Summer Eye Care Tips to Lower Your Risk of Eye Diseases

Your days in the sun can affect your eyes and the rest of your body. Protecting your vision and ocular health can reduce your risk of certain eye diseases and conditions as you age, including cataracts and eye cancers. Our eye doctors in Kansas City and St. Joseph hope you enjoy a fun summer. Remember to take care of your eyes using these tips, and schedule annual eye exams to diagnose and treat vision problems early.

1. Sunglasses with “100% UV Protection” for the Whole Family

Babies, children and adults of all ages need to protect their eyes outdoors, including on hazy or cloudy days. UV-protective sunglasses are an essential part of eye care for the whole family, and they should wear these frames year-round. Wrap-around sunglasses are best because they cover your entire visual field, and wide-brimmed hats can help reduce UV exposure.

It can take decades for UV rays to harm your eyes, but you increase your risk of cataracts and eye cancers each time you forget your sunglasses at home. Harmful UV rays can cause “sunburn of the eye” or photokeratitis. This condition happens when UV exposure burns the eye’s surface, leading to temporary vision loss, redness, blurry vision and eye pain. Sunlight that reflects off of water, sand, ice and snow can cause photokeratitis and snow blindness (a form of photokeratitis). Surfers, skiers, farmers and other people who spend a lot of time in the sun can develop pterygium, a yellowish growth on the eye. Sunglasses can prevent these eye complications.

2. Don’t Wear Contacts While Swimming, and Use Goggles

Whether you’re swimming in a chlorine or saline swimming pool or a body of open water, bacteria and microorganisms will be with you. People who wear contact lenses should take them out before swimming because these irritants can get underneath the lens and may lead to infection.

“Swimmer’s Eye” is another concern for people who spend much of their summer in the pool. Chemicals such as chlorine can alter the natural tear film and lead to temporary blurred vision, red eyes and a gritty feeling in the eyes — swim goggles and washing the eyes with fresh water can improve symptoms. Goggles also reduce the risk of contamination from bacteria in the water.

3. Protect Your Eyes from Dryness and Injury

The summer heat and dry environment may also affect the tear film and cause dry eye symptoms. Over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears can help keep the eyes moisturized and refreshed. Wear protective eyewear that wraps around your eyes if you’re doing yard work or home improvement projects this summer. Mowing the lawn and trimming weeds can lead to eye injuries, as can construction work. More than half of all eye injuries take place in the home, but many can be prevented with proper eye care and protective eyewear.

Schedule an eye exam with our board-certified eye doctors at Wiles Eye Center by contacting our Kansas City, Missouri office at (816) 455-2020 or our St. Joseph, Missouri office at (816) 279-7015.

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Why Cataract Patients Choose Advanced IOL Lens Implants

Cataract surgery restores clear vision by removing the clouded natural eye lens (cataract) and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. More and more patients are choosing premium intraocular lens implants (IOLs) that go beyond the capabilities of the traditional option. Our eye surgeons at Wiles Eye Center in St. Joseph and Kansas City will discuss the benefits of these advanced IOLs during your eye exam.

The Benefits of Advanced IOLs for Cataract Surgery

The traditional lens implant is a monofocal IOL adjusted to one focal point. Most people choose to correct their vision for distance and still rely on glasses or contact lenses for near and intermediate zones. Monofocal IOLs can improve one aspect of your vision, but advanced IOLs can eliminate your need for corrective eyewear. The most significant benefit of premium lens implants is freedom from prescription lenses.

These IOLS are laser-fitted to your eye and address a range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and presbyopia. You can drive, read, watch TV and have fun with friends and family with crisp vision at all focal points.

Advanced IOLs allow you to live your life and enjoy sports and activities without the burden of glasses or contacts. People with active lifestyles often choose premium IOLs for sharper vision. Intraocular lens implants are designed to last a lifetime, giving you visual freedom for the rest of your days. They are an excellent way to customize your cataract surgery for sharper eyesight.

