Anne Arundel Eye Center

Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist

iLux: Say Goodbye to Dry Eye

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If you’ve experienced dry eyes before, you know that its interference with daily activities – from reading to driving to using the computer – can affect your quality of life. Thankfully, there are multiple treatment options that Anne Arundel Eye Center currently offers, such as artificial tears and medications, to help with this uncomfortable and chronic condition. While these treatment options are effective for many, we’re happy to offer a new in-office, non-surgical treatment, iLux, that has already been performed with outstanding success on dry eye patients.

Causes of Dry Eye: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Blepharitis

While Dry Eye Syndrome can be caused by an array of factors, such as age, medication side-effects, or long-term contact use, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Blepharitis are two underlying conditions that can bring about Dry Eye symptoms.

Every time you blink, a protective layer of moisture called the tearfilm coats the front surface of your eye. An essential part of the tearfilm is an oily layer called meibum. MGD occurs when the meibomian glands that produce meibum get blocked or the secreted meibum is of poor quality which can lead to excessive evaporation of the tear film and dry eye symptoms. MGD is actually one of the most common causes of dry eye, as it has been shown to occur in over 85% of disease cases.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid and eyelash structures, and while it is uncomfortable, it usually does not cause permanent eye damage. Anterior blepharitis, along the front edge of the eyelid, is typically caused by either a bacterial or skin condition such as dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows or acne rosacea. Posterior blepharitis, which is on the inner edge of the eyelid that comes into contact with the eyeball, is usually caused by an irregular production of oils by the glands along the eyelid margin (meibomian blepharitis). Those with blepharitis may experience itching or burning of the eyes, tearing, or dry eye symptoms.

What is iLux?

Although we do already offer an array of in-office and at-home treatments for dry eye syndrome, our new iLux treatment is a nonsurgical option that can help patients find significant relief.

iLux targets the meibomian glands of the eyelids. Through the use of a handheld device, iLux uses gentle heat and pressure to remove oil blockages in these glands, all in a minimally invasive treatment process that takes less than 15 minutes. The procedure does offer long-term relief, but it may need to be repeated for patients who suffer from chronic dry eye.

When you come to Anne Arundel Eye Center for this treatment, we will first perform a consultation with one of our doctors to determine if you are a good candidate and would benefit from the treatment. If we determine that iLux is the appropriate treatment method for you, our specially trained technicians will administer the procedure. They’ve undergone intense training to become specialists in administering iLux, and work under the step-by-step guidance with our doctors.

While iLux is a newly offered service in our office, we’ve already performed the treatment on patients with much success. We’re excited to be equipped and trained in this technology that works to restore the power of vision and comfort to those who suffer from MGD and Blepharitis dry eye symptoms. Watch this video to learn more about the iLux treatment.

If you think you would benefit from the iLux procedure, know that while the consultation is covered by insurance, the treatment itself is out of pocket. However, you can use your healthcare flex dollars or HSA account funds to cover the expense.

Are you interested in talking to our doctors about iLux? Call Anne Arundel Eye Center at 410-224-2010 and we’ll set up a consultation to see if it is right for you. We’re dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

Give your eyes the gift they need

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Before we know it, the air will be getting cooler and the days shorter – and the holidays will be upon us. During this joyous time of the year, the last thing you want to worry about is your cataracts and worsening vision preventing you from being able to fully enjoy your time with family and friends.

Planning for a needed cataract surgery before the holiday season can help you avoid this dilemma, not to mention, you’ll use up leftover FSA funds, avoid cataracts worsening in poor winter weather, and promote a better overall quality of life.

What Are Cataracts and How Do You Treat Them?

As you age, proteins begin to build up and clump together in the eye’s lens, preventing light from passing clearly through the lens and obscuring vision. These protein deposits are known as cataracts and are a normal part of the aging process.

When a cataract has progressed to the point that it is interfering with normal, everyday functions, such as driving or reading, surgery is often the recommended course of action.

