Redness and stickiness of the eyes are common complaints. Some cases are caused by infectious conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” but there are also a variety of other causes. In the midst of winter, pink eye is an ailment you or a loved one may encounter. It is often associated with an upper respiratory infection (common… Read more »
Ever wonder why over-the-counter drops and even prescription drops don’t seem to resolve a chronic dry eye condition? Chances are you (or your doctor) are using the wrong approach. Dry eye is a complex disease, but the origin can be traced to two basic causes: lipid deficiency (also called evaporative and aqueous deficiency) or lack… Read more »
A new study published in the American Heart Association Journal Hypertension suggests a correlation between retinal microvascular changes and increased stroke risk. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study authored by Dr. Mohammad Ikram reviewed retinal images of 1406 patient ages 50-73 between 1993 and 1995. With each participant, their level of hypertensive retinal disease… Read more »
Ever see a small insect or thread passing through your field of vision but couldn’t quite put your finger on it? These specks or clouds going by are often “floaters.” Floaters are actually clumps of cells inside the vitreous portion of the eye. As we age, the vitreous (a jelly like substance which is usually… Read more »
There are approximately 2.8 million cataract surgeries performed in the U.S. each year, and it is very likely that one day you will need this surgery to improve your vision. Today a successful surgery is not only improved vision but vision good enough to drive without glasses. This is an exciting time in the evolution… Read more »
Macular degeneration is the number one cause of permanent vision loss in patients over 55. Now genetic analysis is helping to reduce the risk of vision loss by assisting doctors in identifying the risk of progression and the best treatment for that individual based on their individual DNA. This is one of the first applications… Read more »
There is something special about the face of a smiling child. You can see happiness shine in their gleaming eyes. But sometimes children are born with eyelid malpositions that minimize that shine and interfere with visual function. When this occurs, even our littlest family members may require medical evaluation and care. The good news is… Read more »
Are you constantly looking for your glasses when you get up in the morning? Are you tired of all the work involved in wearing contact lenses? You are probably one of the many people who have considered Lasik surgery, but have wondered if it is right for you and/or if this is the right time… Read more »
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that if not treated can cause blindness. It affects 1 in 200 people under age 50, and 1 in 10 by age 80. Worldwide it is the second leading cause of vision loss behind cataracts. A damaged optic nerve causes an irreversible loss of vision, so detecting… Read more »
Skin cancer can be quite common here in the Coachella Valley. Our beautiful weather also brings with it intense ultraviolet exposure. Cumulative exposure to UV rays is the most significant cause of skin cancer, and our eyelids are no exception. The eyelids are among the thinnest, most delicate tissues of the body and are an… Read more »
Dry eye is one of the most common issues that I see in my practice. Patients often have symptoms like burning, itching, red eyes; sensitivity to light; and significant tearing. In fact, because their eyes are tearing, patients don’t believe they have dry eyes. The tearing occurs due to lack of good basic tears needed… Read more »
Our eyelids are vital structures in maintaining ocular health and comfort. They protect the globes from foreign bodies and serve as protective barriers. Eyelids are also responsible for production of the oily layer of the tear film which prevents premature evaporation of tears, thus helping to ensure a healthy tear film is bathing the eyes.… Read more »
Spring is allergy season and in our desert the spring season starts earlier and runs later (due to the multitude of plants) than most American cities. This means daily and persistent high pollen counts, which can soar when the wind blows and agitate most allergy sufferers. Patients often show multiple allergy symptoms related to more… Read more »
The eyes play a vital role in human communication. We all want to look and feel our best, and our eyes go a long way in making a lasting impression. Ideally, we want to portray and emphasize our inner energy and vitality with a fresh, rested look. With time, however, our eyelids may appear tired… Read more »
Our eyes are the windows into our bodies and give important clues to our overall health status. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of significant, permanent vision loss in individuals over 60. Approximately 1.5 million Americans have AMD, and roughly 7 million have an early form of the disease. AMD causes loss… Read more »
Eye doctors are now on the look out for sleep apnea in patients with normal-tension glaucoma. Normal-tension glaucoma is the diagnosis in 1 out of 3 new glaucoma patients. Early diagnostic tests such as ocular coherence tomography and frequency doubling visual fields have helped increase early diagnosis of normal-tension glaucoma. In patients with sleep apnea,… Read more »
Excessive tearing is always caused by dry eyes Excessive tearing (epiphora) affects many people and can be quite bothersome, interrupting activities of daily living routines. There are many causes of epiphora and a thorough examination is needed to determine the cause. Some patients may suffer from dry eyes and experience reflexive tearing. The body produces… Read more »
The number of individuals suffering from anxiety has been on the rise for years. Like many conditions, there are multiple reasons for anxiety and anxiety attacks to occur. From a naturopathic perspective, anxiety can stem from adrenal fatigue, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, or hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood sugar drops to… Read more »
Over the last two decades, prescription drug use has grown in the U.S. from an average of 7.3 prescriptions per person in 1992, to 11.6 per person in 2002, to 12.6 per person in 2009 (the latest statistic). Along with increasing prescription drug use come many adverse symptoms that affect the eyes. When diagnosing symptoms,… Read more »
The eyelids perform many vital functions in maintaining ocular health and comfort. Not only do they protect the globes from foreign bodies and serve as protective barriers, they are also responsible for production of the oily layer of the tear film. This outermost layer prevents premature evaporation of tears, and ensures that a healthy tear… Read more »
