What To Expect On Your Next Visit To Your Eye Care Practitioner During COVID-19 Pandemic

Taking care of your health is critical and you may have concerns related to eye health as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The offices of Ophthalmologists and Optometrists are resuming the delivery of comprehensive eye and vision care and implementing new protocols to provide care in a safe and healthy environment.

While changes vary from state-to-state as well as individual practice locations, patients should expect that their eye doctors, like all medical professionals, are adhering to federal, state and local health directives regarding infection prevention measures and implementing appropriate safety procedures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the office. These not only include strict protocols for cleaning and sterilization, but measures to effectively manage patient flow and encourage physical distancing. Patients should expect screenings for symptoms of COVID-19 and taking patients’ temperature upon their arrival at the facility, limiting the number of guests allowed in waiting rooms and requiring everyone to wear a facemask and/or gloves before entering the office.

Prior to the appointment, you should be asked a series of questions such as whether you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, whether you have been exposed to anyone who has an active COVID infection, and whether you have any of the typical symptoms of a COVID-19 infection including fever, cough, shortness of breath, or some impairment of your sense of taste or smell. You may also be asked about recent travel history. If there is a concern that you may have COVID-19 infection, then the appointment may be rescheduled to a later date.

Once you get to the office, you will be interviewed again to see if you have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 infection. You may be asked to have your temperature taken with a non-contact thermometer and to wash your hands or scrub your hands with hand sanitizer before entering the office. You may be asked not to bring any family members or assistants with you.

Every patient (and anyone accompanying the patient) is required to wear a mask, and the mask must be worn properly, covering both the nose and mouth. The mask must be worn through the entire visit, and conversations with the doctor or staff will be limited. The tests that are used to monitor glaucoma may be performed with modified protocols to minimize the time you spend at the office.

How to Prepare for Your Eye Doctor Visit

  • Don’t go if you’re feeling sick. If you wake up with a cough or a sore throat, it’s probably best to reschedule your appointment and call your primary physician. Your routine eye exam can wait. Don’t be surprised if someone takes your temperature upon arrival to ensure safety for everyone.
  •  Fill out forms in advance. If possible, fill out your intake forms online before your appointment. This will limit your face-to-face contact and your overall time within the office. Any additional information that’s requested by your doctor can also be done over the phone.
  • Follow social distancing guidelines. There may be new procedures in place to help with social distancing, from markers on the ground indicating where to stand, to a limited number of people allowed in certain areas. Depending upon the office location, you may need to call from your car to check in. Every office is different, so be sure to check with your doctor’s office about their requirements.
  • Go alone to your appointment. Most offices are only allowing the patient to enter the office, with the exception of those who require a caregiver or a guardian to attend the appointment with them. This limits the amount of people going in and out of the office, and helps maintain a more sterile, clean environment.
  • Wear a mask to your appointment. Depending on your state, a mask may either be mandated or highly recommended when you are in public places. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highly advises people to wear a mask covering their nose and their mouth in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

As your eye care doctors begin reopening and operations proceed under a “new normal,” your ophthalmologist and/or optometrist are working to ensure the continued safe delivery of essential eye care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To know exactly what to expect during your appointment, call your doctor’s office to find out how to best prepare for your visit.

Blinking – Why is it so important?

Blinking is something we all do every minute, whether we think about it or not. The average person blinks 15-20 times per minute, or about 1,200 times per hour.

So why do we unconsciously move our eyelids over our eyeballs so many times? Because it’s extremely important for your eyes and vision.

Although you may not think of blinking as a major component of your health care routine, if you didn’t blink for extended periods you’d be at higher risk of eye infection.  You would also have uncomfortable, dry eyes and would have decreased clarity of vision. The most important benefit of blinking is that it cleans the surface of your eye of any debris and washes it away with fresh tears. The thin coating of tears helps sharpen your vision, clearing and brightening the image your retina receives. Blinking also nourishes your eye with oxygen and nutrients, keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Blinking wipes and renews your tear film, the smooth, moist layer covering our eyeballs.

The tears have 3 important layers.  The inner most is the mucous layer that contains ‘mucins’ to keep the tears attached to the surface cells of the cornea.  This material is produced by ‘goblet cells’ in the conjunctiva.  The next layer is aqueous or ‘water-like’ that is produced by the lacrimal gland located in the upper-outer quadrant of the eye region. Finally, the outer layer is lipid or ‘oil-like’ that prevents the other layers from evaporating. These lipids are produced by tiny glands along the lid margins, next to the eyelashes.  If any of these layers are absent or abnormal, then the cornea becomes vulnerable to damage.

