What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters appear as small shapes, spots, or strands that drift across your vision. They are caused by changes in the vitreous鈥攖he gel-like substance in the eye鈥攁s it shrinks and clumps with age. Floaters are common, especially in people over 50, and are typically harmless. However, a sudden increase in floaters can signal a more serious issue.

Why Am I Seeing Flashes of Light?

Flashes of light, or photopsia, occur when the retina is stimulated mechanically or electrically. This can happen when the vitreous tugs on the retina or due to other underlying conditions. Flashes often resemble brief bursts or streaks of light and may appear in your peripheral vision.

Causes of Flashing Lights in Eyes

Common causes of flashing lights include:

1. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): A natural age-related process where the vitreous separates from the retina.
2. Retinal Tear or Detachment: A serious condition where the retina peels away from its supportive layers.
3. Migraines with Aura: Visual disturbances like flashing lights may occur before a headache.
4. Eye Trauma: Injuries can trigger flashes by disturbing the retina.
5. Other Causes: Inflammation, optic nerve disorders, or other retinal conditions.

When to See an Eye Doctor about Eye Floaters & Flashes

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light.
• A shadow or “curtain” across your vision.
• Blurry or distorted vision.
• Persistent flashes in your peripheral vision.

These symptoms could indicate retinal detachment or another emergency that requires prompt treatment to preserve vision.

Flashing Lights vs. Eye Floaters

Though often experienced together, flashing lights and floaters arise from different causes:

• Floaters: Debris in the vitreous casting shadows on the retina.
• Flashing Lights: Mechanical stimulation of the retina, often from traction or other disruptions.

Treatment Options

For Floaters: Most floaters are harmless and require no treatment. In severe cases, procedures like laser vitreolysis or vitrectomy may help.

For Flashes: Treatment depends on the cause. Retinal tears or detachments often require surgery, such as laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy, to prevent further damage.

At SightMD, we offer advanced diagnostics and expert care for eye emergencies like flashes and floaters. If you experience sudden vision changes, don鈥檛 wait鈥攃ontact us for immediate assistance. Protecting your vision is our priority

Sources: Duke Health, UM Kellogg Eye Center, Healthline, Johns Hopkins Medicine銆�8銆戙赌�9銆戙赌�10銆�

The post Flashes and Floaters: When Are They an Eye Emergency? appeared first on 麻豆高清- Eye Doctors & Eye Surgeons.

Laser surgery for a retinal tear is a common procedure used to prevent retinal detachment and preserve vision. While the surgery itself is relatively quick and minimally invasive, understanding what to expect during the recovery period is essential for a successful outcome.

Understanding Laser Surgery for Retinal Tear

Before diving into the recovery process, let’s briefly review what laser surgery for a retinal tear entails. During the procedure, a specialized laser is used to create tiny burns around the retinal tear, creating scar tissue that seals the tear and prevents fluid from leaking underneath the retina. This helps to stabilize the retina and reduce the risk of retinal detachment, a potentially sight-threatening condition.

Post-Operative Care

After laser surgery for a retinal tear, patients can expect to receive specific instructions from their ophthalmologist regarding post-operative care. While individual recommendations may vary based on the severity of the tear and other factors, common post-operative care instructions may include:

1. Eye Protection: Patients may be advised to wear an eye patch or shield to protect the treated eye from injury or infection.
2. Rest and Recovery: Resting with the head elevated and avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting is typically recommended to promote healing.
3. Eye Drops: Prescription eye drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing.
4. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist are crucial for monitoring the healing process and assessing the effectiveness of the laser treatment.

Potential Side Effects

While laser surgery for a retinal tear is generally safe and well-tolerated, patients may experience some side effects during the recovery period. These may include:

1. Discomfort or Pain: Mild discomfort or irritation in the treated eye is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications.
2. Blurred Vision: Blurred vision or sensitivity to light may occur temporarily following laser surgery but typically improves as the eye heals.
3. Floaters: Patients may notice an increase in floaters or flashes of light in their vision, which can be normal as the retina heals. However, sudden changes in floaters or flashes should be reported to the ophthalmologist immediately.

Importance of Follow-Up Appointments

Following laser surgery for a retinal tear, regular follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist are essential for monitoring the healing process and ensuring optimal recovery. During these appointments, the ophthalmologist will evaluate the integrity of the retina, assess visual acuity, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

At SightMD, we prioritize comprehensive follow-up care for all patients undergoing laser surgery for a retinal tear. Our experienced ophthalmologists and retinal specialists are dedicated to providing personalized care and support throughout the recovery process, ensuring the best possible outcome for our patients.

