UV and Contact Lenses

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from natural sunlight and artificial sources can cause significant damage to our skin and eyes. It is well known that UV exposure damages cells that may lead to the development of skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation may also harm tissues in the eye that may cause or worsen conditions such as ocular cancer, pterygium, and cataracts. Sunglasses and shading of the eyes protects us from some direct UV exposure but we may be exposed to something known as diffuse solar UV radiation. Diffuse solar UV radiation is caused by scattering of UV light and surface reflection and can reach the eye in significant amounts. Some contact lenses can offer UV protection to the eye which may offer protection from some of these harmful rays that can enter the eye from around sunglasses or a brim of the hat. UV contact lenses may be beneficial to those patients who already wear contact lenses to correct their vision but will not provide protection to the skin and conjunctiva. Their role in protecting patients who do not wear contact lenses for vision correction has not been studied but it may be interesting to see how much protection they can afford. Contact lens wear, however, has intrinsic risks such as increased corneal ulceration/infection and the benefits of their UV protection should be clearly demonstrated before they are recommended for use by the general public.

Guest Blogger: Roslyn Stahl, M.D. Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist at The Eye Care & Surgery Center of Westfield, Warren and Iselin, New Jersey.

Aspirin & Macular Degeneration (AMD)

There may be a relationship between frequent aspirin use and Macular Degeneration (AMD) according to researchers from the European Eye Study who reported some interesting findings on the October 2011 publication Ophthalmology which is the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They found that frequent aspirin use may be associated with an increased risk of early or late “wet age-related macular degeneration”, with an “odds ratio” that increases upon frequency of consumption. However the study is somewhat limited in that there was an unknown amount of aspirin taken, as well as the possibility that participants may have taken aspirin after experiencing visual problems. So, at this time the study is interesting but inconclusive and certainly patients taking aspirin to offset the coronary risk profile or other vascular problems should NOT discontinue taking aspirin unless they have been directed to do so by their personal physician. Patients who have question or concerns about Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) should feel free to contact The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999for information or to schedule an appointment.

Senior Citizen Driving Requirements

In New Jersey, driving is considered a right, not a privilege. Consequently, there are certain requirements for vision that must be met. In the state of New Jersey, one needs a vision of at least 20/40 in their strongest eye for a regular driver's license. For a commercial driver’s license, one requires a minimum of 20/40 vision in both their eyes. The regulations differ from state to state. There are even some states that require the testing of a driver’s peripheral vision. Driving studies have shown an increase accident rate only when there is a visual problem with both eyes. However, there are many drivers on the road who do not meet these visual requirements, and still drive safely.

The New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology has been actively working with the state to redefine the visual requirements for driving. One possibility that is in discussion would be to issue a limited license for people whose vision is only slightly worse than 20/40 whereby the individual would still have the ability to drive, but with limitations. Fortunately, many people already self select their driving habits, driving only during daytime hours, when environmental visibility is clear, on local roads, and avoiding bad weather. Just as teenagers have restrictions on their driving licenses, there are many elderly people who should have it as well. As an ophthalmologist, it is always a difficult discussion to have with a patient and their family, as to ‘when to take the keys to the car away’, as independence is lost. As a rule, however, it is better to discourage driving for someone visually impaired TOO SOON rather than TOO LATE.

Guest blogger: Ivan Jacobs, M.D. Founding Partner, New Jersey Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist at The Eye Care & Surgery Center.

LASIK for Contact Lens Problems & Intolerance

“Contact lens problems and intolerance seem to be motivating more and more patients to schedule LASIK consultations these days,” said New Jersey Corneal Specialist Joel Confino M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center.

In fact, contact lens problems and intolerance are the reasons a great many patients seek LASIK Surgery and Laser Vision Correction. “The most common reason for contact lens intolerance that we see is a condition called Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis or GPC,” commented Dr. Confino.

When we wear contact lenses, no matter how successfully or how diligent we are in their care and replacement, they become coated with mucous and protein from our tears. After a number of years of wearing contacts it is not uncommon to develop an allergy to the protein on the contact lens. Initially this may result in patients having some dry eye symptoms and prompt them to use lubricating eye drops. However, as the GPC contact lens problem continues to progress patients begin to notice some itch and stringy mucous type discharge from their eyes. After a while the contacts just become too uncomfortable and gritty and patients become intolerant and just can’t wear their contacts. During a severe episode of GPC, patients may be restricted from wearing their contacts in order to reduce the allergic inflammation of the lids. In some cases, patients are no longer able to wear contacts again at all. Patients with a chronic GPC may decide to have LASIK to correct their vision, so that they no longer need to depend on contacts on a daily basis.

