Can Dr. Google Diagnose Eye Problems?

 

A recent study reported at a Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology concluded that while eye health information they found online can be helpful in informing patients with eye problems about conditions, often these online symptom checkers do not arrive at the correct diagnosis and actually provide the wrong recommendation on what to do, recommending self-care at home instead of calling an eye doctor or going to the emergency room. The study examining the diagnoses generated by WebMD Symptom Checker showed the online tool was correct only 26 percent of the time in making the right diagnosis and recommendation. With the wide availability of telehealth eye visits even if you are unable to get to an eye doctor’s office you would still have the benefit of “real doctor” evaluation and discussion in evaluation and recommendations.

If you or someone you know needs information or urgent care please know we always have an eye doctor on call and are happy to assist or schedule a telehealth appointment. Call us at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or Facebook.

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a leading eye care center 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.

Cataracts & Diabetes: Facts You Might Not Know

Did you know that having diabetes increases your risk of developing cataracts faster and earlier in life? The crystalline lens in your eye is nourished by the Aqueous Humor-the clear fluid that circulates in the front of the eye behind the cornea. The Aqueous Humor actually provides oxygen and glucose for the health of the crystalline lens. If you have diabetes and not maintaining good stable blood glucose control, the crystalline lens can become cloudy and less transparent, eventually forming a cataract and making things appear blurry, faded and even appearing with a yellow tinge. This is yet another reason diabetics should work to maintain a healthy lifestyle and blood sugar control.

If you or someone you know has diabetes and experiences changing vision or is experiencing cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving please call and schedule an eye exam at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or Facebook.

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a leading eye care center 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.