Laser surgery for a retinal tear is an effective treatment option for preventing retinal detachment and preserving vision. While the procedure itself is relatively quick and minimally invasive, understanding what to expect during the recovery period is essential for a successful outcome.

Laser Surgery for Retinal Tear At SightMD

If you or a loved one is scheduled to undergo laser surgery for a retinal tear, it’s important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your ophthalmologist and attend regular follow-up appointments. By taking proactive steps to ensure optimal recovery and monitoring, you can help safeguard your vision and promote long-term eye health.

If you have questions or concerns about laser surgery for a retinal tear or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced ophthalmologists at SightMD, we encourage you to contact us today. Let us help you navigate the recovery process and achieve the best possible outcome for your vision.

The post Understanding Laser Surgery for Retinal Tear appeared first on 麻豆高清- Eye Doctors & Eye Surgeons.

The speed at which AMD advances is variable. In some patients, the condition progresses slowly and the changes in vision are imperceptible for some time. In others, the disease moves at an accelerated pace, leading relatively quickly to loss of central vision in one or both eyes. While AMD does not result in complete blindness because some peripheral vision always remains, it does make ordinary activities, particularly those that require close visual acuity, increasingly difficult.

Stages and Types of AMD

There are three stages of AMD. These stages are designated both by signs detected by the ophthalmologist and symptoms experienced by the patient.

Early Stage AMD

During early AMD, the physician can diagnose the illness by the presence of more than the usual number of drusen, yellow deposits under the retina, These drusen of medium size. Typically, patients with early AMD are not yet experiencing any loss of vision.

Intermediate Stage AMD

When a patient is in the intermediate stage of AMD, the doctor observes large drusen as well as possible changes in retinal pigment. While some patients at this stage may experience small gaps in vision, most patients with intermediate AMD do not experience any significant vision loss.

Late Stage AMD

During late stage AMD, patients have enough damage to the macula to experience significant vision loss. The two types of late AMD are:

• Dry, or geographic, in which macula tissue degenerates
• Wet, or neovascular, in which abnormal blood vessels grow

In the wet type of AMD, which progresses more rapidly than the dry, the newly developed blood vessels may leak blood and fluid. Visual loss in dry AMD usually occurs more gradually. Ninety percent of patients diagnosed with AMD have the dry variety, but approximately 10 percent of these patients later develop the wet variety of the disorder. Although patients with either type may experience vision loss, wet AMD not only progresses more rapidly, but usually results in greater visual damage.

Risk Factors for AMD

Individuals over the age of 50 with a family history of the disease are at increased risk of developing AMD. Environmental factors may also increase risk. These include:

• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Excessive exposure to sunlight
• Elevated blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol levels

Females and people with light skin or eyes are at greater risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms of AMD

Just as there are a number of signs that indicate the presence of AMD to the ophthalmologist, there are a number of symptoms experienced by the patient. Visual symptoms of macular degeneration may include:

• Wavy lines
• Gradual lessening of color perception
• Distorted or blurry vision
• Dimmed vision, especially when reading
• Dark spots in the center of the visual field

In a great many cases of AMD, even when the central field of vision has been lost, patients retain enough visual acuity to navigate their daily lives.

Diagnosis of AMD

In order to definitively diagnose AMD, any or all of the following are necessary:

• Visual acuity test
• Physical examination of the back of the eye after dilation
• Amsler grid test for central vision
• Fluorescein angiogram, in which dye highlights the blood vessels
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

During the physical examination of the eye, the ophthalmologist takes particular care to look for pigment changes under the retina, as well as for drusen.

Treatment of AMD

While there is not yet a cure for AMD, many patients have been helped greatly by recent innovations in treatment. Regular eye examinations to facilitate early detection of AMD are essential, since most therapies work best when started at an early stage of either type of the disorder. Even though treatments cannot reverse the disease process, they are often able to stop the progression of symptoms so the patient can maintain as much vision as possible.

Recommended treatments for AMD may include one or more of the following, each of which approaches controlling AMD in a somewhat different way:

• Vitamin and mineral supplementation known as AREDS
• Injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)
• Laser therapy
• Laser submacular surgery
• Use of low vision aids

An innovative device, known as an implantable miniature telescope (IMT) has been designed to be implanted in place of the patient’s natural lens. While not a cure for AMD, it offers hope for much improved vision for those with the disorder.

The post Understanding what Age-Related Macular Degeneration is appeared first on 麻豆高清- Eye Doctors & Eye Surgeons.

What causes eye floaters?

