Three Common Health Conditions Doctors Can Catch During Annual Eye Exams

Those who say the eyes are the windows to the soul might be onto something, sort of. While that’s still up for debate, the eyes actually do provide a glimpse of what’s going on inside the body. Blood vessels, nerves, and other parts of the eyes hold clues to health conditions a patient might be silently suffering from, and eye doctors are able to study those parts of the eyes during routine vision exams to screen for these conditions, and many others.

Diabetes 

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are often so gradual that they go unnoticed. High blood sugar can damage the eye’s tiny blood vessels, resulting in diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease that can cause blurriness in vision, difficulty distinguishing colors, and even blindness. From 2010 to 2050, the number of diabetes retinopathy cases is expected to nearly double, from 7.69 million to 14.6 million people, according to the National Eye Institute. Patients with diabetes also face an increased risk of developing other eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma, and these conditions don’t always show symptoms right away. Fortunately, eye doctors can pick up on small changes, like tiny leaks occurring on blood vessels, through comprehensive eye care that includes routine eye exams. Diagnosing the problem early can prevent serious eye damage and set the patient on a path toward healthier living.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, and like diabetes, the onset is often so gradual that patients don’t notice symptoms until damage has been done. Glaucoma is caused by increased eye pressure, which results in damage to the optic nerve and causes loss of vision. During an exam, the eye doctor will check that eye pressure is within the normal level and test the patient’s visual field and visual acuity. Regular eye exams are important in tracking things like changes to eye pressure levels over time. Glaucoma can be prevented but not cured. However, it can be controlled using prescription eye drops and medication to lower eye pressure, as well as laser therapy and eye surgery.

Macular Degeneration

According to the National Eye Institute, age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. Similar to diabetes and glaucoma, patients suffering from macular degeneration often fail to notice symptoms for several years, but it can be detected through eye exams. Eye doctors study the macula—the part of the retina that ensures clear, sharp vision—using a number of tests, such as autofluorescent photos of the retina and dilated eye exams. There’s no cure for macular degeneration, but it can be managed if detected early.

While the eyes may not be the windows to the soul, they are the windows to good health. Even if you have great vision, it’s important to schedule routine eye exams to preserve eyesight and detect conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed until they’ve progressively worsened. The eye doctors at Coastal Carolina Eye Clinic provide eye exams to test vision and evaluate overall health, and we are currently accepting new patients. Call us today at (910) 763-7316 or fill out our contact form to schedule your eye exam!

Five Habits That Can Harm the Eyes

Many people aren't aware that certain habits have a negative effect on eye health, potentially leading to decreased vision, infections, and diseases. To maintain correct vision and prevent eye issues from developing, avoid these five actions that can damage the eyes.

Wearing Contact Lenses Incorrectly 

Many contact lens wearers don't necessarily follow strict rules about caring for their lenses. However, adherence to the eye doctor's guidelines can prevent serious eye infection caused by dirty lenses. Remove lenses when swimming or showering. Never wear lenses longer than intended, especially while sleeping or for more than a full day. Swap out lens cases every few weeks to prevent bacterial contamination. Eye infections caused by contact lenses can result in blurred vision.

Using Expired Beauty Products

Keeping track of when mascara, eyeliner, and other cosmetics are purchased allows them to be discarded once they expire. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends getting rid of mascara and other eye makeup after three months. Using products past their prime can irritate the eyes and lead to infection. Try purchasing trial-size items so that they can be used before the expiration date. Avoid sharing eye makeup or applicators with anyone else.

Smoking

While it's widely known that smoking damages the heart and raises risk for cancer, this habit's effects on the eyes are less publicized. Tobacco use increases risks for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, both of which decrease vision. Among those older than age 50, the risk of these conditions doubles for smokers.

Staring at a Screen

We all do it, but staring at a laptop, tablet, or smartphone screen can have a serious impact on eye health. When we look at these devices without a break, we blink less, thus reducing tear production. As a result, eyes feel fatigued, and vision blurs. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the condition is so common that there's even a name for it—computer vision syndrome (CVS).

Working Without Goggles

Many people do jobs around the home that can be dangerous to the eyes without wearing goggles. Protective eyewear should be used when mowing the lawn, doing construction projects, using a nail gun, painting, or cleaning with harsh chemicals.

In addition to discontinuing these habits, regular visits with the doctors at Coastal Carolina Eye Clinic in Wilmington can help preserve sight and detect existing eye issues. We have been providing area residents with comprehensive eye health services since 1975, including contact and glasses fittings, laser eye correction, cataract surgery, diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions, and much more. Fill out our contact form or call (910) 763-7316 to schedule an appointment today.

Eyelid Plastic Surgery and How It Works

When aging causes the eyes to droop and sag, or when a person is unhappy with the natural appearance of their eyes, eyelid surgery can help add a needed boost of confidence. Understanding the benefits and understanding the surgery itself, however, are two different things. Learn more about this type of eye care before taking the next steps.

Is Eyelid Surgery Right for You?

Eyelid surgery, technically known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that can help when aging has caused a patient's eyes to develop the following symptoms:

- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid

- Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids

- Bags under the eyes

- Drooping lower eyelids

- Excess skin and fine wrinkles on the lower eyelid

Blepharoplasty can help to add a more youthful appearance to eyes by raising sagging eyelid skin or removing unwanted skin and fat. Luckily, this type of eye care involves a relatively simple procedure performed on an outpatient basis with minimal associated risks.

