Vision Quality with LASIK vs. Ortho-K Contact Lenses

Recently researchers reporting in the journal Cornea compared the differences in visual performance between LASIK and Orthokeratology or Ortho-K Contact Lenses. The results in this study suggest that LASIK provides better visual quality outcomes-especially in low contrast or dim lighting conditions-than Ortho-K Contact Lenses for the treatment of low-to-moderate myopia or nearsightedness.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery that provides a method of vision correction to help people with common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism see clearly at distance without being dependent on glasses or contact lenses.

What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K or Orthokeratology is a method of contact lens fitting used to temporarily reshape the cornea to allow people to see at distance and be independent of eyeglasses and contacts for periods of time throughout the day.

If you or someone you know has questions about vision quality with LASIK or would like to schedule a free LASIK Consultation, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center forSight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Risk Factors Increase Fuchs Dystrophy Severity

Fuchs’ Endothelial  Corneal Dystrophy is a type of corneal disease that affects the inner most layer of the cornea-the endothelium. Fuchs’ Dystrophy progresses slowly. It can be found in both eyes and is slightly more common in women than men. While it is possible to observe Fuchs’ Dystrophy in people in their 30’s and 40’s, it usually does not compromise vision until people are in their 50’s or 60’s.

About the Cornea & Fuchs Dystrophy

The corneal endothelial cells are responsible for pumping water out of the deeper layers of the cornea and helping to maintain the corneal transparency or clarity. While the reason is poorly understood, in Fuchs’ Dystrophy, the endothelial cells die, making the endothelium less efficient in its pumping function. This results in the cornea swelling and distorting vision.

Risk Factors Increase Severity of Fuchs Dystrophy

Researchers reporting in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science studied the several risk factors, including smoking, on the development of advanced Fuchs' EndothelialCorneal Dystrophy (FECD) and on central corneal thickness (CCT)-an indication of corneal swelling and poor corneal health. As predicted, being female increased the odds of developing advanced Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD) by 34% and smoking increased the odds by 30%. Besides reporting that smoking was associated with an increased risk of developing advanced FECD, diabetes was also associated with increased in corneal thickness-reflecting greater risk of corneal swelling.

If you or someone you know has questions about risk factors that increase the severity of Fuchs Endothelia Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

BOTOX® Action May Help with Type 2 Diabetes

What do BOTOX® and Type 2 Diabetes have to do with each other you ask?  A new study reports that it appears a better understanding of the proteins affected by injections of the wrinkle relaxer BOTOX® could help scientists develop new ways to treat Type 2 Diabetes.

About BOTOX® Cosmetic

 BOTOX® Cosmetic is best known as an injection for helping patient smooth fine lines and wrinkles in order to look their best. BOTOX® is also used as treatment for a number of medical conditions including migraine, urinary incontinence, profuse sweating and crossed eyes, among others. In each of these cases, BOTOX® works because it has a paralyzing effect- it relaxes specific muscles, which then provides the desired effect. BOTOX® accomplishes this effect by blocking certain proteins called SNARE (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptor) proteins.   Xeomin®, an laternative to Botox, also works in a similar fashion.

About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is characterized by an insulin deficiency by the pancreas as well as overall insulin resistance. It turns out that SNARE proteins also exist in the beta cells of the pancreas and are involved in insulin secretion in the pancreas. Understanding this mechanism will hopefully provide researchers with new ways to diagnose and treat Type 2 Diabetes in the future.

If you or someone you know has questions about how the mechanism of action of BOTOX® may help diagnose and treat Type 2 Diabetes,  please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Diabetic Retinopathy Predicts Cardiovascular Events

The presence and severity of diabeticretinopathy seems to predict the risk of future cardiovascular (CV) events such as heart attack and stroke. In fact, there appears to be a rather close association between diabetic retinopathy and having a heart attack or stroke.

Diabetic Retinopathy, Heart Attack & Stroke Risk

The relationship between diabeticretinopathy, its 4-year progression, and CV outcomes including CV death or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke was analyzed in participants in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Trial who also participated in the ACCORD Eye Study. The diabetic retinopathy was classified as either none, mild, moderate, or severe and whether it was worsening was also graded. The hazard of CV death or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke increased by 38% for every category of change in retinopathy severity and steps of progression further raised the hazard. Thus the researchers believe that both the severity of retinopathy and its progression are determinants of predisposition to CV outcomes.

If you or someone you know has questions about how diabetic retinopathy indicates the risk of heart attack or stroke, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Risks of Diabetic Eye Problems Reduced with Eye Exams

The risks of diabetic eye disease and eye problems fromdiabetes can be reduced with regular eye exams. The vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented if it's caught early and treated in time. More than one third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not adhere to vision care guidelines recommending a dilated eye exam every year. As part of Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month we are urging people with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam every year.

About Diabetes & Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes affects 25.8 million people in the United States and is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age. There are almost 8 million people ages 40 and older that have diabetic retinopathy-a sharply increasing number! It is terribly disturbing to see the dramatic spike in diabetic retinopathy cases, a consequence of the diabetes epidemic that this country is experiencing-with no end in sight! The longer a person has diabetes, the greater his or her risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. However, diabetic retinopathy does not only affect people who have had diabetes for many years, it can also appear within the first year or two after the onset of the disease.

