Eye disease does not affect all races equally. African Americans are more likely to develop certain eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy yet are less likely to receive necessary eye surgery.

Disparities in Cataract Treatment

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. Most people over the age of 40 have at least one developing cataract, which will continue to worsen unless treated with cataract surgery. Common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurred, clouded or dimmed vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Difficulty seeing at night and driving at night
• Double vision
• Seeing halos around lights
• Colors appear faded or yellow

Cataracts are treatable with cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is the most common procedure performed on Medicare beneficiaries, and it has a success rate of over 90 percent. However, studies show African Americans are less likely than Caucasian Americans to have cataracts removed.

African Americans Are at Higher Risk for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an optic nerve disease that can cause permanent eye damage. Next to cataracts, primary open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans and individuals of African descent. In addition, in African Americans, glaucoma develops earlier and faster, and it is six times more likely to cause blindness (Glaucoma Research Foundation).

Glaucoma has been referred to as is the “sneak thief of sight” because it can develop without pain or symptoms. Because there is no cure for glaucoma, the only way to preserve vision in those with the disease is to diagnose and treat glaucoma in the early stages.

Diabetic Retinopathy Incidence Is Increasing

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that can develop in individuals with diabetes, causing blood vessel damage, vision loss and even blindness. The longer an individual has diabetes, the more likely they are to develop diabetic retinopathy.

African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to develop diabetes than Caucasians. More than 825,000 African Americans have diabetic retinopathy, and experts predict the numbers will increase to 1.2 million by 2030.

Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams

Many eye diseases do not show symptoms in the early stages, but they can cause long-term vision loss or even blindness if they go undetected. However, through comprehensive eye exams with dilation, providers can diagnose eye diseases early when they are still easy to treat.

If it has been over a year since your last comprehensive eye exam, it is time to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. In less than one hour, your eye doctor can assess your vision, test for eye diseases and provide you with helpful information to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can elevate inner eye pressure to dangerous levels and damage the optic nerve, causing permanent vision loss. Today, more than three million Americans have glaucoma, but half are unaware they have the disease.

Emerging Glaucoma Treatments

Scientists are always seeking new treatments that will prevent the death of retinal cells and regenerate diseased nerve fibers in the optic nerve. In the past, researchers found that a particular molecule called NAD declines in the retina as people age and it puts retinal cells at risk for degeneration.

Studies have found nicotinamide, a water-soluble form of vitamin B-3, prevented NAD depletion and reduced the risk of glaucoma in animals. Nicotinamide is found in foods like poultry, fish, eggs, and cereal grains.

A new study in Sweden is exploring a new potential neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and St. Erik Eye Hospital are testing nicotinamide on animal and cell models for glaucoma.

Pete Williams is Assistant Professor and Research Group Leader for glaucoma at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Karolinska Institutet, and St. Erik Eye Hospital. “What we have demonstrated in cell and animal models is directly making its way to patients in the Swedish health care system,” said Williams. “This exemplifies our commitment to generating translatable treatments for glaucoma” (Medical Xpress).

Is Vitamin B3 Safe as a Supplement?

If you have glaucoma or glaucoma runs in your family, you may think you should begin taking vitamin B3. However, you should not start any new supplements or vitamins without talking to your doctor.

If you have questions about new glaucoma treatments or natural treatments, call to make an appointment with your eye doctor. All medications can have side effects and can interact with other drugs.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Detect Glaucoma Early

Glaucoma can be a tricky disease to diagnose because it usually does not cause pain or symptoms in the early stages. By the time a patient begins to notice peripheral vision loss, permanent damage has already occurred. Therefore, it’s essential to have a yearly comprehensive eye exam with dilation. During an eye exam, your doctor will perform many assessments and test for common eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. There is no way to prevent glaucoma, but annual exams will help detect glaucoma early and prevent permanent eye damage.

Call your eye care center and make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with your ophthalmologist. Are you at increased risk for glaucoma? Take our Glaucoma Risk Assessment and discover whether you could be at high risk for the disease.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among people older than 55. In the United States, 20.5 million people have cataracts, which is about one in six Americans older than 40.

How Does a Cataract Form?

