Keratoconus-A Thin Bulging Cornea

Keratoconus is a type of Corneal Dystrophy in which the Cornea becomes thin and bulges. Although Keratoconus is a relatively rare corneal disease, its impact on vision and overall lifestyle can be quite significant as it progresses. Vision correction in the early phases is often possible with eyeglasses and contact lenses. In the intermediate phases specialized contact lenses are often necessary to provide good vision and physical tolerance. As Keratoconus progresses and reaches its later phases, corneal surgery including transplantation may be required in order for patients to conduct normal activities and enjoy normal lifestyles. Newer types of corneal surgery and treatment may include implantation of prescription inserts and a non surgical approach called Corneal Cross Linking or CXL that enhances corneal collagen cross linking through the photoactivation of riboflavin. By carefully monitoring the progression of Keratoconus and applying the necessary treatment options it is possible to help patients maintain good vision and functioning.

Keratoconus is generally first diagnosed in young people at puberty or in their late teens and progresses through the third or fourth decade of life. It tends to progress more rapidly in young patients. Keratoconus occurs about equally in men and women. The signs and symptoms of Keratoconus may change as the disease progresses and may include a) blurred or distorted vision b) monocular double vision c) rapidly changing eyeglass prescriptions especially with high degrees of astigmatism d) increased sensitivity to bright light and glare e) problems with night vision f) headaches from eyestrain and in the most severe situation e) hydrops, a painful condition in which the back of your cornea ruptures and fills with fluid, causing a sudden clouding and loss of vision.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about Keratoconus or the various treatment options please schedule an appointment with Birmingham Corneal Specialists Marc Michelson, M.D. and Tyler Hall, M.D. at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center by calling 205-930-0930. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Eyeglasses & Eyewear in Birmingham

For close to home and convenient eyeglasses and eyewear in Birmingham visit the Optical Shop at Alabama Eye and Cataract Center, P.C. As many of you are now aware, we have recently opened an in-house optical shop at Alabama Eye and Cataract Center, P.C., located at UAB Highlands. It was an idea we pondered on, but the implementation of the shop has proven to be much appreciated by our patients and staff. Patients no longer have to take their eyeglass prescription to a big box retailer. After their exam, they can view our selection, try on frames, and even suggest a special order. Our technicians and opticians enjoy working with patients with whom they’ve grown to know, and understand their styles and personality. We listen to you, help you find exactly what you’re looking for, and you don’t have to run around town looking for it! 

We have had the wonderful opportunity to work with several reputable vendors who are bringing us the newest and trendiest styles, as well as traditional and more conservative looks. Our selection ranges from options for our fashion-conscious patients, to those who are more concerned with satisfying their eyeglass needs on a budget. Some of our top brands are Coach, Vera Wang, Dana Buchman, Joan Collins, Takumi, Silhouette, KLIIK, Kensie and FYSH. We also have the nearly indestructible TurboFlex with EasyTwist patented technology. You can browse while you are waiting, and never have to wonder where you have to go next to get your glasses made. Your glasses will be dispensed locally, and they are usually ready in two days from the time you place your order.

During your next appointment, we invite you to stroll thru our new optical shop and see what inspires you. We also have fashion sunglasses available (prescription and non-prescription available) so you can protect your eyes, and do it in style! If you, a relative, or someone you know would like to know more about eyeglasses and eyewear at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, P.C. please feel free to call us at 205-930-0930.

Glaucoma Awareness Month in Birmingham

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center wants to focus patient’s attention on Glaucoma this month as January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. “This is an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease. Our understanding of this disease along with the ways in which we can diagnose and treat it have improved considerably,” commented Corneal Specialist Marc Michelson, M.D., Medical Director of Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

“Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness overall. Of particular note is that Glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians,” reported Alabama Eye & Cataract Center Corneal Specialist Tyler Hall, M.D.

Over 4 million Americans, and nearly 70 million people worldwide, have Glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision.

The most common type of Glaucoma—Primary Open Angle Glaucoma—is hereditary. The Nottingham Glaucoma Study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology evaluated the risk that siblings of Glaucoma patients would themselves develop Glaucoma within their lifetime. “While we already knew that there was a strong likelihood that family members of Glaucoma patients were at greater risk, the Nottingham Study found that siblings were 5 times more likely to develop glaucoma by age 70. This is why we strongly recommend that siblings of Glaucoma patients and Glaucoma suspects be screened for Glaucoma, each and every year”, said Dr. Hall.

