Polarized Sunglasses: Fashion & Function

Baltimore Washington Eye Center Optician Chris Spake shared some useful information about polarized sunglasses and UV protection. To truly enhance and protect your vision, sunglasses should provide UVA/UVB protection and protection from glare. Prolonged exposure to UV light damages the cornea, lens and retina. One step to eliminating these damaging rays is to block 100% of the UVA/UVB radiation. So you will want to specifically look for a sunglass labeled for this protection. To address glare, you should look for a “polarized” lens. The main function of a polarized lens is to condition light, thus changing incoming light to enable clearer sight for the wearer. Glare can come from a multitude of surfaces such as water and snow. This glare can be very distracting and distorting when it comes to clear vision and this has the ability of diminishing the quality of your activities (water skiing, roller blading, show skiing, kite flying, fishing, biking, crabbing, watching the sunset, etc.). Quality polarized sunglasses can completely eliminate this kind of distracting glare. 

For maximum protection in sunwear: 

· Eliminate all ultraviolet radiation (UVA/UVB protection) 

· Provide protection from blue light while maintaining natural color perception (polarized ) 

· Maximize protection by selecting a wide or wrap around sunglass frame with side protection 

· Choose transmission (lens color) according to light conditions and activity. 

Consumers today expect and demand high tech and high performing products that satisfy all needs. At Baltimore Washington Eye Center we offer many sunglass options, including Oakley and Maui Jim, so stop by and choose from our latest styles. 

Guest Blogger: Chris Spake, A.B.O.C. at the Baltimore Washington Eye Center Optical Center 

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about polarized sunglasses and UV protection or come in for a sunglass styling and fitting, contact Baltimore Washington Eye Center by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter..

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts including cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for patients from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate and Woodlawn Maryland.

Eye Doctor on Contact Lens iPhone App

Brad Spagnolo, M.D., Baltimore Washington Eye Center eye doctor, ophthalmologist and corneal specialist reviewed an iPhone app to help contact lens wearers. “A new app is available for use on iPhones and iPads that provides a convenient way to keep track of how many times you have worn your reusable contact lenses. No more having to wonder if it's time to replace your contacts. This is a nice way to help keep your contact lenses safe and your eyes healthy,” commented Dr. Spagnolo. “Proper lens replacement is critical to your eyes' health when wearing contacts. The app is available at iTunes for contact lens wearers to have a look at.”

Nearsighted Risk in Baltimore Children

Baltimore Washington Eye Center provided some useful information about nearsighted risk in children. According to researchers reporting on the risk of nearsightedness or myopia in children, increased time spent in natural light and viewing distant objects during childhood may reduce the risk of nearsightedness. A review of data of 10,400 participants showed that for each additional hour outdoors per week, the chance of developing myopia dropped by about 2%, according to a presentation at the annual meeting of the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It was reported that myopic or nearsighted children included in the study tended to spend about 3.7 fewer hours per week outdoors than children with normal vision or hyperopia. 

Furthermore, increasing outdoor time might reduce the chances of myopia worsening, according to the release. 

If you or someone you know have questions about children’s eye health and vision please schedule an eye examination at Baltimore Washington Eye Center by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter

Cataracts & Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy

Baltimore Washington Eye Center Cataract Surgeons Arturo Betancourt, M.D. and Brad Spagnolo, M.D. want to share some information about Cataracts, Cataract Surgery and Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy. When evaluating patients for cataract surgery, it is very important to consider the health of a person’s cornea. The human cornea has several layers, each composed of specific kinds of cells. The innermost layer is called the endothelium. This layer is critical in keeping a person’s cornea clear and healthy. If the endothelium is abnormal, the cornea will swell in manner similar to how a sponge swells with wet. During a cataract exam, we look at the corneal endothelium for the presence of guttata. Guttata are wart-like, anvil-shaped or mushroom-shaped excrescences that represent abnormal basement membrane and collagen produced by the endothelium in some people. Guttata are seen often in older patients who have no visual problems. However, in a small number of people, guttata increase in number over many years (2-3 decades), ultimately leading to corneal swelling and decreased vision. When swelling develops, the condition is called Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. The frequency of cornea guttata increases with age. After age 40 years, 70% of patients have cornea guttata. Fortunately, however, only 0.1% of these patients will ever have corneal swelling. In patients with Fuchs’, the condition may ultimately require surgery to replace the abnormal endothelial layer. In the past, that meant a full-thickness corneal transplant, whereby a person’s unhealthy, swollen cornea is removed and replaced with a donor’s cornea. Today, if the only problem is the damaged endothelial layer, surgeons can replace just this layer with a donor endothelial layer. This procedure goes by several names, most commonly DSEK, which stands for Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty. Since DSEK does not involve replacing the entire cornea, it is likely safer with a faster healing and recovery period. If we note significant guttata during a patient’s cataract surgery, we will discuss with them the fact that cataract surgery has some increased risk of producing corneal swelling and consequent decreased vision. In any patient, and particularly a patient with advanced guttata, a major goal of cataract surgery is to not cause any further damage to the corneal endothelium. During cataract surgery at Baltimore Washington Eye Center, we take steps to minimize any negative impact on a person’s cornea by using specialized gels to coat and protect the cornea endothelial layer. When placed appropriately and used judiciously, these gels create a protective “cocoon” that greatly diminish any insult to the cornea from the cataract surgery, thereby leading to excellent results for our patients. If you have cataracts, or have been told you need cataract surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon about the health of your cornea. If you have guttata, ask how significant they are and what impact this will have on your cataract surgery. 

If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts, cataract surgery of Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at Baltimore Washington Eye Center by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter 

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts including cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for patients from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate and Woodlawn Maryland.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center Mobile Web Site

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is pleased to announce the launch of its new mobile web site.

“Patients who use an iPhone or Android-really any mobile smartphone or computer tablet like an iPad and need to schedule eye exams, LASIK evaluations, those looking for eyeglasses and eyewear and even cataract and lens implant patients-will be able to easily find and contact us on their mobile devices today,” stated Phillip Harrington, Practice Administrator. “It’s really very easy to reach us on your smartphone-just search Baltimore Washington Eye Care on your smartphone you can click right through to see it!” 

If you are at a desktop computer and want to use a regular phone to schedule an appointment reach us at 800-495-3937 or for greater detail and more in depth information visit Baltimore Washington Eye Center or to just be social come see us at facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter

Eye Health, Contacts & Swimming

Baltimore Washington Eye Center Corneal Specialist Brad Spagnolo, M.D., commented on eye health, contact lenses and swimming. “Understanding how swimming can affect your eyes, eye health and vision is worth learning a little about as summer typically means lots of water activities for all of us,” said Dr. Spagnolo. “In general, unless you are wearing goggles it is best not to swim with your eyes open under water and, when possible, to avoid splashes of water into your eyes.”

This is because the various types of pool chemicals that are used for keeping the water clean and free of contamination may actually be irritating at a minimum and in some instances damaging to the surface of the eye. Maintaining the proper pH levels in swimming pools takes considerable monitoring and effort and as the pH varies so does the possibility of eye irritation. Your natural tears have a pH of 7.0, if the pH of the pool water is below or above that level that level, it will certainly cause your eyes to burn or sting. The proper pH level for swimming pools is in the range of 7.2 to 7.8. If the pH is maintained within this range, burning eyes shouldn't be a problem for swimmers.

For sure, if you plan on spending any lengthy period of time in the water you should protect your eyes by wearing goggles. Swimming with contact lenses is very risky. The eye health risk of swimming with contacts depends on the body of water you are in. When swimming on lakes and in rivers there is a considerable risk of the microorganism Acanthamoeba to adhering to your contacts. Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a severe and potentially blinding infection and inflammation of the Cornea. This same risk is present when wearing contacts in hot tubs or spas. While the risk of sight threatening infection is lesser in properly chlorinated swimming pools and the ocean other problems may be encountered. In the pool--eye irritation is possible when chlorine sticks on the surface of your lens and in the ocean--your contact lenses can be dislodged when you encounter large waves. You need to carefully consider whether to wear contact lenses while swimming.

