An estimated 600,000 LASIK procedures are performed in the U.S. each year. Many patients who undergo LASIK assume it’s the last eye procedure they’ll ever need. But might the development of cataracts one day require you to see an eye surgeon again?

The Difference Between LASIK and Cataract Surgery

LASIK corrects farsightedness, nearsightedness and even astigmatism by reshaping the cornea of your eye. Cataract surgery corrects blurriness, discoloration and vision loss caused by progressive damage to the lens of your eye. These are two separate eye structures. Thus, even if you previously had LASIK, you still have the same odds of one day developing cataracts and needing cataract surgery.

For Cataract Patients Who Previously Had LASIK

Cataract patients who previously had LASIK should inform their ophthalmologist about their LASIK history. LASIK changes the shape of your cornea, which may affect how your doctor treats your cataracts. 

If you previously had LASIK, your cataract surgeon will need to take additional steps during the pre-operative planning stage to evaluate your eyes and choose the best intraocular lens implant (IOL). Specifically, your doctor will need to know:

• Your eye measurements before and after LASIK
• Vision correction prescription before LASIK
• Vision measurement after LASIK and before developing cataracts

The doctor who performed the LASIK procedure can provide this information to the ophthalmologist performing your cataract surgery.

Although having a history of LASIK adds an extra step to the pre-op stage of cataract surgery, as long as you inform your cataract surgeon in advance, it won’t affect your odds for success.

For LASIK Patients Who Previously Had Cataract Surgery

Yes, you can still have LASIK even after you have cataract surgery. In many cases, however, cataract surgery can actually eliminate the need for LASIK. Advancements in IOL technology, including multifocal lens implants, can correct many common vision problems.

It’s important to discuss your specific vision care options with an ophthalmologist who understands your eyecare history and all the treatment options available to you. A comprehensive eye exam is the best place to start. 

If you or someone you love is suffering with vision challenges, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.

Nearly 10 million people around the world have cataract surgery each year. Surgery is the only way to correct the vision loss that inevitably results from cataracts, and it’s proven to be one of the safest surgical procedures available. Still, cataract surgery isn’t always necessary the moment you’re diagnosed.

Developing cataracts may initially have little effect on your vision, allowing you to function comfortably with the condition in the short-term. Over time, however, cataracts always get worse. This progression may take months or perhaps years, depending on how early you’re diagnosed and how rapidly your cataracts develop. Eventually, cataracts will rob you of your vision entirely.

A general rule of thumb is that people seek cataract surgery when they experience disruption in their quality of life or significant vision loss. If you're able to read, watch television and read road signs with ease, there's a good chance that you can hold off on surgery.

Issues mainly arise when cataract symptoms progress to the point of:

• Discoloration, which impacts your quality of life and ability to see vivid colors
• The cloudiness of the eye leads to difficulty seeing and enjoying daily life tasks, such as reading or seeing someone's face

When quality of life suffers or you can no longer enjoy work, activities or hobbies because of cataracts, it's an excellent time to consider surgical treatment. An ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract treatment can also help you determine when moving forward with cataract surgery is the best solution for you.

And, with recent advancements in cataract surgery, including laser-assisted cataract surgical options, the entire procedure is pain-free, and many patients see clearly almost immediately. Plus, recovery side effects are limited, allowing most patients to fully return to their normal activities in a just matter of days.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cataracts, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your cataract surgery consultation.

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, an initiative by Prevent Blindness and the American Academy of Ophthalmology to bring awareness to eye care and safety at work. 

Thousands of workplace eye injuries occur each year in the U.S., but digital eye strain is often overlooked. Millions of Americans work at computers daily, leading many to suffer from the symptoms and effects of eye strain.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS), is a condition caused by prolonged and frequent use of computers, smartphones, tablets and other screens. 

An estimated 50% of computer users suffer from digital eye strain, which can cause:

• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Dry eyes
• Shoulder and neck pain
• Itching eyes

These symptoms can be caused by a number of things, including:

• Poor lighting in the room
• Glares on the screen
• Poor posture
• Improper viewing distance
• Uncorrected vision problems

Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time forces the eyes to work harder. Like the muscles in your body, overexertion of the eyes can cause strain and discomfort. 

