Find Out if Laser-Guided Cataract Surgery Is Right for You

Technology offers less invasive, gentler treatment

Laser-guided surgery for cataracts can be a fairly new technology, but it’s quickly becoming the most preferred way to treat cataracts and astigmatism.

Lasers have many perks over conventional surgery, ideal patients.

For something, though it’s effective, conventional surgery for cataracts is much more invasive. In conventional surgery, we use hand-held blades to spread out the eye. Then, we utilize a probe that vibrates at ultrasonic speed to fragment a person's eye’s lens making sure that we can eliminate it and compensate for an artificial plastic lens.

Using a laser, we accomplish a number of these same tasks — however with computer guidance. It’s considerably more precise as opposed to human hand alone.

It’s also much gentler on the attention than ultrasound. That’s particularly crucial for certain patients with sensitive eyes.

For example, patients with Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy risk swollen corneas after surgery. Laser-guided surgery lessens the risk weighed against conventional surgery.

One procedure treats two conditions

Laser surgery has an additional benefit: a chance to correct some types of astigmatism.

Astigmatism is definitely an irregularity of a persons vision’s curvature that may lead to vision distortion. With laser-guided surgery, we can easily correct astigmatism concurrently as the cataract surgery. This makes it lower the probability that you will need glasses following procedure.

But you'll find things you should know about before undergoing laser-guided surgery for cataracts. First, it’s a two-part operation. Even following laser portion ends, you need to go into the operating room for the remainder in the procedure, where we physically get rid of the lens and put it back with a man-made lens.

Second, we never try this type of laser means of astigmatism alone. We only get it done in conjunction with cataract surgery. There are ways to correct astigmatism without cataract surgery, but that’s a new laser procedure altogether, like LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis).

Are that you candidate?

Laser surgery for cataracts has some limitations. For example, the laser can’t correct all astigmatism.

Astigmatism may be either regular or irregular. If the cornea looks much more a football, the laser corrects it wonderfully. If the astigmatism is irregular and possesses more of an egg shape, the laser doesn’t do nearly as good a career. There are some situations where we can't correct the astigmatism in any respect, either with laser or conventional surgery. The patient just has to put on contacts or glasses.

Those who've had LASIK should probably avoid this action. LASIK results in a flap of tissue inside cornea, when the laser fires it, it might change the characteristics of their flap and affect a person’s eyesight.

Patients are becoming additional demanding about achieving good vision after cataract surgery. In using a technology with your a high level of predictability, we expect to keep getting a lot better at giving people more precise, corrected vision.

Can Your Camera Help Diagnose Childhood Cancer?

A white, cloudy spot could possibly be retinoblastoma

You snap a photograph of your child by using a camera with flash. When you think about the image, you spot something unusual — a white cloudy spot over one of one's child’s eyes.

This white cloudy spot might not exactly just be a photograph error, like red eyes. It sometimes serves as a manifestation of a rare but dangerous type of childhood eye cancer called retinoblastoma, says Arun Singh, MD, from Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute.

If you observe this white cloudy spot inside your child’s photos, don’t delay. See an ophthalmologist, Dr. Singh says. “This is really a sign which is worth considering,” he states.

Why early detection matters

The white pupil that appears in a few lighting conditions — including flash photography — is named a leukocoria. It can be a manifestation of not only retinoblastoma and also a detached retina along with other conditions.

But retinoblastoma is easily the most serious, Dr. Singh stresses.

Retinoblastoma can be a cancer that grows from the developing eyes of children, typically by ages 3 to 4. Treatment usually involves a sort of chemotherapy, sometimes put together with laser therapy along with other options.

Most important, treatments work much better when doctors find retinoblastoma early. “We be aware of best outcomes occur in early stages from the disease,” Dr. Singh says.

When doctors find retinoblastoma within the very early on, by way of example, there is really a nearly 100 % chance of saving a child’s eyeball through treatment, he admits that. But that drops to about 50 percent inside advanced stage and becomes near zero in late stages.

