Nearsighted? You may be at risk for a retinal detachment.

Photo of actual retinal tear with detachment.

 http://www.retinaeye.com/retinaldetachment.html

Did you know that a nearsighted(myopic) eye is longer than the average eye?  The higher the prescription is, the longer the eye tends to be.  This means that the retina has to stretch thinner to cover the inside of a nearsighted eye than it does for an average eye.  A thinner retina is at higher risk for a retinal tear, hole or detachment.   A retinal tear or hole allows fluid to leak under the retina which can then cause the retina to pull away, or detach, from the back wall of the eye.  Retinal detachments can cause permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.  Some sign/symptoms of retinal detachment include: flashes of light, an increase in number of new floaters, a curtain or shadow coming over your vision, and/or sudden loss or change in peripheral vision.  However, sometimes retinal detachments do not have any symptoms at all.  So have you eye checked regularly to ensure that your retinas are healthy and intact! - Dr. Zollman

Diagram of a retinal tear (1) with an associated retinal detachment (2)

 http://www.retinaeye.com/retinaldetachment.html

A fresh contact lens everyday? Fantastic!

 

I think that I can safely say that my most satisfied contact lens patients are those wearing daily disposable lenses.  They rave about the comfort and the convenience.  The contacts are fresh each day, so there are no worries about surface deposits developing over time.  This results in clearer vision and less lens awareness.  Better yet, at the end of the day just toss them in the trash!  Forget about the chore of cleaning.

Patients often express concern about the cost of daily lenses.  If you factor the savings realized by not having to buy bottles of multipurpose solution, these contacts are comparable to most other lenses.  Current wearers always say that the investment is well worth it and that they have no desire to return to their previous lenses.

Manufacturers are responding to the positive feedback on daily disposable contacts and have many new, specialty lenses under development.  More options for daily disposable toric and multifocal contacts will be available over the next year.  If you are interested in a trial of these lenses, let our optometrists know at your next exam.

Dr. P

Stylish Clip-ons??????

Alert the fashionistas!  It IS possible to use stylish and clip-on in the same sentence.  Silhouette recently introduced their new line of Styleshades and we are excited to feature them at Alpine Vision.  The light-weight clips offer full coverage in a variety of shapes that can be paired with any rimless, Silhouette frame.  Dare we say that these clip-ons are an acceptable alternative to sunglasses?  Stop by and see for yourself, the complete line of clips are featured at both our Moscow and Lewiston locations.

http://www.silhouette.com/us/en/styleshades-detail/

Tips from a Photographer

Don't let your next portrait look like this!  Jonathan, from Archer Photography in Moscow, offered a few pointers on how to ensure that your next portrait looks great:

1.  If you typically wear eyeglasses, DO have them on when getting your picture taken.
2.  Make sure that you DO NOT wear eyeglasses with Transitions lenses for an outdoor photoshoot.
3.  DO wear lenses that are treated with an anti-reflective coating.
4.  Consider stopping by our office to have your lenses temporarily removed from your frame before you have your picture taken (you may not be able to see what is going on around you but you will look great!)

Alpine Vision Introduces Dr. Zollman

Stacie Zollman, OD

Alpine Vision Center, announces the arrival of Latah County native, Dr. Stacie Zollman. Specializing in comprehensive optometry including ocular disease, low vision, and specialty contact lens fittings, Dr. Zollman is the first local optometrist to join the husband and wife optometry team of doctors Nathan Wilson and Julia Polito. Doctors Wilson and Polito, owners of Alpine Vision Center, welcome Dr. Zollman’s experience in low vision care.

Alpine Vision Center provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. Dr. Zollman’s expertise includes diagnosing and treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other low vision issues in children and adults. Additionally, she has extensive training in the treatment and management of ocular diseases, including glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration.

"The addition of Dr. Zollman will help us better meet the needs of a diverse group patients," said Dr. Wilson. "She will work closely with patients of all ages in need of glasses or contact lenses, and in many cases will be the first point of diagnosis for those with more complex ocular and systemic diseases."