The tears contain many protein components such as lysozyme, which function like natural antibiotics. The tear film also contains many nutrients and amino acids to nourish the cells of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-like structure on the front of the eye.

Besides keeping your eyes lubricated, the tear film also:

  • Helps form an almost perfectly smooth front optical surface on the cornea helping light to focus properly.
  • Washes away debris.
  • Transfers oxygen from the atmosphere to the cornea, since the cornea lacks blood vessels to deliver it directly.
  • Provides a pathway for white blood cells when there is an injury to the eye’s surface.
  • Prevents infection due to presence of lysozyme and other antibacterial enzymes.

Your eyelids also play a significant role, aside from protecting your eye and keeping things dark while you sleep. There is also a slight horizontal movement of the eyelid that pushes debris toward the tear ducts, which are the small openings at the inner corners of the eyes through which tears drain into your nose. That is why your nose runs when you cry.

Blinking exercises are a great way to keep your eyes moist. Blinking stimulates tear production and gives our eyes a chance to wash away any debris that has accumulated on the surface of the eye. Individuals who spend a lot of time on the computer or reading a lot tend to blink less often than they should. Therefore, if your eyes feel dry and irritated when using the computer or reading, then look away and do the following blinking exercises.

Blinking Exercises for Dry and Irritated Eyes:

  1. Close your eyes quickly and tightly. Squeeze your facial muscles around your eyes for three to five seconds. Open your eyes slowly and relax your facial muscles. Keep your eyes open for another three to five seconds and repeat the squeezing process five to seven times.
  2. Use the 10-10 rule and every 10 minutes look at away from your computer and intentionally blink 10 times. Then resume your activities.

Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder

I love the idea that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. It reminds us that individuals can make choices about what they perceive to be true beauty.

Let’s consider art… one person’s beautiful can be another person’s junk. If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, the question is – are we taking the time to appreciate all that surrounds us? From Mother Nature’s unlimited panoplies of possibilities to the innocent smile of a child, beauty is the catalyst that makes being alive the greatest of all human adventures.

I am sure you’ve heard the phrase “stop and smell the roses,” so why not take the time to stop and observe the beauty your eyes can behold.

The Discovery Eye Foundation is working every day to preserve your vision and give all of us the chance to see what’s truly beautiful and treasure it.  All you have to do is open your eyes and take a look.

Louis Armstrong said it well:

I see trees of green and red roses too.
I see them bloom for me and you.
And I think to myself,
what a wonderful world.

You’re right Louis… it is a wonderful world if we all just keep appreciating the beauty that’s out there for all of us.

 
Donate today to help support the Discovery Eye Foundation! 

DonateNow

Tom Sullivan
DEF’s Ambassador of Vision
sullivanvision.com

 

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

National Glaucoma Awareness Month reminds all of us to get regular eye exams and show support for those suffering from this condition.  Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness.  Glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight” because glaucoma has few symptoms or warning signs in its early stages. It can be diagnosed only by a full eye exam by an eye care practitioner.

Glaucoma is a disease where pressure builds up and damages the eye’s optic nerve. Types of this disease include the common Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, which causes peripheral eyesight to slowly diminish and is age-related. Angle Closure Glaucoma, where the fluid drainage system is narrow and closed so that the aqueous fluid remains in the front chamber of the eye and intraocular pressure rises; and Low Tension Glaucoma, where the optic nerve becomes damaged in spite of the intraocular pressures being within the normal range. There’s currently no way to restore vision lost from glaucoma because once the nerve cells become damaged, they do not regenerate.

 

A few important facts you should know about Glaucoma in adults:

  • More patients than ever are affected – Over 3 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, and the number is rising.
  • Glaucoma can affect people of all ages – The most common form of glaucoma, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, becomes more prevalent with increasing age. However, glaucoma can strike anyone, even infants and children but it is rare.
  • Demographics do play a role – Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans; it’s also highly prevalent in Hispanics over the age 65.
  • Is glaucoma hereditary? The risk of developing Primary Open–Angle Glaucoma is up to nine times more likely if parents or siblings have the disease.
  • Hope for future glaucoma patients – Although there is no cure for any form of glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment help control the disease and slow the process of vision loss or blindness.

