Advances in Cataract Surgery at Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Alcon® CEN-TURION® Vision System
at
Baltimore Washington Eye Center

“Our ongoing commitment to providing world class cataract surgery to Baltimore and D.C.

patients was recently demonstrated by incorporating the Alcon® LensSx® Femtosecond Laser into our eye surgery center so that our cataract surgeons can offer patients laser cataract surgery and lens implants in a more precise, gentle and reproducible cataract operation. Now, we're taking the next step to further refine safety and outcomes for patients by using the Alcon® CENTURION® VisionSystem to perform the actual lens removal portion of the surgery,” explained Arturo Betancourt, M.D., Medical Director and Cataract Surgeon at Baltimore Washington Eye Center. Corneal Specialist and Cataract Surgeon Brad Spagnolo,M.D. further explained, “This is the only lens removal system to utilize Active Fluidics™ which is an innovation that allows us to create and maintain a consistent and stable fluid environment inside the eye while performing the actual cataract removal or phacoemulsification portion of the procedure. Maintaining control over the fluid environment during every moment of the cataract procedure helps us to further improve safety and outcomes for our patients.”

When you visit Baltimore Washington Eye Center please ask us any questions you might have about cataracts, lens implants or laser cataract surgery or visit us at www.bweyecenter.com or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

Baltimore Washington Eye Surgery Center is a comfortable, close to home ambulatory surgery center dedicated to bringing world class eye surgery to patients from the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region. We are fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and licensed by the State of Maryland and Medicare.

Baltimore Specialist on Contact Lens Success & Age of Fitting

Baltimore Optometrist &Contact Lens Specialist Dr. Shari Strier provided helpful information on successful contact lens wearing as related to the age of the initial fitting of children’s contacts.  “Sometimes parents wonder what the best age is to fit their children with contact lenses in order to give them the most successful and safest wearing experience,” remarked Dr. Strier.

Dr. Strier

Researchers reporting in Eye & Contact Lens: Science and Clinical Practice  studied differences  in current symptoms, compliance, ocular health and adverse events between current successful long–term contact lens wearers fit as children or as teenagers. They found that successful contact lens wearers fit as children are no more likely to report previous contact lens–related adverse events, problems with compliance, decreased wearing time, or worse ocular health than those fit as teenagers amd suggest that parents should not rely on age as a primary determinant in fitting children with contact lenses, but should rely on their eye doctor’s recommendations and evaluation of their child.

If you or a friend would like to learn more about contact lenses please schedule an eye examination at Baltimore Washington Eye Center by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

BaltimoreWashington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professioemital Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, 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 laser 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.

BOTOX® & Type 2 Diabetes

What do BOTOX® and Type 2 Diabetes have to do with each other you ask?  A new study reports that it appears a better understanding of the proteins affected by injections of the wrinkle relaxer BOTOX® could help scientists develop new ways to treat Type 2 Diabetes. BOTOX® Cosmetic is best known as an injection for helping patients smooth fine lines and wrinkles in order to look their best. BOTOX® is also used as treatment for a number of medical conditions including migraine, urinary incontinence, profuse sweating and crossed eyes, among others. In each of these cases, BOTOX® works because it has a paralyzing effect: That is, it relaxes specific muscles, which then provides the desired effect. BOTOX® accomplishes this effect by blocking certain proteins called SNARE (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptor) proteins. It turns out that SNARE proteins in the beta cells of the pancreas help the pancreas secrete insulin; thus, blocking these proteins in the pancreas could lead to insulin resistance which is the hallmark of Type 2 Diabetes. Understanding this mechanism will hopefully provide researchers with new ways to diagnose and treat Type 2 Diabetes in the future.

If you or someone you know has diabetes or even elevated blood sugar levels they should work to prevent diabetic eye disease and problems with regular eye exams by calling Baltimore Washington Eye Center at 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

BaltimoreWashington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

LASIK Story from BWEC

From counting fingers vision to driving without glasses!

From no peripheral vision to seeing far and wide.