Dr. Zollman, a graduate of Genesee High School in 2004, received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Idaho in 2009, and her Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University in Oregon in 2013. She is a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society and graduated with distinction.  She is also a recipient of the Eschenbach Award for Excellence in Low Vision (http://www.eschenbach.com/).  Dr. Zollman is already known to many of Alpine Vision Center’s patients, having worked for Alpine Vision Center prior to leaving Moscow for optometry school. 

In addition to serving her community, Dr. Zollman enjoys “…spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors in beautiful Idaho!”

To schedule an eye exam with Dr. Stacie Zollman or other members of the Alpine Vision Center team in Moscow, call 208-883-1800 and in Lewiston, call 208-743-5830, or visit www.myalpinevision.com to request an appointment online. The Alpine Vision Center offices in Moscow and Lewiston are easily accessible from Latah, Nez Perce, Whitman, and Asotin counties.

Macular Degeneration Update

Macular Degeneration Update

The National Eye Health Institute recently released results from second Age Related Eye Disease Study.  AREDS2 evaluated the effectiveness of specific antioxidants, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids on halting the progression of macular degeneration.  The following is intended to provide you with information about this disease and steps you can take to preserve your vision.

 

What is macular degeneration?       

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina.  It is located centrally and is host to the highest concentration of photoreceptors in your eye.  Because of this fact, the macula is responsible for processing light rays that result in our most detailed vision.  When the photoreceptors are damaged, they expend waste products that cause the macular tissue to die or degenerate.  This situation can lead to difficulty when driving, reading, or looking at faces.

 

What vision may be like with macular degeneration.

 

Who is at risk for macular degeneration?

We are all potentially at risk for development of macular degeneration.  It is an age related disease and is the leading cause of blindness among Americans aged 60 and older.  Currently, 2 million Americans have advanced macular degeneration and another 8 million people are at risk.  The following are a list of systemic and environmental factors that contribute to the disease:

1.       Race – Macular degeneration is more prevalent among Caucasians.

2.       Family History

3.       Cigarette Smoking

4.       Cardiovascular Health – Hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and higher BMI increase risk

5.       Unhealthy Diet – Deficient in vitamins and antioxidants

6.       UV Exposure
 

What steps can be taken to help prevent the disease?

A variety of lifestyle habits can be implemented to help reduce your risk for macular degeneration.

1.        Don’t smoke

2.       Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight and good cardiovascular health

3.       Eat foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, specifically carotenoids

4.       Take a daily multivitamin (unless otherwise directed by your physician)

5.       Wear UV protective eyewear

What are carotenoids?

Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments that are antioxidants and a source of Vitamin A.  Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids found in the macula.  They help prevent oxidation and damage to the retinal tissue caused by UV radiation.  Leafy greens, like kale and cooked spinach, are excellent sources of carotenoids.
 

What are the highlights of the AREDS2 study?

The goal of AREDS2 was to reevaluate the formulation of vitamins specifically designed for individuals with moderate macular degeneration.   The original AREDS study, conducted in 2001, found that high doses of beta-carotene along with vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and copper could reduce the progression of macular degeneration from moderate to advanced disease in 25% of patients.  Unfortunately, these doses of beta-carotene increased the risk of lung cancer for current and former smokers.  Furthermore, clinical studies have demonstrated that consumption of high doses of zinc increase risk for prostate cancer development twofold.

AREDS2 sought to evaluate whether beta-carotene could be substituted with lutein and zeaxanthin.  These carotenoids are not associated with the developments of cancer.  The study also investigated the necessity of high doses of zinc and the overall efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids.  The following provides a brief synopsis of the results:

• Lutein and zeaxanthin ARE acceptable substitutes for beta-carotene and are slightly more effective in preventing progression to advanced stages of macular degeneration.
• Zinc is a necessary component in vitamin formulations for macular degeneration.  The exact amount of zinc needed, however, is undetermined.   Lower doses of zinc may eventually be recommended to negate the potential for other adverse side effects.
• Omega-3 fatty acids do not have an effect in the prevention of macular degeneration progression.  Many eye-care professionals, however, continue to recommend omega-3 supplementation because of the systemic health benefits.

If you have any questions about macular degeneration and your eyes, feel free to contact our doctors at alpinevision2020@gmail.com or ask at your next eye exam.