Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey

Michigan's Leading Eye Care Physicians

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness

Grosinger Spigelman & Grey Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness MonthDiabetes can cause problems with your eyes. Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and cataracts are common conditions that affect many diabetics. It is important to manage your diabetes and maintain regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist in order to protect your vision.

If you smoke, it is very important that you stop as soon as possible. You also need to manage your glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Your general practitioner can help you with your diabetic maintenance. It is important that you take your health seriously.

Diabetic eye disease rarely shows symptoms before the problem has become severe. This is why regular exams by an ophthalmologist are so important. Problems need to be caught early. You will need a dilated eye exam at least once a year. Dilation allows the doctor to check the blood vessels in your eyes. This is where diabetic eye disease begins.

A third of people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy. Your chances of having glaucoma or cataracts are doubled if you are diabetic. African Americans, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and American Indians have particularly high rates of diabetic eye disease. Older adults and pregnant women are also high-risk populations.

If you have diabetes or are experiencing any vision disturbances, you need to schedule an eye exam right away. Even if you have no symptoms, you should schedule an exam if you haven’t been seen in the last six months. While there are treatments for diabetic eye disease, they rely on the condition being caught early. Once you are experiencing symptoms, the damage may already be permanent. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey in Bloomfield Hills for an appointment today.

Eye Exams Are Essential for Diabetics

Grosinger Spigelman & Grey Eye Exams Are Essential for Diabetics

Diabetes increases the risk of developing eye diseases, particularly glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. These diseases without intervention can cause blindness. A comprehensive eye exam can catch many eye diseases, so they can be treated. Regular exams are the best way to preserve your vision. Schedule an appointment with Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey, Michigan’s leading eye care physicians, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Diabetes and Ophthalmology

Eye Michigan Diabetes and Ophthalmology

It’s easy to overlook the importance of eye care. When people think about good health, they usually think of vital organs. However, your eyes are closely tied to the health of the rest of your body. For patients who have diabetes, it is even more important to protect your eyesight. Why should you see an ophthalmologist if you are diabetic?

Increased Risk of Eye Disease

Diabetes raises your risk of developing eye diseases. You are more prone to conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. One of the biggest concerns is diabetic retinopathy. This problem can affect one or both eyes. Patients usually notice floaters or dark strings in their vision. They may also experience:

  • Empty or dark areas in their vision
  • Blurry vision
  • Trouble focusing
  • Partial or total loss of sight
  • Change in color vision

You May Have a Problem and Not Know It

You should not wait until any of the above symptoms appear to see one of our ophthalmologists. Diabetic retinopathy may begin with no symptoms at all. Early detection is essential. Without routine eye exams, you may not get the diagnosis as early, which can lead to serious complications.

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Everyone, whether you have diabetes or not, should maintain a regular eye check-up schedule. Your eyes could also indicate whether your diabetes is under control. Eyes are an indicator of your overall health. Give yourself the best chance at a life with good eyesight by scheduling an appointment at Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey, Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians, today.

World Diabetes Day

Grosinger Spigelman and Grey World Diabetes Day 2019

A diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes is rapidly increasing throughout the world. This disease is typically preventable and if left untreated can effect your overall health including your eyes. Diabetic eye disease worsens as time passes and can cause eye damage and the ability to see. Conditions that can develop due to diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important that you also make an appointment with an ophthalmologist to manage the progression. Contact Grosinger, Spigleman & Grey located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to schedule an appointment.

The Importance of a Retina Examination

Eye Michigan Retina Examination

Regular checkups are just as important for your eyes as they are for the rest of your body. Even if you notice no changes or problems, there may be a condition developing that will require treatment. The best way to monitor for these issues is by scheduling regular eye doctor visits which should include a retina examination.

What Is a Retina Examination?

A retina examination lets your ophthalmologist look at the structures found at the back of the eye. Your pupils are dilated beforehand. Your eye doctor will shine a bright light and look through a microscope to assess the optic nerve, retina, and blood vessels. The process is comprised of four parts.