If you, a relative or someone you know is at risk for Glaucoma based on their age, heredity or health please tell them to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center at 205-930-0930 to schedule and eye exam and Glaucoma screening. Early diagnosis and treatment goes a long way to preserving eye health and vision.

Diabetic Eye Disease Month in Birmingham

Alabama Eye & cataract Center wishes to announce that Prevent Blindness America has designated November as National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. This is an important time to spread the word about this potentially blinding disease. We need to work to help patients avoid the complications of diabetic retinopathy, which blinds over 8,000 Americans each year. The vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented if it's caught and treated in time. A recent study found that more than one third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not adhere to vision care guidelines recommending a dilated eye exam every year.

As part of Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month we are urging people with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam every year. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater his or her risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. However, diabetic retinopathy does not only affect people who have had diabetes for many years, it can also appear within the first year or two after the onset of the disease.

Patients can help to reduce the risk of developing diabetic eye disease by not smoking, controlling their cholesterol and lipid profile and blood pressure, as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables and exercising.

The key to successful treatment of diabetic retinopathy is early detection and intervention. If you or someone you know has diabetes or is even prediabetic please feel free to schedule a diabetic eye examination Alabama Eye & Cataract Center by phoning 205.930.0930.

Cataract & Prostate Cancer Treatment

Men who are being treated for prostate cancer with Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) may be at higher risk for developing Cataracts according to a recent study. The side effects of ADT such as weight gain, insulin resistance and blood lipid level problems have been linked to Cataract formation. Although further prospective study is necessary to truly understand the findings researchers from Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Medicare database to analyze Cataract formation in prostate cancer patients.

Please feel free to contact Alabama Eye & Cataract Center to schedule an appointment and learn more about Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants by calling us at 205.930.0930.

Lucentis for Diabetic Eye Disease

There is good news for those impacted by the effects of Diabetes. Recent reports have been favorable for the use of Lucentis Injections to treat a complication of Diabetic Retinopathy called diabetic Macular Edema (DME) a cause of significant vision loss in patients with diabetes. Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy in the form of DME who received the drug experienced rapid and sustained improvement in vision compared to those who received a placebo injection.

Diabetic Macular Edema or DME is the swelling of retina in people with diabetic eye disease called Diabetic Retinopathy, which causes damage to the blood vessels of retina. The DME patients suffers fluid leak from the damaged blood vessel to the central portion of retina, causing it to swell leading to blurred vision, severe vision loss and blindness.

Of the 26 million U.S. people with diabetes, a portion of up to 10 percent tends to develop DME during their lifetime, and up to 75,000 new cases of DME are estimated to develop each year. Currently, DME patients are treated with laser surgery that helps seal the leaky blood vessels to slow the leakage of fluid and reduce the amount of fluid in the retina.

Lucentis is approved for use by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of “Wet” Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and for Macular Edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion. In 2011, Lucentis was approved for treatment of visual impairment due to DME in Europe.

The key to successful treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy is early detection and intervention. If you or someone you know has diabetes or is even prediabetic please feel free to schedule a Diabetic Eye Examination Alabama Eye & Cataract Center by phoning 205.930.0930.

Eye Injury Prevention Month in Birmingham

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center wish to announce that October has been designated Eye Injury Prevention Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. When most people go out to mow the lawn, jump-start the car or get ready to do some spring cleaning, the last thing they think about is protecting their eyes, but it should be first on their mind. It is a good idea to think about protecting your eyes from the extraordinary damage often caused by the most ordinary of activities.

Many household chemicals, such as cleaning fluids, detergents and ammonia, are extremely hazardous and can burn the eye's delicate tissues. When using chemicals, always read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well-ventilated area and make sure spray nozzles point away from you and others before spraying. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Before using a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger, check for debris. Stones, twigs and other items can become dangerous projectiles shooting from the blades of a lawnmower, potentially injuring your eyes or those of innocent bystanders. Prevention is the first and most important step in avoiding serious eye injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear.