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Laser Eye Surgery

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Laser eye surgery is one of the most popular, elective vision correction surgery procedures performed in the United States. It is estimated that over 10 million people have received laser eye surgery since it was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999.

While there are different types of laser eye surgery procedures, laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly utilized to correct the vision of people who are nearsighted, farsighted or diagnosed with astigmatism. LASIK surgery involves the use of a laser to reshape the tissue underneath the cornea, allowing it to focus light properly and improve vision.

Other types of laser eye procedures include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery- best for those with mild or moderate vision problems and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)-a good option for those with thin corneas or at an increased risk for eye injuries.

LASIK remains the most commonly performed procedure due to its efficiency and the potential benefits patients could receive. These benefits may include:

Shorter recovery times
Improved vision
Long-lasting results
Eliminating or minimizing the need for contacts or glasses.

Along with the benefits, there are certain complications patients should consider before opting for surgery. Although rare, complications can include:

Dry eyes
Glares, halos or double vision
Discomfort
Dry eyes
Flap problems
Infection
Overcorrection, undercorrection or regression of vision

Choosing an experienced doctor can minimize the risk of complications. According to the FDA, if you are considering surgery; you should compare doctors (choose surgeons who have performed several procedures and meet industry standards). Do not base your decision simply on cost, and be wary of eye centers that guarantee 20/20 vision.

To speak with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital about laser surgery, please call 718 206-5900.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Blepharitis

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid- typically involving the part of the lid where our lashes grow. It is a disorder that can affect anyone of any age; however, people with oily skin, dandruff or rosacea are more prone to getting infections.

There are several possible factors that can contribute to blepharitis, including:

A buildup of bacteria
Dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows
Clogged or malfunctioning oil glands of the eyelids
Eyelash mites or lice
Allergic reactions to eye makeup, eye medications or contact lens solutions.
Rosacea

Blepharitis can result in the following complications:

Excess tearing or dry eyes
Burning or stinging eyes
Crusty debris at the base of the eyelid
Loss of lashes
A sty
Chronic pink eye
A chalazion ( a blockage of an oil gland at the margin of the eyelid)
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Red and swollen eyes or eyelids
Scarring of the eyelids

Unfortunately, there is no cure for blepharitis but there are a number of treatments used to control symptoms. Treatments an eye doctor may prescribe or recommend include:

Warm compresses
Eyelid scrubs
Medications such as antibiotics to fight infection
Medications such as steroid eye drops or ointments to control inflammation
Medications to treat underlying conditions such as dandruff or rosacea
Procedures to remove mites or open clogged glands

Practicing good eyelid hygiene tips can help to reduce the risk of inflammation. Doctors recommend practicing daily self-care regimens which can involve applying a warm compress to break down the buildup of debris, cleaning your eyelids daily with a solution such as baby wash diluted with water or using dandruff- controlling shampoos.

If you are experiencing symptoms of blepharitis and would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 206- 5900.

Retinal Detachment

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Joann Ariola

According to the Mayo Clinic, retinal detachment is an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye pulls away from its underlying support tissue.

The warning signs of retinal detachment are:

The appearance of tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision commonly referred to as floaters
Flashes of light in one or both eyes
Blurred vision
A gradual reduction in peripheral or side vision
A shadow over the visual field

There are three different types of retinal detachment:

Rhegamtogeneous – The most common type of detachment which occures slowly over time.

Tractional – A detachment that occurs when there is scar tissue growing on the retina’s surface

Exudative – Occurs when fluid accumulates beneath the retna without any tears or holes in the retna.

Aging and family history of retinal detachment are the most common risk factors for this condition. Those who already have a retinal detachment in one eye, have severe nearsightedness, have had previous eye surgery, have received a trauma to the eye or have an eye disorder that thins the retina are equally at risk.

Retinal detachment is an emergency so if you are experiencing flashes of light, floaters or a darkening of your field of vision, you will want to contact your eye doctor immediately. If a detachment isn’t repaired, you may have permanent vision loss.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of retinal detachment or would like to schecule an eye exam, please call the at for an appointment.

Over The Counter Readers vs. RX Glasses

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Joann Ariola

If your vision is blurred or you are having issues with your sight, an eye doctor will conduct a regular exam, assessing your overall eye health. At the end of the exam, it may be suggested that you are in need of glasses. If you do not have a serious eye condition, the doctor may suggest magnifiers or over the counter (OTC) “readers.”