  • Dilating the Eyes – The first thing your eye doctor will do is dilate your eyes with drops that cause the pupil to widen. This allows more light to enter and provides a clear view of the inside.
  • Tonometry Test – Tonometry measures pressure inside the eye. This helps your ophthalmologist look for signs of glaucoma. A puff of air is blown directly into the eye or a pressure-sensitive tip is positioned near or up against the eye.
  • Visual Field Test – This test measures the entire scope of vision. That includes the center and peripheral fields. One eye is tested at a time. Modern testing devices will also track the patient’s ability to maintain a straight-ahead gaze.
  • Visual Acuity Test – This test involves reading an eye chart. This is the most well-known of all eye tests.

What Can a Retina Exam Diagnose?

A retina exam can diagnose conditions like hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, detached retina, and macular degeneration. Some problems are not accompanied by obvious symptoms, making a test necessary for early detection. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians today to schedule your retina examination.

Safe Toys and Celebration Month

How Can Your Grandchild’s Toys Affect Their Vision?

December is an exciting time for families across the United States. Many celebrate religious holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah. It’s a big time for toy shopping as well. That’s why it is the perfect time to observe Safe Toys and Celebration Month.

The toys your grandchild plays with can present a risk to their vision. Some playthings are not as safe as others. That’s because they may contain parts or edges that could hurt your little one – including their eyes. Every parent and grandparent should keep this in mind when buying kids gifts this year.

10 Tips for Buying Eye-Safe Toys This Holiday Season

The following tips can help you choose the safest toys for every child on your gift list this holiday season.

  • Avoid toys with sharp edges or components
  • Avoid projectile toys like dart or pellet guns
  • Only choose toys rated for your child’s age group
  • Buy the necessary safety gear to go with items like sporting equipment
  • Read toy warning labels before you buy
  • Avoid toys with pointed ends like plastic swords and guns
  • Laser pointer toys can cause blindness if misused
  • Do not buy aerosol string because the chemicals used can cause eye irritation
  • Buy playground equipment that is in new condition and intended for your child’s age group
  • Be careful when browsing budget or off-brand toys because these tend to be less sturdy

Keep your loved ones safe over the holidays season.

Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Wishes You a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

The Symptoms and Causes of 5 Common Eye Diseases

Eye Michigan Common Eye Diseases

Common eye diseases can cause a wide range of symptoms. Often, the earlier a disease is detected, the better the outcome is for the patient. The following list will provide an overview of five common eye diseases and their causes and symptoms.

  • Cataracts – Cataracts cause clouding on the lens of the eye. This can occur as the lens becomes less flexible and thickens due to natural aging. They can also form after an eye injury. Symptoms can include blurry or dim vision, poor night vision, light sensitivity, seeing halos, fading colors, and double vision in one eye.
  • Glaucoma – Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause blindness. This happens due to increased pressure from fluids in the eye. It can be hereditary and may not be noticeable without an examination because it often causes no symptoms. Eventually, the patient will begin to lose their peripheral sight that eventually moves into the center field of vision.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to blood vessels found in the light-sensitive tissue in the retina. This can develop in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Symptoms include spots or strings floating in the field of vision, blurred or fluctuating vision, inability to see colors properly, dark spots, and vision loss.
  • Keratoconus– Keratoconus is a progressive condition that happens when the cornea thins and starts to bulge, causing a cone-like shape. This causes light to be deflected and distorts vision. Symptoms include irregular astigmatism, progressive nearsightedness, light sensitivity, glare, and blurry vision.
  • Macular Degeneration – Macular degeneration happens when the center of the retina deteriorates. This area focuses our central vision and allows us to do things like read, recognize faces, and see detail. Symptoms include the appearance of straight lines that seem distorted as well as dark areas or a whiteout that starts at the center of the field of vision.

If you notice any changes in your eyesight, contact an ophthalmologist immediately. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to schedule an exam that could save your vision.

 

Living with Glaucoma

Tips to Help Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that is often hereditary. It may not appear until later in your life. Pressure builds in the eye that can cause damage to your optic nerve. Those with glaucoma may notice vision loss or even permanent blindness if untreated. The following tips can help you make positive changes after a glaucoma diagnosis.