Types of Advanced IOLs

Artificial lens implants fit into several categories, including:

• Monofocal IOLs: These are the traditional IOLs that provide the best possible eyesight at one focal point, typically distance.
• Multifocal IOLs: Multifocal lens implants have corrective zones built into the implant, similar to the lenses in a pair of bifocal glasses. These IOLs improve near and distance vision, though some can also address the intermediate zone.
• Extended Depth of Focus IOLs: EDOF lens implants use one corrective zone designed to stretch all three focal points, allowing sharp eyesight for nearby, intermediate and distant objects.
• Accommodating IOLs: These IOLs also correct refractive errors at all distances but harness the natural movements of your eye’s muscles, changing focus like your natural lens (or the lens of a camera).
• Trifocal IOLs: PanOptix IOL is the only FDA-approved trifocal lens implant. It is proven to address myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) with fewer visual disturbances than other options. PanOptix is less likely to cause halos and glare around lights than other IOL types and can eliminate the need for readers on top of prescription lenses.
• Toric IOLs: Toric versions of the above IOL types are available to correct for astigmatism.

Wiles Eye Center offers Tecnis Symfony, ReSTOR Multifocal, Vivity IOL, Crystalens HD and PanOptix Trifocal lens implants.

Contact Wiles Eye Center to schedule your eye exam and consultation if you’re interested in advanced IOLs for your cataract surgery. Our board-certified ophthalmologists are located in St. Joseph and Kansas City, Missouri.

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Can Diabetic Eye Disease be Reversed? No, but it Can Be Slowed.

Diabetes can damage your eye health and your overall well-being. Diabetic eye disease often leads to vision loss and may cause blindness without treatment. Early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is crucial to saving your eyesight because treatments cannot reverse vision loss that has already occurred. However, the disease can be slowed or halted with better diabetes management and treatments with a board-certified ophthalmologist, such as one of our eye doctors at Wiles Eye Center.

How Does Diabetes Damage Vision?

Diabetes affects your eyesight both short term and over the long term. Short-term fluctuations in your blood sugar (glucose) levels can cause vision changes such as blurry vision but typically stabilize with improved diabetes management. Long-term uncontrolled diabetes leads to diabetic retinopathy.

The abnormally high glucose levels in your body damage your blood vessels, including the tiny ones found in the retinas that line the back of your eyes. These small blood vessels leak fluid and blood, damaging the retina through swelling and scarring. These are the early non-proliferative stages of diabetic retinopathy. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy occurs when new abnormal blood vessels form due to poor circulation in the retina and lead to more swelling, bleeding and scar tissue. As additional scar tissue develops, it can tug on the retina, pulling it away from the back of the eye. That is called retinal detachment and constitutes an emergency.

If diabetic retinopathy goes undiagnosed and untreated, it will cause blindness. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you will experience vision loss.

Can Diabetic Retinopathy be Treated?

There are several effective treatments to prevent, delay and reduce vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. However, there is no cure for this eye disease. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes for patients. Typically, treatment is needed if your peripheral vision is harmed, new blood vessels have appeared or your macula is damaged.

Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy

Treatments for diabetic retinopathy include:

• Laser photocoagulation:Laser treatment can work well if the retina is not severely damaged. Severe cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy may need pan-retinal or scatter photocoagulation to limit blood vessel growth.
• Vitrectomy:A vitrectomy removes some of the vitreous gel in the eye to improve your vision and is often used to treat retinal detachment or early-stage, non-proliferative retinopathy. Vitrectomy may treat severe scar tissue from diabetic eye disease.
• Anti-VEGF Medicine:Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) cause new abnormal blood vessel growth. Anti-VEGF injections, steroids and medications may slow the formation of weak blood vessels.

Diabetic retinopathy requires ongoing treatment as the condition worsens. However, diabetic eye disease doesn’t have to cause blindness. Proper diabetes management, regular eye exams and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preserving your vision.

If you have diabetes, schedule an eye exam at Wiles Eye Center in St. Joseph and Kansas City, Missouri. Our board-certified ophthalmologists will look for signs of diabetic eye disease during your appointment.

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How Chronic Dry Eyes Affect Your Vision

Chronic dry eye disease is also called dry eye syndrome and often causes painful symptoms and vision changes. Our eye doctors at Wiles Eye Center offer dry eye treatment to improve your quality of life and restore a healthy tear film.

