The post Eye Disease Should be on the Radar of Every Woman appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>There are several eye conditions and diseases to which women are more vulnerable than their male counterparts. These include:
There are several theories regarding women and eye disease prevalence. One reason that women may develop conditions that “men don’t” is because they live longer. Because some eye diseases are age-related, this would make a lot of sense. Another factor in the development of eye disease is inflammation, a systemic condition that is often related to autoimmune conditions (also for which women are more susceptible). Lastly, the moisture of the eye can change along with hormones as a woman ages, creating an increased risk for dry eye syndrome.
Knowing that there are risks for eye disease, a woman can take the steps necessary to protect her vision as she ages. Annual eye care is a must for all people, and even more crucial for women who have a known risk for any eye disease. Comprehensive eye exams extend beyond the standard vision test. These exams, performed on dilated eyes, observe structures within the eye in which disease may occur.
Other steps that women may take . . .
We’ve got offices in Reading and Melrose and would be happy to schedule a visit with you at the office nearest you. Contact us for friendly service.
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]]>The post Straight Talk about Cataracts appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>We’ve got offices in Reading and Melrose, MA, where we are happy to provide you with friendly care. Contact us to schedule your consultation for cataracts.
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]]>The post Not your Average Eye Clinic appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>General eye exams and the treatment of minor eye problems is often conducted in an eye clinic operated by a licensed optometrist. This eye doctor can perform certain tests that assess visual acuity. The dilated eye exam lets the optometrist look at the structures of the eye. The skills of the optometrist are obtained through 4 years of college followed by an additional 4 years of training.
The ophthalmologist has the same basic skillset as the optometrist, plus a little more. After the initial 4 years of college, ophthalmology education continues in medical school, and then through internship and residency programs. This extensive training takes the ophthalmologist through surgical eye procedures, sophisticated treatments, and complex diseases that affect the eyes. The ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy, manage and treat cataracts, address chronic conditions such as dry eye syndrome, and perform laser eye procedures such as LASIK.
Typically, the optometrist is the first eye doctor that a person sees. In many cases, the optometrist is the only eye doctor that is needed to make sure that vision remains as clear and crisp as it should be. Ideally, a comprehensive eye exam will be obtained from an ophthalmologist at some point, simply due to the wider range of diagnostic testing that occurs in such an office.
Advanced Glaucoma Specialists has offices in Reading and Melrose that offer both the basic level of vision care and the higher level of care needed to assess and manage eye health. When you visit one of our friendly offices, you have access to the full spectrum: eye exams and prescription lenses through our optical shop, and eye services such as cataract surgery.
Is it time to see the eye doctor? Contact us for your visit.
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]]>The post Dry Eyes don’t have to Come Between you and your Contacts appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>If this is your assumption, we should talk.
Historically, the existence of dry eye syndrome has been a contraindication for contact lens use. The issue was cut-and-dry; you have dry eyes, no contacts for you! This isn’t the case anymore. Advances in technology have led to great strides in the availability of treatments and remedies specifically for contact-lens wearers. So much improvement has been made, in fact, that we routinely see terminology such as “contact lenses for dry eyes.”
What does this even mean, contact lenses for dry eyes? The phrase essentially describes manufacturing practices that are aimed at reducing dry eye symptoms related directly to contact-lens use. If you wear contact lenses and frequently encounter unpleasant problems such as a foreign body sensation, your first step in resolving the issue is to consult with your eye doctor.
In our Melrose and Reading ophthalmology practices, we conduct a thorough assessment for dry eyes. Many patients are surprised to learn that their comfort can be improved without having to discontinue their use of contact lenses.
Options for Contacts and Dry Eyes
If contact lenses and dry eyes don’t seem like a good pairing, it’s because they’re not. That is unless you give innovative products or treatments a try.
Do you have questions about contacts for dry eyes? Contact us in Melrose or Reading for personal care.
