Annual Eye Exams - Best Defense Against Glaucoma

[caption id="attachment_916" align="alignnone" width="285" caption="Ray Charles----The great Ray Charles, singer/songwriter had lost his vision to congenital glaucoma"][/caption] />[/caption][caption id="attachment_902" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Special eye pressure testing called Goldman Tonometry"][/caption]Nearly 4 million Americans and 70 million people worldwide are losing their sight to glaucoma, and many of them are not even aware they have the disease, which has no symptoms as it silently steals sight. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve and vision loss begins with peripheral vision. Here are some of insights on risk factors and treatment for the disease as we wrap up Glaucoma Awareness Month from our Doctors of Optometry.

Here are some risk factors for the disease:
Elevated intraocular pressure ( pressures over 22-25 are considered high but may not indicate glaucoma alone)
Age (those over 40 have a higher risk)
Ethnic background (persons of African descent are five times more likely to develop glaucoma) Hispanics have a higher predilection also.
Other medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, and other vascular disorders)
Family history (particularly maternal family members)
Patients with myopia ( nearsightedness)

There are no presenting symptoms of the most common form of glaucoma -- primary open angle glaucoma,” Dr Facchiano indicated. “That’s why an annual eye exam is so important

There is no cure for glaucoma. Currently, glaucoma is usually treated pharmacologically through eye drops, . Other methods like laser and/or surgical treatments may be implemented if the eye drops are not effective. Each treatment is designed to reduce eye pressure and the resulting damage to the optic nerve.

Eye pressure testing is required by most states but that is not the only test needed to evaluate an eyes relative risk of loosing vision to glaucoma. Now more is known about diagnosis and new technologies have emerged that are essential in the diagnoses. In addition to eye pressures other tests are essential to correctly diagnos and treat glaucoma. These include images of the optic nerve over time and corneal thickness measurements. Also gonioscopy is a special test that views the angle anatomy dictating the eye fluid drainage of the eye. Very important to note is that loss of visual field is not noticed by patients. So unless a very sensitive threshold visual field analysis tests for subtle reduction and blind spots in the field of vision are preformed no one will know you have a loss until the disease is very advanced. Finally eye pressures are in flux throughout the day so eye pressures measured at different times of day are often required.

Such tests take time and extra technology and are offered in addition to the standard eye exam. Major medical insurance often covers such testing for a glaucoma suspect patient. No one at risk should deny themselves the full panel of diagnostic tests. Yet few receive this level of care because much of the public still considers eye pressure checks as all they need. The fact is more than half of glaucoma cases have normal pressures of 15-20 at the time of their eye examination.

At Dr Facchiano's office very sensitive and specific laser image tests are preformed on patients who are at risk. These tests aide the optometrist or your eye care provider in determining a relative risk of vision loss due to glaucoma and can result in early detection before loss of vision. Since most who suffer from glaucoma have the open angle glaucoma type, changes that do occur will do so slowly at a rate estimated about 3% each year. Such early changes in the optic nerve are impossible to detect visually until the disease is well established and visual damage is measurable. Yet such subtle changes that escape the human eye can be measured 5-8 years in advance of visual field loss with the new laser imaging tests called OCT, GDX-VCC or HRT-III laser scans . These sensitive tests give optometrists, or your eye care provider ,advanced notice of optic nerve change over time and that will indicate relative risk for glaucoma damage that allow timely medical intervention before vision is lost if necessary. Eminent loss of vision is determined through reduction in nerve fiber layer thickness and ganglion cell complex long before vision is lost.

This is one more reason that patients should take their eye care seriously and it is important to get a through annual eye exam from providers that specialize in complete eye care. For those who know they are at risk be sure to insist on a full evaluation that includes new image tests or ask to be referred for such testing.

At Dr's Facchiano & Associates we take the matter seriously and have the latest in technology to diagnose and treat glaucoma. Our web page has a number of great informational links about glaucoma. Please find Glaucoma Research info @ http://www.glaucoma.org/ and from All About Vision @ http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/glaucoma.htm.

What's a Lazy Eye?

Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is the loss or lack of development of central vision in one eye that is unrelated to any eye health problem and is not correctable with lenses. It can result from a failure to use both eyes together. Lazy eye is often associated with crossed-eyes or a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two eyes. It usually develops before the age of 6, and it does not affect side vision.

Symptoms may include noticeably favoring one eye or a tendency to bump into objects on one side. Symptoms are not always obvious.
Treatment for lazy eye may include a combination of prescription lenses, prisms, vision therapy and eye patching. Vision therapy teaches the two eyes how to work together, which helps prevent lazy eye from reoccurring.

Early diagnosis increases the chance for a complete recovery. This is one reason why the American Optometric Association recommends that children have a comprehensive optometric examination by the age of 6 months and again at age 3. Lazy eye will not go away on its own. If not diagnosed until the pre-teen, teen or adult years, treatment takes longer and is often less effective. Also see our links in AOA and All About Vison for more information

Looking For Long Lashes?

When it comes to eyelashes, ladies are always looking for longer, thicker, more defined lashes. The way to achieve this look has always been with this mascara, that mascara, or even false eyelashes. Makeup companies are always marketing new products to make your eyelashes longer and more dramatic. But that look only lasts as long as you have your makeup on. Now there is a way to get your lashes to actually grow and look fuller on their own, without the help of makeup. Latisse is topical solution that helps your lashes grow. It works gradually and you usually see full results within 16 weeks. Ask one of the doctors at Dr. Facchiano and Associates about Latisse! Also go to www.latisse.com

You Will Not Believe Your Eyes!

