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Who is at Risk for Cataracts?

Has your vision been a little blurry lately? If so, the problem might be a cataract.

Of course, you’ve probably heard the word “cataract” many times before. But what exactly does it mean?

When the proteins that form your eye’s lens start to break down and stick together, cloudy areas called cataracts can form.

Cataracts can be scary, and if left untreated, they can lead to permanent blindness.

Fortunately, routine eye exams, cataract removal surgeries, and lens replacement operations can all save and protect your eyesight.

At this point, though, you might be wondering: Who is most likely to suffer from this problem?

To answer that question, let’s look at some of the major cataract risk factors.

Age

A person’s age is the primary contributing factor to cataracts. In fact, the proteins of the lens start to break down around the age of 40. And symptoms of cataracts typically start to appear after a person turns 60.

Gender

Women run a somewhat higher risk of cataracts than men, especially earlier in life. It’s not precisely clear why, but it may be connected to the hormonal changes that women can experience, particularly during pregnancy and menopause.

Diabetes

When people have diabetes, their higher blood sugar levels can damage their ocular blood vessels, making them more vulnerable to cataracts. On top of that, the extra blood sugar can cause structural changes within the lens itself. And those changes can lead to cataracts.

Smoking and Drinking

Cigarette smoke can irritate the eyes and swell their blood vessels, which can induce cataract formation.

Moreover, medical studies have linked ongoing heavy alcohol consumption to cataracts. Heavy drinking is often defined as eight or more drinks in one week for a woman and 15 or more drinks in one week for a man. However, the connection between alcohol and cataracts still needs further study.

Genetics

In some cases, cataracts can run in families. A parent might pass on the genetic mutation that causes cataracts to their child.

Other Eye Problems

Those who’ve experienced eye-related traumas, disorders, or injuries are often more susceptible to cataracts. All of these issues can alter the structure of the lens and its proteins.

Schedule A Consultation

Whether or not you’re experiencing cataract symptoms, regular check-ups are vital to the health and functioning of your eyes. The earlier a cataract or other problem is detected, the better the outcomes are likely to be. That’s where we come in. At Campus Eye Group. our experienced team of specialists can help you maintain your eye health. Simply call our office today at (609) 587-2020, or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease affecting the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. But how do you know if you have it? There are some signs and symptoms you can look out for, as well as some ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Signs and Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

Blurred or Distorted Vision

One of the most common early symptoms of macular degeneration is blurry or wavy central vision. Straight lines may appear distorted, and objects may lose their clarity.

Difficulty Reading or Performing Close-Up Tasks

As the condition progresses, individuals may find it increasingly challenging to read small print, sew, or perform other activities that require detailed or more precise vision.

Dark or Empty Areas in Your Central Vision

Some people with macular degeneration may experience dark or empty spots in their central vision. This can make it difficult to recognize faces, drive, or engage in activities that require focused vision.

Decreased Color Perception

Macular degeneration can cause a decrease in color vibrancy or intensity. Colors may appear faded or less vivid than before.

Difficulty Adapting to Low-Light Conditions

Individuals with macular degeneration may find it harder to adjust to dim lighting or require brighter lighting to see things more clearly.

Gradual Loss of Central Vision

Macular degeneration typically affects central vision first, while peripheral vision remains intact. Over time, the loss of central vision can become more pronounced and impact daily activities.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Dry Macular Degeneration

This is the more common type, accounting for about 90% of cases of macular degeneration. It is characterized by the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula. The progression of dry macular degeneration is generally slower than the wet type.

Wet Macular Degeneration

This type is less common but more severe. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, leading to rapid and significant damage to the macula. Wet macular degeneration can cause sudden and severe vision loss.

