Protect Childrens’ Eyelids from Dog Bites

Eyelid lacerations in children can be caused by all types of accidental occurrences. Parents should be aware of the increased risks of eyelid lacerations caused by dog bites. According to researchers from Boston Childrens Hospital eyelid lacerations caused by dog bites are much more likely to cause damage to the delicate tear gland-the lacrimal gland-and the tear drainage structures. For this reason, if your child is accidentally bitten on the eyelid by a dog, be sure to tell the eye doctor so that a very careful examination and evaluation of the eyelid tissue and tear ducts can be performed. In about 1/3 of eyelid dog bites in children, we will find some damage that needs to be treated or repaired.

If you or someone you know has a child who is bitten on the eyelid or face by a dog, please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter. 

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.

Increased Risk Factors for Cataract Surgery in Postmenopausal Women

According to a recent study reported in the journal Ophthalmology, smoking, diabetes and obesity may increase the risk of cataract surgery in postmenopausal women. The results of the “UK Million Women Study” included more than 1.3 million postmenopausal women who had not previously had cataract surgery. The women were followed for cataracts treated surgically and studies with powerful statistics to calculate the adjusted relative risks for cataract surgery in terms of use of hormonal therapies, reproductive history, lifestyle factors and diabetes treatment. Two percent of women had diabetes, which was the strongest risk factor for cataract surgery. Additionally, both past and current smoking was found to elevate the risk for cataract surgery. Obesity, with a Body Mass Index of 30 kg/m² or greater, was also found to have a small increase in risk of cataracts treated surgically.

If you or someone you know has been told they have a cataract or is concerned about cataract symptoms of cloudy vision, glare sensitivity or night driving problems and wishes to schedule a cataract & lens implant exam please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center-205-930-0930.