Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey

Michigan's Leading Eye Care Physicians

Vision Health Awareness

Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Vision Awareness

Most people are aware that they need to take care of their physical health, mental health, and even dental health, but what sometimes goes unnoticed is vision health.

Taking care of your eyes is just as important as taking care of the rest of you. Just like your skin, your eyes must be protected from UV rays. Always wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors.

Several eye diseases go unnoticed until they have progressed. Some of these eye diseases can be caused by other health troubles such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Getting an annual eye exam from your ophthalmologist is the only way to keep up with your vision health and make sure you catch any diseases before they cause partial or total blindness.

During an eye exam, your doctor will test your eye alignment, visual sharpness, your depth perception, and eye movement. They will then dilate your eyes so they can look into them and get a better idea if any other eye diseases are looming.

Once the exam is complete, they will make recommendations on how to treat any abnormalities they find and provide education on preventing further degradation.

There are a few populations who are especially at risk for various eye diseases. As stated before, people with diabetes can have increased trouble with their eyes. Additionally, some people are at additional risk for glaucoma, specifically Mexican Americans 60 or older, African Americans 40 or older, and the general population 60 or older.

If you are ready to take charge of your vision health, contact Grosinger, Spigelman, and Grey, Michigan’s leading eye care physicians, today!

Why Can I See Better When I Squint My Eyes?

Grosinger Spigelman and Grey Why Can I See Better When I Squint

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.

Planning a Trip to San Francisco?

Eye Michigan San Francisco Vision Museum

The first public museum strictly to address vision is set to up in 2020. Learn more.

Why Does My Doctor Dilate My Eyes During an Exam?

Grosinger Spigelman and Grey Why Does My Doctor Dilate My Eyes During an Exam

Eye dilation is an important part of your exam. This is usually done using eye drops that keep the eyes dilated for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Patients with lighter color eyes may experience a longer duration before the effect wears off. Once applied, the drops cause the pupils to open fully.

Getting a Good Look Inside Your Eye

Dilated eyes allow your ophthalmologist to get a better look at what’s going on in your eye. They can identify problems that, if left untreated, could cause blindness, like a tumor or detached retina. They can also look for signs of eye diseases, including:

  • Cataracts – A cataract is a cloudiness that forms on the eye lens. It causes vision problems and requires surgery to remove.
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration – AMD can be diagnosed by the presence of abnormal blood vessels and pigment or protein build up.
  • Glaucoma – Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve over time. If untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetic retinopathy includes blood vessels in the retina that swell, leak, or grow abnormally.

What Can I Do While My Eyes Are Dilated?

Dilated eyes don’t usually affect your ability to see at a distance. However, your pupils cannot control how much light enters your eye, which can make glare a problem. This may mean it is unsafe to drive unless you wear sunglasses to help manage the glare.

You may not be able to return to work right away if you need to see things that are close to your face, so it is best to schedule your appointment accordingly.

Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey located in Bloomfield Hills to book an appointment with one of our top ophthalmologists.

Make Your Eyes Your Focus

Eye Michigan Make Your Eyes Your Focus

Forming Good Habits for Healthy Vision

Many people take their vision for granted. They don’t worry about eye health until there is a problem. Often, when an issues arises is when we first see a patient. By making your eyes your focus, you will help pave the way for a bright future with fewer problems and better sight.

When Should I Worry About My Eyes?

The short answer is: Now. Don’t wait until you notice a change in your vision or suffer an injury to see an ophthalmologist. The time to start getting examinations is when you’re healthy.

Adults with healthy eyes ages 18 to 60, should undergo a dilated eye exam once every two years at minimum. Adults age 61 and over, should have an eye exam once per year.

Talk to your doctor to make sure this is the ideal checkup schedule for you. Some patients may be advised to have more frequent exams due to other conditions and risk factors.

Preventing Eye Injury

Always wear proper eye protection when entering an area or engaging in an activity with a higher risk of injury. This can include playing sports or working in an environment with possible hazards. Moving parts on machinery, hand tools, or particles in the air can all cause damage to eyes. Safety eyewear can make all the difference in case of an accident.

Daily Eye Care Tips

Make sure you do the following to maintain good vision.

  • Eat a minimum of five servings of vegetables and fruits per day
  • Take a daily eye vitamin
  • Avoid smoking and excessive drinking
  • Give your eyes a break when staring at a computer monitor
  • Follow directions when wearing and cleaning contacts
  • Keep pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes under control
  • Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors

Your ophthalmologist can assess your situation and make recommendations that will reduce your risk of eye disease or injury. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians to schedule your appointment.

