Help us bring awareness to the importance of regular eye exams. Together, we can eliminate avoidable blindness. Schedule your appointment today.
Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 100 million adults living in the United States that have diabetes or prediabetes. Make sure you understand the signs so you can protect your vision.
- Diabetes Can Cause Multiple Eye Problems
Patients who have diabetes are susceptible to a group of eye problems. These include glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. The last one is the leading cause of blindness in adults between the ages of 20 and 74.
- There Are No Symptoms in the Early Stages
Experiencing no symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you are okay. The early stages of diabetic retinopathy show no signs of the disease. You may not notice any problems until the condition has advanced. That’s why it’s vital to take a proactive approach to your eye health.
- If You Have Diabetes, You Need to Be Checked
Everyone should get regular eye exams, but it is especially crucial for people with diabetes. Your eye disease risk is increased. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to develop a problem. Between 40% and 45% of diabetes patients have some diabetic retinopathy.
- Your Medication Will Help Prevent Eye Disease
Always take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. This will help keep symptoms under control. It can also slow or prevent problems that could affect your vision.
- Good Health and Weight Are Important
Along with sticking to your medication regimen, you should also take steps to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible. Keep your weight where it should be and eat a nutritious diet. These changes can help lower your risk of diabetic eye disease.
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, let us know. Schedule an appointment with Grosinger, Spigelman and Grey, Bloomfield Hills ophthalmologists, and take the first step in protecting your vision.
The Effects of Blue Light
Screens have become a normal part of life in modern society. We use them to work, watch television, play video games, look at the weather, etc. The average adult consumes five times more information daily than they did over 50 years ago. Much of this is due to the increased use of computers, mobile phones, and the internet. It’s not uncommon for the average person to spend seven hours or more a day looking at a screen.
Blue Light and Your Eyes
The issue isn’t so much the screen itself but the blue light being emitted by the screen. You can look at a screen and generally experience no long-term side effects. However long exposure to blue light can cause damage to your eyes.
A recent study funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) found that children’s eyes absorb more blue light from screens than adults do. Which can be seen today when we give our child a screen to keep them busy while we carry on with our day to day responsibilities. Other studies suggest that continued exposure can lead to retinal cell damage.
You may also notice the symptoms of eye strain. If you experience dry eyes, fatigue, or headaches, it may be time to cut down your screen usage.
Protecting Your Eyes from Digital Screens
Changing your habits can help protect your eyes from the side effects of lengthy screen time. You can:
- Always hold screens 20” to 26” away from eyes and a little below eye-level
- Change lighting to lower glare and reflections or use glare filters
- Sit in a chair that allows you to adjust your position
- Wear computer glasses that block blue light
- Use anti-reflective lenses to increase contrast and lower glare
During your appointment, ask us how to protect your vision from digital screens. Our ophthalmologists have studied these topics and can answer your questions and help you develop habits that keep your eyes healthy.
Wishing You a Sweet Rosh Hashanah
To our family, friends and patients who celebrate, Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey wishes you much health and happiness this Rosh Hashanah.
Over-the-Counter Readers vs. Prescription Glasses
Most adults need some vision support by the time they reach age 40. Some go to an eye doctor to get a pair of prescription glasses. Others head to the local pharmacy or retailer to pick up a pair of over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses. Which option is the best choice for your eyes?
Pros of Over the Counter Glasses
- OTC glasses don’t require an examination to buy
- You can bring OTC glasses home the same day you buy them
- OTC glasses cost less than buying prescription eyewear
- Some OTC glasses come with UVA/UVB protection
Cons of Over the Counter Glasses
- Lens quality may be low or inconsistent with bubbles or imperfections
- You won’t find a pair that’s made specifically for your vision needs
- Same prescription used in both lenses even though most people have a stronger eye
- You may have to search for a pair that offers the strength you need
- Skipping the exam means you won’t know if you have a developing eye condition
Pros of Prescription Glasses
- Lenses are made based on your exact prescription for optimum sight
- Lens quality is consistent, so you get the clearest vision possible
- A different prescription can be used in each lens
- Lets your doctor build a record of your eye health
- Exams can reveal changes or conditions you didn’t know you had
Cons of Prescription Glasses
- Prescription glasses cost more than OTC eyewear
- You may have to wait days or weeks for your glasses to arrive
- You will have to schedule an exam to get your prescription
While OTC glasses may be cheaper and easier to buy, they are not the best option in the long run. Everyone should have regular eye exams to check for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Prescription glasses will perform better and are tailored to your vision needs.
It may not hurt to have a pair of OTC readers available to put on as a backup, but in the end, it’s best to get prescription. Contact Grosinger, Spiegelman & Grey to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Healthy Aging and Your Eyes
Your eyesight will change as you grow older. It’s important to understand what’s normal, what isn’t, and when to see an ophthalmologist.
