Allergies
What Causes Ocular/Eye Allergies (Allergic Conjunctivitis)
Ocular allergies begin when your body overreacts to an allergen causing a release of histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals cause the typical allergic symptoms of a red, swollen, itchy, watery eye.
What Are Common Ocular/Eye Allergens
The most common eye allergens are airborne. Seasonal symptoms are generally associated with pollen and mold. Indoor, the biggest culprits are dust and dander.
Allergy Treatment
The first step is having an eye examination that includes an evaluation for ocular allergies. The location and severity of your allergies will determine the best treatment option.
Did You Know
Up to 50% of Americans have allergy symptoms.
If you have allergies and wear contact lenses, often the best and most comfortable lenses are single use daily disposable contact lenses.
Learn more about allergies and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locations to serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.
Blepharitis
What Is Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids generally caused by excessive bacteria growth.
Signs You May Have Blepharitis
- crusting of the lids upon waking
- itchiness at the eyelid margin
- redness of the eyelid margin
- scaling or flaking on the eyelashes
- swelling of the eyelid margin
Blepharitis Symptoms
- burning sensation
- decreased vision
- dryness
- foreign body sensation
- redness
Types Of Blepharitis
- Anterior: Affects the outer portion of the eyelid and results in bacterial overgrowth. It can be further divided into Demodex, Seborrheic, and Staphyloccal blepharitis.
- Posterior: Affects the oil producing glands within the eyelid. It can be further divided into Meibomian blepharitis and Ocular Rosacea.
- Mixed: Affects portions of both the outer and inner eyelid.
Treatment of Blepharitis
The symptoms of blepharitis can overlap with more serious infections and inflammatory conditions that can seriously affect vision so an examination with your eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment is recommended. The treatment of blepharitis will vary dependent on the type and severity of blepharitis.
Learn more about blepharitis and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locations to serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.
Cataracts
What Are Cataracts
Simply put, a cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye. Vision loss occurs as the lens losses transparency blocking light entering the eye from focusing on the retina in a normal fashion.
Worried About Cataracts
We can help. We have the expertise to determine if you have cataracts that require intervention.
Risk Factors
Aging
Significant trauma
Oxidative stress such as smoking, UV exposure, and certain medications.
Did You Know
Half of Americans will have cataracts by age 80.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world.
It takes a surgeon approximately 15 minutes to remove a cataract.
People You May Know Who Have Cataracts
Galileo. He went blind in his later years.
Henry Winkler. He had cataract surgery and has normal vision.
Learn more about cataracts and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locations to serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.
Diabetic Eye Care
Diabetes is a group of diseases which cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Regardless of the type of diabetes, they all are associated with an increase in eye related problems such as cataracts (60% increased risk), glaucoma (40% increased risk), and diabetic retinopathy.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a term used to describe the changes to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. There are various levels of severity that range from mild blood vessel swelling and leakage to the growth of abnormal vessels on the surface of the retina. Many of these changes occur without symptoms which is why regular eye examinations for those with diabetes is so important.
Diabetic Eye Examination At Gray Family Vision
Consists of a comprehensive examination with an emphasis on the eye related complications of diabetes. It is important that all those having a diabetic eye examination have there eyes dilated- it’s the best way for us to detect retinal swelling or blood vessel changes associated with diabetes.
Did You Know
Everyone with diabetes should have their eyes examined at least once a year.
Almost half of those with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy.
Learn more about diabetes and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locations to serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.
Dry Eye Treatment
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition in which the eye suffers from inadequate tear production or quality. In some cases the front surface of the eye becomes so dry it actually becomes inflamed.
Can Watery Eyes Be A Sign Of Dry Eye
Yes. Your eye makes different type of tears and if you are deficient making “normal” lubricating tears then your eye will often respond by over producing reflex or watery type tears.
Other Dry Eye Symptoms
- a feeling of dryness
- burning or stinging sensation
- a sensation that there is something in the eye
- pain
- pressure sensation behind the eye
- increased sensitivity to light
- pulling sensation
Dry Eye Causes
There can be many causes of dry eye. The most common are tear film stability issues caused by many factors such as advancing age, tear gland problems, systemic disease, and certain medications.
Dry Eye Treatment
Eye drops that supplement your own natural tears are a common treatment. However, since dry eye signs and symptoms overlap with many other conditions, it is best to start with an eye examination to achieve the correct diagnosis. The type and severity of your dry eye will determine the best treatment option for you.
Consider Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s is an autoimmune disorder that affects the moisture producing glands in the body. Symptoms include severe dryness of the eye and mouth as well as joint pain and general fatigue. Special dry eye testing can be useful in determining if you are at risk of having dry eye related to Sjogren’s Syndrome or another cause.
Did You Know
Some artificial tear drops can actually exacerbate dry eye.
Adults blink an average of 10 times per minute while infants only blink about twice a minute.
Learn more about dry eye and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locations to serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.
Eyelid Twitch or Myokemia
Why Does My Eyelid Twitch
The eyelid twitch is called myokymia and is caused by involuntary contractions of the obicularis oculi muscle. They tend to affect the lower eyelid and are commonly caused by:
- Anxiety
- Excessive Caffeine
- Eye Irritation
- Eye Strain
- Fatigue
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Stress
Treatment For Eyelid Twitch
If you are able to pinpoint the suspected cause, then elimination of the risk factor will generally alleviate the twitching. You may need to update your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some people find relief with warm compresses to relax the eylid muscles. Nutritionally, potassium and vitamin B may be helpful. On occasion, a topical tear drop (for dry eye) or topical antihistamine (for allergies or swelling) may be prescribed. The use of quinine (found in tonic water) is sometimes recommended (not if you are pregnant) for its muscle relaxant properties. In addition, Botox injections are sometimes used for persistent symptoms. If the eyelid twitch extends into the facial muscles causing the entire lid to close then that can be a sign of an uncommon, but serious neurological condition.