From I’ve thought about this for so long to “I should have done it sooner”

From encumbered with contacts, solutions, backup glasses, and prescription sunglasses to nothing but simplicity. Freedom from glasses and contacts is what we provide our patients with LASIK every week. 

Cyclist, scuba divers, students, professors,  single parents, police officers, engineers, dentists, nurses, teachers, cancer survivors, military service members, skateboarders, golfers, tennis players, runners, swimmers, photographers,  and the list goes on.

John writes:

What a life changing experience!  I have been extremely near- sighted since I was 5 years old and have been wearing corrective lenses, first glasses then contacts, for over 40 years.  And now, after a short and pain-free procedure, I have 20/20 vision without the use of contacts or glasses!  For over 10 years I wanted to have my vision corrected.  I was always afraid to go to a laser vision center because I didn’t want to go to a doctor I didn’t know, have a serious procedure performed and be shown the door after a few follow-up visits.  

However, three years ago I became a regular patient of Baltimore Washington Eye Center and Dr. Spagnolo has been my eye doctor ever since.  I finally chose to have LASIK because I trusted Dr. Spagnolo and the entire Baltimore Washington Eye Center team.  I can’t even adequately describe how wonderful Dr. Spagnolo and the entire staff were throughout the process, from evaluation through procedure follow-up, but particularly on the day of the procedure. I was a little nervous, but they quickly put me at ease with their friendly, personal (everyone knew me by first name), yet professional demeanor.  I couldn’t be more pleased and highly recommend choosing Dr. Spagnolo and the Baltimore Washington Eye Center not only for LASIK but as a complete eye care practice.  

Hypertensive Retinopathy Predicts Stroke Risk

During your regular eye exam we thoroughly and carefully exam the tiny blood vessels in your Retina. This exam is never more important than in seniors and others who have high blood pressure, other vascular disease and diabetes. For patients with hypertension, or high blood pressure, one of the very important things we can tell from your eye health is you potential risk of stroke. Historically, assessment of the signs of hypertensive retinopathy-the retinal vascular condition that results from high blood pressure-has been recommended for determining end organ damage such as kidney and heart problems.

According to researchers reporting in the journal Hypertension there is a clear predictive value in evaluating whether hypertensive retinopathy predicts the long-term risk of stroke in those with hypertension.  In this study, participants with hypertension aged 50 to 73 years had gradable retinal photographs, no history of diabetes mellitus, stroke, or coronary heart disease at baseline and data on incident stroke, were included from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Retinal photographs were assessed for hypertensive retinopathy signs and classified as none, mild, and moderate/severe. Any history of stroke, cerebral infarction or hemorrhagic stroke were identified and confirmed. The results showed that after adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure and other risk factors, persons with moderate hypertensive retinopathy were more likely to have stroke. Even in patients with hypertension on medication with good control of blood pressure, hypertensive retinopathy was related to an increased risk of stroke!

From this study we know that hypertensive retinopathy predicts the long term risk of stroke, independent of blood pressure, even in treated patients with good hypertension control. Thus, if you have high blood pressure, it is often important for us to obtain photographs at your eye examination in order to document and assess hypertensive retinopathy signs that may be useful for assessment of your stroke risk.

If you or someone you know has questions about hypertensive retinopathy and stroke risk, they should schedule an eye exam by calling Baltimore Washington Eye Center at 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

BaltimoreWashington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Diabetic Retinopathy & Cardiovascular Events

"There appears to be a close association between the presence and severity of diabeticretinopathy and future cardiovascular (CV) events such as heart attack or stroke,” explained Brad Spagnolo, M.D. of Baltimore Washington Eye Center. The relationship between diabetic retinopathy, its 4-year progression, and CV outcomes including CV death or nonfatal heart attack or stroke was analyzed in participants in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Trial who also participated in the ACCORD Eye Study. The diabetic retinopathy was classified as either none, mild, moderate, or severe and whether it was worsening was also graded. The hazard of CV death or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke increased by 38% for every category of change in retinopathy severity and steps of progression further raised the hazard. Thus the researchers believe that both the severity of retinopathy and its progression are determinants of predisposition to CV events. The retina may provide an anatomical index of the effect of metabolic and hemodynamic factors on future CV outcomes.