Keeping your head out of the water and wearing goggles will help to greatly reduce risk. If you worry about not being able to see clearly without glasses or contacts and want to see clearly while in the pool or ocean, you may wish to consider LASIK as a vision correction method so as not to be dependent on eyeglasses or contacts for swimming.

If you or someone you know has questions about swimming, swimming pools, eye health, vision and contact lenses or would like to schedule a Free LASIK consultation please feel free to call Baltimore Washington Eye Center at 800-495-3937, visit Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter and we would be happy to help.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts including cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for patients from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate and Woodlawn Maryland.

Transitions® Vantage™ Lenses & Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is pleased to announce the availability of Transitions® Vantage™ color changing eyeglass lenses. We have all known through the years that technology has changed in the optical industry with different lens materials, designs and coatings.  So now, we can offer our patients the best technology to improve their vision and to protect the health of their eyes. Transitions® Lenses came into the market after Corning Glass Works introduced the PhotoGray Extra Lens. Transitions® Lenses were the first non-glass light weight lenses introduced into the market which paralleled the glass lenses for changing in the outdoor light.

And it just keeps getting better, because not only do we have Transitions® with UV protection which will change color and are light in weight for comfort, but we now have an additional benefit. Transitions® has just introduced the new lens called Transitions® Vantage™.  Not only does this lens give the consumer the added benefit of a Polarized tinting which changes from light to dark in direct sunlight but it has a light tint to start out with (usually around 5% grey), so when exposed to the UV light it darkens like the standard Transitions® Lenses but now it’s polarized. 

Transitions® Optical has given the consumer a light weight indoor/outdoor lens with greater outdoor protection and the added benefit of it being polarized. Feel free to ask your Baltimore Washington eye Center eye doctor or Optician or Optician to show you the new Polarized Vantage™ Lenses.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about color changing eyeglasses or color changing eyeglass lenses such as Transitions® or Transitions® Vantage™ schedule an appointment at Baltimore Washington Eye Center by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts including cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services. Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for patients from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate and Woodlawn Maryland.

Guest Blogger: Larry A. Heilman, F.N.A.O. with the Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Baltimore Washington Eye Center Milestone

Baltimore Washington Eye Center has achieved a significant milestone serving the eye care needs of patients throughout the region. “On June 28, 2012 we officially registered patient number 100,000 into our electronic medical records system-a real growth milestone that speaks to our dedication and longevity in providing routine eye health and vision care as well as care for eye diseases and eye surgery in our community,” reported Phillip Harrington, Baltimore Washington Eye Center Administrator.

“We have worked diligently since 1969 to create a comprehensive eye care center that incorporates the full range of ophthalmology services. Whether patients need routine eye exams for adults or children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts with cataract surgery and lens implants, LASIK or laser eye surgery for vision correction or the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration or glaucoma-we have the expertise, experience and skilled staff to provide personalized, compassionate and quality care right here in our facility,” said Baltimore Washington Eye Center Medical Director Arturo Betancourt, M.D. 

“Patients visiting us for the first time routinely comment about the convenience and customer service approach we offer in two particular areas-our optical center for eyeglasses and eyewear-and the Baltimore Washington Eye Surgery Center, our on-site surgery center that is fully certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and Medicare licensed. Safe, successful and convenient eye surgery is our top priority,” explained Brad Spagnolo, M.D., Director of Refractive Services. 

“Reaching the 100,000 registered patient milestone is certainly rewarding for our team. Moreover, it confirms for us that our direction, dedication and decisions have been recognized by the patients we are here to serve-we say “thank you” to our community for their support,” remarked Dr. Betancourt.

You can reach us at Baltimore Washington Eye Center by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter and we would be happy to help. 

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts including cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for patients from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate and Woodlawn Maryland.

