Treatment for Ocular Disease: What You Should Know

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Ocular disease is a broad term that can refer to any eye disorder, and the treatments will vary based on not only the condition but also the severity and progression of it. It’s critical for people to find an eye doctor in Riverdale, NJ who will tailor their treatment plan for the best results. Here’s what you should know about ocular disease treatment.

The Main Ocular Diseases

The main ocular diseases include:

  • Cataracts: A cataract is a collection of proteins that obscure the natural lens of the eye.
  • Glaucoma: This disorder refers to a drainage problem. When fluids collect, they can interfere with your nerves and ultimately, your eyesight.
  • Diabetic retinopathy: Your blood sugar can cause problems with your blood vessels. Because the ones in your eyes are so tiny, this condition can cause bleeding and eventual blindness.
  • Macular degeneration: This disease affects the tissue that controls your main vision.
  • Dry eye: A relatively common condition that affects the production of tears. Dry eyes can occur for any number of reasons, including environmental changes.
  • Pink eye: Also known as conjunctivitis, this affects the membrane between your eyelid and the white portion of your eye.
  • Keratoconus: Known for its distinctive bulging shape, this disease affects the corneal tissue of the eye. This can cause distortion to what you see.

Treatments of Ocular Diseases

Luckily, ocular diseases are largely treatable, particularly if they’re caught early on. Cataracts can be controlled by one of the most routine surgeries on the planet, while glaucoma can be managed with oral prescriptions and eye drops. (In some cases, you may need surgery though to improve drainage.) And in addition to controlling diabetes with lifestyle choices, there are solutions that can prevent the formation of new blood vessels if you have retinopathy. Other common treatments include eye drops, special contact lenses, and UV treatments.

Ocular Disease Treatment in Riverdale, NJ

If you’re looking for ocular disease treatment in Riverdale, NJ, Riverdale Vision Care is here to find the best possible options for you. Our staff cannot stress enough just how important it is to catch these disorders early on, so you can get the right intervention at the right time.

How Does Keratoconus Affect the Eye?

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Keratoconus is a disorder that can cause a number of general symptoms, many of which might be mistaken for other conditions. We’ll look at exactly how it occurs and what you can expect if you’re diagnosed with it.

A Thinning Cornea

The cornea is the surface of your eye. It’s clear, shaped like a dome, and affects how you perceive light and color. With keratoconus, the cornea starts to thin and become more of a cone than a dome. As the cornea bulges, your eye becomes more sensitive to light and glare. Optometrists in Riverdale, NJ can tell you more about how the disorder is affecting your vision specifically.

This condition usually occurs in both of your eyes, but likely will be worse in one of your eyes. The condition is a gradual one that can build up over decades, and may start in people as young as 10 years old. There is no known cause but it has been linked to anything from family history to habits of rubbing your eyes.

What Can You Expect from Keratoconus?

In the beginning, you might not expect very much to change as the disorder can take a while to develop. You might have some blurriness or clouding, but the initial effects are likely to be pretty easy to correct. Most vision problems can be solved with either contacts or glasses.

However, as the disease progresses, you might notice your eyes getting worse. Your prescriptions may change frequently and you may have problems driving at night due to light sensitivity. Some people may be able to correct these issues through hard contact lenses. However, the most advanced stage of keratoconus may require a cornea transplant.

When to See an Optometrist in Riverdale, NJ

If you notice serious changes to your eyesight, it’s always a good idea to see an optometrist. Your doctor will be able to examine your eye and look for the tell-tale signs of keratoconus. If you’ve already been diagnosed with the condition, they can let you know how it’s progressing and whether it’s time for a different prescription or treatment. If you’re looking for keratoconus treatment in Riverdale, NJ, our optometrists can offer solutions at every stage of the disorder.

Eye Exams Riverdale NJ

What’s That Spot in My Vision? Could Be Eye Floaters

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You may wake up one morning and see an odd anomaly in your field of vision. Maybe the floating object looks like a spot, a string, or even a tiny bug. You can’t quite focus on it, and the object is not going away when you blink. You may have an eye floater. What is an eye floater, and should you be concerned? Let’s take a closer look at the problem and if you should seek a comprehensive eye exam in Riverdale, NJ.

What causes eye floaters?

Eye floaters are most often associated with changes to the vitreous substance in the eye. As this jelly-like material changes, tiny fibers can clump together. These small clumps generate shadows, which are what you will see as floaters. Eye floaters can also be caused by:

  • Retinal tears
  • Bleeding in the back of the eye
  • Prior or recent eye surgery
  • Eye inflammation

Will the eye floater go away?