Preventing Vision Loss from Diabetes & Diabetic Retinopathy

In addition to having regular eye examinations and testing at the direction of your eye doctor, patients can help to reduce the risk of developing diabetic eye disease by not smoking, controlling their cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, as well as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising. 

If you or someone you know has diabetes or even elevated blood sugar levels they should work to prevent diabetic eye disease and problems with regular eye exams. Feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center forSight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Stents for Glaucoma Treatment

Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) utilizes tiny stents to help control the eye pressure or intraocular pressure if you have glaucoma and have cataracts, and might need cataract surgery. In the U.S., over 20% of patients undergoing cataract surgery have a concurrent diagnosis of glaucoma, which represents approximately 700,000 patients each year who may be candidates for this type of glaucoma treatment. Most patients with glaucoma are treated with eye drops to lower their pressure, have laser treatments for glaucoma and if necessary have surgery for glaucoma treatment. The problem with eye drops for glaucoma is that patient compliance is often not consistent and may be as low as 50% after the first year-thus additional treatment options such as laser treatment for glaucoma of MIGS might be a better way for some patients to keep their eye pressure under control.

If you or someone you know has questions about micro invasive glaucoma surgery for patients with cataracts and having cataract surgery, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island

Risks of Contact Lenses for Halloween

Center for Sight wants to make Fall River residents aware that the improper use of decorative cosmetic contactlenses for Halloween poses risks to eye health and vision. The Food and Drug Administration, regulates all contact lenses as medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye-care professional. Even someone with perfect vision would still require an eye exam and a prescription in order to wear any kind of contacts, including cosmetic decorative contact lenses for Halloween. Some websites advertise decorative contacts as if they were fashion accessories or toys with fanciful, playful packaging in order to attract teens and young adults, especially girls.

The Problem with Decorative Cosmetic Contact Lenses

The problem is not that people use decorative, non-corrective contact lenses, but that they buy the devices without a prescription through unlicensed vendors on the Internet or at flea markets and specialty shops.

The Eye Health & Vision Risks with Decorative Cosmetic Contact Lenses

The risks of using improper cosmetic non-corrective decorative contacts are significant to eye health and vision. The buyer of these over-the-counter contact lenses faces a range of risks including scratched corneas or corneal abrasions, “pink eye” conjunctivitis and more serious types of blinding infection as a result of a corneal ulcer or keratitis.

The safe and effective use ofcontact lenses-whether decorative or not-requires proper fitting and education about their care to prevent the potential for serious eye problems from becoming a reality. If you or a friend would like to learn more about contact lenses of any type including decorative contacts please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Injections for Diabetic Macular Edema

At Center for Sight we are fortunate to be able to offer injections of Vascular Endothelial Growth Inhibitor (VEGF) drugs-such as Lucentis® & Eyelea®-that are helpful to treat and reverse the effects of Diabetic Macular Edema. Diabetic Macular Edema is a common cause of vision loss in diabetics suffering from the effects of diabetic retinopathy.

Frequency & Duration of Injection Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema

Researchers reporting in the British Journal of Ophthalmology shared helpful information about the importance of the VEGF inhibitor injection frequency in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. The study confirmed that patients need to be patient as their ophthalmologists and retina specialists plan and schedule their examinations, testing and visits as sometime the best results can only be achieved with multiple injections over some period of time. In general good long term results are achieved by about 4 months of injection treatment, but 20% of patients with persistent Diabetic Macular Edema at 12 months achieved a dry macula with considerable restoration of vision with sustained treatment through 24 months suggesting that persistent Diabetic Macular Edema at 4-12 months should be not used as a stopping criterion for treatment.

If you or someone you know has questions about injections of Lucentis® and Eyelea® to treat Diabetic Macular Edema, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Contact Lens Fitting Success: What is the Best Age?

Parents often wonder what the best age is to fit their children with contact lenses in order to give them the most successful and safest wearing experience. Researchers reporting in Eye & Contact Lens: Science and Clinical Practice  studied differences  in current symptoms, compliance, ocular health and adverse events between current successful long–term contactlens wearers fit as children or as teenagers. They found that successful contact lens wearers who were fit as children are no more likely to report previous contact lens–related adverse events, problems with compliance, decreased wearing time, or worse ocular health than those fit as teenagers.  Their findings suggest that parents should not rely on age as a primary determinant in fitting children with contact lenses, but should rely on their eye doctor’s recommendations and evaluation of their child.

If you or someone you know has questions about what age to fit children or teenagers with contact lenses for best success might be, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Early Menopause Increases Glaucoma Risk

Women who go through menopause early may be at greater risk of developing glaucoma according to a study at the Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute in Amsterdam. In a study of more than 3,000 women, those who went through natural menopause before the age of 45 were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma as women who went through menopause at age 50 or older. The results indicate that female hormones may be protective against open-angle glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.  Of interest is that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is thought to reduce fluid pressure inside the eye. Similarly, as hormone levels rise during pregnancy, fluid pressure inside the eye decreases significantly, the researchers noted. This is the first study to examine the relationship between female sex hormones, as indicated by age of menopause and open-angle glaucoma.

