Dr. Driscoll & The Eye Doc Blog Quoted in Publishers Weekly

Posted on May 18, 2009 | 1 comment

Two weeks ago I received an interviewed request from Sarah Robbins for the May 18 issue of Publisher Weekly regarding a blog article I wrote last month on how the Amazon Kindle could allow patients with Macular Degeneration to continue to enjoy reading books.  You can read the entire article in Publishers Weekly here.  I still like the Amazon Kindle for patients that need assistance in reading.  Look for a review of the Kindle DX soon.

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Posted in Low Vision, Macular Degeneration, Retina

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Orthokeratology Featured on ABC News

Posted on April 17, 2009 | 5 comments

I came across this video on orthokeratology .  I believe it is from 2002, however it is still very relevant and the information still applies to how ortho-k is a safe, viable, non-surgical option to vision correction.  Studies have also shown that overnight ortho-k may prevent or slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.

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Posted in children, orthokeratology, Refractive issues

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Video Games May Help Your Vision?

Posted on April 8, 2009 | 2 comments

Snellen-Eye-Chart, Copyright 2009 The Eye Doc BlogA new study found that first person action games improved the vision of adult video game players.   Two groups of patients were tested.  The first group of patients played Call of Duty and experienced a significant increase in their ability to distinguish different shades of gray (contrast sensitivity function).  The second group used The Sims, which was similar in it’s graphic detail however it is a non action game that does not require precise visual activities such as aiming.

Contrast sensitivity function is a measure of visual acuity (the chart on the wall that uses progressively smaller numbers is another, more common method, shown to the right) uses different shades of gray to evaluate a person’s vision rather than how small of a letter a person can read (the latter is called Snellen visual acuity.  Contrast sensitivity is a much more precise way of evaluating a person’s visual acuity and is more often used in clinical research.

The exciting part of this study is that it has been previously thought that it was difficult to improve the vision in adults.   This study paves the way for possible new treatments of amblyopia in children and the hope of retraining patients that may have lost vision due to some retinal conditions.  The study showed that not all games are created equal in producing this affect and advised caution in recommending games to recommend to patients.  The entire study was published online by the journal Nature Neuroscience.

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Posted in eye, eyecare, Refractive issues, Vision

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The Amazon Kindle as a Low Vision Device for the Visually Impaired

Posted on April 6, 2009 | 45 comments

amazon-kindle2As with most doctors we are constantly on the lookout for items we feel may help our patients.  The Amazon kindle has been out for a few years now, however they recently upgraded it.  The Amazon Kindle, holds a lot of promise for patients that have poor vision as a result of macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma or any ocular condition that impairs vision.

What I like the most about the Kindle, for patients with low vision, is that it uses a high resolution screen with very high contrast letters, black print on a white background, just like a book, however, most importantly you can increase the size of the letters.  Changing the font size is a great option for patients with impaired vision that want to read books.  As you can see in the photo the Kindle is about the size of a paperback book, however it is as thin as a pencil, weighing in at just over 10 ounces, which is less than a paperback book.

Most new bestseller books are about $10, however many books are less than that.  There are currently 250,000 titles in the Kindle library.  It takes about 60 seconds to download a book wirelessly with the included wireless network (using Sprint’s Cellular Data Network), no WiFi necessary.  The Kindle holds 1500 books, with your library backed up by Amazon, so if you have to make room for a book and years later want to reread it you just download it again at no charge.

I also like the kindle for patients that find it difficult to hold a heavy book or have a hard time turning the page such as those with MS or patients that have had a stroke.  The Kindle also has a text to speech option so it can even read to you.  Subscriptions to major newspapers are available as well.

Let me know what you think.  I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

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Posted in Ehlers-Danlos, Low Vision, Macular Degeneration

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Bausch & Lomb Launches Multi-Tiered U.S. Consumer Education Initiative To Raise Awareness Of Presbyopia

Posted on April 3, 2009 | Comments Off on Bausch & Lomb Launches Multi-Tiered U.S. Consumer Education Initiative To Raise Awareness Of Presbyopia

The naturally occurring vision condition will affect more than 78 million U.S. baby boomers.  Most are unaware that multifocal contact lenses can resolve their vision needs and avoid readers.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Bausch & Lomb, manufacturer of the #1 multifocal lens design, has launched its largest integrated marketing initiative with the goal of raising U.S. awareness of presbyopia and multifocal contact lenses. Presbyopia is a naturally occurring vision condition that begins to affect people in their 40s. As the eyes’ internal lenses become less flexible and lose elasticity, the eyes are less able to adjust quickly to rapid changes in focus from distance to near objects, causing blurred vision, most notable at reading distances.

Bausch & Lomb, makers of the Purevision Multifocal Contact Lens,  wish to make the public aware that just because you are over 40 doesn’t mean you need to wear reading glasses with your contact lenses.  Soft, bifocal contact lenses have come a long way in the last 10 years.  Read more …….

