Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute Blog
Posted on August 2, 2010 in Latest News
One early symptom of a cataract is a blurring of the vision that makes everything appear as if you’re looking through a foggy window or cloudy piece of glass. Left untreated, the outlook is dim. But if detected early, we can help you manage cataracts and explore treatment options such as new eyeglasses, magnification aids or Intraocular Lens (IOL) implants. The first step to early detection is a comprehensive eye examination in our office. Call and schedule an appointment today.
Posted on June 29, 2010 in Latest News, New Technology
Premier Surgeon Magazine named Dr. Jack Weiss as a leading innovator in the field of premium IOL implant surgery. This honor was given to only 250 surgeons world wide. The surgeons were selected by the PS250 for:
- Educating their colleagues about premium IOLs at ophthalmic meetings
- Conducting research to optimize patient clinical outcomes
- Digging into the diagnostic technology to assist in selecting the best patient, and the best lens for that patient
- Looking into the unique business aspects of premium IOL surgery, and
- Were the early adopters of the IOL technology
Click the image below to read the article in full:
Posted on May 6, 2010 in Latest News, New Technology
Our regular lives revolve around screens. TV screens, laptop screens, and workstation screens are the top three that dominate our time. While the majority of our time at work is spent sitting in front of a computer screen, one of the things we must be reminded of is how to keep our eyes healthy when constantly starting at the computer screen.
Some of the key things we need to take into account are the glare from our computer screens, font size, and the visual distance we need to keep away from the computer. Common symptoms that you may experience while at work are dry eyes, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty focusing. Surfing on the web or editing a Word or Excel document for long periods of time can take a toll on your eye muscles.
In some cases eye muscles become so consistently fatigued that it can lead to blurry distance vision. Here are some tips to ensure eye health while at work:
1) Exercise and Rest your Eyes – After 20 minutes of computer work, make sure to rest your eyes by scanning your office and looking at different objects at different vantage points around your room. This exercises the muscle in your eyes and gives them a break from being focused at such a close distance for a long period of time.
2) Artificial Tears and Blinking – We tend to blink less when staring at fixed objects for long periods of time. As a result, our eyes become dry and irritated. If you have ever experienced a sandy, irritated feeling in your eyes after spending so much time in front of the computer, you need to use artificial tears. Using these drops before the symptoms start will help you make better use of your computer time.
3) Adjust lighting – Glare from overhead fluorescent lighting or other competing light sources can cause a lot of strain on your eyes. Make sure your screen does not conflict with other lighting in your office. Close the blinds or shades on your office window if this helps. Remember, the more your eyes strain to see the computer, the less healthy this is in the long run.
Posted on May 4, 2010 in Latest News, New Technology
Latisse is being touted as one of the biggest beauty innovations of the decade. With the ability to give women longer, thicker lashes – it’s no surprise that more and more people are looking into alternatives. Latisse requires a doctor’s prescription and many patients who are enamored by the lash lengthening fluid want to get their hands on it without consulting their doctor. Many websites now actively sell bimatoprost (the active ingredient in Latisse) and advertise it as an easier way to lengthen lashes without a prescription. Many of these sites that sell bimatoprost are internationally based as to avoid US FDA laws that forbid the selling of the fluid to consumers without a prescription.
Using bimatoprost 0.03% ophthalmic solution as an off-label method of growing longer lashes can be dangerous for patients. The ophthalmic solution is meant to be used on the eye as an eyedrop as a treatment for glaucoma. The usage of ophthalmic solutions such as Careprost and Lumigan as a substitute for Latisse can be harmful – even when both contain the same percentage of bimatoprost as Latisse.
Using Careprost or Lumigan to imitate Latisse can lead to serious complications such as renegade lash growth, red eyes, irritation, and infection. While Latisse comes with disposable applicators, Careprost and Lumigan do not. Instead of using disposable applicators, users of Latisse substitutes will use q-tips or eyeliner brushes to apply the solution. Not sterilizing these tools can lead to bacteria build-up, increasing the risk of an eye infection.
It’s important to remember that the FDA approves these drugs for their intended purposes only. Lumigan and Careprost were created to treat glaucoma and were not created to lengthen lashes. Although all three do contain bimatoprost this does not mean that they all work to grow lashes in the same manner. Saving a few dollars may seem like a steal, but when it comes to the health of your eyes it is a high price to pay.
