Presbyopia Causes, Symptoms & Treatment :: Eye Care Center in Annapolis, MD

In order to focus on objects, the lens of the eye constantly changes its length and overall shape. This is called the elasticity of the lens. As we age, our lens’ elasticity slowly diminishes, resulting in a decrease in the ability of the eye to focus on nearby objects.

This condition, known as Presbyopia, is a natural part of aging and eventually affects everyone.

Symptoms of Presbyopia

Decreased focusing ability for near objects
Eyestrain
Headache

If you are experiencing the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – Ophthalmologist or Optometrist – at your earliest convenience.

Your vision naturally changes as you age. To keep up with these changes and maintain optimal vision, it is important to schedule regular checkups with your eye doctor. He or she will inspect your eyes for common eye diseases and other problems affecting your vision, such as Presbyopia.

Presbyopia Treatment

There is no cure for Presbyopia, but the condition can be corrected using eyeglasses (or bifocals), contact lenses, or even surgery. To determine your best course of action, discuss your specific situation with your eye doctor. He or she will be able to better explain the risks and benefits of surgery as compared to wearing glasses or contact lenses.

To learn more about Presbyopia and proper eye health, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

Presbyopia, Glaucoma, and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Presbyopia

May is Healthy Vision Month :: Eye Care Tips :: Anne Arundel Eye Center

Millions of people in the United States alone have undetected vision problems, eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). So in order to raise awareness of this very real problem and promote the importance of proper eye care, early detection and treatment, and eye safety, May was named Healthy Vision Month by the National Eye Institute (NEI) in 2003.

The NEI is one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the country’s primary medical research agency. The NEI helps develop the federal government’s research on the visual system and eye diseases.

One of the best ways you can protect your vision is to schedule regular checkups with your eye doctor – Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Your eye doctor will not only evaluate your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but he/she will also inspect your eyes for common eye diseases and other problems that could lead to vision loss.

Your vision may change as you age, but vision loss is not a normal part of aging. Any loss of vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Anne Arundel Eye Center

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in both the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision related problems. Not only does AAEC Offer a wide range of advanced procedures to improve and preserve your vision, but Board Certified Dr. Samuel Boles and the rest of the staff are also passionate about educating patients and their families about the various eye diseases or eye conditions they may be afflicted with.

Early detection and treatment can help to save your sight!

To learn more about Healthy Vision Month and proper eye health, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles and ocular disease specializing optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank as the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre- and post-surgical eye care.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

HVM – May is Healthy Vision Month

Blepharitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

by Dr. Nathan Frank

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid and eyelash structures. It is a common eye condition that is typically caused by either a bacterial or skin condition such as dandruff of the scalp or acne rosacea. It can affect people of all ages and is not a contagious condition. Although uncomfortable and chronic, blepharitis usually does not cause permanent damage to an individual’s eyesight.

Blepharitis can be divided in to both an anterior and posterior form. The anterior form occurs along the front edge of eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. The posterior form occurs along the inner edge of the eyelid that comes into contact with the eyeball. In a large portion of the population blepharitis tends to be a mix of the two.

Causes of Blepharitis:

The anterior form of blepharitis is most commonly caused by either bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). In rare incidences the anterior form can be caused by an allergic reaction or an infestation of mites.

The posterior form of blepharitis is typically caused by an irregular production of oils by the glands along the eyelid margin (meibomian blepharitis), which can produce a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Posterior blepharitis is also commonly associated with acne rosacea and dandruff of the scalp.

Symptoms of Blepharitis:

Individuals with blepharitis may experience:

Crusting or scaling of the eyelashes
Red and swollen eyelids
A gritty or sandy feeling
Itching or burning
Tearing
Dry eye
In serious cases individuals may note blurring of vision, loss or misdirected eyelashes, styes, and inflammation to other structures of the eye including the cornea and the conjunctiva.

Blepharitis Treatment

Blepharitis is a chronic condition therefore treatment is an ongoing process (similar to treating acne).
The main treatments for blepharitis include a warm compress for several minutes (5-10) followed by a gentle lid massage. This will help to both loosen crusts along the eyelashes and open the glands along the eyelid to better express stagnate oils to allow bacterial growth.

Your eye doctor may also recommend the use of special eyelid cleansers, lubricating eye drops, oral supplements, antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, or even oral antibiotics in more severe or complicated cases.

The best way to diagnose and manage blepharitis is through a comprehensive eye exam where a doctor can better evaluate an individual’s history, eyelids, and other eye structures.

To learn more about blepharitis and proper eye health, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles and ocular disease specializing optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank as the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre- and post-surgical eye care.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Blepharitis PubMed Health
aoa.org

Astigmatism: Eye Care Advice from Anne Arundel Eye Center in Maryland

Astigmatism is a common type of refractive error of the eye, which causes blurred or blurry vision. Other refractive errors include farsightedness (hyperopia) and nearsightedness (myopia).

How Astigmatism Affects Sight

Normal Sight: Light enters the eye through the normal spherical curve of the cornea; this light is then bent (refracted), thus better focusing it on the retina.

Astigmatism: With this type of refractive error, the cornea is abnormally curved in one direction more than the other. Because of this, light is not able to properly focus on the retina, causing images to appear blurry.

Astigmatism Symptoms

Headaches
Fatigue
Eyestrain
Blurred vision / Difficulty seeing fine details

If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at your earliest convenience. Astigmatism can be easily identified with a comprehensive eye exam with refraction testing.

If you are diagnosed with astigmatism, do not worry. For starters, everyone experiences astigmatism to some varying degree. The higher the level of astigmatism the more likely treatment will be beneficial to help improve vision.

Astigmatism Treatment

Typically, astigmatism is treated with corrective glasses or contact lenses. However, surgery may be an option for those individuals who do not wish to wear glasses or contact lenses. Surgical options include, LASIK, Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK), or a toric intraocular lens, which is often successfully combined with cataract surgery.

To determine your best course of action, discuss your specific situation with your eye doctor. He/she will be able to better explain the risks and benefits of surgery as compared to wearing glasses or contact lenses.

To learn more about Astigmatism and Eye Health please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Astigmatism PubMed Health

Are Your Aging Eyes to Blame for Your Health Problems?

Scientists have constantly searched for explanations as to why certain health problems – memory loss, slowed reactions, insomnia, etc. – develop as we age. Now, two doctors from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Dr. Martin Mainster and Dr. Patricia Turner, believe they have an answer.

Their Hypothesis: The aging eye is to blame for increased health problems in older individuals.

As your eyes age, your lenses gradually yellow and your pupils narrow. This allows less and less light to reach retinal ganglion cells (photoreceptive cells) in the retina. These cells absorb sunlight and transmit messages to a part of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (S.C.N.), which governs the body’s circadian rhythm.

