Blog
Discover cutting-edge advancements and expert insights in ophthalmology on Dr. Kerry Solomon’s blog. Stay informed about the latest trends, treatments, and innovations for optimal eye health and vision care.
Glaucoma Awareness Month
This month is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. January is an important time to raise awareness and spread the word about glaucoma, its symptoms and its treatment. The disease is considered the “silent thief of sight” as there are virtually no symptoms associated with it and once vision is lost, it’s gone for good. As much as 40% of vision can be lost before any sort of change is noticed. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Currently there is no cure for glaucoma, but with early detection and treatment, its effects can be slowed down and further vision loss can be prevented. Over 2.7 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of these individuals don’t even know that they have the disease. With these numbers growing, it is very important to not only receive regular eye examinations, but to help raise awareness about the disease as well.
Why You Should Wear Sunglasses in the Winter
Most of us associate sunglasses with warm weather, hanging out at the beach, and other fun summertime activities, and while sunglasses are important for preventing UV damage to our eyes, most of us make the mistake of forgetting to wear our favorite shades during the cold, and sometimes snowy, winter months. Here are some important reasons why it is important to always remember to wear your sunglasses – any time of the year.
December is National Safe Toy and Gifts Month
Children’s bright eyes epitomize the spirit of the holiday season, but those same bright eyes can become weary and even injured without proper supervision during the holiday gift-giving season as toys and computer games can prove hazardous to children’s vision. The Consumer Products and Safety Commission reports that more than 230,000 toy-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms annually. Of those injured, approximately one third under the age of five and more than 45% of those injuries are to the head and face. Most eye injuries caused by toys are completely preventable. Many parents are simply unaware of what to look for to maximize children’s eye safety when purchasing toys.
Eye Conditions Caused By Stress
Have you ever experienced an irritating eye twitch that just won’t seem to end? How about dry eyes or blurred vision? Have you ever thought that these issues could be caused by stress? It’s true, our eyes are an extension of our brain so whatever affects the various parts of our brain can actually interfere with our vision.
Eye Health in the Office
Experiencing red or watery eyes, blurred vision or difficulty focusing after a day at work can often be the result of staring at a computer screen for eight or more hours. Office environments can certainly take their toll on your eyes. Here are some common symptoms and simple solutions to help maintain healthy vision during your work day.
World Sight Day
World Sight Day takes place Thursday, October 10th. It is a global event that focuses on raising awareness about blindness and vision impairment as well as rehabilitation for those living with visual impairments. This event happens every year on the second Thursday in October.
Nighttime Driving and Your Eyes
Our days are about to become darker even earlier with the fall season officially upon us, which means more nighttime driving. According to a national survey, 32% of drivers reported that they have trouble seeing in the dark. Most of these drivers have difficulty judging distance, identifying signs or exits, and struggle to see animals and pedestrians in roadways.
Glaucoma and Why You Should Have Your Eyes Examined
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain, is damaged by the pressure of fluid inside your eye. There are two main types of glaucoma. One is primary open-angle glaucoma and the other is angle-closure glaucoma. These types of glaucoma are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure, or pressure inside of the eye. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease contributes to or causes increased eye pressure.
August Is National Eye Exam Month
August can often be hectic as we rush to fit in the last bits of summer vacation before the school year starts and the weather cools down, but before you get too wrapped up in back-to-school or final summer plans, don’t forget about planning ahead for healthy vision by scheduling an eye exam for you and your family.
Cataracts
As we grow older our bodies experience many different changes, and our eyes are no exception to this rule. Usually as we age and our vision becomes more blurred, we assume that we probably need new glasses with a stronger prescription, but in fact, cataracts may be the culprit behind our declined vision.
Heterochromia
July 12th is Heterochromia Awareness Day. Only 11 out of every 1,000 Americans have heterochromia, a condition that results in two differently colored eyes.
June Is Cataract Awareness Month
According to Prevent Blindness America, the founders of Cataract Awareness Month, it is estimated that over 22 million Americans age 40 and over have cataracts. Cataracts are the clouding of the natural lens of the eye which leads to decreased vision. Cataracts make vision comparable to looking through a foggy windshield and are the most common cause of blindness and are conventionally treated with surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States and a recent study found that cataract surgery patients had significantly reduced rates of hip fractures due to falls.