#eyecare2020

[eyecare2020nj]

The Role of Diet in Reducing Glaucoma Risk

As you may know, glaucoma is one of the vision diseases that affect people as they age. The disease, which unfortunately ends in blindness, usually begins with an increase in pressure in the eye, which leads to damage in the lens of the eye. Historically, much of the treatment for glaucoma has been focused on the eye itself such as treating the early symptoms with eye drops, for example, but a recent study has shown that a change in diet prior to the onset of symptoms may reduce the risk.

[eyecare2020nj]

The Value of Genetic Testing for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Detection

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in people over age 55 throughout the developed world. The potential for blindness or vision loss from all types of AMD increases if the disease is undetected, untreated or incorrectly treated. Of the more than 9 million people currently diagnosed with AMD in the United States, about 1.75 million of them have late-stage disease, meaning that their risk for vision loss is now extremely high. As with many diseases, early detection is key, so a new development that uses genetic testing to determine a risk level for each patient may be a breakthrough in reducing the number of those affected by the disease.

[eyecare2020nj]

The Ultimate Advantage of Technology and Ophthalmology

Founded in 2013 by Yaopeng Zhous and Marc Albanese, Smart Vision Labs is the leading edge technology of a joint program between Schepens Eye Research Institute and Boston University. After more than ten years of research, they developed a scanning laser with wave-front sensing in an opthtalmoscope which they hope will help almost one billion people across the globe who need eye care.

[eyecare2020nj]

Introducing DropLess™ Cataract Surgery: The New Approach to Post-Operative Cataract Management

Cataract surgery, one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, has come a long way. Long gone are the days of stitches, patches, and lengthy stays at the hospital. Even more exciting, we can now say goodbye to the biggest issue concerning many cataract patients: the eye drop regimen that accompanies surgery. A vast majority of patients find post-operative eye drops confusing, cumbersome, and costly. Traditional cataract surgery requires patients to use multiple eye drops before and after surgery, often up to 4 times a day for a month or more. And depending on insurance, most patients spend a staggering $200-$300 on these post-operative drops. However, post-operative drops are now a thing of the past. Because here at EyeCare 20/20 we are revolutionizing the face of post-operative cataract management.

[eyecare2020nj]

Cataracts: Should You Have Surgery on Your Second Eye?

Cataracts are a very common condition that arises during the aging process. As you get older, the lens inside of the eye changes and gradually becomes less transparent, making it more difficult to see clearly out of that eye. During a cataracts formation, it will cloud the eye’s lens, ultimately blocking or changing the passage of light into the eyes. In the end, cataracts can be extremely harmful to the eye and in fact, cataracts have been reported by the Prevent Blindness organization as being the leading cause in blindness worldwide, affecting more than 24 million Americans. While cataracts are typically caused by aging, other factors such as diabetes, trauma to the eye, overexposure to UV rays or other eye surgeries may contribute to the formation of cataracts. The only effective treatment, unfortunately, is surgery to replace the blurred lens with a new, artificial one. Since surgery is the only viable option, and that always comes with inherent risks, many people choose to wait to have the surgery until the cataracts start to cause them difficulties in their everyday lives. This however, is not the choice that we advise most of our patients to go with. In fact, its best to treat cataracts earlier rather than later, and if you are having trouble in one eye be sure to get your second eye checked immediately.

[eyecare2020nj]

Video Games May Replace the Eye Patch for Lazy Eye Treatment

In today’s society, videogames often get a bad reputation. When used excessively, they can lead to decreased activity levels and human interaction. When used strategically, however, they can be utilized as a tool to treat lazy eye and bring hope to the visually impaired. Lazy eye, also known by the scientific name of amblyopia, is a childhood disorder that affects 2-3% of the population. As a result of underdeveloped nerve pathways between the brain and the eye, the brain favors the stronger eye over the other, sometimes causing it to wander. If left untreated, the brain may begin to completely ignore the signs that the weaker eye is sending to it, eventually resulting in lack of balance and poor depth perception.

[eyecare2020nj]

Artificial Retina May Help Restore Vision

A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University and Newcastle University have created a wireless and light-sensitive, flexible film that could potentially be used as a substitute for a damaged retina. Scientists have been working for years to develop an implant that can detect light and communicate with a person’s brain in the same way that a healthy eye does. This scientific development may be a breakthrough for many patients struggling with loss of vision. The research team found that their creation did in fact absorb light and spark activity in the neurons of the brains. In comparison to previous technologies, this one is more durable, flexible and efficient, not to mention the fact that it’s ability to stimulate neurons makes it the closest substitute to a real, human eye today.

[eyecare2020nj]

New Study Reveals the Safety and Efficacy of LASIK

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss. Over 20 million Americans over 40 suffer from them. Fully half of those 80 and older have vision impaired by cataracts. Fortunately cataracts can be removed from the eye by means of surgery. Modern cataract surgery makes use of sophisticated imaging equipment that makes a map of the unique contour of each eye. A laser is then used to make an incision in the lens of the eye. The clouded lens is then removed and a new one put into its place. Because extremely precise devices automate the surgical procedure, there is less trauma to the eye. Healing time is reduced, restoring patients to clear vision.