Common Age-Related Eye Problems
The problems listed here are common and can be treated. However, you should not delay in seeking medical advice. They could be a sign that something else is going on.
- Presbyopia – You may notice the gradual loss of your ability to see small print or close-up objects. This is a slow change that will happen as you age. You may also notice increased eye strain and headaches. Reading glasses usually correct the problem.
- Excessive Tearing – Your eyes may become sensitive to wind, light, or changes in temperature. This can lead to excessive tearing. Protecting your vision with sunglasses or eye drops can help. It could also indicate that you have a blocked tear duct, which should be addressed by a doctor.
- Floaters – Floaters look like cobwebs or specks in your field of vision. You can see them in bright light. While they are normal, they can also be a sign of a detached retina.
- Eyelid Issues – Older people sometimes experience eyelid problems. This can include redness, itching, and swelling. If you notice discomfort, you could have blepharitis, which can be treated with warm compresses.
When Should I See an Ophthalmologist?
You should schedule an ophthalmologist appointment right away if you notice sudden changes in your vision. You should also seek advice if you have:
- Eye pain
- Double vision
- Flashes of light in your vision
- Unexplained eye swelling
It is very important to have routine exams. Regular ophthalmologist visits are a big part of healthy aging. Some eye diseases can be treated if caught early. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s Bloomfield Hills office today to schedule your appointment.
Dry Eye Relief
Don’t suffer with dry eyes. There are non-invasive measures that relieve dry eye for many including artificial tear eye drops and warm compresses on the eyelids. There are also ophthalmic procedures such as BlephEx and Lipiflow that has made a huge difference in the quality of our patients lives when the less intrusive options did not help.
What Is BlephEx and Lipiflow?
- The BlephEx procedure is used for our patients who suffer from blepharitis; a type of eyelid inflammation. This procedure is a quick and pain free way that effectively removes the debris and bacteria that is a factor causing their dry eye syndrome.
- The Lipiflow procedure helps with oil gland dysfunction. Our office was among the first in Michigan to offer this procedure. Lipiflow applies gentle warmth and pressure to both sides of the eyelids which aids in unplugging the oil glands so that natural tears are able to flow for a longer period of time.
There are many things that you can do to help your dry eye syndrome. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s Bloomfield Hills office to schedule an appointment to see what is the best course of action for you.
Cataract Surgery Lens Options
Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey ophthalmic surgeons use a computer-controlled, bladeless laser that provides our surgeons the ability to perform the most exact individualized surgery possible affording the highest optimum results available. This is the most advanced, premium option for cataract patients.
There are great options for our patients to enhance their sight during cataract surgery:
- Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are a multifocal lens providing clear vision including near and far, so you do not need glasses to see close opposed to the Monofocal Lens which can only give you clear distance vision.
- Toric lenses are used to treat pre-existing astigmatism at the same time it corrects cataracts, eliminating the need for patients to undergo two separate procedures, plus it improves distance vision.
This is an exciting time for those in need of cataract surgery. Contact us to learn more and what is best for you.
Labor Day Weekend Is Here!
People and their work make the difference. We value our employees and the hard work they do everyday. Enjoy the holiday weekend!
Why Can I See Better When I Squint My Eyes?
Most people think that you would see better when your eyes are open wider. This sounds logical. Your eye is getting a broader view of the world, and more light is accessible to produce a clearer image. However, in practice, many people find that the opposite is true.
When we squint, we can often see things a little clearer. That’s why we squint to see the alarm clock when we wake up at 2 am. What is it about squinting that helps us see better than when our eyes are wide open?
What Does Squinting Do to Your Eye?
Even though it doesn’t feel much different, squinting does three things to our eyes that lead to slightly clearer vision.
- Our Eye Lens Changes Shape – The lens of the eye is flexible and changes shape when we squint.
- The Eye Lens Adjusts – Small adjustments in the lens allow us to focus better, much like a camera.
- Less Light Enters the Eye – Less light enters, reducing the impact on the retina and allowing the object we view to look sharper.
Why Do I Have to Squint So Much?
Occasional squinting is normal, even for people with healthy eyes and clear vision. If you are over the age of 40 and have never had to wear prescription glasses, then this is likely normal.
If you find yourself squinting a lot, then you may need to talk to an eye doctor. This could be a sign of eye strain or fatigue. You may need glasses if you also experience:
- Headaches
- Double vision
- Difficulty reading
Other symptoms, like feeling pressure in the eye, seeing halos, and decreased night vision could indicate a developing problem. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to schedule an ophthalmologist appointment for a comprehensive eye exam to find out if you need glasses and assure that your eyes are healthy.