  1. Stay Fit with Regular Exercise – Believe it or not, exercise can help you deal with glaucoma. It keeps your blood flowing to the nerves in your eye and can lower pressure. Make sure you choose the best routine for you. Some exercises can increase pressure, so speak to a doctor before getting started.
  2. Enjoy a Well-Balanced Diet – Eat a well-balanced diet that includes nutritious and antioxidant-filled foods. Some good examples to include are dark, leafy greens and fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
  3. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – Always take your medication as directed. Stick with a schedule and keep your doctor up to date on any changes. Missing a dose can cause glaucoma to get worse, so this is very important once you have a diagnosis.
  4. Limit Caffeine & Spread Out Fluid Intake – Too much caffeine can increase eye pressure. Limit intake or avoid it altogether. One study conducted revealed that even a single cup of coffee can cause a significant rise in pressure in your eye for as long as an hour and a half. Also, spread out your overall fluid intake throughout the day.
  5. Don’t Smoke – Nicotine can increase both blood pressure and your eye inflammation. It also has other adverse effects, like increasing your risk of diabetes. Don’t smoke or quit if you currently smoke.

If you have questions about living with glaucoma, talk to an ophthalmologist. Contact Grosinger Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to make an appointment.

November Is American Diabetes Month

Protect Your Eyes by Managing Blood Sugar Levels

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report that states over 100 million U.S. adults live with diabetes or prediabetes. An estimated 23.1 million were diagnosed, and 7.2 million were undiagnosed per the 2017 report.

Diabetes can raise your risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma. This November, celebrate American Diabetes Month by learning about the condition and finding out how to protect your eyes from its effects.

How to Live with Diabetes

You can live a full life with diabetes. The following tips will help you adopt a lifestyle that will let you stay in control of your blood sugar levels.

  • Make sure you get plenty of sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast with a glass of water before you go to work. This will help you prepare for the day with less stress, which can raise blood sugar levels.
  • Pay close attention to how your body reacts. This is especially important when exercising, changing diet, and taking medication. It will help you figure out the best way to manage diabetes and make it easier to identify a problem.
  • Stay active and maintain healthy body weight. Obesity is closely tied to diabetes. Staying fit will help reduce your risk and manage the condition.
  • You can still eat the foods that you like. You will have to watch portions and understand how different foods will affect your blood sugar levels. A dietician can help you come up with a menu you enjoy that’s good for your body.

Get Your Eyes Checked

Staying in touch with your health care team is essential to diabetes management. That includes your eye doctor. Now is a great time to get your vision checked. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s Southeast Michigan office today to schedule an ophthalmologist appointment.

 

Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Diabetic eye disease describes conditions that affect patients with diabetes. All types have the potential to cause severe loss of eyesight and complete blindness. Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels found in the retina and is the most common cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. Diabetic macular edema, or DMA, is swelling in the macula and can occur as a result of diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease

If you or someone close to you is diabetic, you should know how to recognize the signs of eye disease. The early stages may include no symptoms. As the condition worsens, the patient may notice floating spots and blurred vision. An ophthalmologist can diagnose the problem by performing the following tests:

  • Visual Acuity Testing – Using an eye chart to measure patient’s ability to see at a distance
  • Tonometry – Measures the pressure inside the eye
  • Pupil Dilation – Dilation with eye drops to allow a doctor to examine the retina and optic nerve
  • Optical Coherence Tomography – Uses light waves to capture images of tissue inside the eye

How to Treat Diabetic Eye Disease

Some cases of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy are irreversible. The best way to avoid irreparable damage is early detection. Patients can slow progression by maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Patients should also keep blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels to lower risk as much as possible.

Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention

The same tactics are also employed to prevent diabetic eye disease altogether. Control blood sugar levels and report any changes in vision as quickly as possible. Patients should schedule regular eye exams to watch for changes that could indicate the beginning of the condition. Contact Grosinger, Spigelmen & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians for an appointment today.

#GrosingerSpigelmanGrey #EyeMichigan #MichigansLeadingEyeCarePhysicians #DiabeticEyeDisease #DiabeticRetinopathy #Cataracts #Glaucoma

Call Now
Directions