Best Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Macular Degeneration

Because macular degeneration can be so serious, knowing ways to reduce your risk can be vital to keeping your vision intact. Some of the best ways to reduce your risk include:

  • Consume a healthy diet rich in vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Eat leafy green vegetables, seafood, nuts, carrots, and vibrant fruits to support your eye health.
  • Give up smoking. Smoking significantly increases the risk of macular degeneration. If you already have the disease, quitting smoking can help slow its course.
  • Use sunglasses that block UV rays, and think about using blue light filters on your digital devices to lessen the risk of macula deterioration.
  • Regular exercise: Maintaining general health through physical activity may help improve eye health as well.
  • Routine eye exams: To effectively manage macular degeneration, schedule routine visits with an eye care expert for thorough eye examinations.

Schedule A Consultation Today

As early management can help slow the advancement of macular degeneration and preserve your vision, early identification and routine eye exams are essential in recognizing and treating macular degeneration.

For an accurate diagnosis and proper management, schedule an appointment with Campus Eye Group today. Call our Hamilton, NJ office at (609) 587-2020 or use our online contact form.

What to do before LASIK surgery?

Are you considering LASIK surgery to correct your vision? Before you get LASIK, there are some important steps you can take to make sure you have the best possible experience.

At Campus Eye Group, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decisions about your vision care. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the things you should do before getting LASIK.

Share Your Medical History

Before undergoing any kind of surgery, being honest about your medical history is important. LASIK is a very safe procedure, but your surgeon needs to know about any existing medical conditions and medications you may be taking to assess your candidacy properly. Discuss any eye diseases, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, or other medical issues with your doctor.

Drink More Water Before Surgery

It’s important to stay hydrated before and after your LASIK surgery. Be sure to drink plenty of water the week before the surgery and during your recovery. Staying hydrated will help your body heal more quickly and reduce the risk of any post-surgery complications.

Stop Wearing Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them at least two weeks before your surgery. Contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea, so it’s important to give your eyes time to return to their natural shape before your procedure.

Let Someone Drive You to the Procedure

Ensuring you have someone to drive you to and from your LASIK procedure is important. Driving yourself home after the surgery is not recommended as your vision may be blurry, and you may be more sensitive to light. Make sure to arrange for a friend or family member to be your designated driver for the day.

Don’t Wear Makeup

It is important to avoid wearing makeup, on the day of your LASIK procedure. Makeup can irritate your eyes after the surgery and increase the risk of infection.

In addition, it’s important to wash your face with a mild cleanser the night before the procedure, as any makeup residues can also increase your risk of infection. Be sure to arrive at your appointment with a clean face.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

It’s important to wear comfortable clothing to your LASIK appointment. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing as it could affect your eyes when you’re trying to take it off. Wear a shirt or blouse that buttons up in the front or that has a wider neckline.

Be Mentally Prepared

LASIK is a surgical procedure, so being mentally prepared for the experience is important. Talk to your doctor about what to expect during the procedure, and ask any questions you may have. Knowing what to expect can help you relax and stay calm during the procedure.

Bring Sunglasses

It’s also important to bring sunglasses to your LASIK appointment. Your eyes will likely be more sensitive to light right after the surgery. To protect your eyes from the light and UV rays and to stop you from rubbing or scratching your eyes, sunglasses are recommended. You can also bring a hat to wear to block out the UV rays and light that may make it over your sunglasses as well.

Learn About Post-Surgery Care

Before your procedure, your doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes after the surgery. Be sure to follow these instructions and avoid any activities that could strain your eyes in the days following the procedure.

Schedule A Consultation

LASIK surgery can be a life-changing experience that can correct your vision and allow you to see clearly without glasses or contacts.  At Campus Eye Group, our experienced team of eye care professionals will be happy to answer any questions and help you prepare for your procedure.

To schedule a consultation today, call our offices or use our online scheduling form.

Types of Cataracts and Symptoms to Look For

Cataracts are a degenerative disorder that causes one or both of your eyes’ lenses to become cloudy. They impair your vision and can lead to blindness if not appropriately addressed. Cataracts can be caused by aging, long-term UV exposure from sunlight, or diabetes.

