Exercise is good for your eye health

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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!

UV Protection: Protecting Your Eyes From UV Rays

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UV Protection: Protecting Your Eyes From UV Rays

UV Protection: Protecting Your Eyes From UV Radiation. Summer means more time outdoors which is a great thing, but its important to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays!

How would you answer some of these questions?

  • Do you spend a great deal of time outdoors?
  • Do you spend time skiing, mountain climbing or at the beach?
  • Do you use a sunlamp or tanning parlor?
  • Do you live in the mountains or the U.S. Sunbelt?
  • Have you had cataract surgery in one or both eyes?
  • Do you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can increase your sensitivity to UV radiation? (If you are unsure, check with your optometrist, pharmacist or physician.)

If you can answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, you could be at higher risk for harm to the eyes from UV radiation.

Continue reading →

Intraocular Lenses: How To Choose The Best IOL For Your Cataract Surgery

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Intraocular Lenses: How To Choose The Best IOL For Your Cataract Surgery

Intraocular Lenses: How To Choose The Best IOL For Your Cataract Surgery

What can I expect from different lens options for my cataract surgery?

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are medical devices that are used in a type vision correction surgery called refractive lens exchange. Continue reading →

7 Signs Cataract Surgery Is Near

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7 Signs Cataract Surgery Is Near

Cataracts are one the leading causes of vision loss in the U.S.  By age 65 most people have some degree of cataract development.  But cataract surgery is an easy pain free procedure!

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the gradual clouding of the natural lens inside your eye, which allows less light to pass through the eye, causing blurred vision.  Cataracts form naturally as we ate and most people will start to notice clouding in the lens as early as 40 years of age!  But not to worry cataract surgery is one of the most common ophthalmic procedures performed with more than 4 million procedures done per year in the U.S.

How will I know if I have Cataracts?

One of the most frequently asked questions of Dr. Kilpatrick is, “How will I know when it is time for cataract surgery?“  We have put together a list of 7 signs that cataract surgery is near.

1. Vision is not clear even when wearing your best prescription eyewear.

2. Uncomfortable glare, especially at night.

3. Blurred vision.  Example: reading news ticker on the bottom of the TV screen.

4. Trouble reading up close.

5. Color vision is affected.  Blues and purple appear too dark.  Whites appear creamy or beige.  This tends to happen slowly, which might make it hard to notice until after surgery is performed.

6. Needing more light than usual to read.

7. Near sightedness increasing quickly, causing frequent eyeglass changes.

To diagnose cataracts you will need to have a cataract evaluation, in which Dr. Kilpatrick will perform a few standard tests to determine if cataracts are present.  Early cases of cataracts may be treated with stronger eyeglasses, brighter lighting at home and magnifying reading lenses.  This can improve your vision but will not directly treat cataracts.  If your cataracts are significantly impairing your vision then it may be time for cataract surgery. For more information about Cataracts click here!

Call 480-994-1872 to schedule your free Cataract Consultation! Our knowledgable team will go over everything you need to know about Cataract Surgery and all of your options!

5 Cataract Facts and Myths

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5 Cataract Facts and Myths

5 Cataract facts and myths. Though cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, myths persist about their cause and treatment. Cataracts affect nearly 22 million Americans aged 40 and older. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have cataracts, according to the National Eye Institute.

cataract facts

“Cataracts are not preventable, but they are treatable,” said Richard P. Mills, MD, “and the best way to ensure vision stays healthy for a lifetime is to schedule a visit with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. In fact, more than 90 percent of the people who have cataract surgery regain useful vision.”

Separating Cataract Fact from Fiction

Cataracts are a natural result of aging. As the eye’s lens, which sits behind the pupil, grows older, its cells die and accumulate, turning the lens yellowed and cloudy. The result is blurred vision and “fuzzy” images. Eye injuries, certain medications and diseases such as diabetes are also known to cause cataracts. In the early stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems caused by cataracts. But at a certain point, cataract surgery—the most frequently performed operation in the United States—may be necessary to improve vision.