Posted on March 30, 2010 in Latest News
Have you ever experienced a stinging, burning feeling in your eyes? More often than not the feeling is caused by a condition called Dry Eye Syndrome. Many people may mistake symptoms of Dry Eye for getting a foreign substance like makeup or lotion in one’s eye. However if none of these substances is the culprit, this uncomfortable feeling is a sign that your eyes are not producing enough tears to keep them moist.
There are many external and internal culprits that cause dry eye syndrome. Living in a windy, dusty and dry area can be the sole cause. Many women experience dry eye syndrome due to hormone fluctuation. Birth control pills may contribute to dry eyes, along with menopause. Air-conditioned office environments also may increase dry eye symptoms. Diet is another factor as well – a lack of omega 3 fatty acids can cause the syndrome. A change in any of these factors can cause or cure dry eyes. But what if the symptoms still persist?
Frequent usage of artificial tears can relieve these symptoms. Depending on the severity of dryness, individuals can use artificial tears once a day and as frequently as once every hour. Bringing tears to air-conditioned or dry, windy places can help prevent discomfort before it occurs.
Please note that not all eye drops are good for dry eyes. Eye drops that are used to eliminate redness are NOT artificial tears. Unless the package label states that the formula contains artificial tears, do not use this to relieve dry eyes. Consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist to see what brands may work best for you.
For those with sensitive eyes, preservative-free artificial tears are recommended. Each brand of artificial tears may work differently on every individual – so try a few different brands and see which one works the best for you!
Posted on March 29, 2010 in Latest News
Here at GW Vision many of our patients who are big proponents of LASIK have been wearers of contacts. Over 35 million Americans wear contact lenses as a form of vision correction. Out of these 35 million 15% use extended wear contacts while another 15% wear gas permeable lenses – meaning a good 10.5 million Americans must be cognizant of maintaining their contact lenses daily.
Did you know that 1 out of 2,000 contact lens wearers will experience a vision-threatening infection? These odds are due to the fact that many contact lens wearers will oftentimes sleep with their contacts on, clean them poorly, or use their contacts longer than they are supposed to.
The odds of a vision- threatening infection due to LASIK are 1 out of 10,000 patients. These odds are indicative of the fact that LASIK is now safer than contacts. After decades of refinement and adjustment, LASIK is now the preferred form of correction because it eliminates the usage of contacts along with exposure to the health risks that frequent wear brings. Of course, the chances of contact lens-related infection will vary according to each person’s hygiene.
Contacts can, however, be a great solution for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK or PRK. A good contact lens fitting can make all the difference concerning eye health. Contact lenses that are too steep or flat for one’s eye can cause corneal damage. Be sure to consult your optometrist about your vision correction options before proceeding with either contacts or LASIK.
Posted on November 18, 2009 in Latest News
Have you ever experienced a stinging, burning sensation in your eyes? More often than not the feeling is caused by a condition called Dry Eye Syndrome. Many people may mistake symptoms of Dry Eye for getting a foreign substance like makeup or lotion in one’s eye. However if none of these substances is the cause, this uncomfortable feeling is a sign that your eyes are not producing enough tears to keep them moist.
There are many external and internal influences that cause dry eye syndrome. Living in a windy, dusty and dry area can be the sole cause. Many women experience dry eye syndrome due to hormone fluctuation. Birth control pills may contribute to dry eyes, along with menopause. Air-conditioned office environments also may increase dry eye symptoms. Diet is another factor as well – a lack of omega 3 fatty acids can cause the syndrome. A change in any of these factors can cause or cure dry eyes. But what if the symptoms still persist?
Frequent usage of artificial tears can relieve dryness. Depending on the severity, individuals can use artificial tears once a day and as frequently as once every hour. Bringing tears to air-conditioned or dry, windy places can help prevent discomfort before it occurs.
Please note that not all eye drops are good for dry eyes. Eye drops that are used to eliminate redness are NOT artificial tears. Unless the package label states that the formula contains artificial tears, do not use this to relieve dry eyes. Consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist to see what brands may work for you.
