But there are good reasons your eye doctor must dilate your eyes during some eye exams.

Why Must my Eyes Be Dilated During an Eye Exam?

Generally speaking, one’s pupil contracts or gets smaller when light is shined into it. Unfortunately, this makes it very difficult for the clinician to see into the back of the eye (which includes the retina, the macula, and the optic nerve).

In order to keep the pupil open for what is called a “dilated exam,” special eye drops are used. This allows the doctor to get a good look into the back or posterior sections of the eye.

Eye Diseases that Dilation Helps to Diagnose and Monitor

Many diseases of the eye can be diagnosed, monitored and treated with the assistance of a dilated eye exam. These include:

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Cataracts

Temporary Side Effects of Eye Dilation

Patients are sometimes hesitant to have their eyes dilated because the drops may cause unpleasant side effects, including:

1. The eyes may sting for a short time.
2. The eyes become more sensitive to bright light.
3. Vision may be temporarily blurry.
4. It becomes more difficult to focus at near distances.

Some people’s pupils return to normal in a few hours, and for other people, it can take longer (up to a day). Wearing sunglasses and abstaining from tasks that require close up vision may be helpful. Having someone drive you home from your eye exam is another option.

While dilation may be slightly uncomfortable, it is an essential part of a comprehensive eye examination.

If you live in central New Jersey, contact Atlantic Medical Eye Care to set up your next eye exam.

The post Why Does the Eye Doctor Have to Dilate My Eyes? appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

1. Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye. It is the result of proteins in the lens breaking down with time causing blurred vision. Generally, cataract surgery is the preferred treatment option.

If you have questions about treating cataract, download our free guide featuring 34 questions you should ask BEFORE having cataract surgery.

2. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when excess glucose damages the blood vessels in the retina. Over time people with both Type I and Type II Diabetes can develop vision loss, especially if the disease is uncontrolled.

3. Detached Retina

The incidence of Detached Retina can also occur with age since the vitreous material in the eye changes in texture and shrinks in time. This is associated with flashes and floaters which may lead to permanent vision loss.

4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (or AMD) occurs when the central portion of the retina (the macula) wears down. While AMD can destroy straight ahead and color vision, Glaucoma can reduce peripheral vision and lead to complete blindness.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the result of fluid not draining properly from the eye, increasing eye pressure and damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma often reduces peripheral vision and sometimes even lead to total blindness.

Other Eye Conditions Associated with Aging

There are other eye conditions associated with aging. Therefore, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that those over 65 have a complete eye exam at least every year or so. Catching eye problems early is key to more favorable outcomes.

If an eye problem has been diagnosed or there is a medical problem or medication that could affect the eyes, patients should follow the guidance of their Ophthalmologist or Eye MD and have more frequent visits.

Contact Atlantic Medical Eye Care today to schedule an appointment to ensure your eyes remain in top condition.

The post 5 Eye Problems that Can Occur as You Get Older appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Unfortunately, every Ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) has heard scary stories about the use of non-prescription or over-the-counter contact lenses.

Reason #1: Costume Lenses Can Scratch the Cornea

If contacts are not professionally fitted to the eye, they can scratch the cornea. One patient’s lens was too tight. It adhered to her eye causing a permanent eye scar, vision loss, and a drooping eyelid.

Remember — there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” contact lens. They should always be professionally fitted by an experienced eye care physician.

Reason #2: Costume Lenses Often Cause Serious Infections

Infections are also common with costume-type lenses. These lenses may not be sterilized when packaged. They even may contain harmful chemicals, such as chlorine.

A patient described her need for surgical intervention following a very serious infection that left her with permanent blurry vision and persistent dry eyes. Another patient regrets his use of color changing lenses that caused complete vision loss in one eye, even after having about a dozen surgeries to try to fix the problem.

Over-the-Counter Lenses Are Now Illegal in the United States

In response to cases like these, non-prescription or over-the-counter lenses are now illegal in the United States — whether purchased in costume stores, beauty supply shops or online.

So, avoid using these color-changing costume contact lenses at all costs. They are just too risky in terms of the permanent damage they can cause to your eyes.

The post 2 Reasons to Avoid Color-Changing “Costume” Contact Lenses appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Retinal Detachment

A Retinal Detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from its supportive tissue. Patients often experience blurred vision, and they may see flashes of light and floaters. Addressing the condition quickly can save vision in the eye.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Similarly, a CRAO or Central Retinal Artery Occlusion must be treated promptly because this blockage of a blood vessel in the eye can cause stroke if a blood clot breaks free and goes to the brain. It is characterized by a sudden painless loss of vision.

Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma occurs when the drainage apparatus or angle of the eye closes causing a sudden severe increase in eye pressure. Vision loss due to Glaucoma cannot be reversed, so it is incumbent to see an Eye Doctor immediately for symptoms, which include:

• eye pain
• severe headache
• nausea
• sudden loss of sight

Eye Rupture

When a sharp object penetrates the eye, the eye loses pressure, and the contents may actually leak out of the eye. This is known as a ruptured globe, and it requires surgical repair.

Eye Infections

This discussion would not be complete without the mention of infections such as Orbital Cellutis (an infection around the eye) and Endophthalmitis (an infection within the eye).

Both of these infections may cause pain, redness, tenderness, and swelling.

Other Eye Emergencies

There are many additional eye emergencies, but in general patients should seek immediate attention for eye problems, such as:

• cuts
• scratches
• objects in the eye
• burns
• chemical exposure
• injuries to the eye or eyelid
• infections
• pain
• sudden vision loss

The post What is Considered an Eye Emergency? 5 Serious Eye Problems appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

In this post, we’re going to offer an explanation for many common eye care terms you often hear during a comprehensive eye exam in simple, plain English.

What’s a “Refractive Error”?  Learn All 4 Types

A refractive error is when the eye cannot accurately focus light on the retina due to the shape of the eye and/or cornea. There are four main refractive errors:

1. Astigmatism can cause images to look blurry at near or far distances, and can result in headaches.
2. Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, allows a person to see at distance but not when objects are close up.
3. Myopia, or nearsightedness, provides excellent near vision but blurry eyesight at things in the distance.
4. Presbyopia, the fourth type, makes it difficult to see up close. It commonly occurs with age.

Seeing 20/20 — What Does “Visual Acuity” Mean?

Some people are not sure what the term visual acuity means. Visual acuity refers to the clarity or sharpness of vision:

• When someone says they have 20/20 vision, it means they can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. However, having 20/20 vision doesn’t necessarily indicate perfect vision — visual acuity only describes the clarity of vision at a specific distance.
• In contrast, if a person has 20/100 vision, it means that they have to be 20 feet away to see what a person with normal vision would be able to see at 100 feet away.

Never Be Afraid to Ask your Eye Doctor

If one of your doctors or technicians uses a word or phrase you don’t understand, please don’t hesitate to ask them to explain it to you. When you’re in a doctor’s office, there are no stupid questions. Remember, at Atlantic Medical Eye Care, we’re here to help!

The post Eye Care Terms: What do These Words Really Mean? appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Some students thrived in the virtual school environment while many did not. Unfortunately, all parents should be aware that Eye Doctors have discovered that children have emerged from the pandemic with increases in myopia (also known as near-sightedness).

How COVID-19 Contributed to Myopic Children

As children spend more time looking at screens or books, the eye adjusts to see close up. In time, the shape of the eye can actually elongate which leads to myopia.

Additionally, children tend to use more of their distance vision when outside, therefore decreased outdoor time (particularly during the pandemic, when playgrounds were closed and sports participation was limited) contributed to the problem even further.

Eye doctors have also reported more cases of eye strain due to increased use of phones, tablets, and computers. This is an ongoing problem due to current trends.

What Parents Can Do

Parents should take their child(ren) for regular eye exams. Treatment and/or corrective lenses may be necessary to avoid additional strain on young eyes.

If you live in Central NJ, contact our team to set up an appointment for your child(ren). We’re eager to help.

The post Increased Myopia in Children: A Side Effect of COVID and Screen Time appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

What Does an Optician Do?

If you have a prescription for eyeglasses you will want to visit your Optician. These technicians are trained to design and fit devices to correct eyesight. They are not permitted to test vision, write prescriptions, diagnose, or treat eye diseases.

What Does an Optometrist Do?

An Optometrist receives a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Optometrists examine the eye for prescribing corrective lenses, perform screening tests to detect eye abnormalities, and prescribe medications for some eye diseases.

What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?

An Ophthalmologist (or Eye M.D.) is a Medical or Osteopathic Doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to performing complex and delicate eye surgery (such as surgery to correct cataracts). Ophthalmologists may also conduct scientific research into the causes and cures of eye disease.

