Updates in Eye CareChris D. Teichmiller, O.D., M.P.H.Innovative Eyecare

Topics

• Normal age related changes• Common eye disorders• Prevention guidelines for healthy eyes and

vision• Correction options for common refractive

errors

Doctors of Optometry

Examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases, injuries and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.

Doctors of Optometry

• Diagnose the ocular manifestations of diseases that affect the entire body, such as diabetes and hypertension. • Evaluate their patients for surgery when

appropriate and often manage their patients care pre- and post-operatively.

Myth or Fact

• In a recent study conducted by the American Optometric Association, nearly three-fourths of respondents age 55 and older reported noticing changes in their vision between the ages of 40 and 45.

Myth or Fact

• To cope with vision loss or various eye problems, less than one third of respondents increased their nutrient intake to try to improve their overall eye health.

Myth or Fact

• Almost 50 percent of Americans still believe carrots are the best food for eye health, when in fact, spinach and other dark leafy vegetables provide more nutrients to the eyes because they contain large amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Myth or Fact

• In order to maintain healthy eyes, studies have shown that 10 mg of lutein should be consumed each day or one cup of cooked spinach four times per week.

Myth or Fact

•More than 50 percent of Americans do not get the recommended dosage of vitamin C per day even though one 8 ounce glass of orange juice contains 81.6 mg of vitamin C, more than enough to help offset some eye diseases.

Common Age-Related Changes

• Need for more light• Difficulty reading and doing close work• Problem with glare• Reduced tear production

Increased Risk of Eye and Vision Problems

• Chronic systemic conditions, diabetes or HBP• Family history of glaucoma or ARMD• History of elevated cholesterol• History of thyroid disorders• Anxiety or depression• History of arthritis

Early Warning Signs of Serious Eye Problems

• Fluctuation vision- diabetes, HBP or medications• Flashes or floaters-normal vs. retinal

detachment• Loss of side vision-TIA or glaucoma• Distorted images- ARMD, macular edema,

MS, and certain medications such as Plaquenil and other drugs that can cause macula toxicity

To Maintain Health Eyes and Good Vision

• Eat healthy-As part of a healthful diet, eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Choose foods rich in antioxidants such as green, leafy vegetables and fish.• Supplement with Vitamin C, Vitamin E,

Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Omega 3’s (fish oil and cod liver oil), Vitamin A, Zinc and Ginkgo Biloba.

To Maintain Health Eyes and Good Vision

• Don’t smoke• Increases risk of macular degeneration

by 50%• Increases risk of cataracts• Associated with chronic dry eye

To Maintain Health Eyes and Good Vision

• Get regular exercise• Increases blood circulation• Increases oxygen levels to the eye• Increases removal of toxins from the

body

To Maintain Health Eyes and Good Vision

•Wear sunglasses• Protects your eyes from harmful UV rays

when outdoors.• Lifetime of UVA and UVB exposure

associated with increased risk of cataracts• Choose sunglasses that screen UVA and

UVB 400

To Maintain Health Eyes and Good Vision

• Get periodic eye examinations• Although vision generally remains stable

over time, some problems may develop without any obvious signs or symptoms.• The best way to protect your vision and

eye health is through regularly scheduled eye examinations.

Correction Options for Refractive Error

• Glasses• Bifocals• Trifocals• Progressive Addition Lenses

Correction Options for Refractive Error

• Contact Lenses (Soft, RGP or Specialty)• Distance only with reading glasses•Monovision: One eye corrected for

distance and the other eye corrected for near•Multifocal contacts

Correction Options for Refractive Error

• Refractive Surgery• LASIK• PRK• Anterior chamber phakic IOLs• Cataract surgery (New refractive surgery)•Monofocal IOLs• Toric IOLs•Multifocal IOLs

Correction Options for Refractive Error

• Gentle Molding, Corneal Reshaping Therapy, or Orthokeratology or Ortho K.• This procedure involves using a series of

therapeutic rigid, gas permeable contact lenses to gently and safely reshape the cornea to change the curvature to reduce or correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia resulting in improved unaided vision and decreased dependency on daytime glasses or contact lenses.

Correction Options for Refractive Error

• Gentle Molding • Has been in practice for over 40 years• Reasons for its resurgence in popularity• New advances in lens design• New advances in lathe technology• New lens materials FDA approved for

overnight wear• Increased ranges of correction

possible

Candidates for Gentle Molding

• Occupations that require excellent unaided vision, includes airline pilots, firemen and police officers• People who want the benefits of unaided vision

for recreational and athletic pursuits such as swimming, jogging, tennis, golf, biking, gardening, enjoying the beach, etc.• People who suffer from dry eyes and ocular

allergies• People who want to see clearly in emergencies

Correction Options for Refractive Error

• Gentle Molding• Usually works within days to weeks but

higher prescriptions may take up to 3-4 months• Once corrected, the lenses only need to be

worn periodically, similar to dental retainers• The retainer lenses are generally worn for

up to 8 hours while sleeping a few nights or nightly

Correction Options for Refractive Error

• Gentle Molding• As long as the retainer lenses are worn

on a regular basis, one can expect clear vision throughout the day.• If the lenses are discontinued, the

cornea will return to its original shape within a few days to weeks

In Summary

• Nutrition will continue to play an important role in eye health and disease prevention• Preventive eye health exams are crucial • There are many new options for correcting

vision problems, including Gentle Molding

Thanks for your attention

• Chris D. Teichmiller, OD, MPH• Innovative Eyecare• 823 6th Ave SE• Decatur AL 35601• 256-353-1871•www.Innovative-Eyecare.com• drchrisod@aol.com