The eye is similar to a camera, and it uses a lens to focus. The lens is comprised of water and protein, arranged in a specific way to allow light to pass through it. A cataract forms when the proteins in the lens begin to clump together, and create cloudiness. This cloudiness is called a cataract, and it causes images to appear blurry or distorted.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. The procedure is simple, virtually painless and usually has a rapid recovery time. A skilled surgeon will remove your cloudy lens during cataract surgery and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL) customized to your vision needs. Cataract surgery can often provide people with the best vision they have ever experienced. In fact, many patients comment after surgery that they wish they had chosen cataract surgery sooner.

What Type of IOL is Right for You?

There are many types of IOLs from which to choose:

• Monofocal lens — This lens is designed to provide sharp distance vision. Medicare and other insurance plans usually cover it. Glasses may still be necessary for reading, and in some cases, distance vision, especially if you have astigmatism.
• Astigmatism-correcting monofocal lens — Your surgeon may be able to correct your astigmatism as well as your cataracts during one simple procedure. With the advanced technology of astigmatism-correcting monofocal lenses, most people only need glasses for reading after surgery.
• Multifocal Lens — Imagine not needing to rely on corrective glasses anymore. Multifocal lenses can help you see both near and far, so you may have the luxury of being glasses-free after cataract surgery.

Although most insurance and Medicare only cover the cost of a monofocal lens, there are many factors to consider. For example, selecting a multifocal lens may reduce your dependence on glasses after surgery. When making your decision regarding the type of lens you prefer for your cataract procedure, compare the one-time cost of purchasing the multifocal lens with the cumulative cost of buying contacts or glasses for the rest of your life. You may find that a multifocal lens proves to be the most affordable choice.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you interested in cataract surgery? You have many IOL choices that can help meet your vision needs. You may think you need to wait until your vision is significantly impaired, but recent studies cite many benefits of getting cataract surgery at a younger age. Therefore, you may not need to wait.

Your eye doctor can help you decide the best lens choice for you.  Call today to schedule a consultation or a comprehensive eye exam.

Have you canceled or delayed your eye exam due to COVID-19? Healthy vision is not just a luxury. It is a medical necessity.

The leading causes of vision loss in the world are cataracts and refractive errors, or the need for glasses. Eighty percent of vision problems are correctable; however, millions of adults and children experience vision impairment.

Your Vision Affects Your Health

A recent study in The Lancet Global Health, showed a link between vision impairment and mortality. After studying 48,000 people from 17 different studies, a meta-analysis found that patients with severe vision impairment experienced a higher risk of mortality than patients with normal vision or mild vision impairment.

The mortality risk for those with mildly impaired vision and severely impaired vision was 29 percent and 89 percent, respectively, compared to those with normal vision.

Eye Diseases Require Consistent Treatment

Since the beginning of the pandemic, people of all ages have canceled or delayed comprehensive eye exams and eye procedures. Although COVID-19 is still a serious threat, it is essential to stay current with your eye appointments.

Ophthalmologists are reporting that many of their patients with chronic eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration are skipping important treatment appointments. Without regular treatment, these diseases can progress and cause permanent vision impairment or vision loss.

Do Not Ignore These Eye Symptoms

There are also many reasons you may have to call your eye doctor to make an appointment for an eye emergency (The Conversation). Call your ophthalmologist right away if you experience:

• Eye pain
• Eye injury
• Red eye
• Blank or wavy spots
• New floaters or flashes of light
• A sudden change in vision

Comprehensive Eye Exams are Essential for Wellbeing

Even if you do not have an eye disease or an eye emergency, a comprehensive eye exam is an important part of preventive care. Don’t wait for an eye problem to arise before calling your ophthalmologist to make an appointment.

You can feel confident knowing your eye center is making great effort to ensure your safety during this time. Your eye center is putting you first by spacing out appointments and implementing social distancing and rigorous sanitation procedures. Call today to make an appointment.

We all have loved ones who need us in their lives – those who rely on us and can’t wait until we can all safely gather together again once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. You owe it to your friends and family to care for your eye health so you can enjoy quality time together.