Your eyes require a stable tear film to maintain clear, comfortable vision. Your tears contain three layers: The lipid (oil) layer prevents tears from drying up too quickly and maintains a smooth ocular surface. The aqueous (water) layer keeps your eyes moisturized and nourished, while the mucin (mucous) layer sticks the tear film to the eye’s surface. When these layers are out of balance, you can have dry spots on your eyes that lead to burning, tearing and other cumbersome symptoms. An imbalanced tear film is a common cause of dry eye disease, but decreased tear production can also be a culprit.

Meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the most common reasons for dry eyes and happens when the meibomian glands that line the inside of the eyelids get blocked, preventing oil secretion and causing fast tear evaporation. Regardless of the cause, chronic dry eyes can cause vision impairment, including:

1. Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)

Dry eye disease and migraines are the two most common causes of photophobia. Aggressive treatment with eye drops, ointments, punctal plugs and other options can ease the painful light sensitivity caused by chronic dry eyes. Researchers don’t know why dry eyes cause photophobia, but the theory is that the abnormal tear film causes light to scatter when it enters the cornea. Another idea is that the inflammation related to dry eyes makes the rapid contraction of the pupil painful when you look at bright lights.

2. Blurry Vision

Blurred vision from dry eye disease is made worse by screen use. The light-scattering caused by poor tear film leads to unclear images, but this is often addressed by blinking. However, people with severely dry eyes can develop a corneal ulcer or inflammation of the cornea that causes constant blurry vision despite blinking the eyelids.

3. Difficulty Seeing at Night

The decreased lubrication on the eyes creates glare from streetlamps, headlights and any lighting in a dim area. Seeing at night can be the most difficult because the pupil is dilated in low lighting, and many people have drier eyes after using them all day for computer work. When you look at these lights, pupil contraction can make seeing and driving at night difficult.

Dry Eye Treatment

Chronic dry eyes can be treated with prescription eye drops and artificial tears. Punctal plugs may be used to prevent tear drainage and keep the tear film on the eye’s surface. Our eye doctors also offer intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to slow tear evaporation and the LipiFlow thermal pulsation system to address meibomian gland dysfunction.

You don’t have to live with painful, uncomfortable dry eyes. Contact Wiles Eye Center to schedule your eye exam and discuss your dry eye treatment options in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri.

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Can Cataracts Cause Balance Problems? 3 Dangerous Consequences of the Eye Disease

Cataracts may be curable with cataract surgery, but they are still a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Many people put off cataract removal until their vision is significantly affected. However, clouded, blurry vision caused by a cataract can impact your quality of life and pose a safety threat. Our ophthalmologists can restore your vision with cataract surgery in Kansas City and St. Joseph and improve your overall eyesight with premium intraocular lens (IOL) implants.

1. Balance Concerns from Poor Vision

A 2019 study found that people with poor vision caused by cataracts experienced mobility and balance issues. These concerns were drastically improved just one month after cataract surgery, enhancing the quality of life and safety profile in a patient pool vulnerable to falls and injury. Cataracts can impact balance in several ways, including dizziness due to visual disturbances, such as double vision. Vision problems make maintaining proper balance difficult and require the eye muscles to work harder, leading to eye strain and headaches.

2. Fall Risks and Cataract Development

Cataracts limit your depth perception, and clouded vision increases the risk of falling around the home or running errands. A 2003 study evaluated fall risk before and after cataract surgery. Researchers suggested that cataract surgery could be a way to reduce the fall risk in elderly patients who have visual impairment from cataracts.

A 2016 study in Ophthalmology and Visual Science found a substantially high rate of falls and subsequent injuries in older adults waiting for cataract surgery, with one in three experiencing a fall. People with a history of falls or who regularly engage in physical activity have a higher fall risk with vision impairment from cataracts, and a delay in cataract surgery increases their likelihood of a tumble and injury.

3. Auto Accidents and Cataracts

It’s often difficult for aging adults to recognize when driving is unsafe, and the slow progression of vision loss caused by cataracts can make this decision even more challenging. A 1999 study evaluated the auto accident risk for drivers over 75 with cataracts and compared it to those without the eye disease. They found that older drivers with cataracts were twice as likely to report driving less often and typically moved slower than the flow of traffic or preferred someone else to drive them to their destination. Drivers with a cataract were 2.5 times more likely to report a history of an at-fault auto accident in the past five years, regardless of their overall health, mental status or age. Cataracts restrict driving and lower road safety.