If you or someone you know has diabetes or even elevated blood sugar levels they should work to prevent diabetic eye disease and problems with regular eye exams by calling Baltimore Washington Eye Center at 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness

Prevent Blindness America has designated November as National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month and Baltimore Washington Eye Center is committed to making Baltimore residents aware of the risks of diabetes and diabetic eye problems. “Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age, affecting more than 25 million people in the United States. While there is no cure for diabetic eye disease, annual eye exams for diabetes patients are essential to help slow the progression of the disease,” said Arturo Betancourt, M.D., Medical Director. “There are almost 8 million people ages 40 and older who have diabetic retinopathy. This is a dramatic spike in diabetic retinopathy cases and appears to be a consequence of the seemingly endless diabetes epidemic we are experiencing in this country,” Dr. Betancourt explained.

The vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented if it's caught early and treated in time. More than one third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not adhere to vision care guidelines recommending a dilated eye exam every year. As part of Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month we are urging people with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam every year. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater his or her risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. However, diabetic retinopathy does not only affect people who have had diabetes for many years, it can also appear within the first year or two after the onset of the disease.

In addition to having regular eye examinations and testing at the direction of your eye doctor, patients can help to reduce the risk of developing diabetic eye disease  by not smoking, controlling their cholesterol, lipid profile, and blood pressure, eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, and exercising. 

If you or someone you know has diabetes or even elevated blood sugar levels they should work to prevent diabetic eye disease and problems with regular eye exams by calling Baltimore Washington Eye Center at 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Diabetic Macular Edema Injections

“The treatment of diabetic macular edema has come a long way with the availability of vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGF) drugs for injection-such as Lucentis®, Eyelea® and Avastin®,” commented Baltimore Ophthalmologist Brad Spagnolo, M.D. “Often, we need to help advise patients and set realistic expectations for their treatments,” he further explained.

Researchers reporting in the British Journal of Ophthalmology shared helpful information about the importance of the VEGF inhibitor injection frequency in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Diabetic Macular Edema is a common cause of vision loss in diabetics suffering from the effects of diabetic retinopathy. Today, we are fortunate to have a number of vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGF) drugs for injection-such as Lucentis®, Eyelea® and Avastin®-that are helpful to treat and reverse the effects of Diabetic Macular Edema. The study confirmed that patients must understand that as their ophthalmologist and retina specialist plan and schedule their examinations, tests, and visits, often the best results can only be achieved with multiple injections over a period of time. In general, good long term results are achieved by about 4 months of injection treatment, but 20% of patients with persistent Diabetic Macular Edema at 12 months achieved a dry macula with considerable restoration of vision with sustained treatment through 24 months suggesting that persistent Diabetic Macular Edema at 4-12 months should not be used as a stopping criterion for treatment

If you or someone you know has diabetes and has any risk factors for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Eyewear Trunk Shows in Clarksville & Glen Burnie

Great News from Baltimore Washington Eye Center! We are inviting you to attend the showing of fall eyeglass, eyewear lines and high technology eyeglass lenses from leading designers and eyeglass lens manufacturers at the Fall Trunk Show held in our Glen Burnie office on November 6, 2014 and in ourClarksville office on November 11, 2014.

“Our patients as well as eyeglass wearers from throughout greater Baltimore have come to expect us to bring them the latest eyeglasses, eyewear fashions and high technology eyeglass lenses. Our trunkshows offer an opportunity to see these eyeglasses and frame lines, try them on and consult with our opticians and frame stylists as well as the manufacturers’ representatives from the top designers,” said Jeff Trimmer, Practice Administrator of Baltimore Washington Eye Center. “We will feature eyeglassframes from Valentino, Nautica, Jessica McLintock, Nine West, Lacoste, BCBG and Ellen Tracey to name a few, along with the Varilux® Physio® digital progressive lenses and Transitions® color changing eyeglass lenses. In addition, our staff will be available to assist guests in eyeglass lens selection in order to configure the best looking, best fitting and best performing eyeglass choices. Anyone attending who orders eyeglasses at the trunk show will be entitled to a 50% discount on eyeglass frames and a 20%discount on eyeglass lenses and coatings,” shared Mr. Trimmer.