As with any other changes to that take place over time, eye floaters are for the most part age-related. As a person gets older, tiny strands of vitreous鈥攚hich is that gel-like fluid that fills the eye鈥攖end to 鈥渟tick鈥� together. This then casts shadows on the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, known as 鈥渢he retina.鈥� These shadows are eye floaters.

It should be noted that although floaters are a natural development as a person ages, there are other possible causes which include infections or injuries to the eye, inflammation, bleeding, or retinal tears or detachments. Certain medical conditions also increase the possibility of developing floaters, and these may include diagnoses of diabetes, nearsightedness, or they may even be a side effect from cataract surgery.

Do eye floaters need to be treated?

The necessity to treat eye floaters depends on the degree of difficulty in being able to see. Very often, no immediate treatment is necessary, and people learn to adjust to this condition. On the other hand, if a dramatic change happens where vision is seriously affected, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. Examples of these dramatic changes would be if a lot of new floaters鈥攁ccompanied by flashes of鈥攂lurs a person鈥檚 eyesight. Or, someone may experience a dark, shadowy blocking of his or her central vision. Both instances, as stated, require immediate help and treatment from an eye care professional.

Have you been experiencing eye floaters, or has your vision gone through any noticeable changes? If you have any questions, or would like to consult with an eye care professional at SightMD, click or call today.

The post Understanding the Causes of Eye Floaters appeared first on 麻豆高清- Eye Doctors & Eye Surgeons.

If you or anyone you know has diabetes, you should especially make it a point to have your vision checked once a year, along with a comprehensive dilated eye exam. That鈥檚 because there are no immediate or obvious symptoms for diabetic retinopathy. It is important to understand that should this condition should be discovered early enough, steps may be taken to save your vision.

What are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy?

The term 鈥減roliferative鈥� refers to whether or not there is an abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. The term 鈥渘onproliferative鈥� means that new blood vessels are not growing in the retina. As a result, this condition is commonly referred to as nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

The four stages of diabetic retinopathy, are classified the following –

1. Mild Nonproliferative: As diabetic retinopathy starts to develop, the retina鈥檚 blood vessels will undergo tiny swellings. The areas of swelling are 鈥渕icro aneurysms.鈥�

2. Moderate Nonproliferative: As the micro aneurysms develop and increase, they will interfere with blood flow to the retina, which in turn affect the macula.

3. Severe Nonproliferative: Eventually, the blood vessels will become blocked, which results in a huge decrease in blood flow to the retina. The body then tries to grow new blood cells in the retina.

4. Proliferative: At the most advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, new 鈥� and fragile 鈥� blood vessels take form in the retina. Since these blood vessels are fragile, a high risk of fluid leakage may occur. Resulting problems include blurred or reduced vision, or possibly blindness.

While diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition, it is treatable by the patient鈥檚 discipline and ability to manage his or her diabetes. And, as stated above, by also getting regularly scheduled eye exams, the patient鈥檚 vision will be closely monitored, and this condition will be controlled.

If you are concerned about the possibility that you may have diabetic retinopathy, the eye care professionals at 麻豆高清are highly experienced and here to answer any of your questions. Contact us today to request an appointment online to have your vision checked.

The post Understanding The Four Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy appeared first on 麻豆高清- Eye Doctors & Eye Surgeons.

What are the best vitamins for your eyes?

Vitamin A, C and E are powerful antioxidants that help protect the retina against oxidative damage, which can lead to vision threatening diseases like macular degeneration. Vitamin C has also been shown to decrease the risk of cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin are a part of a group of antioxidants called carotenoids. Carotenoids make up the pigment found in fruits and vegetables as well as the protective pigment found in the retina. Increased intake of carotenoids, like lutein and zeaxanthin, have been shown to protect against cataracts, macular degeneration, and other retinal diseases. The body is unable to make carotenoids, therefore they need to be obtained through diet.

Are omega-3 fatty acids good for the eyes?

Yes. Research has shown that consuming omega 3-fatty acids has been shown to lower the risk of macular degeneration. It has also been shown to improve symptoms of dry eye disease, as it improves the function of the glands in the eyelids that produce the lipid or oily layer of the tear film. An intact tear film is essential for maintaining a healthy ocular surface, which contributes to optimal vision. It has also been shown to reduce ocular surface inflammation which improves dry eye symptoms.

Is biotin good for the eyes?

Biotin, aka vitamin B7, has not been shown to prevent eye disease. However, vitamins B6, B9 and B12 have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation and can help decrease the risk of macular degeneration.

What foods improve eyesight naturally?