The S.C.N. initiates the release of the hormone melatonin in the evening and cortisol in the morning. Melatonin, in particular, is believed to have several health-promoting properties. In fact, studies have shown that people with low melatonin secretion have a higher frequency of such illnesses as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

“We believe the effect is huge and that it’s just beginning to be recognized as a problem,” said Dr. Turner, an ophthalmologist in Leawood, Kansas, who has written extensively on this subject with her husband, Dr. Mainster, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Kansas Medical School.

Dr. Mainster and Dr. Turner estimated that by age 45, the photoreceptors of the average adult receive just 50 percent of the light needed to fully stimulate the circadian system. By age 55, it drops to 37 percent, and by age 75, to just 17 percent.

Ways to Combat this Problem

Dr. Mainster and Dr. Turner believe people need to make a concerted effort to expose themselves to more sunlight.
Researchers in Sweden believe that cataract surgery results in higher levels of melatonin production. These researchers studied patients who had cataract surgery to remove their clouded lenses and implant clear intraocular lenses. The researchers noticed that incidences of insomnia and daytime sleepiness were greatly reduced.

“We believe that it will eventually be shown that cataract surgery results in higher levels of melatonin, and those people will be less likely to have health problems like cancer and heart disease,” Dr. Turner said.

To learn more about Aging Eyes and Health please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Aging of Eyes Is Blamed for Range of Health Woes

What Can You Say When You Learn You Have Glaucoma And Your Sight Is At Risk?

Jan B. explained the various thoughts that popped into her mind when she first learned she had sustained damage from glaucoma.

“How will I feel when I can no longer see the people I love?” she wondered. “Will I miss glimpsing next spring’s tulips and fall’s coloring oaks? How will I read books and letters? How long before I can no longer watch movies and television? Where can I turn for help?”

Luckily, Jan had an answer to her last question. She turned to Anne Arundel Eye Center.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in both the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. Not only does AAEC Offer a wide range of advanced procedures to improve and preserve your vision, but Board Certified Dr. Samuel Boles and the rest of the staff are also passionate about educating patients and their families about the various eye diseases or eye conditions they may be afflicted with.

“From my experience, I would urge you to ask for an appointment with Dr. Sam Boles at the Eye Center in Annapolis,” said Jan. “When I learned I had already suffered damage from glaucoma, I was anxious to know what I could do now and what I might expect in the future. Dr. Sam Boles calmly and thoroughly explained my condition. He was confident that he could help me, and he gave me hope that I could get through this.”

Dr. Samuel Boles is both a board-certified ophthalmologist and AAEC’s founder. Dr. Boles received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his post-doctoral training including (1) an internship at a Yale affiliated hospital, (2) a cornea research fellowship at a Harvard affiliated laboratory, (3) ophthalmology residency at George Washington Universities, and (4) glaucoma fellowship at The University of California San Diego (UCSD).

“Dr. Boles recommended a course of treatment and explained what that treatment could and could not do for my vision,” explained Jan. “In the four years I have been under his care, I have found those predictions accurate and his care impeccable. My vision has stabilized; I have lost no additional range of sight.”

If you’re seeking treatment for glaucoma or cataracts, AAEC’s state-of-the-art treatment center can meet all your eye care needs. From office consultations to pre-op testing and post-op care, you can be assured you’re in expert hands.

“Meticulous testing and measuring of my vision at each appointment, reassures me that, under the care of Dr. Boles and his staff at the Eye Center, we can protect my eyesight and deal with any future vision problems,” said Jan.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

To learn more about Glaucoma Treatment, please contact Dr. Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Hyperopia, better known to the general public as farsightedness, is when an individual can see distant objects clearly but has great difficulty seeing objects up close. This common visual condition is the result of the visual image being focused behind the retina rather than directly on it.

Common Causes/Risk Factors of Farsightedness

• The eyeball may be too small.

• The cornea is not curved enough.

• The lens sits farther back in the eye than normal.

• Focusing power of the eye may be too weak.

• If a family member is farsighted, you are more likely to be farsighted yourself.

• In rare cases, diseases – such as retinopathy and eye tumors – can cause farsightedness.

Signs and Symptoms of Farsightedness

• Of course, nearby objects may appear blurry

• Aching Eyes

• Blurred vision / blurry vision / you need to squint to see clearly

• Crossed eyes (strabismus)

• Eye strain

• Headaches while reading

If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at your earliest convenience. Any change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Because the hyperopic eye is smaller than average, all the structures in the eye are crowded together. This can lead to crowding or narrowing of the anterior chamber drainage channel and is one of the main causes of narrow angle glaucoma and acute angle closure glaucoma. If you, or someone you care about is farsighted, please make sure your eye care professional checks the anterior chamber angle for narrow angles. This can be an important warning sign to help us prevent acute angle closure glaucoma.

Treatment of Farsightedness

Farsightedness is most commonly treated with glasses or contact lenses. However, surgery is an option for those individuals who do not wish to wear glasses or contact lenses.

To learn more about Farsightedness (Hyperopia) please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Farsightedness

Farsightedness (Hyperopia) – Topic Overview

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Vision is possible because the front of the eye bends (refracts) light and redirects it to the retina. Myopia, better known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that occurs when light entering the eye is focused incorrectly. This happens because the physical length of the eye is greater than the optical length.

The result: distant objects appearing blurry.

Signs and Symptoms of Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness is a very common vision condition affecting nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population. It generally first develops in school-age children and progresses until about the age of 20. However, nearsightedness may also develop in adults due to visual stress or health conditions such as diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of nearsightedness include:

Objects in the distance are blurred.
A person with nearsightedness can easily read the Jaeger eye chart (the chart for near reading), but has trouble reading the Snellen eye chart (the chart for distance).
Eyestrain
Headaches

Treatment of Nearsightedness

There are two primary treatments for nearsightedness: eyeglasses/contact lenses or surgery.

Eye Glasses or Contact Lenses: Both optical devices help shift the focus of the light image directly onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
LASIK Surgery: An excimer laser is used to reshape (flatten) the cornea, shifting the focus.

To learn more about Nearsightedness (Myopia), please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Nearsightedness

Eye Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

An allergic reaction affecting the conjunctiva, the clear layer overlying the eye, is commonly referred to as allergic conjunctivitis. There are several subtypes/subdivisions of allergic conjunctivitis, with the most common being seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). Both SAC and PAC are triggered by an immune reaction involving a particular allergen.

Common allergens include: pollen, grass, weeds, dust, and pet dander.

Difference Between SAC and PAC

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis: SAC is generally associated with outdoor allergens. Because of this, problems typically last for a short period of time. Common allergy seasons include: spring (tree pollen), summer (grass pollen), and fall (weed pollen).

Perennial Alaric Conjunctivitis: PAC is generally associated with indoor allergens. Because of this, problems typically last thought the year. Common indoor allergens include: dust mites, cockroaches, and pet dander.

