Vision Testing & General Eye Examinations
Routine annual eye examinations and vision testing are highly recommended for patients of all ages. From children to seniors, examination of the eyes can be very useful for the early identification and prevention of both eye-related illness and general health concerns. In fact, the eyes are the only place within the body where blood vessels can be directly visualized. Thus, examination of the eyes and retina can give unique insights into the health of the body’s entire blood or vascular system.
The opportunities for vision improvement are also greater than ever. Through the use of prevention, proper nutrition, dietary supplements, the diligent use of eye medications, optical, laser, and surgical approaches, most eyes can be benefited and improved in the quality of images they create. These enhanced images can in turn affect the overall quality of vision, one of our major sensory inputs. Comprehensive eye examinations which include testing for visual acuity, clarity, visual fields, contrast sensitivity, depth of field (stereopsis), and suggestions for treatments as needed, can directly impact our quality of life and levels of functioning.
Of course, any time vision and eye-related problems do occur, early evaluation and treatment can make all the difference. Rapid diagnosis and intervention can restore and improve vision and also improve the appearance of the eyes themselves.
Many excellent options are now available for out-patient refractive surgery procedures, contact lenses, and designer eyewear, all tailored to your needs. Call or email our office to schedule your consultation today!
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Cataracts
A cataract is the name used to describe the lens of the human eye when that lens begins to become cloudy or opacified. With enough time, aging and exposure to the suns rays, nearly all eyes will develop some amount of cataract. When vision begins to be affected by a cataract and especially when poor vision causes difficulties with the activities of daily living, then treatment of a cataract is typically recommended.
The treatments for cataracts have evolved and advanced quite a bit over the years. Using the current technologies available, cataracts can generally be treated during a rapid outpatient procedure through the clear cornea, using no-stitch surgery, and a topical or surface anesthesia approach. This means that generally speaking, suturing is not required or necessary, and this approach makes the recovery period even easier.
At Newport Eye Physicians, we offer treatment for cataracts, including the break-up and removal of the cloudy lens material (a process called phacoemulsification) with a technology that uses focused ultrasound energy. Cataract treatment is completed with the placement of a new high-tech intra-ocular lens (IOL). Many options exist for these IOL’s including newer lens implant technologies which assist in distance and near vision improvements (such as the new Acrysof ReSTOR lens). These intraocular lenses can decrease the dependence on glasses and make many patients completely independent and free from glasses. Pre-operative measurements assist in determining the best possible IOL strength needed to maximize the vision outcome of the cataract surgery. These options are reviewed and personalized during cataract consultations. For more information about cataracts and these treatment options, call or email our office to schedule your consultation.
You may also refer to the following web site link for more cataract-related information: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp
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Diabetic Eye Examinations
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision loss and disability in the U.S. Both insulin-dependent (type I) and non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetics are at a greatly increased risk for vision and eye-related problems, including diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes can and does impact every aspect of the visual system, especially when blood sugar is poorly controlled. Diabetes has an impact on the eye primarily because elevated blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia can cause a signal for new blood vessel growth (called neovascularization) both inside and outside of the eyes. These new blood vessels are dangerous because they grow into areas in which they do not belong and have a tendency to start leaking. When blood or proteins leak from these blood vessels or even from other “normal” blood vessels, vision can be mildly to severely impaired. One of the greatest dangers for patients with diabetic retinopathy is that damage from hyperglycemia on the eyes can go largely unnoticed and progress silently until dramatic and sudden vision loss occurs. Routine eye examinations and care with preventive measures and interventions as needed can be vision saving.
At Newport Eye Physicians we encourage all diabetics and those with borderline blood sugars to participate in routine eye examinations and eye health education programs geared toward diabetics. Professional eye care along with the close monitoring of blood sugar, under the supervision of an endocrinologist, internist, family practice physician, or even pediatrician, can make all the difference in the long-term effects of diabetes and the risks of visual impairment. Blood glucose monitoring, a carefully planned and controlled diet, a proper exercise regimen, and close compliance with any prescribed medication plan, along with evaluation of the HbA1c blood test every three months are all critical steps to winning the battle against diabetes.
