Category: General Eye Care

Our eyes are a vital part of our day-to-day life. As we age, our eyes are exposed to multiple health risks. These health risks may lead to the deterioration of your sight or even total blindness. Though small, the eye is a mighty organ with a multitude of working parts, but with so many different parts, self-identifying your condition is nearly impossible. Luckily, you are not alone.

With our expert staff of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists, Campus Eye Group offers a comprehensive range of services, from regular eye exams to the treatment of eye conditions, such as:

• General eye care
• Management of glaucoma and diabetic eye disorders
• Lasik
• Macular degeneration
• Dry eye
• Presbyopia and myopia
• Corneal ulcer
• Keratoconus
• Cataracts
• Conjunctivitis

These are just a few examples– Campus Eye Group is a full-service facility treating all eye conditions, including complications from wearing contact lenses. Our expert staff can help you identify eye conditions and come up with a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Below is a list of the most common eye conditions we see and treat:

Glaucoma

This is a serious eye condition in which there is too much pressure from within the eye. Over time, this pressure damages the optic nerve. Sight loss and even total blindness are possible. Fortunately, glaucoma can be treated if caught early.

Glaucoma typically doesn’t have warning signs until significant eye damage has occurred. This, amongst a long list of other reasons, is why routine eye exams are so important. Your eye care professional will measure your internal eye pressure at every routine eye exam, which can help to catch glaucoma before any damage occurs.

Diabetic Eye Disease

When diabetes is untreated or poorly controlled, high blood sugar levels can damage critical blood vessels in the eye’s back surface called the retina. Your eye doctor can see this damage during an eye exam. In fact, some people may first discover they have the disease in this way. Like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease is often silent until irreparable damage has been done. Regular eye exams are your best protection, especially if you already know you have diabetes.

Macular Degeneration

This disease primarily affects older individuals, most often past the age of 50. Smokers and those with a family history of macular degeneration are more prone to the condition. Macular degeneration causes the center of the retina, called the macula, to break down or grow extra blood vessels underneath it. These vessels break and bleed, damaging the macula. Symptoms include fuzzy images in the center of your vision and lines of letters or numbers that jump or appear to be uneven when they aren’t. Like every eye condition, a professional diagnosis and treatment plan is necessary for the health of your vision.

Conjunctivitis

Commonly called pinkeye, conjunctivitis has many causes, including eye injury, allergies, reaction to certain chemicals, and infection. Symptoms include a pink or red appearance to the white part of the eye, sensitivity to light, pain, watering, and eye discharge. Conjunctivitis is usually self-identifiable and isn’t always serious. However, only an eye care professional can determine the correct cause and treatment.

LASIK

This procedure uses a special laser to reshape the cornea, eliminating or reducing far and near-sightedness and improving astigmatism, which is an irregular curvature of points in the eyeball. LASIK may restore 20/20 vision for some individuals. Understanding when LASIK is necessary and undergoing the surgery can only be done with the assistance of board-certified professionals. Results are generally permanent and may eliminate the need for glasses and contacts altogether.

Campus Eye Group

Our practice is proud to serve the Hamilton, NJ, and Princeton, NJ areas. We warmly welcome new patients, and invite you to call our office at (609) 587-2020 with questions. Our staff is highly qualified and is available at your convenience to perform eye exams and treatment plans. Schedule an appointment to ensure your vision’s health at Campus Eye Group.

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.

 

 

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

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.

Glaucoma Test

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.

Autorefractor

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.

Visual Acuity Test

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.

Eye Cover Test

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.

Color Blindness Check

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.

Ocular Motility

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.

Depth Perception

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!)

Retinoscopy

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.

Refraction

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.

Slit Lamp Test

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.

Pupil Dilation

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.

Schedule Your Exam Today

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.