If the truth is a white spot, if you ever always visit a doctor?

Since early detection of retinoblastoma is really important, Dr. Singh as well as others urge parents to err tubing caution.

The leukocoria, or white cloudy spot, isn’t the only symbol of retinoblastoma. Sometimes a child might have strabismus, or “lazy eye,” along with inflammation. But leukocoria is easily the most common sign. It’s so common there is certainly even an app designed for phones along with devices that can help in spotting it.

The white cloudy i'm all over this the pupil in photos isn’t always a symbol of disease. But the potential for saving a child’s eye may be valued at a trip to the ophthalmologist, Dr. Singh says.

“If the thing is a white pupil in photographs, whether just with your photos or utilizing an app, understand checked out,” Dr. Singh says. “Do this even when the white pupil doesn’t turn up in all photos.”

An ophthalmologist will work a dilated exam to appear inside the pupil for symptoms of retinoblastoma. The doctor might also follow up with additional imaging.

If the indications of disease exist, your son or daughter can get sight-saving treatment — preferably eventually.

The Best Strategies to Halt That Pesky Eye Twitch - Eyes Health 2016

What causes your talent to twitch and you skill to prevent it

There’s nothing worse than looking to focus throughout the day with a pesky eye twitch that won’t stop flickering. You know what we mean — that repetitive, involuntary spasm of one's eyelid muscle that comes about every matter of moments for a minute or two.

An eye twitch might be unpredictable. It may work for several days or perhaps longer. It may occur don / doff for a couple of days. Then, you possibly will not experience any twitching for weeks as well as months.

An eye twitch doesn’t hurt, nonetheless it sure is annoying. But could you choose a sign of an even more serious problem?

More annoying than harmful

Eye twitches are typical and usually, they aren’t something to worry about, says ophthalmologist Allison Babiuch, MD. Most of the time, an eye fixed spasm will resolve by itself without any requirement for medical treatment.

“Everyone always worries with regards to a neurologic problem. They worry that something serious is happening, but that’s rarely the case,” Dr. Babiuch says.

“There are a number of other things that causes one or both eyes to twitch and they also can last for just a long time, which could be very frustrating. But they are rarely a sign of a problem.”

Causes for your twitch

Dr. Babiuch said the most prevalent culprits behind the dreaded eye twitch are stress and fatigue.

Other factors behind eye twitching include:

• Eye irritation
• Eye strain
• Eyes that aren’t straight
• Eyes which need glasses
• Medication
• Use of alcohol, tobacco or caffeine

To get those eye twitch to de-stress, Dr. Babiuch suggests getting enough rest, minimizing caffeine and reducing stress wherever possible.

Eye drops may also help, in case your eyes need moisture.

When it’s time for you to see a doctor

If about eye twitching seems to be lasting for the long time or possibly becoming particularly bothersome, Dr. Babiuch recommends a visit to an eye fixed doctor to be sure nothing more serious taking.

“If it’s some days and it’s really on your mind, or if you're having other symptoms; possibly that your eyes start to look red or it feels as though there is something within your eye, or you’re getting light-sensitive, or maybe your vision is beginning to change — they're all signs that maybe you should get evaluated,” Dr. Babiuch says.

Very rarely, eyelid spasms can be a symptom of a serious brain or nerve disorder. In these rare cases, eyelid spasms could possibly be an early sore point of a chronic movement disorder, particularly spasms are coupled with other facial twitches or uncontrollable movements.

Children who will be blinking frequently or have about eye twitching should see their doctor for the evaluation since they're not always capable of recognize or tell a mature when something is wrong, Dr. Babiuch says.

Styes: How You Can Avoid Them and Best Treatment Tips

Take care with makeup and contacts

Do you sometimes get tender, red bumps near your eyelids? Those are most likely styes. You can take the appropriate steps to avoid them and usually, you are able to treat them yourself, too.

