Dr. Nathan Frank

Blepharitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

May 7, 2017 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid and eyelash structures. It is a common eye condition that is typically caused by either a bacterial or skin condition such as dandruff of the scalp or acne rosacea. It can affect people of all ages and is not a contagious condition. Although uncomfortable and chronic, blepharitis usually does not cause permanent damage to an individual’s eyesight.

Blepharitis can be divided in to both an anterior and posterior form. The anterior form occurs along the front edge of eyelid, where the eyelashes are attached. The posterior form occurs along the inner edge of the eyelid that comes into contact with the eyeball. In a large portion of the population blepharitis tends to be a mix of the two.

Causes of Blepharitis:

The anterior form of blepharitis is most commonly caused by either bacteria (staphylococcal blepharitis) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). In rare incidences the anterior form can be caused by an allergic reaction or an infestation of mites.

The posterior form of blepharitis is typically caused by an irregular production of oils by the glands along the eyelid margin (meibomian blepharitis), which can produce a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Posterior blepharitis is also commonly associated with acne rosacea and dandruff of the scalp.

Symptoms of Blepharitis:

Individuals with blepharitis may experience:

Crusting or scaling of the eyelashes
Red and swollen eyelids
A gritty or sandy feeling
Itching or burning
Tearing
Dry eye
In serious cases individuals may note blurring of vision, loss or misdirected eyelashes, styes, and inflammation to other structures of the eye including the cornea and the conjunctiva.

Blepharitis Treatment

Blepharitis is a chronic condition therefore treatment is an ongoing process (similar to treating acne).
The main treatments for blepharitis include a warm compress for several minutes (5-10) followed by a gentle lid massage. This will help to both loosen crusts along the eyelashes and open the glands along the eyelid to better express stagnate oils to allow bacterial growth.

Your eye doctor may also recommend the use of special eyelid cleansers, lubricating eye drops, oral supplements, antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, or even oral antibiotics in more severe or complicated cases.

The best way to diagnose and manage blepharitis is through a comprehensive eye exam where a doctor can better evaluate an individual’s history, eyelids, and other eye structures.

To learn more about blepharitis and proper eye health, 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.

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

Sources:

Blepharitis PubMed Health
aoa.org

The Importance of Sunglasses :: UV Safety Month

July 19, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

As we explained in one of our previous blog posts – July is UV Safety Month :: Protect your Eyes from the Sun this Summer – proper eye protection is crucial, especially during the summer months when the sun’s rays are noticeably strong. Still, year round protection is crucial, even on bright winter days.

Exposure to UV rays can lead to several different eye problems, including macular degeneration, cataracts, pterygium, corneal sunburn, and skin cancer of the eyelids. So what is the easiest way to keep your eyes protected? Sunglasses!

“A substantial proportion of people still do not understand that UV exposure is harmful to the eyes as well as the skin,” says Paul Michelson, MD, chairman of the Better Vision Institute, the medical advisory arm to The Vision Council. “Even those who do understand, few understand it is the cumulative exposure that can be damaging.”

Because it is the cumulative effect of UV exposure that can be damaging, it is important to ALWAYS wear sunglasses. Still, many Americans fail to adhere to these safety recommendations.

Facts & Statistics about Sunglasses use in America

The Vision Council polled 10,000 adults from across the nation.

27% of people NEVER wear sunglasses
Only 58% of parents encourage their children to wear sunglasses
More than 50% of people either lose or break their sunglasses every year
Only 16% or people that do wear sunglasses admitted they did so for eye health reasons
Astonishingly, about 20% of people don’t believe their eyes are at risk from UV exposure

Remember, not only is it never too early to start wearing sunglasses, it is never too late to begin wearing them, either!

To learn more about Eye Protection, Harmful UV Rays, or Proper Eye Health, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.

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.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

More People – Even Kids – Need to Wear Sunglasses

Cataracts Overview: Causes Symptoms, and Treatment

February 22, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. That crystal clear lens slowly clouds over time as part of the natural aging process. We should all be so lucky to develop cataracts in our lifetime, as this would mean we have lived a long and healthy life.

Cataracts will gradually worsen over time and will eventually interfere with normal vision. This can make every day tasks, like driving (especially at night) and reading, incredibly difficult.

Causes of Cataracts

There are several causes of cataracts. They develop primarilybecause of normal aging, but also due to eye injuries and genetic disorders. These varying causes lead to different types of cataracts, which include:

• Nuclear Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the center of the eyes lens.

• Cortical Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the edges of the lens.

• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: This refers to cataracts that affect the back of the lens.

• Congenital Cataracts: This refers to cataracts you were born with.

For additional information on any specific form of cataracts, consult your eye doctor.

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

• Blurred or blurry vision

• Yellowing or clouding of the lens

• Difficulty with night vision

• Sensitivity to light and glare

• Seeing “halos” around lights

• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

• Fading or yellowing of colors

• Double vision in a single eye

If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Cataracts Treatment in Maryland

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in both the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. Not only does AAEC Offer a wide range of advanced procedures to improve and preserve your vision, but Board Certified Dr. Samuel Boles and the rest of the staff are also passionate about educating patients and their families about the various eye diseases or eye conditions they may be afflicted with.

“I’m seeing things that I have never seen before.”

– William D.

“I didn’t expect to see this well.”

– Austin B.

“I’m seeing better, and feeling a lot better about it.”

– Robert M.

