Ophthalmology

Cataracts are the leading cause of poor vision in adults. However, the development of cataracts does not have to mean loss of sight. Treatment of cataracts is over 95% successful in restoring good vision. A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens. This lens focuses on an image after it enters the eye and is normally crystal clear. A cloudy lens will block the passage of light through the eye, resulting in cloudy or blurred vision that can only be corrected by replacing this lens with an artificial lens with an intraocular lens (IOLs).

Each year, nearly two million people have successful cataract surgery to restore clear vision. At Crisp Regional Hospital, we use state-of-the-art Phacoemulsification units with small incisions and advanced technology IOLs.

When you think of laser vision correction, you probably think of LASIK. However, there are several other corrective surgery options, such as Lensectomy, LASEK, and PRK. Often, these options can be better alternatives.

LASEK is a laser vision correction procedure for patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism. LASEK differs from LASIK in that a corneal flap is not created. Using the most advanced LASEK technology available, the LASEK procedure improves your vision by reshaping your cornea with laser light beams, allowing your eye to refract light more precisely onto your retina.

PRK (or photorefractive keratectomy) is a refractive vision correction procedure that is similar to LASIK. It is the second most common eye correction surgery in the United States.

Although we do not perform these laser services in Cordele, a local doctor can administer post-operative care locally to minimize your travel.

From the National Eye Institute

• Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration in their early stages.
• Know your family’s eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.
• Eat right to protect your sight. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too. Research has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, leading to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.
• Wear protective eyewear. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity.
• Quit smoking or never start. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
• Be cool and wear your shades. Sunglasses are great fashion accessories, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
• Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on anything, you sometimes forget to blink, and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.
• Clean your hands and your contact lenses – properly. To avoid infection risk, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.
• Practice workplace eye safety. Employers are required to provide a safe work environment. When protective eyewear is required as a part of your job, make a habit of wearing the appropriate type at all times and encourage your coworkers to do the same.

Source: National Eye Institute

Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration usually occurs in people who are age 50 and older. As people get older, the risk increases. Other risk factors include the following:

• Research shows that smoking increases the risk of AMD two-fold.
• Caucasians are much more likely to get AMD than people of African descent.
• Family history. People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk.

Cataracts
The risk of cataracts increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:

• Certain diseases such as diabetes
• Personal behavior such as smoking and alcohol use
• The environment such as prolonged exposure to sunlight
  

Diabetic Retinopathy

• All people with diabetes–both type 1 and type 2–are at risk.
• During pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy may be a problem for women with diabetes.
• The longer a person has diabetes, the greater his/her chance of developing diabetic retinopathy.
  

Glaucoma
Anyone can develop glaucoma. Some people, listed below, are at higher risk than others:

• African Americans over age 40
• Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
• People with a family history of glaucoma