Cataracts develop slowly over time, and symptoms may only begin to show around age 40 for most people. If you’re beginning to notice cloudiness or unclear vision, it may be cataracts. Below we discuss types of cataracts and what symptoms to look out for.

Types of Cataracts

It is estimated more than 24.4 million Americans aged 40 and older have cataracts. By age 75, almost half of all Americans have some form of visual disability due to cataracts. Although they’re usually not painful, they must be treated because they will gradually affect your eyesight as the condition worsens.

There are four main types of cataracts.

1. Nuclear Cataracts

A nuclear cataract is the most common type of cataract, beginning with a gradual hardening and yellowing of the central zone of the lens also known as the nucleus. Over time, this hardening and yellowing will expand to the other layers of the lens.

As this type of cataract progresses, it changes the eye’s ability to focus and close-up vision (for reading or other types of close work) may temporarily improve. This symptom is referred to as second sight, but the vision improvement it produces is not permanent.

A nuclear sclerotic cataract progresses slowly and may take several years of gradual development before it begins to affect vision.

2. Cortical Cataracts

A cortical cataract forms in the shell layer of the lens known as the cortex and gradually extends its “spokes” from the outside of the lens to the center. These fissures can cause the light that enters the eye to scatter, creating problems with blurred vision, glare, contrast and depth perception. People with diabetes are at risk for developing cortical cataracts.

3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts

Primarily affecting one’s reading and night vision, this type of cataract begins as a small opaque or cloudy area on the posterior (back surface) of the lens. It is called subcapsular because it forms beneath the lens capsule which is a small sac or membrane that encloses the lens and holds it in place.

Subcapsular cataracts can interfere with reading and create halo effects and glare around lights. People who use steroids or have diabetes, extreme nearsightedness, and/or retinitis pigmentosa may develop this type of cataract. Subcapsular cataracts can develop rapidly and symptoms can become noticeable within months.

4. Congenital Cataracts

These are rare, but they can also happen to anyone. They’re when your lens develops abnormally before birth or during childhood. The lens of the eye is normally clear.  It focuses light that comes into the eye onto the retina. Cataract develops because the lens is positioned incorrectly.

Symptoms to Look For

Cataracts can have a variety of symptoms depending on their severity. As cataracts develop, you may experience the following:

  • Blurry Vision – the first sign you might see is something out of place in your vision. This could mean the appearance of halos around objects like street lamps, lights, signs, and buildings. You may also notice that your vision suddenly seems darker than before, even in bright light.
  • Double Vision – this occurs when you have a cataract that has simultaneously affected both eyes’ lenses. The image from each eye is often out of alignment, so both images appear upside down or reversed.
  • Increased light and glare sensitivity – your eyes may be more light-sensitive. This could mean you have to shield them from the sun when you go out or turn off any bright lights you have in your home.
  • Limited night vision – it can be difficult to see in the dark with cataracts. You can have trouble driving at night, reading street signs, and identifying objects.
  • Loss of peripheral vision – this usually occurs when your cataract has become severe enough to affect both eyes at once and impair your field of view. Objects that are close by appear to be farther away, or vice versa.

Schedule an Appointment

If you experience these symptoms, Campus Eye Group can help. Our knowledgeable ophthalmologists can determine whether cataracts are impacting your vision and how they can be removed. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.  

Contoura Vision: What to Expect?

Contoura™ Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction

The field of laser vision correction is constantly progressing. Since the advent of laser refractive surgery in the 1980s, more and more people across the world have been able to reduce the effects that nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism have had on their daily lives – and many have completely eliminated their need for corrective eyewear in order to see clearly. The efficacy of these procedures has continued to improve as the technology has advanced, and our providers at Campus Eye Group have established ourselves as leading voices in the development of new techniques.

What is Contoura and What is Unique About it?