Eye Allergy Symptoms

SAC and PAC have identical symptoms, including:

Ocular itching
Redness
Tearing
Burning sensation
Blurred vision / blurry vision
Mattering and/or mucous production

Eye Allergy Treatment

If you are unable to identify or avoid the particular allergen(s) affecting you, consult your eye doctor – ophthalmologist or optometrist. He/she will help you determine the cause of your eye allergy and design a treatment plan to lessen your symptoms.

Treatment options include:

Eliminating or avoiding the allergen(s) affecting you
Over-the-counter medications, such as allergy eye drops and oral antihistamines
Prescription eye drops

About 50 million Americans currently suffer from eye allergies. Are you one of them?

To find out for sure, or to learn more about Eye Allergies, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Eye Allergies

A Look at Computer Vision Syndrome

In honor of March being Save Your Vision Month, we are going to take a look at a very real problem that many Americans are unaware that they face – Computer Vision Syndrome.

Prolonged computer use causes an individual to look straight ahead for long periods of time, blink less often, and use specific vision skills, which add further demands to the visual system. All of these factors can lead to several issues, including eye strain, blurred vision, and dry eye.

Each one of the above symptoms contributes to Computer Vision Syndrome, which the American Optometric Association defines as “the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work that are experienced during or related to computer use.”

Factors Leading to Computer Vision Syndrome and How to Correct Them

1. Computer Screen Resolution: Poor resolution means poor clarity, which can lead to eyestrain. Be sure to set your resolution to the highest possible resolution your monitor allows.

2. Computer Screen Contrast: Poor contrast can make text difficult to read, leading to eyestrain. Adjust the contrast between the characters on the monitor and the background so the letters are easily read.

3. Computer Screen Glare and Reflections: Glare can put extra strain on your eyes. To reduce glare, eliminate bright light sources from your peripheral vision and position your monitor perpendicular to windows or other bright light sources.

4. Image Refresh Rates: The images on your screen should not flicker. If this occurs, consider upgrading to a monitor with a higher refresh rate, like an LCD monitor.

5. Distance Computer Sits from You: Be sure to situate your computer at a distance that is comfortable for you.

6. Inadequate Glasses Prescription: Is your current prescription effective? If not, it could be causing putting increased strain on your eyes. Be sure to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to ensure your eyes are healthy and that you have the correct eyeglass or contact lens prescription

7. Repetitive Tasks: Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time can be very detrimental to your vision. Be sure to take periodic breaks and let your eyes focus on objects far away.

Just like any other muscle in the body, your eyes require regular exercise to keep them healthy.

“Patients are often amazed by the improved visual comfort at their computer by making a few minor adjustments. If that doesn’t do the trick, one may want to look into glasses specifically made to optimize visual clarity at 22 to 24 inches or even consider Gunnar Eyewear,” said Dr. Kevin Johnson of Peepers of Severna Park.

For more information on Gunnar Eyewear, visit http://www.gunnars.com.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Computer Vision Syndrome, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Dr. Boles and everyone else at the Anne Arundel Eye Center proudly support the efforts of The Polakoff Foundation and their role in the ongoing fight against glaucoma. Click here to purchase tickets online for the Polakoff Foundation’s Mardi Gras Celebration to help raise money to aid the fight against blindness.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Save Your Vision Month: Healthy Vision at the Computer American Optometric Association

Early Treatment of Ocular Hypertension

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of vision loss in the United States.

Currently, 4-7% of the United States population over the age of 40 is suffering from ocular hypertension, one of the leading risk factors of Glaucoma. However, early treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) can greatly reduce the risk for the development of glaucoma. This is especially true for individuals at the highest risk, including:

• Elevated Eye Pressure: Normal eye pressure is 12-21 mm Hg. anything above 21 is considered elevated.

• African Americans: Glaucoma is at least times more common in African Americans than in Caucasians.

• People over the age of 60: The risk of glaucoma rises by as much as six times after the ago of 60.

• Family History of Glaucoma: POAG may be hereditary. Positive family history increases the risk of glaucoma up to nine times.

• Hispanics: Recent studies indicate that the risk for Hispanic populations is about halfway between Caucasians and African Americans.

• Asians: People of Asian decent are at a higher risk for narrow angle or acute angle-closure glaucoma.

• Steroid Use: A 1997 study reported in the Journal of American Medical Association demonstrated a 40% increase in the incidence of ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma in adults who require approximately 14 to 35 puffs of steroid inhaler to control asthma.

• Eye Injuries: Injury to the eye may cause secondary open-angle glaucoma.

The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) Group recently conducted a study comparing the safety and efficiency of earlier and later treatment of ocular hypertension in reducing the risk for POAG. The study examined 1,636 individuals with increased IOP ranging from 24 to 32 mm Hg in 1 eye and 21 to 32 mm Hg in the other eye. The participants were then randomly assigned to observation or to receive topical ocular hypotensive medication.

Medication group: Median duration of treatment was 13.0 years.

Observation group: Median duration of 7.5 years without treatment and then received medication for a median of 5.5 years.

Researchers then compared the cumulative proportion of participants who went on to have POAG in both observation group and in the medication group at a median follow-up of 13 years.

The Results of the Study

• The proportion was 0.22 in the original observation group (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19 – 0.25)

• The proportion was 0.16 (95% CI, 0.13 – 0.19) in the original medication group (P =. 009), or a 27% reduction in glaucoma risk associated with early treatment.

• The cumulative proportion of participants who went on to have POAG was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.33 – 0.46) and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.22 – 0.34), respectivelcCy.

Still, each patient and each instance of elevated IOP or ocular hypertension must be treated on a case-by-case basis. It is up to the physician to determine whom to treat and whom to observe.

“I try to only begin treatment on someone that truly needs preventative therapy, while not over treating anyone that we can simply monitor and keep safe without treatment,” said board certified ophthalmologist Sam Boles.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Early Treatment of Ocular Hypertension, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Cataracts Overview: Causes Symptoms, and Treatment

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. That crystal clear lens slowly clouds over time as part of the natural aging process. We should all be so lucky to develop cataracts in our lifetime, as this would mean we have lived a long and healthy life.

Cataracts will gradually worsen over time and will eventually interfere with normal vision. This can make every day tasks, like driving (especially at night) and reading, incredibly difficult.

Causes of Cataracts

There are several causes of cataracts. They develop primarilybecause of normal aging, but also due to eye injuries and genetic disorders. These varying causes lead to different types of cataracts, which include:

• Nuclear Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the center of the eyes lens.

• Cortical Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the edges of the lens.

• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the back of the lens.

• Congenital Cataracts: This refers to cataracts you were born with.

For additional information on any specific form of cataracts, consult your eye doctor.

