What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Posted on October 16, 2022 by Scottsdale User

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.

Continue reading →

Aging: Did You Know That It Affects Your Eyes Too?

Posted on September 25, 2021 by Renee Knutsen

Ophthalmologists Encourage Making Your Eyes Part of a Healthy Aging Strategy

In observance of Healthy Aging Month, Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in emphasizing the importance of having regular eye exams to maintain healthy eyes and vision.

According to a national survey released by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly two out of three American adults report having eye or vision problems as a result to aging. A significant percentage of them, however, fail to seek medical attention in the form of regular, sight-saving eye exams.

Some of the more common age-related eye diseases include age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

With early detection and treatment vision loss can be prevented[1]. Ophthalmologists recommend a dilated comprehensive eye exam as the best way to prevent these conditions from becoming debilitating.

U.S. Adults Do Not Get Eye Exams as Often as They Should!
The survey results emphasize a need for more education about the importance of medical eye exams.

Survey results show that most adults are unaware and uneducated on the importance of medical eye exams.

Results showed that over 64 percent of adults had at least one or more of the following issues with their eyes or vision:

difficulty seeing at night;
blurry vision;
reading up close;
flashes of light;
red, watery eyes; and,
double vision.

Despite experiencing some level of impairment, only 13 percent admitted they had been seen by an ophthalmologist.

When Do I Need An Eye Exams?
The Academy recommends that a healthy adult get a baseline eye exam at age 40, even if they have no history of eye problems or eye disease.

Those who have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may require more frequent exams.

If you are in need of a comprehensive eye exam call 480-994-1872 or click here to make an appointment online! Don’t wait save your eyesight may be counting on it!

[1] https://nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/aging_eye

What You Need to Know about Glaucoma

Posted on September 20, 2021 by Renee Knutsen

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve, usually from high intraocular pressure (fluid pressure) and it results in visual field loss. Glaucoma is called the “sneak thief of sight” because patients may not notice any change in vision until significant loss has occurred, which is why regular monitoring is essential. When caught early, it is easily treatable.

Continue reading →

What’s That Ring Around My Eye?

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Renee Knutsen

One frequently asked question Dr. Dennis hears from his patients is, “what’s that ring around my eye?” What patients are referring to is a white, grey, or blue opaque ring that overlies the colored part of the eye just about where it meets the sclera, or white of the eye. The ring is actually in the cornea, a clear dome-like covering over the front of the eye, which acts likes much like the crystal of a watch.

The cloudiness commonly appears after age 60 and is called arcus senilis, or just arcus. This cloudiness typically starts at the top and bottom of the cornea, but can eventually fill in to create a full ring around the eye.

This ring is created from a gradual deposition of cholesterol and lipid (fat) in this layer of the cornea. A study shows that it does not indicate high cholesterol levels when it occurs in the middle aged and elderly population. People younger than 40 with the onset of arcus should have their cholesterol and blood lipids checked as studies do show that if this ring can be predictive of heart disease.

The white ring or Arcus does not interfere with vision and does not require treatment of the eye. If the ring is more pronounced on one eye, it can indicate that blood flow to that eye is decreased.

If your asking yourself “what’s that ring around my eye” or would like to make an appointment to have your questions answered call (480) 994-1872 today!

Click here for more info on corneal arcus!

Studies Show Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men

Posted on May 26, 2017 by Renee Knutsen

Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men

American Academy of Ophthalmology urges women to make eye health a top priority

Studies show there is a gender gap in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from blindness and conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma.¹In support of Healthy Vision Month, Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology remind women to make vision a top priority.

Women make up 65 percent of AMD cases; 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract patients are women, and 66 percent of blind patients (blindness) are women.²Why the inequity? There are a few theories. On average women live longer and many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Social and economic factors affect women’s access to eye care, especially in developing countries.

Whatever the cause, there are a few unique vision problems women need to watch out for more than men. Dry eye occurs at double the rate in postmenopausal women.³In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyperthyroiditis. Also, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to the hormones pregnant women experience.

