Spring has sprung, flowers are blooming, farmers are tilling, pollen is spreading and eyes are suffering.  Tis the season of Allergic Conjunctivitis.  Allergy eye symptoms include redness, wateriness, and above all itchiness.  Here are a few options for relief:

1.  Artificial Tears - These can be purchased without a prescription.  Use of these drops can help clear allergens that have settled in the eyes.  Chilling artificial tears in the refrigerator can help reduce inflammation and redness.  Try to avoid "gets the red out" formulations, as these can lead to increased redness with continued use.
2.  Over the Counter Allergy Medications - These can be found in both oral and eye drop formulations.  Care should be taken when choosing oral medications as some may cause drowsiness or have potential harmful interactions with prescription medications.
3.  Prescription Allergy Eye Drops - These may be the most effective form of treatment.  Complete relief from itch can sometimes be achieved with just one drop daily.  Prescribing limitations do exist for women who are pregnant or nursing and for children under the age of two.

You don't have to suffer another day from eye irritation caused by allergies!  Feel free to contact me with any questions.  Dr P

Photo of Corneal Staining

Patients often ask me if there are differences between brand name and generic contact lens solutions.  They are concerned about price and wonder if the brand name solutions are really worth the extra expense.  The answer is YES!  Dr. Gary Andrasko is noted for his continued research regarding the biocompatibility of contact solutions with various contact lens products.  He measures the amount of corneal cell disruptions caused by both brand name and generic solutions.  The greater the amount of corneal irritation, the greater the likelihood of discomfort with contact lens wear and the potential for contact lens related red eye.  The cornea has a similar structure to our skin and the more wear a solution causes on a contact lens, the more irritated the cornea becomes.  You can find the results of Dr. Andrasko's most recent research at, http://www.staininggrid.com/faq.aspx.  Just find the brand of contact lens you are wearing and match it to the solution you are using.  The lower the staining percentage, the better compatibility between the two products.  Dr. P

April 18, 2012

Today is the first day of our new optometry blog!  We hope that this media outlet provides our patients with information regarding the latest advancements in eyecare research and products.

The first photo to the left shows the potential effects of Age Related Macular Degeneration.  The Macula is located centrally in the retina and is responsible for processing all of our detailed vision. The second photo is a simulation of the vision experienced by a person suffering from this disease.

It is estimated that 1.75 million Americans suffer from Macular Degeneration.  Light eyed, Caucasian, females are in the highest risk group for acquiring the disease.  Taking preventative measures to prevent these retinal changes is the key to preserving vision.  Here are a few lifestyle changes that can be easily implemented:  wear quality sunglasses whenever outdoors, take a daily multivitamin, make sure that your daily lutein consumption is at least 10 mg, and be sure to get your omega3s.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.  Dr P.