7 Signs Cataract Surgery Is Near

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!

How does cataract surgery work?

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.

Macular Degeneration. What You Need to Know

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.

What You Need to Know about Glaucoma

What You Need to Know about Glaucoma

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.

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Presbyopia, breaking down the problems associated with the aging eye

Presbyopia, breaking down the problems associated with the aging eye

presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition that makes it more difficult to see up close.

 

When we are young, the lens in our eyes is soft and flexible and changes easily, allowing you to focus on objects both close up and far away. After the age of 40, and as we continue to age, the lens becomes more stiff, which makes it difficult to change shape and focus on objects that are close up.

 

Causes & symptoms of Presbyopia

 

Unlike nearsightedness and farsightedness, presbyopia is caused by the aging of the eye. It is generally believed that, as we age, changes in the lens protein make up trigger the lens to become less flexible. This is why it is common for people over the age of 40 to hold reading material farther away in order to see it more clearly. Other symptoms include eyestrain, headaches, or feeling tired after doing up close work.

 

Diagnosing and treating Presbyopia

 

A routine eye exam performed by your doctor will diagnose and determine the degree of presbyopia. Once diagnosed, reading glasses are the most common and simplest ways to correct presbyopia. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor can prescribe reading glasses that can be worn with your regular contacts. Eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive lenses are another common method of correcting presbyopia. There are other simple methods of correcting presbyopia, such as multifocal contact lenses, or monovision, which is using two different contact lenses, one for distance and one for close up vision.

 

If you would like more information about presbyopia or wish to make an appointment, please call our office, 480 994-1872 or visit our website at ScottsdaleEye.com. We also carry a large selection of reading glasses in our optical boutique, which is conveniently located in our office.

 

Source: GetEyeSmart.org

 

What’s That Ring Around My Eye?

What’s That Ring Around My Eye?

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.

what's that ring around my eye

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!

Wearing Eye Protection Prevents Players from Injury

Wearing Eye Protection Prevents Players from Injury

April is Sports Eye Safety Awareness month.  Sports-related eye injuries cause an estimated 100,000 doctor visits each year.

Yet, most of these injuries can be prevented by wearing eye protection. In fact, a recent study of high school field hockey players shows that traumatic eye injuries fell 67 percent after eye protection became mandatory.[1]

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Are My Eyes Changing Because I’m Getting Older?

Are My Eyes Changing Because I’m Getting Older?

“Are My Eyes Changing Because I’m Just Getting Older? When Should I See an Eye Doctor?”

In support of Healthy Aging Month this September, Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons along with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, encourages all adults to know what vision changes to expect and when to seek treatment for signs of a disease or condition that could cause irreversible vision loss. To aid in this understanding, the Academy is providing explanations for the following common visual changes adults may experience as they get older.

  • Reading a menu has become increasingly difficult – As the eye ages, its lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to read at close range or do “near work.” This condition is called presbyopia, which comes from the Greek meaning “aging vision.” Nearly all adults experience presbyopia starting around age 40. The most common treatment is simply to use reading glasses.

 

  • Eyes burn or sting and water excessively – While seemingly opposite symptoms, these both can be a sign of dry eye. Dry eye is very common as people age, especially in women undergoing hormonal changes that can alter the quality and quantity of tears the eye produces. For most people, treatment for dry eye is as simple as using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. If these do not provide relief, make an appointment with Dr. Dennis Kilpatrick or Dr. Candria Meharry for further testing and treatment. The Inflama Dry test can be done to predict the success of Restasis treatment.

 

  • Seeing clouds float in front of vision or occasional flashes of light – The clouds are actually tiny clumps of cells floating in the vitreous gel, the clear gel-like fluid inside the eye, and are also called “floaters.” The flashes of light are caused by vitreous gel moving and pulling at the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. Floaters and flashes become more common as one ages, but a sudden increase could be a sign of a torn retina and you should be seen by our Doctors immediately as surgery is often a required treatment.

 

  • Colors are muted, lights appear to have halos – These can be a sign of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that nearly everyone develops as they age. Treatment for cataracts is usually surgery, which is one of the most common elective surgeries performed in the United States, and has been shown to significantly improve vision and quality of life.

 

  • Central vision seems hazy, making it difficult to recognize faces – This is a common symptom of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Because symptoms usually aren’t noticeable until vision loss has already occurred, routine eye exams are essential to help diagnose AMD early to prevent vision loss. AMD has two forms – wet and dry. Treatment for wet AMD usually includes anti-VEGF injections – a type of drug that blocks the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina that cause wet AMD. At this time, dry AMD has no proven treatment but research has shown that certain dietary supplements can help to slow its progression.

