The Eye Clinic of Texas

Don’t Let COVID or Cataracts Slow You Down!

“After 2 cataract surgeries, I can say that everything was done with precision, the utmost concern and thorough care during COVID. I had several follow up appointments to make sure I was healing properly. I wish Dr. Milstein could be my doctor in all areas of health!”— Ellen S.

If you or someone 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, or Facebook.

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, League City and Texas City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573 and 7111 Medical Center Drive, Suite 110, Texas City, Texas 77590.

Astigmatism Lens Implants & Cataract Surgery

If you have astigmatism, and need cataract surgery, it is likely that your cataract surgeon will recommend a toric lens implant to correct your vision. A recent study reported in the Journal of Refractive Surgery suggested that the best results of astigmatism cataract lens implants was achieved by performing the cataract surgery using the femtosecond laser as a laser cataract surgery procedure. The laser procedure allowed for better marking of the axis of the astigmatism correction adding to the precision of the final results.

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 us at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, or Facebook.

Lifestyle Choices for Glaucoma Prevention

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, affecting nearly 60 million people. With healthy lifestyle choices it may be possible to minimize the risk of vision loss from glaucoma. Certain habits may help minimize the risk of losing vision, beyond drugs, lasers and surgery.

· Exercise Regularly. A recent study showed that people who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity appear to have a 73 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. This is because blood flow and pressure inside the eye may change with exercise, which may affect glaucoma risk.

· Diet. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially green, leafy ones. One study showed that people who ate more leafy vegetables have a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. Why? Nitrates in green vegetables can be converted to nitric oxide, which can improve blood flow and help regulate pressure inside the eye.

· Drink Coffee-Better yet, Drink Tea Instead of Coffee. A study published last month showed that people who consumed at least one cup of hot tea daily had 74 percent decreased odds of having glaucoma compared with those who did not consume hot tea. A little coffee is fine, but excessive caffeine intake is not ideal.

· Consider Taking a Magnesium Supplement. Studies suggest that an adequate intake of dietary magnesium may be beneficial for patients with glaucoma. Why? Magnesium improves circulation and seems to have a beneficial effect on glaucoma patients’ vision.

· Brush, Floss & Visit the Dentist Regularly. A recent study showed that tooth loss may be linked to increased glaucoma risk. This is because periodontal disease may trigger an inflammatory response that can contribute to glaucoma.

· Don’t smoke. Studies indicate that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of glaucoma, and has an overall negative impact on eye health.

· Maintain a healthy body weight. Studies show that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk for diabetes, and having diabetes puts people at risk of glaucoma. Having a too low BMI is also associated with increased glaucoma risk.

· Avoid Inverted Postures in Yoga. Studies show head-down positions can increase eye pressure and are not recommended for glaucoma patients. There are plenty of yoga exercises that don’t have this effect

· Avoid neckties. Researchers say that a too-tight necktie may increase the risk of glaucoma by increasing blood pressure inside the eyes.

Get screened regularly for glaucoma, especially if you have a family history of the condition. Researchers have recently identified certain genes that increase the risk of glaucoma. Those at higher risk of glaucoma include people of African descent, people with diabetes, and those with a family history of glaucoma.

If you or someone you know is over 40, or has other glaucoma risk factors please schedule a glaucoma eye exam at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, or Facebook.

Know Your Glaucoma Risk Factors

Did you know that glaucoma doesn’t affect all of us equally? January Glaucoma Awareness Month is an excellent time to Know Your Glaucoma Risk Factors! Your glaucoma risk is increased if:

· You are over 40 years old

· You are African American. Africa Americans are 6-8x more likely to get glaucoma and 6-8 x more likely to have sever vision loss and blindness.

· You have diabetes. People with diabetes are 2x more likely to get glaucoma.

· You are Hispanic American. Hispanic Americans face an increased risk comparable to African Americans, but the disease may also progress faster as they age, compared with other ethnic groups.

