All posts by tnretina

September is Healthy Aging Month

Date:

We have been told that vision loss isn’t a normal part of aging — but older adults are at higher risk for certain eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that one in six Americans age 65 and older have a vision impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The risk of eye disease increases as we get older, yet many older adults neglect to see an eye doctor for care.

To bring attention to taking care of our eyes as we age, the American Academy of Ophthalmology celebrates Healthy Aging Month to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of vision loss – and steps to help seniors take care of their sight.

Flashes of Light

Date:

Especially as we age, many people see occasional flashes of light. These occasional flashes are usually harmless, but you should discuss them with your eye doctor. However, if you suddenly start seeing repeated flashes of light and vision changes this could be a serious problem.

Call your doctor right away if:

  • You see sudden flashes when you haven’t before.
  • You have a sudden increase in flashes of light.
  • You see flashes of light along with cloudiness or dark spots in your vision.
  • You have a dark area or ‘curtain’ across your vision.
  • You see flashes of light after being hit in the eye or face.

Suddenly seeing new floaters and flashes could mean you have a torn or detached retina.  If this happens, you must see your eye doctor quickly and your eye doctor will refer you to a retina specialist.

Two Common Tests for Retinal Conditions

Date:

Southeastern Retina Associates uses state-of-the-art diagnostic testing to confirm or rule out problems that could affect your retina. The information we gather during diagnostic testing can help our doctors manage conditions in your retina and macula.

Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein angiography (FA) is when our doctors use a special camera to take pictures of your retina. These pictures help our doctors get a better look at the blood vessels and other structures in the back of the eye. 

FA is often recommended to find and diagnose eye disease including:

  • Diabetic Retinopathy – damaged or abnormal blood vessels in the eye caused by diabetes
  • Macular Degeneration – causes loss in the center of the field of vision
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion – blockage of veins inside the eye
  • Macular Edema – swelling in the retina that distorts vision
  • Macular Pucker – a wrinkle in the retina caused by a buildup of fluid behind it
  • Ocular Melanoma – a type of cancer affecting the eye

FA is also used to:

  • Track and monitor changes in eye disease over time
  • Target treatment areas

Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of your retina.

With OCT we can see each of the retina’s distinctive layers allowing us to map and measure their thickness. These measurements help with diagnosis as well as provide  treatment guidance for  diseases of the retina.

July 4th Fireworks & Eye Safety

Date:

The last U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported fireworks caused 12 deaths and 10,000 injuries annually. 

Fireworks are dangerous and July 4 is an especially risky time for fireworks injuries with 15% being eye injuries. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reported in the most severe cases, fireworks can rupture the globe of the eye, cause chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions and retinal detachment .  All of this can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss.

The commission also reported children age 15 and under accounted for 36% of the total injuries and half of the injuries requiring an emergency room visit were to people age 20 or younger.

Sparklers burn at more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit so they can also be dangerous.  Injuries from a sparkler mishap were 1,200 in the same report.

The people injured by fireworks aren’t necessarily handling the explosives.  In a study  65% of people injured by fireworks were bystanders.  Children and people not handling fireworks themselves are in as much danger as the people actually lighting fireworks.

Let’s leave fireworks to the professionals and practice eye safety all year long!

IN HONOR OF CLINICAL TRIALS DAY EVERYONE AT SOUTHEASTERN RETINA EXTENDS A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR PATIENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN OUR CLINICAL TRIALS!

Date:

WE ALSO EXTEND A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR STAFF WHO CONDUCT AND COORDINATE OUR CLINICAL TRIALS!

Hope. That’s what clinical researchers provide. Every day, they rise to a new challenge and give patients and families hope for a healthier, more promising tomorrow.

Southeastern Retina Research Teams are dedicated to fighting blindness through cutting-edge clinical research. We are one of the leading national centers committed to studying vitreoretinal disorders and have been involved in clinical research for over thirty years through a variety of clinical trial pathways.

MEET OUR RESEARCH TEAMS!

CHATTANOOGA

KNOXVILLE

TRI-CITIES

Healthy Vision

May – Healthy Vision Month

Date:

Did you know that approximately 37 million adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma?

All of these can cause visual impairment or blindness. However, recent studies show that making healthy choices and getting regular eye exams can help reduce a person’s risk of vision loss.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is encouraging everyone to take charge of their eye health and help with preserving their eyesight.

Sports Eye Safety Month

Date:

If you or someone you know plays sports, you know they can be a lot of fun but the last thing you want to do is miss a game, especially if it’s because you’re hurt.  That is why we should always follow the rules and wear the right safety gear.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has reported than more than 40% of eye injuries each year are related to sports or recreational activities which means an estimated 100,000 are hurt by sports-related injuries.  About 13,500 of these injuries result in permanent vision loss.

In support of Sports Eye Safety Month this April, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds athletes everywhere that the great majority of sports-related eye injuries can be avoided by simply wearing the proper protection.

Different activities and sports have different levels of risk for eye injury. Make sure that you’re using the right kind of eye protection for each activity. This spring, act for eye safety!