When making the decision to get glasses, many people wonder if there is difference between prescription lenses and OTC glasses. The answer is, yes.

Some differences between OTC and prescription glasses are:

Over the counter (OTC) readers are best used for age-related presbyopia. Presbyopia is an age-related issue where your eyes become less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects.
OTC readers have the same prescription in each lens. Having the same eyesight in both eyes is extremely rare. Therefore, your vision will not be properly corrected and you may still experience difficulty focusing even when wearing OTC readers.
Prescriptions glasses offer more options and benefits, such as quality in materials, accurate vision correction, lens clarity, as well as scratch and glare resistance. Additionally, unlike OTC readers, prescription glasses can help with astigmatism, myopia or glaucoma.

If you are having difficulty with your vision, you should schedule an appointment to have your eyes examined. To schedule an appointment with the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center call 718-206-5900.

Jamaica Hospital Initiative Focuses on Vision Saving Service for Premature Babies

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that affects premature babies. It results in the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina (the layer of cells at the back of the eye that allows us to see).

According to the National Eye Institute, ROP “is one of the most common causes of visual loss in childhood and can lead to lifelong vision impairment and blindness.” It is estimated that 15,000 children living in the United States are diagnosed with ROP each year. The disorder can occur in babies that are born before 31 weeks of gestation and weigh 2 ¾ pounds or less.

Although some premature infants are at risk for developing ROP, advancements in medicine such as timely laser therapy, intraocular medications, and initiatives such as Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s ROP Continuity of Care program reduces the chances for the disease to cause further complications. Serious eye problems that can develop as a result of ROP include detachment of the retina, glaucoma, strabismus and blindness.

Jamaica Hospital’s ROP Safety Net program aims to educate the community about the disorder, provide quality care to premature infants, and improve follow-up rates for patients who required ROP screening or treatment during their stay in the NICU. “ROP is an issue that affects our community but many people are unaware of the disorder, we want to change that,” explained the hospital’s ROP Coordinator Maria Estevez.

The hospital’s multi-leveled approach to care has made its ROP Continuity of Care program a success. At birth, premature babies who are at risk for ROP are screened for the disease by way of a thorough ophthalmological evaluation. If it is found that a baby has active ROP, a specially trained ophthalmologist will determine the best course of action to treat the patient. Treatment can include a series of examinations, as well as laser therapy or intravitreal injections. Education and support are offered from birth until the child matures to eighteen years of age. “Our team monitors the health of each patient diagnosed by constantly following up and coordinating their appointments. We send reminders and offer additional tools to help parents stay on top of their child’s healthcare and eye care,” said Estevez.

Since implementing the ROP Safety Net program in 2016, Jamaica Hospital has experienced a significant incline in follow up rates. Prior to implementation, follow up rates were 58.2%; the hospital currently boasts a rate of 92.2%. “We are pleased with these numbers. They are a reflection of our efforts to educate parents and encourage them to actively follow up with the necessary care for their children,” shared Dr. Julia Shulman, Chairperson of Ophthalmology at Jamaica Hospital, and Director of the ROP Service.

ROP is an avoidable cause for blindness. Jamaica Hospital hopes that by initiating programs such as the ROP Continuity of Care, it can decrease the incidence of visual loss or blindness associated with the disorder. The hospital plans to link its community with a system of ROP care where support and comprehensive services are offered on a long-term basis.

October is Home Eye Safety Month

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

October is recognized as Home Eye Safety Month to bring awareness of all of the hazards that can be found in the home and provide information on ways to prevent eye related injuries. Statistics show that almost half of the accidents that involve the eyes occur within the home. It is estimated that over 125,000 eye injuries occur in the home annually and are due to improper use of household products.

Some of the ways eye injuries in and around the home can be prevented include:

Wearing safety goggles when using hazardous chemicals
Ensuring that areas are well lit
Keeping paints, pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals in a secure location
Making sure that children’s toys don’t have sharp edges.
Keeping scissors, paper clips, knives, coat hangers, pens and pencils out of reach of small children
Checking to make sure that there are no objects with sharp points left in places children can reach
Playing with fireworks should be avoided by everyone but especially young children

If an eye injury occurs, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Do not rub, touch or apply pressure to the eye. Never apply ointments or medication to the eye without being told to by a physician. If a chemical gets into the eye, begin flushing it out with water right away. Foreign objects in the eye should only be removed by a trained professional.

