Corticosteroid Use

Long Term Corticosteroid Use May Lead to Cataracts Glaucoma
Corticosteroids are used with countless people by suppressing the immune response and inflammation. They are the cornerstone of treatment for ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, and many other diseases. With long-term use they have serious side effects such as weight gain, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, thinning of the skin, muscle weakness cataracts, glaucoma and many other effects.

Researchers develop photochromic lenses

In Singapore researchers have developed UV-responsive, or lenses that darken when exposed to ultraviolet light, protecting the eyes against the sun’s damaging rays. The lenses contain a novel polymer laced with an intricate network of nano-sized tunnels filled with dyes. The investigators hope to have these photochromic contact lenses commercially available within a year.

Macular Degeneration

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD or macular degeneration) takes on two basic forms dry and wet. ARMD is the leading cause of blindness in elderly patients around the world. The wet form accounts for 10% of patients with the disease but these patients make up 90% of the patients who suffer severe visual loss. The dry form appears as soft yellowish deposits throughout the central macula (area of cells (cones) that are responsible for daylight vision, colors, letters, etc.) referred to as soft drusen. Patients with large numbers of drusen are at risk of developing wet ARMD. The vision loss associated with wet ARMD is due to neovascular (weak blood vessels) tissues which grow under the retinal tissues causing hemorrhages, scarring and damage to the cells that respond to light (photoreceptors). Treatment is controversial and includes nutritional supplements, laser surgery and injections into the eye (Lucentis, Avastin).

Retina

The old adage is that “the eyes are the windows to the soul”. Developments in modern scientific technology have revealed that the eye is also a window to the body. The innermost region of the eye (retina) provides the key that allows my office to open the door to the diagnosis and management of many systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. One way we document the retinal findings is with digital retinal imaging which provides us with a “footprint” of your eye health. Macular Degeneration should be considered of epidemic proportions. The only “treatment” from the complications of macular degeneration is the usage of low vision devices (magnifiers). It takes some special training to utilize these devices and we can provide these services on Tuesday during routine business hours (9am to 5pm) by Dr. Jean Astorino a specialty trained optometrist (O.D.).