• Home
  • Patient Forms
  • Directions
  • Contact

Anne Arundel Eye Center

Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist

  • Home
  • Patient Forms
  • Directions
  • Contact
127 Lubrano Drive, Suite 301 - Annapolis, MD 21401
p: 410-224-2010 ∙ f: 410-224-3044 ∙ info@annearundeleyecenter.com
  • A
  • A
  • A
Home > Archives for Hospitals

Dr. Boles Explains How to Choose Your Eye Doctor in Maryland Women’s Journal

August 11, 2011 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

In April, 2010 in the Maryland Women’s Journal there was an excellent piece about choosing your eye doctor written by Anne Arundel Eye Center’s own, Dr. Samuel Boles. He penned an insightful and informative article to help with this decision.

 

He explains: “ When you think of seeing an Eye Doctor, it is easy to get confused as to the differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists. While they provide some of the same services, there are also several major differences. Once you understand these differences, it’s easy to determine when you need to see an optometrist and when a visit to the ophthalmologist is in order.”

What is an Optometrist?

An optometrist is a Doctor of Optometry, also known as an O.D. To be an optometrist, one must complete four years of college or undergraduate education followed by four years in a college of optometry. All optometrists must pass a series of rigorous nationally-administered exams to earn their license. Some optometrists will also complete a one-year post-graduate residency to gain more specialized expertise in a particular area.

Optometrists are licensed to do the following:

  • Examine and diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal diseases.
  • Diagnose systemic conditions that may affect the eyes, including diabetes and hypertension.
  • Examine, diagnose and treat visual conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.
  • Prescribe contact lenses and glasses, vision therapy and medications such as antibiotics.
  • Perform minor surgical procedures such as the removal of a foreign body.

What is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (an M.D.) who specializes in the medical treatment of the eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses to eye surgery. They may also be involved in medical research of the eye structure as well as diseases of the eye.

After medical school, every ophthalmologist completes a three-year residency in general ophthalmology. During residency, they receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases. Some ophthalmologists spend an additional year or two training in a specific area of eye care to become a specialist.

While the routine care provided by ophthalmologists and optometrists is now very similar, there are several major differences. They are:

  • Optometrists spend additional time and attention to contact lens fitting and care.
  • Optometrists are uniquely positioned to fit and prescribe glasses and care for refractive disorders.
  • Ophthalmologists are trained to perform surgery, including Lasik vision correction, removal of cataracts, retinal detachment surgery eye reconstructive surgery and more.
  • Ophthalmologists have additional specialized training in diagnosing and treating more complex medical eye conditions.
  • Ophthalmologists can prescribe a wider range of prescription drugs for specific eye problems and diseases unlike optometrists.
  • Exams by Ophthalmologists are more likely to be covered by general medical insurance rather than Vision Insurance.”

 

Dr Boles gives a very clear distinction between the different types of care here. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center to meet with cataracts and glaucoma specialist Dr. Samuel Boles, or if you simply have a questions about what you have just read, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here today!

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

 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles, Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Samuel Boles Honored by Chesapeake Family Reader, Eye, Eye Care, Eye Center, Eye Doctor, Eye Exams, Family, Family Practice Doctors, Health, Health Care, Health Care Provider, Honor, Honored, Hospitals, Maryland, Maryland Family Favorite Docs List 2011, Maryland's Family Favorite Doctors and Health Care Providers, Optometrist, Optometrists, Optometry, Patients, Regular Eye Exams, Samuel Boles, Treatment, Vision

Cataract Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment

June 15, 2011 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

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!

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Anne Arundel Eye Center, Cataract, Cataract and the elderly, Cataract Detection, Cataract detection tips, Cataract Diagnosis, Cataract Diagnosis Prevention and Treatment, Cataract in elederly, Cataract Maryland, Cataract Prevention, Cataract prevention tips, Cataract tips, Cataract treatment, Cataract treatment Center Maryland, Cataract treatment professional Maryland, Cataract treatment tips, Cataracts, Cataracts diagnosis, Cataracts treament, Chesapeake, Chesapeake Family, Chesapeake Family Reader, Children, Doctors, Dr., Dr. Boles, Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Samuel Boles Honored by Chesapeake Family Reader, Eye appointment, Eye appointment Maryland, Eye Doctor, Eye doctor Maryland, Families, Family, Family Practice Doctors, Health, Health Care, Health Care Provider, Honor, Honored, Hospitals, Laser Surgery, Maryland, Maryland Family Favorite Docs List 2011, Maryland's Family Favorite Doctors and Health Care Providers, Optometrist, Optometrists, Optometry, Patients, Pediatricians

Dr. Samuel Boles Honored by Chesapeake Family Reader

June 3, 2011 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

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!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Anne Arundel Eye Center, Birthing Centers, Chesapeake, Chesapeake Family, Chesapeake Family Reader, Children, Chiropractors, Dentists, Doctors, Dr., Dr. Boles, Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Samuel Boles Honored by Chesapeake Family Reader, Eye Doctor, Ezine, Families, Family, Family Practice Doctors, Health, Health Care, Health Care Provider, Honor, Honored, Hospitals, Laser Surgery, Magazine, Maryland, Maryland Family Favorite Docs List 2011, Maryland's Family Favorite Doctors and Health Care Providers, Midwives, OB/Gyns, Online Magazine, Opthalmologists, Optometrist, Optometrists, Optometry, Orthodontists, Patients, Pediatricians, Readers, Therapists

  • Meet Our Doctors
  • Meet Our Staff
  • Eye Care Services
  • Patient Information
  • Referring Physicians
  • Patient Testimonials
  • Education | News
  • Medical Partners
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

sign up for our mailing list to receive news and updates.

health-logo PATIENT PORTAL

Referring Physicians

Access our online consultation request form.

Email Signup

Enter your email address to subscribe to our newsletter.
© 2022 Anne Arundel Eye Center. All rights reserved.