If you or someone you know has questions about glaucoma risk with early menopause,  feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

What Cause a Bright Red Eye?

Have you or someone you’ve known ever experienced having a “bright red eye” or “bleeding eye”? It seems to come on with a cough or a sneeze-or sometimes with some heavy lifting-or for no reason at all-and has no pain, blurry vision or discharge. What could it be? As is true with any sudden change to your eye or your vision, we will ask you to come in so we can evaluate the problem, but it is possible that it is a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

What is Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a benign disorder that is a common cause of acute eye redness or “bright red eye”. The major risk factors include trauma and contact lens usage in younger patients, whereas among the elderly, systemic vascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis are more common. In patients in whom subconjunctival hemorrhage is recurrent or persistent, further evaluation, including a workup for systemic hypertension, bleeding disorders, systemic and ocular malignancies and drug side effects, is warranted.

If you or someone you know experiences a “bright red eye”, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Eat Fish to Decrease AMD Risk

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of vision loss in seniors. Seniors and others at risk for Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) may want to eat certain fish as a way of helping to decrease their risk of developing this eye disease. Recently, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that the disease may be associated with a high dietary fat intake. The results of their study found that eating fish, such as tuna, four times a week, may reduce the risk of macular degeneration. The subjects of the study were participants in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who did not have AMD when the study commenced. After 12 years of follow-up, 567 people with a visual loss of 20/30 or worse were identified. Fat intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. 

The study found:

·  Those patients whose total dietary fat intake was in the highest quintile had over one and
         a half times the risk of AMD as those whose fat intake was in the lowest quintile,

·  Linolenic acid consumption was directly associated with the risk of AMD,

·  High intake of docosahexaenoic acid was associated with a modest reduction in the risk of AMD.

·  Those who ate four or more servings of fish a week were at a 35% lower risk of AMD
         when compared to those who ate fewer than three servings of fish a week.

The researchers concluded that dietary fat intake was associated with an increased risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD) and that this may have been due to the presence of Linolenic acid in the fat. They added that a high intake of fish such as tuna, a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid, may reduce this risk.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about how eating fish can decrease your risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit center-for-sight.com or facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Exercise Can Reduce Cataract Risk

Exercise such as walking or running may help you reduce your risk of cataract formation according to a study published in Medicine and Science in Sports by researchers at the Life Sciences Division of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. In previous studies the risk of cataracts formation was found to be lower in runners over time. In this Berkeley study when the incidence of cataracts was adjusted for sex, race, age, education, smoking, and intakes of meat, fruit and alcohol, lower cataract risk was significantly associated with both running and walking. Further, the cataract risk appears to decrease linearly with increasing exercise energy expenditure.

If you or someone you know has questions about how to reducecataract risk by running, walking or moderate exercise, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

50% Off A Complete Pair of Childrens’ Eyeglasses at Center for Sight

As parents are getting their children ready for the “Back to School” season, Center for Sight is pleased to offer a 50% discount on kids eyeglass frames with a complete pair purchase through September 30, 2014. 

We are featuring eyeglass frames from Ocean Pacific®, Lacoste®, BeBe®, Nike® and Kensie, to name some of the popular kid’s eyeglasses we offer.  

To schedule an eye exam or eyeglass selection and fitting, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Cataract Symptoms for Fall River Seniors

Center for Sight believes Fall River seniors should be knowledgeable about cataracts.  Cataracts cause glare and decreased vision, which can create difficulty with activities like driving, reading, or watching television. Poor vision can also put seniors at risk for injuries including hip fractures.  Helping patients restore vision with cataract surgery is tremendously important for their health, safety, and well-being.

Who Has Cataracts?

More than 20 million Americans ages 40 and older have cataracts, and more than half of all Americans over 65 have some degree of cataract development. In fact, cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss among seniors. Fortunately, with cataract surgery and lens implantation we can readily help people achieve very good vision.

Symptoms of Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye that prevents light rays from easily passing through it. This results in clouding, dimming, and blurring of vision. For many patients, a cataract will start out slowly and have little effect on vision at first. As the cataract progresses, so does the impact on vision. The most common symptoms of cataracts are blurred vision, glare, and poor night vision.  Patients may notice difficulty driving, especially at night.

When cataracts interfere with daily activities or patient safety, they can be treated surgically. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. Today, we have a full range of lens implants available that allow us to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even near vision problems after cataract surgery.

If you or someone you know has questions about symptoms of cataracts, cataract surgery, or lens implants, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Fall River Kids Need School Eye Exams

As the summer of 2014 seems to have just flown by, it is tough to believe Fall River kids are starting to think about heading back to school. Childrens’ vision and eye exams are an important item on the back to school “readiness” checklist and all Fall River kids should have an eye exam to startthe school year right! While most parents can easily observe that children today operate in a very intense and demanding visual environment as they read, write, play sports, use computers and tablets-but the eye doctors at Center for Sight want to be sure to remind parents that children use their eyes and vision as critical tools in the learning process.  