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]]>The post Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Managing your Risk appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>The risks of age-related macular degeneration may seem beyond your control. Research indicates that there are genetic factors that may predispose certain people to this condition. But that isn’t the end of the story. Recently, studies related to macular degeneration in women have revealed that there may be ways to mitigate the genetic risk.
Learning from Research
The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, observed women between that ages of 50 and 79 who had taken part in the much wider Women’s Health Initiative, conducted from 1991 onward. What researchers discovered by reviewing medical data on these 300+ women was that, as much as their genetic risk, their lifestyle habits also affected their risk for age-related macular degeneration. Specifically, the risk quadrupled for women who:
The observational study led researchers to conclude that genetic makeup was only one factor in a woman’s risk for AMD and that this risk could be offset to some degree when nutrition and lifestyle factors leaned toward health and wellness.
Are you Predisposed?
If you have a parent or other close family member who is or was affected by age-related macular degeneration, there is one crucial step you can take to protect the future of your vision: don’t smoke. This may, perhaps, be one of the most significant factors in age-related macular degeneration, aside from age. Additional steps that can be taken include adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, to your diet, and exercising regularly. According to the above-mentioned study, rigorous exercise is not necessary. The risk is reduced in individuals who get several days of light activity each week.
Would you like a full eye exam to assess your overall eye health? Call our Reading or Melrose office for your appointment.
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]]>The post Does 3D Send you Spinning? Let’s see Why! appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>Not everyone loves or can tolerate, 3D movies and other entertainment. The interaction between what is on the screen and the natural eye doesn’t always play out the way it should, and one may become nauseous or dizzy. If this has happened to you, we can tell you why.
Altering the Natural
You are well aware that your eyes work naturally, and that when you alter their function, things get a little wonky. You can observe how the eyes work naturally is to look through only one eye at a time. When you look only through the left, you get one view. When you switch, the view changes; only slightly, but it changes. This is nature’s way of creating our optimal field of vision, and our ability to perceive dimension and depth. Those technically advanced 3D movies; they recreate this very function on the big screen.
How it’s Done
A 3D movie is filmed with these two separate lenses, always positioned a couple of inches apart. The result is an overlap of two perspectives on the big screen. Because your eyes naturally overlap what they observe in the natural world, they cannot perceive the 3D film without a little help. That’s where those lovely plastic glasses come in. They alter what we see by filtering color.
When 3D Goes Awry
So, if special spectacles are intended to help the eyes acclimate to the unnatural programming of the 3D movie, why do some people wind up feeling more motion sick and masterful during such flicks? It is simple, and it, fortunately, does not affect your day to day vision. The eyes work somewhat like binoculars, overlapping those two perspectives we discussed to create a clear image. Sometimes, the eyes and brain do not connect the dots as needed, and some of the information entering the eye is not observed by the brain.
How is your real-life vision? We are happy to schedule an eye exam for you in our Melrose or Reading office.
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]]>The post The Issue of Light appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>Be Watchful of your Workspace
According to the American Optometric Association, eye strain is a common problem for individuals whose work environment includes a computer monitor. This is a large percentage of the population! The problem with eye strain related to computer usage is not only the screen itself, but that is where most attention goes. To minimize eye strain while at work, adjust your environment by:
Adjust the Lighting in your Abode
There is an interesting switch that happens from the office to spaces within the home. In one environment, the lighting is usually quite harsh and bright. In the other, the lighting may be too low to support good vision. Now, contrary to what your parents may have told you, reading in low light won’t permanently damage your eyes. However, doing so may cause an unnecessary headache. To give your eyes the best lighting for various tasks doesn’t mean you have to increase the brightness of all of your bulbs. Instead:
Lighting is a necessary detail of good vision and less eye strain, as are healthy eyes. We would love to see you in our Reading or Melrose office for a full eye exam.
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]]>The post The Comprehensive Eye Exam: It’s all about the Pupils! appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>What is Dilation, and Why is it Necessary?
