Summer Eyewear (i.e. UV vs Polarized)

Summer Eyewear (i.e. UV vs Polarized)

by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

To most, summer marks a time for vacations, flip flops, and quality time with family and friends. However, summer also signifies increased exposure to UV rays and sunlight. Sunlight produces UV light rays that are damaging to the eyes, potentially resulting in diseases such as photokeratitis, cataracts, pingueculae, or retinal damage. These rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm but are apparent throughout the day, even when overcast.

Therefore, the correct sunglasses should be used at all times and are imperative in retaining your eye health. An 

Ultraviolet protected lens blocks these damaging rays from the sun from directly contacting the eye.

However, glare from the sun may continue to cause squinting on those bright summer days. Lenses with a general UV coating are best for use of minor outdoor excursions. However, a polarized lens is specific to sunglass lenses only and deters glare. This type of lens is best for outdoor activity and for time spent near water, snow, or other reflective surfaces. Having the right pair of sunglasses can prevent serious eye problems and eye straing (i.e. bothersome squinting).

When shopping for your next pair of sunglasses, remember to look for the options that best suit you. To find the perfect pair of summer lenses, please contact our office at 310-734- 3446 or visit our website http://www.bheyeguy.com.

Importance of Pediatric Eye Exams

Importance of Pediatric Eye Exams

by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

Most parents concern themselves with their child’s pediatric visits but overlook the importance of their vision development. As a child grows, their vision is constantly changing. In their early months, babies focus only on close up objects and are primarily able to see high contrast colors, such as black, white, and red. Their visual acuity sharpens at six months and should have their vision examined at this time to ensure normal development and binocular function.

It is recommended that children receive several eye exams before starting school, around age three and again at five or six. Visual problems can negatively affect the child’s learning in school. If signs or symptoms or visual complaints are not addressed, a child may have a hard time focusing in the classroom or during during outdoor activities. Their inability to read text can result in poor academic performance and in turn may decrease their motivation for learning later in life. Symptoms of learning-related vision problems include headaches or eyestrain, short attention span for visual tasks such as identifying objects and reading, or poor hand eye coordination.

Please contact our office at 310-734- 3446 or visit our website http://www.bheyeguy.com in order to learn more about specifics in caring for your child’s eye health.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Technology

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Technology
by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a new non-invasive imaging test that utilizes light waves to take cross-sectional pictures of your retina. OCT imaging works by analyzing time delay and magnitude change of light as it is backscattered by ocular tissues. A scanning beam moves across tissue and signals from reflective properties yield cross sectional images. The test provides varying data sets that provide a detailed image of disease progression and invaluable information. The procedure itself is easily tolerated by most patients and the results can be viewed in high confidence.

OCT has become increasingly popular among the medical community because of its superior image resolution that requires no preparation of the patient or sample, is instant, and lacks ionizing radiation.

This allows the doctor to see the distinct layers of the retina in order to assist with diagnosis of such conditions as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and many other conditions. Measurement of thickness provides guidelines for treatment of retinal abnormalities. 

In order to obtain the highest quality eye exam and be proactive about maintaining eye health, please contact our office at 310-734- 3446 or visit our website http://www.bheyeguy.com.

Oculus Keratograph 5M

Oculus Keratograph 5M

by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

The Oculus Keratograph 5M is a new patient friendly and multi-purpose device that efficiently integrates complex examination, into a dry eye analysis and report. It performs such tests as meibography, eye redness analysis, and Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT). Meibography is an advanced technique using infrared technology to image the anatomy of the oil glands, located in the upper and lower eyelids. These glands are unique since they provide the natural lubrication to keep the tears healthy. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of dry eye disease and a common ocular condition. It occurs when the oil glands are compromised (i.e. congested, tortous, dilated, or atrrophied). When evaluating MGD, we check both anatomy of the glands as well as the function.  