Representatives and fashion consultants from a number of eyewear design lines will be present in the optical department of our Glen Burnieoffice on November 6, 2014 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and again in our Clarksville office on November 11, 2014 from 11 AM until 4:00 PM to assist our guests in their frame selections and eyeglass fittings.

For additional information you may contact BaltimoreWashington Eye Center at 800-495-3937 or visit us at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 115, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 or River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland. 

Caution on Contact Lenses for Halloween

Baltimore Optometrist & Contact Lens Specialist, Dr.Shari Strier offered some words of caution regarding the use of decorative contact lenses for Halloween. “Many people simply do not realize that contact lenses are a medical device. According to the Food and Drug Administration, all contact lenses require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye-care professional. Even someone with perfect vision would still require an eye exam and a prescription in order to wear any kind of contacts, including cosmetic lenses,” explained Dr. Strier. “At Baltimore Washington Eye Center, just about this time of year, we see the result of people just wanting to have some fun with decorative contacts for Halloween. Unfortunately, we often see patients unknowingly putting themselves at risk  of scratched corneas, pink eye and more serious types of blinding infection as a result of corneal ulcers,” further noted Dr. Strier.

There are websites that advertise decorative contacts as if they were fashion accessories or toys with fanciful, playful packaging in order to attract teens and young adults, especially girls. The problem is not that people use decorative, non-corrective lenses-sometimes called Plano-or zero-powered lenses, but that they buy the devices without a prescription through unlicensed vendors on the Internet or at flea markets and specialty shops.

In 2005, a federal law was passed that classified all contact lenses as medical devices and restricted their distribution to licensed eye-care professionals. Illegal sale of contacts can result in civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation.

The safe and effective use of contact lenses-whether decorative or not-requires proper fitting and education about their care to prevent the potential for serious eye  problems from becoming a reality. If you or a friend would like to learn more about contact lenses of any type, including decorative contacts, please 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Baltimore Surgeon on Decreased Cataract Risk with Vitamins & Antioxidants

Baltimore Cataract Surgeon Arturo Betancourt, M.D., noted, “It may be possible that there is an association between your risk of cataracts and your intake of certain vitamins and antioxidants according to researchers reporting their results in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.” Until now, studies have been inconsistent regarding the association between blood antioxidants or vitamins and the risk of age-related cataract. By performing a meta analysis of 13 different studies, researchers found the  lower the  level of vitamin E, α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, the  greater the  risk of age-related cataract in Asian populations but not in Western populations, whereas β-Carotene, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin  had no significant association with risk of cataract. Dr. Betancourt stressed however, “While these results look somewhat interesting, the question remains whether increasing intake through dietary supplements actually has any role in decreasing the risk of cataract formation-there just isn’t enough data to say with any confidence.”

If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts, or wish to learn more about cataract risks, cataract prevention or laser cataract surgery & lens implants, you 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Welcome Dr. Noushin Ahmed to Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Join us in welcoming Optometrist Dr. Noushin Ahmed to the staff of Baltimore Washington Eye Center. Dr. Ahmed is a great addition to our team of eye doctors. Her clinical experience in providing routine eye care for patients of all ages, evaluation and management of chronic and acute eye diseases, including diabetic eye disease, cataracts, macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma, along with fitting simple as well as specialty contact lenses brings us additional resources for taking care of the eye care needs of Baltimore patients.

Dr. Ahmed’s training and experience make her a perfect fit for our practice. She received her undergraduate degree from Florida International University and earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry, where she was elected to Beta Sigma Kappa, the Optometric National Honor Society. Dr. Ahmed then completed an internship at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) in Salem, Virginia and a residency at Seidenberg-Protzko Eye Associates in Havre de Grace, Maryland.

We strive to make sure patients needing access to any aspect of the services we offer at Baltimore Washington Eye Center-from routine eye exams to laser cataract surgery-are able to do so in a convenient, efficient and timely manner. This means we are constantly working to bring skilled, dedicated and compassionate eye doctors and staff to our practice and surgery center to meet those needs.