When you come to Anne Arundel Eye Center, our goal is not only to treat the cataract, but to get you back to doing the things you love. Cataract surgery involves removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. We have multiple options to enhance your near or far vision, including special lenses that can often give you a range of vision beyond what it was before the cataracts formed. Approximately 90 percent of cataract surgery patients report better vision following the surgery.

Why Treat Cataracts Now?

The clearer vision associated with cataract surgery provides many quality of life benefits including better near and distant vision – making colors brighter and making it easier to read, work on your computer, watch TV, and even drive. As well, according to a 2022 study in The Medical Journal of Australia, people over the age of 65 who received timely surgery for cataracts in both eyes not only increased their visual acuity, but minimized their risk of falls and injuries related to falls. This is because with a cataract, the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, which can significantly interfere with vision, leading to falls and injuries.

Not to mention, vision changes caused by cataracts may become more noticeable during the winter months. “Dim lighting caused by late sunrise and early sunset can make vision changes from cataracts more noticeable,” says Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, Consultative Optometrist at Anne Arundel Eye Center. “Also poor weather tends to cause glare and blur from cataracts to be more bothersome.” Taking care of cataract surgery prior to the winter season will help you avoid these worsening conditions for untreated cataracts.

Plus, if you have funds left in a FSA account, taking care of a cataract surgery before yearend will put you at ease from losing those funds if not used. Anne Arundel Eye Center also offers two cataract surgery elective additions: LenSx Laser Assisted Surgery and Multifocal Lens Implants. LenSx Laser Assisted Surgery is a blade free procedure that additionally addresses astigmatism during cataract surgery, while Multifocal Lens Implants offer an expanded view over the standard lens implant, causing many patients to find that their dependence on glasses is decreased significantly after surgery. As these optional add-ons are not covered by insurance carriers and are out-of-pocket expenses, they are a great way to use up extra FSA funds.

So – believe it or not – it’s already time to schedule your surgery appointments prior to the holidays. If you treat yourself now, you won’t have to worry about squeezing in a much-needed appointment later, and you’ll be able to fully connect with the ones you love before the New Year.

Want to get holiday-ready? Call Anne Arundel Eye Center at 410-224-2010 and let us help you restore your vision. We’re dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

Dry Eye: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment

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Pigmentary Glaucoma Annapolis

Dry eye: you have heard the term before, but do you really know what it is? Dry eye is a little more complicated than it sounds, and the resulting consequences go beyond simple dryness. With the widespread use of face masks to reduce disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen that dry eye symptoms are increasing in our patients who are regularly wearing them. Research from the University of Utah published in the journal Ophthalmology and Therapy suggests that face masks without a tight fit can direct airflow from breathing up and across the eye surface, facilitating evaporation that promotes dry eye.

Dry eye can also be caused by a number of underlying conditions, ranging from the natural aging process to side effects of prescription drugs, structural problems with the eye lids (lid margin disease, blepharitis) and side effects of certain diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other collagen vascular diseases.

Your eye depends on tears, a combination of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies, to provide constant moisture and lubrication in order to maintain not only comfort, but also proper vision. When there is an imbalance in the tear system, a person can experience dry eye. If you are experiencing eye stinging or burning, itching, inability to keep eyes open for long periods of time, the constant feeling of something in your eye, or excess tearing, then you may be suffering from dry eye. It is important to bring these symptoms up to your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – to start treatment as soon as possible.

Thankfully, there are several treatments currently available for dry eye. Eye drops, which are artificial tears that can help keep your eyes properly lubricated, are an over-the-counter method of treating dry eye. Also, certain medications and topical steroids are non-invasive methods that can be used to temporarily bring the tear film to a healthy and stable state. These treatment options are typically successful, but there are also surgical options, such as temporary and permanent punctual occlusion, that your eye doctor can consider if symptoms persist.

If you believe you are experiencing dry eye, whether it is a chronic issue or if your symptoms started because of regularly wearing a face mask, it’s vital to let your eye care provider know. While untreated chronic dry eye may cause permanent damage to your eye, there are very successful and accessible treatments available. Even if you are not suffering from dry eye, these dry eye symptoms may be caused by another eye disorder which may need treatment by a specialist.

