Some research indicates that in 1%-3% of COVID-19 cases, the infected person developed a case of Conjunctiva (Pink Eye). Practicing physical distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands is currently the best way to reduce your chances of catching COVID-19.
Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness
Diabetes 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.
World Stroke Day
Even though strokes usually affect one side of the brain, both eyes can be affected since the nerves from each eye travel together in the brain. If the left side of your brain is damaged, the right side vision in each eye can be affected and vice versa.
Thank You for Sharing Your Experience
We so appreciate when our patients take the time to share their experience with us regarding our doctors and our practice. We work diligently by continually training on the newest techniques, using state-of-the-art technology, and providing each individual patient the best treatment plan and outcome. We are proud to be Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians. If you are looking for an outstanding experience with an ophthalmologist, please contact our office in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for an appointment.
Eye Health After COVID-19 Recovery
Fever, cough, and respiratory symptoms are the most common symptoms of COVID-19, but as we have gathered more data, we have learned that it can manifest quite differently from person to person. We still have much to learn about the Coronavirus and any long term effects. If you have recovered from COVID-19 and are now experiencing a new eye problem, do contact our office and let us know.
Why Am I Seeing Double? – When to See an Ophthalmologist About Double Vision
Double vision can be unsettling. This condition occurs when you perceive two images of one object or scene at the same time. In minor cases, this is a temporary effect that will go away and does not require further medical treatment. Other times, it can be a sign that you need to see a doctor immediately.
Examples of Minor Double Vision
Several things can cause double vision without permanent damage. You may experience this condition if you drink too much alcohol. It can also happen when you are overly tired. In both cases, the issue should be addressed before doing any task including driving a car or going to work.
Dry eyes can also cause double vision. You may be able to apply over-the-counter drops to correct the problem. If dry eyes persist, then it could indicate a bigger problem that needs medical attention.
When to See a Doctor About Double Vision
Double vision can also happen after a brain aneurysm, brain swelling, head injury, or stroke. If you experience any of these or other unexplained symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away.
Corneal irregularities can also produce a double image. You can often correct the problem by wearing special lenses or using a dry-eye treatment. In some cases, a surgical procedure like intacs or corneal implants may be required.
Cataracts are a common condition that usually appears due to an eye injury or aging. When present, cataracts can cause ghost images. This will only occur in the affected eye due to clouding of the lens.
It is always better to be safe when you are unsure about an eye condition. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians Southeast Michigan offices today for an appointment to discuss double vision or any symptoms or changes in your vision.
6 Tips for Sunlight Protection During UV Safety Month
The sun brings us many wonderful things. It keeps us warm, brightens our days, and allows things to grow. Unfortunately, it can be harmful if you get too much of it. The following tips will help you protect yourself during UV safety month.
- UV Protection Tip 1: Always Wear SPF Sunscreen
Always wear sunscreen that comes with SPF protection. The label should read SPF 30 and also say “broad-spectrum” to prevent damage. The term means that the product protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and again once every 80 minutes. Apply more often when swimming or sweating.
- UV Protection Tip 2: Clothing and Accessories Can Protect You
Clothing and accessories can also block UV rays. Wear long sleeves or pants when it is comfortable to do so. Wide-brimmed hats will help shield your eyes and face.
- UV Protection Tip 3: Work Around Peak Sunlight Hours
The most intense sunlight hours of the day are between 10 am and 2 pm. Avoid spending excessive time outdoors during this period. If you need to be outside, make sure you wear sunscreen and anything else you need to prevent damage.
- UV Protection Tip 4: Put on a Pair of Sunglasses
Wear sunglasses with total UV protection. The label should specifically mention this to ensure that they are strong enough to do the job. Avoid staring up at the sky while the sun is up, even if you are wearing sunglasses.
- UV Protection Tip 5: Wear Cosmetics with UV Protection
Some cosmetics include built-in UV protection. These are great for helping protect skin while going about your day. You may still come in contact with sunlight when driving or spending a few minutes outside on your lunch break.
- UV Protection Tip 6: Be Careful Even If It Is Cloudy
UV rays are not blocked by clouds. Even if it is overcast outside, continue to protect yourself. Skin and eyes can become damaged if you aren’t careful about sunlight.
Your ophthalmologist can help you learn more about sunlight safety and your vision. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to schedule an appointment.
How Has LASIK Surgery Improved Over the Last Decade?