 

Five Common Cataract facts and myths to Dispel

MYTH 1: Eye drops can prevent or dissolve cataracts.

FACT: No. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drops that cure or delay cataracts. Some products claim they can prevent cataracts, but cataract formation is a natural part of the eye’s aging process. Other products claim they can “dissolve” cataracts. But since cataracts are not a “substance,” there is nothing for the drops to dissolve.

 

MYTH 2: Close-up tasks like reading or sewing make cataracts worse.

FACT: No. Cataracts are not caused by how people use their eyes. However, cataracts likely become more noticeable during close work. One sign of a cataract is the need for more light to do the same activities well.

 

MYTH 3: Cataracts are reversible.

FACT: No. The lens naturally clouds as it ages. This process is unavoidable. However, its progress can be slowed by quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet and wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.

 

MYTH 4: Cataract surgery is dangerous, and recovery takes months.

FACT: No. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most highly perfected surgical procedures in medicine, with a 95 per cent success rate. Of course, as with any surgery, risks do exist and should be discussed with a doctor before the procedure. Patients will need to avoid dunking their eye under swimming pool water for up to two weeks after the procedure, as well as refrain from rubbing or pressing the eye. Normal activities may be resumed the day after surgery. Cataract patients often notice vision improvement immediately following surgery, and others will notice more gradual improvement for a few months afterward.

 

MYTH 5: Cataracts “grow back.”

FACT: No. Cataracts develop as the lens’ cells die and accumulate; they are not a “growth” that sits on top of the eye. Patients often develop a different, secondary cataract, though. If the membrane that holds the new lens implant becomes cloudy, vision can be compromised. But this can easily be treated with laser surgery, a painless, 2-minute procedure.

These 5 Cataract facts and myths are the most popular questions and concerns patients may have.  For more information about cataracts and cataract surgery please call our office at 480-994-1872 to make an appointment!

 

 

This article modified and reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® program (www.geteyesmart.org).

How does cataract surgery work?

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How does cataract surgery work?

Cataracts have been known to be one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States, and by the age of 65 90% of all Americans will develop a degree of cataracts. A cataract is the gradual clouding of the lens inside your eye, which causes vision impairment or vision loss. But the good news is cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures performed. This simple and pain free procedure takes very little time and the success rate is very high!

At Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we have over 40 years of experience in cataract surgery. Dr. Kilpatrick is one of only a handful of ophthalmologist in Phoenix performing both femtosecond laser surgery for cataracts and using the OptiPlus ORA to refine the implant lens measurement and positioning. Dr. Kilpatrick has performed thousands of Cataract surgeries through out the years and has helped all of his patients with improved vision!

If cataract surgery is recommended, the 20-minute procedure will take place in a state of the art out-patient eye surgical center. Topical anesthetic drops will be used to numb the eye. Then the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a new intraocular lens. From start to finish the patient will be at the surgery center approximately 2 hours. 

After the surgery is performed patients will go back to their normal lifestyle. There is no need for an eye patch and there will be only minor restrictions in physical activity for a few days (no swimming). Patients often return to work the next day. Most of our patients will have no or minimal pain after the surgery is performed. If a patient does experience any discomfort, Dr. Kilpatrick recommends taking an over the counter pain reliever such Tylenol.

Take a look at this short video that better explains the surgical process!

All of us will develop Cataracts as we age so make an appointment now to discuss your options! To make an appointment or schedule cataract surgery call our office at 480-994-1872 to make an appointment with Dennis Kilpatrick, MD.

Ophthalmologists Say Work Related Eye Injuries Can be Avoided

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Ophthalmologists Say Work Related Eye Injuries Can be Avoided

On-the-job safety goes well beyond avoiding slips, falls, and heavy lifting. Caring for your eyes should be a high priority and part of an overall workplace wellness routine. This is important because each day, about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain work related eye injuries that requires medical treatment[1]. However, 90 percent of these accidents can be avoided by wearing eye protection[2]. As part of an ongoing effort to stress the importance of workplace eye wellness, Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, during the month of March, is encouraging the public to do right by their eyes and wear appropriate eye protection.