A healthy diet is essential in maintaining good vision and protecting against eye disease. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are high in lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein can also be found in egg yolks, broccoli, and corn. Colorful fruits and veggies such as carrots, blueberries, strawberries, and goji berries are rich in antioxidants. Vitamin C is abundant in oranges, grapefruit, and tomatoes and Vitamin E can be found in sweet potatoes, nuts, and vegetable oils. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain high levels of omega 3-fatty acids.

Keeping up your regularly scheduled eye exams is key to early detection. If you鈥檙e concerned about your eye health and would like to receive individualized treatment advice, contact SightMD at 855-295-4144. Our highly-skilled team of eye doctors would be glad to assist you in improving the health and appearance of your eyes. We have convenient office locations across Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The post Do eye vitamins improve vision? appeared first on 麻豆高清- Eye Doctors & Eye Surgeons.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a progressive retinal disease that causes central vision loss. Affecting up to 11 million people in the United States alone, ARMD is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. As the population ages, this number is expected to grow. Approximately 10% of individuals age 65 and older and 25% of those age 75 and older are affected by ARMD. 

What is the main cause of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Multiple risk factors affect the onset of ARMD, including older age, smoking, family history of ARMD, hypertension, and obesity.

What are the two forms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is classified into the dry and wet forms. The dry form, where the macula gets thinner and clumps of material called drusen form, is much more common and accounts for 85-90% of documented cases. The dry form can convert into the wet form, where new and abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels can bleed, leak fluid, and cause scar tissue. Wet ARMD accounts for 10-15% of cases, but the majority of severe vision loss and blindness.

What are the warning signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Symptoms of age-related macular degeneration include decreased vision, visual distortions, or waviness in the visual field. Some patients may notice the loss of sharp details required for reading, driving, and recognizing faces and colors. For those with diagnosed ARMD, an Amsler grid may be helpful for home monitoring. The grid helps elucidate distorted, wavy, or blurry spots in the field of vision. A sudden change in the vision or the grid should prompt consultation with an ophthalmologist or retina specialist.

What foods should be avoided with Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

While there is no current proven treatment for dry ARMD, certain steps may slow the progression of the condition. The AREDS2 study discovered people with certain classifications of dry ARMD can slow progression by taking a combination of vitamins daily. Eating foods such as green leafy vegetables and following a balanced, nutrient rich diet is helpful. Minimizing modifiable risk factors including not smoking, controlling blood pressure and maintaining an appropriate weight is crucial. Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light exposure with sunglasses and hats is also beneficial.

How can you treat Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Wet AMD can be treated with anti-VEGF medications, creating stabilization of vision and even improving eyesight in certain patients. Anti-VEGF treatment is delivered to the eye through a very slender needle, reducing the number of abnormal blood vessels in your eye and slowing leakage and bleeding.

Visual rehabilitation and low vision aids may help certain patients with advanced disease improves their daily functioning. Consultation with a low vision specialist for patients with this condition is recommended.

The post How To Prevent Macular Degeneration? appeared first on 麻豆高清- Eye Doctors & Eye Surgeons.

Types of Eye Injections

Eye injections are placed into the gel-filled cavity of the eye and most commonly use a substance called Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors, of anti-VEGF, and there are three different options:

Avastin (Bevacizumab) was originally approved by FDA for treating colorectal cancer, but small amounts of the same substance have been found to help with certain retina disease. Because such a small dose is needed, Avastin needs to be prepared by an outside pharmacy prior to injection into the eye.

Lucentis (Ranibizumab) is FDA approved for treatment that鈥檚 specially designed for injection into the eye. While it鈥檚 a similar treatment, this option tends to have better penetration into the retina than Avastin.

Eylea (Aflibercept) was designed to have more binding sites so it may last longer in the eye than Avastin or Lucentis..

Various studies have been performed to compare these agents, the most recent found that both Avastin and Lucentis had similar effects on vision over the course of a year. In general, most ophthalmologists would consider all three agents to be equally effective, although some patients may develop resistance to one particular agent but still respond to the other 2 agents.

What to Expect

Your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops or gel, then cleaned and held open with a small instrument. During injection, you may feel slight pressure or a quick sting.

Common side effects include redness and mild irritation, which should go away after a day or two. No antibiotic drops are needed, and you can return to your normal activities right after injection.

Eye injections can seem scary, but they鈥檙e a very common in-office procedure. Your ophthalmologist will work with you to build a customized treatment plan to fit your needs.

The post Why do I Need Injections in my Eye? appeared first on 麻豆高清- Eye Doctors & Eye Surgeons.