Learn more and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locations to serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.
Floaters
Spots or floaters in the vision are shadows on the retina created by small imperfections within the eye. These imperfections increase as we age making them more numerous and noticable. They are best seen in bright conditions and are commonly described as strings, threads, cobwebs, or ameombas.
What Causes Floaters
- increasing age-the gel in the back of the eye breaks down as we age creating floaters.
- vitreous detachment-age related changes eventually cause the gel to detach from the retina.
- retinal tear-a retinal defect that can lead to a retinal detachment.
- retinal detachment-a condition where the retina peels away from the back of the eye.
- inflammatory conditions-in this case white blood cells can accumulate and cause floaters.
When To Worry About Floaters
If you are first noticing floaters or have noticed a change in your floaters then you should have your eyes examined. Since floaters can be caused by potentially blinding conditions, an immediate call to your eye doctor’s office to report your symptoms is recommended. A delay of even just a day or two can result in permanent vision loss or even blindness.
Learn more about floaters and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locations to serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye disease that damages the optic nerve resulting in vision loss. It is generally associated with an increase in pressure within the eye. Most people do not have any symptoms until the later stages of the disease.
Screening For Glaucoma
Our routine eye examination includes 3 screening test for glaucoma. We measure your eye pressure (IOP), screen the front of the eye where the cornea and iris meet for signs of narrowness, and evaluate the optic nerve for signs of glaucoma damage. Sometimes one or more of these tests may indicate a risk of glaucoma and additional testing may be recommended.
ADVANCED GLAUCOMA TESTING:
- Glaucoma Imaging
There are various instruments that can image the back of the eye. We have two: Optomap photography and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Photography is straight forward. Photographs of the optic nerve are taken and in the future a comparison for change is performed. With OCT, the thickness of the retina is measured around the nerve and then compared to a database of normals. Thinning of the retinal nerve fiber is a sign of glaucoma so these measurements are repeated on a regular basis to monitor for glaucoma progression.
- Gonioscopy
With the aid of a mirrored contact lens, the angle where the iris and cornea meet are evaluated. This is the drainage area for the eye and affects your eye pressure. It allows for classification of the type of glaucoma and can help determine the best course of treatment.
- Pachymetry
With this test, the thickness of the cornea is measured and can give us more information about your eye pressure.
- Visual Field
This test is used to see if there is damage to your field of vision from glaucoma. Like OCT and gonioscopy, visual field testing is repeated on a regular basis to monitor for glaucoma progression.
Risk Factors For Glaucoma
- Being over 40
- Being highly nearsighted
- Having Diabetes
- Having a family member with glaucoma
Did You Know
2.7 million Americans are affected, however half don’t know it.
Nearly half of your vision may be lost before you even notice it.
Routine eye examinations can detect it in its earliest stages.
People You May Know Who Have Glaucoma
Ray Charles. He was born with glaucoma and was blind by early childhood.
John Glenn. Apparently only suffered minimal vision loss from glaucoma.
Kirby Puckett. Hall of fame baseball player for the Twins, he had to stop playing baseball due to vision loss from glaucoma.
Learn more about glaucoma and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locations to serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a degenerative condition involving an area of the retina responsible for central vision. It is a leading cause of blindness for people over 50.
Risk Factors For Macular Degeneration
Being over 50
Being of Caucasian decent
Having a family member with macular degeneration
Smoking-raises your risk by 2X
Did You Know
An estimated 9.1 million Americans have it.
That number is expected to double by 2050.
Eye vitamins can reduce the risk of progressing to the most severe foms by 25%.
People You May Know That Have Macular Degeneration
Stephen King.
Bob Hope.
Learn more about macular degeneration and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locations to serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.
Vitreous Detachment
The gel like substance that fills the back of the eye is called the vitreous humor. As we age, the vitreous changes in consistency shrinking and eventually pulling away from the surface of the retina.
Symptoms Of A Vitreous Detachment
- floaters
- flashes of light
- blurred vision
Causes of Vitreous Detachment
Vitreous detachment is commonly associated with increasing age. However, eye surgery, inflammatory conditions, trauma, and certain systemic disease can also be associated with vitreous detachment.
If You Have Sudden Onset of Flashes Or Floaters
If you are first noticing flashes of light and/or floaters or have noticed a change in them – you should have your eyes examined as soon as possible! Since flashes or light and/or floaters can be caused by potentially blinding conditions, an immediate call to your eye doctor’s office to report your symptoms is recommended. A delay of even just a day or two can result in permanent vision loss or even blindness.
Treatment For Floaters
At present, there is not a good way to treat floaters and it is generally felt that they are best left alone. However, a medication called Vitrace by Baush & Lomb and made from ovine testicles (!?!) may be a future treatment for bothersome floaters.
Learn more about vitreous detachment and schedule an appointment today. Gray Family Vision has two greater Portland Maine locationsto serve you in Gray and Windham. Since 1989, we have been serving the entire Lakes Region Area including Auburn, Casco, Bridgeton, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Fryeburg, Lewiston, Naples, New Gloucester, North Conway, North Yarmouth, Raymond, Sanford, and Yarmouth.