Caring for your eyes on the job should not be limited to those who do physical labor. People who spend long hours working on a computer can experience eye discomfort and work related eye injuries. Focusing on small font type for hours on end can cause eye strain, fatigue, and headaches. Staring at screens for long periods can also leave eyes parched and red, causing eyes to become dry from lack of blinking. This happens frequently as computer screens or other digital displays reduce a person’s blink rate by as much as 50 percent[5].

The Academy provides tips to help avoid work related eye injuries:

  • Wear protective eyewear: Ensure that your eye protection is appropriate for the type of hazard that may be present in your workplace, such flying debris, falling objects, chemicals, intense light, and heat. Your eyewear must be American National Standards Institute ANSI-approved and OSHA compliant. You must use special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shield or helmet if you are near hazardous radiation welding, chemicals, lasers or fiber optics.
  • Position your computer 25 inches away: If you are working on a desktop computer, try placing the monitor at an arm’s length away from your face. You may need to adjust the font size to appear larger at that distance.
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Eye strain and dry eye occur after long, continuous periods of viewing digital screens up close. To help alleviate this, take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Looking at a distance allows your eyes to relax and return to a regular rate of blinking again. Normally, people blink about 14 times a minute[6] and with every blink, your eyes are lubricated with fluid that contains moisturizing elements, including oil.
  • Reduce glare on your smartphone and digital screen: While many new phones and digital devices have glass screens with excellent picture quality, they also produce a strong glare that can aggravate the eyes. If you use a glass screen device, adjust the low light filter setting to lower screen brightness or use a matte filter to reduce eye strain.
  • Adjust environmental lighting at your work: If your computer screen is brighter than your office surroundings, your eyes need to work harder to see. You can reduce eye strain by adjusting the lighting in your surroundings.

 

“It takes only a few seconds to protect yourself from eye related issues that can cause vision problems,” said Brenda Pagán-Durán, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “I can’t stress enough the importance of incorporating eye wellness into your daily routine; whether it’s simply adjusting the setting on your computer monitor, or wearing appropriate protection to avoid serious eye injury. This is truly an ounce of prevention that can safeguard your vision.”

Taking care of your vision is important and having your eyes examined frequently is the first step in preventive care!  Call our office at 480-994-1872 to make an appointment or visit or online at www.scottsdaleeye.com/appointment 

 

[1] https://nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health-pdfs/HVMPreventingInjuries_Tagged.pdf

[2] http://www.ishn.com/articles/103615-of-workplace-eye-injuries-could-be-lessened-or-prevented-with-safety-eyewear-use

[3] https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/eyefaceprotection

[4] http://www.ishn.com/articles/98066-workplace-eye-injuries-by-the-numbers

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21275516

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17099391

 

Simple Adjustments to Your Desk Can Help Eye Fatigue

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Simple Adjustments to Your Desk Can Help Eye Fatigue

Ergonomics for the Eyes: Simple Adjustments to Your Office Environment Can Help Reduce Eye Fatigue

Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC and the American Academy of Ophthalmology offer tips for avoiding dry, strained eyes during Workplace Eye Wellness Month in March! These simple tips can significantly help eye fatigue!

We have all heard that ergonomic desks are good for backs and necks, but they are also important for the health and comfort of the eyes. In support of Workplace Eye Wellness Month in March, Scottsdale Eye and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are offering tips to desk workers everywhere whose eyes may need relief from too much screen time.

Many people who spend long hours reading or working on a computer for their jobs experience eye discomfort. Focusing on tiny type for hours on end can cause eye strain, fatigue and headaches. Staring at screens for long periods can also leave eyes parched, red and gritty-feeling.