Please feel free to schedule an eye exam with Dr. Ahmed 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Cataract Patient Stories at BW Eye Center

Dr. Spagnolo and Dr. Betancourt offer cataract surgery with the option of using Advanced Technology lenses that help improve a patient’s vision. Here are a few of our patients’ personal experiences with cataract surgery using Advanced Technology lenses.

Judy writes:

I was relaxed, personnel were very nice and helpful.  I would recommend Baltimore Washington Eye Center to others. I got the Multifocal lens and do not have to wear glasses after using them for 68 years.  I read a lot and it is so wonderful to put the glasses away forever!

Charles writes:

It was quick, painless and I could see so much better.  Colors were so bright and white was white.  The staff was so courteous and thoughtful.  The entire experience was very pleasant.

Mabel writes:

The surgery center is convenient; the staff is friendly and very professional. There was not pain or discomfort during or after the surgery.  I was able to go back to work the next day right after my morning appointment with the doctor.  Vision improvement started immediately and continued improving each day for a couple of weeks.

Paul W. writes:

After several years of declining ability to correct my vision, Dr. Spagnolo recommended that I have cataract surgery.  I had a standard lens in one eye and due severe astigmatism, had an advanced technology Toric lens in the other. The surgery was simple and painless, just following instructions for post-op drops in eye.

Despite wearing glasses since High School, I now have 20/20 vision. I recommend Baltimore Washington Eye Center to all my friends.

Stephen writes:

Dr. Betancourt performed Cataract surgery on both of my eyes in May 2013.  I could not be more pleased with the results.  After the surgery, my eyes are functioning exactly as Dr. Betancourt forecasted. The staff  in the eye center were excellent in their testing and monitoring of my eyes.  The staff in the operating room was equally professional. From pre-op to operating room to post-op, the people were professional, caring and attentive to my condition.  I felt at ease with everything happening to me.

In summary, I am very pleased with Baltimore Washington Eye Center.

If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts, or wish to learn more about cataract risks, cataract prevention or laser cataract surgery & lens implants, you 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Baltimore LASIK Surgeon on Vision Quality: LASIK vs. Ortho-K

Baltimore LASIKSurgeon Brad Spagnolo, M.D. reviewed research on the vision quality of LASIK vs. Ortho-K. LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery that provides a method of vision correction to help people with common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism see clearly at distance without being dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K or Orthokeratology is a method of contact lens fitting used to temporarily reshape the cornea to allow people to see at distance and be independent of eyeglasses and contacts for periods of time throughout the day. “Recently researchers reporting in the journal Cornea compared the differences in visual performance between Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the treatment of low-to-moderate myopia. The results in this study suggest that LASIK provides significantly better   visual quality outcomes than Ortho-K for the treatment of low-to-moderate myopia and that for best vision LASIK laser eye surgery is the preferred method of vision correction,” said Dr. Spagnolo.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about LASIK with LASIK Surgeons atBaltimore Washington Eye Center, they can do so by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Laser Treatments for Glaucoma

Laser treatment for glaucoma is regarded as a safe and effective treatment for glaucoma and may be considered as first-line therapy in early to moderate-stage open-angle glaucoma when eye pressure or IOP is less than 35 mm Hg. Recent research presented at the World Glaucoma Congress also indicated that the SLT Laser may also be useful for glaucoma induced by the use of steroids and the ALT and SLT Laser may be useful in treating pigmentary glaucoma. But, the researchers cautioned that the laser treatments are not a cure and that meticulous follow up and monitoring is necessary to ensure that patients continue to do well over time in order to preserve eye health and vision.

If you or someone you know has a family history of glaucoma or has any risk factors forglaucoma or would like to learn more about laser treatments for glaucoma 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Baltimore Corneal Specialist on Fuchs Dystrophy Severity Risk Factors

BaltimoreWashington Eye Center Corneal Specialist Brad Spagnolo, M.D. commented on some risk factors that affect the severity of Fuchs’ Dystrophy. “Fuchs’ Dystrophy is a type of corneal disease that affects the inner most layer of the cornea-the endothelium. Fuchs’ Dystrophy is slowly progressive and can be found in both eyes and is slightly more common in women than men. While it is possible to observe Fuchs’ Dystrophy in people in their 30’s and 40’s, it usually does not compromise vision until people are in their 50’s or 60’s,” commented Dr. Spagnolo.

