Adapting healthy habits such as eating the right foods or exercising can prevent common eye conditions such as glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. According to George Town EDU, 20 million Americans have vision impairments. Changing your lifestyle can lead to long-term benefits that can help prevent you from developing a common eye condition.
Foods with key nutrients for your diet
As you plan out your meals for the week it is important to include key vitamins and minerals. Foods that include nutrients vital for your daily intake can lead to a better immune system and decrease the risk of vision disorders. The following is a list of foods to consider:
Too often people gravitate towards a sugary drink or dessert with a high sugar content. Making this a habit can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart disease that can cause diabetic retinopathy. By making simple dietary adjustments, you can set yourself up to maintain healthy vision.
Activities that help with hand-eye coordination
Eye health can be managed by being active a few times a week. Whether you are working out in your house or at the park, spending at least 30 minutes doing cardio will help to stimulate the brain and improve hand-eye coordination. Here are a few ways you can exercise to get your eyes stimulated:
To maintain a healthy mind, you must implement healthy habits. If you are experiencing vision discrepancies, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision complications and the best options for you.
Source: Health Harvard
As kids are going back to school it is important to prioritize eye health and to be educated on how to take care of your vision. According to the CDC, 6.8% of children younger than 18 years old in the United States have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. Thousands of kids struggle with undiagnosed vision disorders because they are too embarrassed to express their concerns.
Signs you are experiencing vision issues
With schools becoming more competitive, having the ability to see clearly is imperative. By ignoring eye health issues, students can fall behind educationally, have self-esteem issues and run the possibility of prolonging eye diseases and other health issues.
Signs to look for in the classroom:
If you ignore these signs, you may become part of “more than 600,00 children and teens who are blind or have a vision disorder”. Acknowledging your vision impairments is the first step, the next is contacting your local eye care clinic to schedule an appointment.
Eye care tips for inside and outside the classroom
Being aware of common vision challenges faced by students is valuable, so is knowing how to deal with them. Taking care of your eyesight is the utmost importance because your eyes help you study, read, and write. If you want to prioritize your vision incorporate the following tips:
To maintain healthy eyes, you must implement healthy habits. If you are experiencing vision issues, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision complications and options for your treatment.
Throughout the teenage years the body enters puberty which can cause drastic changes to your vision. The importance of your eye health can often be overlooked as homework and school activities become a priority. However, understanding why you should prioritize your vision care is essential to either maintain healthy vision or treat prolonging eye diseases.
Typical eye conditions found in teens
Three eye conditions that are normally discovered in teens include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
If you are looking to correct these vision impairments, then opting for glasses or contacts may be your best options. Your doctor will disclose what option is best suited for your prescription and eye shape.
At this stage of adolescence, teens are in sports activities that may require them to be outside for extended periods of time. This raises concern as they become exposed to other dangerous eye health complications including:
Families and teens should be privy to the conditions that can be detrimental to eye health.
Tips to maintain healthy vision
To enact healthy eye habits here are few tips you should follow:
If you have experienced the following eye conditions, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision discrepancies and the best options for you.
Our eyesight is an essential tool vital in completing daily tasks. As we age, our vision begins to deteriorate and we become prone to more eye diseases. According to the CDC, “93% of people in the United States are at risk for vision loss.” Here are 5 tips to maintain healthy vision:
Having good eye health starts with planning the right meals for your body. When meal prepping, nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, lutein, zinc and Vitamin E must be incorporated into your diet. To decrease your chances of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts here a few foods you should buy on your weekly grocery trip:
If you forget to wear your sunglasses in 100-degree weather, then you increase your chances of being diagnosed with cataracts or macular degeneration. UV light exposure affects the cornea and lens, which function to absorb light. Too much exposure can lead to permanent damage affecting your central vision. Next time you are in the market for shades make sure they are 100 percent UVA- and UVB-absorbent or UV 400.
Digital eye strain can progress if you are always looking at your laptop or phone. Staring at a screen for a long period can lead to blurry vision, difficulty looking at long distances, and headaches. To prevent vision discrepancies here are some suggestions:
If you work in a lab or have a job where you have regular contact with chemicals use safety glasses or protective googles.
Being active in sports such as hockey or football can lead to eye injuries. Make sure to wear your uniform, padding and face/eye gear to ensure you are protecting your eyes from long term damage.
Attending your annual eye exam can lead to prescription changes and discovering an eye or health disease. It is imperative to attend your appointments to receive treatments and take care of your vision. Having your yearly visit may include:
If you have not gone to your annual checkup, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision discrepancies and the best options for you.
Source: Web MD
Throughout the teenage years the body enters puberty which can cause drastic changes to your vision. The importance of your eye health can often be overlooked as homework and school activities become a priority. However, understanding why you should prioritize your vision care is essential to either maintain healthy vision or treat prolonging eye diseases.
