Patient Education
Eye Injuries and Infections
At New Horizons, we use special high magnification microscopes that allow us to examine the front surface of the eye and facial areas around the eye for injury or infection. Eye infections can range from conjunctivitis to blepharitis or styes. Symptoms range from a swollen, red, irritated eye that discharges liquid to an inflamed eye. An eye infection is usually a condition that is caused by bacteria, virus or other microbiological agents, but eye surgery is another common way to contract an eye infection.
After assessing the extent of the problem, a treatment plan will be determined and explained to you. Treatment may include medications and supportive care. Follow-up visits to monitor your recovery will be scheduled as needed.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Symptoms include scratchy eyes, redness, burning, and a feeling that grit is in the eyes. This is a common eye condition often affecting contact lens wearers, people who focus long periods of time on a computer screen or reading material, exposure to dry environments or environmental pollutants and people taking certain oral medications. Dry eyes can be diagnosed by using dyes to observe tear patterns, evaluation of the amount of tears on the front of the eye and from review of your symptoms. Treatment may include artificial tears; eye drops for treating allergies; and/or punctal plugs inserted in the tear drainage canals.
Eye Allergies
An allergy is the body's overreaction to a substance it believes is harmful. Allergies of the eye often manifest as red, itchy, swollen eyes, but prevention is sometimes possible and pharmaceutical treatments are available to help with symptoms.
Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment for Common Disorders and Diseases of the Eye
Cataracts
The natural lens in the eye gradually becomes less clear as we get older. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye experiences a buildup of protein in the lens that results in cloudy vision. This prevents light from passing through a normally clear lens, causing some loss of vision. Our office can diagnose and manage cataract care. When the cataract affects the vision to the extent that you cannot read or see distant objects comfortably, we will recommend surgery with a cataract specialist. Cataract surgery is now a simple, routine outpatient procedure that involves replacing the clouded lens with an intraocular lens implant, resulting in a dramatic improvement in your vision. As the leading cause of blindness worldwide today, it is imperative to seek early detection for cataracts. New technology now offers us the development of “Smart” lenses. The Smart lenses are much like a multifocal lens and there are even intraocular lens implants for patients with excessive astigmatism.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops when too much fluid pressure builds up inside the eye, gradually destroying the optic nerve tissue in the back of the eye. The greatest danger of glaucoma stems from the fact that the disease is painless and without obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred. The most common cause is from pressure being too high inside the eye, but vascular disease and other diseases can also cause glaucoma. We always monitor for glaucoma during routine eye examinations. Tests include checking the pressure of the eye, screening for peripheral vision defects and analyzing the appearance of the optic nerve. Photography is routinely performed to monitor glaucoma. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, we typically prescribe medications that lower the eye pressure. Most forms of glaucoma can be successfully treated with eye drops. Laser treatments and eye surgery are secondary treatments that offer alternative ways to treat more advanced glaucoma. For more information on glaucoma visit www.glaucoma.org
Diabetic Retinopathy
People with type I and II diabetes should have a comphrensive eye examination every year and co-managed with your primary care physician. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the back of the eye, which can ultimately leak and damage the retina. The damage can cause poor vision and even blindness. If this condition is discovered early, treatment can destroy these vessels and slow the progression of retinal eye disease for many people. At New Horizons Eyecare, we have the latest instruments used to detect changes in the back of the eye,including retinal imaging. If we discover advancing diabetic eye disease that can be treated or needs further evaluation, we will refer you for consultation and further testing to a board certified retinal specialist.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates, which results in an increasing loss of central vision. As the leading cause of blindness in individuals over the age of 60 in the developed world, aggressive treatments are underway to slow the progression and ultimately cure the disease. The doctors at New Horizons Eyecare monitor and manage this condition carefully overtime and will co-manage with a retinal specialist if your case warrants it.
Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, and Presbyopia
Commonly referred to as refractive disorders, these conditions are among the most common eye conditions and may require corrective eyewear to improve blurred vision. Myopia is also known as near or short-sightedness, while hyperopia is known as far or long-sightedness. Symptoms for both manifest as blurred vision due to the retina's inability to focus at varying distances. The same symptoms can occur as a result of astigmatism and presbyopia. Astigmatism is the inability to focus clearly because of uneven curvature of the eye. Presbyopia occurs when the lens inside the eye loses its flexibility when reading or looking at objects up close. Significant advances in LASIK surgery have occurred in the last decade, and the results often mean a life free from eye glasses or contact lenses.
Co-management of Laser and Other Surgeries
New Horizons Eyecare provides consultation and pre/post operative care for many surgical services such as laser surgery, cataract surgery, refractive surgery and strabismic surgery. Additionally, we have working arrangements established with other specialized eye care doctors to manage problems such as retinal detachments, retinal tears and hemorrhages.
Optical Prescriptions and Dispensing
We are proud to partner with LensCrafters to provide our patients with a wide variety of fashion frames, sunglasses, and prescription lens options. The LensCrafters optical laboratory has the latest in equipment to not only fabricate your glasses, but to maintain and repair them should they become broken or damaged. Select from a large assortment of name brands: D&G, DKNY, Brooks Brothers, Versace, Prada, Ray Ban, Adrienne Vittadini, Vogue, Persol and more. With thousands of frames to choose from for both adults and children, you're sure to find the right frame for you. Most glasses can be made in about an hour, thanks to LensCrafters' on-site lens lab. To see the full selection of frames and lens options, please visit the LensCrafters’ website at http://www.lenscrafters.com/.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Care
Why are regular eye exams so important?
