Floaters
Many people experience them, but what exactly are those little squiggly lines that move across your vision? In most cases, Floaters are part of the aging process. They occur when the gel-like substance, which fills 80% of the called vitreous, shrinks. As it shrinks, it becomes stringy and casts shadows across the vision, manifesting in what looks like webs or strings.
Are Floaters a Sign of Something Serious?
In most cases, Floaters are a natural part of the aging process and do not indicate any serious problem. However, a sudden increase in the amount of Floaters along with either flashes of light or loss of peripheral vision could be an indication of retinal detachment.
What is Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is a serious eye emergency and should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Without treatment, it leads to serious and permanent loss of vision, even blindness.
Though Floaters do not pose any risk alone, Edison, New Jersey Ophthalmologist Hitesh K. Patel, M.D. recommends being evaluated to rule out the more serious retinal detachment.
www.pateleyeassociates.com
Monday, July 26, 2010
Hitesh K. Patel Edison Ophthalmology
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Untreated hypertensive can cause a wide range of very serious problems of which many are familiar, such as heart and kidney problems. Most people are not aware that untreated hypertension can also damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing serious vision problems.
Symptoms of Hypertensive Retinopathy
The symptoms of Hypertensive Retinopathy include:
• Headaches
• Visual disturbances
Part of the problem with identifying Hypertensive Retinopathy is that the symptoms are common to many other eye diseases, making regular eye exams an important part of regular health care.
Diagnosis of Hypertensive Retinopathy
An ophthalmologist can diagnose Hypertensive Retinopathy by projecting light into the eye and viewing the eye through an ophthalmoscope. The eyes are evaluated for the common sigs of the disease, which include:
• Spots on the back of the eye
• Fluid oozing from blood vessels
• Narrowing of the blood vessels
• Bleeding of the back of the eye
• Swelling of the macula and optic nerve
Can Hypertensive Retinopathy be Treated?
Hypertensive Retinopathy is treated by addressing the hypertension through diet, exercise and high blood pressure medications where indicated.
Hitesh K. Patel, M.D. is an Edison, New Jersey Ophthalmologist with more than years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and vision problems.
http://pateleyeassociates.com/_wsn/page5.html
Untreated hypertensive can cause a wide range of very serious problems of which many are familiar, such as heart and kidney problems. Most people are not aware that untreated hypertension can also damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing serious vision problems.
Symptoms of Hypertensive Retinopathy
The symptoms of Hypertensive Retinopathy include:
• Headaches
• Visual disturbances
Part of the problem with identifying Hypertensive Retinopathy is that the symptoms are common to many other eye diseases, making regular eye exams an important part of regular health care.
Diagnosis of Hypertensive Retinopathy
An ophthalmologist can diagnose Hypertensive Retinopathy by projecting light into the eye and viewing the eye through an ophthalmoscope. The eyes are evaluated for the common sigs of the disease, which include:
• Spots on the back of the eye
• Fluid oozing from blood vessels
• Narrowing of the blood vessels
• Bleeding of the back of the eye
• Swelling of the macula and optic nerve
Can Hypertensive Retinopathy be Treated?
Hypertensive Retinopathy is treated by addressing the hypertension through diet, exercise and high blood pressure medications where indicated.
Hitesh K. Patel, M.D. is an Edison, New Jersey Ophthalmologist with more than years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and vision problems.
http://pateleyeassociates.com/_wsn/page5.html
Pterygium and Pterygium Surgery
Pterygium is a benign thickening of the outer coating (conjunctiva) of the eye which grows onto the cornea and causing visual disturbances. Pterygium is most commonly found on the nasal side of the eye, and for this reason, it is thought that excessive exposure to the sun's UV rays may be the cause.
Symptoms of Pterygium
The symptoms of Pterygium include redness, itchiness, inflammation and dryness of the eyes. As it progresses, a noticeable milky white film begins to take over the cornea, obscuring vision.
Treatments of Pterygium
Pterygium can cause permanent scarring of the cornea. For this reason, an ophthalmologist who may recommend one of a variety of options should evaluate it. While many of the bothersome symptoms may be treated with artificial tears, the only truly effective treatment for the benign growth is surgical removal.
