It is for this reason that we’re introducing a new technology as part of our exams – the iWellness Scan. The iWellness technology lets us look at each layer of the retina, something we’ve been unable to do up until this point. It is completely non-invasive – just a scan of the eye – but it provides an image of the eye similar to that of a CT scan:

Often, we’ve had to refer patients elsewhere to have this test performed. In fact, we’re now one of only a few other practices in the Charlottesville area to offer this technology. For us (and our patients), the iWellness Scan is a game changer. Here’s why…

As we mentioned, most eye diseases show no signs or symptoms until they reach later stages and, unfortunately, already have done irreparable damage. The iWellness will allow us to detect diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes retinopathy long before the patient is even aware there’s a problem. Here are some screen shots to show what these diseases do to your vision. Trust us when we say that identifying these diseases before they show symptoms is crucial for your eyesight.

Already, Dr. Rosinski and I have identified several patients with very early stages of these diseases through the use of this technology. These weren’t new patients; they were our patients, patients who have been receiving our regular, comprehensive eye exams. This is why we can’t stress enough how important this exam is.

One other example I’d like to share: I have a healthy, 38-year-old patient who has been seeing me regularly for the past five years. She recently agreed to have the iWellness exam, and as a surprise to both of us, her results were abnormal. Because this wasn’t suspected, I went back through her charts over the past few years to look for pressure changes in her eyes and other warning signs. There were none. Now, this doesn’t mean that she has glaucoma or another type of eye disease. This may just be normal for her. However, knowing that her retina is thinner than average is valuable information if I do ever suspect a disease in the future. If her first scan was when I suspected a problem, I would possibly over treat her because I didn’t know her baseline was abnormal. By performing the iWellness Scan on a regular basis, I can closely monitor any change that occurs and provide the most thorough examination available.

We invite you to call or visit our office to learn more about the iWellness. We look forward to making this preventative screening scan a routine part of your eye exam.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, resulting in loss of vision.

In the U.S., more than 3 million people have been diagnosed with glaucoma. It is the second leading cause of blindness globally (cataracts are first). Since glaucoma often begins with no discernible symptoms, regular eye exams are important, especially for those who fall in the high risk category.

Who is at risk for glaucoma?

It most often occurs in people over age 60; among Asian, African and Mexican Americans; and those with a family history of glaucoma. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, also put people at an increased risk. I advise my patients with these medical conditions to get a comprehensive eye exam every 12 months. Once diagnosed, glaucoma is easily treated and managed, typically through prescription eye drops.

At Crozet Eye Care, we test for glaucoma through a variety of painless procedures, including:

• Tonometry – a simple and painless measurement of the pressure in the eye (No puff of air!)
• Ophthalmoscopy – an examination of the back of the eye to observe the health and appearance of the optic nerve
• Visual field test – a check for the development of abnormal blind spots

You can find additional information about glaucoma on our web site here. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office.

I will never forget a patient I had about 7 years ago who almost ran into a wall walking back to the exam room. Patients like to joke about walking into walls or tripping after I dilate them because they can’t see, but this patient wasn’t kidding. Unfortunately, as I examined him, I discovered that he had late-stage glaucoma and very limited peripheral vision. His eye pressures were very elevated. His last eye exam had been 10 years earlier. All I could do for him at this point was prescribe him temporary glaucoma medications and get him quickly to the glaucoma surgeon before he lost all of his vision.

This situation bothered me for several reasons. The most apparent reason being that this patient would probably go blind even with extensive glaucoma treatment since his disease was so progressed. If only he would have come in a few years earlier, this could have been prevented. The second reason is he is diabetic. Surely someone told him he needed an eye exam to check for bleeding in the eye, cataracts, and you guessed it…glaucoma.

Whenever someone asks me why they need an eye exam if they have no vision problems, I always think of this patient.

The most common type of glaucoma can affect all ages, does not hurt, make your vision blurry, or give you headaches. In fact there are usually no symptoms until the glaucoma is severe. If caught early through a comprehensive eye exam, glaucoma is treatable, and most individuals can maintain functional vision throughout their lifetime.

Although I recommend an exam for everyone, those individuals with a family history of glaucoma, Caucasians and Hispanics over age 60, and African Americans over age 40, are among those at highest risk and should schedule an appointment to rule out this treatable disease.

For more information about glaucoma, click here.

Pink eye

There are different types of pink eye (conjunctivitis): allergic, viral, and bacterial. We have an exciting new test to help diagnose viral conjunctivitis. It is nice to have a definitive diagnosis so antibiotics are properly prescribed.

TIP: If you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge from the eyes is highly contagious. Be sure to wash your hands especially after touching your eyes and do not to share face towels with anyone.

Flashes/floaters

While most flashes and floaters are not retinal detachments, holes, or tears, the only way to properly assess their risk is to dilate the pupils and directly view the retina. Since retinal abnormalities do not cause pain, they sometimes go unnoticed. The Optomap Retinal Imaging system allows me to document changes in the retina at each visit. The patient can actually see what is happening to the retina when there is a problem.

TIP: Make an appointment ASAP if you have new floaters or flashes in your vision. Delaying the diagnosis of a retinal detachment may cause you to lose your sight.

Glaucoma

The most common form of glaucoma is associated with high eye pressure. Therefore we check pressure during every comprehensive exam. I personally never liked having air puffed in my eyes, so I use different methods of checking pressure. Most of you have experienced the light that “makes a funny noise” in the office, but now we have an even newer instrument. The iCare tonometer does not require drops or a puff of air. It is an easy way to check the pressure at any age.

TIP: Even someone with perfect vision can have glaucoma, so I recommend everyone have a comprehensive exam to assess their risk and record baseline data.