While it is important to avoid exposure to COVID-19, it is imperative to take care of your eyesight. Comprehensive eye exams are crucial for diagnosing eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. If you had to cancel an eye procedure or surgery due to COVID-19, you should call today to reschedule it. Delaying an eye procedure could put you at risk for vision impairment or vision loss.

Cataract Surgery Restores Clear Vision

One of the most common vision problems is cataracts, a condition that affects 20.5 million Americans. A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens, and it can cause significant vision loss if left untreated.

Cataracts are treatable with cataract surgery. During this simple, painless procedure, a surgeon removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, customized lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). There are many types of IOLs, and if you have cataracts, you and your surgeon can decide which IOL is best for your vision needs.

Although COVID has caused many delays and cancellations of cataract surgery, now is the time to reschedule. Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, with a 98 percent success rate.

Most cataract surgeries are outpatient procedures, which means you can go home in a matter of hours. In a few days, you can resume your normal activities.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Detect and Prevent Disease

One of the best gifts you can give your family is getting a yearly eye exam. Through a comprehensive eye exam, your provider can evaluate your vision as well as your overall eye health.

COVID has caused many people to cancel their eye exams, but now is the time to reschedule.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 3.3 million Americans over 40 are legally blind, and 11 million Americans 12 years and older could improve their vision through proper correction.

A comprehensive eye exam can diagnose cataracts as well as glaucoma, a disease that affects the optic nerve. About three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the disease. Because the disease usually develops without pain or symptoms, it requires a comprehensive eye exam for diagnosis.

Your vision health is worth an hour of your time every year. You want to see the faces of your family and loved ones for years to come, so call to schedule a comprehensive eye exam or cataract surgery. You may not consider an eye appointment to be a priority during this already stressful time, but it’s the only way to keep your vision healthy. An eye exam isn’t only for you; it’s for your family.

According to a new pre-print study accepted by The Lancet, rates of global blindness and vision impairment continue to increase. By the year 2050, the number may reach 900 million people.

Vision loss is a global problem. According to recent research led by Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University:

• 8 million people have a mild vision impairment
• 1 million people have a major vision impairment
• 3 million people are blind

Bourne and his team predict blindness and vision impairment will double in the next 30 years unless experts can take steps to address the issue.

“It is encouraging that age-adjusted prevalence of blindness has reduced over the past three decades, yet due to population growth, progress is not keeping pace with needs,” said Bourne. “We face enormous challenges in avoiding vision impairment as the global population grows and ages” (Medical Xpress).

Cataracts are Treatable with Cataract Surgery

One of the most common types of eye diseases is cataracts, the leading cause of degenerative vision loss among people older than 55. Some common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Clouded or blurry vision
• Double vision
• Fading of colors
• Appearance of halos
• Difficulty with night vision
• Sensitivity to light and glare

Cataract-related vision loss can be reversed through cataract surgery, a safe and simple procedure. Approximately three million Americans undergo cataract surgery annually, with a success rate of 98 percent or higher (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery). This means 95 percent of patients who select a standard artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL) during cataract surgery experience completely restored vision.

Call Your Ophthalmologist

Three out of four cases of disease-related vision loss can be avoided through prevention and treatment. Many conditions can be treated with simple outpatient procedures. You can preserve your vision and prevent vision impairment by scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam. Your ophthalmologist will provide you with a full evaluation of your eye health and discuss any necessary treatment options.

Eating a vegetarian diet could decrease the likelihood of cataracts, especially in overweight patients, according to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a dense, clouded area in the eye lens. In a healthy eye, the retina can easily convert light that comes through a clear lens. Over time, oxidative stress causes the protein in the lens to clump together and form a cataract. Many factors contribute to oxidative stress including UV rays, poor diet and environmental toxins.

Cataracts are a common vision concern, especially as people age. In the United States, more than 20.5 million people have a cataract.

Plant-Based Nutrition Can Fight Cataracts

A new study in Taiwan suggests a vegetarian diet could significantly reduce the risk of cataracts. Researchers examined data from the Tzu Chi Health study and found vegetarians had a 20 percent lower risk for cataracts compared to nonvegetarians.

This is not the first study concerning vegetarianism and cataracts. A 2011 study among health-conscious residents in Britain found a 20 percent, 30 percent and 40 percent reduction in cataract risk in fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans, respectively (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition).