How to Prevent Digital Eye Strain in the Workplace

If your job requires you to work at a computer for most of the day, there are steps you can take to help prevent digital eye strain.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

To prevent eye strain, experts recommend following the 20-20-20 rule:

• Every 20 minutes
• Take a 20-second break
• And look at something 20 feet away

That 20-second break will give your eyes a much-needed rest and help prevent headaches, dry eyes and other symptoms of eye strain. If you can, take an even longer break. 

To prevent dry eyes, make sure that you’re frequently blinking. Blinking helps keep your eyes moist and prevents dry eyes. 

Create an Ergonomic Workspace

Taking breaks is important, but it’s even more important to have an ergonomic workspace. For example, it’s important to sit an appropriate distance away from the screen and at an appropriate height.

Screens should be:

• 20-26" away from your eyes
• Just below eye level

Yellow-tinted eyeglasses can also help prevent eyestrain. These glasses block blue light and help increase contrast to reduce eye strain. Some of these glasses also have anti-reflective lenses to help further prevent strain.

Creating an ergonomic workspace also means:

• Changing the lighting in the room to prevent glares and reflections
• Choosing a monitor that can tilt or swivel into a more comfortable viewing position
• Using an adjustable chair to sit in an appropriate position

Correct Any Known Vision Problems

Uncorrected vision problems can increase the risk of digital eye strain and make symptoms even worse. 

If you haven’t visited your eye doctor in a while or you’ve been putting off getting glasses, contacts or other corrective solutions, now is a great time to change that. Correcting your vision problems can help prevent eye strain and allow you to work more comfortably.

Final Thoughts

Millions of Americans work at computers each day. Making an effort to prevent and treat digital eye strain can help improve eye health while reducing discomfort in the workplace. Use these tips to give your eyes a break and treat them with the care they deserve.

If you experience dry eyes or other symptoms associated with digital eye strain, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300. Our eye care experts can help diagnose and treat the root cause of your discomfort, allowing you to see clearly again and be your most productive self.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) causes 8.7% of all blindness worldwide. In the United States, 2% of people aged 50-59, and nearly 30% for people over age 75, have ARMD. So, it’s understandable that seniors should have routine eye exams to allow for early diagnosis and treatment.

What is ARMD?

As you age, a protein called drusen, along with small amounts of fat, form under your retinas. For many people, the protein is harmless and doesn’t lead to vision problems. For others, however, these protein and fat deposits grow larger and shift to the center of the retina, called the macula. As the deposit continues to grow, it prevents oxygen from reaching important eye structures, which leads to permanent central vision loss.

ARMD Symptoms

There are two main types of ARMD: dry and wet; with dry being the more common of the two. The primary symptoms of the two ARMD variants are the same.

• Straight-line distortion with lines becoming wavy

• Central vision in one or both eyes is reduced

• Low light level adaptation difficulties

• Color brightness and intensity loss

• Blurred vision, especially when reading

• Defined blind or blurry spot

Dry ARMD vs Wet ARMD

Dry ARMD is much more common than wet ARMD, representing 85-90% of ARMD cases. Thankfully, it also progresses more slowly, meaning patients maintain their vision for longer.

With wet ARMD, patients develop abnormal blood vessels in the macular area. These vessels often the leak fluid, leading to rapid and significant vision loss

ARMD Treatment

Treatment for ARMD primarily depends on the type of macular degeneration (dry or wet) and how far it has progressed. While the symptoms of both types of macular degeneration are similar, treatment options are not.

While no treatment can reverse ARMD, research shows that maintaining a healthy diet and increasing your daily intake of antioxidants may lower your risks.

In early stages of dry ARMD, treatment may include low vision rehabilitation, which is designed to help you compensate for loss of central vision by adapting to better leverage your peripheral vision.

In more advanced stages of ARMD, a telescopic lens implant may be an option. Implants may be implanted in one or both eyes, and work to magnify your current field of vision.

For wet ARMD, medications may help stop the formation of new blood vessels in the eye. There are also therapies to treat the abnormal vessels. These treatments may help slow vision loss, preserve existing vision and potentially regain some lost vision. 

If you notice changes in your vision, or believe you may have symptoms of ARMD, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care at 352-373-4300 to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.

Cataract surgery is among the safest and most effective surgical procedures in the world. It’s performed approximately 4 million times each year in the United States alone.

While no surgery should be taken lightly, cataract surgery is not considered a “major” medical procedure. In fact, cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning patients are released to return home the same day. And while cataract surgery is a relatively minor procedure, patients should educate themselves about what to expect and then select a surgeon with the right credentials and proven experience.