If you’re seeking treatment for cataracts, AAEC’s state-of-the-art treatment center can meet all your eye care needs. From office consultations to pre-op testing and post-op care, you can be assured you’re in expert hands.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about Maryland Cataracts Treatment, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Dr. Boles and everyone else at the Anne Arundel Eye Center proudly support the efforts of The Polakoff Foundation and their role in the ongoing fight against glaucoma. Click here to purchase tickets online for the Polakoff Foundation’s Mardi Gras Celebration to help raise money to aid the fight against blindness.

Glaucoma and Cataracts 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.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and YouTube as well!

Glaucoma: An Overview from Dr. Nathan Frank

January 30, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

According to a survey conducted in 2002 by Prevent Blindness America, 30 percent of Americans have never heard of
glaucoma and only half of those participating in the survey actually knew what it was. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and specialists believe that roughly 2.2 million people in America are affected. Only half of these individuals know that they have the disease. Given that January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, this is a great time to review the condition so that you, as patients, can become better informed and more knowledgeable.

Glaucoma is a multi-factorial disease that causes damage to the optic nerve that eventually leads to vision loss. Peripheral (side) vision loss occurs due to damage of the optic nerve of eye, which is similar to a fiber optics cable with about 1.2 million fibers that send images from the eye to the brain. There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma. Both are usually marked by increased eye pressure inside the eye, but differ in the anatomical structure of the drainage system of the eye.

Risk factors for glaucoma? Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, newborn babies and senior citizens alike. However, there are several groups of people with an increased risk of developing the disease. Risk is heightened by:

Race (African Americans, Asians and Hispanics)
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Steroid Use
Age (People over 60)
History of eye trauma
Family History of glaucoma
High near-sighted patients

What are the common symptoms of glaucoma? The majority of people that have glaucoma are without symptoms. The visual symptoms that do occur tend to occur later in the disease process.

How to diagnose glaucoma? A comprehensive eye evaluation is imperative to rule out any suspicion for glaucoma. There are several important factors that need to be assessed prior to making a diagnosis. These include: measurement of eye pressure (normal range 12-22), a close assessment of the optic nerve, a peripheral visual field measurement, an exam of the drainage system of the eye, and finally a measurement of the cornea of the eye. These measurements are repeated once or twice a year or more often if there is any concern about progression.

How is glaucoma treated? The best way to protect your vision if diagnosed with glaucoma is to continue care
with your eye care provider. The goal of treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. When diagnosed with glaucoma, the first line of treatment usually starts with the use of a single eye drop that is instilled once a night. If further pressure lowering is needed, additional drops can be used. Further treatment options include laser therapy or, if necessary, surgical treatment.

Glaucoma is a very complicated disease and this is only a brief overview. Some questions may still remain; a great
resource for information is glaucoma.org, a website that is constantly updated with information for those with glaucoma and for those who may know others with glaucoma.

If you have any further questions and would like to learn more about Glaucoma Detection and Treatment, please Dr. Frank and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

Cast your vote now for Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Samuel Boles and Dr. Frank in Chesapeake Family Magazine’s Favorite Docs 2012! Voting ends on March 15th.

Glaucoma and Cataracts 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.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Anne Arundel Eye Center: Cataract and Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis, Maryland

January 6, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in both the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. Not only does AAEC Offer a wide range of advanced procedures to improve and preserve your vision, but Board Certified Dr. Samuel Boles and the rest of the staff are also passionate about educating patients and their families about the various eye diseases or eye conditions they may be afflicted with.

Meet the AAEC Doctors

Dr. Samuel Boles is both a board-certified ophthalmologist and AAEC’s founder. Dr. Boles received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his post-doctoral training including (1) an internship at a Yale affiliated hospital, (2) a cornea research fellowship at a Harvard affiliated laboratory, (3) ophthalmology residency at George Washington Universities, and (4) glaucoma fellowship at The University of California San Diego (UCSD). Dr. Boles is also very active in the community, supporting a variety of organizations and programs, including:

• Founding the Glaucoma Co-Management Roundtable to improve patient care through better communication and education.

• Serving as a Board Member of the Polakoff Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the community awareness and fight of Glaucoma, and the Maryland Society for Sight.

• Addressing Anne Arundel Community College’s graduating medical class for medical assistant programs.

• Participating in Heritage Harbour Health Group.

• Giving educational seminars at the Wiley H. Bates Heritage Park Residence for the Elderly.

• Supporting continuing education under COPE via educational presentations for Optometrists.

• Offering free screening programs to assist in the detection and prevention of Glaucoma and Cataracts.

Dr. Nathan Frank is a consultative optometrist who received his doctorate in optometry at Pacific University and completed his optometric residency with Seidenberg and Protzko Eye Associates. Dr. Frank is a member of the Maryland Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the Optometric Nutrition Society. As part of his training, Dr. Frank held clinical externships at Alaska Eye Care Center, Alaska; Pacific University College of Optometry, Oregon; Fort Washakie Indian Health Services, Wyoming; and Eyes of Arizona, Arizona.

If you’re seeking treatment for glaucoma or cataracts, AAEC’s state-of-the-art treatment center can meet all your eye care needs. From office consultations to pre-op testing and post-op care, you can be assured you’re in expert hands.

If you have any questions about what you have just read or if you would like to learn more about AAEC’s glaucoma and cataracts treatment options, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Samuel Boles and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today!

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

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as well!