Prevalence of Sight Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy Considerable
According to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the rate of Diabetic Retinopathy in adults with diabetes is 29%, and the prevalence of vision-threatening Diabetic Retinopathy is 4.4% in the United States. "We are working very hard to help diabetic patients preserve their eye health and vision", said Milton Kahn, M.D. Dr. Kahn is a Retinal Specialist at The Eye Care & Surgery Center in Westfield, New Jersey where he provides New Jersey diabetic patients with diagnosis, treatment and management of diabetic eye problems.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Nutrition and Eye Health
Eat Right to Help Eye Health
Our goal at Eye Care & Surgery Center is to help preserve and protect eye health and vision. Most of us are aware that our diet is important in keeping our heart and arteries healthy. So it should come as no surprise that eating right can also potentially be beneficial for our eyes. "Eye health and vision depend on the tiny blood vessels in the retina and other parts of the eye carrying nutrients and oxygen to the tissue-especially in the retina", relayed Milton Kahn, M.D., Eye Care & Surgery Center retinal specialist. "Keeping those blood vessels healthy and providing nutrients and minerals is an important part of preserving vision as we age. As part of an overall healthy diet, several key nutrients appear to be particularly important to preserving sight as we get older", said Dr. Kahn.
Vitamin C, Vitamin E & Zinc
About 10 years ago the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) reported that people given vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, and zinc in supplements were less likely to develop advanced age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. The combination was most effective at slowing the progression from intermediate to advanced AMD, which is one of the leading causes of age-related blindness. Because of those findings, many people diagnosed with early signs of AMD today are routinely prescribed a pill that combines these nutrients. You may or may not benefit depending on your overall health and eye condition. PATIENTS SHOULD NOT BEGIN TAKING SUPPLEMENTS WITHOUT FIRST DISCUSSING IT WITH THEIR EYE DOCTOR AND INTERNIST OR FAMILY PHYSICIAN.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Two other nutrients -- lutein and zeaxanthin -- are also linked to a lower risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. A 2008 Tufts University study of 1,802 women 50 to 79 years old found that those who consumed the most lutein and zeaxanthin in their diets were 23% less likely to develop cataracts than those who consumed the least. Rich sources of these two compounds include kale, spinach, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The newest nutrient linked to better vision with age is omega-3 fatty acid, which is found predominantly in fish oil. In a study of 2,520 people, researchers at Johns Hopkins University reported in 2010 that people who consumed fish high in omega-3s fatty acids often were significantly less likely to have advanced age-related macular degeneration. Omega-3s may also protect against cataracts, according to 2010 findings by researchers at the Clinical University of Navarra in Spain. Researchers don’t understand exactly why omega-3s may protect against eye diseases. One guess is that these healthy oils may reduce inflammation and thereby protect against cell damage.
Pills vs. Food
Although antioxidant supplements are routinely prescribed to people with early signs of macular degeneration, there’s little agreement on whether supplements will help otherwise healthy people preserve their vision. Most of the evidence to date is very mixed. In one recent study, for example, a multivitamin seemed to protect against some forms of cataracts but actually raise the risk of other forms. PATIENTS SHOULD NOT BEGIN TAKING SUPPLEMENTS WITHOUT FIRST DISCUSSING IT WITH THEIR EYE DOCTOR AND INTERNIST OR FAMILY PHYSICIAN.
Nonetheless, one of the most important ways to protect your vision from age-related diseases is by eating a healthy diet. Healthy food choices are good choices. The results of a 2010 study by French scientists found eating more vegetables -- including cabbage, broccoli, pepper, corn, or spinach -- improved the condition of the retina in people with age-related macular degeneration.
Should you have questions or need more information about nutrition, diet and how they impact your eye health and vision, please feel free to ask any Eye Care & Surgery Center eye physician including Drs. Kahn, Jacobs, Confino, Thiagarajah and Furlan. They are always happy to answer your questions.
Our goal at Eye Care & Surgery Center is to help preserve and protect eye health and vision. Most of us are aware that our diet is important in keeping our heart and arteries healthy. So it should come as no surprise that eating right can also potentially be beneficial for our eyes. "Eye health and vision depend on the tiny blood vessels in the retina and other parts of the eye carrying nutrients and oxygen to the tissue-especially in the retina", relayed Milton Kahn, M.D., Eye Care & Surgery Center retinal specialist. "Keeping those blood vessels healthy and providing nutrients and minerals is an important part of preserving vision as we age. As part of an overall healthy diet, several key nutrients appear to be particularly important to preserving sight as we get older", said Dr. Kahn.
Vitamin C, Vitamin E & Zinc
About 10 years ago the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) reported that people given vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, and zinc in supplements were less likely to develop advanced age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. The combination was most effective at slowing the progression from intermediate to advanced AMD, which is one of the leading causes of age-related blindness. Because of those findings, many people diagnosed with early signs of AMD today are routinely prescribed a pill that combines these nutrients. You may or may not benefit depending on your overall health and eye condition. PATIENTS SHOULD NOT BEGIN TAKING SUPPLEMENTS WITHOUT FIRST DISCUSSING IT WITH THEIR EYE DOCTOR AND INTERNIST OR FAMILY PHYSICIAN.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Two other nutrients -- lutein and zeaxanthin -- are also linked to a lower risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. A 2008 Tufts University study of 1,802 women 50 to 79 years old found that those who consumed the most lutein and zeaxanthin in their diets were 23% less likely to develop cataracts than those who consumed the least. Rich sources of these two compounds include kale, spinach, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The newest nutrient linked to better vision with age is omega-3 fatty acid, which is found predominantly in fish oil. In a study of 2,520 people, researchers at Johns Hopkins University reported in 2010 that people who consumed fish high in omega-3s fatty acids often were significantly less likely to have advanced age-related macular degeneration. Omega-3s may also protect against cataracts, according to 2010 findings by researchers at the Clinical University of Navarra in Spain. Researchers don’t understand exactly why omega-3s may protect against eye diseases. One guess is that these healthy oils may reduce inflammation and thereby protect against cell damage.