What creates a stye on the eye?

A stye is surely an infection in a eyelash follicle or tear gland.

If you introduce trauma (scratching) or bacteria on the area, the follicle or gland sometimes gets blocked and infected, in line with family physician Michael Rabovsky, MD, Chair of Department of Family Medicine.

Styes typically occur on the lateral side edge or maybe under the eyelid. They are bumps that seem to be like pimples, encompassed by redness. They usually last around three days, pop after which heal in approximately a week.

What’s the best way in order to avoid styes?

Some habits could make you more prone to getting styes. To help prevent them, try this advice:

• Wash makeup off before bedtime so eye follicles don’t get plugged overnight.
• Replace eye shadows about every six months in order to avoid bacterial growth.
• Wash hands regularly when working with contact lenses.
• If you might have allergies, don’t rub the eyes.

How to help remedy styes at home

Styes often appear to be pimples — which makes it tempting to squeeze them — but don’t get it done. The stye will heal after it drains, nevertheless, you should allow it to go do so naturally time, Dr. Rabovsky says.

You can assist the process along by putting a warm, clean, damp cloth about the affected eye for five to 15 minutes a couple of times a day.

Folding up a damp washcloth and microwaving it for any 10-20 seconds perform well. Just be careful the cloth doesn’t get too hot to use on your own eyes. It’s convenient as being a warm compress because as any fringe of the washcloth actually reaches cool, you'll be able to refold for the warmer side.

“The heat allows it to drain naturally,” according to him. “Just always reheat the washcloth because doing so will lose heat after some time.”

Over-the-counter ointments and solutions are also available to manage styes, but Dr. Rabovsky recommends a tried-and-true, inexpensive selection for his patients: Wash the attention gently with baby shampoo in order that it doesn’t burn your skills.

Also, to stop further irritation, don’t wear makeup or contacts when you could have a stye.

How did you know you need more treatment?

If you might be uncertain that what you've is a stye or it isn’t going away after a couple of days, you will need more treatment. Dr. Rabovksy recommends checking along with your physician if:

• The stye hasn’t did start to improve in some days
• It doesn’t resolve fully in approximately a week
• It gets worse quickly
• It grows in size
• It bleeds
• It affects your vision
• It spreads to your white of a persons vision (a sign of infection)
• You see redness from the cheeks and other parts on the face (the problem is likely spreading)

If chlamydia spreads, your medical professional may prescribe oral antibiotics or antibiotic drops.

Could those bumps be something different?

Unusual bumps about the eyes that aren’t red or painful tend other harmless issues like chalazion (a strong lump in the oil gland from the eyelid) or fatty deposits often known as xanthelasma. Like styes, chalazion usually disappear by themselves; xanthelasma usually are not harmful, but they are sometimes unsightly along with a doctor can take them of.

More rarely, cancer of the skin can sometimes cause bumps in the attention area.

Styes are typically managed and they are usually a mild annoyance instead of a major problem. But if they don’t go away completely or you might have other unusual symptoms, talk to a medical expert.

Is Eyeliner Bad for Your Eyes? Keep Makeup from Harming Your Health

How to scale back risk of infection and eye injury

When we’re applying eye shadows, we don’t think our pencils, wands and powdery colors are potentially contaminated with bacteria, fungus and other creepy crawlies. Yet, they're able to become dirty in manners our eyes can’t see.

To maintain eyes beautiful and healthy, ophthalmologist Shalini Sood-Mendiratta, MD, suggests seven make up safety tips:

1. Throw away eye shadows after 3 months.

It may be easy to lose a record of how long you’ve had that favorite eye shadow color, but cosmetics totally have a shelf life — some more than others. Dr. Sood advises against keeping eye products for more than about ninety days.

“If the mascara or eyeliner itself is old, this increases chances that bacteria or fungus have contaminated it. If all of this gets introduced directly into the interest, you might end up with a serious eye infection,” she says.

