, household items and gift cards! The generosity of my family, friends and coworkers never ceases to amaze me. You guys are absolutely wonderful!”shantaBelow is the list of gifts the family will receive:
3 bikes
3 helmets
3 backpacks
4 complete outfits
9 toys
5 games
12 movies
4 books
6 blankets
6 towels
2 hand towels
2 wash cloths
$125 gift card to Fry’s

 

From Gaming to Golf, Specialty Eyeglasses Make Great Holiday Gifts

From Gaming to Golf, Specialty Eyeglasses Make Great Holiday Gifts

Happy Holidays from your friends at Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons. Hopefully you have all of your holiday shopping completed and are ready to enjoy the splendor of the holiday season. However, if you’re running around in search of some last minute gift ideas that will impress and amaze, consider the specialty, non-prescription eyeglasses that we offer at our Optical Boutique. Whether your loved ones love to hit the green, hit the court, or hit the PlayStation, we’ve got the perfect items to improve their game on all levels.
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