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Vision Improves After Cataract Surgery

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If your eyes are more sensitive to bright lights while driving your car at night, you may have cataracts.

If you notice the color of objects has faded or yellowed, you may have cataracts.

If you experience blurry or double vision in one or both eyes, you may have cataracts.

Nearly one in six or about 24 million Americans 40 or older have cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of your eye, which is normally caused by aging. Cataracts happen when proteins in your lens break down, causing objects around you to look hazy or blurry.

June is Cataract Awareness Month. So, it’s a great time to let you know that cataracts are easy to diagnose and that sight-restoring treatment is readily available. Early symptoms of cataracts may be improved with new glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses, but cataract surgery is the most effective treatment.

Variety of IOLs Available for Vision, Lifestyle

Since 1995, more than 500 million cataract procedures have been performed worldwide. Approximately 4 million cataract procedures are performed every year in the U.S. and nearly 28 million worldwide (Healio).

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens from your eye and replacing it with an artificial lens called an IOL, or intraocular lens. An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that becomes a permanent part of your eye and requires no care.

You and your doctor decide which type of IOL is right for your visual needs and your lifestyle. Examples of IOLs include the following:

  • Monofocal lenses offer vision at one distance only (far, intermediate or near).
  • A toric IOL can be used to correct astigmatism to provide clear distance vision.
  • Multifocal IOLs are designed to help you see near, far and intermediate with as little glasses or contact use as possible.

During the pandemic surges, elective surgeries like cataract removal, joint replacements and non-emergency hernia repairs were often canceled to free up hospital beds for COVID-19 patients. Elective surgery is an operation scheduled in advance to address non-life-threatening health problems.

Although it’s considered an elective procedure, cataract surgery is essential for good health. If not treated, cataracts may impair or cause near-complete loss of vision, which can impact the active lifestyle and well-being of the patient.

“Many adults in the U.S. have postponed their medical care and procedures throughout the pandemic, including elective surgeries,” said Indira Venkat, Vice President, Consumer Insights at AARP. “It’s important to keep in touch with your health care providers to maintain good health and wellbeing, especially for older adults who are more likely to have chronic health conditions.” (Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation)

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the safest, most common and most effective surgical procedures performed in the United States, according to the U.S. National Eye Institute. This outpatient surgery only takes a few hours from the time you arrive at the center until you go home, allowing you to return to your life quickly. The surgery itself generally takes less than 30 minutes.

The cost of cataract surgery depends on the type of procedure, the facility (hospital vs. ambulatory surgery center), location of the facility (factor in the cost of living) and the type of IOL (standard vs. premium).

Impaired vision can prevent you from living an active lifestyle and doing activities you love with family and friends. If you cancel or delay your cataract surgery, you may experience difficulty performing tasks around your home, increased risk of falls or fractures and challenges with reading or driving.

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Your vision is important to you. Your vision is important to us. If your vision is impaired, don’t delay your care. If you and your doctor determine you have cataracts, consider scheduling cataract surgery at one of our cost-effective ambulatory surgery centers. Click here to find a center near you.

Increased Screen Time Threatens Children’s Eyesight

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A new study suggests increased time on digital devices has adversely affected children’s eye health and general well-being.

Digital Device Usage Increased During Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of children to adjust to remote learning and to depend on digital devices for their education. A recent paper published in the Journal of School Health analyzed global research studies conducted during the pandemic and discovered that children and teens have significantly increased their screen time.

Worldwide research studies found the following to be true:

  • Almost 90 percent of Canadian parents said their children were exceeding the two-hour guideline suggested by health authorities.
  • Average screen time for children increased by one hour per day in Germany.
  • A Chilean study found preschool and toddler children averaged more than three hours per day of screen time.
  • Researchers in Tunisia said children’s screen time increased 111 percent.

Digital Eye Strain Tied to Health Risks

When children do not have healthy limits on screen time, their health can suffer. For example, too much time on electronic devices puts children at risk for digital eye strain, which is characterized by itchy, red, watery eyes that can feel irritated and uncomfortable. Staring at screens can also increase the likelihood of dry eye, uncorrected refractive errors and unstable binocular vision. It can also result in shoulder and neck strain and back pain.

Using digital devices can also have long-term health consequences. Because it is a passive activity, excessive screen time can cause overeating and even obesity.