A 2001 study found that driving difficulties among people with cataracts likely stemmed from decreased contrast in vision. These vision problems increase the risk of an at-fault crash in older drivers with a cataract in one eye or both.

Contact Wiles Eye Center About Cataract Surgery

Fortunately, cataract surgery has a 98 percent success rate, and premium IOLs can improve refractive errors, reducing your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

If you’re experiencing vision changes or have been diagnosed with a cataract, contact Wiles Eye Center in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, to schedule your eye exam and discuss cataract surgery.

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Gluacoma: What You Need to Know About The Silent Thief of Sight.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve within the eye. The optic nerve is a bundle of over 1 million nerve fibers that are responsible for transmitting signals from your eyes to your brain. Did you know that Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness across the entire planet? More than 60 million people worldwide are affected by this blinding condition. Nearly 3 million people in the United States alone suffer from Glaucoma. What’s even more shocking is that this number is expected to grow as years progress. The most detrimental fact about Glaucoma is that nearly half of those suffering from this condition are unaware that they even have it. 

Most people are unaware that they have Glaucoma because this condition does not come with symptoms in its most common types. There are eight different types of glaucoma: primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, normal-tension Glaucoma, Angle-Closure Glaucoma, Acute Glaucoma, Pigmentary Glaucoma, Exfoliation Syndrome, Trauma-Related Glaucoma, and Childhood Glaucoma. As you could have guessed, there are many different causes for Glaucoma. Causes linked to this disease include genetics, injury, and increased pressure within the eye seems to be a common contributing factor to optic nerve damage. 

In Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, there are no symptoms. Additionally, this type of Glaucoma affects approximately one percent of Americans. In POAG, the pressure within the eye gradually increases, causing damage to the optic nerve. Once a significant amount of damage occurs to the optic nerve, vision begins to deteriorate. There is not a cure for this type of Glaucoma, but there are many treatment options. These treatment options include oral medication, surgery, and drops. 

In Normal-Tension Glaucoma, the pressure within the eye remains in the normal ranges, but damage still occurs to the optic nerve. It is believed that this damage may occur as a result of poor blood flow through the optic nerve. This type of Glaucoma is still under research. 

In Angle-Closure Glaucoma, the chamber through which the eye naturally drains fluids is abnormally small. As pressure increases, this “angle” through which fluid is drained becomes smaller, hence the name. 

In Acute Glaucoma, pressure rapidly increases within the eye. Symptoms of Acute Glaucoma include pain in the eye, swelling of the cornea, blurred vision, and seeing halos around light. When this occurs, the patient should seek help immediately, as it is an emergency situation. 

Pigmentary Glaucoma is an inherited version of Open-Angle Glaucoma where the pigment within the eye may shed and “clog” the chamber where the fluid is naturally drained from the eye. With this type of glaucoma, it affects people in their twenties and thirties, and commonly affects those who have trouble seeing far distances. Those suffering from nearsightedness have abnormal distortions in the anatomy of their eye, which may play a role in why they’re most commonly affected by this type of Glaucoma. 

Exfoliation Syndrome is similar to Pigmentary Glaucoma in the sense that pigment is disconnected from the eye and clogs the chamber through which fluid is naturally drained from the eye. The difference with Exfoliation Syndrome is that a white-ish material similar to dandruff builds up on the eye, and when it is rubbed, it attaches to the pigment within the eye, causing the pigment to break off as well as the white material. 

Trauma-Related Glaucoma and Childhood Glaucoma both give away information within their names. Obviously, Trauma-Related Glaucoma is caused by an eye injury such as a penetrating injury or chemical burn. This is why it is important to have your eyes checked after an injury occurs. Childhood Glaucoma occurs at birth most commonly. However, Glaucoma can form during the earlier stages of a child’s life and vision is often saved through surgery.