One method to remind yourself to eradicate older make-up is to use a lasting marker or sticker label while using date you must discard them.

2. Read labels avoiding harmful ingredients.

It is very important to pay attention to your ingredient label on products. For example, those containing kohl sometimes contain lead.

Other ingredients you ought to consider avoiding include talc, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), urea, sulfates and phthalates, Dr. Sood says.

Some of those ingredients become preservatives, stabilizers or anti-caking agents, but they are able to also irritate skin or are linked to cancer risk in big amounts.

3. Don’t apply makeup in the lash line.

Many women prefer to apply eyeliner down the inside of their eyelids. However, this practice, sometimes generally known as “waterlining,” blocks the oil glands that secrete oils that protect the cornea. This practice may also introduce bacteria directly into a person's eye.

A small, pilot study learned that particles from pencil eyeliner applied from the eyelids can contaminate the attention, though once this did happen, the particles were cleared away by the interest within a couple hours. Researchers determined that this could be problematic for contact wearers and the ones with dry eye syndrome or sensitive eyes.

4. Just refuse to glitter.

Yes, glitter with your makeup will add sparkle for your eyes, but it may also flake off and add sparkles within your eyes — causing redness and irritation.

“Not only can glittery eye shadow exacerbate chronically dry eyes; glitter is the one other common cause of corneal irritation and infection,” Dr. Sood says.

5. Sensitive eyes need hypoallergenic cosmetics.

If you've got a history of allergies or simply have extra sensitive eyes, Dr. Sood says it’s a smart idea to use hypoallergenic make up. Look carefully at appearance to find products created for sensitive eyes, because they're less likely being irritating. You can find all-natural, allergen-free cosmetics at larger pharmacologist.

6. Curl your lashes before applying mascara.

If portion of your regimen is by using an eyelash curler, do it on clean, dry lashes before you use mascara. Also, ensure that the curler’s rubber is soft and never stiff and cracking.

If you've got a nickel allergy, spend somewhat more money on a nickel-free eyelash curler, Dr. Sood advises.

7. Don’t apply mascara while driving or venturing in a car.

You might feel inclined to save time by doing this while rushing to be effective or going out to meet friends. However, a rapid tap around the brakes or bump from the road could potentially cause you to slip and poke or scrape your eye together with the mascara brush and other makeup tool.

“A mascara wand or applicator can scratch a person's eye and produce a corneal abrasion, which will need evaluation and treatment by an ophthalmologist,” Dr. Sood says.

Take these steps if makeup gets within your eyes

• Rinse eyes thoroughly with clean plain tap water or eye-wash solution before you flush out all mascara, eyeliner or makeup flakes. (If you wear lenses, take them off before by eliminating your eyes.)
• Apply moisturizing eye drops to your affected eye after rinsing out makeup.
• If you wear contacts, carefully clean the lens employing your cleaning solution.
• Don’t re-insert your contacts as long as your talent is still irritated.

What if problems persist?

Make a scheduled appointment to see your ophthalmologist should you continue to experience:

• Pain in a persons vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Persistently blurred vision
• Swelling
• Discharge

You could have a corneal abrasion or infection that will require medical treatment, Dr. Sood says.

Best Options for Your Droopy Eyelids, Circles and Sags

Injections or surgeries can provide older eyes a lift

If you’re bothered by drooping eyelids and sagging, wrinkled skin around up your eyes, both injections and restorative surgical options can assist make the eye area look youthful.

As you age, skin gradually loses its elasticity and actually starts to droop around, however the effect is greatest on your face — especially round the eyes.

“Treatment for aging eyelids is targeted on the particular anatomical change that’s creating the problem,” says ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Julian Perry, MD. Although droopy eyelids usually cause purely cosmetic issues for individuals, sometimes, they are able to cause vision problems, he states.

