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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wash your hands regularly to keep bacteria at bay and prevent them from getting in contact with your eyes, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you want to keep your eyes in great shape, you should adhere to the 20-20-20 rule, which states that:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’ve ever had an eye exam, you understand the importance of getting your vision checked annually. Vision can change significantly from year to year, particularly as we age. This means it’s important to get an updated prescription at least once a year.
We all know that going to see an optometrist will require us to sit through various tests. But have you ever wondered exactly what a comprehensive eye exam entails? If your optometrist doesn’t walk you through the process, it can seem a bit random and unimportant. However, some important things happen during a routine eye exam. Here’s what to know about what your optometrist is looking for during your exam.
Called the non-contact tonometry (NCT) test, this is the “air puff” machine that checks for glaucoma by measuring your intraocular pressure or the pressure inside your eyes.
This is the machine where your optometrist might ask you to look straight ahead at the light or the little wooden house. This test provides your optometrist with an estimate that will assist in writing your prescription.
Your optometrist will use this test to measure the sharpness of your vision. It’s performed using a large eye chart on the wall (for long-distance vision) and a smaller handheld chart (for short-term vision). Your optometrist will ask you to read the smallest line that you can clearly see.
This test checks the short-term and long-term vision of individual eyes by having you cover each eye and focus on an object straight ahead. Your eyes can actually change independently from one another, but this still affects your overall vision.
True to its name, this test checks your color vision to rule out color blindness. This means that you might have trouble differentiating between certain pairs of colors.
This test measures eye movement by having you hold your head still while following the movement of an object, such as a light. If you have difficulty with this, it can be indicative of a more serious condition.
The Stereopsis test measures your eyes’ ability to work together to appreciate 3-dimensional objects. This means you can accurately judge how far away something is within the space around you (which is very important in your day-to-day life!)
This test assists your optometrist in determining the correct lens power for your prescription. It includes shining a light into each eye and flipping the lenses on a machine ahead of you to choose the right power for your distance vision.
During this test, your optometrist will show you various lens options and ask you which looks clearer, and you’ll do this a handful of times for each eye. Like the autorefractor, this test assists the optometrist in writing your prescription.
Using a hand-held lens and a machine similar to an upright microscope, your optometrist will perform a detailed examination of the inside of your eyes to determine your overall health and detect any conditions that might be present.
This process temporarily enlarges your pupils to help the optometrist examine your inner eye structure. It might make your eyes temporarily sensitive to light or even blurry, but this goes away within the day.
Campus Eye Group specializes in comprehensive eye exams for glasses, contacts, eye health checks, and more. To schedule your comprehensive eye exam with our team, we invite you to contact our offices today by calling or filling out our online form.
For contact lens wearers, allergy season is one of the worst times of the year. Approximately 75% of allergy-related symptoms affect the eyes, and for a person who frequently wears contact lenses, these symptoms can be difficult to deal with.
From red eyes to itchiness to even dry eyes, these symptoms create a less than optimal environment for your contact lenses to exist comfortably. You may find yourself tempted to ditch your contact lenses and don a pair of glasses; however, there are plenty of ways to avoid a majority of allergy-related symptoms. Here’s what to know about how to manage your symptoms.
The first step in relieving your symptoms is identifying the cause of your allergies. Maybe you came into contact with a pet or went outside during a period of high pollen count. Avoiding these symptoms is as easy as removing the cause. You can limit your time around pets or reduce your time spent outdoors. However, not all allergens are so easily avoided, so you should start by managing your allergies by taking antihistamines and meeting with your doctor.
After identifying the causes, make sure to take basic precautions in your daily life. You should wash your hands whenever possible. Often, when we touch a surface, allergens remain on our hands and can cause a reaction when we rub our eyes or simply touch our faces. This brings allergens into direct contact with the airway passages and causes allergies. Be sure to wash clothing and other cloth materials frequently since this completely sanitizes them and removes any allergens that they may have collected. When drying these materials, place them in the dryer rather than outside because while outside, they may collect more allergens.
In addition to washing, you can also take prevention a step further and install HEPA filters within your air conditioning system. Regular vacuuming can greatly aid in preventing the build-up of allergens within your home. Although prevention is not a definite way to avoid allergies, it does help reduce your symptoms by limiting your exposure.
If you wear contact lenses and struggle with allergies, it can be uncomfortable. The most important thing to remember is to not rub your eyes, since this causes irritation. The moist nature of your contact lenses naturally attracts allergens such as dust or pollen and, by rubbing your eyes, you can cause the allergens to enter even deeper.