Major versus Minor Surgery

Major surgery is generally defined by the medical community as any invasive procedure that typically causes enough trauma to require an overnight or extensive recovery stay in a hospital. Major surgeries include procedures such as cardiac surgeries, joint replacements and appendectomies, among others.

Minor surgery is generally defined as any surgery that doesn’t rise to the definition of a major surgery. In minor surgeries, there is no need for the surgeon to open the body cavity, neither breathing assistance nor general anesthesia are typically required, and recovery does not require hospitalization. In all these regards, cataract surgery meets the definition of minor surgery.

Cataract Surgery Procedure and Recovery

During a cataract surgery procedure, the surgeon replaces the patient’s cataract-damaged natural eye lens with an artificial intraocular lens implant. The procedure requires only local anesthesia, temporarily numbing just a very small portion of the patient’s face, while the patient remains awake throughout the procedure.

Following the procedure, patients are fitted with a protective eye shield and taken into a recovery room while their eyes adjust to the new lens. Typically after just 30-60 minutes, patients are released to be driven home. Once home, they will wear the eye shield off and on as directed for a few days. During this time, vision may be cloudy or blurred. Depending on the patient, that can clear almost immediately or within a week or two.

Who Performs Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery should only be performed by a trained and skilled ophthalmologist. Some ophthalmologists, like Drs. Gregory Snodgrass and Matthew Gray, specialize in the procedure, and have performed thousands of successful cataract surgeries.

When selecting the right cataract surgeon for you, ask about their training, experience and resources, as well as the types of cataract surgery they offer. You may find laser-assisted cataract surgery preferable to traditional surgery, if offered by your ophthalmologist.

You may also want to consider their personality. You’ll likely visit with your ophthalmologist a few times prior to and following your cataract surgery, so it helps to find an ophthalmologist with whom you’re comfortable.

If you or a loved one is considering cataract surgery, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule a consultation.

An estimated 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only about half know that they have this eye disease. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, yet the condition remains a mystery to many people.

It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of glaucoma, and the available treatment options. If you’re experiencing patchy blind spots, this may be a key indicator of glaucoma and, as such, it shouldn’t be ignored.

Patchy Blind Spots May Indicate Open-Angle Glaucoma

If you’re experiencing patchy blind spots either in your central or peripheral vision, it could be a sign of open-angle glaucoma.

There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common is open-angle. Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage angle (the point where the iris and sclera meet) stays open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes partially blocked. The trabecular meshwork is a sponge-like tissue near the cornea, and it’s where aqueous humor (fluid) flows from the eye.

Over time, the blockage in the trabecular meshwork causes a buildup of pressure, which damages the optic nerve. Unfortunately, the process happens so gradually that many people don’t realize there’s a problem until they start losing their vision.

And patchy blind spots are just one of several signs of glaucoma.

Other Glaucoma Symptoms to Look Out For

In advanced stages, open-angle glaucoma can cause tunnel vision. This, along with patchy blind spots, are the two most common symptoms of open-angle glaucoma.

Closed-angle glaucoma (also known as acute angle-closure glaucoma) can cause:

• Blurred vision
• Severe headaches
• Seeing halos around lights
• Nausea or vomiting
• Eye irritation
• Eye pain

This form of glaucoma occurs when the iris bulges outward and narrows or blocks the eye’s drainage angle. The blockage prevents fluid from circulating properly, and pressure builds up. Closed-angle glaucoma can occur suddenly or develop gradually. In either case, it’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Diagnosing glaucoma is a straightforward process that starts with a comprehensive eye exam. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may perform several tests, including:

• Dilation and imaging tests to look for signs of optic nerve damage
• A tonometry, which measures intraocular pressure
• A pachymetry, which measures corneal thickness
• A visual field test to check for vision loss
• A gonioscopy, which inspects the drainage angle

Treatment Options

Unfortunately, glaucoma causes irreversible damage, but routine visits with your eye doctor and following your treatment plan can help slow the progression of the disease or prevent vision loss.

Treatments focus on reducing the pressure in your eye and can include:

• Prescription Eyedrops: The most common treatment to reduce pressure in the eye.
• Oral Medications: If eye drops aren’t enough to reduce the pressure, oral medication may be prescribed.
• Surgery or Laser Treatment: When all else fails, laser treatment or surgery may be recommended to improve drainage in the eye and reduce pressure.

