Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, affecting most commonly, people over the age of 60 with increasing chances as you age, if you are overweight or if you have a family history of AMD.    

As we approach our golden years, we are at a higher risk for particular eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, as well as eye conditions such as dry eye and low vision.  More than 40 million Americans are currently 65 years or older, this number is expected to grow to more than 88 million by 2050 and not coincidentally, the number of Americans with age-related eye diseases is expected to double.  Early detection and treatment are key to saving sight.

For some, AMD advances so slowly that vision loss does not occur for a long time. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in one or both eyes. The loss of central vision in AMD can interfere with simple everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, drive, read, write, or do close work, such as cooking or fixing things around the house.

As …

As we continue to recognize August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety month, it’s important to understand the importance of eye exams, and the utilization of the highest-level technology in pediatric screening.  Optos ultra-widefield (UWF™) imaging technology is making great strides in diagnosing and treating eye problems in children and infants. Due to the cutting-edge modalities and ease-of-operation with an optomap® exam, signs of retinal disease can be found in the periphery, often before children and infants become symptomatic. Many vision problems begin at an early age, so it’s important for children to receive proper eye care.   optomap was founded by Douglas Anderson after his then five-year-old son Leif went blind in one eye when a retinal detachment was detected too late. Although his son was having regular eye exams, routine exams were uncomfortable, especially for a child, which made it impossible for the doctor to conduct a complete exam and view the entire retina. He set out to create a way of non-invasively capturing as much of the retina as possible.in a single capture. Results from several published clinical studies suggest that optomap is an essential element to the screening and management of pediatric patients.  While traditional fundus imaging is a multi-stage effort …

With school starting up again, and lists including everything from the essential newest styles to school supplies – one item to make sure is on the list is your child’s comprehensive eye exam.  While we may notice subtle changes in appearance as our children grow and develop, there are many changes also occurring within the eye that are unseen.  This marks the importance of annual eye exams that will assist in monitoring the development of your child’s vision as they grow.  Routine vision screening or eye examination at an early age is very important to detect risk factors, such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, and color blindness that can potentially cause irreversible loss of vision or blindness.  A majority of vision impairment issues go undetected since young children with impaired vision are often unaware of their vision issues—it is, after all, how they’ve always seen things. It is on us as parents and educators to look for signs of visual impairment.

Although schools generally do some basic testing of children’s vision, there is no doctor to perform a comprehensive exam or diagnose problems with your child’s eyesight.  According to experts, nearly 90 percent of what is taught in school is …

As the summer heats up many of us are eager to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the activities that go along with it.  While continued awareness of the importance of UV protective clothing and sunscreen exists, there is a lack of emphasis on the impacts the sun and UV exposure has on the eyes.  UV damage to the eyes is known as the “invisible threat” and its impacts are measured and classified by the strength of the UV ray in nanometers (nm).  

UVC: These rays are below 280 nm. The upper atmosphere absorbs these, so they do not reach us, therefore protection from these rays is not overly necessary.

UVB: These are between 315 – 380 nm. These manage to make it to the earth’s surface and are notorious for damaging sight. They can cause snow blindness but are notably responsible for sunburn and several types of skin cancer. Research has shown that these rays are strongest during the summer and at higher altitudes.

UVA: These are the most dangerous being 315 – 380 nm. They are known for causing chronic eye damage. Studies have indicated that these rays get absorbed by the lenses of our eyes …

One of our favorite times of the year in the United States surrounded by cookouts, pool parties, friends and family, the 4th of July is upon us.  In addition to all the splendor, the month surrounding July 4th festivities also brings an increase of fireworks displays as well as an increase in firework-related injuries.  Prevent Blindness America and the American Academy of Blindness sponsor June and July as Fireworks Eye Safety Months to raise awareness of the dangers, as well as, the safe protocols for viewing or handling pyrotechnic displays or devices. Most fireworks-related injuries occur during the month of July, and according to the most recent Consumer Product Safety Commission report, 14% of fireworks injuries have been eye injuries occurring mostly in children between the ages of 10 and 14.   It is easy for any of us to get caught up in all the excitement and activity or become distracted by hosting responsibilities, conversations, and crowds.  Take into consideration, as well, that these festivities and shows are generally conducted past dusk and simply navigating an event with numerous people and smoke can become challenging, let alone successfully dodging the sparkler-wielding children. Keep yourself, your children and your eyes safe this summer …

Helping You See Better: June is Cataract Awareness Month

Presently, cataracts are considered the leading cause of vision loss in the United States.  24 million Americans, over the age of 40 are affected by cataracts.  This June, Optos joins Prevent Blindness America in observing Cataract Awareness Month to aid in the education surrounding cataracts, and what you should know.