· You are Asian American. Asians are at an increased risk for the less common types of glaucoma: Angle-Closure Glaucoma and Normal-Tension Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss, affecting about 3 million people in the United States. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the eye’s optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits visual information to the brain, allowing us to see. Because glaucoma often progresses slowly, affecting just peripheral or side vision, people with glaucoma can lose most of their vision before they even experience any symptoms. Central vision, the vision used to read, drive or watch TV, is unaffected until the disease is advanced. Just because you think you can see well, doesn’t mean all is well. The key to preventing vision loss from glaucoma is early detection, diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know needs a glaucoma eye exam, please schedule an appointment today at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, 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 and Texas City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573, 7111 Medical Center Drive, Suite 110, Texas City, Texas 77590 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.

Cataract Patient Story

“Dr. Milstein is a MIRACLE WORKER! I could not see to drive at night because of the glare. Since my cataract surgery it’s not a problem at all. It was easy, pain free and I can see great. Thank you Dr. Milstein and staff!"-Robert C.

ECOT LASIK Experience

“My LASIK experience with Dr. Milstein has been great. I was nervous about the procedure and he was very calm and patient with explaining everything to me. It was quick and painless! Anytime I had questions or concerns after the LASIK the office staff was quick to respond via text or phone. I highly recommend them!-Erika S.”

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 or SMILE 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, or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Ethnicity Increases Eye Disease Risk

While it may be widely known that the risk of vision loss increases with age, you may be less aware that one’s ancestry and ethnicity can play a significant role in increasing odds.

Researchers reporting in the journal Ophthalmology reported a link between African ancestry in Latino-Americans and increased intraocular pressure, a major risk factor for the eye disease glaucoma. This is one of the latest examples of a growing body of research showing that certain minority groups are at greater risk for serious eye conditions that can cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated. As a reminder, Americans of African, Latino and Asian heritage need to be aware of their increased risk for eye diseases. It is sharing information about eye disease among these ethnic groups to encourage people of these backgrounds to take early steps to protect their sight.

Compared to Caucasian Americans, African- and Latino-Americans have a much higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.
Asian-Americans are at a significantly greater risk for developing angle-closure (acute or narrow-angle) glaucoma. While less common than open-angle glaucoma, if untreated it can still cause irreversible vision loss.

Many eye diseases may have no apparent symptoms in their early stages. Signs can remain hidden unless detected through a dilated eye exam. These exams are the best way to detect eye diseases so they can be treated early to help prevent vision loss.

If you or someone you know is of African, Latino and Asian ancestry and concerned about their risk of eye disease, please schedule and eye exam with eye doctors at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Preventing Vision Loss From Diabetes

Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. This is a growing problem as the number of people living with diabetes increases, so does the number of people with impaired vision. Diabetes can cause a disease of the eye called diabetic retinopathy (DR). In its early stages, you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight, and you cannot tell that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently. A recent study, conducted at Centers for Disease Control found that the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was high, affecting almost one-third of adults over age 40 years with diabetes, and more than one-third of African-Americans and Mexican Americans.

If you or someone you know has diabetes there are important steps you can take to prevent vision loss including a) maintain good control of your blood sugar and blood pressure with diet, exercise and medications prescribed by your physician, b) having regular eye exams as recommended by your eye doctor. Depending on how long you have had diabetes and the health of your retina, your eye doctor may recommend specialized testing including scans and pictures in order to monitor changes that occur from diabetic retinopathy. Be sure to follow up on appointments and testing.

