Contacts and Allergies

Looks like allergy season has arrived a bit early and that often means many folks have difficulty wearing their contacts. If this is a particular problem for you, consider reducing your wear-time, switching to part-time (i.e. only for sports, social events, weekends), replacing lenses more frequently, and using rewetting drops more often.

Another option is using daily disposable contacts. This alleviates the need for cleaning/caring for lenses as you start each day with a fresh pair of lenses. Use of  1-day lenses avoids the surface build-up of irritating allergens as well as eliminates exposure to the chemicals found in multipurpose disinfectant solutions. One day lenses are also less time consuming and more convenient than conventional replacement lenses.

A daily disposable contact lens is definitely worth considering. These type of lenses are available for people with astigmatism, too.

Baltimore Contact Lens Technician Lorie Ford

We wanted you to meet Baltimore Washington Eye Center Contact Lens Technician Lorie Ford. Lorie has been in ophthalmology for over 28 years. She spent the first 3 years as a technician before focusing her attention on the contact lens specialty.  After her contact lens training, she passed the National Contact Lens Examiner’s exam, and so the last 5 years have been dedicated to the contact lens industry.  The thing Lorie treasures most about her position here at the Baltimore Washington Eye Center are her patients, especially the children.

Getting started with contact lenses is exciting and a little intimidating. Lorie excels at helping new contact lens wearers gain confidence and in helping them master the intricacies of contact lens wear and care. She finds it extremely rewarding to help patients of all ages achieve their best vision with comfort and clarity, giving them a new outlook on life.

Being a “Baby Boomer” herself, Lorie is excited about the new multifocal contact lens technology that is now available.  If your arms aren’t long enough anymore, the lighting is too dim or they’re simply making the print too small, then perhaps Lorie can help you.

Outside of work Lorie enjoys gardening, her family's cat Mr. Whiskers and rooting for the Baltimore Ravens. We are happy to have Lorie and all of her ophthalmic experience here at the Baltimore Washington Eye Center.

Guest Blogger: Shari E. Strier, O.D. with the Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Corneal Infections in Baltimore

“As a Baltimore CornealSpecialist I am always on alert for corneal infections or Keratitis that can become potentially serious matters for patients at Baltimore Washington Eye Center,” stated Brad Spagnolo, M.D. “A healthy intact cornea is quite resistant to infection. But if the outermost layer of the cornea which is called the epithelium, is damaged at all, the risk of infection increases a great deal.” Patients should always remember that any type of trauma-whether getting a poke in the eye from a branch or a finger or a foreign body such as metal or even from a dirty or damaged contact lens-makes it possible for bacteria, viruses or fungi to penetrate the cornea and cause an infection. Situations like these can cause painful inflammation and corneal infections called Keratitis.

The signs and symptoms of a corneal infection often include redness, pain, light sensitivity, eye watering and sometimes you may actually see a white spot at the center of the infection. Sometimes, Keratitis can cause a painful inflammation with a discharge, which if not treated quickly and appropriately can lead to corneal erosion, corneal ulceration and even corneal scarring which can impair vision and may require a Corneal Transplant. Quick diagnosis and treatment are the best way to avoid the potential for damage and vision loss from a corneal infection. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms-especially if they have had any trauma to their eyes-please called Baltimore Washington Eye Center-800-495-3937 and request an immediate appointment with a corneal specialist.

According to the Journal of the American Optometric Association, nearly half of the prescription eyewear ordered online in the U.S. had incorrect prescriptions or did not meet the physical parameters required to provide sufficient protection. Among the errors listed were providing single vision glasses instead of bifocals and adding or omitting lens treatments such as anti-glare coatings.  Almost 30% of the glasses tested in the study had at least one lens that was not within the parameters of the prescription for that pair of glasses. Just as worrisome, if not more so, is the finding that almost a quarter of the lenses tested failed standardized impact testing.

This study was published in the September 2011 issue of Optometry.

For a similar issue with online ordering of contacts lenses, check out one of our blog posts from late last year:
http://baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.blogspot.com/2011/10/decorative-contact-lenses-and-halloween.html

LASIK for You at Baltimore Washington Eye Center

The eye surgeons at Baltimore Washington Eye Center have been performing Laser Eye Surgery, such as LASIK, for the Laser Vision Correction of common vision problems for 15 years with outstanding results. The Baltimore Washington Laser Vision Center continually achieves high levels of patient satisfaction as evidenced by the fact that all of our Laser Eye Surgery patients achieve the ability to drive without glasses or contacts. Perhaps better still, greater than 9 out of 10 of our patients see as well, or as better, than they did with their glasses or contact lenses. The advantages of LASIK are well established and include a quick healing time and a rapid visual recovery. At Baltimore Washington Eye Center close to 100% of patients are able to return to work the next day.