Typical eye conditions found in teens
Three eye conditions that are normally discovered in teens include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
If you are looking to correct these vision impairments, then opting for glasses or contacts may be your best options. Your doctor will disclose what option is best suited for your prescription and eye shape.
At this stage of adolescence, teens are in sports activities that may require them to be outside for extended periods of time. This raises concern as they become exposed to other dangerous eye health complications including:
Families and teens should be privy to the conditions that can be detrimental to eye health.
Tips to maintain healthy vision
To enact healthy eye habits here are few tips you should follow:
If you have experienced the following eye conditions, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision discrepancies and the best options for you.
You may be eligible for scleral contact lenses if you’ve had trouble wearing contacts in the past – or you’ve been told you’re not a suitable candidate for contacts.
Most contact lenses sit on top of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) to correct refractive errors and make your vision clearer. Scleral lenses are rigid contact lenses that sit on the sclera (the white part of the eye) instead of the cornea. The space between the scleral lens and the cornea can hold fluid to heal damaged corneas and treat severe dry eye. There has been a significant evolution in contact lens technology over the past few decades. There is a specialty lens option available for nearly everyone today. The scleral contact lens is one of the most versatile types of specialty contacts.
Scleral lenses offer several benefits for various eye conditions. Here are some key advantages of scleral lenses:
It’s critical to note that scleral lenses are custom-made to fit each individual’s eye shape and prescription. They require specialized fitting by an eye care professional experienced in fitting scleral lenses. If you are considering scleral lenses, it is best to consult with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who can evaluate your specific needs and determine if they are a suitable option for you.
Think you may be a candidate for scleral lenses? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 for our Massapequa office to schedule an appointment today.
Sources: National Eye Institute & American Academy of Ophthalmology
Botox is an FDA approved cosmetic treatment that helps smooth lines to achieve a youthful glow. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, “The most frequently administered non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the United States in 2012 was botox.” Through this procedure fine lines become less apparent and prevent them from worsening.
What can I expect with botox injections?
As you enter the operating room you may be met with nerves, however, the ophthalmologist performing the procedure will be there to guide you every step of the way. Small injections will be placed with a fine needle across the target areas. The procedure is quick and only takes a few minutes. You should expect to see results within 3-4 days.
How do you know if you are a candidate for botox?
To qualify for botox you must be a healthy adult between the ages of 18-65. Having wrinkles or crow’s feet are expression lines that are valid reasons for the procedure.
Post Op Procedures
After the procedure is complete here are a few house rules to avoid complications:
What can I expect with Juvederm injections?
Juvederm helps to restore volume and smoothness by replacing depleted hyaluronic acid just beneath the skin. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and volume leading to less definition of certain features. This results in people seeking the treatment to achieve smooth skin.
What information should I be aware of?
Juvederm is a safe procedure that lifts your features and fills in areas that are lacking around your eyes. While it is USDA approved, there are certain precautions you should take before proceeding with the injections including:
Lidocaine is one of the key ingredients in the injection. If you are allergic, you should consult your doctor to see if this procedure is right for you.
If you take several medications it can lead to immune system issues, severe bruising, or extensive bleeding.
Post Op procedures
While many people may not want to follow the rules, doing so will result in less complications. Here are some instructions to follow 24 hours after receiving treatment:
Think you may be a candidate for botox or juvederm? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about the risks and benefits of both procedures.
Femto laser cataract surgery is a procedure that uses advanced technology to remove cataracts softly and accurately. Special lasers make precise incisions in the cornea and lens to break up the cataract. This technique aims to reduce astigmatism of the eye and optimize the clarity of your vision during cataract surgery.
Symptoms of cataracts
More than 20.5 million Americans over 40 years old deal with cataracts. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms your doctor may recommend Femto Laser Cataract Surgery:
Advantages of Femto Laser Cataract Surgery
While this procedure may be daunting it actually is a safe alternative to the traditional blade used in removing cataracts. There are a few advantages which include:
Capsulotomy refers to the thin and dainty membrane that captures the eyes clouded lenses. To have a good chance of spectacle-free vision it must be performed accurately. Before laser procedures were introduced a surgeon had to manually remove the capsule. This led to a higher risk of complications. Once computer-guided lasers were available surgeons were able to cut perfectly circular openings reducing the risk of breakage.
Cataracts refer to clouding of the natural lens. Sound waves are used to break our lens into smaller pieces. If a cataract is quite dense than more ultrasound energy is required. This can cause damage to the endothelial cells. With femtolaser cataract surgery the laser pre-softens the lens meaning less ultrasound is necessary. This results in less damage, a smoother procedure and a faster recovery period.
Typically a blade is used to make incisions which leads more room for error. With a femtolaser the exact area, width and dimensions are mapped out improving your vision.
Astigmatism refers to the cornea developing the shape of a football rather than being round. Throughout the procedure a laser is used in the peripheral cornea to fix the shape.
What to Expect Before, During & After Femto Laser Cataract Surgery
Before
Your doctor will perform an ultrasound test measuring the size and shape of your eye. This will decide the IOL, type of lens implant, suited for your eye during your procedure.