What are Cataracts?

Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens. The lens refracts light rays that come into the eye to help us see. The lens should be clear, like the top lens in the illustration. With the presence of cataracts, the lens has become cloudy, much like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things look blurry, hazy or less colorful with a cataract.

Vision changes you may notice if you have a cataract:

Having blurry vision Seeing double Extra sensitive to light Having trouble seeing well at night, or needing more light while reading Seeing bright colors as faded or yellow instead

What Causes Cataracts?

Exact causes of a cataract are unknown, most often they are a part of getting older.  There are some key possible risk factors that have been identified in those at risk, such …

At the New England College of Optometry (NECO), preparing the next generation of optometrists requires equipping them with a comprehensive skill set for practice.  Timothy Bossie, OD, the Director of Owned Clinics and Outreach Services at NECO, observes that such proficiency should encompass being comfortable with cutting edge diagnostic technology. Bossie, who serves as a preceptor for 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students, shares that a recent implementation of the Optos California ultra-widefield™ (UWF) imaging system has proved to significantly enhance examination of the retina, as well as, improve productivity in the busy teaching clinic.

The NECO clinic provides multiple specialty services including primary care, contact lenses, myopia control, vision rehabilitation, post-concussion and low vision care.  The California was quickly embraced by the providers at the clinic. The optomap imaging was integrated in a broad application, used primarily as a screening tool and for baseline images in the primary care setting, but also in the low vision clinic for documentation and diagnosis with the population that presents with a variety of preexisting retinal conditions.  Bossie notes that being close to Boston University means that a majority of NECO patients are young students and college educators who are often pressed for time and …

It’s second nature to schedule your yearly physical, or routine dentist appointment, but what about your eye health?  When was your last comprehensive eye exam?  A yearly eye exam is just as important as any other routine appointments you make.  This May, during Healthy Vision Month, NEI and Prevent Blindness urge you to take control of your vision, and decide what you want to see in the future.  Learning how to protect your eyes is the first step in preserving eye health. 

Most vision problems are in fact preventable.  Take a look at some everyday tips in order to take the first step in preserving your eye health:

Wear sunglasses (even on cloudy days!) Sure, sunglasses are fashionable, but more importantly, they protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and help keep your vision sharp.  Maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet It is true, carrots are good for your eyes! Diets rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables — especially dark leafy greens— is important for keeping your eyes healthy.  Get plenty of physical activity Regular exercise comes with a lot of great benefits. It can boost your mood, reduce stress, help you stay at a …

Prevent Blindness, the nation’s eye health and safety organization, declares May as UV (ultraviolet) Awareness Month.  Many people are well aware about the damage that UV rays can have on the skin, but most are unaware of the damage it can cause to the eyes.

What is this invisible threat exactly?  And how does it impact us? This ultraviolet radiation is measured in nanometers (nm). It is categorized in three basic terms and classified by the strength of the UV ray:

UVC: These rays are below 280 nm. The upper atmosphere absorbs these, so they do not reach us, therefore protection from these rays is not overly necessary.UVB: These are between 315 – 380 nm. These manage to make it to the earth’s surface and are notorious for damaging sight. They can cause snow blindness but are notably responsible for sunburn and several types of skin cancer. Research has shown that these rays are strongest during the summer and at higher altitudes.UVA: These are the most dangerous being 315 – 380 nm. They are known for causing chronic eye damage. Studies have indicated that these rays get absorbed by the lenses of our eyes leading to damage of the …

Dr. Roger Jordan of Gillette Optometric Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming, practices alongside four other doctors conducting nearly 900 exams, about 1200 patient visits.  This team is no stranger to high volume and the need for efficient patient flow.  One stop that all patients make is for optomap® imaging.  The business model includes the screening in the exam price for all private-pay patients and is available at low cost for all managed care patients.  According to Dr. Jordan, optomap has greatly enhanced the ability to diagnose conditions as well better the patient education experience across the board. 

optomap allows Dr. Jordan to detect retinal detachments and tears multiple times a month in addition to routinely following cases of glaucoma and macular degeneration.  Alongside these cases, there have been several unique and interesting discoveries.  Once he saw a male patient about 40 or 50 who had symmetrical scars on both sides of his retinas, as a result of doctors using forceps to assist in delivery at birth.  Another time, a female in her 20s came in for her first ever eye exam, Dr. Jordan found that a parasitic worm was curled up and dead in her eye that had been there …