Pills vs. Food
Although antioxidant supplements are routinely prescribed to people with early signs of macular degeneration, there’s little agreement on whether supplements will help otherwise healthy people preserve their vision. Most of the evidence to date is very mixed. In one recent study, for example, a multivitamin seemed to protect against some forms of cataracts but actually raise the risk of other forms. PATIENTS SHOULD NOT BEGIN TAKING SUPPLEMENTS WITHOUT FIRST DISCUSSING IT WITH THEIR EYE DOCTOR AND INTERNIST OR FAMILY PHYSICIAN.
Nonetheless, one of the most important ways to protect your vision from age-related diseases is by eating a healthy diet. Healthy food choices are good choices. The results of a 2010 study by French scientists found eating more vegetables -- including cabbage, broccoli, pepper, corn, or spinach -- improved the condition of the retina in people with age-related macular degeneration.
Should you have questions or need more information about nutrition, diet and how they impact your eye health and vision, please feel free to ask any Eye Care & Surgery Center eye physician including Drs. Kahn, Jacobs, Confino, Thiagarajah and Furlan. They are always happy to answer your questions.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Liposome Spray for Dry Eye
Dry, scratchy or irritated eyes? the problem may be with your lids, not just the eye itself. New Lipsome spray with vitamins A, C and E, mist the lid and has been proven to eleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes. They may be used with contact lenses.
Some women experience dry eyes and lids do to hormonal changes. The change in balance of the moisture throughout the body may produce an excess of oil and debris that can accumulate about the eyelids. Liposomes are microscopic molecules that have been used for years in cosmetic and drug delivery. Vital nutrients have been added to provide comfort for lids.
Some women experience dry eyes and lids do to hormonal changes. The change in balance of the moisture throughout the body may produce an excess of oil and debris that can accumulate about the eyelids. Liposomes are microscopic molecules that have been used for years in cosmetic and drug delivery. Vital nutrients have been added to provide comfort for lids.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Implants to Correct for Reading
The AcuFocus corneal inlay is an investigational device being tested for the correction on presbyopia, the natural aging of the eye causing us to require reading glasses.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Laughter Is Good For Your Health
•Hormones: Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), dopamine and growth hormone. It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress.
•Physical Release: Have you ever felt like you "have to laugh or I'll cry"? Have you experienced the cleansed feeling after a good laugh? Laughter provides a physical and emotional release.
•Internal Workout: A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.
Today's Chuckle:
A Minnesota couple decided to vacation to Florida during the winter. They planned to stay at the very same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday. His wife would fly down the following day.
The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her e-mail address, and without realizing his error, he sent the e-mail.
Meanwhile.....somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. The widow decided to check her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she fainted.
The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: 16 May 2003
I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is not as uneventful as mine was.
P.S. Sure is hot down here!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•Physical Release: Have you ever felt like you "have to laugh or I'll cry"? Have you experienced the cleansed feeling after a good laugh? Laughter provides a physical and emotional release.
•Internal Workout: A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.
Today's Chuckle:
A Minnesota couple decided to vacation to Florida during the winter. They planned to stay at the very same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday. His wife would fly down the following day.
The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her e-mail address, and without realizing his error, he sent the e-mail.
Meanwhile.....somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. The widow decided to check her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she fainted.
The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: 16 May 2003
I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is not as uneventful as mine was.
P.S. Sure is hot down here!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, January 17, 2011
Lens Implant Cost - Cataracts
We have come to the end of our Cataract journey. The question I get asked the most about the lens choices are "what will this cost me?" As cataracts are a medical condition, most insurances will pay for the surgeon fees, the facility fee,the anesthesiologist fee and the implantation of a monofocal lens. We always suggest you check with your carrier for in and out-of-network benefits. There are typically aditional out of pocket costs for the premium lens technologies that allow the patient to rid themselves of glasses or that correct for astigmatism. Not all surgeons who perform cataract surgery are trained on the implantation of this advanced technology. Question the surgeon about the best technology for your lifestyle. Costs may vary from facility to facility and surgeon experience.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
Cataract Surgery precision may be further improved with the use of the Femtosecond Laser. Femtosecond Laser technology is on the near term horizon to improve Cataract Surgery by phacoemulsification. The femtosecond laser has been specifically modified to help create precise corneal incisions, anterior capsulotomies (removing the front part of the Cataract), and nuclear fragmentation (dividing the Cataract into small pieces), prior to completing the operation with phacoemulsification. By using the accuracy of the laser, Cataract Surgery, Lens Replacement Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL) promises to be even more predictable and to have better outcomes than presently possible.
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