The most frequent eye problems we find in school age kids are the common vision problems of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Sometimes, not having clear vision in the classroom can lead to the undeserved perception of a behavioral problem or attention problem. What we know is that kids are often unable to verbalize that they have a vision problem as they just don’t recognize it. The earlier a vision problem is detected and treated, the more likely treatment will be successful.

If you or someone you know needs a Back to School eye exam for children please come in and see us at please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Diabetic Retinopathy Patient Knowledge

According to a recent study exploring patients’ understanding of the risk factors, cause and controllability of their own diabetic retinopathy revealed considerable misunderstanding, gaps in knowledge and potentially damaging beliefs about the cause and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Assessment of Patient Understanding of Diabetic Retinopathy

Focus groups and interviews were conducted with 57 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), nearly half of whom had severe proliferative DR-a serious complication. Most of these patients had also undergone laser treatment. At the conclusion of the study, patients were found to have had a reasonable understanding of the basic risk factors for DR, such as diabetes control, but they were less clear about specific risk factors such as blood pressure and lipid control.

Most patients attributed their DR either to poor diabetes control or to failings of the health care system, rather than having a basic understanding of the small blood vessel disease including circulatory and oxygen deprivation that results from the damaged blood vessels in the retina. Some patients believed that their DR was a result of health aspects beyond their control or environmental factors, whereas others were unsure about the cause.

Improving patients' understanding of the major risk factors for DR as well as helping them have a better understanding of the causes of diabetic retinopathy and being able to grasp expectations of realistic outcomes of laser treatment may improve patients' coping mechanisms, adaptation to disease and ocular outcomes.

If you or someone you know has questions about diabeticretinopathy feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Help for Dry Eye after Cataract Surgery

Patients having cataract surgeryand lens implants might need help for dry eye after their surgery. This is because the incidence of mild to moderate dry eye in a cataract aged population prior to cataract surgery-and exacerbated by cataract surgery makes temporary dry eye a rather common complaint among this age group.

According to the Prospective Health Assessment of Cataract Patients Ocular Surface (PHACO) Study some 60-75% of a cataract aged population had a meaningful deficiency in their tear film testing. Further, although cataract surgery is quite friendly to the cornea, it does require an incision which has the potential to temporarily interrupt corneal nerves responsible for reflex tearing and tear film integrity as well. This along with some of the solutions used during the cataract procedure can indeed result in a dry eye. The symptoms one might experience could include fluctuations of vision, dryness, grittiness, tearing, burning and a general tiredness as well as an overall sandy feeling.

DryEye Treatment Options

The good news is that for the vast majority of patients with dry eye there are potentially helpful treatment options that include specialized artificial tear lubricants and solutions, tiny punctal plugs to help you retain tears and prescription medication that stimulates production of your own tears. In addition there are more technological approaches such as lasers and other methods to treating underlying blepharitis, eyelid gland problems or eyelid inflammation that can contribute to dry eye as well.

If you or someone you know has questions about dry eye help after cataract surgery, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Eye Health Problems & High Altitude

Sometimes patients who spend a great deal of time in high altitudes-skiing, mountain climbing or even just touring and hiking-are concerned about the effects of high altitude low oxygen conditions on their eyes, especially if they have some other eye problems or diseases related to hypoxia or not enough oxygen. Have you ever been concerned about your eye health at high altitude?

Researchers from the Tübingen High Altitude Ophthalmology (THAO) published a report in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. The group examined the effect of high altitude on the cornea and on the drainage angle of the eye-a key anatomical landmark for predicting narrow angle glaucoma risk. Using the advanced imaging technique of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) they studied corneal thickness changes and the depth and shape of the “anterior chamber angle” to determine the effects of high altitude. In normal healthy eyes, they found that a significant degree of reversible corneal swelling occurred with increasing altitude but no effect was noted on the size or shape of the eye fluid drainage angle. Since the corneal swelling was reversible it was not damaging. However, for patients with corneal dystrophy problems such as Fuchs Dystrophy, any endothelial dystrophy or compromise there may be some delay in the deswelling of the cornea. For patients who might be at risk for narrow angle glaucoma, the researchers reported that no change in angle depth or shape occurred at the higher altitudes-and thus there was no increase in angle closure glaucoma risk.

If you or someone you know has questions about the effect of high altitude low oxygen conditions of angle closure glaucoma and corneal swelling risk, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Medical Marijuana for Glaucoma Treatment

Medical marijuana is promoted as a treatment for many diseases, including glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve becomes damaged over time, reducing peripheral vision. If not properly diagnosed and treated it can lead to blindness. One cause of the optic nerve damage in glaucoma is higher-than-normal pressure within the eye, called intraocular pressure or IOP. Currently glaucoma treatment for the most part is to lower IOP levels with eye drops, laser treatment, oral medications and sometimes surgery depending on the type of glaucoma and how severe it is.

