Your Source for Whole Health Eye Care Information
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism is a refractive error. It is not an eye disease or an eye problem, but rather a condition in which the eye does not focus light precisely on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). Characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea, astigmatism usually is present at birth.
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. They can give the appearance of a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens is located inside the eye behind the iris, which is the colored part of the eye. It is what our eyes use to focus light on the retina, which in turn sends the image through the optic nerve to the brain. However, if a cataract clouds the lens, light is scattered so the lens can no longer focus properly, causing vision problems. As the condition progresses, the clouded lens allows less light to pass through your eye, and your vision becomes blurred.
Digital eye strain, also referred to as computer vision syndrome, is the physical discomfort that follows after prolonged computer use. Whether it is your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for an extended period of time. As screen time increases at home or in the office, so do symptoms. From dry eyes and headaches, to shoulder and neck pain as well as blurred vision, the extent to which an individual will experience visual symptoms often depends on their level of visual ability and amount of time spent looking at a digital screen.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop the condition, as it is often the result of poorly controlled blood sugar. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness affecting all diabetics, and increases the risk of blindness if left untreated.
A retinal detachment can occur at any age and is considered a medical emergency. A detached retina is a serious sight-threating event. In fact, if not treated promptly, a retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. The retina is a light sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eyes. When light passes through the eyes, the retina converts it into impulses that travel through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as the images we see. Needed for reading, driving, and seeing fine detail, a healthy, intact retina is key to clear vision.
Now that it is winter, it’s a good time to get that chemical peel you have been thinking about all summer. A chemical peel is like giving your face a fresh start. It can address skin concerns ranging from hyperpigmentation, acne scars, wrinkles, skin tone and dehydrated skin among other things. The truth is, your skin spent a lot of time enjoying the beautiful sunny weather we are blessed with in San Diego. And, while warm weather pleases most of us, sunlight can also damage your skin. Blemishes, pigment spots, raised veins, redness and wrinkles are all a result of sun exposure, and moisturizing cream can only do so much. In fact, the dead cells on the outermost layer of your skin can actually block the effects of your moisturizer no matter how good it is.
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a natural way to improve the look of your skin. Whether you live in sunny San Diego, or one of the colder cities, every woman wants to look her best. Years of trauma to your skin can leave a lasting mark. From pigmentation and acne scars, to fine lines and overall pore size, microneedling can help revive your skin. It involves the use of fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of the skin. This process is virtually painless, as a topical numbing cream is applied well in advance. The puncture wounds, or micro-injuries, stimulate the body’s natural wound healing process. This results in an increase of collagen and elastin production, which is key to youthful looking skin.
Platelet-rich plasma is used in, sports medicine, dentistry, and more recently in dermatology for skin rejuvenation. Platelet-rich plasma has long been known as an effective treatment in various surgical and medical fields. Today, it is catching the attention of many for its ability to revitalize skin. Both the face and neck areas can be treated. Additionally, it is also used to improve the appearance of acne scars. Because platelet-rich plasma increases type I collagen and works to repair and regenerate damaged tissues, it has the potential to promote the rejuvenation of aged or prematurely aging skin caused by repeated exposure to UV rays.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve. The optic nerve carries information about what is being seen from the eye to the brain. As the nerve becomes damaged over time, vision is lost. This can result in misty and patchy vision. The condition is often linked to a buildup of pressure inside the eye. As this pressure increases, damage to the optic nerve can occur. If the damage continues, it can eventually lead to permanent vision loss. Without treatment, glaucoma may result in total blindness within a few years.
Pediatric eye care is a specialized type of eye care that focuses on the visual development and vision care of children. When it comes to eye care, your child needs to be treated differently than an adult. From common childhood conditions such as amblyopia (poor visual development) and strabismus (misaligned eyes) to more complex pediatric disorders such as retinal and orbital tumors, glaucoma or cataracts, it is important to ensure that your child’s eyes remain healthy. Be proactive by taking your infant in for a comprehensive eye exam.