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

• Blurred or blurry vision

• Yellowing or clouding of the lens

• Difficulty with night vision

• Sensitivity to light and glare

• Seeing “halos” around lights

• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

• Fading or yellowing of colors

• Double vision in a single eye

If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Cataracts Treatment in Maryland

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in both the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. Not only does AAEC Offer a wide range of advanced procedures to improve and preserve your vision, but Board Certified Dr. Samuel Boles and the rest of the staff are also passionate about educating patients and their families about the various eye diseases or eye conditions they may be afflicted with.

“I’m seeing things that I have never seen before.”

- William D.

“I didn’t expect to see this well.”

- Austin B.

“I’m seeing better, and feeling a lot better about it.”

- Robert M.

If you’re seeking treatment for cataracts, AAEC’s state-of-the-art treatment center can meet all your eye care needs. From office consultations to pre-op testing and post-op care, you can be assured you’re in expert hands.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Maryland Cataracts Treatment, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Natural Supplements Can Help Slow or Prevent Degenerative Eye Diseases

Vitamins and nutrients play a key role in your vision. Research has proven that a balanced diet, including the right vitamins and nutrients, will not only optimize visual acuity in healthy eyes, but it may also help reduce the risk of eye problems, such as degenerative eye diseases.

Important Vitamins and Nutrients

Vitamin A and beta-carotene: Vitamin A is crucial for night vision, wound healing, and proper functioning of the immune system.

Vitamin B complex: B complex vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 folic acid, biotin and choline – can help reduce chronic inflammation and prevent elevated homocysteine levels in the blood. These issues have been associated with vascular problems affecting the retina. B complex vitamins may also reduce the risk of macular degeneration and assist in the treatment of uveitis.

Vitamin C: Research suggests that this antioxidant plays a role in reducing the risk of cataracts.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been linked to lowering the risk of macular degeneration.

Vitamin E: Studies have shown Vitamin E to help reduce the risk of cataracts.

Lutein and Zeaxathin: These may reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Phytochemical Antioxidants: These nutrients appear to provide protection from oxidative stress in the body, including the eyes.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids: These nutrients have been known to reduce the risk of dry eyes.

Bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids appear to help the body absorb vitamin C for higher antioxidant efficiency.

If you feel you may not be getting enough of the above vitamins and nutrients, talk to your primary care physician, nutritionist, or eye doctor – ophthalmologist or optometrist – about starting a nutritional supplements regimen to ensure that you get all the important nutrients you need for good, healthy eyesight.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Degenerative Eye Disease Prevention, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Guide to Choosing Nutritional Supplements for Vision

What is a Glaucoma Suspect?

The term glaucoma suspect describes a person who does not currently have glaucoma, but one who might be at risk of developing glaucoma. The risk factors of glaucoma include:

• Elevated Eye Pressure (IntraOcular Pressure – IOP)

• Suspicious Optic Nerve Cupping

“It’s like all of the players are on the field, but the game has not started,” explained April Pevear, a Patient Care Specialist at Anne Arundel Eye Center. A glaucoma suspect has all of the signs of glaucoma without actually having definite glaucomatous optic nerve damage or a visual field defect. However, a great overlap can exist between findings in people with early glaucoma and in those who are merely glaucoma suspects. This is why regular eye exams are so important, whether or not you need glasses.

Early detection equals earlier, simpler and more effective treatment.

Glaucoma Suspect Monitoring and Treatment

Sometimes treatment is not even necessary. In many cases, regular eye exams and vigilant monitoring are the best ways to handle glaucoma suspects. However, if treatment is deemed necessary, the best way to treat a glaucoma suspect is to lower the elevated IOP. This is typically done with eye drops and should help reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. These drops work by either slowing the production of aqueous fluids in the eye or by improving the flow of fluid out of the eye through the drainage angle and into the veins.

Another excellent treatment option would be laser treatment. There are several laser options currently available to treat many of the different types of glaucoma. Laser surgery utilizes a focused, gentle beam of light to help the fluid drain from your eye and decrease IOP. This type of outpatient procedure can be done right at your doctor’s office with minimal recovery time. However, it must be noted that laser surgery WILL NOT change your vision. It WILL slow and potentially stop glaucoma progression.

Even after treatment, regular check-ups with your eye-care practitioner – ophthalmologist or optometrist – will be needed to monitor your situation and help prevent any future vision loss.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of legal blindness in the United States, behind only cataracts.

• Over 60 million people worldwide (2.2 million Americans) have glaucoma and experts estimate that nearly half of them are unaware they are currently affected by the disease.

• Up to 10 million Americans are estimated to suffer from elevated IOP, making them glaucoma suspects. And about 1% of these individuals will develop glaucomatous damage.

• Currently, between 80,000-116,000 people have been declared legally blind because of glaucoma.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Glaucoma Treatment in Maryland, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Adult Glaucoma Suspect

Glaucoma Suspect & Ocular Hypertension

Glaucoma: An Overview from Dr. Nathan Frank

According to a survey conducted in 2002 by Prevent Blindness America, 30 percent of Americans have never heard of
glaucoma and only half of those participating in the survey actually knew what it was. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and specialists believe that roughly 2.2 million people in America are affected. Only half of these individuals know that they have the disease. Given that January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, this is a great time to review the condition so that you, as patients, can become better informed and more knowledgeable.

Glaucoma is a multi-factorial disease that causes damage to the optic nerve that eventually leads to vision loss. Peripheral (side) vision loss occurs due to damage of the optic nerve of eye, which is similar to a fiber optics cable with about 1.2 million fibers that send images from the eye to the brain. There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma. Both are usually marked by increased eye pressure inside the eye, but differ in the anatomical structure of the drainage system of the eye.

Risk factors for glaucoma? Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, newborn babies and senior citizens alike. However, there are several groups of people with an increased risk of developing the disease. Risk is heightened by:

Race (African Americans, Asians and Hispanics)
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Steroid Use
Age (People over 60)
History of eye trauma
Family History of glaucoma
High near-sighted patients

What are the common symptoms of glaucoma? The majority of people that have glaucoma are without symptoms. The visual symptoms that do occur tend to occur later in the disease process.

How to diagnose glaucoma? A comprehensive eye evaluation is imperative to rule out any suspicion for glaucoma. There are several important factors that need to be assessed prior to making a diagnosis. These include: measurement of eye pressure (normal range 12-22), a close assessment of the optic nerve, a peripheral visual field measurement, an exam of the drainage system of the eye, and finally a measurement of the cornea of the eye. These measurements are repeated once or twice a year or more often if there is any concern about progression.

How is glaucoma treated? The best way to protect your vision if diagnosed with glaucoma is to continue care
with your eye care provider. The goal of treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. When diagnosed with glaucoma, the first line of treatment usually starts with the use of a single eye drop that is instilled once a night. If further pressure lowering is needed, additional drops can be used. Further treatment options include laser therapy or, if necessary, surgical treatment.