Millions of people have had Laser Vision Correction to free themselves from eyeglasses or contacts for seeing at distance.  Before you decide if Laser Vision Correction is right for you, there are some questions you should ask.

• What are the eye surgeon’s background, education, and certifications?
• Is the eye surgeon certified to perform the procedure?
• How long has the surgeon/practice been in the area?
• Is their office in your area or are they from out of town and here temporarily performing surgery?
• Who will perform your pre and post-op examinations?
• Who owns and is responsible for maintaining the laser?
• Does the laser remain at the center or is it moved around from place to place?
• How much will the procedure cost?
• Who trains and supervises the staff?

The Baltimore Washington Eye Center would like to personally answer ALL of your questions about Laser Vision Correction. We’ll even arrange for a free screening to determine if you can benefit from LASIK.

Just give us a call at 410-766-3937 or visit our website at http://www.bweyecenter.com/. 

Make sure to check out the video library in the upper left hand corner. Click ‘Tests & Treatments’. Lastly, click “What is Refractive Surgery” video. Let us help you see what you’ve been missing.

Eyes, Computers & Eyestrain in Baltimore

The eye doctors at Baltimore Washington Eye Center have some useful information to share about computer and video display terminal use, your eyes and eyestrain. Staring at your computer screen, smartphone, video game or other digital devices for long periods won’t cause permanent eye damage, but your eyes may feel dry and tired. Although there are no long-term studies at this time, we do not believe there is any reason to be concerned that 3-D movies, TV or video games will damage the eyes or visual system.

Normally, you blink about 18 times a minute, but only blink half that often while using computers and other digital screen devices, whether for work or play. Reading, writing or other intensive “near work” can also cause eyestrain of a similar nature.

It is helpful in avoiding computer related eyestrain if you first position yourself about 24” from the screen you are viewing and with your eye gaze is slightly downward. It also helps to reduce glare from the screen by lighting the area properly and if possible use a screen filter if needed. It may seem silly but post a note that says “Blink!” on the computer as a reminder. Then, use the “20-20-20” rule. Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. It is also helpful to use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry. Make sure that you take regular breaks from computer work, and be sure to get enough sleep at night. Now, if you wear contacts for the computer screen it’s important that you use and care for them properly in order to avoid eye irritation, swelling, infection and vision problems. Also, give your eyes a break and wear your glasses instead of your contacts sometime. Consider a special prescription and lens coating for computer use to help manage eyestrain and fatigue. If you wish to learn more about computers, vision, eyestrain and your eyes please feel free to call Baltimore Washington Eye Center-800-495-3937.

Baltimore Eye Refractions Billing & Cost

We would like to help you understand more about the cost and billing of eye refractions at Baltimore Washington Eye Center. One of the most basic parts of an eye exam is checking the refraction of your eyes or an eye refraction test. This allows us to determine what your best possible vision is at that point in time while wearing a prescription optical lens and gives us the basis for prescribing a prescription optical lens. The most common type of eye refraction is called a Manifest Refraction and is performed without the use of eye drops so that we can examine the eye in a natural state. If you have ever had and eye exam you are probably familiar with the “which is better, one or two” test-this is a Manifest Refraction. Another type of eye refraction is called a Cycloplegic Refractions which is performed after the instillation of eye drops to temporarily immobilize the Ciliary Muscle of the eye. This temporarily prevents you from accommodating or “focusing” up close and is used when there is a need for an even more precise measurement of refractive error. In addition the eye drops will also dilate the pupil so the eye doctor can easily see the back of the eye to examine the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels in order to evaluate their health.

From an insurance standpoint, eye refractions are considered part of a routine eye exam.  Because refractions are normally used to determine refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and therefore prescribe glasses or contact lenses, many insurance companies, particularly Medicare and Medicaid, do not pay for them.  It's important to understand that when patients are having their eye exam, refractions are a necessary part of a routine eye exam and must be paid for out of pocket. If you have questions about the cost of your refraction or billing questions about refraction please call Baltimore Washington Eye Center-800-495-3937 and we will be glad to assist.