Pterygium can reoccur even after surgical removal, the eyes should be regularly examined by and Ophthalmologist. Hitesh K. Patel, M.D. is an Edison, New Jersey Ophthalmologist with more than 10 years experience treating a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
http://pateleyeassociates.com/_wsn/page3.html
Pterygium is a benign thickening of the outer coating (conjunctiva) of the eye which grows onto the cornea and causing visual disturbances. Pterygium is most commonly found on the nasal side of the eye, and for this reason, it is thought that excessive exposure to the sun's UV rays may be the cause.
Symptoms of Pterygium
The symptoms of Pterygium include redness, itchiness, inflammation and dryness of the eyes. As it progresses, a noticeable milky white film begins to take over the cornea, obscuring vision.
Treatments of Pterygium
Pterygium can cause permanent scarring of the cornea. For this reason, an ophthalmologist who may recommend one of a variety of options should evaluate it. While many of the bothersome symptoms may be treated with artificial tears, the only truly effective treatment for the benign growth is surgical removal.
Pterygium can reoccur even after surgical removal, the eyes should be regularly examined by and Ophthalmologist. Hitesh K. Patel, M.D. is an Edison, New Jersey Ophthalmologist with more than 10 years experience treating a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.
http://pateleyeassociates.com/_wsn/page3.html
Hitesh K. Patel Edison Eye Doctor
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, also called age related macular degeneration (AMD), is a disease that slowly destroys the sharp and central vision. It tends to affect people ages 50 and older and is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60.
Two Kinds of Age Related Macular Degeneration
• Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels located behind the retina begin to grow under the macula. These blood vessels leak fluid that raises the macula from its normal position. Vision loss can occur very rapidly in wet AMD.
• Dry AMD occurs when the light sensitive cells in the macula break down, causing a gradual blurring in the affected eye.
Signs of Macular Degeneration
The early symptom of Wet AMD is straight lines that appear wavy. Since Wet AMD can progress rapidly, an eye doctor should examine eyes as soon as this symptom is noticed.
Dry AMD can occur slowly, and in three stages, which include:
• Early AMD includes drusen, or small yellow spots, under the retina.
• Intermediate AMD may have blurred vision and medium or large drusen.
• Advanced AMD includes noticeable blurry spots in vision, which get progressively worse and large drusen.
Since Macular Degeneration can advance without notice, or very rapidly, it is essential that eyes be regularly examined by an ophthalmologist.
Treatment for Macular Degeneration
Though there is no cure for Macular Degeneration, treatment is available that may slow its progression. The three common treatments for Macular Degeneration include photodynamic therapy, injections and laser surgery.
• Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that includes the injection of the drug verteporfin into the arm. The drug travels throughout the body and into the blood vessels in the eye. A light is shined into the eye for 90 seconds to activate the drug, which then destroys the problem blood vessels, slowing the rate of vision loss.
• Injections are used to treat Wet AMD. Drugs, which slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels, are injected into the eye, slowing the progression of vision loss.
• Laser surgery is another treatment used to prevent further vision loss. The treatment includes directing a high beam of light directly into the new blood vessels destroying them.
Macular Degeneration should not be self-diagnosed; an ophthalmologist familiar with your eye care should address any specific questions. Hitesh K. Patel, M.D. is an Edison, New Jersey Ophthalmologist with more than 10 years experience treating macular degeneration.
http://pateleyeassociates.com/_wsn/page2.html
Macular degeneration, also called age related macular degeneration (AMD), is a disease that slowly destroys the sharp and central vision. It tends to affect people ages 50 and older and is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60.
Two Kinds of Age Related Macular Degeneration
• Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels located behind the retina begin to grow under the macula. These blood vessels leak fluid that raises the macula from its normal position. Vision loss can occur very rapidly in wet AMD.
• Dry AMD occurs when the light sensitive cells in the macula break down, causing a gradual blurring in the affected eye.
Signs of Macular Degeneration
The early symptom of Wet AMD is straight lines that appear wavy. Since Wet AMD can progress rapidly, an eye doctor should examine eyes as soon as this symptom is noticed.
Dry AMD can occur slowly, and in three stages, which include:
• Early AMD includes drusen, or small yellow spots, under the retina.
• Intermediate AMD may have blurred vision and medium or large drusen.
• Advanced AMD includes noticeable blurry spots in vision, which get progressively worse and large drusen.