The endothelial cells are responsible for pumping water out of the cornea and helping to maintain the corneal transparency. While the reason is poorly understood, in Fuchs’ Dystrophy the endothelial cells die more rapidly than normal, making the endothelium less efficient in its pumping activity. This results in the cornea swelling and distorting vision. Researchers reporting in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science studied the effects of smoking, and other risk factors, on the development of advanced Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and on central corneal thickness (CCT). As predicted, being female increased the odds of developing advanced Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) by 34% and smoking increased the odds by 30%. Besides reporting that smoking was associated with an increased risk of developing advanced FECD, diabetes was also associated with increased corneal thickness-reflecting greater risk of corneal swelling.

If you or someone you know has a family history of Fuchs’ Dystrophy or has any risk factors for increasing the severity of Fuchs’ 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Eating Fish to Lower AMD Risk

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of vision loss in seniors. Recently, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that the disease may be associated with a high dietary fat intake. The results of their study found that eating fish, such as tuna, four times a week, may reduce the risk of macular degeneration. The subjects of the study were participants in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who did not have AMD at when the study commenced. After 12 years of follow-up, 567 people with a visual loss of 20/30 or worse were identified. Fat intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. The study found:

·         Those patients whose total dietary fat intake was in the highest quintile had over one and a half times the risk of AMD as those whose fat intake was in the lowest quintile,

·         Linolenic acid consumption was directly associated with the risk of AMD,

·         High intake of docosahexaenoic acid was associated with a modest reduction in the risk of AMD.

·         Those who ate four or more servings of fish a week were at a 35% lower risk of AMD when compared to those who ate fewer than three servings of fish a week.

The researchers concluded that dietary fat intake was associated with an increased risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD) and that this may have been due to the presence of Linolenic acid in the fat. They added that a high intake of fish, a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid, may reduce this risk.

If you or someone you know has a family history of age related macular degeneration or wishes to learn more about how eating fish might help reduce their risk of AMD, you 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Early Menopause & Glaucoma Risk

According to a study at the Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute in Amsterdam women who go through menopause early may be at risk of developing glaucoma – a leading cause of blindness. In a study of more than 3,000 women, those who went through a natural menopause before the age of 45 were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma as women who went through menopause at age 50 or older. The results indicate that female hormones may be protective against open-angle glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.  Of interest is that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is thought to reduce fluid pressure inside the eye. Similarly, as hormone levels rise during pregnancy, fluid pressure inside the eye decreases significantly, the researchers noted. This is the first study to examine the relationship between female sex hormones, as indicated by age of menopause, and open-angle glaucoma.

If you or someone you know is concerned about your risk of glaucoma and have gone through early menopause, you 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Back to School Children's Eyeglass Offer at Baltimore Washington Eye!

As parents are getting their children ready for the “Back to School” season, Baltimore Washington Eye Center is pleased to offer:

Kid's Back to School Eyeglass Package from $169 with Polycarbonate Lenses

or

BUY ONE PAIR OF KID'S EYEGLASSES GET ONE FREE!*

through September 30, 2014. To schedule an eye exam or eyeglass selection and fitting, please call Baltimore Washington Eye Center at 800-495-3937, visit Baltimore Washington Eye Center or facebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

*pick from select frame group

**option to purchase a 1 year NO FAULT frame warranty for the frames for $40

Baltimore Surgeon Highlights Cataract Awareness Month

Baltimore Cataract Surgeon Arturo Betancourt, M.D. highlighted information about cataracts and cataract surgery as August marks CataractAwareness Month. “The growing incidence of cataracts and patients in need of cataract surgery in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. is almost certainly a reflection of the overall increase in age related eye diseases associated with the aging of the baby boomer population,” commented Dr. Betancourt. “The good news is that years of experience-coupled with the technology of lens implants for astigmatism and near vision, along with bladeless laser cataract surgery-gives us excellent capabilities and options for cataract patients, allowing them safe, gentle, more predictable surgery and outcomes,” noted Dr. Betancourt.

A cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye preventing light rays from passing through it easily. This results in a clouding and blurring of vision. Patients should understand that cataracts are not a growth or a film over the eye. For many patients cataracts start out slowly and have little effect on vision at first. But, as the cataract becomes worse, so does the impact on vision. The most common symptoms that bother patients with cataracts include blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and glare, double vision in one eye, poor night vision, fading or yellowing of colors and frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions.

“When a patient tells us that a cataract is interfering with their daily activities or their comfort, mobility and safety, they can be treated surgically. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. We now perform laser cataract surgery using lens implants to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and even near vision problems after cataract surgery, as well as distance vision, without requiring bifocals or reading glasses for the vast majority of patients,” said Baltimore Cataract Surgeon Brad Spagnolo, M.D.

If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts, or wish to learn more about laser cataract surgery & lens implants, you 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

School Eye Exams for Baltimore Kids

It’s about that time again for kids going back to school. Scheduling a Back to School eye exam is an important part of the “Back to School Checklist”. The eye doctors at Baltimore Washington Eye Center Children remind parents that children use their eyes and vision as critical tools in their learning process.  Kids today operate in a very intense and demanding visual environment as they read, write, play sports, use computers and tablets and on and on…and it is easy to see why scheduling a Back to School eye exam is so important.

The most frequent eye problems we find in school age kids are the common vision problems of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Sometimes, not having clear vision in the classroom can lead to the undeserved perception of a behavioral problem or attention problem. What we know is that kids are often unable to verbalize that they have a vision problem as they just don’t recognize it. The earlier a vision problem is detected and treated, the more likely treatment will be successful.

If you or someone you know needs a Back to School eye exam for children, please come in and see us 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Bright Red Eye: What Could It Be?

Patients sometimes call BaltimoreWashington Eye Center complaining of a “bright red eye” or “bleeding eye”. It seems to come on with a cough or a sneeze-or sometimes with some heavy lifting-or for no reason at all-and has no pain, blurry vision or discharge. What could it be? 

We will of course ask you to come in so we can evaluate the problem, but it is possible that it is a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a benign disorder that is a common cause of acute ocular redness or “bright red eye”. The major risk factors include trauma and contact lens usage in younger patients, whereas among the elderly, systemic vascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis are more common. In patients in whom subconjunctival hemorrhage is recurrent or persistent, further evaluation, including a workup for systemic hypertension, bleeding disorders, systemic and ocular malignancies and drug side effects, is warranted.

If you or someone you know experiences a “bright red eye” please 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Eye Health Problems & High Altitude

Have you ever been concerned about your eye health at high altitude? Sometimes patients who spend a great deal of time in high altitudes-skiing, mountain climbing or even just touring- are concerned about the effects on their eyes, especially if they have some other eye problems or diseases related to hypoxia or not enough oxygen. Researchers from the Tübingen High Altitude Ophthalmology (THAO) reporting in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science examined the effect of high altitude on the cornea and on the drainage angle of the eye-a key anatomical landmark for predicting narrow angle glaucoma risk. Using the advanced imaging technique of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) they studied corneal thickness changes and the depth and shape of the “anterior chamber angle” to determine the effects of high altitude. In normal healthy eyes, they found that a significant degree of reversible corneal swelling occurred with increasing altitude but no effect was noted on the size or shape of the eye fluid drainage angle. Since the corneal swelling was reversible it was not damaging. However, for patients with corneal dystrophy problems such as Fuchs Dystrophy or any endothelial dystrophy or compromise there may be some delay in the “deswelling” of the cornea. For patients who might be at risk for narrow angle glaucoma, the researchers reported that no change in angle depth or shape occurred at the higher altitudes-and thus there was no increase in angle closure glaucoma risk.