The eye has two kinds of axes: the pupillary and visual axes. The pupillary axis passes through the center of the front sight, while the optical axis is the line that passes through the object of interest and fovea. Unlike other laser eye procedures, Contoura works on the visual axis, which results in better vision.  In fact, Contoura when added with LASIK can produce sharper results than LASIK, the most popular laser eye correction surgery.

 

ContouraTM Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction can optimize the surface of the eye’s cornea in such a way that it enhances the quality of vision better than has ever been possible before. One of the unique characteristics of the cornea is that it does not have a smooth surface. Contoura involves your ophthalmologist using a Topolyser to map the irregularities in your cornea and understand 22,000 unique data points. Understanding the individual data points enables your ophthalmologist to adjust your surgery accurately and effectively. Contoura targets the aberrations of the cornea that need to be corrected.

 

In clinical studies, ContouraTM Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction helped 90% of patients see as well or better without glasses than they did with glasses. It can benefit patients in several ways, helping them obtain a better quality of vision and reducing issues with night glare.

 

Although previous laser vision correction techniques have offered patients incredible precision and accuracy while reshaping the cornea and addressing visual refractive errors, ContouraTM Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction takes the treatment even further. Instead of just treating the refractive error, this technology utilizes unparalleled diagnostic capabilities to identify and record imperfections in the curvature of the cornea and the optics of the cornea, combining those measurements with the refractive error to give the eyes a better-focusing surface. The technique goes together with our state-of-the-art Excimer Laser, allowing our experienced eye surgeons to create a truly customized LASIK procedure that can enhance your eyesight with stunning results.

Schedule an Appointment

During your initial LASIK consultation and eye evaluation our LASIK specialists will talk with you about your eligibility and determine if Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction would be beneficial for your needs.  Call us today at 609-587-2020 or fill out our web form to get started website form to get started.

Latest Advancements in the Treatment for Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

For more than a decade, ophthalmologists have treated wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with eye injections given every month or two, and dry AMD with antioxidant vitamins. These treatments were groundbreaking when introduced, offering hope for the first time that this sight-threatening disease could be slowed, and in some cases stopped or even reversed. This revolution is undergoing an intriguing evolution. So, what will the next decade hold for the 11 million Americans with AMD?

In short, the latest research is varied, vibrant, and suggests a future in which ophthalmologists will have more effective options to protect people from slow vision loss caused by AMD. Here’s a rundown of the most promising AMD treatments on the horizon.

New Treatments for Wet AMD

Wet AMD develops when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. You lose vision faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD.

About 15 years ago, scientists created drugs that interfere with this process by blocking a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Before the creation of these so-called anti-VEGF drugs, people with wet AMD were almost certain to develop severe vision loss or blindness.

Then, in 2005, anti-VEGF drugs broke ground by saving the sight of patients with wet AMD. These drugs stabilize or improve vision in the vast majority of patients. But they must be injected into the eye on a regular basis.

While clinical trials show that anti-VEGF injections have allowed more than 90% of patients to keep their vision, in the real world the percentage is closer to 50%. That’s because people aren’t being treated as regularly as they should. The problem is most people need an injection every four to eight weeks to keep their vision. This can be a difficult schedule to maintain for many elderly patients struggling with other maladies and reliant on others to get them to their ophthalmology visits.

Some of the most exciting research today is looking at better alternatives to frequent injections. It’s not just about convenience; the hope is that a more consistent treatment will also help people keep more of their vision.

Gene Therapy for Wet AMD

Gene therapy is a promising alternative to ongoing eye injections of drugs such as Eyelea, Lucentis and Avastin. The goal of gene therapy is to provide a ‘one-and-done’ treatment by helping the eye make its own anti-VEGF medicine. Two different methods are under investigation: One injects the gene therapy underneath the retina in a surgical procedure; the other injects it into the eye just like a routine anti-VEGF treatment is done in the doctor’s office.