Since Macular Degeneration can advance without notice, or very rapidly, it is essential that eyes be regularly examined by an ophthalmologist.
Treatment for Macular Degeneration
Though there is no cure for Macular Degeneration, treatment is available that may slow its progression. The three common treatments for Macular Degeneration include photodynamic therapy, injections and laser surgery.
• Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that includes the injection of the drug verteporfin into the arm. The drug travels throughout the body and into the blood vessels in the eye. A light is shined into the eye for 90 seconds to activate the drug, which then destroys the problem blood vessels, slowing the rate of vision loss.
• Injections are used to treat Wet AMD. Drugs, which slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels, are injected into the eye, slowing the progression of vision loss.
• Laser surgery is another treatment used to prevent further vision loss. The treatment includes directing a high beam of light directly into the new blood vessels destroying them.
Macular Degeneration should not be self-diagnosed; an ophthalmologist familiar with your eye care should address any specific questions. Hitesh K. Patel, M.D. is an Edison, New Jersey Ophthalmologist with more than 10 years experience treating macular degeneration.
http://pateleyeassociates.com/_wsn/page2.html
Hitesh K. Patel Edison Eye Surgeon
Eyestrain or Eye Strain in Kids
More and more children today are experiencing the common, but correctable problem of eye strain. Eye strain occurs when the eyes are held in a fixed position for an extended amount of time. As the eyes are held in place, the inner eye muscles tighten and cause the eyes to hurt, feel dry and become irritated. In addition to the eyes hurting, a child with eye strain may also exhibit the following symptoms:
• Headaches
• Itchy eyes
• Blurry vision
The Common Causes of Eye Strain
Eye strain can result from a number of causes, such as fluorescent lighting, bad posture and even stress. Focusing on near objects tends to cause more eye strain than focusing on distant ones. Activities that require switching focus rapidly between far and near objects. Other common activities causing eye strain include:
• Computer usage
• Reading
Eye Strain May Indicate Poor Uncorrected Vision
It is estimated that 22% of children complaining of eye strain also have some form of uncorrected vision problem. All vision problems should be evaluated and treated early to prevent further problems.
How to Prevent or Correct Eye Strain
The most important step in preventing or treating eye strain is an evaluation by an ophthalmologist and the treatment of any vision impairments. A change in habits and environment can also improve eye strain problems. Eye strain is commonly alleviated by:
• Changing the type of lighting
• Removing glare from windows or television
• Limiting computer time
• Reducing television viewing
• Change viewing distance
Hitesh K. Patel, M.D. is an Edison, New Jersey Ophthalmologist with over 10 years experience treating both children and adults. If your child is experiencing eye strain, call to schedule an appointment to rule out any uncorrected vision problem.
www.pateleyeassociates.com
More and more children today are experiencing the common, but correctable problem of eye strain. Eye strain occurs when the eyes are held in a fixed position for an extended amount of time. As the eyes are held in place, the inner eye muscles tighten and cause the eyes to hurt, feel dry and become irritated. In addition to the eyes hurting, a child with eye strain may also exhibit the following symptoms:
• Headaches
• Itchy eyes
• Blurry vision
The Common Causes of Eye Strain
Eye strain can result from a number of causes, such as fluorescent lighting, bad posture and even stress. Focusing on near objects tends to cause more eye strain than focusing on distant ones. Activities that require switching focus rapidly between far and near objects. Other common activities causing eye strain include:
• Computer usage
• Reading
Eye Strain May Indicate Poor Uncorrected Vision
It is estimated that 22% of children complaining of eye strain also have some form of uncorrected vision problem. All vision problems should be evaluated and treated early to prevent further problems.
How to Prevent or Correct Eye Strain
The most important step in preventing or treating eye strain is an evaluation by an ophthalmologist and the treatment of any vision impairments. A change in habits and environment can also improve eye strain problems. Eye strain is commonly alleviated by:
• Changing the type of lighting
• Removing glare from windows or television
• Limiting computer time
• Reducing television viewing
• Change viewing distance
Hitesh K. Patel, M.D. is an Edison, New Jersey Ophthalmologist with over 10 years experience treating both children and adults. If your child is experiencing eye strain, call to schedule an appointment to rule out any uncorrected vision problem.
www.pateleyeassociates.com
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