Continue reading →

Macular Degeneration. What You Need to Know

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Macular Degeneration. What You Need to Know

Macular Degeneration, often referred to as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina. The retina’s central portion, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye. It controls our ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail. Macular degeneration is diagnosed as either dry or wet. Wet Macular Degeneration refers to growth of new blood vessels in the macula, where they are not supposed to be. The dry form of Macular Degeneration is more common than the wet AMD. Eighty five to ninety percent of patients are diagnosed with dry AMD. Macular Degeneration by itself will not lead to total blindness. In almost all cases, some vision remains and few Macular Degeneration patients experience total visual loss

Signs and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

In its early stages, the condition may not have symptoms and may be unrecognized by the patient until it progresses or affects both eyes.

Symptoms include:

  • Dark, blurry areas in the center of vision
  • Diminished or changed color perception
  • Distorted vision in which straight lines appears wavy or blank.
Macular Degeneration Vision

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Aging: Approximately 10% of patients 66 to 74 years of age will have findings of Macular Degeneration. The prevalence increases to 30% in patients 75 to 85 years of age.
  • Smoking: Research shows that smoking doubles the risk of AMD.
  • Race: AMD is more common among Caucasians than among African-Americans or Hispanics/Latinos.
  • Genetics & Family history: The lifetime risk of developing late-stage Macular Degeneration is 50% for people who have a relative with the condition, versus 12% for people who do not have relatives with the condition.

How is it detected:

AMD can be detected in a routine eye exam. Your doctor may also ask you to look at an Amsler grid, a pattern of straight lines that resemble a checkerboard. See how an Amsler grid works by taking a Macular Degeneration Test.

Management

No surgical treatment is available for this condition; however, there are very effective treatments available for “wet” macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health perform a large study, called AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study), found benefits with some vitamin supplements along with high doses of antioxidants. The follow up study, AREDS2, showed that the antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin also have benefits. These combinations of supplements have been suggested by the National Eye Institute to slow progression of the disease, click here for more info on these supplements!

Although much progress has been made recently in Macular Degeneration treatment and research, there is still no cure for this disease. Change your lifestyle now, quit smoking, wear UV filtered sunglasses, start taking the proper supplements and schedule your annual eye exam with one of our physicians today!

References:
“What is Macular Degeneration?” Web Blog Post. American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
“Adult Macular Degeneration.” Web Blog Post. Macular Degeneration Foundation.
“The Amsler Grid.” Web Blog Post. Macular Degeneration Partnership. 2015
“Facts about Age-Related Macular Degeneration”. Web Blog Post. National Eye Institute. July 2013.

The Link Between Dry Eye Disease and Migraines

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A new study finds that there is a link between dry eye disease and migraines. The study even found that patients who suffer from migraines are at a 20% higher risk of developing dry eye disease.

dry eye

Dry Eye Disease 

Dry eye is more common than we think and anywhere from 8% to 34% of adults may be affected by dry eye. It’s a disorder on the tear film of the eye’s surface that may result in symptoms of visual disturbance or discomfort and other issues that can be impairing one’s daily life. If you suffer from dry eye don’t worry, it is common and there is a solution that can help! Read more here on dry eye disease.

The Study 

A team of researches led by Dr. Richard Davis, an ophthalmologist at the University of North Carolina conducted a 10-year study of almost 73,000 people cared for at ophthalmology clinics in North Carolina. After years of research they found, after accounting for other factors and medications, people with migraines had a 20% higher risk of developing eye disease. 

Age and sex both play a risk in developing dry eye. In addition to migraines being more common in women, hormonal and age-related changes also make older females more sensitive to DED. Researchers found that men 65 and older, having migraines nearly doubles the odds, and women the same age had nearly 2.5 times the risk. 

The Link 

“Underlying inflammatory processes” at the cellular level play key roles in both migraines and dry eye disease, according to the report. Excessive dryness of the eye’s surface might trigger nerve pathways that result in a migraine or inflammatory changes in DED might stimulate similar events in neuromuscular tissue.  

The bottom line, physicians need to be aware that a patient with one of these conditions is at higher risk for the other. If you struggle with migraines it is best to make an appointment to be checked for dry eye disease. Call and make an appointment today 480-994-1872!