Age-related changes that creates circles, bags and sags

Dr. Perry points a number of factors that give rise to the undesirable look in the area around your vision as you age:

• Extra skin causes wrinkles and bags in the eyes.
• Fatty tissue deposits could potentially cause the upper or lower lid to look puffy.
• Periorbital hollows make an appearance as dark circles round the eyes.
• Ptosis occurs, a weakness in the muscle that opens the interest.
• Tear trough indentations be marked because you age.

Women and, increasingly, males are investigating cosmetic fixes for drooping skin around aging eyes. Doctors divide the selections for correcting these complaints into non-surgical and surgical approaches.

Non-surgical options to boost droopy lids

Injection of merchandise that contain botulinum toxins (like Botox® or Dysport® and hyaluronic acid fillers, that include products like Juvéderm® and Sculptra®, can assist tighten sagging skin and erase wrinkles.

It’s essential to note why these products work with completely different strategies to correct eyelid issues related to aging, Dr. Perry says. Botox and Dysport work to weaken muscles from the crow’s-feet area surrounding the eye, providing you with a young look whenever you smile.

Injectable fillers provide extra volume to complete deeper crevices for the cheeks and across the lower lid areas.

“I’ve used fillers inside the lower eyelids for pretty much a decade, also it often increases the hollowness which could form underneath the bag inside eyelid. It’s not perfect, though, and will sometimes leave the spot looking slightly gray or bluish,” says Dr. Perry. “Both products have their own pros and cons, but will work well to provide a more radiant appearance.”

He says it’s commonly a good idea to make use of both types of items, because they treat different problems, thus further enhancing the overall benefit.

Surgery goes deeper to rejuvenate a persons vision area

“The surgical choices designed to treat structural issues across the eyelids, not merely cosmetic problems, including crow’s feet or deeper crevices on account of aging,” says Dr. Perry.

Eyelid surgery — blepharoplasty along with procedures — can remove excess skin, remove fat, reposition fat and tighten.

“We pick from these options from a careful assessment from the patient’s individual anatomy and desires,” Dr. Perry says.

If a person has excess skin, the surgeon can remove a little amount from the lower lids, but Dr. Perry says it’s essential to realize that removing this skin doesn’t really treat the main problem of laxity and bags in the eye. This skin removal only treats part from the problem.

Patients who want a dramatic, rejuvenating effect from surgery must undergo deeper restructuring that treats the issue of unwanted fat and bags.

“Older surgeries involved simply removing this body fat, which adds to the under-eye bag, but does not even attempt to improve the hollow area that forms under the bag,” Dr. Perry explains. Fat removal may help a patient appear less tired plus more alert, but doesn’t necessarily employ a rejuvenating effect, according to him.

For the hollow underneath the attention bags, oculoplastic surgeons reposition unwanted fat rather than removing it completely. Taking fat derived from one of area and repositioning it addresses the bag as well as the hollow area underneath it. In fact, he admits that, this action treats dark circles and hollows greater than hyaluronic acid fillers — however it requires a much wider commitment to surgery.

“When we move eye socket fat in the cheek, we’re crossing anatomic boundaries, which can cause longer healing serious amounts of little lumps and bumps that take time to improve,” according to him.

The most important step if you feel bothered by the way the eyes look because you age is usually to pay a visit to your ophthalmologist, especially one that has experience in oculoplastic surgeries.

He or she's going to carefully assess your very own situation and discuss the most effective options for you.

Eye Problems: When to See the Doctor

Do you ever try looking in the mirror and discover that your eyes are red? Or droopy? Or extra crusty?

Sometimes a chilly compress along with a trip to the drugstore are typically you need. Other times, it's wise to see your doctor.

How can you tell the gap? A sneak peek at some common conditions can help you know if it’s something minor or worth an extra look.