Glaucoma is a very complicated disease and this is only a brief overview. Some questions may still remain; a great
resource for information is glaucoma.org, a website that is constantly updated with information for those with glaucoma and for those who may know others with glaucoma.

If you have any further questions and would like to learn more about Glaucoma Detection and Treatment, please Dr. Frank and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Samuel Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that lead to damage the optic nerve, usually resulting from a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain.

Over 60 million people worldwide (2.2 million Americans) have glaucoma and experts estimate that nearly half of them are unaware they are currently affected by the disease. This is probably because glaucoma displays no symptoms and, at first, only affects peripheral or side vision. As a result, an individual can lose as much as 40% of their vision before even noticing. This is also why glaucoma has been nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight.”

Once a person begins to lose their vision, the damage is irreversible. This is why regular eye exams are so important. While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment are your best options to slow or even prevent further vision loss brought on by the disease. Without early detection and treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. In fact, glaucoma is the second-leading cause of vision loss in the United States behind only cataracts.

This is why January has been named National Glaucoma Awareness Month.

You are at an increased risk developing glaucoma if…

•You are of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent

• You are over the age of 60

•You have a family member who has already been diagnosed

• You are diabetic

•You are severely nearsighted (myopic)

While everyone should have their eyes examined regularly, those with the above risk factors should increase the frequencies of those examinations.

Early detection equals earlier, simpler and more effective treatment.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Glaucoma Detection and Treatment, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

The Polakoff Foundation’s Mardi Gras Celebration to Help Raise Money to Aid the Fight Against Blindness

On March 3, 2012, the Polakoff Foundation is teaming up with Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (BISM) to hold A Mardi Gras Celebration at The Sheraton in Towson, Maryland. The event will feature dinner, dancing, live music from The Junkyard Saints, celebrity bartenders, and a silent auction.

The primary goal of this event is to raise money to help aid the fight against blindness. All proceeds from A Mardi Gras Celebration will be used by the Polakoff Foundation for: Training Services, Programs and Opportunities for Blind Individuals, Research, Free Screenings and Support in the Fight Against Glaucoma.

The Polakoff Foundation, founded in 2006, concentrates its fundraising efforts to assist those who can pursue breakthrough research in the quest for a glaucoma cure. They also provide assistance to organizations offering services related to the fight against glaucoma. These services include, but may not be limited to, free regional screenings in the Baltimore metro area as well as educational material to aid those who may be newly diagnosed or at risk.

The Polakoff Foundation maintains an all-volunteer staff. Their efforts depend on donations from corporations and caring individuals like you.

Please support A Mardi Gras Celebration by:

1.Purchasing tickets online ($125 per person)

2.Sponsoring the event (Sponsorships Information)

3.Donating auction items – email Nancy Kapp at nkappinc@comcast.net

4.Making monetary donations

Thank you in advance for your friendship and your support with this important cause.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about this wonderful fundraising event, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Dr. Boles and everyone else at the Anne Arundel Eye Center proudly support the efforts of The Polakoff Foundation and their role in the ongoing fight against glaucoma.

Glaucoma and Cataracts may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Anne Arundel Eye Center: Emergency Eye Care in Annapolis Maryland

An eye emergency constitutes an event that puts your eyesight at risk. Any such event requires immediate professional treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Examples of eye emergencies include:

Loss of Vision: If you experience any form of vision loss, even if you are not experiencing pain, contact your eye doctor immediately. In fact, loss of vision is one of the most significant indicators of an eye emergency. Lack of pain in no way diminishes the seriousness of the situation.

Torn or Cut Eyelid: If you experience a cut or torn eyelid, apply gentle pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Then rinse the area with water, cover with a clean bandage, apply a cold compress over the bandage to reduce pain and swelling, and seek medical help immediately.

Scratched Eye: If any direct damage occurs to your eyeball, DO NOT apply any pressure to stop the bleeding. Gently place a cold compress over the affected eye to reduce swelling and help control any bleeding and seek medical help immediately.

Protruding Eye: Any bulging of a single eye, especially in children, is a very serious sign and requires immediate professional attention. Contact your eye doctor immediately.

Foreign Object Under the Eyelid: First of all, DO NOT rub your eye if something becomes stuck under your eyelid. Try to wash it out with water. If that does not work, contact your eye doctor immediately.

Chemicals in the Eye: If any chemicals come into contact with your eye, immediately flush the eye with cool tap water. Turn your head to the side, with the affected eye facing down. Hold the eyelid open and allow the water to run over the eye. Do this for 15 minutes. After flushing the eye, seek immediate medical attention.

Foreign Object Embedded in the Eye: First and foremost, as hard as it may be to resist, DO NOT try to remove the object or apply pressure to the eye. Leave the object in place and bandage the eye. Then cover the healthy eye with a clean cloth or gauze and seek immediate medical attention.

There is a general theme when it comes to eye emergencies; if you experience an eye emergency, seek immediate medical attention and contact your eye doctor – ophthalmologist or optometrist – right away. If you are unable to reach your eye care physician, have a family member or friend drive you to the nearest emergency room. And remember the following advise.

•DO NOT rub your eye.

•DO NOT attempt to remove a foreign object that is in contact with the cornea or that is embedded in the eye.

•DO NOT use dry cotton or sharp objects on the eye.

•DO NOT contaminate a burn. Avoid breathing on the affected area.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about AAEC’s Emergency Eye Care Services, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Emergency Eye Care ClearVue.org

Anne Arundel Eye Center: Cataract and Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis, Maryland

Meet the AAEC Doctors

• Founding the Glaucoma Co-Management Roundtable to improve patient care through better communication and education.

• Serving as a Board Member of the Polakoff Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the community awareness and fight of Glaucoma, and the Maryland Society for Sight.

• Addressing Anne Arundel Community College’s graduating medical class for medical assistant programs.

• Participating in Heritage Harbour Health Group.

• Giving educational seminars at the Wiley H. Bates Heritage Park Residence for the Elderly.

• Supporting continuing education under COPE via educational presentations for Optometrists.

• Offering free screening programs to assist in the detection and prevention of Glaucoma and Cataracts.

Dr. Nathan Frank is a consultative optometrist who received his doctorate in optometry at Pacific University and completed his optometric residency with Seidenberg and Protzko Eye Associates. Dr. Frank is a member of the Maryland Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the Optometric Nutrition Society. As part of his training, Dr. Frank held clinical externships at Alaska Eye Care Center, Alaska; Pacific University College of Optometry, Oregon; Fort Washakie Indian Health Services, Wyoming; and Eyes of Arizona, Arizona.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about AAEC’s glaucoma and cataracts treatment options, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as well!

Diabetic Retinopathy: Signs and Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Currently, between 40-45% of Americans with diabetes have some varying degree of Diabetic Retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease and the leading cause of blindness in American adults. Specifically, Diabetic Retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the eye.