In addition to these treatments, you will need to attend follow-up exams and may need to undergo additional procedures to keep the pressure under control.

While there is no cure for glaucoma, following your doctor’s recommended treatment protocol can help reduce pressure in the eye and prevent further damage.

If you’re experiencing patchy blindness or any other symptoms associated with glaucoma, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.

Cataract treatment has come a long way since the first successful cataract removal surgery back in 1747. Until recently, however, cataract surgery was still exclusively done manually, relying heavily on the experience and steady hands of the surgeon to limit possible post-surgical pain and discomfort during recovery.

Today, technology gives eye surgeons a dynamic new way to perform cataract removal surgery and the results earn high praise from patients.

Laser-Assisted Surgery is Revolutionizing Cataract Treatment

Laser-assisted cataract surgery, using state-of-the-art technology, like the LenSx Laser Cataract System used by North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, is more accurate than traditional surgery and offers pain-free recovery. The system precisely maps the eye using high-resolution images to provide detailed measurements and other data used to perform the surgery.

A computer-guided laser then makes a tiny incision in the eye, through which the surgeon inserts a small probe. That probe emits ultrasonic energy to break up the damaged lens. A second probe is then used to suction out the tiny fragments, followed by a third probe used to insert and position the new artificial intraocular lens implant.

Traditional vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Many ophthalmologists allow their cataract patients to choose between traditional or laser-assisted surgery, based on their preferences. In either case, the results of cataract surgery are life changing. There’s a 98% overall success rate using both traditional and laser-assisted treatment options, but with traditional surgery, there is a higher risk of side effects.

The primary difference in recovery and side effects stems from the fact that laser-assisted surgery allows the doctor to use less ultrasonic energy to break up the damaged lens. This makes the laser-assisted procedure pain-free.

Discussing your cataract surgery options with your eye surgeon prior to the procedure will help you better understand which treatment option is best for you. More often than not, laser-assisted surgery will be the optimal choice.

If you’re one of the 25 million people in the U.S. who has cataracts, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your consultation.

Nerf guns may top many kids’ holiday wish lists, but they could also pose a risk to your child’s vision. While the projectiles (known as darts) fired by these toy guns are mostly made up of squishy Nerf material, the tips are typically hard plastic, and they can travel in excess of 60 miles per hour, resulting in severe impacts to delicate eyes.

Nerf Gun-Related Eye Injuries

Being struck in the eye with a Nerf dart can result in bleeding, swelling, increased risk of cataracts and even vision loss. In one case, an 11-year-old child suffered extreme ocular damage, including all of the following:

• Hyphema (blood within the aqueous fluid)
• Corneal oedema (swelling of the cornea)
• Anterior uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)
• Localized angle recession (a tear in the ciliary muscle)
• Commotio retinae (traumatic retinopathy)

Other Toys that Pose Vision Risks

Nerf guns, of course, are not the only toys that pose risks to children’s eyes. Toy companies manufacture and promote everything from BB guns to metal swords as safe playthings for kids. When in reality, more than 225,000 emergency room visits result from toy-related injuries each year.

Projectile toys are by far the most dangerous for eye health. Whether it’s dart guns, paintball guns, BB guns, airsoft rifles or other so-called toys that launch objects through the air, parents should be aware of the real risks associated. Put simply, projectile toys are never safe.

Safety Measures Can Lessen the Risks

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that anyone who does purchase a projectile toy should also enforce wearing eye protection. Safety glasses, eye shields and other protective gear should be worn at all times while playing with these dangerous toys.

You can also help enforce eye safety through:

• Supervision to ensure that your child is being responsible during play.
• Adhering to the age guidelines set by the manufacturer.
• Reading through the safety warnings that come with the toy.

Treating Traumatic Eye Injuries

If your child suffers a traumatic eye injury, it’s wise to get them to the emergency room as quickly as possible. Immediate care can help reduce the risk of permanent damage. After initial treatment, it’s likely you will be referred to your local ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we treat a wide range of eye injuries for people of all ages. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.

After a hot, humid summer, you might enjoy the cooler days of fall and winter. However, with cooler weather also comes drier air. Humidity plummets in the winter, and that can leave your eyes feeling dry and irritated.

Preventing Dry Eyes in the Winter

Prevention is key when it comes to dry eyes. There are several steps you can take to help keep your eyes moisturized and irritation-free during the dry winter months.