Redness

“I think the most prevalent eye problem people experience is often a red eye,” says Rebecca J. Taylor, MD, an ophthalmologist in Nashville. “A red eye having a blotch of blood for the white section of the eye may look really scary, but it’s usually simply a bruise beneath the surface of the eye. We call it a subconjunctival hemorrhage." It should solve in a few weeks, she says.

If both eyes are red, itchy, and watery, that might just be allergies, Taylor says. These symptoms, usually are caused by environmental (seasonal) allergies, nevertheless they could mean you’re allergic to your product you used. Over-the-counter tears will help with moisture, and antihistamine eye drops should stop the itch. Call a medical expert if you aren’t better in 10 days.

Pinkeye

Your doctor may refer to this acute conjunctivitis. It's itchy and red, also it oozes a white or yellow discharge. “Typically it really is viral and lasts per week to 10 days. It can begin in one eye and navigate to the other eye. A runny nose and cold symptoms can also be very common,” Taylor says.

If you think that you have it, call a medical expert to be sure. It can be very contagious, so wash hands a lot and don’t share towels or washcloths. Some conditions, like dry eye disease or perhaps an eye infection, look a good deal like pinkeye. Your doctor will know the difference and the ways to treat it.

Dry Eye

Blame this very common condition on your environment, hormonal changes, or maybe your daily routine. “People who stare in the computer, mobile devices, books, or perhaps the TV for very long periods of time is quite uncomfortable toward the conclusion of day, since they are not blinking enough,” Taylor says.

Moisten the eye area with artificial tears through your local drugstore maybe once or twice a day. See your medical professional if that doesn’t work. Some conditions, like certain varieties of arthritis, are associated with dry eyes. Other medicines you're taking could cause it, too.

Red Bumps on Your Eyelid

Your eyes make oil naturally. If the oil glands get clogged, they will cause infection in your eyelash follicles. The result? A painful, red, crusty bump on your own eyelid known as a stye.

To ease this, place a warm, moist compress about the most tender area of the bump 5 to 6 times daily. You can also wash your eyelashes once every day with a few drops of baby shampoo and domestic hot water. Call your medical professional if this doesn’t help. You may need an antibiotic, steroid ointment, or maybe surgery to drain the lesion.

Eye Twitch

An eyelid twitch is usual and annoying although not usually serious. It’s called eyelid myokymia. Most often, there is no definite cause and yes it goes away themselves. It may be related to caffeine intake, stress, or inadequate sleep. The solution: Make simple changes in lifestyle in those areas.

See your skills doctor should you have twitches for more than per week, or if other areas of your face learn to twitch. It’s rare, however it could be something more serious.

Eye Strain

When you stare at screens all day long, the eyes can get tired. Take a break together with the 20/20/20 rule. Look at an item at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 mins, says Ivan Schwab, MD, a spokesman for your American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Another reason behind eye strain? They could try to be dry. Try some artificial tears, Schwab says. Still no relief? You may need glasses, especially should you’re over 40.

Droopy Eyes

As you age, the thin tissues of your respective eyelids will be like they're hooded. This is a normal, given that it happens in the eyes.

Call your personal doctor ASAP if someone or both of the eyelids droop toward or higher your pupil. You could have a far more serious condition.

Can’t See Small Print

Are menus an issue to make out? If you’re over 40, it’s probably normal. At that age, everyone's eyes commence to change as a consequence of something called presbyopia.

“It's what the results are when the lens in the eye hardens and should not easily shift from focusing miles away to nearby anymore,” Schwab says. That means it’s harder you just read close up, specifically if the light is dim. Reading glasses, bifocals, and progressive lenses often help.

The important thing: Call your own doctor if something doesn’t seem right using your eyes. If you’re 40 or older, he’ll probably suggest a test to check for diseases which will not have obvious symptoms. Some of these, like glaucoma or retinal disease, can result in blindness.

“Getting an all-inclusive eye exam is particularly important for those who have a family history or perhaps underlying condition which could increase your chance of an eye disease,” Schwab says.