Be Cool, Wear Shades: Protect Your Vision and Look Good Doing It

Be Cool

Sunglasses look cool. They come in numerous styles that it is easy to find a pair you love. There are classic cat’s eye and aviator frames as well as oval, rectangle, shield, and rimless designs. The key is finding a pair that offers 100% UVA and UVB protection for your eyes.

What Does the Sun Do to My Eyes?

Many learn at a young age that you are never supposed to look directly into the sun. It can cause damage to your retina that can lead to blindness. Even if you never stare into our favorite star, you can still be at risk for eye damage if you don’t wear sunglasses.

According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 20% of cataracts are caused by extended UV exposure. It can also worsen the symptoms of glaucoma.

Macular Degeneration causes a part of the retina, known as the macula, to deteriorate. This will impair vision and eventually lead to blindness. The U.S. National Library of Medicine published a study that found exposure to certain types of UV radiation can speed up macular degeneration.

Remember that you can experience sun damage on cloudy days. UV rays can pass through clouds, so you should still wear protection when it is overcast outside.

Finding the Right Sunglasses for Your Eyes

It is important to find the right type of sunglasses for your eyes so you will wear them and achieve the highest benefits. For example, surfers often wear wraparound shades for better sunlight protection next to the water. You may need something with a sturdy frame if you are playing a sport or working outdoors. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey today if you need a comprehensive eye exam before purchasing new prescription sunglasses.

Does the Zika Virus Effect the Eye?

Zika Virus

The Zika virus has made headlines in recent years. The disease was reported in 86 countries as of February 2018. Mosquitos carrying the virus transmit it to humans. It can also be spread through sex, blood transfusion, or from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby. There is currently no vaccine.

Zika Virus Symptoms

Most patients will notice no symptoms or only mild effects. These commonly include:

  • Muscle pain
  • Red eyes
  • Joint pain
  • Headache & fever
  • Rash

Zika deaths are very rare. Most patients don’t need to go to the hospital. The symptoms usually subside after several days to a week. That being said, Zika infection can cause a birth defect known as microcephaly as well as other serious brain conditions. It’s also linked to stillbirth and miscarriage.

Zika Virus & Your Eyes

Adults may notice mild redness, watery eye, lid redness, or eye pain. The effects are much more concerning for children. Developmental and structural issues have been identified in babies that were infected.

Every infant should be given an eye exam as well as routine check-ups as they grow. Early intervention can make a big difference.

If you have questions about how the Zika virus can affect your eyes, contact us. We would be happy to schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist to help you learn more and keep your eyes healthy.

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.

 

7 Ways to Reduce Computer Eye Strain

Eye Michigan Ways to Reduce Computer Eye Strain

Computer eye strain is a growing issue in today’s technology-driven society. More people spend hours staring at monitors and devices for work and entertainment. What can you do to protect your vision from computer-related eye strain?

  1. Stay Up to Date with Eye Exams

Schedule routine eye exams to watch for changes or problems with your vision. Even if you do not spend a lot of time looking at a screen, annual exams are a good way to maintain health and eyesight.

  1. Always Use Adequate Lighting

Poor lighting can cause eye strain. Soften harsh light and make sure all ambient light is half as bright as illumination used in an office setting. You can also close blinds, shades, or drapes to reduce bright natural light.

  1. Reduce Glare As Much As Possible

Light shining on reflective surfaces can cause glare. Reduce this as much as possible by using matte paint in darker colors on walls and décor. You can also use a computer hood to help stop glare.

  1. Look Away from the Screen

Periodically look away from your screen to give your eyes a rest. Focus on an object that’s 20 feet or more away from you for 20 seconds. This should be done at least once every 20 minutes.

  1. Manage Your Computer Time

Take frequent breaks and keep tabs on your computer time. Spend time engaging in other activities that do not involve a screen.

  1. Blink Frequently

Keep eyes moist by blinking frequently. This helps stop dryness and prevents irritation.

  1. Invest in Computer Eyewear

You can visit your ophthalmologist to learn more about computer eyewear. This is another way to protect your eyes when working on devices with screens.

Contact Eye Michigan if you are having any symptoms or are due for your comprehensive annual eye exam. We look forward to your visit and helping you maintain healthy eyes.

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