Anne Arundel Eye Center

Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist

The Truth About Cataracts: They’re Not as Scary as You Think

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You may notice that your bleach is not working anymore, and your white clothing is not as bright as it once was. Your glasses are always dirty no matter how many times you wipe them off. The characters on the television are hard to make out, and headlights on the road at night wash out your vision.

What you do not notice is that you no longer read the paper, and you move through your surroundings slower. You stop enjoying activities that require precision; crossword puzzles, bird watching, and sewing.

You have cataracts.

Cataracts, unlike other conditions, are usually a gradual decline in vision. This means that you will not notice how much you are not seeing until the cataracts become advanced. As you gradually get used to seeing less, you begin to lose interest in activities that once brought you joy.

How did you get them? Well, they are as natural as gray hair; eventually, we all get them. It does not mean that you are unhealthy. It is a natural event and thankfully, one that is easily treatable. Cataracts are removable, and you can easily reclaim your mobility and connection to the world around you.

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. 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. Our team of doctors and our surgical coordinator, Travis, will get you on a treatment plan and give you all the resources you need to make the choice that is right for you. You will be cared for by our wonderful staff, who will cheer for your restored vision every step of the way.

You may think that surgery is scary, and we agree with you; it is. But you’ve come to the right place – cataracts are one of our specialties. We take care of patients just like you every single day. While it is new for you, cataract surgery is one of the most performed surgeries worldwide. Our surgeon, Dr. Samuel Boles, and our Consultive Optometrists, offer world class cataract treatment that can’t be bested.

Cataract surgery involves removing the lens in the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. After your cataract surgery, you will notice a difference mere hours or days after the surgery has been completed. Whites are whiter, the world is brighter, and you cannot believe how much your vision has changed for the better. The day after your surgery, you will come in for a follow-up appointment to ensure that you are well, and your vision is improving. In most cases, you will eventually only return to see us every six months, and then once a year for a routine checkup. However, if you need us, we are just a phone call away.

While we will miss seeing you, we will look forward to your yearly checkup because we know the best part about that visit is when we see you, you see us back. Call us at 410-224-2010 and let us help you restore your vision.

Posterior Capsule Opacification Treatment in Annapolis

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As we age, our eyes undergo natural wear and tear, resulting in the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, known as cataracts. This is a normal part of the aging process. However, when the symptoms of a cataract persist and become bothersome, cataract surgery can often be used to help improve vision. This involves removing the cloudy lens and, in most cases, replacing it with a crystal clear, intraocular lens implant (IOL).

Cataract surgery has the highest success rate of any surgery practiced today. Still, many patients develop what is known as Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO), or an After Cataract. While PCO rates have declined in recent years, as a result of advances in surgical techniques and intraocular lens materials, PCO is common and is essentially a normal side effect of successful cataract surgery.

Posterior Capsule Opacification Annapolis

Posterior Capsule Opacification can develop over the clear posterior capsule anywhere from a few months to a few years after cataract surgery. PCO results from the growth and abnormal proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the capsule after cataract surgery. Eventually, these cells migrate to the center of the posterior capsule, causing blurred or blurry vision.

Posterior Capsule Opacification Treatment in Annapolis

A simple examination should be able to diagnose your issue and, if the problem is found to be Posterior Capsule Opacification, YAG laser capsulotomy can be used to rectify the situation. This procedure involves a few simple steps:

  1. The eye is dilated using eye drops.
  2. The hazy posterior capsule is removed using a laser.
  3. Drops may be used to reduce inflammation following the procedure.

YAG laser capsulotomy takes only a few minutes and is painless. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. However, as with any eye procedure, if your vision does not improve or if it worsens, call your Annapolis eye doctor immediately. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

If you have any questions about Posterior Capsule Opacification Treatment in Annapolis, or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Nicole Regis, Dr. Kathryn Turner and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

How to Prevent Narrow Angle Glaucoma

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According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. But what is glaucoma? Well, the term glaucoma actually refers to a group of eye conditions affecting over 3 million Americans. Glaucoma is the result of increased intraocular eye pressure (IOP) and damage the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain.

Narrow Angle Glaucoma

What is Narrow Angle Glaucoma?