Types (Stages) of Diabetic Retinopathy

Non-proliferative: This is the first stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. It involves the enlargement of blood vessels with fluid/blood leaking into the retina, causing problems with one’s vision.

Proliferative: This is the more advanced type of Diabetic Retinopathy. It involves the forming of new blood vessels in the eye. These blood vessels then hemorrhage, causing scarring on the retina and other parts of the eye. This can result in several problems, including complete vision loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

• Blurred vision/ blurry vision

• Shadows or loss of areas of vision

• Difficulty seeing at nighttime

By the time these symptoms appear, it may be too late to reverse the damage. This is why it is important for all those with diabetes to have professional eye exams (at least once a year) in addition to regular medical care and checkups with their primary care physicians.

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

The best form of treatment for diabetic retinopathy is prevention. However, there are still some very effective ways to treat diabetic eye diseases, including:

• Focal Laser Treatment: Also known as photocoagulation, this laser treatment can slow or even stop blood and fluid from leaking in the eye.

• Scatter Laser Treatment: Also known as panretinal photocoagulation, this laser treatment is used to shrink any abnormal blood vessels in the eye.

• Vitrectomy: This surgical treatment is used to remove blood from the middle of the eye (vitreous) as well as any scar tissue that may be pulling on the retina.

While new treatment options are in development as scientists work toward a better understanding of this disease, regular eye exams and early detection remain your best options for fighting Diabetic Retinopathy.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Diabetic Retinopathy, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Should Know

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Symptoms and Treatment

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans 60 years of age or older. Currently, about 1.75 million U.S. residents have advanced AMD with associated vision loss. That number expected to grow to almost 3 million by 2020.

AMD is an eye disease that affects the part of the retina (the macula) responsible for sharp, central vision. As a result, AMD can make it difficult to perform every day tasks, such as reading and driving.

Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
Objects appear distorted in shape. Straight lines look wavy or crooked.
Loss of clear color vision
A dark or empty area appears in the center of vision.

AMD can advance so slowly that individuals initially notice little change in their vision. Other times, AMD progresses more rapidly and may even lead to vision loss in both eyes. This is why regular eye exams are so important. They can help detect the eye disease before it causes significant vision loss.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment

There are two types of AMD, “dry” macular degeneration and the less common “wet” macular degeneration.

Dry AMD: With this form of AMD, the tissue of the macula gradually becomes thinner and stops functioning properly. There is currently no cure for dry AMD and any vision loss associated with the disease cannot be restored, even with treatment.
Wet AMD: This form of AMD is caused by fluid that leak from newly formed blood vessels under the macula, resulting in blurred central vision. With wet AMD, vision loss can be rapid and severe, but if detected early, this form of AMD can be treated with photocoagulation (laser treatment).
Other potential treatment options include:
Anti-angiogenesis drugs: These medications block the development of new blood vessels and leakage from the abnormal vessels within the eye that cause wet macular degeneration.
Vitamins: A recent study found that vitamins C, E, beta carotene, zinc and copper can decrease the risk of vision loss in patients with intermediate to advanced dry macular degeneration.

Photodynamic laser therapy: A two-step treatment in which a light sensitive drug is used to damage the abnormal blood vessels. A doctor injects the drug into the bloodstream to be absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels in the eye. The doctor then shines a cold laser into the eye to activate the drug, damaging the abnormal blood vessels.

While AMD treatment cannot restore your vision, it can help to slow further vision loss.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about cataracts, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!
Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitterand YouTube as well!

Sources:
Macular Degeneration MedlinePlus
Age-Related Macular Degeneration American Optometric Association

Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cataracts will gradually worsen over time and will eventually interfere with normal vision. This can make every day tasks, like driving (especially at night) and reading, incredibly difficult.

Causes of Cataracts

There are several causes of cataracts. They develop primarily because of normal aging, but also due to eye injuries and genetic disorders. These varying causes lead to different types of cataracts, which include:

• Nuclear Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the center of the eyes lens.

• Cortical Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the edges of the lens.

• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the back of the lens.

• Congenital Cataracts: This refers to cataracts you were born with.

For additional information on any specific form of cataracts, consult your eye doctor.

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

• Blurred or blurry vision

• Yellowing or clouding of the lens

• Difficulty with night vision

• Sensitivity to light and glare

• Seeing “halos” around lights

• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

• Fading or yellowing of colors

• Double vision in a single eye

Cataracts Treatment

While better lighting and stronger eyeglasses can help you deal with cataracts in the short term, cataract surgery is the only truly effective treatment option available.

Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a new artificial lens. The procedure is fairly safe, but carries a risk of infection and bleeding. Surgery also increases the risk of retinal detachment.

However, if your cataracts begin to affect your quality of life, inhibiting you from performing normal daily tasks, cataract surgery is usually the best choice for trying to regain your sight. So if you feel it may be time to consider cataract surgery, contact your eye doctor to discuss your options. You can also turn to Anne Arundel Eye Center for additional information.

Led by Dr. Boles, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Cataract MedicinePlus

Cataracts MayoClinic.com

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regularly scheduled eye exams – regardless of your age or physical fitness – are an important part of your overall health, not just your vision.

Eye exams for adults are needed to keep your eyeglasses prescription current. Even if you primarily wear contact lenses, having a current eyeglasses prescription is still very important. If something were to happen to your contacts,it is necessary to have a pair of up-to-date backup glasses handy. During your eye exam, your eye doctor will also check for early signs of eye disease and other health-related disorders. Did you know that eye doctors (optometrists orophthalmologists) are often the first healthcare professionals to detect chronicsystemic diseases, like high blood pressure or diabetes?

Eye exams for children, meanwhile, are important for normal vision development and academic achievement. Vision is closely linked to the learning process and poor vision will often result in poor academic performance. And since the effected child does not know what normal vision looks like, he/she is unable to articulate the problem to their teachers or parents. That is why regularly scheduled eye exams are important even if your child does not complain of poor or blurry vision.

What does an Eye Doctor Check for during an Eye Exam?

Your eye doctor will not only evaluate your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses,but he/she will also inspect your eyes for common eye diseases and other problems thatcould lead to vision loss. Your eye

doctor will look for the following:

Refractive Errors: These errors, which include nearsightedness, farsightedness, andastigmatism, are corrected with eyeglasses, contacts, or eye surgery.

Regularly scheduled eye exams – regardless of your age or physical fitness – are an important part of your overall health, not just your vision.

Eye exams for adults are needed to keep your eyeglasses prescription current. Even if you primarily wear contact lenses, having a current eyeglasses prescription is still very important. If something were to happen to your contacts, it is necessary to have a pair of up-to-date backup glasses handy. During your eye exam, your eye doctor will also check for early signs of eye disease and other health-related disorders. Did you know that eye doctors (optometrists or ophthalmologists) are often the first healthcare professionals to detect chronic systemic diseases, like high blood pressure or diabetes?