The Keratograph features the R-Scan as well, which is the first and only technology to measure and classify the degree of redness in the eye. It detects thin blood vessels and evaluates its measurements on a standardized, grading scale. The TF-Scan is another feature that works to map tear breakup time (or how quickly the tears evaporate) which is useful in consultations, screenings, and follow up appointments. 

For a dry eye consultation, screening or report, please contact our office at 310-734-3446 or visit our website, http://www.bheyeguy.com.

Keratoconus Treatment Options

Keratoconus Treatment Options
by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

People suffering from Keratoconus will usually experience halos, double vision, and sudden changes in their vision at both near and far distances. Keratoconus is a progressive disease with varying stages that need to be managed properly.  

The early stages can be treated with eyeglasses to correct for the reduced visual acuity. As the disease progresses, there are further changes in the surface of the cornea that may require a rigid, or hard, contact lens that are used to protect and strengthen the eye and alter the way that the light will enter the eye. However, some individuals may suffer from discomfort in wearing contact lenses due to the irregularity in the surface of the cornea, so more invasive procedures may be required.

The more common surgical procedures available are 1) Stromal Intacs, 2) Corneal Collagen Cross Linking, 3) Photo-Therapeutic Keratectomy, PTK, or 4) cornea transplants for the most severe cases. Stromal intacs Corneal Implants are an ophthalmic medical device designed to flatten the corneal cone as well as correct myopia and astigmatism associated with keratoconus. Corneal Collagen Cross Linking with Riboflavin (CXL or C3-R) is an in-office eye procedure that strengthens the cornea that's weak secondary to keratoconus. PTK is a procedure that will allow for the smoothing of the cornea surface as a new epithelial layer grows to protects the cornea. In addition, there are full or partial cornea transplant available. The less invasive procedures are the partial transplants and more invasive are the full transplants. As expected, the more invasive corneal transplants require a longer recovery period. Schedule an appointment today for a consultation at Beverly Hills Optometry (http://www.bheyeguy.com) if you are suffering from the symptoms of Keratoconus and want to understand your treatment options. 

LASIK Refractive Correction Candidacy

LASIK Refractive Correction Candidacy

by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

Everyone has that friend that is stylish and up to date with all the latest trends, and their glasses are no exception to their look. There are also those friends that love their contacts and aren’t bothered by the hassle. However, there are also many of us that are envious as we wish we could break our glasses in half and never put in another pair of contacts. If you are near-sighted, far-sighted or have an astigmatism, have you ever thought about LASIK?

Before having LASIK there are a few essential criteria that should be met. This includes being in good health and having a stable prescription for about 2 consecutive years, which usually occurs between 23 and 25 years of age. The advantages for individuals that are candidates for the procedure are limitless. It begins with the ability to leave behind the hassle of glasses or contacts, save money on eyewear and eye care products each year, and the most exciting is the ability to wake up each morning and see clearly.

The most important thing to remember is that not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK, but those who are should take full advantage of this opportunity. For a LASIK consultation, make an appointment at Beverly Hills Optometry (http://www.bheyeguy.com) to learn more and to be evaluated for this procedure. 

Ocular Rosacea

Ocular Rosacea

by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

Rosacea may first appear as reddish patches of skin on your face or neck that lead to bumpy skin lesions, pimples or blood vessels on the surface. While Rosacea is very apparent on the face and neck, many have undiagnosed Ocular Rosacea. About 13 million people suffer from Rosacea, and about 50% also have Ocular Rosacea. 

If you are experiencing swollen, itching, and burning sensations throughout the day, you may be experiencing Ocular Rosacea. It is also important to mention that Ocular Rosacea may arise even before Rosacea. While there is no cure for Ocular Rosacea at this time, there are treatments to help alleviate the discomfort, eliminate flare-ups, and prevent serious conditions, such as corneal ulcers, scarring of eyelids, or vision loss. 

If you are suffering from this condition, avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors that may trigger the flare-ups are essential. Some of the most common triggers include, but are not limited to the following: wind, extreme hot or cold, spices, alcohol, or stress. If you have been diagnosed with Rosacea or are you experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to schedule an appointment at Beverly Hills Optometry (www.bheyeguy.com) today!