Newer Glaucoma Treatments 

Glaucoma treatment usually begins with the use of topical (eye drop) medications which lower the intraocular pressure. Within the past two years, two new topical medications have been approved for the treatment of glaucoma: VYZULTA® and Rhopressa®. VYZULTA® is a modification of a class of medications currently used to treat glaucoma – the prostaglandin analogs. This drug helps lower intraocular pressure by increasing the drainage of fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye.

Rhopressa® is part of a new class of drugs used to treat glaucoma called Rho kinase inhibitors. Rhopressa®, like VYZULTA®, also lowers intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous outflow. Both Rhopressa® and VYZULTA® are dosed once daily and pose few, if any, systemic safety concerns.
 

Laser

Using a laser to make a small opening in the iris to help with fluid drainage usually cures Angle-Closure Glaucoma.  This procedure is called a laser peripheral iridotomy.

For Primary Open Angel Glaucoma, when eye drops are not enough to reduce the pressure then a procedure called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) can be used. The SLT reduces intraocular pressure by stimulating increased outflow of fluid from the eye. SLT offers an improved safety profile compared to older glaucoma laser therapies and may lower eye pressure by as much as 20 to 30 percent. It is typically used as the next step in patients whose glaucoma is uncontrolled on medical therapy. Because of its excellent benefit-to-risk profile, however, SLT can sometimes be used in place of medications, especially in patients who have difficulty with their eye drops.
 

Surgery

When other treatments fail, there are many surgical therapies to lower the eye pressure. These surgical approaches, which are riskier than medical therapy or lasers, are usually employed when non-surgical means do not work well enough to stop vision loss.
 

MIGS

The goal of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is to reduce intraocular pressure by enhancing the eye’s own internal aqueous humor drainage system. Some MIGS can be performed as stand-alone procedures, while others are typically done along with cataract surgery in patients with visually significant cataracts and mild to moderate glaucoma.

There are now a variety of recently FDA approved MIGS available for use in this country. MIGS typically are performed through a small incision in the eye with minimal tissue trauma and offer a favorable safety profile as well as more rapid visual recovery than traditional glaucoma surgery. There are many well qualified glaucoma specialists that perform the MIGS procedure.

 

Glaucoma Treatment Overview


 

National Glaucoma Awareness Month reminds all of us to get regular eye exams. Don’t let glaucoma steal your sight!  The best way to protect your sight is to get an annual comprehensive eye examination.

Thanks to funding from private philanthropists, DEF’s research continues to make great strides toward cures and treatment for glaucoma.  If you would like to support DEF’s sight saving research please donate today!

 DonateNow

Common Eye Problems in Winter

Winter time is here!! And as most people would expect, the holidays are a very popular time of the year. But the winter also comes with extreme temperatures, humidity and precipitation, so don’t let it affect your vision!

Be on the lookout for these common eye conditions this winter and hopefully, you will comfortably enjoy the season without any problems.

 

DRYNESS

Cold outdoor air and heated indoor air often have less moisture than other seasonal environments. In the winter, you may experience dry skin, chapped lips, and dry eyes due to this low humidity. Cold winter winds may also dry your eyes out. To learn more about dry eyes, visit the linked website at Dry Eyes.

To minimize the drying ability of winter air, keep yourself hydrated. Use non-preserved artificial tears several times a day. Running an humidifier in your home to improve the quality of your indoor air will help as well.

 

EXCESS TEARING

While some people experience a lack of tears in the winter, others have the opposite problem. Excess tearing and runny eyes can occur due to cold air, biting winds, or seasonal allergies. Pay attention to when your eyes tear up to determine the cause. If your eyes start to water when you step outside or when the wind blows your way, wear sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes. Although it seems strange using additional artificial tears for teary eyes, nonetheless they can lessen this reflex tearing.

If you experience excess tearing and itching while indoors, try an allergy medication and appropriate eye drops to reduce the effect of seasonal allergies. If you cannot determine the cause of your watery eyes or if over-the-counter treatments have no effect, especially if the wateriness alters your vision, see an eye doctor.

 

LIGHT SENSITIVITY

Winter skies can seem dark and gloomy, but snowfall and ice create many reflective surfaces that can dramatically increase the amount of light that reaches your eyes. If you have sensitive eyes, you may experience even more blinking, discomfort, tearing and other symptoms in bright winter light.