To dilate the eyes means to open up the pupils. If you look into a mirror in bright light, you will see that your pupils become very small. Turn off the light momentarily, and observe your pupils as soon as you turn the light back on, and you will see how enlarged they become. The reason why pupils enlarge, or dilate, is to let more light in so you can see better. During the eye exam, the dilated pupil lets us observe the inner workings of each eye to a much larger extent.
There is good reason to have your eyes dilated for a full eye exam. A number of the conditions that could be quite concerning as you age are best detected in this manner. These include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which the fibers of the optic nerve are involved. These fibers extend from the central nervous system into the eyes. When the eyes are dilated, your eye doctor can visualize the point at which these fibers enter the eye. Cupping of the optic nerve fibers could indicate the onset of glaucoma.
Diabetic retinopathy
This diabetic condition develops when the amount of sugar in the blood impedes circulation though the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. Usually, both eyes are affected; and , usually, there are very limited early signs of abnormality. As the condition progresses, symptoms such as floaters, blurred vision, and vision loss could occur. When we dilate the eyes, we can assess the macula in the retina for swelling or blood leakage, and can also evaluate the structural integrity of blood vessels.
Macular degeneration
It is possible to assess for the risk or early signs of age-related macular degeneration by dilating the eyes. If we notice swelling or clumps of pigment around the retina, we can schedule further testing through which an accurate diagnosis can be made.
For your eye exam, call our main office at (781) 942-9876.
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]]>The post Winter Care Tips for Healthy, Comfortable Eyes appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>1.Moisten as needed. Dryness and irritation from that dryness is probably the primary concern we hear during the winter months. The cold air outside is bad enough, and then dryness is exacerbated by the use of heaters in indoor settings. One of the ways that you can protect your eyes from dryness is to set up a humidifier in your home. You may also want to keep eye drops on hand for days when irritation occurs.
2.Consider eyeglasses. If you wear contact lenses to improve your vision, winter time may be a great time to switch to eyeglasses. Because contacts sit directly on the surface of the eye, dryness could be exacerbated more easily. Also, the nature of contact lenses means that they require more moisture to remain comfortable and functional. If dryness occurs, contacts could stick to the eye, creating discomfort. It is much easier to maintain adequate moisture without the added requirements of contact lenses, even if you only make the switch for a few hours a day.
3.Keep wearing sunglasses. UV rays don’t shine only during the summer months. In fact, if you are visiting a snowy location, know that UV rays are doubly intense. Quality sunglasses can filter over 95% of the UV light that can harm your eyes.
Eye protection and safety are important throughout the various seasons of the year. If you need more information on how to winterize your eyes, or want to use your eye care benefits before the end of the year, give us a call! We’re happy to schedule a convenient appointment time for you.
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]]>The post How to Combat Dry Eyes appeared first on Mark Latina.
]]>Over-the-Counter Eye Drops
If you go to the pharmacy or your local drugstore you are going to see boxes upon boxes of eye drops that you can buy. Used for things such as allergies or dry eye, over-the-counter eye drops can help give you the instant relief that you have desired. By simply taking one or two eye drops that are designed specifically for dry eye, and dropping them into your eye a few times a day, you will start to notice that your eyes will start to produce more natural tears and that they will retain the moisture they need.
Laser Treatment
If you have tried over-the-counter eye drops for years and still haven’t seen a noticeable difference, dr. Mark Latina provides patients with the opportunity to receive laser treatment for dry eyes. By giving patients relief for several months up to a year, IPL Laser Treatment is a safe and effective way to restore moisture to your eyes. By unclogging inflamed and clogged dormant glands in your eyes, the IPL laser helps your tear ducts to speed up production of natural tears to help coat your eyes and give you the desired relief that you have been hoping for.
If you suffer from dry eyes and are looking for some temporary relief, contact Dr. Mark Latina in order to learn more about both over-the-counter eye drops and our IPL laser treatment option as well. Whether you have questions that need to be answered or you are ready to schedule an appointment, our office is on standby to assist you!
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