“It is really important to be aware of the potential risks to children’s short and long-term eye and general health. It is essential that devices are used appropriately and that activities away from digital devices are encouraged, such as playing outdoors,” said lead author Professor Shahina Pardhan, director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute at Anglia Ruskin University (Medical Xpress).

Tips to Prevent Digital Eye Strain

Parents can help children set boundaries for electronic device usage. Have a conversation with your children to help them understand that screen time can affect their vision and overall health. Here are some tips for discussing with your children:

  1. Establish time limits for digital device usage.
  2. Remind children that homework on a digital device takes priority over playing online games or watching television.
  3. Consider limiting video games, online games and television to weekends.
  4. Teach your children the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.

Schedule Comprehensive Eye Exams for Your Family

One of the best ways to maintain healthy vision for the whole family is to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam with dilation. Annual eye exams ensure an eye doctor can diagnose any refractive or focusing error or eye condition that could affect your child’s vision.

An ophthalmologist can also provide you with suggestions on creating healthy boundaries regarding screen time. Sometimes, your kids will be more willing to take advice from their eye doctor than you!

Don’t forget to also make an eye exam for yourself. A yearly checkup is essential for diagnosing common eye diseases like cataracts,  glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Find an Ophthalmologist in Your Area

Are you looking for a board-certified ophthalmologist near you? We can help. Use our Find a Physician locator tool to find an ophthalmologist who is accepting new patients in your area.

Retinal Test May Help Detect Risk of Early Alzheimer’s

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New research finds that a simple eye test could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in earlier stages.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are usually diagnosed when people act uncharacteristically or begin to be forgetful. Traditional MRI scans can help doctors detect Alzheimer’s disease but not in early stages. More advanced MRI scans can help detect the disease in earlier stages but these are still investigational and this type of imaging would be costly.

A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that a retinal exam can predict Alzheimer’s disease at a much younger age.

Retinal thinning could be indicator of Alzheimer’s

Researchers from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, analyzed data from 865 Dunedin Study participants at age 45, looking specifically at the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Participants with thicker GCL and RNFL exhibited stronger cognitive performance in childhood and adulthood. However, thinner RNFL was associated with a more significant decline in mental processing speed in childhood and adulthood. According to the study, RNFL could be an indicator of brain health.

“Given we haven’t been able to treat advanced Alzheimer’s, and that the global prevalence of the disease is increasing, being able to identify people in the preclinical stage, when we may still have the chance to intervene, is really important,” said Ashleigh Barrett-Young, Ph.D., Research Fellow at University of Otago (Medical Xpress).

Although further research is necessary to determine whether a thinning retina can indicate Alzheimer’s, this study provides hope that optical scans could assist in predicting cognitive decline.

Comprehensive eye exams can diagnose early eye disease

When is the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam with dilation? Yearly eye exams can diagnose many common eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration, which can cause irreversible eye damage.

Getting annual eye checkups can also diagnose cataracts, a common vision problem. Cataract-related vision loss is treatable through cataract surgery, a safe, routine procedure. On average, cataract surgeons perform about 10 million cataract operations every year to restore eyesight.

Finally, comprehensive eye exams can also help detect chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes because these diseases target the eyes. It has been said that your eyes are a window to your overall health, so make your eye health a priority.

Find an ophthalmologist in your area

If you are looking for a board-certified ophthalmologist near your home, we can help. Use our Find a Physician locator tool. Our doctors are accepting new patients and are ready to provide you and your family members with compassionate care. Call today and make an appointment for your family.

Face Masks May Increase the Risk of Dry, Irritated Eyes

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Face masks have become a part of everyday life in the past two years because of the pandemic. While face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they can cause many other unwanted side effects, such as dry, irritated eyes or even a condition called dry eye.

What Is Mask-associated Dry Eye (MADE)?

Mask-associated dry eye (MADE) has affected most of the United States’ population. It occurs when exhaled air channels up out of the face mask and over the eye’s surface. Increased air over the eye evaporates tears more quickly and makes the eyes irritated, gritty, itchy and watery.

One study found that three groups were more susceptible to MADE:

  • Females
  • People who have a history of dry eye disease
  • Anyone wearing a mask longer than three hours per day

Other causes of MADE include prolonged face mask usage in air conditioning and increased use of digital devices.