Eye floaters don’t usually disappear on their own, but they can become far less noticeable with enough time. Some people grow so accustomed to a floater in their field of vision that they become almost blind to the shadow because their brain and eyes work together to adjust. Sometimes, the small clumped fibers in the vitreous fluid will settle to the bottom of your eye where they will be out of sight.

Can the eye doctor help?

Eye floaters can be especially hard to treat because they are caused by shadows cast on the retina from another part of the eye. A few invasive treatments may help, such as a vitrectomy to remove the vitreous and replace it with a medically approved solution. Some eye doctors also use laser treatment to break yo the fibrous clusters, but this form of treatment has not been well-established and may come along with other risks.

Contact Us About Visual Problems in Riverdale, NJ

Eye floaters are not often something that should cause major concern. Nevertheless, persistent problems or suddenly severe problems should spur you to reach out to an eye doctor in Riverdale, NJ right away. If you have floaters or vision disturbances causing you concern, feel free to reach out to us at Riverdale Vision Care to schedule an appointment.

What is Astigmatism?  

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Astigmatism is common. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 1 in 3 people have at least some degree of astigmatism.

This condition happens when the cornea and/or lens in your eye aren’t perfectly curved. Any abnormality in the curvature of these tissues can disrupt the way light normally enters the eye and prevent light from focusing clearly on the light-sensitive retina. This can lead to blurry vision at any viewing distance.

Many people are born with astigmatism, but it can also develop later in life as a result of things like eye surgery, trauma, or infection. You may also be more at risk for astigmatism if you have other refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia), which are a result of abnormalities in the shape of the cornea and/or eyeball itself.

Astigmatism Signs and Symptoms

Astigmatism symptoms can range from mild to very pronounced. People with astigmatism may notice:

  • Blurry vision
  • The need to squint in order to see
  • Eye strain or fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Impaired night vision

How Our Riverdale Optometrist Staff Treats Astigmatism

For some people, their astigmatism is so mild that they don’t need any special interventions other than routine eye exams. But when astigmatism becomes severe enough to affect vision, it’s important to work with an eye doctor who can monitor your condition and provide individualized treatments to help you see better in your day-to-day life.

At Riverdale Vision Care, our optometrist team provides comprehensive diagnostic services to help detect and assess astigmatism. We work with our patients to provide meaningful vision care solutions that help them see better. Some of our top astigmatism treatment options include:

  • Prescription eyeglasses and/or contact lenses
  • Hard-to-fit contact lenses (e.g., scleral lenses) for advanced forms of astigmatism
  • Orthokeratology, a specialized contact lens worn at night that temporarily reshapes the corneas and improves daytime vision

Some people choose to undergo surgical interventions like laser eye surgery (LASIK) in order to correct their astigmatism. In these cases, our Riverdale optometry team happily provides essential pre-and post-operative care to ensure your procedure goes smoothly and your outcomes are optimized!

If you live near Riverdale, NJ, and are concerned about astigmatism symptoms, contact Riverdale Vision Care today at 973-248-0060 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

tips for eye makeup use

Makeup and Eye Health: Safety Tips for Eye Makeup Use

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From eyeshadow and eyeliner to mascara and faux lashes, the beauty industry serves up a plethora of ways to help you feel beautiful. If you are all about eye makeup and love to dabble and experiment with different looks, you can try a lot of different products in a single year. While eye makeup is generally safe to use, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind so you don’t inadvertently put your visual health at risk.

1. Opt for quality products.

Good makeup can be more expensive, but it is always better for your eyes to opt for quality makeup that is made with the best ingredients. Lower-quality products are commonly made using the most generic ingredients, such as coloring pigments and fragrance chemicals.

2. Watch out for sensitivities to certain products.

Any time you are trying a new eye makeup product, consider the experience a trial run. Apply the makeup as usual and watch out for any signs that you are sensitive to something in the product. A few signs that you may be sensitive to a makeup ingredient include:

  • Excessive tearing
  • Redness or itching around your eyes
  • Feeling like you have something in your eyes

If you do experience an issue with a new product, thoroughly wash your eyes and stop using the product. Disregarding sensitivities could lead to a host of eye health issues, such as dry eyes, eyelid inflammation, and more.

3. Take off your eye makeup before going to sleep.

Perhaps the golden rule of eye makeup use for your eye health is to always wash off your makeup. When you sleep, the makeup can break down due to more moisture, rubbing your eyes, and elevated body temperature. As the makeup breaks down, the small particles can get into your eyes. Even if you are just taking a nap mid-day, it is best to remove any eye makeup you may have on beforehand.

Keep Your Visual Health in Check with an Eye Doctor in Riverdale, NJ

We get it—makeup can be a big deal. It boosts your self-confidence and allows you to achieve certain looks. If you have eye health concerns due to makeup, reach out to us at Riverdale Vision Care to schedule an appointment.