LASIK can be a great option for you to rid yourself of the hassle of contacts and allow you to continue a “glasses free” lifestyle for seeing at distance. If you or someone you know suffers from any type of contact lens problem and would like to learn more about LASIK and whether they are a good candidate please call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 800-504-1083 for a Free LASIK Consultation and visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter

Skin Peel Preparation and Expectations

Chemical Peels are an easy and affordable way to treat patients with sun damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentary abnormalities, acne and acne scarring. One week prior to having a peel, one should avoid getting electrolysis, waxing, hair laser removal, Botox and the use of depilatory creams. Two to three days before a peel, avoid using Retina-A, Renova, Differine and Tazorac and any products containing retinol, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) or benzoyl peroxide. Any exfoliating products that may be drying or irritating should also be avoided. Anyone who has had a medical cosmetic facial treatment or procedure, e.g. laser therapy, surgical procedures, cosmetic fillers or microdermabrasion, should wait until skin sensitivity completely resolves before receiving their treatment.

Patients who should NOT be treated with chemical peels include anyone with active cold sores, warts, open wounds, sunburn, excessive sensitive skin, dermatitis or inflammatory rosacea. Also, patients with a history of allergies (especially to salicylates like aspirin), rashes or other skin reactions, have taken Accutane within the past year, or women who are pregnant or breast feeding, should not be treated with a peel. Lastly, patients who have received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, have vitiligo or anyone with an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis should not receive a peel.

After receiving a chemical peel, it is expected that your skin will be red, possibly itchy and/or irritated. Although most people experience peeling of their facial skin, not every patient notices that their skin peels. Lack of peeling is NOT an indication that the peel was unsuccessful. If you do not notice actual peeling, please know that you are still receiving all the benefits of a peel such as stimulation of collagen, improvement of skin tone and texture and diminishment of fine lines and pigmentation.

Thank you to our Guest Blogger: Stephanie Tribel OSA, Cosmetic Services Coordinator at The Eye Care & Surgery Center in New Jersey

About Your Eyes & Being Pregnant

What does being pregnant have to with your eyes? Sometimes quite a bit. During pregnancy your body undergoes fluctuations in hormone levels, changes in fluid retention and even an increase in your overall blood volume. These types of changes can result in your eyes changing in various ways. Fortunately eye changes due to pregnancy are usually temporary and resolve after the baby is born or after the cessation of breast feeding. Typically vision changes are minor and don’t require a change in eyeglasses, however there are some eye changes that do require care and attention.

If you were thinking about having LASIK you should delay your actual LASIK Surgery procedure until at least three months after your delivery or three months after you stop nursing. This is necessary because the thickness of your cornea may fluctuate during pregnancy and will reduce the accuracy of the LASIK correction. Also, hormonal fluctuations are often the cause of dry eye. This can make you uncomfortable by itself and can certainly make wearing your contact lenses more difficult. If you experience dry eyes during pregnancy be sure to consult your eye care provider so that “pregnancy-safe” lubricating eye drops or other alternative treatments for dry eye can be prescribed. Sometimes simply eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, flax seeds and walnuts, may help resolve dry eye and also supports general good health.

On a more serious note, if your vision becomes noticeably blurry, it may signal high blood pressure or pregnancy-related diabetes. If you experience dry eyes, changes in vision or especially very blurred vision during pregnancy it is important to schedule an appointment to see us at The Eye Care & Surgery Center by calling us at 908-789-8999 or requesting an appointment at facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter.

Eye Strain from Computer Use

Eye strain from computer use can be a problem as living in a ‘digital’ world, we are often staring at computer screens, mobile phones, video games and reading devices. Long periods of focusing on these electronic devices will not cause permanent damage to your eyes but may likely induce dry and tired eyes. Some symptoms of dry eye may be stinging, burning, tearing and possible blurred vision.

The average human blinks one time every five seconds, dependent on activity and exposure. Most humans blink on average 12-15 times per minute. However, studies have shown we blink only 6-7 times per minute while using our computers and other digital-screen devices. When we blink we irrigate and cleanse the eye, rewetting the cornea and allowing for more hydration. Elongated staring at a computer screen diminishes the blinks per minute, depriving the cornea of moisture.

Most people cannot work less and won’t play less on their digital devices so there are some precautions that can be taken to help reduce eyestrain. When sitting at the computer, position your chair approximately 25-30 inches from the computer screen and arrange your screen so you are looking slightly downward. Screen filters may be purchased to put over your monitor and add some more light to the work area to reduce glare from the screen. In ophthalmology 20/20 is considered optimal vision. Use this correlation in vision to remind you to look away from your digital device every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away. Artificial tears are also very helpful in keeping the eyes lubricated. Use a drop in each eye if you begin to experience any of the dry eye symptoms mentioned in paragraph one. Take breaks from the computer often, even if just for a few minutes and make sure you are getting plenty of sleep at night. Most of all….BLINK, BLINK, BLINK.


Guest Blogger: Ivan Jacobs, M.D. Cataract & Glaucoma Specialist at The Eye Care & Surgery Center