AIR POLLUTION AND URBAN EYE ALLERGY SYNDROME

Pollution & Conjunctivitis

Air pollution irritates the eye. Although this makes intuitive sense, few studies have been published on the topic. Now a team of researchers reports that pollutants increased demand in Taiwan for outpatient care for nonspecific conjunctivitis.¹

The team, which includes an ophthalmologist, a biochemist, and an environmental engineer, measured the impact of air pollution on ocular health by coupling national health insurance data for outpatient visits between 2007 and 2009 with daily ambient air quality data tracked by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. 

Unlike other conditions affected by air pollution—asthma, for example—the effect on the eye from exposure to pollutants is immediate. 

The researchers found that ozone (O₃) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) produced the strongest effects. Large-diameter particulate matter (PM) had an adverse effect, although fine PM did not. 

The authors report that conjunctivitis accountsfor more than 40 percent of ophthalmologic outpatient visits annually in Taiwan.

The study’s conclusion did not surprise Susan M. MacDonald, MD, who noted that the term “urban eye allergy syndrome” is already part of the medical lexicon. “Poor air quality can exacerbate allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye,” said the director of comprehensive ophthalmology, Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington, Mass.

But Dr. MacDonald said that it is easy to overlook air quality when evaluating patients. She called the study “a good reminder that air quality does affect our patients’ eyes and should be considered when we are evaluating patients with ocular irritation.”

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1 Chang C et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53(1):429-433.
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April is Sports Eye Safety Month

During Sports Eye Safety Month in April, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), through its EyeSmart program, is reminding athletes to wear appropriate, sport-specific protective eyewear, properly fitted by an eye-care professional, to prevent a sports-related eye injury.
“As an ophthalmologist, I strongly encourage all athletes to use the appropriate protective eyewear for their sports, because eye injuries can be devastating,” said Aaron Weingeist, MD, a clinical correspondent for the AAO. “In fact, some athletes suffer permanent vision loss and blindness from sports-related injuries.”
The AAO recommends lenses made from polycarbonate materials because they can withstand the impact of a ball or other projectile traveling at 90 miles per hour. The organization also recommends purchasing only eye protection that has been tested to meet the American Society of Testing and Materials standards.
“Unfortunately, most youth sporting leagues don’t require children to wear eye protection,” said Dr. Weingeist. “That’s why we’re trying to raise awareness and arming parents and athletes with the information they need to take care of their eyes during sports.”

SAY GOOD BYE TO ASTIGMATISM!

June of this summer heralded the advent of an unprecedented solution to corneal astigmatism correction beyond glasses and contact lenses.  Although laser vision correction such as LASIK is an excellent choice for younger patients seeking to free themselves from glasses, the older patient who has a growing cataract now has a choice of astigmatism correcting intraocular lens implant that will serve him well for the rest of his life.  High order corneal astigmatism has been beyond reach of correction until the TORIC intraocular lens was approved by FDA earlier this summer.  Now patient with high degrees of astigmatism of 2 diopters and above can select to have a TORIC implant placement as a part of clear lens extraction or a routine cataract surgery .  Generally these patients can be fitted with soft contact lenses or possible some rigid gas permeable contacts for visual clarity.  Glasses with correction of high degrees of astigmatism make one dizzy as if one looks through a fish bowl.  If you or someone you know is tired of wearing contact lenses, then make an appointment at our office regarding a consultation for TORIC intraocular lens placement.  After a careful examination and testing  if a decision is made to proceed with cataract surgery a Toric implant may take up to two weeks to be ordered.    If you have any further questions about this revolutionary technology, please call our office (949) 650-1863 ask to speak to Dr. Kurteeva. 

There has never been a better time to get your LASIK done!

With summer on our doorstep, you are probably hitting the beach with hopes to catch some waves, playing golf and tennis or chasing your kids around sprinklers.  Contacts and prescription glasses can be in the way of your hobbies. I am here to tell you that the newly redesigned and redefined laser vision correction and femtosecond technology has arrived in Orange County!  Our office is excited to offer laser vision correction to patients who have been looking to ditch glasses and contact lenses.  We now offer the most advanced excimer laser Allegretto Wavelight 200 Hz that has been used by the leading refractive centers since 2008.  The wider set of features that comes with this technology helped thousands of patients who have not been able to get laser vision correction before.  Patients with farsightedness, high order astigmatism and high myopia have been achieving most satisfaction after Allegretto treatment.
Ziemer Z Lasik is the newest in femtosecond laser technology applications in ophthalmic and refractive surgery.  The new FEMTO LDV Crystal Line for Z-Lasik and corneal surgery offers the patient the precision, speed and safety that only femtosecond laser can do.  Creation of the corneal flap used to take minutes to complete, now it is done in seconds using less energy thus, leaving more untouched virgin cornea behind and speeding post refractive surgery healing.  The femtosecond laser has a much safer profile as well compare to a manual keratome blade that has been used in the last fifteen years.  Ziemer Z Lasik will get you back on your feet faster and enable you to gain your glasses free vision within a few days of surgery.
The schedule a free LASIK consultation please call (949) 650-1863 today or visit www.drkurteeva.com

Summer time calls for sunglasses!

The range of energy that makes up visible light is just a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum so integral to modern life. Ultraviolet radiation comprises invisible rays that can damage the eyes, burn the
skin and cause skin cancer. UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface is made up of two types of rays -- ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA is weaker than UVB but passe further into the body’s tissue than UVB. It is now generally accepted that both UVA and UVB cause skin cancer and can damage the eyes.  For this reason, eye protection and sunscreens are recommended that block both kinds of radiation.

Sunglasses should be worn year-round for protection and performance. Whether they're wraparounds, rimless or studded with rhinestones, sunglasses are vital for shielding eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and diminishing glare that can cause distractions while driving, working and playing.
As a baseline, all sunglass lenses should filter UVA and UVB rays. Other lens options are also available based on personal preference, like polarized lenses, to prevent glare or tints that offer more comfortable vision.

Alternatives to traditional sunglasses are also available, including larger frames that fit over prescription glasses, clip-on sunglasses, flip-up lenses and photochromic lenses which change from dark outdoors to clear indoors.

CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE REPORT ON UV INDEX ACROSS OUR NATION AT
http://www.thevisioncouncil.org/sunglasses/

THESE ARE THE FEW OF MY FAVORITE ...... TEARS!!!

When it comes to choosing the right artificial tear product one is facing a plethora of products in the eye care aisle at any local pharmacy.  The patient has to make an important decision about their daily eye care mostly based on the product information on the box, heavy TV advertising or hopefully his or her eye doctor’s recommendation.

Here are a few pearls of wisdom that should help when you select the artificial tear product that is right for you.  These are listed in the order of my preference with the first few being preferred and the last ones are a definite no.

1.       GO PRESERVATIVE FREE!  My favorites in this category are Preservative Free Refresh Plus and Preservative Free Optive for Sensitive Eyes, Preservative free Genteal and Preservative Free Systane.

2.       Benzalkonium chloride (aka BAK) is an extremely irritating additive that is found on most bottled eye drops except for the few that have an alternative to BAK.   Purite is a safer alternative to BAK and is converted to water once it reaches the eye surface.    Other BAK free  tears are Hypotears, Natural tears, Systane, Systane Ultra and Systane Balance (preserved with polyquad), Genteal, Blink tears.

3.       AVOID BAK (Benzalkonium chloride) preserved tears and over the counter drops such as

Clear Eyes, CVS and other pharmacy store brand multi action drops promising to take away the red.  SAY NO TO VISINE – a bottle full of BAK that will further more irritate the eye surface.

SAY NOT TO Bausch and Lomb Advanced Eye Relived Rejuvenation which has plenty of BAK.

4.        AVOID ROTHO artificial tears.  They feel like mint in your eye.  I am not sure if it is the fact that there is menthol in it’s inactive ingredients that leaves the eye feeling burning or other inactive ingredients but I had to wash out Rotho tears with my favorite Preservative Free Refresh Plus to get rid of the burning. 

Once you have selected a drop that works for your eye, get a small sample from your doctor’s office or your local pharmacy to try it out.  Occasionally certain individuals may be sensitive to other inactive ingredients of the product and still feel irritated despite tear use.  If the product you chose works great for you, I would commit to using it twice a day before you brush your teeth in the morning and night.  You can even set a bottle next to your computer if you are a frequent computer user.  Carry another bottle/pack in your handbag or keep in your car out of sun’s reach to use when you are travelling and are exposed to sunshine and wind, the common culprits of dry eye condition.  Once you incorporate use of artificial tears into your daily routine, it will become a good habit and your eyes will thank you! 

February - SAVE YOUR VISION Month

By: Ophthalmology Times Staff Reports

San Francisco—February is “Save Your Vision Month,” and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is encouraging Americans over the age of 40 to make an appointment for an eye examination.
According to AAO, by 2020 43 million Americans will be at risk for significant vision loss or blindness from such age-related eye diseases as cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration—an increase of more than 50% over the current number of Americans with these diseases.
“Eye diseases become more common as we age, but eye problems can occur at any age. Getting a comprehensive eye exam, and following through with the recommendations of [an ophthalmologist] can be the difference in saving your vision or preventing further vision loss later in life,” said Aaron Weingeist, MD, an ophthalmologist in Seattle and a clinical correspondent for AAO. “Many patients will have no recognizable symptoms of vision loss, but it is important to identify, monitor, and treat early.”

Along with a baseline eye exam at the age of 40, the Academy recommends the following regular eye exam schedule for adults with no risk factors:
• 65 years of age or older, every 1 to 2 years
• 55 to 64 years of age, every 1 to 3 years
• 40 to 54 years of age, every 2 to 4 years
• Under 40 years of age, every 5 to 10 years.
AAO noted that education and awareness are also part of the eye health equation. In order to provide the public with the most accurate eye health information available, AAO, has launched a comprehensive new web site, GetEyeSmart.org, to help bring reliable eye health information to the public.