Use a Humidifier: Low humidity is one of the leading causes of dry eyes in the winter. Forced air heating can really dry out the air in your home and most other indoor areas. An indoor humidifier can help restore some moisture back into the air and help combat dry eyes.

Don’t Crank Up the Heater: Keep your home as cool as comfortable to maintain a more manageable humidity range. While you shouldn’t put your health at risk, reducing your heater usage can help keep your eyes moisturized and prevent dry eyes.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain the moisture in your eyes. Experts recommend drinking a half-ounce to an ounce of water for each pound you weigh.

Limit Caffeine Consumption: Caffeinated beverages are diuretics, meaning they remove water from your body. If you drink several cups of coffee or tea per day, consider cutting back.

Shield Your Eyes: Extreme wind, cold and direct heat can all dry out your eyes. Wearing eye protection, utilizing hats with visors and turning car vents towards your lower body can all help combat eye dryness and itchiness in the winter.

Remove Eye Makeup Before Bed: Mascara, eyeliner and other eye makeup products can dry out your eyes. Leaving them on overnight may only make the problem worse.

Treating Dry Eyes

For people with mild, seasonal dry eye symptoms, artificial tear eyedrops may be sufficient to provide relief. They're available over the counter, and you can find them in most drug stores.

For people with persistent dry eye symptoms, a comprehensive examination from your eye doctor may be in order. Several factors can lead to dry eye syndrome. Once properly diagnosed, your eye doctor can treat the underlying cause and not just the symptoms.

The Dry Eye Center for Excellence at North Florida Cataract Specialist and Vision Care is a leader in diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome. Our specially trained staff help relieve patients’ dry eye pain every day. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your dry eye consultation.

Diabetes affects many parts of the body, including the eyes. Over time, sugar blocks the tiny, fragile blood vessels in your eyes that connect to the retina. That damage can cause the vessels to bleed or leak fluid. Blockages also cause your body to form new blood vessels that don’t function as well as the original vessels.

Over time, as diabetes continues to damage blood vessels in the eyes, it can lead to the development of these four vision problems.

1. Cataracts

People with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop cataracts. As sugar levels rise in the eye lens and aqueous humor (the fluid in the front part of the eye), the lens can swell and be damaged. Additionally, the glucose can be converted by an enzyme in the eye lens into a substance called sorbitol, which has been shown to contribute to cataract development over time.

Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, making it harder for light to pass through and reach the retina. In some cases, cataracts are mild, and vision is barely affected. Eventually, however, vision is so severely impacted that the person cannot see shapes or movement.

2. Glaucoma

Diabetes can also increase the risk of glaucoma, and the longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of developing this condition. In fact, people with glaucoma are twice as likely to develop cataracts.

When fluid can’t drain properly from the eyes, pressure builds up. That elevated pressure damages blood vessels and nerves, which can alter your vision.

There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common form is open-angle. Open-angle glaucoma can be treated with medication that improves drainage and reduces eye pressure. Unfortunately, symptoms may not appear with this type of glaucoma until the condition has progressed and caused major vision loss. However, your eye doctor can catch it during your routine comprehensive eye exam. 

Diabetes can also increase the risk of a less common form of glaucoma known as neovascular glaucoma. This condition causes blood vessels to form on the iris, which prevents fluids from flowing normally and increases eye pressure.

3. Blurred Vision

High blood sugar can also cause blurred vision. In addition, when glucose levels are higher than normal, it can cause the lenses in your eyes to swell and impact your vision.

While concerning, diabetes-imposed blurry vision can typically be corrected by simply getting your blood sugar back to its normal range.

4. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy develops because of high blood sugar levels. Without early intervention, this condition can cause complete vision loss. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control is an effective way to reduce your risk of this condition.

There are two primary forms of this condition.

• Nonproliferative: The most common form of retinopathy. Nonproliferative retinopathy causes the capillaries at the back of the eye to swell and create pouches.
• Proliferative: A more severe form of this condition. With proliferative retinopathy, the blood vessels become completely closed off, which causes new ones to form on the retina. These new, weak blood vessels can leak blood and cause vision loss.

Significant advancements have been made in the treatment of retinopathy. The sooner the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

If you are diabetic, it’s extremely important to have your eyes examined regularly to protect against and diagnose these potentially serious vision problems. At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, our optometrists are skilled at identifying the warning signs early, giving you the best chance of maintaining your eyesight. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule your eye exam.