Eye exams for children, meanwhile, are important for normal vision development and academic achievement. Vision is closely linked to the learning process and poor vision will often result in poor academic performance. And since the effected child does not know what normal vision looks like, he/she is unable to articulate the problem to their teachers or parents. That is why regularly scheduled eye exams are important even if your child does not complain of poor or blurry vision.

What does an Eye Doctor Check for during an Eye Exam?

Your eye doctor will not only evaluate your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but he/she will also inspect your eyes for common eye diseases and other problems that could lead to vision loss. Your eye doctor will look for the following:

Refractive Errors: These errors, which include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, are corrected with eyeglasses, contacts, or eye surgery.

Glaucoma: The term Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that lead to damage the optic nerve, usually resulting from a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain.

Cataracts: A cataract is clouding of the eye’s lens, which is located behind the iris and pupil. Cataracts do not damage the health of your eye in any way; they just result in blurry vision.

Amblyopia: This occurs when one eye has a much different prescription than the other or when the eyes are turned, resulting in the brain “shutting off” the image from the effected eye. Failure to address this disorder can result in permanent vision loss. Amblyopia is often treated with drops or by patching the stronger eye for a period of time.

Strabismus: Also known as crossed eyes or turned eyes, Strabismus can cause problems with depth perception and can even lead to Amblyopia.

Corneal Disease: There are several different conditions including infections, degenerations and other disorders that affect the cornea.

Diabetic Retinopathy: This is the most common progressive eye disease resulting from long-term diabetes.

And Much, Much More!

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to schedule an eye exam, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitterand YouTube as well!

Sources:

Why Are Eye Exams Important?

Retinal Detachment: Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment

A retinal detachment refers to a separation of the retina – the light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye – from its supporting layers. This serious medical condition is typically caused by trauma, diabetes or an inflammatory disorder.

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

• Flashes of light (Especially in peripheral vision)

• Blurred/blurry vision

• Floaters in the eye. Also referred to as shadows or spots

• Blindness in a portion of the visual field

The sudden and dramatic appearance of these symptoms is a strong indication that the retina is either tearing or detaching. If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Treatment of Retinal Detachment

Most cases of retinal detachment require one of the following surgeries.

• Freezing (cryopexy): The application of intense cold to the area with an ice probe to form a scar, which holds the retina in place.

• Laser Surgery (photocoagulation): This is used to seal the tears or holes in the retina.

• Pneumatic Retinopexy: The placing of a gas bubble in the eye to help the retina float back into place. Then a laser is used to fix the retina in place.

More extensive cases require more invasive procedures, including:

• Scleral Buckle: This is done to indent the wall of the eye, relieving the tugging of the vitreous on the retina.

• Vitrectomy: This is done to remove gel or scar tissue that may be pulling on the retina.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about your various treatment options, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Retinal Detachment

Flashers and Floaters in the Eye: What are They and What do They Mean?

As we age, the eye’s gel-like vitreous begins to dissolve and liquefy, creating a watery center. Occasionally some un-dissolved vitreous particles will float around the now watery center, appearing as spots or what we refer to as floaters.

Floaters in the eye are a fairly common, harmless apparition that will generally fade away in time. Yet, while these floaters are typically common, they can be the first signs of a more serious medical condition, such as retinal detachment.

If you ever see a shower of floaters (spots) accompanied by flashes of light (photopsia), then you should seek immediate medical attention. The sudden and dramatic appearance of these symptoms could indicate that the retina is either tearing or detaching.

Retinal detachments and retinal tears are both emergency conditions that require immediate medical attention. An eye surgeon must reattach or repair the retina to prevent permanent vision loss from occurring.

So if you see floaters in your eye, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – at your earliest convenience. Any change in your sight is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention. If these symptoms appear rapidly and include flashes of light, call your eye doctor right away.

If you have any questions about what you have just read, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitterand YouTube as well!

Sources:

Eye Floaters, Flashes and Spots

Prevent an Eye Emergency Around Chemicals and Construction by Wearing Goggles

Eye injuries in the workplace are much more common than you may think. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports about 2,000 job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment every day. That is just in the United States, alone. And of those 2,000 occupational eye injuries, eye doctors believe that an incredible 90% could have been prevented with the use of proper eye protection. Because of this, the Occupational and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the use of protective eyewear – goggles, face shields, safety glasses, or full-face respirators – whenever there is a reasonable probability of eye injury.

Proper eye protection differs depending on the specific situation and eye hazards present.

• Safety glasses with side shields should be worn in situations where foreign objects – dust, dirt, sawdust, etc. – will be flying around.

• Goggles should be worn whenever you are working with chemicals

• Specially made safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets should be worn near hazardous radiation

If you have any questions about eyewear, consult your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist. They should be able to help you determine what type of eye protection you need. You should always wear appropriate eye protection wherever and whenever there is any sort of threat of eye injury, especially at work.

High-risk occupations for eye injuries include:

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Carpentry

• Auto Repair

• Electrical Work

• Plumbing

• Welding

• Maintenance

If you experience any eye injury, even if it seems minor, call your eye doctor immediately to schedule an eye exam or have a friend or family member drive you to the emergency room. Eye injuries are serious and require prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Protecting Your Eyes at Work

Corneal Disease: Explanation, Symptoms, and Treatment

Your cornea – the clear, protective outer layer of the eye – not only protects your eye from dirt and germs, but also plays a key role in your vision. As light enters the eye, it is focused or refracted by the shape of the cornea. If your cornea sustains damage through disease, infection or injury, the resulting scar tissue can interfere with your vision by blocking or distorting light as it enters your eye.

There are several different conditions including infections, degenerations and other disorders that affect the cornea. These include:

Astigmatism: Caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, astigmatism is a refractive error in which the eye has trouble focusing light. Astigmatism is the most common form of corneal problem. Treatment typically involves the use of glasses or contacts.

Corneal Abrasion: Caused by trauma to the eye, a corneal abrasion refers to a scratch on the outer layer of the eye. It is the second most common form of corneal distress. Treatment traditionally involves patching of the eye, though newer bandage contact lenses are beginning to see more use. These allow people to stay functional during the healing process.

Keratits: This form of corneal disease is an inflammation of the cornea that occurs with viral, bacteria or fungal infection. Symptoms of keratitis include severe eye pain, reduced visual clarity, and discharge.

Ocular Herpes (Herpes of the Eye): Similar to cold sores on the lip, this reoccurring viral infection produces sores on the surface of the cornea that, in time, can spread deeper into the cornea and eye. There is no cure for ocular herpes, but it can often be controlled with the use of antiviral drugs.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles): This is actually a recurrence of the chickenpox virus, since most of us have already had the disease. Symptoms of Herpes Zoster include blisters or lesions on the cornea, fever, and pain from inflamed nerve fibers.

