This spring Emmelyn Roettger was welcomed into Mensa, the genius group, only one month shy of her third birthday. She is the youngest U.S. member of the group. Amazingly, doctors at first thought Roettger suffered from developmental delays and possibly autism.  She avoided eye contact with people and was behind on her developmental milestones.  

Her mother, however, sensed that something else was wrong and had her eyes checked.  It turned out that she had bad vision and needed eyeglasses.  After she got her glasses, her parents noted an immediate improvement in her personality and activities.  At 2 years of age she could write her own name and count to 100.  

This amazing story shows how important it is for every child to have an eye exam.  There are far too many children diagnosed as slow or learning disabled who simply need a pair of glasses.  A pair of glasses can literally change the future of a child.

I recently read an article about glasses that combine a phone and computer into the lenses.  Google revealed its design for interactive glasses which layer emails, video chat, Google searches and GPS directions over the wearer's eyes. 

This is an amazing concept that could change the way people wear glasses forever.  Now your glasses will not only help you see, they will allow you to video chat with a friend or give you directions to the nearest gas station.  This also should be much safer than texting and surfing while driving which we are guilty of now and then.  Because of how many car accidents can be attributed to cell phone use, I think this idea has a chance to be extremely useful for people who are on the go. 

And the best part is you can receive a message through your glasses to remind you of your next eye appointment!    

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/technology/google-unveils-augmented-reality-glasses/story-e6frfro0-1226319356168#ixzz1rZKHPmSZ

Expanding Technology Aids in Detection and Prevention

of Eye Diseases and Disorders

Alabama Optometric Association highlights new technologies, recommends yearly eye exams to promote eye and vision health in recognition of Save Your Vision Month

Montgomery, AL. (March 9, 2012) – Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, making a yearly comprehensive eye and vision exam the optimal way to maintain a lifetime of healthy vision and eyes. Today’s doctors of optometry use the latest technologies to diagnose and treat patients. As part of March’s Save Your Vision Month, the Alabama Optometric Association underscores how the different high-tech tests and procedures performed by an optometrist during an eye exam can benefit the patient. 

“With the advanced technologies available to optometrists today, patients can expect a less invasive and highly accurate diagnostic experience during their eye exam,” said Everett Marshall, O.D.. “As a result, eye care is more innovative and effective than ever before.”

Typically, patients associate a visit to the eye doctor with the Snellen eye chart test. While this traditional procedure to measure visual acuity, along with pupil dilation continue to be used as a standard of care, new advances in eye care technology are becoming more prevalent in optometrists’ offices.  Corneal topography, retinal imaging, and tear film analyses are just a few examples of the new high-tech tools optometrists are incorporating into their practices.

The cornea is the most significant structure the eye uses for refractive power. To detect corneal irregularities due to disease, trauma or other factors that can result in distortion of vision, a new device called corneal topography is used. These systems evaluate the shape and regularity of the front surface of the eye. Not only are these devices faster and more compact than ever before, but they are also more robust and more affordable, making them available for routine patients and not just those with corneal issues. In addition to being used as a diagnostic tool, topography is often used for those patients wearing contact lenses to both assist in the initial fitting of contacts and for the detection of potential contact lens complications. 

To give an optometrist a view of the retina, several types of retinal imaging systems are used. These progressive technologies provide wide-angle views of the retina to help detect macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal holes or detachments as well as systemic diseases such as diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure. These high-tech tools may be used in addition to pupil dilation, which gives the doctor more area of the eye to assess at one time.

Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions, characterized by insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. New advances in tear film analysis technologies, including computerized analysis of the tear lipid layer, allow optometrists to detect the cause of dry eye and identify the best course of treatment for a patient.

The AOA’s guidelines for receiving comprehensive eye exams begin early in life.  The AOA urges parents to bring infants six to 12 months of age to their local optometrist for a an assessment and then again for an exam at age three and age five before entering kindergarten. Children and adults should receive yearly comprehensive eye exams, unless otherwise advised by an optometrist.

If you need eye care call Primary Eyecare Associates at 334-271-3900 for an appointment.

The topic of today's blog is zeaxanthin, a very important antioxidative pigment found in the retina.  Many of you reading this have probably never heard of this nutrient, but you could be impacted by zeaxanthin at some point in your future. 

Zeaxanthin is found in high concentrations in the macula, and just like skin pigmentation protects our skin from the harmful rays of the sun, it protects our retinas from sun damage.  Because of these benefits, it has been found to be very important in the management of macular degeneration.  One recent study showed that increased levels of dietary zeaxanthin were directly correlated to decreased risk of early macular degeneration.  Another study of zeaxanthin in elderly patients with early macular degeneration showed improvement in night vision and recognition of fine detail. 

Zeaxanthin is a safe and well tolerated supplement that anyone can take with no side effects.  We recommend taking MacuHealth at Primary Eyecare Associates. This is a great supplement because it actually contains all three macular pigments (lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin) and only has to be taken once a day.  We prescribe MacuHealth for everyone with macular degeneration and people at risk with a family history of macular degeneration.

 If you or family members are concerned about your eye health please call 271-3900 for an appointment.  You may need to be on Macuhealth. 

It has been a long time since there have been any truly revolutionary changes in glasses design.  Progressive lenses, which most people think of as new technology, were actually started almost 50 years ago.  With the invention of the emPower lens, that has all changed.  The emPower lens is a new lens that uses liquid crystals in the lenses to create an instant on/off bifocal.  Whenever you want to read, simply tap the side of the frame and the bifocal power will instantly appear.  After you turn off the near power, they look and function just like any single vision lens.  The big advantage of this is you don’t get the annoying blurry field of vision in the bottom of the lens like you do with standard bifocals and progressives.  These lenses are going to be great for people who have tried and tried and are still unable to adapt to bifocals or progressive.  We are very excited at being one of the few providers of the emPower glasses..  Please visit their website at www.lifeactivated.com to read about this new lens or call 334-271-3900. 