How You Can Prevent MADE

Face masks are not going away soon, but you can take several steps to alleviate MADE.

  1. Learn the appropriate way to wear a face mask. Make sure your face mask fits closely to your nose, or tape the top of your mask to direct airflow downward.
  2. Limit your time in air conditioning or windy weather.
  3. Take regular breaks from digital devices. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.
  4. Try lubricating drops if your eyes feel itchy, gritty or uncomfortable. Ask your eye doctor before using any new product.
  5. Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with your eye doctor.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Can Diagnose Dry Eye Disease

When was the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam? A complete eye exam with dilation can detect and diagnose common eye conditions like dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration. Preventing eye disease is always preferable to treating it. Let us help you find a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area. Click here to use our Find a Physician locator tool.

Diabetes Meds May Protect Against Glaucoma, Study Shows

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Scientists are researching new ways to prevent and treat glaucoma, a family of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve.

Positive results in a recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology link a popular class of diabetes medications with glaucoma prevention.

The medications, called GLP-1R agonists (Trulicity and Rybelsus), may also protect against glaucoma in diabetic patients, according to the study.

The results were found by researchers in the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, according to a Medical XPress article. The study findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may decrease a diabetic patient’s risk of developing glaucoma by half.

Diabetes and Glaucoma

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, including 12 million seniors. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma.

In the study, researchers looked at retrospective data of 1,961 diabetic patients who were new users of this class of drugs and matched them to 4,371 unexposed control subjects, according to a Medical Xpress article. After 150 days on average, 10 patients in the medicated group were newly diagnosed with glaucoma (0.5 percent) compared to 58 patients (1.3 percent) in the control group.

A Penn Medicine study from 2020 supports the findings, which found that GLP-1R agonists reduced neuroinflammation and prevented retinal ganglion cell death in mice.

“It was very encouraging to see that a popular diabetes medication could significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, and our study suggests that these medications warrant further study in this patient population,” said Qi N. Cui, MD, Ph.D., with Brian VanderBeek, MD, MPH, both assistant professors of Ophthalmology at Penn.

Notably, this class of drugs also has shown similarly protective effects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in animal models. Currently, clinical trials are underway to test the medications against neurodegenerative diseases, conditions in which cells of the human brain and spinal cord are lost.

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma affects 3 million Americans and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

In addition to diabetes, risk factors for glaucoma include:

  • Age 45 or older
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • History of injury to the eye
  • African American
  • History of steroid use, either in the eye (drops) or systemically (orally or injected)
  • Nearsighted (myopic)
  • Farsighted (hyperopic)
  • History of elevated intraocular pressure

Visit an Ophthalmologist

There is no cure for glaucoma. Early detection is of primary importance because there are usually no symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred.

You should schedule a comprehensive eye exam and let your ophthalmologist know if you are at risk for glaucoma. Your doctor will perform several tests to diagnose glaucoma.

Doctors are continually working to discover new treatments for glaucoma. The objective of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and slow down the effects of glaucoma. It is important to have regular checkups and take prescribed medication as directed.

Do you need an eye doctor who is also a glaucoma specialist? Use our Find a Physician locator tool.

Cataract Surgery Could Lower Your Risk for Dementia

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Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed today. Both safe and effective, cataract removal can often provide people with the clearest eyesight they have ever experienced. In addition, new research finds that cataract surgery could offer an unexpected benefit: a reduced risk of developing dementia.

Cataract Surgery Lowers Dementia Risk by 30 Percent

The Adult Changes in Thought study observed 5,000 patients over age 65. Based on data from 3,000 participants, the research team discovered that patients who had cataract surgery experienced a 30 percent lower risk of developing dementia than patients who did not have cataract surgery. Additionally, they found the reduced risk of dementia lasted at least ten years after surgery.

“This is really exciting because no other medical intervention has shown such a strong association with lessening dementia risk in older individuals,” said Cecilia S Lee, M.D., associate professor and Klorfine Family Endowed Chair in ophthalmology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the lead researcher for the study (Medical Xpress).

Other Health Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can offer many other health benefits besides a lower risk for dementia.