Call or email our office to schedule your consultation and evaluation today!
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Glaucoma
Annual visits for the general population and semi-annual or more frequent evaluations for those at higher risk are highly recommended. For those with any family history of glaucoma or a predisposition toward or diagnosis of this condition, close monitoring of the eyes and optic nerves is essential.
Besides vision monitoring, eyes affected by glaucoma must be followed for their intra-ocular pressures (or IOP’s), their peripheral vision (through visual field testing) and their optic nerve health status (through monitoring and recording of subtle changes in the nerve’s appearance). Treatments include medical, laser, and surgical options. Treatments are specific to the needs of each patient and each eye. The keys to success in glaucoma, with the goals of maximal vision retention and improvement, can best occur through early diagnosis and therapeutic treatments.
At Newport Eye Physicians, we can answer all your questions and concerns about glaucoma as well as the following related conditions:
Normal tension glaucoma – a condition where glaucoma exists in the setting of normal IOP
Ocular hypertension – a condition where the IOP is elevated but without established glaucoma
Glaucoma suspect – a condition where glaucoma is likely to develop but has not yet done so
Call or email our office to schedule your consultation and evaluation today!
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Macular Degeneration (or Age-Related Macular Degeneration, AMD)
This condition tends to be prevalent in increasing numbers among the elderly and is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. in patients over 65 years old. Macular degeneration is also the most common cause of vision loss in the Western world. With the aging of the baby boomer generation, a great many people are at risk for this condition which has been called “the silent thief of vision.”
Risk factors other than increasing age include a positive family history, cigarette smoking, farsightedness (hyperopia), light eye or iris color, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, heart disease, nutritional factors and light toxicity.
The condition generally exists as two types, “dry” AMD which accounts for 90% of cases and “wet” AMD which accounts for 10% of cases. Like most eye conditions, early diagnosis is critical to successful rehabilitation and to maximize the ultimate vision potential. Vision loss or difficulty is generally gradual and affects the central portion of vision most. A great deal of promising research and advances are now occurring for treatments of macular degeneration, particularly the “wet” form. More treatments for “dry” AMD appear to be on the horizon.
At Newport Eye Physicians, we have access to the most up to date investigational research, available options, and resources for macular degeneration, the leading cause of legal blindness and loss of vision in this country. Proper supplementation options and education are also available and emphasized. As a caution, for example, smokers should not take higher doses of beta carotene due to the recent findings of an increased risk of lung cancer (AREDS study). Current treatment options are tailored to the particular type of macular degeneration either wet or dry. With optimal supplementations (dietary and eye antioxidants), education, laser treatments, and the most recent medications which help to prevent new blood vessel growth in the retina, the potential for success against macular degeneration is rapidly improving.
Call or email our office to schedule your consultation and evaluation today.
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Dry Eyes & Allergies
Dry eyes and eye allergies are very common conditions. Many different conditions can produce a deficiency of one or more layers of the healthy tear film and a secondary ocular irritation pattern. Usually, the cause of dry eyes relates to a decrease in tear production, tear-film instability, or increased tear film evaporation, or even a combination of these factors.
Keep in mind that Vitamin A deficiency and some forms of acne can also contribute to dryness of the eyes. Allergies may be seasonal, non-seasonal (atopic), eye-drop related or contact lens related.
Fortunately, many treatment options are available and each can be adjusted according to the severity or needs of each patient. As a tip, artificial tear eye drops, particularly those which are preservative free, can be tried as an initial therapy and often give some degree of benefit.
To assist with and resolve any symptoms you may be experiencing, call or email our office to schedule your consultation and evaluation today!