I just read an article about a new surgery that claims to turn brown eyes blue.  Sounds too good to be true right, and after reading the article it probably is.  The procedure, which is being investigated in California (no surprise there), claims to remove the brown surface pigment of the iris with a laser revealing the blue pigment underneath.  The price tag is supposed to be roughly $5,000, which is more than vision correcting LASIK surgery.  My concern would be the risk of a potentially blinding case of glaucoma caused by the removed pigment clogging up the fluid drainage system in the eye.  Another concern would be that there is no way to know for sure if there any underlying blue pigment in a person's iris until the procedure has already been done.  You could have the procedure done and still have blue eyes.  Sounds like this procedure, even if approved, will not turn out to be quite as good as it sounds. 

At Primary Eyecare Associates, we are committed to providing our patients the very latest in technology to ensure a lifetime of healthy vision.  One new addition we are very excited about is the Optovue SD-OCT.  Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive instrument that is able to map out the retinal layers as well as analyze the optic nerve and corneas.  This instrument replaced our older generation OCT, and operates at 2x greater resolution and 10x faster imaging speeds.  To put that in perspective, its like comparing an MRI scan with a plain X-ray image.  It gives us a much better analysis of the ocular structures, which can lead to earlier diagnosis of eye diseases.  This new instrument will be a sight saver for many with diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.  And as a kicker it usually can perform a scan without the pupils being dilated, which makes for much happier patients!  Below is an example of a health optic nerve.

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Devin Yates

Phone: 334-271-3900

Fax: 334-271-3915

Email: dyates@pea1.net 

September 27, 2011

Primary Eyecare Associates Hosts 3^rd Annual Trunk Show!

Montgomery, Alabama - On Thursday October 20^th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Primary Eyecare Associates are partnering with representatives from high end frame lines to present the River Region with fantastic optical options for all ages.

To celebrate National Family Health Month, Primary Eyecare Associates will host representatives from glasses lines such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Armani, Prada, Ray Ban, Cole Haan, Cazal, and more!  Guests will have the exciting opportunity to learn more about these exquisite lines.  The representatives will show the very latest and newest styles of ophthalmic and sunglass frames.  Not only will guests enjoy viewing and purchasing a new pair of glasses, door prizes will be awarded.  A relaxing atmosphere filled with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

“At our annual trunk show, the citizens of the River Region will be delighted to know that there are more options to choose from at Primary Eyecare Associates.  The upcoming release of ophthalmic frames, prescription sunglasses as well as nonprescription sunglasses is very exciting for us to present to our patients. Glasses wearers and sunglass lovers alike will thoroughly enjoy this event.  We strive to bring Montgomery the best quality and latest styles the optical world has to offer.  I believe Primary Eyecare Associates, Drs. Jackson, Harris, and Marshall; and staff are top notch,” said Primary Eyecare Associates optician Devin Yates.

Existing and new patients are invited to join in this unique occasion.  Primary Eyecare Associate’s 3^rd annual trunk show will take place at 8436 Vaughn Road in East Montgomery, Alabama.  For more information, call Devin Yates at (334) 271-3900.

Today I'd like to talk about the emergence of 3D television.  This is becoming more and more popular and may replace regular tv in the future.  The basic way that we perceive depth with our eyes is that each eye sees a slightly different image and the brain merges them into a single 3D world.  This is caused binocular vision.  The way television manufacturers produce 3D is based on this.  The special glasses that are worn cause each eye to see a slightly different image on the screen and the brain perceives this as 3D.  The only catch is that not every person has good binocular vision.  Some people with poor eye muscle balance will experience eyestrain and headaches when viewing a 3D television.  Certain people can experience motion sickness and dizziness.  And finally, there are many people with vision problems that don't allow them to have binocular vision.  These people will quickly realize something is wrong because they won't be able to see their new tv in 3D!  Fortunately many of these issues can be addressed in a comprehensive eye examination.  I anticipate seeing many patients over the coming years who never would have had an eye exam if they didn't have a 3D television to tell them something is wrong.  Who would have thought that a television would help us detect vision problems.  The AOA recommends seeing a doctor of optometry for further evaluation if consumers answer yes to any of the following questions:

    * Is the 3D viewing experience not as vivid as it is for others watching the same picture?

    * Do you experience eyestrain or headaches during or after viewing?

    * Do you feel nauseous or dizzy during or after viewing?

    * Are you more comfortable viewing 2D TV or movies instead of 3D TV/movies?

    * Is it difficult for your eyes to adjust back to normal after watching 3D TV/movies?

    * Is the picture not in 3D?

While this technology is in its early stages now, odds are that you will be exposed to it at some point in the future.  If you plan on investing in one, make sure an eye examination is a part of your decision.

A while back I wrote about the Infantsee program and how important eye exams are for children.  Well, two weeks ago I learned firsthand how much impact eye exams can have on a child's future.  A 16 month old child was brought into our office because his mother thought his eyes were crossing.  It turns out that he has advanced retinoblastoma in one of his eyes.  Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood malignant tumor of the eye that we never want to see.  The incidence in children is only 1 in 20,000, but it can be deadly.  It is rapidly progressive and easily spreads into the brain and other parts of the body.  When retinoblastoma gets detected earlier, there is a better chance of saving the eye and vision.  That is where the Infantsee program is so important.  The doctors at Primary Eyecare Associates provide eye exams to infants 6 to 12 months of age at no cost to the parent.  If you have a child, please go to www.primaryicare.com for more information on this truly life changing program.