There are four different drug candidates under investigation for wet AMD and one for dry AMD. Despite the promise of gene therapy, the long-term effectiveness remains to be seen. Among the challenges it faces is the likely sky-high cost of such a treatment.

New Methods of Delivering Drugs to the Eye

One promising approach that could be available soon is a refillable drug reservoir. The port delivery system (PDS) is a tiny refillable device that stores the anti-VEGF drug Lucentis. No bigger than a grain of rice, the port is implanted into the wall of the eye, just under the eyelid, during a surgical procedure. The device continuously releases drugs to the back of the eye over time. Instead of an injection every six to eight weeks, patients might get a fill-up once or twice a year at the doctor’s office. The device can be refilled using a special needle. The latest studies show many people treated this way were able to go 15 months between treatments.

Drugs that Treat Multiple Causes of Wet AMD

Anti-VEGF treatments are effective because they target one key factor that contributes to wet AMD: VEGF. But what if one drug could treat two underlying causes of AMD? That’s the idea behind the drug faricimab. It targets both VEGF and the protein angiopoietin-2. It’s injected into the eye like a standard anti-VEGF treatment, but it lasts a long longer. The latest research shows patients could go up to four months in between treatments. However, this data is so new that it has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

It may also be possible to combine two drugs and hit wet AMD with a double punch. These combos could improve vision and make injections last longer. Cosopt (dorzolamide-timolol), an eye drop already used to treat glaucoma, is being tested in combination with anti-VEGF injections. Studies have shown that the duo can reduce retinal fluid accumulation and last longer than an anti-VEGF injection alone. Opthea’s OPT-302 targets a protein that contributes to wet AMD: angiopoietin II. Combining Opthea with an anti-VEGF injection may work better and last longer than current anti-VEGF injections.

Longer-lasting anti-VEGF injections

Drugmakers are creating new anti-VEGF treatments that do not need to be injected into the eye as often as Eyelea, Lucentis or Avastin.

Novartis’ new drug, Beovu, is now approved for use in the United States. About one in every three patients using Beovu can go for as long as three months before needing another injection. Beovu may do a better job than other drugs of drying retinal fluid in patients with wet AMD.

Allergan’s Abicipar is still in phase 3 clinical trials and has not yet gained FDA approval. Studies suggest this drug allows patients to go three months between injections. This drug is also being evaluated for macular edema.

Another injectable medicine — Sunitinib by Graybug Vision — has the potential to give patients 6 months of durability between treatments. Sunitinab is just entering Phase 2B clinical trials. It may still be 3 to 5 years away from becoming available.

New Treatments for Dry AMD

About 8 out of 10 of people with AMD have the dry form. Dry AMD occurs when parts of the macula thin with age, and tiny clumps of protein called drusen grow. You slowly lose central vision. Depending on severity, dry AMD is considered early, intermediate or late stage.

For people with intermediate disease, a formulation of antioxidant vitamins called the AREDS2 formula can help reduce the risk of vision loss. But for people with late-stage AMD, also called geographic atrophy (GA), there is no treatment available. However, there are several promising clinical trials underway.

Dry AMD treatments that target the immune system

A part of the immune system called the “complement cascade” has long been identified as a culprit in AMD. Two new drugs that target the complement cascade and stop it from attacking the retina have recently advanced to late-stage clinical trials. One (pegcetacoplan, APL-2) targets a complement protein called C3, the other drug candidate (Zimura, avacincaptad pegol) targets a different protein in the cascade, C5. Like currently available treatments for wet AMD, these drugs are injected directly into the patient’s eye. Already proven safe in people, researchers are now investigating whether they can substantially improve vision. Results are expected in about a year.