How Eyelid Surgery Works

There are two types of surgery to consider for eyelids: upper or lower. Patients can get both of them at the same time but typically choose one or the other to allow time for the minor swelling and bruising of their eyelids to heal. An initial consultation with a surgeon can help patients make an informed decision regarding their desired goals and treatment plan.

To begin, the surgeon will place the patient under general or local anesthesia. For both the upper and lower eyelids, incisions will go along the natural lines of the eyelid and lashes. This will allow the surgeon to begin removing any excess fat or unwanted skin.

Once finished with the removal, the surgeon can then close the incisions with small sutures. The sutures will stay in place for about a week.

The Recovery Process

Patients typically head home shortly after the procedure but should plan to have a friend or family member assist with driving.

There is some minor bruising and swelling to be expected. The overall healing time is usually one to two weeks. At that point, the patient can return to performing normal daily activities.

If you live in the Wilmington area and would like to learn more about your options for your personal eye care, then contact our team at Coastal Carolina Eye Clinic. We have 37 years of experience helping our patients. Our surgeons can walk you through the process of eyelid surgery and help determine if this procedure is right for you.

Five Steps to Preserve Eyesight

While it is natural for vision to decline with age, taking steps to care for the eyes can help stave off problems and identify potential issues early, before they progress. Here are five eye care tips to follow.

1. Be Aware of Risk Factors

Certain individuals are at higher risk for eye diseases like glaucoma. Those who are older than age 65 (or African American and older than age 40), as well as those who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of these conditions, should ask their eye doctor about recommended screenings to support eye care and prevent disease.

2. Eat the Right Foods

Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamins C and E, and lutein prevent age-related vision issues like macular degeneration and cataracts. Examples include the following:

- Green leafy vegetables

- Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna

- Non-meat protein sources, such as nuts and beans

- Citrus fruits and juices

- Oysters and pork

3. Report Vision Changes

It's important to see an eye doctor as soon as troublesome symptoms develop. Red flags of eye conditions include double vision, haziness, poor night vision, red eyes, light flashes, and pain or swelling in the eye area.

4. Quit Smoking

In addition to contributing to heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases, smoking is detrimental to eye health, increasing the risk for macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. Those who smoke should seek support and assistance with smoking cessation.

5. Shield the Eyes

Wearing sunglasses while outdoors prevents eye damage from UVA and UVB rays. Choose wraparound lenses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, polarized options can help reduce glare while driving. Wear safety goggles for jobs that require the use of hazardous materials and while engaged in sports such as ice hockey or lacrosse.

Following these five eye care tips can help preserve sight and promote healthy vision for years to come.

4 Ways to Prevent Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an ocular disease that involves damage to the optic nerve due to excessive fluid in the eye that causes increased pressure. Left untreated, this issue can result in permanent blindness. Preventative care, as well as routine visits to an ophthalmologist, can help spot this disease early to start treatment via medication, laser treatment, or conventional surgery.

Regular Exams

Regular exams are important for preventing disabling vision problems. Before age 40, exams every two to four years are recommended. Between ages 40 and 54, patients should have appointments at least every three years. From 55 to 64, visits should not be more than two years apart, and after age 65, patients should see a doctor every six to 12 months. Patients should inform their doctor if they have any history of glaucoma in their family.

Exercise

Moderate exercise that elevates the heart rate is beneficial for controlling symptoms of this ocular disease.

Protective Gear

Traumatic glaucoma is a risk of an eye injury, so people should wear protective gear to avoid injuries.

Management of Other Medical Conditions

Controlling other medical conditions is helpful for reducing optical risks. High blood pressure and diabetes are two conditions that can increase a person's risk for glaucoma.

See an ophthalmologist with any questions and concerns to resolve potential issues quickly.

Laser Vision Correction: Are You a Candidate?

While laser vision correction (LASIK) is safe and effective for most people, some individuals may not benefit from the procedure. Eye surgeons use specific criteria to determine whether a patient is a candidate for this surgery.

How Is LASIK Performed?

This process is done in eye surgeons' offices while the patient is awake. After administering numbing eye drops, the doctor holds the eyelids open with an instrument that looks like a speculum. A suction device is used to create a flap through which the cornea can be reshaped using the laser. LASIK is painless, though the patient may feel light pressure during the surgery.

When Is LASIK Effective?

This procedure is most beneficial to correct the vision of those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, which represents most adults who wear glasses or contacts. Among the 700,000 Americans who have LASIK each year, 97 percent have notable vision improvement, with 70 percent achieving 20/20 vision or better after the procedure.

Some adults between the ages of 40 and 60 lose some ability to focus on small print and objects, a condition called presbyopia. Those with presbyopia can opt to have one eye corrected for near vision and the other for far vision, but should first do a trial run of this strategy with contact lenses.

What Factors Rule out LASIK?

Some structural concerns can make a person ineligible for the procedure, including thin corneas, irregular corneal surface, cone-shaped corneas, deep-set eyes, or large pupils. However, new technology such as bladeless vision correction has made laser vision surgery a reality for patients who were previously ineligible, and other techniques are always being researched.

While these factors may typically determine whether a patient is eligible for LASIK, the best course of action is to have a consultation with laser vision correction specialized eye surgeons.