University Eye Care

(ah-STIG-ma-its-um)

85-90% of all eyeglass prescriptions contain some correction for astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of the eye has more than one curvature, and is not a perfectly round like a ball. With astigmatism, the shape of the cornea is somewhat "egg" shaped.

To correct this, the eye requires a special two-power lens to focus light uniformly. Uncorrected or incorrect prescriptions for astigmatism cause blurred and distorted vision. Symptoms of eyestrain such as headaches, eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, loss of visual achievement and poor visual concentration occur as well. Eyeglasses, and/or, special contact lenses called toric lenses are used to correct astigmatism.

(CAT-ah-rackt)

A clouding of the eye's natural lens inside the eye. Most of the population over 65 will have some degree of cataract formation in their lifetime. There is no proven method of prevention. Cataracts are most commonly caused by chemical changes within the lens, trauma, UV exposure, medications and diseases. A cataract is not considered a disease of the eye. Cataract surgery is recommended when both vision and lifestyle are compromised.

Flashes are secondary to vitreous traction on the retina. Typically, these flashing lights look like lightening bolts and may indicate a possible retinal tear. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact us immediately. Left untreated, this can result in retinal detachment and loss of vision. There are other conditions in the eye that can trigger this symptom. It is best to make an appointment to determine the cause of your symptoms.

(hy-per-O-pee-a)

Hyperopia is commonly known as farsightedness. Farsightedness is caused by eye shape. Farsighted eyes are shorter from front to back or because the front curvature of the eye is flatter than normal. A farsighted eye must use the near focusing system of the eye, which places an even greater focusing effort on close-range vision. Discomfort and fatigue are common for the uncorrected or under-corrected farsighted eye, due to constant focus effort.

Farsighted eyesight is better at far distance than at closer range. Farsighted adults gradually see less clearly at all distances due to a natural decline in the eyes focusing ability over time.

Farsightedness is most commonly corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. If different prescriptions are required for distance and near, dual-focus contact lenses are now available. Less commonly, refractive surgery techniques such as LASIK, or lens replacements are also treatment options for adults.

(my-O-pee-ah)

The medical term for nearsightedness is myopia. Myopia causes distance vision blurring. Close range vision is generally clear without correction, thus the term "nearsighted." Myopia occurs when the shape of the eye is longer front to back, or has a steeper curve to the front lens of the eye, the cornea. Myopia can be caused by genetic, environmental or functional factors.

Eyeglasses or contact lenses can be used to compensate for myopia, but there are other courses of treatment. Refractive surgery such as LASIK, or lens replacements are additional treatment options for adult patients. The doctor will go over refractive surgery options that best fit your needs.

(prez-bee-O-pee-ah)

Presbyopia is a loss of elasticity of the focusing lens inside the eye. It is a normal condition for all humans as they age. It is both unavoidable and fully correctable. The patient must understand that wearing appropriate eyeglasses or multi-focus contact lenses full-time or part-time will not weaken or change future visual status.

Presbyopia seems to present close-range issues suddenly but actually it does not. Human eyes have maximum focusing ability in teen years, about 50% at age 40, and gradually decline to a fixed non-variable focus around the age of 70.

Retinal detachment is a serious problem, and with no treatment, vision is almost always lost. Although anyone can have a retinal detachment, they tend to occur more frequently in patients who have a high degree of nearsightedness, who have had trauma to the eye, and/or, have a family history of retinal detachment. Patients who have had cataract surgery, or retinal laser treatments, are more prone to develop a retinal detachment.

Most retinal detachments require immediate laser, or surgical repair. In most cases, there is high likelihood of successfully reattaching the retina. The return of good vision depends on how quickly the repair is performed, its location, specifically whether or not the macula, or area of central vision was detached prior to surgery. If the macula was detached, the prognosis for return of central vision is poor.

The Vitreous is a transparent gel that fills two-thirds to three-fourths of the volume of the adult eye. It is more viscous than water and serves as a ‘shock absorber’ for the retina which lines the back of the eye. Small elusive floating specks or dust-like particles in the eye due to condensations of vitreous collagen gel are common, and generally increase over time. They may seem to dart around as the eye is moved around and are more commonly seen when looking at a plain background like the sky, a painted wall or the floor. Small floaters that have been present over a long period of time, or have increased very gradually, are harmless. They may be annoying but do not cause any problems. However, if a new larger floater comes on abruptly, if there is a sudden increase in the number of floaters, and/or, if symptoms of instantaneous flashes of light are suddenly experienced, then you must always be examined immediately to rule out complications of the retina that can lead to a retinal tear or detachment.

