Vision Loss is the Worst Disability

Most people would rather lose a limb than lose their eyesight, according to the results of a nationwide poll. Indeed, if given a choice, most people would prefer to lose their hearing, their memory, or their ability to speak rather than losing their vision, according to the survey results published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology.

The survey polled 2,044 Americans from across all ethnic, racial, and economic demographics. Nearly 88% of respondents viewed eye health as critical to overall health, and 47% considered vision loss to be the worst possible health condition that could happen them, even worse than Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, or AIDS/HIV. Among the possible consequences of vision loss, respondents ranked quality of life as the greatest concern, followed by loss of independence.

While 81.5% of Americans reported having an eye examination, many were not well aware of the diseases and conditions that lead to vision loss. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported awareness of cataracts (65.8%) or glaucoma (63.4%), but only half were aware of macular degeneration, and 37.3% were aware of diabetic retinopathy. As many as 25% of all respondents weren’t aware of any eye conditions that could cause loss of vision.

If you or someone you know does not have regular eye health and vision exams, please schedule one today. Call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.

Yvonne’s LASIK Experience

“Went to Dr. Michelson for a second opinion and then decided to go ahead and do LASIK after waiting 6 years after my first consult. Had a successful procedure ON my birthday and even the machine told me HAPPY BIRTHDAY! The entire staff was wonderful and Dr. Michelson has great bedside manner, which was a relief for someone like me who dislikes doctor's visits! THANK YOU! BEST birthday present, EVER!”- Yvonne S

If you or some you know is tired of the hassle of glasses or contact lenses for seeing at distance and would like to find out if LASIK might be a good vision correction option, please call Michelson Laser Vision, Inc. in Birmingham at 205-969-8100, visit Michelson Laser Vision, Google+ or www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

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.

Exercise Effect on Eye Health & Physiology

Physical exercise has been known to be one of the most important factors in preventing cardiovascular disorders and may even help prevent some neurodegenerative diseases. A recent review of clinical studies compared the results of various reports regarding the effects of physical exercises on intraocular pressure (IOP), myopia (nearsightedness) and eye circulation and blood flow.

Eye Pressure or Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
Exercises that involve movement, called dynamic exercises, are known to reduce IOP for a brief period after participating. However, certain isometric exercises such a Yoga in “downward” positions may increase IOP.

Myopia or Nearsightedness
There is a solid connection between the time being spent outdoor and reduction in the odds of developing myopia-in fact 2% less odds for every hour spent outdoors!

Eye Circulation
Physical exercises increase retinal blood flow up to 140%, thus providing more blood to retina and stimulating better circulation.

The message is clear-staying fit and active throughout life can be of great long-term benefit to your eyes! If you or someone you know wishes to know more about exercise and eye health, please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.

Dry Eye Treatment with Omega 3 Supplements

About Dry Eye & Omega 3 Supplements

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a global problem that affects more than 30 million people in the United States alone. Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease of the tear film and ocular surface that can result in eye pain and impaired vision. The main dry eye treatments are typically supportive rather than therapeutic. Based on current clinical studies in the journal Ophthalmology, today we know that moderate daily dose of Omega 3 Supplements for about 3 months resulted in reduced tear osmolarity and increased tear stability in people with DED and the phospholipid form called Krill Oil is even more therapeutic, reducing DED symptoms.

If you or someone you know suffers from dry eye disease or experiences gritty, sandy, dry red eyes and wishes to explore whether Omega 3 Supplements be helpful, please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.

Music During Cataract Surgery?

Why would you hear music during cataract surgery? For anyone having cataract surgery there is always the question of what to expect. While we always work to have explained many details and reviewed the eye drops and medications you might be given, sometimes patients are surprised to hear music playing during their cataract surgery. Depending on individual preferences, many times it is useful to have some relaxing music playing to help you have a calm and pleasant experience. In fact, research presented in journal Nature demonstrates that certain types of music reduce anxiety and actually lower blood pressure during eye surgery! So, if you hear music during your cataract surgery, relax and enjoy!

If you or some you know is experiencing cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.