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Posted in contact lens, Refractive issues

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Study Shows Contact Lenses Improve The Self Image of Children

Posted on March 31, 2009 | 2 comments

A new study evaluated the self perception of children between ages 8 and 11, finding that the contact lens wearers had a significantly higher sense of self worth than eye glass wearers in the areas of physical appearance, athletic competence, social acceptance and scholastic competence.

As eye doctors we should not only consider the best mode of correction for the patient but also the social and psychological implications on the child.  More information about the Adolescent and Child Health Initiative to Encourage Vision Empowerment (ACHIEVE) Study is  available here.  This is excellent information for any parent considering whether glasses or contacts are right for their child.

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Posted in children, contact lens, eyecare, Refractive issues, Vision

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The Optomap Retinal Exam Featured on The Doctors TV Show

Posted on March 26, 2009 | 10 comments

The Doctors is a TV show carried on CBS featuring four doctors that discuss current medical topics and new technologies.  And yes one of the doctors you may recognize as “The Bachelor”.  Recently they featured the technology of the optomap® Retinal Exam.  Total Eye care is one of approximately 3000 offices nationwide that utilizes this great technology.  Check out the video below.  For more information on the Optomap Retinal Exam check out the Total Eye Care website.

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Posted in examinations, eyecare, Macular Degeneration, Retina

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Open Your Eyes to Healthy Eating Habits

Posted on March 11, 2009 | Comments Off on Open Your Eyes to Healthy Eating Habits

NUTRITION TIPS FOR YOUR EYE SIGHT

(Colleyville, TX) March 11, 2009 – Doctors of optometry see millions of patients a year and are the primary providers of eye and vision care in America. This month, in celebration of National Save Your Vision Month, Total Eye Care, the American Optometric Association (AOA) and Kemin Health are educating Americans on the many preventative actions they can take to protect their sight, including eating right. More than 43 million Americans suffer from cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the two leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Research indicates that there is a strong correlation between good nutrition and the prevention of these age-related eye diseases. Eating foods rich in key nutrients – antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, essential fatty acids, vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc – can help protect eye sight and vision.

Fast Facts On Macular Degeneration

  • In a recent survey conducted by the AOA, nearly three-fourths (72%) of respondents age 55 and older began noticing changes in their vision between the ages of 40 and 45.
  • To cope with vision loss or various eye problems, less than one-third (29%) of respondents are increasing their nutrient intake for healthy eyes.
  • Many Americans (48%) still believe that carrots are the best food for eye health, when, in fact, spinach and other dark leafy greens are the healthiest foods for the eyes because they naturally contain large amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.
  • In order to maintain healthy eyes, studies show that 10 mg of lutein should be consumed each day or one cup of cooked spinach four times a week.
  • More than 50% of Americans do not take in the recommended dosage of vitamin C per day.
  • One cup (8 fl oz) of orange juice per day contains 81.6 mg/serving of vitamin C, more than enough to help offset some eye diseases.

Says Dr. Richard Driscoll “In addition to increasing the daily intake of antioxidants, smokers can greatly decrease their risk for macular degeneration by stopping smoking”.

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Posted in Macular Degeneration, Retina

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Gorgeous Eyelashes are Only a Drop Away

Posted on March 9, 2009 | Comments Off on Gorgeous Eyelashes are Only a Drop Away

Before Latisse and after 16 weeks

Available Now at Total Eye Care, a Non Surgical Treatment for Beautiful Eyelashes.

Latisse™ is a prescription medication that makes your very own lashes longer, thicker and fuller.   Latisse™ is 0.03% Bimatoprost, which is the same active ingredient as Allergan’s glaucoma medication, Lumigan™.   Doctors found that one of the side effects of Lumigan™ was an increase in the darkness, thickness, length and number of eyelashes.  Lumigan™, a prescription eye medication not a cosmetic, grew impressive eyelashes in men and women alike.

Originally, Latisse™ was intended to be used in the treatment of hypotrichosis (the medical term for inadequate or insufficient eyelashes) in cancer patients that had lost their eyelashes while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, but has now been approved by the FDA as an eyelash beautifier.

Visit the Total Eye Care Latisse™ Information Center for more before and after photos and links to schedule a consultation to see if Latisse™ is right for you.

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Posted in Eye Care, Eye Lids

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Ribbon Cutting for The Total Eye Care Office in Colleyville

Posted on February 24, 2009 | Comments Off on Ribbon Cutting for The Total Eye Care Office in Colleyville

Thanks to all who attended our Ribbon Cutting Thursday and made it a smashing success.  We would like to say thanks to the Colleyville Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors for christening our new building.  We would also like to thank Ralph Zuranski for making the great video of our grand opening shown below.  Check out Ralph’s website at www.InSearchOf heroes.com.   Ralph is a photographer and videographer.  We would also like to thank our business partners, CooperVision, Coach, Calvin Klein, Nautica, BCBGMaxazria, Bausch & Lomb and Hoya.  Check out the video.

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Posted in eyecare

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