For more on this topic or other questions, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center. The staff is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone – call 410-224-2010.

What You Should Know: Emergency Eye Care

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An eye emergency constitutes an event that puts your eyesight at risk. Any such event requires immediate professional treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Examples of eye emergencies include:

Loss of Vision: If you experience any form of vision loss, even if you are not experiencing pain, contact your eye doctor immediately. In fact, loss of vision is one of the most significant indicators of an eye emergency. Lack of pain in no way diminishes the seriousness of the situation.

Torn or Cut Eyelid: If you experience a cut or torn eyelid, apply gentle pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Then rinse the area with water, cover with a clean bandage, apply a cold compress over the bandage to reduce pain and swelling, and seek medical help immediately.

Scratched Eye: If any direct damage occurs to your eyeball, DO NOT apply any pressure to stop the bleeding. Gently place a cold compress over the affected eye to reduce swelling and help control any bleeding and seek medical help immediately.

Protruding Eye: Any bulging of a single eye, especially in children, is a very serious sign and requires immediate professional attention. Contact your eye doctor immediately.

Foreign Object Under the Eyelid: First of all, DO NOT rub your eye if something becomes stuck under your eyelid. Try to wash it out with water. If that does not work, contact your eye doctor immediately.

Chemicals in the Eye: If any chemicals come into contact with your eye, immediately flush the eye with cool tap water. Turn your head to the side, with the affected eye facing down. Hold the eyelid open and allow the water to run over the eye. Do this for 15 minutes. After flushing the eye, seek immediate medical attention.

Foreign Object Embedded in the Eye: First and foremost, as hard as it may be to resist, DO NOT try to remove the object or apply pressure to the eye. Leave the object in place and bandage the eye. Then cover the healthy eye with a clean cloth or gauze and seek immediate medical attention.

There is a general theme when it comes to eye emergencies; if you experience an eye emergency, seek immediate medical attention and contact your eye doctor – ophthalmologist or optometrist – right away. If you are unable to reach your eye care physician, have a family member or friend drive you to the nearest emergency room. And remember the following advise.

•DO NOT rub your eye.

•DO NOT attempt to remove a foreign object that is in contact with the cornea or that is embedded in the eye.

•DO NOT use dry cotton or sharp objects on the eye.

•DO NOT contaminate a burn. Avoid breathing on the affected area.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about AAEC’s Emergency Eye Care Services, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.

Sources:

Emergency Eye Care ClearVue.org

Cataract Treatment & FSA Funds

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Some patients find that at the end of the year they have funds left in their FSA accounts and that money is “use it or lose it”. Instead of writing it off as a loss, why not make an appointment before then and see if you are a candidate for LenSx® Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery and/or a Multifocal lens? Anne Arundel Eye Center is open and seeing patients in the office while observing COVID-19 procedures for your safety.

When a cataract has progressed to the point that it is interfering with normal, everyday functions, such as driving or reading, surgery is often the recommended course of action. Cataract surgery involves removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. Approximately 90 percent of cataract surgery patients report better vision following the surgery.

The LenSx Laser Assisted Surgery is a blade free procedure that allows the extra benefit of not just removing the cataract but also addressing astigmatism in the same procedure. It is the most technologically advanced option for cataract patients today, allowing your ophthalmologist to create a cataract surgery that’s 100% unique to you.

Multifocal Lens Implants offer an expanded view over the standard lens implant and many patients find that their dependence on glasses is decreased significantly after surgery with LenSx Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery and/or a Multifocal Lens Implant.

Both the laser and the advanced technology lens implant are elective additions that are not covered by insurance carriers and are out of pocket expenses that are added onto surgery. They are a great way to ensure that FSA funds do not get lost while also providing yourself or a loved one with the best possible options for superior vision.

For more on this topic or other questions, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center. We’re dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone – call 410-224-2010.

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