  1. Reduced risk for falls and fractures. Poor vision is a common cause of falling. A 2012 study found cataract surgery reduced the risk for hip fractures in the elderly by 23 percent.
  2. Improved night vision and driving safety. One study used driving simulators to evaluate patients’ night vision who underwent first and second cataract surgery. After a first surgery, near-misses and collisions dropped by 35 percent. After the second cataract surgery, numbers decreased to 48 percent.
  3. Better quality of life. Cataract removal can improve quality of life as well. Loss of vision can contribute to isolation and depression, but cataract surgery can help people maintain independence and resume the activities they enjoy.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Cataract surgery offers so many benefits for your vision and overall health. Make clear vision a top priority this year by making an appointment with your ophthalmologist.

Have you recently relocated or need to find a new eye doctor? We can help. Click here to use our Find a Physician locator tool.

No Glasses Needed? Monovision After Cataract Surgery

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Do you find yourself squinting to read food labels, menus or your phone? You may have presbyopia, or “aging eye.” As we age, the eye lens loses flexibility, and it becomes difficult to focus on close objects. There are many ways to treat presbyopia. Many people may opt to use a magnifying glass, reading glasses or prescription glasses.

Another option is called monovision or blended vision. This kind of vision can be achieved with contact lenses, LASIK (refractive surgery) or an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

How Monovision or Blended Vision Works

Everyone has a dominant eye. It is usually the eye that you prefer seeing with if you cover one eye. Your eye doctor can correct your dominant eye for distance vision and leave your non-dominant eye slightly nearsighted to use for seeing objects up close.

Even though it is called monovision, you are still using both eyes. Many people find monovision works well for them, and over time, they cannot tell which eye they use for near vision and which they use for distance vision.

Is Monovision Right for You?

Not everyone can adapt to monovision. Your ophthalmologist may recommend trying blended vision using contact lenses first before a surgical procedure like cataract surgery. In cataract surgery, a surgeon will remove the deteriorated, brittle lens and replace it with an artificial, intraocular lens customized to your vision needs. Often, cataract surgery can reduce dependence on glasses. In some cases, when people can adapt to monovision, they may not have to wear glasses.

Are There Any Downsides to Monovision?

Some people may lose some depth perception when one eye focuses on distance and the other eye focuses on close objects. Other people find they still need reading glasses to decipher small print.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you considering cataract surgery, or would you like to reduce your dependence on glasses and corrective lenses? Our board-certified ophthalmologists are accepting new patients and are ready to assist you. Find an eye doctor near you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. To maximize your health benefits, make your eye appointments before the end of the year when your deductible resets.

COVID Quarantine May Have Worsened Children’s Vision

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A recent study suggests that pandemic lockdown may have increased myopia, or nearsightedness, in school-aged children.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, can run in families. Still, environmental factors, such as spending too much time indoors, can contribute to children becoming nearsighted.

The 2020 lockdown closed schools across the country and confined millions of children to their homes. While quarantine was essential to protect against the COVID-19 virus, too much time indoors may have negatively impacted children’s vision health.

Lockdown Affected Children Ages Six to Eight the Most

Less time outdoors is a significant risk factor for myopia. According to research published in JAMA Opthalmology, COVID quarantine may have increased myopia in children ages 6 to 13 in China, particularly children between ages 6 and 8. In addition, higher levels of screen time due to online classes and more time spent on electronic devices can directly affect children’s vision according to researchers.

Experts theorize that less time outdoors affects young children more significantly because their eyes are in an earlier stage of development, and myopia may be easier to control in younger children.

Send Children Outside and Limit Screen Time

Parents have an instrumental role in protecting their children’s vision. Encourage your child to play outside every day and limit screen time, even in colder months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time (except video-chatting) in children younger than 18 to 24 months and only educational media for young children.

New research from The Sleep Foundation also suggests blue light from electronic devices can impair children’s sleep. Artificial light disrupts the natural sleep-wake cycle by fooling the brain into not producing melatonin before bed.

Schedule an Eye Exam Before the End of the Year

It’s hard to believe that we’re approaching the end of the year. Have you scheduled eye exams for your family? A comprehensive eye exam is one of the best decisions you can make for your eye health, and it only takes about an hour. Your eye doctor can assess your visual acuity and screen you for common eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Most vision plans include one comprehensive eye exam per year for covered individuals, so don’t let time get away from you. Call today to make appointments for the whole family.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you seeking quality care from a board-certified ophthalmologist? We can help. Click here to find an eye doctor near you. Our physicians are accepting new patients and are ready to care for your vision health.

