Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey

Michigan's Leading Eye Care Physicians

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.

Am I at Risk for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of permanent blindness. There are currently over three million people in the United States that are living with glaucoma.

Each person’s risk will vary based on several factors. Genetics will play a role. Studies have indicated that over 50% of glaucoma is hereditary. If your sibling has the condition, then you may be as much as 10 times more likely to develop it as well. Talk to your family to learn more about genetic risks and to ensure that everyone keeps a regular eye exam schedule.

Other factors that can raise your glaucoma risk level include:

  • Age 40 or older
  • Asian, Hispanic, or African heritage
  • Diagnosed with high eye pressure
  • Suffering an eye injury
  • Long-term use of steroid medications
  • Corneas with a thin center
  • High blood pressure or poor circulation
  • Diabetes
  • Migraines

Can I Prevent Glaucoma?

It’s not always possible to prevent glaucoma completely, but you can do things to lower your risk. Start with regular eye exams and a healthy lifestyle. Good diet and exercise are essential to prevent many diseases. Also, wear eye protection when engaging in activities like sports or anything that could cause an injury.

How Do I Know If I Have Glaucoma?

The only way to know if you have glaucoma is with a comprehensive eye examination. Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s ophthalmologists will measure eye pressure, inspect drainage, test peripheral vision, and assess your optic nerve to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommendation for treatment or ongoing care. Contact our Bloomfield Hills office today to make an appointment.

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.

 

Do I Have Cataracts?

Eye Michigan Do I Have Cataracts

Cataracts are a very common eye condition that affects people all over the world. It is more common as we age, but can also appear as the result of an injury. At first, the condition may not have a significant impact on your ability to see. The problem will worsen over time until you begin to have serious issues with your sight.

The best thing to do is to catch the condition early so that a doctor can monitor progress and determine the best time for cataract surgery. What signs should you look for when you notice changes in your vision?

  • Glare and Light Sensitivity – Many patients will start to notice increased sensitivity to bright light. They also see haloes or glare around light sources. This occurs because the cataract scatters light as it enters the eye.
  • Loss of Color Vision – Cataracts can also reduce a person’s ability to see colors. The clouding effect can wash out hues, causing the world to look drab and muted. Red, yellow, and green shades will begin to appear similar.
  • Other Common Symptoms – If you experience double vision, trouble seeing at night, and poor central vision, then you may have a developing cataract.

What Do I Do if I Notice the Signs of Cataracts?

If you notice any of the signs listed above, it’s time to seek professional advice. Only a doctor can examine your eyes and provide a diagnosis and treatment option.  Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to make an appointment.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Eye Michigan Diagnosing Glaucoma

The word glaucoma is used to describe diseases that damage the optic nerve. They can cause a loss of vision or even blindness. The best way to prevent permanent damage is through early detection. Your ophthalmologist can examine your eyes and perform tests to determine if you have glaucoma.

Detecting Glaucoma

A series of tests are used to diagnose this condition. Your doctor will dilate your eyes before performing the following:

  • Eye Chart (Visual Acuity Test) – This is a standard test that involves reading an eye chart at varying distances. It is usually the first thing most people think of when they hear the words “eye exam.”
  • Visual Field Test (Peripheral Vision) – This test measures your side vision. Glaucoma can cause a loss of peripheral sight.
  • Dilated Eye Examination – A magnifying lens may be used to inspect the retina and optic nerve for indications of damage or disease. This can cause your close-up sight to appear blurry for several hours afterward.
  • Pressure Measurement (Tonometry) – A device called a tonometer is used to measure the pressure inside your eyes. Numbing drops may be applied before this procedure.
  • Measure Cornea Thickness (Pachymetry) – This is another test that may involve numbing drops. An ultrasonic wave instrument is used to determine the thickness of your cornea. A thin cornea can cause an inaccurate eye pressure reading when diagnosing glaucoma.

How to Treat Glaucoma

Glaucoma cannot be cured. However, some treatments used during the early stages of the disease can help slow its progress. These can include surgery, laser trabeculoplasty, and medication. This is why it is essential to have annual eye exams. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians for an appointment today.

 

5 Reasons to See an Eye Doctor After Age 40 Even If You Do Not Have Symptoms

Eye Michigan Eye Doctor After 40

As we age, the recommended frequency for eye doctor visits changes. Healthy adults ages 40 to 64 are advised to see their eye doctor at minimum once every two to four years. After age 65, that recommendation changes to once every one to two years. That applies whether you are experiencing symptoms or not. If you do have an eye condition or wear glasses or contacts, it is suggested that you visit your ophthalmologist more frequently. Your ophthalmologist will provide you proper appointment frequency depending on your individual case and care needed. Why should you start or continue seeing your eye doctor after age 40?

  1. Many Eye Conditions Are Silent

Many eye-related conditions are silent. That means you will notice no symptoms until things have progressed. Once you start experiencing blurry vision or other effects, the problem may be much worse than it was when it started.

  1. Prevention Is the Most Effective Treatment

The most effective way to treat conditions is to avoid them altogether. Your ophthalmologist can monitor your ongoing health and make recommendations to help you keep your vision clear. For example, you may be advised to begin taking a vitamin supplement to help prevent age-related macular degeneration.

  1. Eyes Will Deteriorate As We Age

There is no way to avoid the fact that our eyes deteriorate as we grow older. Even if you live a model lifestyle with exercise and a good diet, your eyes will age. Your doctor can help manage these changes by adjusting your prescription and monitoring for other conditions.

  1. Establish a Record of Health

Seeing your eye doctor regularly will establish a record of health. This can be beneficial in case you develop a condition later. It can also help you observe the way lifestyle changes are affecting your vision.

  1. An Exam Could Save Your Sight

One comprehensive dilated eye exam could mean the difference between blindness and keeping your sight. An underlying issue could be present, but not yet obvious. Or, in some cases, you may attribute minor changes to other less concerning causes.

Regular ophthalmologist visits provide you more opportunities to catch diseases before they have a chance to rob you of your vision. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Southeast Michigan to schedule your next appointment.

 

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