Replacing vision cells in people with dry AMD

Another concept under investigation is the possibility of replacing some cells that begin to die in late-stage dry AMD. Stem cells may be able to replace the retinal cells (light-sensitive cells) that are killed off by this disease. Doctors are devising ways to transplant these stem cells into the eye. One strategy is to layer the stem cells on thin scaffolds. Another tactic is to put the cells into a fluid suspension that can be injected under the retina. Stem cells have been tested in small clinical trials and they do not have unexpected side effects. It may take about 10 to 15 years for these therapies to be fine-tuned and proven effective in humans.

Contact Us Today

Low vision aids like reading glasses and large-print products may temporarily help age-related macular degeneration symptoms, but a long-term solution is essential to prevent total vision loss. Schedule a consultation with an eye doctor at Campus Eye Group today at one of our three New Jersey locations.

 

 

9 Facts You Didn’t Know About Astigmatism

If you wear glasses or contacts, then you are probably familiar with the question, “do you have astigmatism?” But perhaps you don’t know if you have it or not, or what it is exactly. Here we’ll be answering questions, going over symptoms, and discussing treatment options for corneal astigmatism.

1. What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by your cornea, the eye’s surface, being irregularly shaped. The cornea is supposed to be perfectly rounded, but eyes with astigmatism are more football-shaped. When the cornea is round, it controls how much light enters the eye and can focus light rays correctly onto the retina. Astigmatism can exist on its own or with another refractive error like nearsightedness or farsightedness.

2. What Causes Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is something you are born with, or it can be caused by a traumatic eye injury. Despite what you may have heard, you cannot get astigmatism from sitting too close to the television. Like other refractive errors, it is simply caused by a misshapen cornea that leads to blurred vision.

3. Is Astigmatism Genetic?

An oddly-shaped cornea is generally inherited through genetics, so it’s likely that your mother or father also has astigmatism and passed it on to you.

4. Is It Easy to Diagnose on Your Own?

Yes, however, some symptoms can be so mild or unrelated that they may go unnoticed until they become worse. For example, headaches and eye fatigue are usually blamed on too much time on a computer, but can actually be symptoms of astigmatism. Your eye doctor will be able to appropriately diagnose astigmatism.

5. Early Detection

Catching astigmatism early can prevent more serious complications such as amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.” This is why it is so important to have your eyes checked every year.

6. Optometrists Can See It

During a vision exam, the doctor will ask you to read letters aloud from a sight distance chart and look through several different lenses to test how much your eyes are able to focus. They may even go so far as to perform a corneal topography exam to further investigate the condition of your eyes.

7. The Three Types of Astigmatism

Myopic: This happens when light rays are focused before hitting the eye.
Hyperopic: This is when the apex of the eyes can see close up but have complications seeing far away.
Mixed: This happens when the apex of one eye is myopic and the other is hyperopic.

No matter which of these you have, glasses, corrective lenses like toric lenses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (LASIK) will easily correct it.

8. Worsening Vision

If astigmatism symptoms aren’t corrected with surgery, you will notice your vision getting blurrier with time. But it’s important to know that this doesn’t affect your overall eye health.

9. Depth Perception

Having astigmatism can make it more difficult to tell the distance between two objects and blurs the edges and outlines of all you see, especially if it’s only in one eye.

Treatment for Astigmatism

There are a few ways to treat astigmatism and correct blurry vision, both permanent and temporary:

• LASIK eye surgery reshapes the cornea to its correct roundness.
• Glasses or contact lenses are less permanent ways to correct astigmatism.
• Laser vision correction is also a great option if you’re ready to live your life in focus, regardless of whether you have astigmatism or not.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about astigmatism treatments in New Jersey.

12 Ways to Take Care of Your Eyes Everyday

Eye problems can be easily prevented if you practice essential eye care habits everyday. Surprisingly, they are very practical and easy to accomplish yet they tend to be the most neglected.

To maintain your eye health and to keep your vision sharp, here are twelve things that should be part of your daily routine.

  1. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes.

The hands are exposed to a lot of dirt, dust and bacteria, and all of these can be easily transferred to your peepers each time you touch or rub them. So avoid putting your hands to your eyes to prevent infection and irritation. If the habit is so ingrained on you, make an effort to get rid of it as soon as possible.

