6 Smart Things College Students Can Do For Their Eyes

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6 Smart Things College Students Can Do For Their Eyes

Six Smart Things College Students Should Do for Their Eyes

This fall, a record 21.7 million students will attend a college or university in the United States. Many teens will be living away from home for the first time without mom or dad around to reinforce healthy habits, including how to care for their eyes. Before students head for the dorms, our Ophthalmologist at Scottsdale Eye Physicians would like to provide parents with college eye health tips to ensure their freshmen sons and daughters keep seeing 20/20 during school.

While accurate vision plays a vital role in learning, college students can be susceptible to a host of vision and eye problems such as injury, infection and increased nearsightedness that can complicate life in and out of class. Crowded classes and dorms can serve as a breeding ground for infectious eye disease, while reading and computer use in school has been linked to poorer eyesight. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid these and other eye issues on campus. Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons along with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, offers the following six tips for protecting eyes during college:

  1. Don’t shower or swim in contact lenses. Acanthamoeba is a parasite that lives in water and can cause a rare but serious eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. According to the CDC, 85 percent of Acanthamoeba eye infections occur in contact lens wearers, one of the main risks being exposure of lenses to water. To avoid this dangerous infection, do not wear contact lenses in showers, hot tubs or when swimming in lakes or pools. Also, never use water to clean or store contact lenses; only use sterile contact lens disinfecting solution and a clean contact lens case.
  1. Go outside. Scholastically-inclined students spend much of their time studying indoors, which can put them at risk of becoming more nearsighted, or myopic. A 2014 study found that more than 50 percent of college graduates are nearsighted, with eyesight worsening for each year in school. Other research shows that spending more time outdoors can protect vision from getting worse. Grab your books and head outside whenever possible.
  1. Wash your hands. Conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, spreads fast in schools and dorms. An outbreak struck more than 1,000 Ivy League college students in 2002. Avoid rubbing the eyes and wash hands with soap to avoid catching and spreading pink eye, not to mention other infections.
  1. Give your eyes a break. Nearly 80 percent of engineering and medical school students experienced symptoms such as dry eyes and redness, according to a study of students at one Indian university. To help avoid eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. Because dry eye can also cause painful corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the front part of the eye, blink regularly and fully to keep eyes moist.
  1. Don’t share makeup. Harmless as it may seem, sharing makeup is a surefire way to spread infection such as herpes keratitis among friends. Infection-causing bacteria grow easily in creamy or liquid eye makeup. Stick to your own makeup and throw it away after three months. If you develop an eye infection, immediately toss all of your eye makeup.
  1. Protect your eyes during the game. Nearly 1 in 18 college athletes will get an eye injury playing sports. Common injuries, like scratches on the eye surface and broken bones near the eye socket, happen most often in high-risk sports such as baseball, basketball and lacrosse. Athletes should consider wearing polycarbonate sports glasses to help keep stray balls and elbows from hitting their eyes.

“For many teens just starting college, taking care of their eye health may be the last thing on their minds,” said Rebecca Taylor, M.D., comprehensive ophthalmologist and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “But the fact is that an eye injury or condition can affect their grades and social life, causing days or even a lifetime of poor vision. We hope that parents will remind their kids of these risks before they fly the coop this fall.”

Get your kids into the eye doctor before they head off to school! Call 480-994-1872 to make an appointment today!

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

What’s That Ring Around My Eye?

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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!

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

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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.

Are My Eyes Changing Because I’m Getting Older?

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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

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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!

Dr. Bill is Retiring From Scottsdale Eye!

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Dr. William Kilpatrick

Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons announces the retirement of Dr. William R. Kilpatrick, MD at the end of March 2015. Dr. Bill has been serving patients at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons since 1977 when he joined his father, WRJ Kilpatrick, MD, at the family practice.

After 38 years, Dr. Bill has made lasting relationships with his patients and helped shape Scottsdale Eye to be one of the top practices in the state. As Dr. Bill steps out, Dennis L. Kilpatrick, MD, his younger brother, will continue to lead the valley in providing exceptional eye care services. Dr. Dennis joined Scottsdale Eye in 1985 to also carry on the families traditions. The Kilpatrick Family has been dedicated to improving patients’ vision and comfort since the doors opened in 1972.

The Kilpatricks

Dr. Bill is looking forward to taking some time to travel with his wife of 49 years, and to enjoy more time with friends and family. Dr. Bill has been a major part in the success of Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons. We wish him the best of luck with his new adventure in life!

Thank you for your time and dedication to taking care of our Valley’s vision!

Welcome Dr. Candria E. Meharry!

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Welcome Dr. Candria E. Meharry, OD
To Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons

blog_Dr. Candria Meharry

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Meharry to the Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons team!  As a licensed medical optometrist, Dr. Meharry, provides complete eye care services for ages four and up. Her services include comprehensive eye exams and disease diagnoses and management. With her broad background, Dr. Meharry is trained to recognize a range of health issues; such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, and hypertension.

Dr. Meharry completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry in 2010 and has since practiced Optometry in Las Vegas, New York City and Scottsdale. Dr. Meharry joined Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons in February of 2015 to help share the gift of sight.

As a born and raised Canuck from Calgary, AB Canada, Dr. Meharry enjoys hockey games, camping, hiking, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and spoiling her Pug!

blog_dr. Meharry with Dog

Dr. Meharry is passionate about the profession of Optometry and is excited to provide Arizona with a personalized, professional eye care experience that will leave you seeing your best.  Dr. Candria Meharry strives to meet your eye and vision care needs with corrective lens evaluations and medication management. She will work with you determine whether a fitting for contact lenses or glasses is best for your lifestyle.

Dr. Meharry is offering all patients a 50% discount on non-prescription sunglasses with the purchase of a 6 month supply of contact lenses. Scottsdale Eye Optical Boutique is conveniently located in our office and has a large selection to choose from!
Expires 4.30.15

Please call our office today at 480.994.1872 to schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Meharry

UPDATE:Scottsdale Eye Employees Spreading Holiday Cheer to the Less Fortunate

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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

 

Scottsdale Eye Employees Spreading Holiday Cheer to the Less Fortunate

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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.

McFarland is soliciting help from family and friends to raise enough money to purchase gifts off a wish list for each individual in the family including the child’s grandmother, aunt, younger sister and two younger cousins. She also plans to buy grocery store gift cards and donate household items.

Not only is McFarland bringing joy to this very deserving family, but she’s also taking time to reflect on her personal life, recognizing she has a lot in which to be thankful.

“I am sograteful for my life, my friends, and my family, and I want to bring some joy to a very deserving family during this holiday season,” she said.

McFarland hopes to deliver the gifts by Dec. 5. Learn more about ways you can help children and their families at Phoenix Children’s Hospital by visiting: phoenixchildrensfoundation.org.

Tranquileyes™ now available for purchase

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Tranquileyes™ now available for purchase

If you are like millions who suffer from dry, irritated eyes, you will be happy to know that Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons now offer Tranquileyes, available for purchase in the office for $37.

Tranquileyes naturally create and sustain therapeutic environments for the eyes and sensitive surrounding skin to help patients feel and look their best. It is proven to reduce and eliminate pain and dry eyes and can be used for not only dry eyes, but for relaxation, travel or sleep.

If you are interested in purchasing Tranquileyes or have questions about the product, please speak to our office staff or ask your ophthalmologist at your next visit.