The key to preventing vision loss from diabetes and diabetic retinopathy is early detection, diagnosis and treatment if necessary. If you or someone you know is concerned about diabetes and diabetic eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy please be sure to 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, or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

Caution: Kids & Laundry Detergent Pods

Kids are curious! Laundry packets or laundry pods are often brightly colored, and kids may mistake them for toys or candy. If a laundry packet is popped, the detergent can severely burn the cornea, eyelids and skin around the eyes. Chemical burns to the eyes can result in lifelong decreased vision or total blindness. If children swallow laundry packets, the poisoning can be fatal. Unfortunately laundry pod detergent eye injury has increased over the past several years according to researchers reporting in JAMA Ophthalmology. Recent data suggest there has been greater than a 30 fold increase in these injuries among kids. The message is clear-if you use laundry pods, make sure you know the risks. Store them safely and keep them out of the hands of children.

If you or a child experiences an alkali chemical eye burn, please immediately rinse with cold water and attempt to get as much of the detergent out of the eyes as possible. Then, take them to the emergency room immediately and have them call our office at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, 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 and Texas City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573, 7111 Medical Center Drive, Suite 110, Texas City, Texas 77590 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.

About Plaquenil, Your Retina & Side Effects

Plaquenil is a medication that was originally used to prevent or treat malaria, a serious but rare disease caused by bites from infected mosquitoes. It turns out that this drug is helpful in treating inflammatory diseases such as certain types of inflammatory disease. Inflammatory disease occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. Some diseases treated with Plaquenil include:

Lupus, which causes fever, rashes, skin problems, and other symptoms.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints of your hands and feet.
Sjorgren’s Syndrome, which causes dry eyes and dry mouth.

Plaquenil lowers your immune system’s ability to cause inflammation. This can help control symptoms like rashes, skin and mouth sores and joint pain. However, Plaquenil has side effects that can affect your eyes. A rare side effect of Plaquenil is damage to the eye's retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Using Plaquenil for a long period of time may harm the retina, causing serious vision loss. People with retinal damage from Plaquenil are not aware at first that they are losing vision. Unfortunately, once they lose a severe amount of vision loss, it is permanent.

If you take Plaquenil, it is very important to see an eye doctor who can examine your retina and provide any other testing and imaging, to check your retina for problems before serious damage occurs. Please schedule an eye exam with eye doctors at The Eye Clinic of Texas, an affiliate of Houston Eye Associates, at 800-423-3937, visit The Eye Clinic of Texas, or facebook.com/ecot.lasik.

About Eyelid Twitches

If you have ever had an eyelid twitch for an extended period of time, you know how annoying it is. An eyelid twitch (or tic) is when you have a spasm or slight movement of your upper or lower eyelid. It comes on suddenly, and can last for a minute, hours, days or even longer. While it may feel as if everyone can see the twitch, most twitches are slight enough that they can’t be seen by someone simply looking at your face. Most common eyelid twitches are harmless, and do not affect your vision. However, there are some neurological problems that can make eyelid muscles contract, such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. These less common conditions generally tend to cause the eyelids to close more fully and for longer periods of time, limiting or completely blocking vision. Other muscles in the face may be affected as well. For the majority of us, the common eyelid twitch is a brief and minor annoyance.

But when it lasts longer or occurs more frequently than usual, there are some steps you can take to make it go away:

Get Some Sleep!

Eyelid twitches often happen to people when they are overly tired. Get some restorative sleep.

Step Back From Stress!

Being under stress can lead to a twitch. If you can’t eliminate something causing you stress, find stress-reducing activities to help get rid of the twitch.

Cut Back On Caffeine!

As a stimulant, caffeine can cause eyelid spasms. Limiting your coffee, tea or soda intake may help to reduce eyelid twitching.

Moisturize Your Eyes!

In some cases, having irritated or dry eyes can lead to eyelid spasms. Get a dry eye exam if necessary or if you are bothered by dry eye problems.

If you or someone you know has ongoing eyelid twitching and gritty, uncomfortable eyes 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, 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 and Texas City with offices at 1100 Gulf Freeway, Suite 114, League City, Texas 77573, 7111 Medical Center Drive, Suite 110, Texas City, Texas 77590 and 2302 Avenue P, Galveston, Texas.