Good news is most vision loss is preventable. The Academy offers five simple steps to take control of your eye health today:

Get a comprehensive medical eye exam at age 40. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at this age. An exam by an ophthalmologist – a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care – is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages.

Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your ophthalmologist evaluate your risk.

Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold water fish.

Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye.

Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataract, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer. Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection and a hat while enjoying time outdoors.

“Eye exams aren’t only about checking a person’s visual acuity or sharpness, but also determining the overall health of their eyes,” said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “We encourage women as well as men to get regular eye care. By making vision a priority today, we can help protect our sight as we age.”

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart^® website.

Have you had your eyes examind in the last few years? If not call and make your appointment Today, 480-994-1872 or make an appointment online, click here!

3. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Aug;136

6 Scary Causes of Blindness That You Should Be Aware of This Halloween

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Scottsdale User

A recent poll found that Americans rank, “losing eyesight,” highly among the worst health concerns that could affect them. Yet only half report having insurance that covers eye exams. In the public opinion poll conducted by the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research, respondents ranked, “quality of life,” as the possible negative consequence associated with vision loss. Of the 40% of respondents that ranked vision loss as incredibly concerning, less then halfsought regular eye exams.

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 that nourish the retina in the eye. Over time, and without proper treatment, the blood supply to the retina can be completely cut off and vision loss can result.
Continue reading →

What Can I do to Prevent Glaucoma?

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Scottsdale User

In a previous blog, we spent some time talking about the risks, symptoms and treatments for glaucoma. Today I’d like to stress the importance of regular eye exams as the best form of prevention against significant glaucoma. Glaucoma can affect anyone, particularly anyone over the age of 60. However, when caught early with regular eye exams, the ophthalmologists at Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons can slow the progression of glaucoma.

A Timely Diagnosis

There is no cure for glaucoma, and no reversal remedy for vision loss due to glaucoma. However, the best prevention for many eye diseases is early detection, which can only be accomplished with regular eye exams. If you fall into the following categories, it’s imperative that you make an appointment with Dennis L. Kilpatrick, MD or William R. Kilpatrick, MD for regular eye exams:
Continue reading →

2.2 Million Americans Have Glaucoma, And It’s Not Just Celebrities

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Scottsdale User

Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, and while Bono has been getting much of the attention lately because of his explanation for never going out without sunglasses, even wearing them indoors, glaucoma is a serious, and often misunderstood, disease affecting over 2.2 million Americans. Fortunately, our ophthalmologists here at Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons have over 40 years of experience with glaucoma treatments, including glaucoma laser surgery.

Glaucoma Risk Factors, Symptoms and Types

Glaucoma works by damaging your eye’s optic nerve, which over time can cause blindness. Pressure builds up within the eye, placing stress on the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. That pressure can cause so much damage that the optic nerve cannot send images to the brain.
Continue reading →

Tips for Wearing Halloween Contact Lenses

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Scottsdale User

Are you already putting together your mind-blowing Halloween costume for this year’s costume party? Does that costume include decorative contact lenses? We understand how some people think a superb Halloween costume includes those creepy contact lenses. As Scottsdale ophthalmologists, we’re not going to tell you not to wear vampire contact lenses, or cat contact lenses, but we do want to warn you of the risks involved.

Risks Involved with Halloween Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a medical necessity for over 34 million people in the U.S, and unless your Scottsdale ophthalmologist has prescribed you contact lenses, those Halloween lenses are simply unsafe for your eyes. Decorative contact lenses are not used to correct vision or improve the health of your eyes; they are simply costume accessories that you put into your eye. Before we move on to the risks involved with Halloween contact lenses, I’d like you to dwell on that fact for a moment – costume accessories that you put into your eye.
Continue reading →

Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC offers expert eye treatments and eye care to the greater Scottsdale, Arizona area, including: Phoenix, Tempe and patients throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Category Archives: Eye Conditions