The idea that marijuana can be helpful in treating glaucoma dates to the 1970s. Studies conducted then showed that smoking marijuana lowered the IOP of people with glaucoma. As a result of this research, additional studies were conducted examining whether marijuana or its active ingredient, a compound known as THC, could be used to keep IOP lowered. This research was supported by the National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health. The research found that when marijuana is smoked or when a form of its active ingredient is taken as a pill or by injection, it does lower IOP. However, it only lowers IOP for a short period of time-about three or four hours. This short period of time is a major drawback for the use of marijuana as a glaucoma treatment. Because glaucoma needs to be treated 24 hours a day, you would need to smoke marijuana six to eight times a day around the clock to receive the benefit of a consistently lowered IOP. Because of marijuana's mood-altering effect, smoking so much of it daily would leave you too impaired to drive, operate equipment or function at the peak of your mental ability.

The effect that marijuana has on your ability to function is not the only side effect from the drug, however. Marijuana cigarettes contain hundreds of compounds that damage the lungs. Research has shown that regular and frequent use of marijuana, particularly in high doses, can cause problems with short-term memory and concentration.

As scientists learn more about glaucoma, they have also come to understand that IOP is not the only factor that damages the optic nerve. Recent studies characterize glaucoma as a neurologic disease similar to Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. And, there is increasing evidence that reduced flow of blood to the optic nerve may also cause damage in patients with glaucoma. Unfortunately, marijuana not only lowers IOP, but it lowers blood pressure throughout the body. As a result, it has the potential to lower the blood flow to the optic nerve, effectively canceling out the benefit of a lowered IOP.

So, while marijuana can temporarily lower your IOP, it's not recommended for treating glaucoma. Prescription medications, laser and surgical treatments have been tested and proven as effective treatments for the glaucoma. 

If you or someone you know has questions about eye exams, glaucoma and medical marijuana treatment feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, or visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.A

Eye Test for Stroke Risk

Robert Kelly, M.D., an Ophthalmologist at Center for Sight in Fall River, Massachusetts shared encouraging information about a new eye test that may help identify patients who are at high risk for stroke. “I am really quite pleased to have reviewed a study about a new eye test for stroke risk from the University of Zurich published in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology,” commented Dr. Kelly. “This study showed that a test called Ocular Pulse Amplitude (OPA) can reliably detect carotid artery stenosis (CAS) or carotid artery narrowing, a condition that clogs or blocks the arteries that feed the front part of the brain which is a known risk factor for stroke. I am hopeful that we will soon be able to perform this test as part of a routine eye exam.”

Each year, approximately 795,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke, and more than 137,000 of these people die as a result. People with severe CAS are much more likely to suffer stroke.”We would like to catch and treat CAS before that can happen, but because CAS has no symptoms and an efficient test is not currently available the disease often goes undetected,” explained Dr. Kelly.

If you or someone you know has questions about eye exams, eye health and stroke prevention please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, or visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Need a Little Lift? Ask About BOTOX® & Fillers

Have you noticed a few more fine lines and wrinkles when you look in the mirror? Are your eyelids a little droopy, making you look more tired than feel? At Center for Sight we can help! Dr. Gregory Hofeldt is a board certified, fellowship trained eye plastic surgeon specializing in liquid eyelid lifts and non surgical treatments including BOTOX® Cosmetic, Radiesse® Juvedèrm® and Xeomin® to help you look your best!

Call 508-730-2020 for a Free Consultation Today…

AND SAVE $100*

*call before 5/31/2014 and receive a $100 courtesy toward treatment

Choose the Right Sunglasses for Fall River

“Choosing the right sunglasses means understanding that they are more than just a fashion accessory,” commented Fall River Optometrist, Dr. Christopher Covello of Center for Sight. “Sunglasses are an important form of protection for your eyes against the damaging rays of the sun,” Dr. Covello explained.

It's important for you to know what types of light you need to protect your eyes from and what types of light are not necessarily harmful. Here are some tips for picking the right pair of nonprescription sunglasses.  

Ø  Choose Sunglasses that Block 99% of Ultraviolet (UV) Rays. This is the most important feature of your sunglasses, and you should always choose sunglasses that provide this protection. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is linked to eye disease, including cataracts. Some manufacturers' labels say UV absorption up to 400nm. This is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption. Some glasses make additional claims for blocking infrared rays, but research has not shown a close connection between infrared rays and eye disease.

Ø  Don't Rely on the Price. Many types of affordable sunglasses offer 99 to 100% UV protection, so you don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money on a pair of sunglasses.

Ø  Do Rely on the Quality. In addition to UV protection, you also want to check the optical quality of the lenses. You can easily test the quality of sunglasses by looking at something with a rectangular pattern, such as a floor tile. Hold the glasses at a comfortable distance and cover one eye. Move the glasses slowly from side to side, then up and down. If the lines stay straight, the lenses are fine. If the lines wiggle, especially in the center of the lens, try another pair.