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Eye Related Accidents or Injuries
At Newport Eye Physicians we provide the diagnosis and treatment of many injury related events and offer full service preventative measures and advising. In many cases, time will be of the essence.
In general, chemical or foreign body injuries should be thoroughly irrigated and be brought for examination at the soonest opportunity.
Blunt force injuries should be quickly stabilized with an external ice compress and also be brought for examination at the soonest opportunity.
Call or email our office to schedule your consultation and evaluation today!
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Eyelids and Positioning
Both cosmetic and functional eyelid procedures are available through Newport Eye Physicians. Cosmetic procedures seek to refine the facial aesthetics and beauty while functional procedures return the proper orientation and positioning to tissues which have deviated from these alignments in order to return or maximize the functioning role of the entire system. Often, functional and cosmetic needs will overlap and a single procedure will improve or resolve both of these areas. Blepharoplasty, entropion repair, ectropion repair, ptosis repair, and removal of eyelid or skin lesions are all options that are available and can be personalized to each individual’s needs and desires.
Call or email our office to schedule your consultation and evaluation today or to learn more about these conditions!
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Pink Eye / Red Eye Treatments
While the term “pink eye” often refers to an infection of one or both eyes, a condition which can be highly contagious and easily spread, the actual cause and necessary treatment can be widely variable. Many cases first thought to be and presenting as a “pink eye” have been found to involve a different diagnosis and require a completely different treatment approach.
Similarly, a “red eye” can represent any number of eye-related conditions ranging from the benign and self-limited to the acute and vision-threatening. In general, if you experience any pain or unexplained change in vision, you should contact an eye care professional such as an Eye M.D. (ophthalmologist) immediately.
Whenever in doubt or if in need of a professional opinion, just call or email our office to schedule your consultation and evaluation. Protect one of your greatest gifts, the gift of sight.
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Cosmetic Care Including Botox, Restylane, Juvéderm
Maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance that can be obtained through a five-minute procedure, over a lunch hour, or at anytime! Cosmetic care of the skin and muscles around the eyes can make an enormous difference in the overall facial appearance. Many patients look and feel years younger and this in-turn can give a higher level of self-confidence and personal satisfaction. All treatment options which best suit a particular patients’ needs are individually reviewed and tailored for the best fit. Each procedure takes into account the personalized goal for that particular patient. All procedures are completed in such a way that they are as comfortable, discrete, and cost-effective as possible.
Botox, an FDA-approved muscle relaxant, is highly effective in reducing the tension lines and patterns of excessive expression produced around the eyes and face. In fact, ophthalmologists were among the first to use this medicine for various eyelid conditions and concerns and discovered early-on the benefits which were possible through Botox.
Call or email our office to schedule your consultation today! Ask our staff about the “no interest payments “or “low monthly payment” financing options now available!
Click here for a brochure on Botox®
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LASIK
At Newport Eye Physicians we have a wealth of knowledge about corneal and refractive surgery and can provide excellent advice on the best options for your laser vision correction. LASIK is one type of laser eye surgery that is commonly performed for the correction of myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism (when light is bent more in one axis than another). LASIK surgery is generally performed using the VISX Star S4 CustomVue excimer laser system with Active Track to ensure that our patients receive state-of-the-art treatment with wavefront technology. Although we are on the cutting edge of new technology, we are conservative in our approach to laser vision correction. Only those patients who are expected to have an excellent outcome are advised to have surgery. This focus on patient care ensures the best results for each patient's vision.
Besides LASIK, other laser eye procedures include PRK, LASEK, and Epi-LASIK. Non-laser alternatives to LASIK as well as monovision LASIK to assist with presbyopia (age-related changes to our focusing ability) are part of your complete consultation and full LASIK evaluation. To determine if you are an appropriate candidate for LASIK or another corrective eye procedure, call or email our office to schedule your consultation today.
Enjoy seeing; enjoy living!
Newport Eye Physicians
Michael Kermani, MD
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