  1. Practice Frequent Hand Washing.

Wash your hands regularly to keep bacteria at bay and prevent them from getting in contact with your eyes, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.

  1. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun.

Exposure to sunlight and UV rays increases your risk for age-related macular degeneration and may cause cornea sunburn or photokeratitis. So aside from making a fashion statement and adding oomph to your overall look, put on those sunglasses to protect your eyes. If wearing them is not up your alley, UV-protected eyeglasses or contact lenses will do. Putting on caps, visors and hats are also advisable.

  1. Stay Hydrated.

Sufficient fluid intake is essential to your body’s overall wellbeing, including the eyes. If you’re hydrated enough, you prevent your eyes from getting dry and irritated.

  1. Don’t Smoke.

Smoking makes you more susceptible to age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions such as cataract. Smoking can also damage the optic nerves, which can have adverse effects on your vision overtime.

  1. Keep A Balanced Diet.

Beta-carotene, Lutein, Omega-3, Lycopene, and Vitamins C, A, and E are essential for maintaining your eye health. Make sure that your diet is infused with different foods that are rich in those nutrients.

  1. Keep Proper Monitor Distance And Room Lighting.

Computer monitors should be positioned about an arm’s length away from the eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. This keeps your eyes from getting strained. Likewise, make sure that you have sufficient but diffused lighting in your room. Focused and too bright lights may result to glare, and this can put too much stress on the eyes.

  1. Observe The 20-20-20 Rule.

If you want to keep your eyes in great shape, you should adhere to the 20-20-20 rule, which states that:

  • Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer monitor and fix your gaze on an object that’s 20 feet away from you.
  • Blink 20 successive times to prevent eye dryness.
  • Every 20 minutes, get out of your seat and take 20 steps. This is not just good for your vision, but also promotes proper posture and blood circulation throughout the body. Yes, it keeps you from being sedentary too.
  1. Use The Right Kind Of Eye Make-Up.

If you wear make-up, choose the brands that work well for you. Steer clear of eye shadows, mascara, and eyeliners that cause an allergic reaction to your eyes. Don’t forget to use a make-up remover before going to bed to avoid bacterial build-up from residual make-up left in the eye area. Likewise, clean your make-up brushes regularly, especially those that you use for eye make-up application.

  1. Get Enough Sleep.

Just like the rest of your body, your eyes need to recharge too, and this happens while you sleep. So make sure that you get sufficient shut-eye each day to keep your eyes revitalized and healthy.

  1. Wear The Appropriate Eye Safety Gear For Different Activities.

No matter what you do, make sure that your eyes are protected. If you’re going swimming, wear goggles to avoid exposing your eyes to chlorine. Meanwhile, if you’re gardening or attending to a DIY project at home, put on safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust particles, bacteria, and injuries.

  1. Keep Your Surroundings Clean.

Exposure to dirt and dust can irritate the eyes; so make sure that the places you frequent are well maintained and clean. Change you linens and towels regularly and keep your workstation clutter-free.

Campus Eye Group Helps You To See The World Clearly

Good eye health is vital to ensure proper vision. It is recommended that you see your eye doctor at least once every year because vision and eye problems can change quickly especially in older adults. There are numerous eye diseases that need the care of an eye doctor who specializes in various techniques to improve vision. The experts are experienced in providing surgical procedures for diseases of the eyes.

About Campus Eye Group

Campus Eye Group, founded in 1981 is a multi-specialty, interdisciplinary eye care practice with multiple offices in Mercer County, NJ and Bucks County, PA.   We are one of the largest, most prestigious free-standing eye care centers in the country.

Our professional staff is comprised of both consulting board-certified ophthalmologists and therapeutically certified optometrists who deliver the highest quality of eye care, innovative medical and surgical care, and the finest optical services available.