Ø  Look for Impact-Resistant Lenses. All sunglasses must meet impact standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety. No lens is truly unbreakable, but plastic lenses are less likely to shatter when hit by a ball or stone. Polycarbonate plastics, used in many sports sunglasses, are especially strong, but scratch easily. If you buy polycarbonate lenses, choose ones with a scratch-resistant coating.

Ø  Use Protective Eyewear NOT Sunglasses for Hazardous Activities. If you are going to be engaged in outdoor activities like water or snow skiing that put your eye at risk for injury, don't count on your eyeglasses for protection. Protective eyewear is available with UV protection to shield your eyes from sunburn and glare.

Ø  Lens Color Tinting & Polarization are Personal Preferences. There's no medical reason to recommend one tint of lens over another. Likewise, while polarized lenses work better at deflecting glare, they're not blocking any more harmful UV light than non-polarized lenses.

Once you have the right sunglasses, make sure you wear them, especially in the summer when UV levels are at least three times higher than in the winter. Also be sure to wear them when participating in winter sports, particularly at high elevations.

If you or someone you know has a question or would like to learn more about choosing the right sunglasses please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, or visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Protect Against UV Eye Injury

Using some common sense and precaution can go a long way to help you protect against UV eye injury and damage. May marks Ultraviolet (UV) Eye Protection Awareness Month, so Center for Sight wants to comment on the need for UV protective eyewear and precautions people should take. This time of year, increased exposure to the sun and ultraviolet or UV rays on a daily basis requires the use of proper UV eye protection. 

Some basic precautions to help you with UV eye protection include:

• Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays. 
• Wear a brimmed hat along with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. 
• Choose wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes. 
• Be aware that although some contact lenses may offer UV protection, they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it. 
• Choose sunglasses made of unbreakable polycarbonate, especially for children and for those who lead active lifestyles. 

Be sure to ask your doctor about the photosensitizing side effects of any medications that you might take.
Always wear eye protection when using a tanning bed. According the American Academy of Ophthalmology, tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times more than the sun, which can cause serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids. 

Excessive and repetitive exposure to UV has been linked to many eye problems and in some instances is thought to quicken the onset of eye diseases such as cataracts, Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), certain cancers on the delicate skin around the eye, Pterygia-a growth of white tissue on the surface of the eye-and even Photokeratitis, a type of sunburn of the cornea.

At Center for Sight we offer wide range of UV protecting eyeglass lenses to choose from. Eye protection from UV needs to be complete but doesn’t have to be overly expensive. 

Patients visiting Center for Sight are invited speak with one of our Registered Dispensing Opticians who can provide proper counseling and fitting of UV protecting lenses and eyewear. These eye care professionals can offer a wide variety of UV blocking lenses, coatings and color changing lenses to keep you safe.

If you or someone you know has a question or concerns about ultraviolet (UV) eye damage and injury and how to select protective eyewear please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit http://www.center-for-sight.com or http://www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406 Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 at 508-730-2020 for patients wishing to learn more about LASIK in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.

Cataract Surgery Patients Live Longer

People with cataract related vision loss who have had cataract surgery to improve their sight are living longer than those with visual impairment who chose not to have the procedure, according to research published in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In fact, the researchers found a 40 percent lower long-term mortality risk in those who had the cataract surgery. 

This research is from data gathered in the Blue Mountains Eye Study, a population-based study of vision and common eye diseases in an older Australian population. Adjustments were made for age and gender as well as a number of mortality risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, cardiovascular disease, body mass index and measures of frailty and other disease. Follow-up visits took place after five and ten years since the baseline exam.

Previous research had indicated that older persons with visual impairment were likely to have greater mortality risk than their age peers with normal vision, and that cataract surgery might reduce this risk. These studies – unlike the Blue Mountains Eye Study – compared people who had undergone cataract surgery with those in the general population or with those who had not had cataract surgery, and did not link vision status to the surgical status.

The association between correction of cataract-related visual impairment and reduced mortality risk is not clearly understood, but plausible factors may include improvements in physical and emotional well-being, optimism, greater confidence associated with independent living after vision improvement, as well as greater ability to comply with prescription medications.

A cataract is a leading cause of treatable visual impairment that will affect more than half of all Americans by the time they are 80 years old. Cataract surgery to remove the opaque lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant is one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S. today and is regarded as a very successful procedure of cataract treatment.

If cataracts have made completing everyday tasks difficult, if you are having difficulty with night driving or feel your are not quite as mobile as you would like-cataract surgery should be discussed with Drs. Hofeldt, Kelly or Johnson to help determine the best course of action.

If you or someone you know has questions cataracts, cataract surgery or lens implants, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Hypertensive Retinopathy Predicts Stroke Risk

Did you know that the presence of hypertensive retinopathy-a condition of the retina caused by high blood pressure or hypertension, is a predictor of your risk of stroke? During your regular eye exam we thoroughly and carefully exam the tiny blood vessels in your retina-especially for seniors and others who have high blood pressure, other vascular disease and diabetes. For patients with hypertension or high blood one of the important things we can learn from your eye exam is your potential risk of stroke. In the past assessment of the signs of hypertensive retinopathy-the retinal vascular condition that results from high blood pressure-has been recommended for determining end organ damage such as kidney and heart problems.