For those with sensitive eyes, preservative-free artificial tears are recommended. Each brand of artificial tears may work differently on every individual – so try a few different brands and see which one is most effective!
Posted on November 4, 2009 in Uncategorized
Understanding the loss of near vision.
A healthy, young eye is able to focus light from both far and near objects to create a clear image at all distances. By age 45, the eye’s natural lens is too stiff to focus on near points. As a result, near tasks like reading or computer work are blurry. This is a natural occurrence that affects us the rest of our life. The clinical term for the loss of near vision is presbyopia (prez-bee-‘O-pee-uh). It is possible to have poor near vision, but good distance vision.
Buying a pair of reading glasses is a quick way to improve near vision. While “readers” will help you read a book or dial a telephone number, they will not help you see far objects. Some find putting glasses on to see near and taking off to see far inconvenient.
The ACI Corneal Inlay is an investigational device. A no-cost clinical research study is currently underway. The purpose of the study is to examine the safety and effectiveness of the inlay.
The ACI Corneal Inlay no-cost research study.
Smaller than a contact lens, the ACI Corneal Inlay looks like a black ring. There is a tiny aperture or hole in the center of the inlay. The inlay may help to improve vision in two ways.
1. Creates a pinhole effect so near objects are clearer.
2. Focuses light rays so you can see a wider range of vision – near, intermediate (computer) and distance. During an out-patient procedure, the research doctor will implant the inlay in one eye. If needed, the ACI Corneal Inlay can be surgically removed.
You may be eligible to participate in the study if you are…
• Between the ages of 45 and 60.
• Using reading glasses to read or work on the computer.
• Not using glasses or contacts to see far objects.
• In good physical health.
• Able to meet other medical criteria determined by the research doctor.
Improvement in near vision.
The amount of time it takes to see an improvement in near vision varies. Some see better in a few days. For others, it takes several months, or there may be no improvement at all.
You can help your eye heal faster by using eye drops as prescribed. You will also be asked to practice reading without glasses. This activity will help train your inlay eye how to see near again.
The goal of the inlay is to reduce your need for reading glasses. You may continue to need glasses for reading very small print or in dim light.
Next steps.
If you are interested in learning if the ACI Corneal Inlay can reduce your dependence on reading glasses, contact Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute by telephone (858-455-6800) or email (gbwvi@gordonweissvision.com). You can also visit www.NearVisionStudy.com for more information.
The information about the ACI Corneal Inlay clinical research study is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment.
Caution: Investigational device. Limited by United States federal law to investigational use.
Posted on October 29, 2009 in Uncategorized
With Halloween approaching many of you may want to take your costume to a higher level of frightening by adding colored contact lenses or “costume lenses” for a visual effect. Even if you do not wear these lenses, many of you do know a friend or relative that will possibly wear these lenses for Halloween or even wear colored contacts on a daily basis to change one’s eye color.
Misusing these contacts or buying them from an unauthorized seller can lead to some serious problems such as infection, irritation, and scarring. Some costume contacts are sold under the name of “Theatrical” contacts which are hand-painted. While theatrical contacts can give you an amazingly scary look they are often hand painted with paints that irritate the eye. Our recommendation is to stay away from theatrical contacts as these are not sold by certified optometrists.
Here are some tips on how to ensure your contact lenses do not lead to serious eye issues:
A) Don’t wear the contacts for longer than a few hours
B) Don’t swap them with other people
C) Schedule a fitting with your optometrist.
D) Order your lenses from your doctor’s office. Contacts sold in costume shops or flea markets might be of questionable quality.
E) Clean your lenses properly!!!! As with normal contact lenses, putting contacts on with unwashed hands, leaving them in too long, and swapping them with others can increase your risk of a serious infection.
With these tips we wish you a great Halloween!
Posted on August 11, 2009 in Uncategorized
Latisse is the only FDA approved prescription treatment for growing your eyelashes Longer, Fuller and Darker. If you have short or thin eyelashes, Latisse is for you! It is easy to use – simply apply a once-daily prescription treatment to the base of your upper eyelashes. Patients report longer, fuller and darker eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, with full results in about 16 weeks.
BeforeAfter
Contact Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute for your prescription.