 

  • Trouble seeing at intersections while driving – Deteriorating peripheral vision may be a sign of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Vision loss with glaucoma is so gradual that people affected by the condition are often unaware of it until their sight has already been compromised. Fortunately, mostvision loss from glaucoma can be prevented with early detection and medical intervention, emphasizing the importance of seeing an eye doctor regularly, especially if a person has certain risk factors, such as African or Hispanic ancestry and having migraines, diabetes or low blood pressure. The most common treatment for glaucoma is medicated eye drops.

To ensure healthy eyes throughout life, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all adults get a baseline eye exam by age 40. In addition, the Academy recommends that adults age 65 and older have an eye exam every one to two years, or as recommended by our Doctors. If you have not been in for an eye exam call 480-994-1872 Today to make an appointment with Dr. Dennis Kilpatrick or Dr. Candria Meharry.

 

Reference:

Eye Smart http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/

 

Find out why the Zeiss i.Profiler is a leader in eye exam Technology

Find out why the Zeiss i.Profiler is a leader in eye exam Technology

At Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we strive to offer the best vision possible for our patients!  With our new technology, the Zeiss i.Profiler and i.Scription, we can make that a reality. 

We now offer state-of-the-art eye exams with the i.Profiler. The first instrument based on innovative wavefront technology that precisely measures the vision profile of the eyes.  Because over 70% of our patients are suitable for the i.Profiler, it represents one of the most exciting developments in vision correction in the last decade.

For over 150 years eye doctors have used a machine known as a phoropter to generate glasses prescriptions.   The phoropter only checks for three optical aberrations: nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The new Zeiss technology checks for those three, plus six other higher-order aberrations. This is done all without the patient having to answer the question, “which is better, one or two.”

i.Scription before vs. regular lenses

Patients being measured with the i.Profiler is the starting point for i.Scription technology.  In less than one minute, this unique instrument measures more than 2500 reference points in your eyes.  The i.Scription provides a highly detailed analysis of your vision profile.  This detailed analysis allows your eye care physician to find your exact prescription. This prescription is then used to create Zeiss customized lenses.  These lenses will have a more exact match than any other lenses.

You will quickly begin to appreciate the benefits of i.Scription lenses when you discover how much better you can see.  You will see colors more brilliantly and night vision will appear to have  fewer reflections or halos.  This makes for better overall vision.

An added benefit of the Zeiss i.Profiler is that we can often obtain an accurate eyeglass prescription on a patient who is incapable of understanding directions during a traditional refraction.  These technology is very effective for patients who may have suffered a stroke victim, or patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons is one of the few practices in the state that offers Zeiss i.Profiler technology.  Next time you are in for an eye exam ask about the i.Profiler.

To schedule an eye exam call our office at 480 994-1872 or schedule online!

Are You Protecting Your Eyes From the Sun?

Are You Protecting Your Eyes From the Sun?

Are you protecting your eyes from the sun?

We all know that we need to wear sunglasses when we are outside, but did you know that your eyes can become sunburnt like your skin, or that wearing sunglasses with only tint can be harming your eyes more than not wearing them at all?

For most of us sitting outside in the sun sounds like a great afternoon but the suns Ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful if the proper precautions are not taken. UV radiation is a component of solar radiation, but it can also be given off by artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers.

We all know that UV rays can be dangerous to our skin if we don’t wear sunscreen, but many may not realize that exposure to UV radiation can harm.

There are three types of UV radiation: UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat; UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse long- and short-term effects on the eyes and vision.

If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis.

Photokeratitis, sunburn to the eyes, may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent eye damage.

The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing later in life such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration. Since it is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, the AOA recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection. It is recommended that sunglasses block 99% to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Wearing sunglasses that only provide tint can actually be harming your eyes. The tinted lenses cause your eyes to slightly dilate, which allows for more UV rays to enter the retina and potentially cause damage. If you are unsure if your sunglasses are offering UV protection stop in to our Optical Boutique and we will check your shades for free!

Be sure to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with one of our Doctors if you have not been seen in the last few years. It is a good way to monitor your eye health, maintain good vision and keep track of your solar radiation protection needs as well as new advances in eye protection. Call 480.994.1872 to make your appointment!

UV Radiation Checklist

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:

  1. Do you spend a great deal of time outdoors?
  2. Do you spend time skiing, mountain climbing or at the beach?
  3. Do you use a sunlamp or tanning parlor?
  4. Do you live in the mountains or the United States Sunbelt?
  5. Are you a welder, medical technologist or do you work in the graphic arts or in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards?
  6. Do you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can increase your sensitivity to UV radiation (check with your optometrist, pharmacist, or physician)?
  7. Have you had cataract surgery in one or both eyes?