LASIK as it Relates to Dry Eyes

Our staff at Campus Eye Group combines our high-level specialists with the latest technology to provide patients with superior treatment and vision care. We specialize in Laser surgery, cataract surgery, diabetic eye disease problems, glaucoma, and more. Many people who wear contact lens will develop a disorder called dry eyes. This can also be a short-term temporary effect of Laser surgery for vision correction. If dry eyes exist before a LASIK surgery, the doctor will consider treating the disorder before the surgery. The treatment will keep you from being eliminated from the LASIK surgery.

Medicare makes Eye Care Convenient for Older Adults

The Department of Health and Human Services has granted Campus Eye Group with a Medicare-certified status. This is beneficial to older adults who are sometimes reluctant to see their eye doctor because they lack the insurance coverage they need. Cataracts are especially common for senior citizens, and our friendly professional staff at Campus Eye Group have made our offices comfortable and relaxing for our patients. This is very important to older adults. Most Medicare plans have vision coverage.

Campus Eye Group Accreditation

Campus Eye Group voluntarily participates in the quality assessment program that is set forth by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This is the leader in the accreditation of ambulatory health care services. Accreditation is achieved through the development of specific standards, and through their surveys program. A high level of commitment is one of the demands of accreditation. It challenges health care providers to find better options to offer their patients.

The best in eye health care, and LASIK, or other eye surgery is provided to our patients in Mercer County, NJ and Bucks County, PA at Campus Eye Group and Ambulatory Surgery Centers.  From minor to major eye problems, our specialists are highly qualified to manage all diseases, and disorders of the eyes. We have all of the innovative technology and equipment to render top-notch service and care for your eyes or the eyes of your senior adult or child.

Can I Have LASIK With Astigmatism?

If you are tired of wearing contact lenses or glasses, LASIK surgery may be appealing to you. It’s likely that at least one of your friends, co-workers, or family members have raved about this popular procedure that can help you to see clearly the moment you open your eyes. There’s only one problem. You have astigmatism. Will get in the way of a LASIK procedure for you?

Can You Have LASIK with Astigmatism?

You have heard your eye doctor tell you that you have astigmatism. It is the reason you need corrective lenses. It’s caused by an irregularity in the shape of your cornea or your lens, giving your eye a curve that distorts your vision. Fortunately, LASIK surgery may be able to correct your astigmatism so it isn’t a problem any longer. Before LASIK surgery, your cornea may look like a football or an egg. Once you have LASIK surgery, your surgeon will make it more rounded.

LASIK Could be the Best Thing that’s Ever Happened to You

When you put on a pair of glasses or insert contact lenses on to the surface of your eyes, you are correcting your vision. However, you are not correcting the underlying problem. When a LASIK surgeon addresses your astigmatism, it will be a permanent solution for the underlying condition that has affected your vision for most if not all of your life.

Imagine Waking Up to Clear Vision

In the past, you had to have your glasses at the side of the bed if you wanted to see clearly. You may have chosen contacts over glasses because you don’t like how you look with glasses, not to mention the frames get in your way. With LASIK surgery, you won’t have to invest in year after year of glasses or contacts. You will be able to get out of bed with clear vision that is with you all day long. You will not have to worry about losing your glasses in the pool. You will not have fogged glasses in the cold or wish you had windshield wipers in the rain. If you like contact sports, broken glasses or lost contacts will be a thing of the past. LASIK surgery can improve your quality of life and make you feel better about your appearance.

Turn to a LASIK Specialist to Learn More About How LASIK Can Treat Your Astigmatism

Schedule your consultation today with a LASIK surgeon at Campus Eye Group. An extensive team of eye specialists are available to assist you. Begin with an evaluation of your eyes to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery. If your surgeon approves the procedure for you, you can take the next step toward clear vision. The procedure is quick and your recovery process will be short. To learn more about a LASIK procedure, please call our team of professionals today at 609-587-2020.