Baltimore Eye Doctor on Spots in Eyes

Baltimore Washington Eye Center eye doctor, Dr. Shari Strier shared a recent patient experience regarding “spots in the eye.” Dr. Strier relayed her experience and thoughts, ‘I was seeing a patient on follow up the other day. She had been asked to return for a six month dilated exam in order to monitor the pigmented lesion that had been noted on her retina at her initial visit with us. I examined her eye and assured her that the spot had not changed in appearance and continued to look benign. She told me that after her last visit she had read an article in the Washington Post and was surprised to learn that a spot on the retina could indicate an increased risk of colon cancer. She was fascinated by the fact that something in the eye could tell you about the risk of disease in such a distant part of the body.

When a patient is told they have a pigmented spot on the retina it usually falls into one of two categories: choroid nevus or hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. A choroidal nevus is an area of hyper pigmentation occurring in the melanocytes in the vascular layer beneath the retina known as the choroid. Because it is being seen through the filter of the retina and the normal retinal pigment a choroidal nevus appears as a slate gray lesion underlying other retinal structures. These lesions occur in about five to ten percent of the population. The concern in patients with choroidal nevus, just like in patients with hyper pigmented skin lesions or moles, is that the lesion may become malignant melanoma. The chances of a choroidal nevus transforming into melanoma is only 1 in 20,000. Any newly documented nevus will be monitored by your eye doctor by direct examination during a dilated eye exam, size and thickness measurements of the lesion with B-scan ultrasound and photo documentation to look carefully for change in appearance over time.

The other type of pigmented lesion seen is Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium or CHRPE. This is an over production of pigment in the retinal pigment epithelium the layer of pigment cells that lies just below and helps to nourish the neuro-sensory or ‘seeing’ retina. CHRPE appears as a jet black lesion often surrounded by a halo of atropic retina. CHRPE can appear as a single large spot or as a cluster of smaller spots that resemble paw prints. This multifocal appearance is often referred to as bear tracking. When bear tracking is seen in an atypical shape and occurs in both eyes there is a strong correlation with Gardner’s syndrome a form of Familial colonic adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a genetic disorder associated with hundreds to thousands of polyps and early onset of colorectal cancers. CHRPE in only one eye occurs in 0.5%-1.0% of the population. Atypical bilateral (occurs in both eyes) multifocal (many spots) CHRPE occurs in about 1 in 100,000 patients and is the only pigmented lesion associated with FAP. If this presentation is noted during an exam a thorough history including any family members with a history of FAP should be taken. Base line thickness measurements will be done and a referral for a gastroenterologist screening and further genetic testing will be made.

I assured my patient that based on our clinical exam she had a classic choroidal nevus and that her pigmented retinal lesion did not indicate an increased risk of colon cancer.

Guest Blogger: Shari E. Strier, O.D. with the Baltimore Washington Eye Center
To learn more or to schedule an eye examination at Baltimore Washington Eye Center please feel free to call 800-495-3937, visit Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter, so that we can help identify the possible causes of your eye problem and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts including cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for patients from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate and Woodlawn Maryland.

Baltimore Doctors on Eyes & Sun Damage

Eye doctors from the Baltimore Washington Eye Center reviewed the importance of being cautious about sun damage to your eyes. “This time of year almost everyone looks forward to enjoying the outdoors and sunny weather,” remarked Baltimore Ophthalmologist Brad Spagnolo, M.D. “Unfortunately sometimes people forget or just are unaware of the ways and the extent to which the sun can damage your eyes and the surrounding tissue,” he said. “Too much UV light can affect the surface of the cornea and actually cause an “eye sunburn” or “photokeratitis” which is uncomfortable and may temporarily impact vision. Inside the eye UV light can damage the crystalline lens turning it yellow and actually quicken the formation of cataracts. If too much sunlight reaches the retina, it is even possible to get a “solar retinitis” and increase the risk of macular degeneration both of which can be sight threatening,” he further explained.

“It is also important to note that all of us are susceptible to eye and eyelid cancers and other types of eye damage from the sun. Even though the eyelid is designed to protect the eye itself from the sun, eyelid skin is very thin and fragile and can be easily damaged by the sun. The number and types of eyelid cancers are many and a cause for concern among everyone,” commented Baltimore Washington Eye Center Medical Director Arturo Betancourt, M.D.