If an injury occurs to the eye, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or going to the closest emergency room. Your sight is very important and a little precaution can go a long way to making sure nothing happens to cause you to lose it.

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

Traditionally, the month of August is when children around the United States starting getting prepared to return to school. Often this will require them to visit their pediatricians for physical exams and vaccinations. One of the most important exams is an eye exam.

The American Optometric Association recommends that children get their first eye check-up when they are six months old. They should receive another check-up at the age of three, and again when they are either five or six. After the age of six, children should have their eyes examined every two years unless they wear contact lenses or glasses which require annual visits to an eye doctor. It is also recommended that your child visit an eye doctor if they exhibit signs and symptoms of a vision disorder. These include:

• Lack of interest in reading
• Not able to see things far away
• Constant tilting of the head
• Squinting when watching TV
• Frequent blinking and rubbing of the eyes
• Seeing double
• Holding a book close to the face
• An eye that wanders
• Covering one eye
• Inability to stay focused on an object

Eye health and eye health are very important. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-5900.

June is Cataract Awareness Month

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated June as Cataract Awareness Month. The purpose of this designation is to help educate the public on what cataracts are and how to treat them once they are diagnosed.
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. This will result in blurry vision, and since less light is being transmitted, objects will appear darker as well.
It is estimated that 25 million people in the United States age 40 and older will be diagnosed with a cataract, and by the time people reach the age of 80, more than half of the population of the United States will be affected with the disease.
Risk factors for developing cataracts include:
• Age
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Hereditary factors
• Prior eye injuries
Cataracts are classified by what causes them. Age is the biggest factor, followed by eye trauma, congenital causes and secondary to taking certain medications like steroids.
There are a few ways to lower the risk of developing cataracts, but they may not be completely successful.
Wearing sunglasses when outdoors
A diet rich in vitamin C foods
Avoiding smoking
Treatment for cataracts involves a surgical procedure which removes the old lens of the eye and replacing it with a synthetic one. It is a very common procedure and considered relatively safe. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-5900.

May is Healthy Vision Month

Posted on May 1, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 90 million Americans over the age of 40 have eye problems. That is about 60 percent of the population. May has been designated as Healthy Vision Month to bring attention to our eyes and the problems that we can encounter. While prevention is always the best route to follow, treating eye problems early, should they occur, can prevent further harm to our vision.
One of the reasons people neglect their eyes is because if they don’t think there is a problem, they aren’t going to get checked. While older adults, especially women, are usually the group that experiences more age related vision problems, it is becoming more evident that school age children are also experiencing vision problems. Children who can’t see well probably have difficulty reading, and this can affect them in school.
Many eye problems can be traced back to family history. While not a guarantee that someone will experience an issue with their vision if a parent had an eye problem, it certainly is something to be mindful of. Certain chronic illnesses, like diabetes can also predispose people to vision problems.
It is important to protect your eyes from things that can harm them. Doctors recommend wearing sunglasses if you are going to be outdoors during daylight hours for prolonged periods of time. It is also recommended to wear safety glasses if you are going to be working in hazardous environments. Many of us spend long periods of time looking at our computer screens. To avoid problems we should follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every twenty minutes look away from the screen and focus on something twenty feet away for twenty seconds. This will help to prevent the eyes from getting tired and the muscles of the eyes from becoming weak.
Other ways to protect your vision include:
• Regular comprehensive eye exams
• Proper diet (with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and dark leafy vegetables)
• Quit smoking or don’t start
• Maintain a proper weight
• Wash hands before placing or removing contact lenses
The National Eye Institute recommends a regular comprehensive dilated eye exam be performed on a regular basis, usually once a year. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-5900.

Save Your Vision Month

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

March is Save Your Vision Month
How often should you have your vison checked?
A) Every year
B) Every two years
C) Every three years
D) Only when something is wrong
According to the American Optometric Association a healthy person should have a regular eye exam once a year. People who have any conditions that may affect their eyesight, for example diabetes, glaucoma, macula-degeneration, should be examined more frequently.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-5900