Corneal Dystrophies

There are over 20 of these diseases that cause structural problems with the cornea. The most common forms include:

Keratoconus: This is a progressive disease in which the cornea thins and even changes shape, creating either mild or severe distortion (astigmatism) and nearsightedness (myopia).

Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy: As the basement membrane of the epithelium of the cornea grows irregularly, abnormalities resembling maps, dots and fingerprints form in the cornea. While this form of corneal disease is mostly painless and causes no vision loss, epithelial erosion may occur, exposing the nerves lining the cornea and causing severe eye pain.

Fuchs’ Dystrophy: Seemingly happening for no apparent reason – although you may have a genetic predisposition to the disease - Fuch’s Dystrophy involves the gradual deterioration of endothelial cells. As these cells thin, they can no longer remove water from the corneal stroma. This causes the stroma to swell and distort vision.

Lattice Dystrophy: This disease is characterized by the presence of abnormal protein fibers throughout the stroma. This can result in the clouding of the cornea and reduced vision and in rare cases, epithelial erosion.

Symptoms of Corneal Disease

The cornea has the ability to quickly repair itself after most injuries or diseases. However, more serious situations may result in a much more prolonged healing process. If this is the case, the following symptoms should serve as an immediate indicator of a deeper medical issue:

Eye pain
Blurred/blurry vision
Tearing
Redness
Extreme sensitivity to light
Corneal scarring

If you feel you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Although corneal disease resulting from hereditary factors cannot be prevented, infectious corneal disease caused from bacteria and viruses can be avoided. You should never share eye makeup, contact solution, lens cases, and eye drops with anyone as this may increase the risk of infection.

However, if you do contract some form of corneal disease, vision can be preserved through early detection and treatment. This is just another reason why regular eye exams are so important.

Led by Dr. Boles, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers complete ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Your Cornea: Conditions, Symptoms and Treatments

November is National Diabetic Eye Disease Month

There are roughly 29 million Americans that suffer from diabetes, about 8% of the total population. And because diabetes presents with few symptoms, almost a third of these individuals are unaware they have the disease.

Without knowing they are diabetic, this 1/3 is at an increased risk to develop Diabetic Retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in American adults. They are also over 40% more likely to develop glaucoma, the second-leading cause of vision loss in U.S. And because diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma rarely presents any symptoms, regular eye exams and early detection remain your best options for fighting these diseases.

This is why November was named National Diabetic Eye Disease Month.

The longer these diseases go untreated, the more likely they will result in permanent vision loss. Because of this, it is extremely important for those with diabetes to not only seek regular medical care, but also regular eye exams (at least once a year), as well. If caught early enough, Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma are treatable.

If you do experience any symptoms – like blurred/blurry vision – schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. If this change in vision is extreme or if any eye pain is involved, consider having a family member or friend drive you to the emergency room.

Any change in your sight is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well!

Sources:
November is National Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Millions at Risk for Blindness Due to Diabetes- November is National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

The Elderly are at an Increased Risk for Eye Disease

In a statement by National Eye Institute Director Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., on World Sight Day 2011, the Director urged older Americans to protect their vision. Because, as Sieving explained, older people are simply at an increased risk for eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Diabetic Retinopathy.

AMD – This eye disease can cause loss of central vision due to the breakdown of the light-sensing cells in the retina.

Cataracts – This eye disease clouds vision because of a clumping of proteins in the eye’s lens.

Glaucoma – This eye disease involves damage to the optic nerve caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP).

Diabetic Retinopathy – This eye disease impairs vision due to diabetes-related injury to the eye’s blood vessels.

Early stages of these diseases have no symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are crucial to catching eye disease before permanent vision loss occurs. The importance of early detection and treatment of age-related eye disease cannot be overstated.

If you experience a sudden change in vision, such as blurriness/blurry vision, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately. If this change in vision is extreme or if any eye pain is involved, consider having a family member or friend drive you to the emergency room.

Any change in your sight is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well!

Sources:

National Eye Institute urges older Americans to protect their vision

Insomnia and the Yellowing of the Eye’s Lens

A recent study uncovered a direct link between the yellowing of the eye’s lens and insomnia. The study evaluated participants (970 in total) using a lens autofluorometry, a non-invasive method that determined how much blue light was transmitted to the retina. And because blue light plays a crucial role in regulating the brain’s melatonin levels – which directly affects one’s daily sleep-wake cycle – subjects with lower levels of blue light were more prone to sleep disturbances.

Volunteers were considered to have a sleep disorder if they confirmed that they “often suffer from insomnia” or if they purchased prescription sleeping pills within the last 12 months.

But what was causing these individuals to filter out blue light?

As the lens of the eye becomes more yellowed it filters out more and more blue light. This yellowing occurs naturally as we age and may explain why sleep disorders become more frequent with increasing age. It also may explain why smokers and individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus also experienced higher rates of sleep disorders. Diabetes and smoking have been linked to the pre-mature yellowing of the eye’s lens,

Currently, the only known way to effectively reverse the yellowing process and thus possibly to improve sleep is through cataract surgery.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Can’t Sleep? Maybe it’s due to cataracts. Blog.VisiVite.com

Cataracts Could Cause Insomnia in the Elderly Ivanhoe.com

Presbyopia Causes, Symptoms & Treatment :: Eye Care Center in Annapolis, MD

May is Healthy Vision Month :: Eye Care Tips :: Anne Arundel Eye Center

Blepharitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Astigmatism: Eye Care Advice from Anne Arundel Eye Center in Maryland

Are Your Aging Eyes to Blame for Your Health Problems?

What Can You Say When You Learn You Have Glaucoma And Your Sight Is At Risk?

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Treatment of Farsightedness

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Eye Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A Look at Computer Vision Syndrome

Early Treatment of Ocular Hypertension

Cataracts Overview: Causes Symptoms, and Treatment

Natural Supplements Can Help Slow or Prevent Degenerative Eye Diseases

What is a Glaucoma Suspect?

Glaucoma: An Overview from Dr. Nathan Frank

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

The Polakoff Foundation’s Mardi Gras Celebration to Help Raise Money to Aid the Fight Against Blindness

Anne Arundel Eye Center: Emergency Eye Care in Annapolis Maryland

Anne Arundel Eye Center: Cataract and Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis, Maryland

Diabetic Retinopathy: Signs and Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Symptoms and Treatment

Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Retinal Detachment: Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment

Flashers and Floaters in the Eye: What are They and What do They Mean?

Prevent an Eye Emergency Around Chemicals and Construction by Wearing Goggles

Corneal Disease: Explanation, Symptoms, and Treatment

November is National Diabetic Eye Disease Month

The Elderly are at an Increased Risk for Eye Disease

Insomnia and the Yellowing of the Eye’s Lens

Email Subscription

Home Meet Our Doctors Eye Care Services Patient Information Education/News Medical Partners Resources Blog Contact Us