Many diseases and disorders of the eye do not necessarily have any symptoms or pain in the beginning. An annual eye examination can pick up very early signs of problems - the earlier treated the better. The eye exam can detect other underlying health problems that you may not be aware of, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, some brain tumors and multiple sclerosis. The eye examination will also detect whether your vision can be improved. You may be used to seeing less clearly and don’t realize it can be improved upon. Don't accept that poor vision is due to your age. We may be able to dramatically improve it. For children, it is essential that their eyes are functioning at their highest level in order for them to perform well at school. Good vision gives a better quality of life. Finally, it is important your vision meets certain legal standards for driving and certain occupations. Remember, your eyes cannot be replaced.
How often should I have my eyes examined? Even if you are not aware of any problems you should have your eyes examined every year. The eye examination is a regular health check, which can detect underlying health problems as well as changes in your vision. It may need to be more frequent depending on your age and medical history. Your New Horizons Eyecare optometrist will advise you when you should return for your next eye examination and will send a reminder letter to you.
Do I need regular eye examinations if I'm diabetic?
Yes! Your optometrist can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy by viewing the inside of your eyes. This is best done through a dilated eye examination and or retinal imaging. The earlier any changes are detected, the more likely it is they can be monitored and treated to prevent loss of sight.
When should my child's vision be examined?
Children can be examined at any age. It is recommended that children have a comprehensive eye exam by a licensed eye doctor at six months, 3 years of age, before first grade and every two years thereafter or as recommended. Often, vision problems can be the reason a child does not perform well at school, for example because they cannot see the board. The earlier a problem is detected the more chance there is of successful treatment. Children's eyes are fully developed by the time they are 8 years old so it is very important to have any problems detected before then.
How do I know if my child is having problems with their eyes? During the first year of life there are rapid changes in vision in each eye. Do not worry if your baby cannot seem to focus or their eyes seem to wander during the first 4 months. Signs that need checking by your pediatrician or optometrist are: persistent eye infections (although in babies the tear ducts are not fully open for the first few months); if the eyes do not seem to be working together perfectly, which you will notice when they are looking at an object, which can indicate a "lazy eye"; if they are school age and are struggling to recognize colors, shapes and not showing interest in learning to read or draw; If they are squinting to see objects clearly. If they complain of headaches and blurred vision, they may have difficulty reading.
What is the earliest age a child can begin to wear contacts?
This varies based on the child's need to wear corrective lenses, the maturity level of the child, and the available supervision by the parents. Wearing contact lenses is a BIG responsibility for a child. There is no specific age limit as each case is dealt with on an individual basis. The average age is usually 12-13, though children as young as 8 years can be successful contact lens wearers.
What is the difference between a routine eye exam and a contact lens exam?
Routine eye exams are designed to detect vision problems and are an important preventive measure for maintaining your overall health and wellness. In fact, a thorough eye exam can detect certain medical eye conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetes.
Contact lens exams are designed to evaluate your vision with contacts and to examine the tissue that comes in contact with the lens. Although your vision may be clear and you may feel no discomfort from your lenses, there are potential risk factors with improper wearing or fitting of contact lenses that can affect the overall health of your eyes.
Why are contact lens exams not covered as part of my insurance's routine eye exam benefit?
The contact lens exam is considered a special, optional exam in addition to your routine eye exam and is important to ensure proper fit of your contact lenses, to evaluate your vision with the contact lenses, and to check the health of your cornea. Depending on your needs, a doctor will provide value-added services, including training and education based on the type of services and materials provided.
Why can't I use my spectacle prescription to order contacts?
Your spectacle prescription is different than your contact lens specification. Additional examinations and measurements are required. The brand, power, correct curvature and lens diameter must be determined by your optometrist.
Why do I still need glasses if I wear contact lenses?
Most people cannot leave their contact lenses in all day, every day, and expect their eyes to remain healthy. It is best to let your eyes breathe normally at least every evening and preferably one whole day a week, by not wearing your contact lenses. Therefore, you need up to date glasses to use. Also, your eyes may feel irritated by the contact lenses or you may get an eye infection, in which case you would need glasses to wear instead. If you do not have up to date glasses, you become tempted to keep your contact lenses in for too long.
I have astigmatism -- can I still wear contacts?
Contact lenses for astigmatism have been available for several years now. Most types of astigmatism can be corrected with soft, disposable contact lenses. Your optometrist will take careful measurements of the exact shape of the surface of your eye and your prescription, and decide which type of contact lens will be most suitable for you. Often, due to these precise measurements, a specific lens will need to be ordered for you to try, as they are harder to fit exactly to the eye.
Is there a high risk of eye infection with contact lens wear?
Only if you do not care for your contact lenses correctly. This is why you have to ensure that each lens is cleaned and disinfected with the proper contact lens solution before placing them on the eye. Make sure you always wash your hands before handing the lens. Your contact lens case should also be cleaned regularly with hot water and replaced on a monthly basis. If you follow the advice of your optometrist, there is very little risk of infection. The importance of contact lens hygiene cannot be stressed enough - there are no shortcuts.
Is it okay to lick my contact lenses before putting them in?
No! It is potentially harmful. By licking your contact lens you cover the surface in bacteria, which you then put in your eye. This is the worst possible habit to have as a contact lens wearer. It can cause a very serious, untreatable infection.