(di-a-Bee-tees)

The second leading cause of blindness and sight-loss conditions, Diabetes and its complications can affect many parts of the eye. Diabetes can cause earlier development of cataracts, greater risk of glaucoma, dry eye, and damage to the retina's blood vessels.

Comprehensive eye health exams may reveal early warning signs or suggest the presence of diabetes. Your history, symptoms, changes in the retina & prescription, and early cataracts may indicate diabetic complications. Patients who show symptoms of diabetes, or have a family history, are advised to have more frequent dilated eye examinations. Retinal photography is highly recommended for detection and monitoring.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are one of the most common problems reported to eye doctors. The syndrome can result from a decrease in the amount of tear production, or the quality of the tears produced. Some common causes of dry eye syndrome are advancing age, allergies, poor diet, environment, and normal hormonal changes. Patient health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, lupus, thyroid dysfunction, chemotherapy & radiation, acne rosacea, and LASIK surgery can also cause dry eye syndrome. Additionally, contact lens use and computer use are often cited as causes. Some medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, acne treatments, diuretics and some blood pressure medications can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Common symptoms of dry eyes may include blurred or variable vision, light sensitivity, dryness, burning, stinging, gritty or foreign body sensations. Dry eye patients may experience excess or "reflex" tearing caused by the surface irritation.

Treatment options may include artificial tears, gels and/or lubricating ointments, hygiene scrubs, medication regimes such as ocular steroids and tear enhancement medications like Restasis, nutritional supplements, and tear drainage occlusion of the eyelid to retain moisture. An individual treatment plan will be formulated for you based on severity and causes.

Pink Eye

Epidemic keratoconjunctivits (EKC) is an acute inflammation of the surface of the eye caused by a strain of a virus similar to those that cause the flu. The infection runs a predictable course covering a course of 2-3 weeks. Symptoms vary and may include redness, watering, blurred vision, a gritty or foreign body sensation, and even flu-like symptoms.

EKC is highly contagious. The hands, towels and face cloths of the infected individual should be separated from others in the same household. Children should stay home from school and adults should remain home from work during the early stages of the disease. Therapy for EKC can include antibiotics, steroid drops, and lubrication to improve comfort.

(glau·CO·ma)

Glaucoma is a condition where various factors cause damage to the optic nerve and resultant loss of vision. Many factors including family history, race, intra ocular pressure, thin corneas, and/or, the appearance of the optic nerve, can increase the risk of developing glaucoma. Diagnosing you as a glaucoma suspect does not indicate you will develop glaucoma. It does indicate that your risk of developing glaucoma is greater than someone who has none of these findings. These risk factors, as well as, the results of several diagnostic tests will need to be monitored over time to make the earliest diagnosis of glaucoma possible.

Age Related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (AMD) is a deterioration of the central vision area of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for detailed vision. AMD is thought to be accelerated by the aging process. The risk of developing macular degeneration increases with age, family history, vascular status, active smokers, and lifetime sun exposure.

Forms of age related macular degeneration:
• Dry type AMD has a better prognosis. Normally, this condition progresses slowly, and functional vision is maintained. There is no cure for dry macular degeneration, but treatment such as nutritional supplements, protection from ultraviolet radiation, special medications, and laser treatment are all considerations depending on the advancement of the condition.
• Wet type AMD can be treated with anti-VEGF medications. Wet-Mac Degeneration causes wide scale hemorrhaging in the retina thus resulting in more dramatic vision loss. Careful monitoring is imperative to track possible advancement of either types.

A visual field test allows Dr. Altman to better evaluate glaucoma progression and management. In addition to glaucoma, a visual field can be a useful diagnostic tool to diagnose and manage other neurological diseases, as well as strokes, tumors and dangerous drug use. Validated by more than 25 years of research, design and clinical experience, University Eye Care relies on the Humphrey 750 Field Analyzer which is widely considered to be the premier automated visual field perimeter analyzer.