Ophthalmologists have the most rigorous program of study, requiring four years of postgraduate specialty training after the completion of their medical degree. This consists of a one year medical residency followed by a three year residency in Ophthalmology in an approved surgical residency program.

Ophthalmologist in Central New Jersey

If you’re located in central NJ and seeking premium care for your eyes, set up an appointment with Atlantic Medical Eye Care. Dr. Robert Scharfman is an Ophthalmologist with decades of experience treating a wide variety of eye conditions.

The post Optician vs. Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: Who’s Who in Eye Care? appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

The simple answer to this question is “YES.” In fact, sleeping in your contact lenses is one of the riskiest things you can do as a contact lens wearer.

Why You Should Never Sleep in Your Contact Lenses

Sleeping in contacts can increase the incidence of contracting an eye infection by six to eight times. These infections can be:

• bacterial
• viral
• fungal
• or parasitic

Other Risks

Other risks include the development of a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the eye) or a corneal ulcer (on open sore on the cornea). Not only are these conditions painful, they may also require surgery and become a threat to vision.

Infections can accompany these conditions making treatment challenging. Symptoms include:

Other Things to Avoid When Using Contact Lenses

Other bad contact lens hygiene habits include:

• swimming or bathing with your contacts in
• cleaning contacts with tap water
• not properly washing your hands before handling contacts
• reusing contact lens solution

All of these habits can produce the types of eye emergencies described and should be treated by an Opthalmologist or Eye MD immediately.

The post Is it Bad if I Sleep in My Contact Lenses? appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

With that in mind, here are three eye conditions common in people with MS. Sometimes, one of these conditions can even signal the onset of the disease.

Optic Neuritis: Symptoms and Treatment

Optic Neuritis or inflammation of the optic nerve is a common problem with MS. It usually occurs in one eye at a time and can cause:

• aching pain with eye movement
• blurred vision
• dim vision
• loss of color vision

Sometimes a dim spot called a scotoma can occur in the center of one’s visual field. Symptoms can come and go, and there are medications to accelerate recovery.

Nystagmus: Symptoms and Treatment

Nystagmus is an involuntary, uncontrolled movement of the eyes. It can be multidirectional and impact vision.

Like Optic Neuritis, Nystagmus can spontaneously remit, but there are medications to treat it.

Diplopia: Symptoms and Treatment

People with MS may also experience Diplopia or double vision. This occurs when the nerves that control eye movement are inflamed or damaged. Some patients see two side by side images while others see one image on top of another.

Diplopia may resolve without treatment. If it doesn’t, medication, patching one eye, or wearing special lenses can help.

Visit Your Ophthalmologist Regularly

It is very important for those with MS to see their Ophthalmologist on a regular basis and when new eye symptoms occur. It’s more beneficial to treat eye conditions related to the illness sooner rather than later.

If you have Multiple Sclerosis and live in the central New Jersey area, contact us to set up an appointment with Dr. Scharfman or Dr. Kahlon. Both are highly experienced in treating MS-related eye conditions.

The post Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the Eyes: 3 Common Eye Conditions appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Individuals with cataracts may have noticed that things look blurry, hazy, or that colors look less distinct and vibrant. But, generally speaking, cataract surgery is not urgent.

Hesitance to Have Cataract Surgery

Sometimes patients are hesitant to have cataract surgery. This is unfortunate because the procedure is a very brief outpatient procedure with a low incidence of complications. In fact, multiple studies indicate that the success rate is over 98%.

When to Consider Cataract Surgery

The timing of cataract surgery is important because as a cataract matures, it becomes thicker, denser, and incrementally more difficult to remove.

At Atlantic Medical Eye Care, we believe that the right time to have cataract surgery is when vision impairment interferes with the activities of daily living — activities such as:

• Reading
• Watching television
• Doing puzzles
• Sewing and crafts
• Taking medications accurately
• Ambulating without falling
• Driving

Cataract Surgery Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Don’t wait unnecessarily to remove your cataracts. Cataract surgery has one of the highest success rates of any surgery performed. Additionally, patients describe the improvement to the quality of their lives as profound.

If you suspect you may have cataracts, or if you’ve been putting off surgery to remove your cataracts, contact us today to set up a consultation to evaluate your eyes. If could be the best decision you make this whole year.

The post What Happens If You Put Off Having Cataract Surgery? appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.