During
If you have cataracts surgery, you will be awake through the whole procedure. Sedation or local anesthesia may be offered to provide comfort. While the procedure is only a few minutes the whole process (before, and during) spans around an hour. If you are experiencing cataracts in both eyes your surgeon will most likely perform separate surgeries.
After
Most patients recover from cataract surgery with little to no complications. You will wear an eye shield for a few hours after surgery and when you sleep for a few days. It will take some time for your vision to properly adjust so do not be concerned if you are not seeing perfectly acute immediately after the procedure.
If you think Femto Laser Cataract Surgery may be right for you, contact our office or call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment.
What is blepharitis?
Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition where the edges of the eyelids become red, swollen and inflamed. Blepharitis is often caused by a build-up of bacteria living along the eyelid and eyelashes. The most important part of treating and managing Blepharitis is to keep the eyelids clean. If you do not treat it, it will not improve, and your symptoms will remain or possible worsen.
Types of blepharitis
There are two types of blepharitis including anterior and posterier. Anterior blepharitis refers to inflammation affecting the skin around the base of your eyelashes. Posterior Blepharitis refers to inflammation affecting your eyelid glands. Meibomian Glad Dysfunction (MGD) can occur when the eyelid glands become clogged.
Blepharitis affects more than 82 million Americans. It is common amongst people aged over 50. Also, those who have oily skin, dandruff or rosacea are more susceptible to being diagnosed.
Symptoms and causes
If you have Blepharitis, you may notice some of the following:
The possible causes of Blepharitis include:
Advice & Treatment for Blepharitis
Daily lid hygiene is essential to the management of Blepharitis. Here are treatments that can help you maintain cleanliness around your eyelids:
Applying a Heated Eye Mask or warm cloth to closed eyelids for 10 minutes can help soften the clogged oils in the eyelid glands. This allows the oils to follow more freely and help prevent the tears from evaporating from the surface of the eye. Following the heated eye mask, gently massage the eyelids using your forefinger. Massaging will help to push the oils out from the eyelid glands.
Cleansing your eyelids daily will help remove debris, bacteria, and oil that can often lead to Blepharitis or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Using lid scrubs or diluted baby shampoo applied by swab or cotton bud have been the most widely recommended method, there are newer, more effective methods of managing lid hygiene such as commercially available lid scrubs, wipes, and Ocusoft Lid foam. Lid scrubs and wipes are usually presoaked in a cleansing solution and ready to use.
In cases of severe meibomian glad plugging and recurrent chalazions/styes, our doctors recommend a BlephEx treatment. BlephEx uses a gentle micro-exfoliating sponge to gently cleanse and remove bacterial biofilm and lid debris in just 6-8 minutes. Since home treatments are only semi-effective the procedure is typically repeated at 4–6-month intervals.
Eye doctors recommend a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and/or the use of nutritional supplements to help manage Blepharitis. Increasing your consumption of Omega-3 Fatty Acids can improve the oil in your glands and relieve symptoms associated with Blepharitis, Dry Eye, and Meibomian Glad Dysfuction (MGD). It is important to choose an Omega-3 supplement such as Focus Relief Vitamins that is highly absorbable by the body to ensure best results.
Think you may be susceptible to blepharitis? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your symptoms and whether you may be diagnosed.
Sources:
February 9, 2022
What is a blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes baggy skin around your eyes to help create a more youthful appearance. As we age, excess skin develops that causes sagging eyebrows and pronounced bags. The purpose of this procedure is to improve your peripheral vision and other parts within your visual perimeter. Through this procedure, your upper and lower eyelids will experience less sagging and folding.
Risks can include:
Am I good candidate for eyelid surgery?
You must meet with an ophthalmologist who will discuss:
It is necessary to have a physical exam to help determine your candidacy. This may include:
Medicines such as warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are not allowed to be taken since you can become prone to extreme bleeding. Your surgeon will advise you on the medicines you can take. Additionally, you must refrain from smoking weeks before the procedure. Not doing so may result in delaying your healing time frame.
Surgery expectations and the aftermath
The procedure is normally performed in an outpatient setting. Injections will be placed in your eyelids to numb them and drugs from an IV will be given to put you in a relaxed state. Once the surgery commences, the surgeon will cut into the fold of your upper eyelid and remove excess skin and muscle. Afterwards the cut is closed. In the lower eye lid the surgeon cuts below your lashes and removes fat and skin. Then the cut is closed. If your upper eyelid happens to droop more than normal, a procedure called ptosis may take place. It is performed to add a lift and remove unwanted skin. In the post-op stage you are placed in a recovery room where staff check on you to see whether you are experiencing any complications. Negative reactions that may result include:
Additionally, if you have glaucoma, retinal detachment, or dry eye this can lead to disrupting the recovery period.
To help make the recovery process more bearable you should:
Think you may be a candidate for eyelid surgery? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about the risks and benefits of this procedure.