Although each type of Glaucoma is different, there is one thing that is true in each type: early detection is crucial. This is true because once vision loss occurs, it is irreversible. Glaucoma can be detected through comprehensive eye exams. It is recommended to have these exams annually, but it may be necessary to have an exam done more often, especially if you have family members that suffer from glaucoma. Those with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. Others who are at a higher risk for developing Glaucoma include everyone over the age of 40, those who have increased pressure within the eye, those who have diabetes, nearsightedness, a previous eye injury, or abnormal blood pressure. Glaucoma most commonly affects those of African, Asian, or Latino Descent, so that could also be a deciding factor in how often comprehensive exams may be necessary. As always, it is best to discuss with your doctor your risks, and how often you should receive an exam.  If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph’s office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

Attributions: http://glaucomafoundation.org/

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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

 

 

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness across the globe*. Glaucoma alone affects more than 60 million people worldwide, and nearly 3 million people nationwide*. Glaucoma can cause blindness, and vision loss resulting from glaucoma is irreversible. Nearly half of those who suffer from Glaucoma are unaware they even have it*. Due to these unsettling facts, it is very important for us to educate people and bring awareness to this disease. f

 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve- a bundle of over 1 million nerve fibers that are responsible for transmitting signals from the retina to the brain. 

 

How Does Vision Loss Occur from Glaucoma?

Vision loss occurs as a result of damage to the optic nerve. This damage occurs when the eye is unable to drain fluid naturally, which causes abnormally increased pressure within the eye, damaging the optic nerve. 

 

How is Glaucoma Cured?

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, and vision loss suffered as a result of Glaucoma is permanent. There are, however, multiple treatment options to help those dealing with Glaucoma. 

 

What Treatment Options are there for those Suffering from Glaucoma? 

Treatment options can vary. Treatment options range from oral medications to laser surgery. Some treatment options for Glaucoma are eye drops, Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, Cycloablation, and traditional surgery. Traditional surgery can entail an implant to help the eye drain fluid on its own, or a new opening can be created for fluid to be passed through. 

 

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma? 

In its early stages, Glaucoma shows no symptoms. As the condition progresses, however, vision loss or distorted vision can occur. 

 

What are the Different Types of Glaucoma? 

There are many different types of Glaucoma, including:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma- this type of Glaucoma affects more than 50% of those with the condition. Open-Angle Glaucoma occurs when fluid is draining too slowly and causes a build-up of pressure within the eye.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma- this type of Glaucoma occurs with a normal amount of pressure within the eye, but damage to the optic nerve occurs as in the other forms of Glaucoma. This type of Glaucoma can also be referred to as Low-Tension Glaucoma.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma- this form of Glaucoma is hereditary. Angle-Closure Glaucoma occurs when the angle of the chamber through which fluid is drained is smaller than normal, causing fluid to build up within the eye. 
• Acute Glaucoma- This type of Glaucoma occurs suddenly and can be very painful. Acute Glaucoma is very similar to Open-Angular Glaucoma, except it rapidly occurs over a very short period of time. Those who experience Acute Glaucoma should seek help immediately. 
• Pigmentary Glaucoma- This type of Glaucoma occurs when pigment becomes detached from the back of the eye. When the pigment is essentially rubbed off from the back of the eye, it can become lodged in the meshwork of the eye, inhibiting the eye from draining fluid normally and can cause a build-up of pressure. 
• Exfoliative Glaucoma- This type of glaucoma can occur in some patients with a condition called Exfoliation syndrome. Similarly to Pigmentary Glaucoma, this occurs when pigment detaches itself from the back of the eye and clogs the meshwork. According to the Glacucoma Research Foundation, those with Exfoliation Syndrome experience rapidly progressing symptoms compared to those with normal Open-Angular Glaucoma. They also state that Exfoliative Glaucoma has recently been linked to genetic abnormalities.
• Child Hood and Trauma-Related Glaucoma- Both of these types of glaucoma give away all the information you need to know within their names. Obviously, childhood glaucoma occurs within children, but more specifically this type of glaucoma occurs most commonly in infants and very young children. Childhood glaucoma often occurs as a result of genetics or abnormal fetal development. With trauma-related glaucoma, open-angular glaucoma can occur as the result of blunt-force trauma to the eye, or an injury-causing penetration of the eye. Glaucoma as a result of injury can occur anywhere from minutes to years after the injury. 

 

As always, early detection of Glaucoma is necessary to preserve vision and prevent blindness. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph’s office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

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