The new guest can be seen at the Cherryvale Mall through May 15 on display to promote the "Giants: African Dinosaurs" exhibit at the Burpee Museum. It is just amazing to see and you will want to see it with your best correction from Lenscrafters. Take the family out to see Jaboria and then schedule eye care for your entire family. Please go to specials and print our coupon for family and friends savings this month. You will not believe your eyes!

Comfortable Contacts You've Been Looking For!

Looking for more comfortable contact lenses? These videos from CooperVision explain the benefits of Biofinity and Proclear contacts.

Best Eye Care for Bags Around Eyes

Ever have someone indicate that you look tired? It is a safe bet that the area around your eyes may provide a visual clue. Yes that dreaded under eye "baggage" or puffy eyes, eye bags, dark circles, and shadows. So Dr. Facchiano wants to help you explore the various reasons and treatments of this common concern. Don’t think this is an old age concern Dr. Facchiano says “the root cause can begin in subtle ways when in the twenties with little pillow like changes, so by the thirties is a noticeable cosmetic problem with full blown bags that has equal prevalence in both men and women”. Dr. Facchiano reports that there is a certain amount of fat naturally in the under-eye area that is held in place by ligaments. “As we age, those ligaments get weaker, allowing the fat to push forward, forming that little puffy pillow under your eye."

Then unfortunately it all gets worse because the skin loses elasticity, allowing the formation of those loose wads of skin we call "bags.” The rate depends on both hereditary factors as well as lifestyle. With regard to lifestyle, Dr. Facchiano reminds patients getting enough rest matters as does aerobic capacity, so exercise is important also. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol is important too. The worst accelerator of aging and wrinkles to our lower eyelids is sun exposure. So, wear sun block and UV absorbing sun glasses when outdoors. It is recommended that if you’re concerned about bags forming a lot sooner, avoid a high salt intake (salted popcorn, Chinese food, etc.) which causes the fat beneath the lower eyelid to absorb fluid and swell, making puffiness worse.



Although cosmetic surgery may certainly be the most effective and permanent treatment option there are other ways to treat under-eye bags, sags, dark circles, and puffiness. Let’s start with the time tested folk remedies that act as astringents on that delicate lid tissue. Ah! Some apply the egg whites under their eyes and let it dry. You will feel your skin tightening. When that is washed off, some report success cause this process visibly reduces under eye puffiness. Some recommend doing this on mornings when you did not catch enough sleep. Second, you can get an ice cube and rub it around your eye it helps with swelling. And many have heard that you can use either potato slices, tea bags or cucumber slices placed over the closed eye and lids in the evenings because they help too using the same principle.

Best get enough rest, drink plenty of water, wear sun block, sun glasses, avoid high salt intake and apply artificial tears to dry eyes. You may not be able to fight hereditary bags completely with folk remedies, as surgery for some cases is the most effective. Dr. Facchiano will discuss those surgical options later. But go ahead and put cucumbers on the eyes at night for about an hour before you go to bed while relaxing to music. Ahh the best thing is rest!!!!

How To Enhance Your Vision

Age-related macular degeneration is a very common and dreaded disease of our senior years which may lead to irreparable vision loss. This acquired retinal disease affects millions of elderly adults. It can cause loss of the ability to see details, causing blurry vision and possibly legal blindness. Despite the social costs that include depression and loss of interest in activities, and the societal health costs including retina eye surgery, many people are unaware that new research has proven that vitamin supplements for macular degeneration can halt the progress of this disease, and in some cases, actually improve vision.

 

Over 90% of macular degeneration cases are diagnosed as dry non bleeding macular degeneration. Seen most commonly in those aged 50 and older and its prevalence gets worse with age. A healthy central retina or macula is necessary for all accurate vision. Degeneration of this important aspect of the retina causes permanent reduction in vision. The fact is dry macular degeneration starts slowly and as a result many people attribute their vision loss to the natural aging process. Early detection and treatment is key to slowing its effects. There is no cure, but studies show that macular degeneration supplements work to help slow the loss due to macular degeneration. There have been many causes identified such as age, heredity, nutrition, smoking, and sunlight. Sufferers report seeing blind spots, which affect their driving and reading abilities. Failure to treat dry macular degeneration can result in permanent blind spots and chronic eye irritation.

As America's baby boomers age, dry macular degeneration has been in the news quite a bit lately. It's difficult to find the true facts on but our info links from AOA and all about vision include more on this topic.The retina is known to be particularly susceptible to oxidative stress as its need for oxygen is large, it is exposed to high levels of light and its membranes have high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are readily oxidized. Consequently, much interest has centered on studying the effects of antioxidants as a possible means of preventing the development of age-related macular degeneration.

The National Institutes of Health recently published the Age Related Eye Disease Study, or (AREDS-2). The AREDS-2 found that taking eye vitamins containing high doses of anti-oxidants and zinc minimized the progression of macular degeneration by 25%. AREDS-2 new formula included 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin (1 tablet) 350 mg DHA and 650 mg EPA (2 soft-gel capsules). In addition the June 2008 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology indicated long-chain omega-3 essential fatty acids were shown in a study performed by researchers in Australia and Singapore to prevent the development of macular degeneration in people age 49 years or older. Since then it has been recommended that 1000mg of omega three oils or krill oil be added to the daily diet.

While sadly there is no cure for dry macular degeneration studies have shown that the specific vitamins and supplements can slow the effects of dry macular degeneration. It starts with a detailed evaluation of your retina. Dr Vincent Facchiano OD FAAO recommends that you ask your optometrist to do a dilated eye exam each year and evaluate the central retina area with HD digital images. In some cases specialized visual fields will be ordered and special laser OCT scans will be used to detect the cause of early macular vision loss. Early detection is important. For healthy eyes Dr Facchiano recommends that you protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet light with sunglasses when outdoors and ask your optometrist if there is a vitamin and supplement program that is right for you.