Narrow angle glaucoma, also referred to as acute glaucoma or angle closure glaucoma, is one of the rarer forms of glaucoma, and affects nearly 500,000 Americans, but is most common in people of Asian descent or those individuals with farsightedness (hyperopia). Narrow angle glaucoma is characterized by a sudden increase in IOP, often in only a matter of hours. This dramatic increase in IOP can cause severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision and headache. This rapid increase in IOP is the result of – you guessed it – narrow angles. But what exactly does this mean?

You see, when the angle between the iris and the cornea is not as wide and open as it should be, and the pupil enlarges too much or too quickly, the outer edge of the iris bunches up over the drainage canals, called the trabecular meshwork. This causes pressure to build up rapidly. Think of it like a damn. As a river or stream is blocked off, water begins to build behind a damn, increasing pressure. However, the eye is not made to handle this type of pressure, which is why optic nerve damage can sometimes occur.

Narrow Angle Prevention

Fortunately, a simple test can be performed by your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – to see if your angle is normal and wide or abnormal and narrow.

A survey done by the Glaucoma Research Foundation found that nearly 75% of people have their eyes examined every two years, which falls in line with recommendations made by the AAO. The AAO recommends that everyone have a baseline eye screening at the age of 40. Based on the results of the initial screening, your eye doctor will recommend the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. Seniors – over the age of 65 – should have complete eye exams every one to two years.

So, when was your last eye exam?

Narrow Angle Glaucoma Treatment

If you have developed narrow angle glaucoma or your eye doctor believes you to be at increased risk, Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) is most often the first line of treatment.  A laser is used to create a small hole in the outer edge of the iris, increasing the size of the angle and allowing fluid to flow more freely. LPI is commonly recommended for eyes which have the angle closed or occludable for at least half the available 360 degree drainage channel. This is determined in the office using a test called gonioscopy. Luckily, this treatment is covered by standard insurance plans and, if you’ve met your yearly deductible already, it is a good way to maximize on that while protecting your vision before year end.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam

The Anne Arundel Eye Center, led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, AAEC’s state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Nicole Kershner, Dr. Kathryn Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010. AAEC is staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals who will help guide you on your healing journey.

FAQs about Eye Diseases: What is Macular Degeneration?

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When it comes to eye diseases, most people are familiar with glaucoma and cataracts, but few know about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that directly affects the macula, the small area of the retina that is responsible for central vision. AMD occurs in two forms:

  • Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (common): Tiny yellow deposits, called drusen, develop beneath the macula, signaling degeneration and thinning of nerve tissue.
  • Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (less common): Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula, leaking blood and fluid onto and underneath the retina. This kills retinal cells, causing blurring, distortion, and blank spots in your field of vision.

Interesting Macular Degenerations Facts & Statistics

  • More than 13 million Americans are affected by AMD.
  • Nearly 90% of all diagnosed AMD is the dry form.
  • About 10% of cases of dry macular degeneration develop into the wet, or neovascular, form of AMD.
  • Globally, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and is responsible for some 50% of visual impairment.
  • AMD is uncommon in people younger than 55.
  • Women are slightly more likely than men to develop AMD.
  • Studies show that obesity, smoking, and exposure to UV rays may also be risk factors for developing AMD.

Signs and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

In its early stages, AMD may not present any signs or symptoms. As the eye disease progresses, however, signs and symptoms become much more prevalent and include:

  • The distortion or blurring of central vision
  • Difficulty performing everyday tasks like driving or reading
  • Inability to see small details or fine print
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Need for more light while reading or working
  • Dark or blurry areas in the center of vision (blind spots)
  • Changed color perception
  • Inability to focus properly on a single point within a grid

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, contact your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – at your earliest convenience. The early detection of macular degeneration is critical to the long-term treatment of the eye disease.

Recent innovations in AMD treatment can slow or even halt the progression of retinal changes.

“There are good modern treatments available for patients who lose vision due to AMD,” said board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Cuong Vu of Retina Associates. “[But] early detection and prevention are the keys to success.”

To learn more about Macular Degeneration, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. 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. Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Sources:

Macular Degeneration Health Center

Eye Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Eye allergies can be an annoying complication of seasonal changes but there’s important information that can help you treat those symptoms. An allergic reaction affecting the conjunctiva, the clear layer overlying the eye, is commonly referred to as allergic conjunctivitis. There are several subtypes/subdivisions of allergic conjunctivitis, with the most common being seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). Both SAC and PAC are triggered by an immune reaction involving a particular allergen.

Common allergens include: pollen, grass, weeds, dust, and pet dander.

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