Because plant-based foods contain more antioxidants than animal-based foods, eating a vegetarian diet is more successful at reducing oxidative stress that causes cataracts.

The researchers also found many similarities among the vegetarians in the Tzu Chi Health Study. More of the vegetarians tended to be:

• Female
• Nondrinkers
• Nonsmokers
• Nondiabetic
• Nonhypertensive
• More physically active

The vegetarians also had lower:

• Body mass index
• Fasting glucose levels
• Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Eating to Reduce Cataract Risk

You do not need to become a vegetarian to have a healthier lifestyle and decrease your cataract risk. However, this study emphasizes the role diet can play in degenerative eye disease. Numerous studies show positive associations between high fruit and vegetable intake and eye health.

Here are some of the most important nutrients for eye health and some corresponding foods that contain high amounts:

• Vitamin A — Kale, spinach and carrots contain about 30 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin A.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin — Some of the best sources are spinach, swiss chard, kale, parsley, sweet corn, grapes and green peas.
• Vitamin C — Many fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of vitamin C, including bell peppers, kale, citrus fruits, broccoli and guavas.
• Vitamin E — Pumpkin seeds, beet greens, collard greens, spinach and red bell pepper score high in this nutrient.
• Zinc — The best sources of zinc are meat and dairy, but you can get the proper recommendation of zinc by eating wheat germ, beans, legumes, oatmeal, tofu and spinach.

Make an Appointment for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Call your eye doctor to make an appointment to evaluate your eye health. Annual comprehensive eye exams include screenings for cataracts and other common eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Make your vision a priority so you can enjoy clear eyesight for years to come.

Glaucoma patients have a tenfold greater risk of developing depression than the general population, according to a recent study in Mexico.

Glaucoma, nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight,” is one of the world’s leading causes of vision loss. The disease can be challenging to diagnose because it rarely causes symptoms until permanent eye damage occurs. Advanced glaucoma can be a psychological and financial burden and cause significant stress. According to a study published in the Journal of Glaucoma, the severity of patients’ glaucoma correlates with how depressed they feel. Glaucoma severity can also influence patient compliance with glaucoma treatment plans.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a family of diseases characterized by optic nerve stress caused by spikes in inner eye pressure. More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the disease. The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, can develop without pain or symptoms, and it can cause irreversible vision loss or even blindness.

Depressed Glaucoma Patients Are Less Compliant

The study examined 111 patients with glaucoma, and about half of the patients were depressed. The researchers found a direct relationship between the worse eye’s glaucoma severity and the severity of depression. Patients who were depressed were 38 times more likely to not adhere to their treatment plan than patients who were not depressed.

Other risk factors for depression among the glaucoma patients studied were:

• Age
• Gender (females were at higher risk than males)
• Low income
• Living alone
• Substance abuse

Researchers suspect patients with the most severe glaucoma may fall into a dangerous pattern. The associated depression with severe glaucoma may cause these patients to resist taking medication and attending eye doctor appointments, thereby exacerbating glaucoma and depression.

The study suggests patients with glaucoma should create a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist, psychiatrist and psychologist to produce the best outcome.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Are you familiar with the risk factors for glaucoma? You may be at increased risk for glaucoma if you:

• Are 60 or older
• Are diabetic
• Are severely nearsighted
• Have a family member who has glaucoma

Take a moment to complete this Glaucoma Risk Assessment for more information on whether you are at high risk for the disease.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam

Contact your ophthalmologist to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam. During your exam, your ophthalmologist can perform a test to evaluate your inner eye pressure and let you know if you are at risk for developing glaucoma.

Optic nerve damage is permanent, so there is no cure for glaucoma. Therefore, it is imperative to detect the disease early and begin a glaucoma treatment plan. Early detection allows for immediate intervention to stop the progression of glaucoma. There are many treatments available to manage the condition, such as:

• Laser treatments
• Medication
• Traditional surgery
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)

Do your eyes feel strained or irritated lately? More patients are making eye appointments during the pandemic due to increased screen time and subsequent dry eye syndrome.