Stye, Stye in My Eye – What You Really Need to Know About Eye Styes

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Styes are one of those common visual health ailments that most people know all about because they’ve likely had one. In fact, the fun little rhyme about sending a stye to someone else’s eye cemented styes in most of our memories as children. But, what is a stye really, should you be concerned, and how can a stye be treated? Here are a few things you should know.

What exactly is a stye?

The medical term for a stye (which can also be spelled stye) is hordeolum. The condition is characterized by a painful, irritated bump that usually shows up close to the rim of the eyelid. The most typical place for a stye to show up is on the outside of your eyelid, but the irritating bump can also pop up on the inner rim. The small bump is most often caused by a blocked oil gland. The eyelids have a number of oil glands that can become blocked due to excess oils, eye makeup, and dirt from your hands after rubbing your eyes.

Should you seek an eye doctor if you have a stye in your eye?

Normally, a stye will go away on its own without eye doctor treatment. You can try:

  • Using a warm compress on the stye several times a day
  • Cleaning your eyelids thoroughly with warm soap and water
  • Taking ibuprofen to relieve the pain and lessen any inflammation

When should you be worried about a stye?

If the stye does not go away on its own within a few days, is causing you a great deal of pain, or is causing problems with your vision, it is best to see an eye doctor for advice. In some cases, a severe stye will have to be treated with a topical antibiotic ointment so it will go away. In even rarer cases, an eye doctor may need to lance the stye so the collected oil or infection can drain out.

Talk to a Wilmington Eye Doctor About Styes in Your Eyes

While you may not get rid of a stye by speaking it into someone else’s eye, these mild eye health issues are usually no big deal. If you have problems with a stye or have recurring styes, reach out to us at Riverdale Vision Care to schedule an appointment.

 

 

Can Eyes Heal From Sun Damage?

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Sun damage usually occurs to the skin. However, many people don’t realize that sun damage can also happen to eyes. Sometimes eye damage from UV light is called sunburn, but officially, this is called photokeratitis.

What is Photokeratitis?

Photokeratitis, sometimes called ultraviolet keratitis, presents as inflammation in the cornea. The cornea is the transparent covering over the exterior of the eye.

What Are The Symptoms of Photokeratitis?

The symptoms of photokeratitis are very obvious and uncomfortable. They include:

  • Feeling like you have sand on the insides of your eyelids
  • Inability to see at all
  • Blurry vision
  • Headache
  • Swollen eyelids and/or undereye swelling
  • Feeling of pain or pressure within the eyeball
  • Ultra-sensitivity to light
  • Heavy tearing
  • Seeing halos around objects

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your Riverdale eye doctor immediately.

Causes of Photokeratitis

Your eyes are extremely sensitive to the environment. This is why if you even have a small eyelash in your eye, it can feel like a tree branch is stuck in there. The symptoms of photokeratitis are much more painful than an eyelash, as you can see from the list above. But what causes photokeratitis to begin with?

Essentially, Photokeratitis is caused by overexposure to UV light. The most common source of UV light is, of course, the sun. But there are other sources to be aware of. Your eyes can be exposed to UV light from UV light bulbs, full-spectrum bulbs, tanning beds, and more.

Furthermore, certain conditions can exacerbate the dangers of sun damage to the eyes. This can happen when you are on a boat, at the pool, or near any reflective body of water. It can happen while skiing, since the snow reflects sunlight. It can even happen on lightly colored sidewalks and roadways in towns and cities.

How to Avoid Sun Damage to the Eyes

The best way to avoid sun damage to the eyes is to wear UV-rated sunglasses while outside on sunny days. Also, avoid using tanning beds, or at a minimum, close eyes and wear protective goggles during sessions. If you use full-spectrum bulbs while doing hobbies like painting or sewing, wear UV-rated eyewear.

Your eye doctor in Riverdale can help you with tips to avoid sun damage. Contact us today for more information.

 

How To Protect Your Vision From UV Rays

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Ultraviolet light consists of a harmful spectrum of light that can do damage to your eyes. UV light is emitted from the sun, but can also be emitted from certain man-made devices like welder’s torches, too. One of the most important ways to protect your eyes from ultraviolet light is sunglasses.

If your eyes are particularly susceptible to ultraviolet light, then wearing one hundred percent ultraviolet blocking sunglasses will protect your vision fully during the day. Normal sunglasses may provide some protection from glare, but under most circumstances won’t fully protect your vision. You can also purchase reading glasses with special lenses that will also block ultraviolet light.

Avoid Being In The Sun For Long Periods Of Time

Although the sun is needed both for your health and well-being, being out in the sun for too long could make you susceptible to eye damage or melanomas due to exposure to UV rays. Avoid being out at times when the sun is highest, and if possible wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your eyes. Choose periods of the day when the sun is at its weakest, such as sunrise and sunset, to enjoy a walk outdoors.