Some individuals develop new light sensitivity during winter due to a condition known as “snow blindness”.  Always protect your eyes with UV filtering glasses or ski goggles when going outdoors for long periods of time, including when walking, shoveling snow, or other winter activities.

 

REDNESS

Harsh winter conditions can cause redness, tenderness, and inflammation in the eye area. You may have swollen eyelids or redness over the normally-white part of the eye (the conjunctiva which covers the white sclera).

This redness could result from dry eye or seasonal allergies. Use non-preserved artificial tears every 2-3 hours.  To reduce the discomfort of inflamed eyes, apply a cool compress, such as a damp washcloth and take an over-the-counter oral pain medication.  If your symptoms persist, see an eye doctor to determine the cause of the irritation.

 

VISION CHANGES

While many winter eye health problems result from increased light or decreased moisture, you can also experience eye conditions caused by cold temperatures.

If you notice vision changes while out in the cold, move to a warm area as soon as possible. Use non-preserved artificial tears every 2-3 hours to to keep your eyes moist. If your normal vision doesn’t return after 30 minutes or so, seek medical attention.

 

If you experience any of the seasonal problems listed above for a prolonged period, consult your eye doctor.

Your EYES will be thankful for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Thanksgiving is almost here; a meal that nourishes the family bonds and traditions.  It’s the one time of the year where you can guarantee your eyes will be bigger than your stomach. This meal also has another added bonus — almost every item on the Thanksgiving table is healthy for your eyesight!

Here are several of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes and their corresponding benefits to your eye health:

 

Turkey –

No Thanksgiving is complete without a turkey, roasted golden brown and stuffed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Turkey is loaded with zinc and B-vitamin niacin, which helps prevent the formation of cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, so gobble up!  You are “preventing” cataracts with every bite.

 

Spinach, Green Bean Casserole, Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts –

These foods and other leafy greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that protect the retina, which may also help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

 

Sweet Potatoes –

Sweet potatoes are full of Beta-carotene, which is a carotenoid and antioxidant that promotes night vision and overall good eyesight. Sweet potatoes are also loaded with vitamins C and E. Diets that are rich in these vitamins can help prevent or delay the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

 

Cranberry Sauce –

Cranberries contain bioflavonoids, a large class of antioxidants. Bioflavonoids are found in the pulp, skin and rinds of foods that contain vitamin C. Both flavonoids and vitamin C help protect the eyes from free radical damage caused by pollution and the body’s normal metabolic processes.

 

Pumpkin Pie –

Pumpkin is one of the best sources of vitamin A, so pumpkin pie is an eye-healthy dessert. In fact, one cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. Vitamin A provides nourishment and protection to the eye’s lens, cornea and macula (part of the retina), so it improves night vision. 

 

A diet that’s full of the right nutrients is a great start to keeping your eyes healthy, but don’t forget that regular eye exams are equally important! We hope you enjoy a happy and delicious Thanksgiving with family and friends.

*For more eye healthy recipes click here EYE COOK

Discovery

As autumn takes on the majestic beauty of its fall colors, school children remind us of the explorer Columbus on his October holiday.  We remember how much courage it must have taken for men to set sail from Spain and cross the Atlantic in search for new lands and treasure.  As the days became months, the sailors on the three small ships began to believe that they were about to fall off the face of the earth convinced that the world was flat and that monsters were waiting on the other side of the horizon.

In many ways the search for breakthroughs in vision have been just as frightening and just as surprising.  It wasn’t that long ago when cataract surgery required patients to be hospitalized for days at a time lying perfectly still while their new lenses gradually settled.  When I was a baby suffering from glaucoma, there were no drugs available to ease the crippling headaches I’ll never forget.  Diabetic retinopathy and wet macular degeneration had no possibility for control until gifted researchers began to apply stem cells, gene therapy, and nutraceuticals.  Much like the exploration of Columbus, most forms of blindness are moving toward remarkable and dynamic breakthroughs.

Research supported by Discovery Eye Foundation is now on the cutting edge of unlimited possibilities that someday may dynamically improve the vision and the lives of patients and their families.  Our work can only continue with your support.  Please join us as we explore and discover new worlds of vision and hope.

