Last updated 2 days 2 hours ago
If you would like more information on preserving the health of your eyes and addressing any vision problems that may arise, visit the following resources, which explain the effects of ultraviolet exposure, who is at risk for glaucoma, how to care for contact lenses, and more. For specific answers to your questions, call Eye Care Associates of St. Louis at (314) 332-2780.
- Learn how to keep your contact lenses clean and safe for your eyes with these tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides additional pointers regarding contact lens care.
- Discover what glaucoma is, as well as its symptoms and treatment, at the Mayo Clinic online.
- Learn more about the risk factors for glaucoma on this helpful page from the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
- For detailed information on the various types of cancer that can affect the eyes, visit this page from the American Cancer Society.
Last updated 10 days ago
While wearing contact lenses is a convenient and natural-looking way to correct your vision, they also carry an increased risk of eye infection, which varies depending on the type of lenses worn. Here are some ways that you can minimize your risk of contact lens-related health problems:
Keep Contacts Clean
If you use daily-wear or extended-wear contacts, it’s important to clean them thoroughly as directed by the manufacturer or your optometrist. Before inserting and removing your contacts, thoroughly wash and dry your hands. Clean contacts only with a sterile contact lens solution, and for best results, rub them with your fingers before rinsing, regardless of whether or not you use a no-rub solution. Be sure to change out the solution in your lens case with every use, and let it air dry while it is empty.
Avoid Exposing Lenses to Water
Contact lenses are not designed to be soaked in water, so be sure not to clean them or store them in water—even if it is sterilized. In addition, take out your lenses before entering a swimming pool or bath, as there is a risk of water splashing on them.
Follow Prescribed Instructions
Using lenses only as directed is one of the most important aspects of ocular health for contact lens wearers. Be sure to remove daily-wear or disposable lenses while sleeping, even if you are only taking a short nap. Such contacts are not designed to let the maximum amount of oxygen into your eyes—a problem that can promote infection. This effect is exacerbated when your eyes are closed continuously. To minimize the presence of infection-causing microbes as well as to prevent the buildup of protein, it is important to change out or clean lenses as often as instructed.
Visit Your Eye Doctor Annually
Your contact lens prescription will likely need to be renewed every year, so see your optometrist to update your prescription and confirm the health of your eyes. Be sure to schedule an appointment sooner if you experience symptoms of ocular distress, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, tearing, or photosensitivity.
For more information on contact lens care, or to schedule an appointment with an experienced optometrist, call Eye Care Associates of St. Louis at (314) 332-2780.
Last updated 17 days ago
Most individuals suffer from some degree of refractive error. In fact, a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology states that refractive error accounts for nearly 80 percent of all visual impairment in individuals ages 12 and older. While contact lenses and prescription glasses can offer correction for many of these conditions, some individuals prefer a more permanent solution. Our own Stephen Wexler, M.D. is one of the leading refractive surgery specialists in the country, and a respected authority on LASIK surgery.
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is procedure designed to correct refractive error by permanently changing the shape of the cornea using an excimer laser. During traditional LASIK surgery, a thin flap is created in the cornea using a mechanical microkeratome or laser keratome, leaving a hinge on one end of the flap. This flap is then folded back to reveal the middle section of the cornea, also known as the stroma. Using pulses from a computer-controlled laser, the laser eye surgeon will vaporize a portion of the stroma to correct a number of refractive errors before replacing the flap without the need for stitches.
Bladeless LASIK, also known as all-laser LASIK, or IntraLase® LASIK surgery, uses laser energy - rather than a blade or cutting tool- to create the corneal flap. By using computer software to guide the laser, IntraLase® LASIK surgery enables your ophthalmologist to control the size, shape, and depth of the corneal flap—ultimately allowing for greater accuracy and control. In addition to reducing the risk of surgical complications, bladeless LASIK can be performed on candidates who are not eligible for traditional laser vision surgery due to their level of corneal thickness.
If your refractive error is interfering with your quality of life, or if you’re simply tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, contact Eye Care Associates Of St. Louis at (314) 332-2780 and schedule a free LASIK screening. And if it’s been awhile since you’ve had your eyes checked, or you’re simply not seeing as well as you should, call today to make an appointment for a complete eye exam.
Last updated 23 days ago
There are several types of glaucoma, but the two main types are open-angle and acute or narrow-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma accounts for the majority of all glaucoma cases in the United States, but both types are characterized by increased ocular pressure within the eye. It is this pressure that is associated with damage to the optic nerve, causing progressive and irreversible vision loss. According to the American Health Assistance Foundation, approximately 2.8 million individuals in the United States have been diagnosed with glaucoma, while another 2.8 million have the disease but may be unaware of it. While the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, further vision loss can be prevented by an ophthalmologist or laser eye surgery specialist during the early stages.
One of the more advanced treatments currently available for open-angle glaucoma is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), a minimally invasive procedure designed to lower intraocular eye pressure and increase fluid drainage to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Unlike other glaucoma treatment methods, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty can be done as an in-office or outpatient procedure, and is successful for the majority of patients after just a single session. In addition, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty procedures may control glaucoma symptoms for up to five years without the need for additional medication. By promoting the body’s natural healing response, SLT procedures help control glaucoma without exposing the patient to negative side effects like pain or scarring.
It is important to remember that glaucoma often presents no symptoms until the damage is very advanced. The best way to prevent permanent and serious vision loss is by scheduling regular eye exams with your eye care provider.
Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, but some people are at higher risk than others. Some of these risk factors include:
• Over 60 years of age
• African Americans
• Family Members with Glaucoma
• Older Hispanics
• Steroid Use
• Eye Injury
• Very nearsighted
If you have any of these risk factors, of if it has been awhile since you’ve had a dilated eye exam, call Eye Care Associates Of St. Louis today at (314) 332-2780 to schedule your appointment.
Last updated 24 days ago
I had been putting off going to the eye doctor for the last several years. I was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and was told to go get a eye exam so they could establish a baseline. I am so scared of bad news I kept putting it off but now I am glad I went. The lady that ran me through the tests was extremely nice. Dr. La Point took his time with me and explained everything very well. He wrote a prescription for glasses but said that as long as I am happy with the way I see now there is no hurry to get glasses. The front office people were efficient. Oh and it was nice that Dr. La Point came out and greeted me as opposed to most doctors that have you wait in an examining room until they come in. I would recommend them to anyone.
