Aging, Cognitive Decline, Vision & Hearing

Many people seem to think that getting older and normal aging results in an almost certain loss of cognitive abilities and nothing can be done to slow or halt this decline. Research doesn’t actually support this thinking, especially with regard to maintaining good vision and hearing. Researchers studied a group of people 50+ years of age from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and found that there is a clear pattern whereby seniors who work to avoid sensory impairment-particularly vision and hearing-do not experience the same magnitude or speed of cognitive decline as those who have a single sensory impairment and more so a dual sensory impairment. The message is quite simple-seniors and those at risk fir age related memory loss and cognitive decline need to be sure to maintain their eye health and vision and hearing.

If you or someone you know-especially those in the senior age group-has not had a thorough eye health and vision exam, please schedule an appointment at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, Galveston & League City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.

Computer Use, Your Eyes & Eyestrain

There are some important things to know about computer and video display terminal use, your eyes and eyestrain. Staring at your computer screen, smart phone, video game or other digital devices for long periods won’t cause permanent eye damage, but your eyes may feel dry and tired. Although there are no long-term studies at this time, we do not believe there is any reason to be concerned that 3-D movies, TV or video games will damage the eyes or visual system.

Normally, you blink about 18 times a minute, but only blink half that often while using computers and other digital screen devices, whether for work or play. Reading, writing or other intensive “near work” can also cause eyestrain of a similar nature.

It is helpful in avoiding computer related eyestrain if you first position yourself about24” from the screen you are viewing and with your eye gaze is slightly downward. It also helps to reduce glare from the screen by lighting the area properly and if possible use a screen filter if needed. It may seem silly but post a note that says “Blink!” on the computer as a reminder. Then, use the “20-20-20” rule. Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. It is also helpful to use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry. Make sure that you take regular breaks from computer work, and be sure to get enough sleep at night. Now, if you wear contact lenses for the computer screen it’s important that you use and care for them properly in order to avoid eye irritation, swelling, infection and vision problems. Also, give your eyes a break and wear your glasses instead of your contacts sometime. Consider a special prescription and lens coating for computer use to help manage eyestrain and fatigue.

If you wish to learn more about computers, vision, eyestrain and your eyes call The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Adrianna D. LASIK Experience

“I was referred by two co-workers/friends that had LASIK done here and boy was I glad I took them up on the referral. I scheduled my consultation, went in for my pre-op procedures which involves dilation and measurements of your eyes and cornea and I scheduled my LASIK procedure date and now I can see 20/20 just two days after the procedure. I went from -7.50 prescription wearing glasses to being able to see! It's amazing! Dr.Van is a sweet person and the whole experience was amazing. Everyone was very helpful and the procedure itself takes only around 15 minutes. More time prepping prior to the procedure. Dr. Van talked me through what to expect during the procedure and really eased my nerves. If you're tired of wearing glasses and contacts, definitely need to pay them a visit. $210 for pre-op and I paid $1099/eye and this price includes any follow ups and retouch-ups after the procedure up to 6 months. Go and check them out!”

If you or some you know is tired of the hassle of glasses or contact lenses for seeing at distance and would like to find out if LASIK might be a good vision correction option, please call The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Pterygia “Surfer’s Eye” & Melanoma Skin Cancer Risk

Does a Pterygium or "Surfer's Eye" Increase Melanoma Risk?

A pterygium (pronounced “tuh-RIJ-ee-uhm”) is an elevated, wedged-shaped bump of tissue on your eyeball that starts on the sclera or white of your eye-most often on the side near your nose and can extend to the cornea. Although A pterygium is commonly referred to as "surfer's eye" because being around bright sunlight for long periods of time-particularly the harmful UV reflected light from water such as the ocean-can increase your risk. But there are other causes as well and you don't have to be a surfer or ever see the ocean to get a pterygium. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun appears to be the primary cause for the growth of pterygia but exposure to dust and wind along with dry eye disease are very common causes. Pterygia usually develop in 30- to 50-year-olds, and are rarely are found in children. If you have a light skin complexion and light eyes you have a greater chance of getting a pterygium.

Recently, researchers reporting in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reported the results of a study that considered whether people who had pterygia were at greater risk of melanoma skin cancer. They felt that since pterygia seemed to me more common in light skinned, light eyed people who were exposed to a lot of sunlight, that maybe they had greater melanoma skin cancer risk. They found that having a pterygium indicates a significantly increased risk of developing a melanoma of the skin and that eye care providers who see patients with developing pterygia should advise these patients of this increased risk and recommend regular skin surveillance with a dermatologist. Further, we know that if a pterygium becomes inflamed and affects the cornea, excision- pterygium surgery-may be necessary to avoid vision changes from corneal distortion or even scarring.

If you or someone you know has a pterygium, please schedule an eye exam at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Floaters, Flashes, Retinal Tears & Nearsightedness

Floaters are an eye condition that can be an annoyance and may even be frightening. Floaters may appear as tiny specks or “cobwebs” or as small dark shadows, “thread-like” strands or even “squiggly” lines that actually float around in your field of vision. They tend to move as your eyes move, but not necessarily in the same direction, and often just drift away when your eyes stop moving. The “back of the eye” is filled with a gel-like substance called the vitreous gel which tends to shrink and become somewhat “stringy” as we age. These strands of vitreous cast shadows on the retina and creates the appearance of floaters. The likelihood of experiencing floaters increases as we get older and is more common if you are very nearsighted. We know that as it becomes more liquid like, occasionally, a small section of the vitreous gel may pull away from the retina all at once instead of slowly and gradually and result in a noticeable and sudden increase in the number of floaters that you see and can be frightening. This is called a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) and is NOT sight threatening. However, we know from multiple studies that PVD sometimes is accompanied by retinal tears. Further, if the floaters are accompanied by seeing flashes of light or a distortion or a decrease in your side vision accompanies it, it could be a retinal detachment, which is a sight threatening medical emergency.

If you experience any of these symptoms you should explain these symptoms to the receptionist and ask for an immediate appointment at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Steps to Lower Your Risk of Eye Disease

5 Steps to Lower Your Risk of Eye Disease

By age 65, one in three Americans will have a vision-impairing eye disease. Many sight-robbing conditions can be effectively treated if detected early enough, in many cases limiting or eliminating the damage to eyesight. Four eye diseases-age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts-account for most cases of adult blindness and low vision among people in the U.S. Because these eye diseases cause no pain and often have no early symptoms, they do not automatically prompt people to seek medical care. But a thorough eye exam can detect them in their earliest stages allowing early treatment which is vital because it can slow or halt disease progression or, in the case of cataracts, restore normal vision. A thorough eye exam can also detect other health conditions, such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and some cancers. Here are some steps to helping preserve your eye health and vision:

Get a Comprehensive Medical Eye Exam at Age 40-Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at this age. If you have not already had one, a comprehensive medical eye exam is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages.

Know Your Family History-Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your eye doctor evaluate your risk.

Eat Healthy Foods-A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold water fish.

Stop Smoking-Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye.

Wear Sunglasses-Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataract, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer. Always wear a hat and sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection while outdoors.

If you have not had a comprehensive medical eye exam be sure to schedule one by calling The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

The Eye Clinic of Texas is an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, the largest ophthalmology clinic in the nation. We are a leading eye care practice serving the greater Houston, Galveston & League City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.

Early Treatment Prevents Vision Loss from Diabetic Retinopathy

Preventing vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is achievable with early detection and diagnosis. Laser treatment-called Pan Retinal Photocoagulation-as well as injections of drugs that prevent and reverse new blood vessel growth-called VEGF inhibitors-have both been found to be effective. A recent study in JAMA Ophthalmology compared the two treatment options over a 5 year period to see which one by itself, as well as whether used together, these options provided the best results for patients suffering from the retinal complications of diabetes. The researchers found that visual acuity in most study eyes was very good at 5 years and was similar for both treatments and severe vision loss or serious complications were uncommon with either treatment as well. However, the VEGF inhibitors treatment group had less vision loss from Diabetic Macular Edema-a swelling of the central retina from diabetes and less actual visual field loss. Thus, either treatment option is effective for maintaining vision with diabetic retinopathy and in some instances can be combined to provide the best overall vision.

The best way to avoid vision loss from the complications of diabetes such as diabetic retinopathy is to have regular eye exams so problems can be detected as soon as possible. If you or someone you know has diabetes they should schedule regular eye exams at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Charles T. Cataract & Lens Implant Experience

“From my initial visit with The Eye Clinic of Texas, I was confident in their ability to improve my vision in both eyes with the ReSTOR® multifocal lens. I couldn’t for see the vision they described I would gain from the surgery and the lens. They reassured me I would be forever grateful I chose that lens. Not only did they improve my vision but they also eliminated the need for wearing glasses for reading and for distance. I recommend The Eye Clinic of Texas and their staff to all my friends.”-Charles T.

If you or some you know is experiencing cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants please call The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Common Drugs & Light Colored Eyes Increase UV-Related Eye Problems

Did you know that some common drugs and light colored eyes can actually increase your risk of UV related eye problems? Even for many people who are taking certain drugs and have light-colored eyes they are unaware of the increased risk of certain eye diseases and conditions.

Studies have shown that, in addition to skin cancers, accumulated ultraviolet exposure from the sun can heighten the risk of eye diseases such eye cancer and cataracts, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Intense UV exposure can also cause temporary blindness known as photokeratitis, while extended sun exposure is linked to growths such as pterygium, or surfer's eye. Consumer market research demonstrates that about half of the patients taking antibiotics containing tetracycline, or fluoroquinolones like Cipro, some birth control and estrogen pills and certain anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen Advil and naproxen sodium Aleve are unaware that these medications are “photosensitizing” and increase the risk of eye problems from UV rays. In addition, more than half-54 percent of Americans-have light-colored eyes-blue, green or hazel which are more susceptible to UV damage. While people with eyes of any color can develop UV-related eye diseases, light eyes and sun exposure are associated with an increased risk of rare eye cancers, such as iris and uveal melanomas.

While it is just common sense to wear UV eye protective sunglasses, those in the higher risk groups above should be particularly cautious about UV eye protection-particularly if you work or spend a great deal of time outdoors. To learn more call The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Back to School Contact Lens Care

Contact Lens 101: A Back-to-School Must for Teens

Did you know that 25% of children and adolescent emergency room visits related to medical devices are for contact lens problems? Many of our children and teenagers start wearing contact lenses as they enter junior high or high school. Safe and enjoyable contact lens wear does require good hygiene and care in order to prevent a risk of infection. Young people are notoriously poor at caring for their contact lenses, creating a potential gateway for serious eye infections that can cause impaired vision or even blindness. Research has shown that poor contact lens care practices by teens and young people raise their risk of eye conditions such as infectious keratitis and corneal ulcers. In the most severe cases, they may require corneal transplants to restore sight. Fortunately, contact lens eye infections can be prevented by following simple contact lens care guidelines. Here are some practical safety tips that teens with contact lenses should follow to avoid eye infections.

New Quarter, New Case! Replacing your contact lens case every three months will help keep germs at bay. To make it easy to remember, swap out your case at the beginning of each quarter. Waiting to replace contact lens cases after 6 months increases the risk of eye infection by nearly 5.5 times!

Just Say NO to H₂0. You may be captain of the swim team, but you shouldn’t swim, shower or go in a hot tub wearing lenses. Water from the tap might be clean enough to drink or bathe in, but it’s still home to the parasite Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe eye infections resulting in vision loss. For the same reasons, NEVER use water to rinse or soak contact lenses or cases.

You Snooze, You Lose. Never sleep in your contact lenses. Even occasionally sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of moderate to severe eye infection by 6.5 times. Unfortunately, a poll of nearly 100,000 people by BuzzFeed found that about 70 percent of respondents occasionally or regularly sleep in their contact lenses.

It’s Too Late If You Wait. Symptoms of eye infections include redness, pain and light sensitivity and requiring examination and evaluation immediately. Waiting to get examined or treated could lead to vision loss.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more or has questions about contact lens hygiene and safety, please schedule an appointment at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

ADHD & Focusing Problems in Children

Did you know that ADHD can cause focusing problems in children? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders in children and cause many difficulties-including focusing problems. A clinical study reported in Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology evaluated the relationship between the neurological system that controls attention and eye focusing. They found that children with ADHD have a less accurate focusing, or accommodative response and may affect attentional deficits, which could have a direct impact on the academic, cognitive, and visual performance of ADHD children.

If you or someone you know has a child with ADHD and would like to learn more about focusing problems in children or schedule an eye exam please call The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, Google or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.