Allergens can also build up on your contact lenses over time. If you’re planning to wear your lenses for a long time, be sure to practice proper lens care. This includes regular disinfecting and moisturizing. Sometimes, proper lens care might not be enough for individuals with severe allergic reactions. If this sounds like you, try using daily disposable lenses instead of long-term lenses. Although they may be slightly more costly, they can relieve your symptoms and reduce the amount of care needed.
To learn more about managing allergies with contact lenses, we invite you to meet with our team and discuss your options. Contact our office by calling or filling out our online form to get started.
Annual eye exams are just one part of maintaining your vision. In addition to checking visual acuity, eye exams can also diagnose diseases of the eye, allowing your ophthalmologist to take the right steps. Retinal scans are one way to keep track of any changes in your vision or anatomy, so here’s what to know about them and how they can help.
A retinal scan is a special type of eye imaging that focuses solely on the retina. It uses a laser tool to capture images of the back of your eye, which gives your ophthalmologist a much wider view of your retina and optic disk. This allows for better visualization of the retina so they can assess any concerns with it.
One misconception about retinal scans is that they are only an advanced type of eye exam. This isn’t the case. Retinal scans can be performed at the same time as a traditional eye exam at the recommendation of your ophthalmologist.
Most eye issues don’t usually stem from the retina. That’s why retinal scans aren’t typically used. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not necessary. There are specific types of patients who do require retinal scans. That being said, you are considered a suitable candidate for a retinal scan if you have:
– Diabetes
– Macular degeneration
– Retinal toxicity
– Glaucoma
In some cases, an optometrist may resort to a retinal scan if they’re unable to diagnose why your vision is worsening.
Whether or not a retinal scan is necessary depends on the problem that’s being addressed. Retinal scans can be considered a niche, due to how specific an eye issue has to be.
Medical conditions like glaucoma, which is a series of issues within the optic nerve, is a problem that requires a retinal scan. One thing that’s worth mentioning is that retinal scans do have their limitations. They can’t pick up problems that are on the outer portions of the retina.
Visual disturbances, like cataracts or strabismus do not warrant a retinal scan. Retinal scans are performed based on your symptoms. In the worst case scenario, a retinal scan might be used to determine if you have retinoblastoma, which is a cancer commonly found in children.
Although retinal scans aren’t as common as traditional eye exams, that doesn’t mean they’re not useful. If you’re in need of expert eye care, we invite you to contact our offices by calling or filling out our online form.
Have you had your eyes checked recently?
It can be difficult to gauge when you need a fresh eye check-up. Our eyes change as we get older and our prescription glasses need adjustment. We might not notice these differences until they bring us severe discomfort, making it difficult to complete everyday tasks or do things we enjoy. If left unattended, an outdated prescription can cause great damage.
Campus Eye Group wants to help you see life clearly. As our patient, you will be treated with compassion, and we will help you get the glasses that you need in order to start living again.
Here are five signs that you need an eye exam.
Everyone gets an occasional headache when stressed or overworked. Headaches can also be a sign that you need an eye checkup. If your headache is constant and nothing brings you relief, you don’t have to live in discomfort.
Pay attention when you’re using the computer or reading a book. If these things seem to trigger your headache, you might need an eye exam.
This is a symptom that comes gradually. You might not notice it until you try to read something and find it clouded by fog.
Blurry vision triggers headaches if you ignore it and continue to read, drive, or work. A new prescription for your glasses will help you enjoy your favorite novel again, and you won’t have to worry about street signs when you’re driving.
Does the light of your desk lamp appear to trigger your headache? When your eyes become sensitive to the light, you need to see a specialist. No one should have to live in darkness because their eyes are in need of care.
Floaters are annoying, clear spots that creep into your vision. In general, they are nothing to cause great concern. We all have floaters, and develop more as we age.
If you notice a cluster of floaters appearing all of a sudden, or if you experience flashes of light from the corners of your eyes, you should have your retinas checked. They might be symptoms of an eye condition that could lead to blindness.
With weakened eyes, it’s difficult to drive during the day; at night, the obstacles become worse, because street signs are veiled in darkness. If you struggle with blurry vision or light sensitivity, you should not try to drive at night. It puts your life in danger, and you risk becoming lost.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Campus Eye Group wants to help you. We are concerned about your safety and comfort. If you’re in Mercer County, NJ or Bucks County, PA call us today to schedule an appointment and let us bring you relief.
There are so many things in life to see; we want to make sure you don’t miss them.