Definition of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects 4.88 million Americans. It results when the tear glands do not make sufficient tears to moisten the eyes. Untreated dry eye can cause significant discomfort and vision problems, so if your eyes feel dry, visit an eye doctor as soon as possible for relief.

Dry Eye Cases Increasing in the United States

Eye doctors are citing increased numbers of patients during the pandemic. COVID-19 quarantines and social distancing measures have forced much of the American workforce and school systems to go remote, and eye health is suffering. Staring at computer and smartphone screens all day can decrease blink rate by 33 percent and cause eye fatigue, eye strain and dry eye (Medical Xpress).

It is essential to seek treatment for dry eye because it can lead to severe vision complications, including:

1. Surface damage to the eyes. Severe dry eye can result in inflammation, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers and loss of vision.
2. Eye infections. Natural tears protect the eyes from infection. Inadequate tear production can put the eyes at risk for invasion from germs and bacteria.
3. Decreased quality of life. Dry eye can make it challenging to perform daily tasks like reading and driving.

Women are More Susceptible to Dry Eye than Men

Of the almost five million Americans with dry eye syndrome, three million are women. The unequal distribution of dry eye among women is due to hormonal factors like pregnancy, birth control and menopause. Because women are more prone to dry eye syndrome, it is imperative that they schedule regular eye exams.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

How do you know if you have dry eye? Typical symptoms include:

• Red eyes
• Stinging or burning of the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• A scratchy feeling in the eye

Natural Treatments for Dry Eye

If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome symptoms, call your eye doctor to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. In the meantime, you can try some of these natural treatments:

1. Take regular breaks from computers, tablets and phones. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your screen and look at something at least 20 feet away to reset your eyes.
2. Position your computer screen below eye level. You will not have to open your eyes as wide.
3. Use a humidifier in your work area.
4. Quit smoking or avoid areas where people smoke.
5. Try over-the-counter rewetting drops.

A new study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reveals ocular hypertension can have a protective effect against glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss.

What is Glaucoma?

More than three million Americans have glaucoma, a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and early intervention are necessary to protect the optic nerve and minimize eye damage.

The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma. In this type, the channels that drain the eye’s fluid become gradually obstructed, causing the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) to rise. In angle-closure glaucoma, fluid builds up suddenly and causes dangerous pressure spikes.

Open-angle glaucoma has few symptoms, so it is essential to detect glaucoma in the early stages to prevent irreversible eye damage. Once symptoms are present, vision loss has already occurred.

Ocular Hypertension

For patients with glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure is quite dangerous. However, according to a new study from LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center of Excellence and the University of Copenhagen, some glaucoma patients do not have this same sensitivity: those with ocular hypertension.

Why do patients with ocular hypertension not have the optic nerve damage that is glaucoma? After all, ocular hypertension is when intraocular pressure is higher than “normal.”

The study suggests patients with ocular hypertension possess “increased antioxidant capacity and higher levels of anti-inflammatory, omega-3-derived chemical messengers involved in sustaining cell function in their plasma compared to patients with normal-tension glaucoma and age-matched controls.”

An increased amount of omega-3 fatty acid chemical messengers seems to lower oxidative stress in the eye and prevent the optic nerve from deteriorating.

This new research could result in innovative glaucoma treatments. “The study opens avenues of therapeutic exploration highlighting the significance of the omega-3 fatty acid chemical messengers’ antioxidant capacity as a potential diagnostic biomarker and as a novel treatment to prevent glaucomatous neurodegeneration,” notes Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan, Boyd Professor, Ernest C. and Ivette C. Villere Chair of Retinal Degeneration, and Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical Xpress).

Facts about Glaucoma

The results of this study are promising, but the fact remains that glaucoma is a complex disease that can affect any person at any age. It is important to be aware of your own risk for glaucoma. Some risk factors include:

• Being 60 or older
• Being African American, Asian or Hispanic
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Having a pre-existing medical condition like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or sickle-cell anemia
• Having thin corneas

Call Your Ophthalmologist

The best way to protect your eyesight is to schedule annual comprehensive eye exams. During the exam, your eye doctor can test your intraocular pressure and determine whether you have ocular hypertension or are at risk for glaucoma.

Call today to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam offers a window into your overall health, and it is an important part of preventive care.