 

Tom Sullivan
DEF’s Ambassador of Vision
sullivanvision.com

September is Healthy Aging Month

Healthy Aging Month is an annual health observance designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older.  Aging is a process that brings many changes. Vision loss and blindness, however, do not have to be one of them. There are several simple steps you can take to help keep your eyes healthy for the rest of your life.

Eye diseases often have no early symptoms, but can be detected during a comprehensive dilated eye exam.  A comprehensive dilated eye exam is different from the basic eye exam or screening you have for glasses or contacts. By dilating the pupils and examining the back of the eyes, your eye care professional can detect eye diseases in their early stages, before vision loss occurs. By performing a comprehensive eye exam, your eye care professional can check for early signs of –

Here are some other tips to help maintain healthy vision and body now and as you age:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Loading up on fruits and vegetables can help keep your eyes healthy and disease free.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk for heart disease and diabetes. Complications from diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma, can eventually lead to vision loss.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk for age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and other systemic diseases, including cancer. Wear protective eyewear when outdoors. Protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays when you are outdoors is important for your eye health. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Even if you are not experiencing vision problems, visiting an eye care professional regularly for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of vision loss as you age.

 

Download “Everyone’s vision can change with age”
A handout with explanation on how vision can change with age.

INDEPENDENCE

As America celebrates its 243th birthday, I find myself thinking about what it means to be independent.  Because I was born blind, I was told early on that I would quite likely spend my life as a dependent person. I suppose it’s fair to say that I’ve proved I can be independent, and for that, I am very grateful.

I came to learn about the world as a blind person, and so I never thought very much about what I was missing without having the ability to see. In my role as the Ambassador of Vision for the Discovery Eye Foundation, I spend a lot of time talking to people who are losing or have lost their sight later in life. I am amazed to learn how truly dependent they are as they work to rehabilitate their lives after the loss of vision. They tell me that even the smallest tasks in daily life become major obstacles.

A woman recently told me, “there is a constant fear of falling, even in a familiar place like my own house.  I am just not sure of where the steps are.  I hate to have to ask people to put my clothes together in the right color combinations and learn to cook and be comfortable in my own kitchen.  It feels impossible to get anything done.”

The most touching thing I ever heard was when a loving grandfather told me that he was having trouble remembering what his grandchildren’s faces looked like.

Let me hasten to say that many people who lose their vision do make extraordinary adjustments, but for all of them, the road back to independence is difficult, arduous, and sometimes impossible. At the Discovery Eye Foundation, we remain committed to funding the research that will hopefully preserve vision and provide the independence that all of us wish for and deserve.

 

Tom Sullivan
DEF’s Ambassador of Vision
sullivanvision.com

June is Cataract Awareness Month

I remember my father experiencing the removal of cataracts in the early 60’s, and being told by his Ophthalmologist that the recovery time would be weeks rather than days and a positive outcome was not guaranteed.  The truth is that surgery of any kind carries with it a certain amount of risk.  But now the removal of cataracts has become routine for thousands thanks to amazing technology and gifted eye surgeons.  To the doctor, the surgery might be considered routine.  But to the patient, when vision is at risk their concerns and real fears are not in any way routine.

A year ago at 96 years young, my friend and actress Betty White was worried about her vision.  She told me that she was having a great deal of difficulty reading scripts and that her eyes would tire with the strain of trying to see the pages.  Her ophthalmologist determined that the removal of cataracts was necessary and the surgery on the first eye was scheduled for the next Tuesday.  “Is it safe? she asked me.”  I assured my friend that the removal of cataracts was not something to be afraid of.  “It’s routine” I told her.  “Please don’t be frightened.” Betty’s surgery was completely successful.  In fact, she tells me she can read everything including the smallest print on any label.

At the Discovery Eye Foundation (DEF), we are committed to supporting research that we believe will make the treatment of many forms of vision loss far more predictable and successful. Whether it’s through the breakthroughs in surgery or the development of new drugs or the advancement in genetics or the use of stem-cells the major forms of vision loss are being greatly affected through the power of your contributions and the commitment of the gifted researchers DEF supports. 

Please know that the dollars you contribute to DEF will go directly into the hands of the researchers where they can do the most good.

All of us at the Discovery Eye Foundation thank you for your support and look forward to a time when most forms of blindness will no longer limit vision.

 

Tom Sullivan
DEF’s Ambassador of Vision
sullivanvision.com