Anne Arundel Eye Center

Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist

Cataract Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment

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A cataract is clouding of the eye’s lens, which is located behind the iris and pupil. Cataracts, which are caused by protein buildup, usually only effects the elderly.

Cataracts are classified as one of three types:

•     A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa, or those taking high doses of steroids, may develop a subcapsular cataract.

•     A nuclear cataract is most commonly seen as it forms. This cataract forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, and is due to natural aging changes.

•     A cortical cataract forms in the lens cortex and gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center. Many diabetics develop cortical cataracts.

This article from eHow.com provides a few helpful Ways to prevent cataracts:

1.    Protect your eyes when out in bright sunlight. Wear sunglasses that block strong ultraviolet (UV) rays or a wide-brimmed hat that will shade your eyes from the sun.

2.    Stop smoking. A strong link between smoking and the development of cataracts has been established. If you’re a smoker, smoking cessation will decrease your chances of getting a cataract.

3.    Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. The proper intake of some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, has shown to help avoid getting a cataract. Try to get six servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day.

4.    Manage your diabetes, if you suffer from this disease. Diabetes can cause eye problems, including the development of cataracts. Keeping your diabetes under control can help you avoid getting a cataract if you are diabetic.

5.    Get thorough eye examinations regularly. For those 60 years of age and over, a comprehensive eye exam should be conducted every year.

Of course, if you do find yourself with the symptoms of cataracts, make an appointment to see an optometrist as soon as possible.

Cataracts Symptoms:

•     Blurry sight, and occasionally, double vision

•     ‘Halos’ — the eyes become dazzled by bright light, making night driving difficult

•     Colors may become faded

•     Frequent changes in glasses prescriptions

Cataract development may be detected early and avoided. Anne Arundel Eye Center offers complete 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.

So if you think you may be at risk, schedule an eye appointment as soon as possible. If you have any questions, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here today!

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How to Identify Glaucoma

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Did you know that Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States? Well, it is. If left undiagnosed and untreated, Glaucoma can and does lead to total blindness. The key to maintaining your sight is early detection.

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by elevated pressure inside the eye and sometimes other factors that cause the fibers running through the optic nerve to slowly deteriorate. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. While glaucoma initially causes no symptoms, it eventually progresses to a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision).

The key to catching Glaucoma early is to be able to identify the symptoms. Currently, the disease affects over 3 million Americans, but only half actually know it. This article from eHow.com explains how you can better your chances of catching Glaucoma early enough to fully treat.

1.   The main symptom is a gradual loss in vision. The peripheral vision is usually the first to go, making it increasingly difficult to see things from a side view. It may appear as though you are looking through a tunnel. You may still be able to see objects right in front of you, but if the glaucoma is not treated you could lose your eyesight altogether.

2.   Find out if you are in any of the high-risk groups. You are more likely to develop Glaucoma if…

•     You are 60+

•     You have a family history of Glaucoma

•     You are of African American or Spanish ancestry

•     You have elevated eye pressure

•     You have high myopia (nearsightedness)

•     You have had past eye injuries

•      You have used steroids

•      You have Diabetes, Hypertension or Migrains

3.    If you are having symptoms or are at risk, have your eyes checked as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent vision loss from glaucoma. People who are at risk should have a dilated eye exam at least once every two years.

If you think you may be at risk, schedule an eye appointment as soon as possible. If you have any questions, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here today!

 

Dr. Samuel Boles Honored by Chesapeake Family Reader

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In the upcoming July issue of the Chesapeake Family Reader, Dr. Samuel Boles, of Anne Arundel Eye Center, will be honored on the Reader’s Maryland Family Favorite Docs List 2011.

The Chesapeake Family List of over 600 of Maryland’s Family Favorite Doctors and Health Care Providers was compiled as a result of readers’ recommendations. The list will be released to the public in July.

Only those Maryland doctors and practitioners who have earned the trust, admiration and professional respect of parents are included. Listings cannot be bought. Each of these practitioners have been nominated by local parents during the months of February through April 2011. Practices include Chiropractors, Dentists, Orthodontists, Pediatricians, OB/Gyns, Midwives, Birthing Centers, Hospitals, Family Practice Doctors, Therapists, Opthalmologists, Optometrists, Laser Surgery and more covering central Maryland including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Howard, Prince George’s counties and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Chesapeake Family’s list of Favorite Health Care Providers serves as a vital resource to thousands of Maryland families. This single source, which lists personal recommendations to pediatric and family professionals, will provide guidance to Maryland families who might not otherwise know where to turn for their family’s health concerns.

So we would like to take the time to congratulate Dr. Boles on being named one of Maryland’s Family Favorite Doctors and Health Care Providers.

If you have any questions, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here today!

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