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.

Management of Dry Eye Syndrome

MANAGEMENT OF DRY EYE SYNDROME

by Beverly Hills Optometry

310-659-2020

http://www.bheyeguy.com

Quality tears are essential in maintaining the health of the surface of our eyes as well as keeping our vision clear and crisp. When our eyes don't have enough quality tears to properly lubricate our eyes, Dry Eye Syndrome may develop. 

There are two reasons why the amount of quality tears in our eyes may become inadequate:

1) Inadequate amount of tears.: Tears are produced by several glands in and around the eyelids. Tear production may become diminished with age, medical conditions like clogged glands, and side effects from medication. Environmental conditions can also decrease the amount of tears in our eyes due to evaporation. 

2) Poor quality of tears: Tears are made up of three components: oil, water and mucus. Each component is vital to protect and nourish the surface of our eyes. The oil helps prevent evaporation, the mucin spreads the tears evenly over the surface of our eyes, and the water hydrates the tissues of our eyes. If the amount of any of the three components are reduced for any reason, this is when our eyes become dry and irritated. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include: irritation, scratchy and burning sensation, the feeling that something is in the eye, blurred vision and excess watering. 

Treatment

Often times, dry eyes can be a chronic but manageable condition. The typical treatment for dry eye syndrome would be over the counter artificial tear solutions or prescription medicated drops such as Restasis or Xiidra.  However, this treatment is not always effective for patients and can sometimes be inconvenient to the pace of their daily activities. 

The Eye Massage featuring the Mibo Thermoflo Treatment aims to improve the secretion of meibum, the oily component of our tears, by expressing the meibomian glands along the rim of our eyelids. This treatment clears away any debris or clogged oil that may be keeping our glands from producing the adequate amount of oil to keep our tears from evaporating too quickly leaving our eyes dry. 

The Eye Massage featuring the Mibo Thermoflo system is a state of the art device that is not just treating the symptoms of dry eyes, but the very cause of them. This technology is new and revolutionary and we are proud to be the only optometry office in the area to offer this service. Unfortunately, because this technology is so advanced, it is not yet currently being covered by vision or medical insurances. The medical office visit to diagnose your dry eye issues will be billed to any applicable insurances, but the procedure, itself, will be an out of pocket expense.

Pre-Treatment 

Please make sure to comply to the following requirements for successful treatment with The Eye Massage featuring the Mibo Thermoflo System:

a) Do not wear eye makeup such as mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow or concealer.

b) Contact lens wearers will be asked to remove lenses before treatment. 

c) Refrain from using any creams or lotions in the immediate eye area an hour before the appointment. 

The Eye Massage featuring the Mibo Thermoflo Treatment System

The treatment will begin with cleansing of the eyelashes and eyelids with a gentle and non-irritating eyelid wash. This will allow us to be able to have a clean slate to allow The Eye Massage featuring the Mibo Thermoflo system to work directly with the surface of your eyelids. 

The doctor or technician will prep The Eye Massage and begin the treatment directly to the eyelids. The doctor or technician will be using ultrasound gel (water-soluble and completely harmless to eyes), which helps to conduct the heat of the Mibo Themoflo system across the surface of the eyelids in a sweeping motion repeated along the length of the eyes. The sensation will be a warm and relaxing sensation across your eyes. While giving your eyes a much needed rest, the heat conducted is also expressing the meibomian glands along the eyelid line clearing out debris and promoting healthy oil production. 

Post Treatment

Following the treatment, you should feel immediate relief of some of your dry eye symptoms. The eyes should feel moist and well rested and your vision should be clear. Many patients have expressed immediate relief of dry eye symptoms, sharper vision, and decreased eye fatigue throughout the day.

We suggest that you follow up the initial treatment with two more treatments, one at week 2 and another at week 3 or 4 after the initial treatment. Treatment regimen will be modified and customized depending on patient signs and symptoms.

As with all treatment of chronic conditions, positive results can be prolonged if accompanied by good home management in between treatments. We suggest the following:

1) Hot compresses; two times a day

2) Daily intake of Omega-3 Fish Oils

3) Washing eyes with a gentle eyelid cleanser at least once a day.