The roots of LASIK surgery date back to the 1950s when Spanish ophthalmologist Jose Barraquer developed techniques to cut and shape the cornea. Three decades later, Rangaswamy Srinivasan found that an ultraviolet excimer laser can be used to precisely etch living tissue with no thermal damage. The Food and Drug Administration began excimer laser trails in 1989 and approved the manufacture and distribution of the lasers in 1998.
LASIK has come a long way since its early beginnings over 60 years ago. Even though the technology was FDA-approved in the 90s, it continues to evolve to produce better results.
LASIK Goes Bladeless in 2001
In 2001, a bladeless LASIK procedure was approved by the FDA. This process, called IntraLASE, used a femtosecond laser rather than a microkeratome blade. The original procedure was relatively safe, but IntraLASE made it even more so. It reduced the potential for human error and related complications.
Precise Correction with Wavefront or CustomVue
Wavefront or CustomVue technology received FDA approval in 2002. This advancement added detailed corneal mapping that guides the laser. Better tracking meant personalized treatment and precise correction even when working with large pupils, thin corneas, or higher prescriptions.
Laser Blended Vision Gets Rid of Reading Glasses
Most people find that they need a pair of reading glasses as they age. This is completely normal, but it has become a condition that we don’t have to live with. Laser Blended Vision is a technique that adjusts by increasing the depth of field of each eye.
Find out if LASIK can correct your eyesight by contacting Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey, Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians. Our Southeast Michigan ophthalmologists are available to examine your eyes and make the best recommendation for you.
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Benefits of Cataract Surgery That CAN Improve Your Life
When your ophthalmologist says the words “cataract surgery,” your initial reaction may be of concern. The thought of someone operating on your eyes can be scary. The good news is that there is nothing to be afraid of if you need this common procedure. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, this operation has a 98% or higher success rate. There are also other benefits that could improve your life.
Regain Control of Your Independence
Cataracts are clouding that appears on the eye’s natural lens. As the condition progresses, the patient will have an increasingly more difficult time performing daily tasks. Things that once came easy, like driving or reading, may become nearly impossible. This can lead to social withdrawal and even depression.
After cataract surgery, many patients find that they regain the ability to perform these common tasks. They can live more independently and return to a more social lifestyle. This can help prevent depression and improves the patient’s overall quality of life.
Lower Your Risk of Falling Injury
When you can see properly, you are less likely to suffer a falling injury. An unseen object or change in terrain can be very dangerous. A fall can have a negative long-term effect, especially on older individuals or those with health conditions that could hinder recovery.
A 2012 study of Medicare beneficiaries with cataracts found that cataract surgery decreased the risk of a hip fracture by 16% one year after the procedure. Patients with severe cataracts lowered the risk by 23%.
Increase Your Chances of a Longer Life
Cataract removal can also increase your chances of living longer. A long-term study released in 2013 revealed that patients had a 40% reduction in mortality risk after cataract surgery compared to those who did not undergo the procedure.
If you experience changes in vision or have cataracts, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians right away to schedule an appointment to assess your eyes and make a recommendation for treatment.
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Cornea Surgery: What to Expect Before, During & After a Transplant
Cornea surgery may be required for patients who have suffered eye damage. There are several possible causes including disease, injury, keratoconus (cornea bulging), scarring, or issues caused by a prior surgery. What should you expect before and after undergoing a corneal transplant?
Talk to Your Ophthalmologist First
Your ophthalmologist can explain the reason for the procedure and answer any questions you have. They will also need to know if you take any medications and if you have other health issues. You may be advised to stop taking blood thinners if you are currently prescribed any.
You may be asked to visit your general practitioner for a physical to ensure that you are healthy before the transplant.
Find Someone to Drive You Home
Make arrangements to have someone drive you home after your surgery. It will not be safe for you to attempt to get behind the wheel after the procedure.
The Procedure
Your doctor will apply eye drops. You may also be given medication to help you relax. General anesthesia will also be used, so you do not feel the procedure. You will be able to see little to nothing during the surgery.
The doctor can approach your transplant one of three ways based on your medical needs:
- They may remove a circular area and replace it with a matching portion of the donated cornea.
- They may remove a thin layer of cells and stitch the replacement cornea into place.
- They may remove the damaged inner layer and replace it with the healthy tissue before inserting an air bubble into the eye to push the replacement into position.
Cornea Surgery Recovery
You will need to return to your ophthalmologist the following day for a follow up. Stitches may be removed. You will be prescribed eye drops and may need to wear glasses or a shield to protect the eye.
If your vision is preventing you from performing routine daily tasks, you may need cornea surgery. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians in southeast Michigan for an appointment to schedule an exam.
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