Tecnis Symfony Intraocular Lenses

Tecnis Symfony Intraocular Lenses

by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

If you have been told that cataract surgery is in the near future, there is a new technology in intraocular lenses, or IOL, to consider. The newest IOL in the United States are assisting vision issues at varying distances following cataract surgery. Most cataract surgeries replace the patient’s lens with a monovision lens, correcting mostly distance vision. 

This dynamic lens is following the revolution of allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle without the constant hassle of glasses wear. Tecnis's Symfony IOL offers an increase in visual acuity at distance, but also with the near and intermediate ranges. This is an exceptional innovation for patients with presbyopia, the lose in the ability to focus at near object (usually occurs in the 4th decade of life). If you have an astigmatism, there are options for toric IOL implants as well. 

Symfony IOL strives to provide patients with more youthful vision. Another benefit of the Symfony IOL includes significant reduction in the incidence of halos and glare compared to monovision IOL.

If your doctor has suggested cataract surgery, this may be an option for you. Schedule an appointment at Beverly Hills Optometry (www.bheyeguy.com) today to further inquire.

Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratitis

Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratitis

by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratitis, or TSPK, is a type of inflammation of the cornea that causes a scattered loss of epithelial cells across the surface of the cornea. It can be caused by various factors including abrasions, chemicals, or overuse of contacts. The damage can occur anywhere on the cornea, but most often centrally. 

The most common individual suffering from TSPK is under the age of 40. At the exam, the doctor will observe your eyes for multiple white or opaque lesions in the epithelial of the cornea, which is its main defining characteristic. 

While there is often no residual scarring and very rarely permanent vision loss, it is important to see a doctor for treatment in order to properly heal. Therapeutic corticosteroids (or steroid eye drops) are available to relieve symptoms as well as a soft, bandage contact lens to protect the eye. 

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to schedule an appointment at Beverly Hills Optometry (www.bheyeguy.com) today!

The Importance of Annual Retinal Exams for Diabetic Patients

The Importance of Annual Retinal Exams for Diabetic Patients

by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-734-3446

http://www.bheyeguy.com

Patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes run the risk of developing Diabetic retinopathy (“DR”) due to elevated glucose levels. Increased glucose levels can behave as slow-acting poison that gradually erodes the ability of pancreatic cells to produce insulin, causing the pancreas to overcompensate and produce excess amounts. It can also cause the calcification of blood vessels, making them fragile and more susceptible to hemorrhaging; and neovascularization, which is the formation of functional, but fragile microvascular networks. 

These formed, fragile vessels can hemorrhage, allowing blood to enter and cloud the viscous gel body, obstructing the refraction of light. Consequently, nutrient and oxygen deprivation of the retina may occur, hindering it from functioning properly and leading to severe or permanent vision loss. The four main types of DR are non-proliferative Diabetic retinopathy, proliferative Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetic macular edema (DME), and advanced diabetic eye disease.

It is imperative for Diabetic patients to visit an eye care professional for annual retinal and comprehensive eye exams, in addition to maintaining controlled blood glucose levels.

Studies such as the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) have shown that controlling blood glucose levels slows the onset and worsening of diabetic retinopathy. 

“DCCT study participants who kept their blood glucose level as close to normal as possible were significantly less likely than those without optimal glucose control to develop diabetic retinopathy, as well as kidney and nerve diseases. Other trials have shown that controlling elevated blood pressure and cholesterol can reduce the risk of vision loss among people with diabetes” (NEI – National Eye Institute).

Weekly exercise and consuming lower caloric foods, saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, and salt; and consuming more fiber-containing foods (i.e. whole grain cereals and breads), will help maintain a healthy weight and lower risks of high glucose levels.

To be evaluated for Diabetic retinopathy and other Diabetic ocular risks, please contact our office at 310-734- 3446 or visit our website http://www.bheyeguy.com to book an appointment.