The eye doctors at Baltimore Washington Eye Center recommend that we should ALL take simple but effective precautions to protect our eyes and the structures inside and around our eyes:

Wear a Brimmed Hat
Use Sunscreen
Wear Proper UV Protecting Sunglasses

Using some common sense precautions goes a long way to protecting your eye health and vision. If you or someone you know has questions about eyes and sunlight or proper UV and sun protection for eyes, please feel free to call Baltimore Washington Eye Center at 800-495-3937, visit Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts including cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for patients from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate and Woodlawn Maryland.

Cataract Surgery & Lens Implant Measurements

Cataract surgery and lens implant measurements at Baltimore Washington Eye Center often involves our cataract surgeons using A Scans and B Scans. When our doctors remove a cataract, they replace the cataract with an intraocular lens implant. The implant is akin to wearing a contact lens, but on the inside of the eye. And, just like contacts lenses, intraocular lenses come in different powers. A critical step in determining the power requires measuring the eye’s length. Historically this was done using ultrasound energy in much the same way ultrasound is used to check on babies during pregnancy. Ultrasound energy can pass harmlessly through tissue to obtain a picture or even measure the length of structures.

Using an ultrasound probe that touches the eye the eye’s length is measured. This is called a contact A scan. In order to improve accuracy, the probe can be placed in a tube filled with a little water. The tube is then placed on the eye. This is called an immersion A scan.

Over the past several years newer methods of measuring the eye with more accuracy and consistently have been developed. Chief among these devices is the IOL Master which relies on light energy rather than ultrasound to measure the length of the eye. Perhaps as important, unlike contact and immersion A scans, the IOL Master scan doesn’t require the probe to touch the eye. This makes the procedure a very simple and more pleasant experience for our patients.

Also, we will have occasion to perform a different type of ocular ultrasound exam called a B Scan. B Scans provided a picture of the inside structures of the eye when certain conditions are present that don’t allow us to see inside a person’s eye(s) with our usual instruments. Such conditions as vitreous bleeding or a very dense cataract are the most common reasons to perform a B scan in our office. By keeping current with the latest in technology we can continue to provide quality eye care for our patients.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about cataracts, cataract surgery or lens implants they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at Baltimore Washington Eye Center by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts including cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for patients from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate and Woodlawn Maryland.

Fireworks Eye Safety in Baltimore

Baltimore Corneal Specialist Brad Spagnolo, M.D. of Baltimore Washington Eye Center commented on eye safety and fireworks in preparation for the July 4th celebrations and fun.
“Contrary to what you might think, there is no safe way for nonprofessionals to use fireworks. It is only safe to enjoy the excitement of fireworks at a professional display”, commented Dr. Spagnolo. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks are involved in approximately 10,000 injuries per year that are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. Of those, 2/3 occurred during the one month period surrounding the July 4th holiday. It is important to note that:
· Eyes were the Second Most Commonly Injured Part of the Body!
· Males Were Injured 3x More than Females.
· Approximately 25% of Injuries are to Children under 15.
Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July. But there are precautions parents can take to prevent these injuries. The best defense against kids suffering severe eye injuries and burns is to not let kids play with any fireworks. Do not purchase, use or store fireworks of any type. Protect yourself, your family and your friends by avoiding fireworks. Attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous.

If an eye accident does occur, what should you know?
· Do not rub the eye.
· Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
· Do not apply pressure to the eye itself-but protecting the eye from further contact with any item, including the child's hand.
· Do not stop for medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the child to the emergency room at once.
· Do not apply ointments or drops. They may not be sterile and may make the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.

Once you are seen in the emergency room please feel free to have them call Baltimore Washington Eye Center-800-495-3937 as we always have an eye doctor “on call” to provide consultation and continued care for you.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about eye safety, fireworks injury and prevention you can reach us at Baltimore Washington Eye Center by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter and we would be happy to help.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts including cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. Baltimore Washington Eye Center is conveniently located for patients from Arbutus, Carney, Clarksville, Columbia, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Glen Burnie, Kenwood, Laurel, Linthicum, Lutherville, Millersville, Odenton Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Towson, Parkville, Randallstown, Rivera Beach, Pasadena, Severna Park, South Gate and Woodlawn Maryland.