Protect Yourself From Devices That Emit Ultraviolet Light

There are some devices on the consumer market that deceptively advertise as ultraviolet free but are not. Devices such as germicidal lamps or welder’s torches emit light spectrums that cause eye damage. If possible, wear protective glasses and clothing to avoid most if not all of the UV exposure while operating these devices.

How to Recover from UV Eye Damage

Overexposure to UV rays cause inflammation in the eye and surrounding tissues. After damaging exposure to ultraviolet light, seek a dark environment with little light to maximize healing. Eat a diet rich in Vitamin A and Omega 3’s and consider a nap to give your body time to heal from the inflammation. Ultraviolet light will only be permanently damaging after overexposure over a period of months to years, so don’t fret if you have only been exposed once or twice.

To recap, always wear sunglasses when outdoors for long periods of time, and if possible seek shade. Looking down when in direct sunlight and even squinting can help minimize UV exposure. And avoid looking into the sun and wear a wide-brimmed hat if possible.

 

Riverdale Vision Care: 5 Myths About Pink Eye

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Pink eye (also called conjunctivitis) happens when the thin mucous membrane called the conjunctiva on the outside of your eye and inside of your eyelid becomes inflamed. Our team at Riverdale Vision Care believes it’s helpful to know how to spot fact from fiction when it comes to this common eye condition so you’ll be better prepared to help your loved ones avoid or manage it.

5 Common Myths About Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

 

1. Pink eye is always contagious.

While certain types of pink eye are very contagious—such as the kinds caused by viruses or bacteria—other types, like allergic or chemical conjunctivitis, are not contagious and can’t be passed from person to person.

2 Only school-aged children get pink eye.

Pink eye is very common in young children, but people of all ages can get it—even newborns.

3. If your eyes are red and itchy, it means you have conjunctivitis.

Red, itchy, watery eyes are the main signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis. But other conditions can cause these symptoms, too. The only way to know for sure what’s causing your symptoms is to see an eye doctor.

4. It’s not a big deal to rub your eyes if you have pink eye.

While rubbing your eyes may provide temporary relief from pink eye symptoms like itchiness, doing so may cause eye damage or worsening infection. If your case of pink eye is contagious, touching your eyes also increases the risk of spreading the condition to your other eye or other people.

Long story short: do NOT rub your eyes! Our Riverdale optometrist team recommends treatments such as eye drops or warm compresses to soothe eye irritation.

5. Pink eye heals up on its own, so you don’t need to go to an eye doctor.

Most cases of pink eye do heal up on their own in about two weeks, but some cases can lead to complications if left untreated. An eye doctor can provide appropriate treatment to help you heal properly and stay more comfortable.

You should also see an eye doctor if your pink eye symptoms don’t go away after two weeks or if you have eye pain, blurry vision, a weakened immune system, or a preexisting eye condition.

  

Do you live near Riverdale NJ and have concerns about your loved ones’ eye health? Contact Riverdale Vision Care at (973) 248-0060 to schedule an eye exam for the whole family and learn more about the comprehensive eye care services we offer.

Screen Time and Your Eyes | Protecting Your Vision

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The average person in the modern-day world spends at least 11 hours staring at a screen, which means they are using their phone, computer, or tablet or watching television. All this time spent staring at a screen can have an effect on your vision, but this is something that most people rarely consider. Take a look at a few things you should be doing to protect your eyes.

Take Frequent Breaks to Give Your Eyes a Rest

One of the simplest things you can do to protect your eyes from the damages that too much screen time can cause is to take breaks. You don’t have to get up, put down your device, or close your laptop, but it is best to pull your eyes away from the screen, look around, and even close your eyes to take a break. It is easy to hold your eyes focused in one spot when you are really interested in something, and just like the muscles in the rest of your body, your eyes need to be stretched.

Practice Conscious Blinking

One of the biggest dangers of too much screen time is that you don’t blink as often when you are focused on something. Therefore, your eyes can get dry and irritated, which can lead to a host of other problems. While you are watching TV or working on your laptop, make sure you consciously blink every little bit. The average person should be blinking 15 to 20 times per minute, and there really is no such thing as blinking too often.

Keep Your Prescription Glasses Up to Date

If it has been a while since you have had your prescription glasses or contact lenses updated and you spend a lot of time watching screens, it is important that you go ahead and schedule an appointment. Keeping your prescription up to date will ensure you are not straining your eyes too much while you spend time looking at a screen.

Contact Us for Vision Help in Riverdale, NJ

Your vision is one of the most important senses you have. It should be rightly protected. If you have vision concerns due to a lot of screen time, contact us at the Riverdale Vision Care office to schedule an appointment.