According to a report in the journal Hypertension there is a clear benefit in evaluating whether hypertensive retinopathy predicts the long-term risk of stroke in those with hypertension.  In this study, participants with hypertension aged 50 to 73 years had gradable retinal photographs, no history of diabetes mellitus, stroke, or coronary heart disease at baseline, were included in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Retinal photographs were assessed for hypertensive retinopathy and classified as none, mild, and moderate/severe. Any history of stroke (cerebral infarction or hemorrhagic stroke) was identified and confirmed. The results showed that after adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure and other risk factors, persons with moderate hypertensive retinopathy were more likely to have a stroke. Even in patients with hypertension on medication with good control of blood pressure, hypertensive retinopathy was related to an increased risk of stroke!

From this study we know that hypertensive retinopathy predicts the long-term risk of stroke, independent of blood pressure, even in treated patients with hypertension with good hypertension control. Thus, if you have high blood pressure, it is often important for us to obtain retinal photographs at your eye examination in order to document and assess hypertensive retinopathy signs that may be useful in predicting your stroke risk.

If you or someone you know has questions or would like help in selecting, fitting or choosing sports protective eyeglasses, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Fall River Surgeon on Cataract Surgery & Air Travel

“My cataract patients-especially as they seem to be getting younger-are continuing very active lifestyles. Often they need to get on an airplane or take advantage of air travel arrangements after cataract surgery and don’t want to be hindered,” noted Gregory Hofeldt, M.D., a Fall River Massachusetts Cataract Surgeon at Center for Sight. “Having cataract surgery doesn’t need to present a barrier or be an inconvenience for patients flying or needing to use air travel,” explained Dr. Hofeldt.

Most cataract surgeons require their patients to be examined the first day after cataract surgery and again at about 5-8 days after a cataract operation. This is the period of time where rare, but potentially serious, complications would likely be detected, if they were to occur. Beyond this period of time it is more a matter of making sure that you have access to continued follow up care at your cataract surgeon’s direction. If you are contemplating a trip after your cataract surgery you should discuss this with your cataract surgeon and we can give you any additional advice you might need regarding air travel as it would apply to your post operative instructions.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns about cataract surgery, air travel and flying please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, or visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients wishing to learn more about flying, air travel and cataract surgery in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton and Tiverton.

Sports Eye Protection for Athletes

KeeganJohnson, M.D. an Ophthalmologist, Cornea Specialist & Cataract Surgeon atCenter for Sight in Fall River, Massachusetts shared information about sports eye protection and the risk of eye injuries for athletes. “April is Sports EyeSafety Awareness Month and the American Academy of Ophthalmology asks eye doctors to remind our community that 40,000 people suffer from eye injuries related to sports every year. These eye injuries from sports can be devastating, and the only way to prevent them is by wearing protective eyewear,” said Dr. Johnson.

Many sports create risk for eye injuries which can include abrasions of the cornea and bruises of the lids, retinal detachments and internal bleeding. The most serious risks involve permanent vision loss along with infection. In addition, patients who have sustained eye injuries are at greater risk for developing glaucoma.

Athletes need to use the eye protection that is available for most sports, including basketball, baseball, hockey, football, lacrosse, fencing, paintball, water polo, golf and others. “I counsel and reassure my patients that wearing properly fitted protective eyewear will not harm their performance, and it may well save their eye health and vision,” said Dr. Johnson. “As a parent, I want other parents to know that most sporting leagues don’t require children to wear eye protection, so parents should take special care to ensure their children wear eye protection.”

Tens of thousands of sports and recreation-related eye injuries occur each year. The good news is that 90 percent of serious eye injuries are preventable through use of appropriate protective eyewear. The risk of eye injury can vary depending on the activity. Make sure the level of eye protection you or others in your family use is appropriate for the type of activity. Regular eyeglasses do not offer proper eye protection. Athletes need to wear appropriate, sport-specific protective eyewear properly fitted by an eye care professional. Lenses made from polycarbonate materials provide the highest level of impact protection; they can withstand a ball or other projectile traveling at 90 miles per hour.

If you or someone you know has questions or would like help in selecting, fitting or choosing sports protective eyeglasses, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, or visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406 Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 at 508-730-2020 for patients wishing to learn more about LASIK in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.

Risk of Cataracts & Smoking

“Smokers should become aware of the increased risk of cataracts that smoking creates,” commented Gregory Hofeldt, M.D., an Ophthalmologist & CataractSurgeon in Fall River, Massachusetts at Center for Sight. “Most patients I speak to are well aware of the vascular risks of smoking and some are aware that they may be at increased risk of glaucoma and age related macular degeneration as well. But, what may be news to those who smoke is that they are also at increased risk of cataracts,” explained Dr Hofeldt.