Schedule Your Cataract Surgery or Eye Procedure at an Outpatient Surgery Center

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Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are delaying elective surgeries and procedures, but it’s important to remember your eye procedure is essential for your vision and health.

COVID-19 Delays Elective Procedures

Was your eye surgery delayed because of the pandemic? With the resurgence of COVID-19, many hospitals are delaying elective eye procedures like cataract surgery and glaucoma procedures.

The term “elective” does not refer to the importance of the procedures. Instead, it distinguishes between surgeries due to emergencies and those you can schedule in advance.

For example, procedures like knee replacements or non-emergency hernia repairs are considered elective because you can schedule them for a future date. Many eye procedures, like cataract surgery, are also considered elective. Although elective, each of these procedures is essential for good health.

Importance of Prompt Eye Procedures

Low vision can prevent you from living an active lifestyle and doing the things you love. A canceled or delayed eye procedure means you may experience:

  • Challenges with reading or driving.
  • Difficulty doing tasks around your home.
  • Increased risk of falls or fractures.

Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center for Eye Procedures

Although many hospitals have pushed back eye surgeries, you have options. Scheduling your procedure at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may be a good choice for several reasons:

  • Outpatient surgery centers dedicate themselves to specific procedures, not emergency or trauma, so your appointment may be less likely to be affected.
  • Because many ASCs are smaller than other health care facilities, they are easily navigable and usually have convenient parking.
  • Your procedure may be more cost-effective at an ASC.

Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Before Your Deductible Resets

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your procedure before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of your health plan’s benefits. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgeries performed today, and it may be less costly than you think.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

When is the last time you made an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam? A board-certified ophthalmologist can give you a full assessment of your vision health and advise you on any necessary eye procedures.

Clear vision is the key to maintaining your active lifestyle. Click here to find an eye doctor near you.

Children Need Sunglasses Too!

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Children often spend more time outside than adults, but have you noticed that most kids on the playground or ballfield don’t wear sunglasses?

Most children receive more annual sun exposure than adults. This increased exposure to sunlight increases the risk of eye damage from ultraviolet (UV) light.

Parents know it can be difficult to get kids to wear shades, but ophthalmologists emphasize the importance of eye protection in developing children. In adults, the lenses of the eyes have matured, but children’s eye lenses cannot filter out UV rays as efficiently. Increased exposure to sunlight can cause short-term problems such as:

  • Photokeratitis, or sunburn of the eye
  • Dry, irritated or bloodshot eyes

Long-term sun exposure may have lasting effects and make children more prone to eye growths known as pterygia or eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Minimizing UV Exposure in Children

According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of children’s UV exposure occurs before turning 18. As a result, parents can take an active role in their children’s eye health to prevent degenerative eye diseases.

There are many ways parents can help care for their children’s eyes. Because sun damage is cumulative, it is best to begin UV protection at an early age. Here are some ways you can decrease your children’s UV exposure:

  1. Purchase sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Sunglasses do not need to be expensive, but they should meet the American National Standards Institute guidelines. Glasses should block between 99 and 100 percent of UVA (long-length) and UVB (short-length) rays. If your child wears corrective lenses, consider photochromic (transition) lenses. Transition lenses offer 100 percent UV protection.
  2. Select a wraparound lens. It is essential to protect the sides of the eyes, so choose a wraparound lens. You can let your child help select the style, but make sure the sunglasses are durable as well.
  3. Choose the right sunglasses for various activities. If your child is in sports, you may want to consider impact-resistant, scratch-proof polycarbonate lenses. Green or amber lenses are also great for contrast.
  4. Buy a spare pair of shades. Everyone forgets things from time to time, so keep a pair of sunglasses in each vehicle or your bag.
  5. Be the example. Parents should wear sunglasses daily to set the standard for proper eye care.
  6. Apply sunscreen and wear hats. In conjunction with sunglasses, have your children wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to minimize UV exposure (Medical Xpress).

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Help your children’s vision stay healthy by making annual comprehensive eye exams for the whole family. A complete eye exam tests for refractive errors, focusing problems and common eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Eye diseases often don’t have symptoms in the early stages, but your eye doctor can detect a developing condition during an eye exam.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Our ophthalmologists are accepting new patients and are ready to care for your family. Use our Physician Locator Tool to call and make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam today.