Patients who are current smokers or who have any history of smoking are at increased risk of getting a cataract according to researchers reporting in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. The researchers found that the overall current literature suggests that smoking was associated with increased risk of age related cataract, especially nuclear cataract and to some extent posterior sub capsular cataract. They further recommended that additional efforts should be made to confirm these findings and clarify the underlying biological mechanisms. A healthy lifestyle and diet are meaningful ways of maintaining eye health and vision-whether lowering your risk of cataracts, keeping the tiny blood vessels in the eye functioning properly or minimizing the associated risks of glaucoma-it’s important to avoid smoking as a lifestyle choice.

If you or someone you know feels they are at risk for cataract development, has a question about cataracts, cataract surgery or lens implants please feel free to schedule an eye exam by calling Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, or visiting www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients wishing to learn more about LASIK in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton and Tiverton.

LASIK for Massachusetts Motorcycle Riders

Massachusetts motorcycle riders considering LASIK are encouraged to think about their vision correction options as spring gets closer. “This is the time of year we start to see many motorcycle riders who are interested in LASIK,” commented Fall River LASIK Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Keegan Johnson, M.D. of Center for Sight. “Contact lenses and certainly eyeglasses can be a real challenge for motorcycle riders-so many consider the option of LASIK about now. As motorcycle lovers start to think about the spring, summer and fall motorcycle riding season, I try to remind them that vision correction and eye safety should top the list of things they think about as part of their readiness checklists along with the condition of their gear and bikes,” Dr. Johnson further explained. 

It is important to recognize the need for eye protection from the sun, bugs, small rocks and pebbles and especially the wind, which can really contribute to dry eye symptoms. LASIK patients as well as other recreational motorcycle riders sometimes overlook or are just not aware of the potential for eye irritation and motorcycle dry eye caused by the wind, exhaust fumes, pollen and pollution-as well as the summer sun and heat. 

At your LASIK consultation the staff will be exploring your lifestyle needs and activities. As a potential LASIK patient we want to take the time necessary so that we can carefully counsel you in order to get the best results and help meet your expectations. Please take the time to tell us about your motorcycle riding interest as well as all of the ways in which you are hoping to benefit from LASIK.

If you or someone you know would like to be less dependent or possibly even free from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses for seeing at distance, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, or visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment for a Free LASIK Consultation.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients wishing to learn more about LASIK in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton and Tiverton.

Astigmatism & Lens Implants for Cataracts

“Astigmatism is a common eye problem that needs to be corrected in order to get the best vision correction results from cataract surgery,” commented Gregory Hofeldt, M.D.,Ophthalmologist & Cataract Surgeon at Center for Sight in Fall River, Massachusetts. “Most cataract patients know from their eye exams or eyeglass prescriptions that they have some amount of astigmatism. But, sometimes cataract patients don’t realize that it is important for their cataract surgeon to correct that astigmatism in order to get the best visual results for them,” explained Dr Hofeldt.

Astigmatism is a refractive eye condition that that is most often due to an uneven curvature of the cornea. If the cornea were perfectly shaped, it would have a spherical round even shape, like a basketball. In eyes that have astigmatism, the cornea is typically curved more like an oblong, football-like shape, similar to the shape of the back of a teaspoon. “Depending on the degree and orientation of the unequal curvatures, astigmatism can cause mild or even severe blurry vision,” explained Dr. Hofeldt. 

Patients with cataracts and who are in need of cataract surgery have three choices when considering how to correct their astigmatism. First, patients can simply choose to be dependent on wearing eyeglasses after cataract surgery in order to correct astigmatism. Second, if appropriate, some patients may opt to have an additional surgical procedure called Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) or third, patients can elect have an astigmatismcorrecting toric lens implant in which the astigmatism correction is incorporated into the lens prescription just as in eyeglasses. “Toric lensimplants are placed in the eye in exactly the same manner as ordinary lens implants at the time of cataract surgery and correct the astigmatism as part of the cataract surgery operation,” further explained Dr. Hofeldt.

If you or someone you know has cataracts or is considering cataract surgery and has astigmatism and would like to learn more about astigmatism correction after cataract surgery, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients wishing to learn more about cataracts, cataract surgery and toric lens implants for astigmatism in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton and Tiverton.

Macular Degeneration Risk & Inflammation Test

Your risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) may be marked by a blood test for inflammation. Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston reporting in JAMA Ophthalmology found that the risk of macular degeneration (AMD) is correlated with the findings of the CRP (c-reactive proteins) test, an inflammation marker commonly used for heart disease and other inflammatory conditions. 

The pooled findings across the groups showed that there was a significantly increased risk of AMD for those patients with high versus low CRP levels and those with high CRP levels also had a significantly increased risk of neovascular or Wet AMD. The researchers concluded that elevated levels of CRP predict greater future risk of AMD. 

It is believed that this information might shed light on underlying mechanisms and could be of clinical help in the identification of persons at high risk of AMD who may benefit from increased adherence to lifestyle recommendations, eye examination schedules and therapeutic protocols.

If you or someone you know has questions about their risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and inflammatory markers such as the CRP test, please feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.