If you or someone you know is concerned about high altitude related eye problems,  please come in and see us 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

$99 Backup Eyeglasses for Contact Wearers! at Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Would you like to be able to give your eyes a rest from your contact lenses–BUT, you already used your insurance benefits for Contact Lenses??? No Worries-We Can Help!!!!! We have the perfect solution to help give your eyes the break they need. Backup glasses allow your eyes to take a break from contact lenses, providing your eyes the oxygen they need to stay comfortable in contacts long term.

$99.00

Complete single vision Eyeglasses

Offer not valid with insurance or any other discounts; selected frame collection

Examination must be performed at Baltimore Washington Eye Center

VISIT OR CALL BALTIMORE WASHINGTON EYE CENTER TODAY

800-495-3937

Laser Cataract Surgery Is Gentler

Both laser cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery procedures can provide patients with excellent vision in a safe and effective manner. We constantly strive to provide cataract patients with even greater degrees of safety, precision and reproducibility during their cataract operation. Any time we can make an eye surgery procedure gentler, there are benefits to patients. Lasercataract surgery allows us to replace a number of manual steps with surgeon controlled laser precision as well as helps us reduce the energy levels required to fragment and break down the cloudy material that has formed the cataract.

One of the observations and indicators of “gentleness” of cataract surgery procedures is the effect the operation has on the inside layer of the cornea-called the endothelium. Quantifying corneal endothelial cell loss is a good measure of just how gentle.  Researchers reporting in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery compared the amount of corneal endothelial cell loss between traditional cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery. One eye of each patient had “traditional” cataract surgery and the other eye had femtosecond laser cataract surgery-and both eye had lens implants.

The results showed that the eyes having laser cataract surgery had considerably less endothelial cell loss-and thus demonstrated having a gentler cataract surgery procedure. This is important for not only routine cataract surgery in healthy eyes, but would be especially beneficial for eyes that were at greater risk of endothelial cell loss because they had low endothelial cell counts to begin with or even some preexisting condition such as “cornea guttata”-tiny droplets on the back surface of the cornea-which can indicate a weakening of the corneal transparency mechanism and are a precursor of Fuchs’ Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy.

If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts, or wishes to learn more about laser cataract surgery & lens implants, you 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

50% Discount on Sunglasses! at Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is pleased to offer complete sunglasses at 50% off! High quality UV protecting sunglasses are the best way to protect your eyes and the delicate tissue around your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun this summer! 

Let our opticians show you the 50% off selection to help you look your best and see your best with full UV protection.

VISIT OR CALL BALTIMORE WASHINGTON EYE CENTER TODAY

800-495-3937

Baltimore Ophthalmologist on July 4th Fireworks Eye Safety

“The July 4^th holiday is an important time to pay attention to eye safety around fireworks,” noted Baltimore Ophthalmologist Arturo Betancourt, M.D.  “To enjoy the fireworks this July 4^th, it’s best to leave their use and display to professionals. Eye safety is pretty critical with fireworks displays as we know that eye injuries are the second most frequent injury we see from the emergency room each July 4^th weekend,” said Dr. Betancourt.

Baltimore residents can follow some simple steps when observing fireworks displays this July 4^th. Although it is recommended that you attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, even professional displays can be dangerous. If an eye accident does occur, there are a few things you should 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 person’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 person 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 at 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 has questions about fireworks eye safety and eye injuries please feel free to contact Baltimore Washington Eye Center by calling 800-495-3937, visiting Baltimore Washington Eye Center orfacebook.com/baltimorewashingtoneyecenter.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center is a leading eye care practice with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Medicare Patient Eyeglass Offer at Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Great news about eyeglasses for patients with Medicare! Baltimore Washington Eye Center is pleased to offer affordable eyewear and eyeglass packages for Medicare patients that include complete eyeglasses with frames and your choice of single vision lenses, lined bifocal lenses or no line bifocal lenses-ALL AT SPECIAL PACKAGE PRICES!

 We have an AFFORDABLE EYEWEAR PACKAGE just for you!

Includes: CR-39 Plastic Lenses w/Frame

Frame Selection: Elan Collection, Parade Eyewear & Fregossi

Lens Selection: Single Vision $129

Lined FT-28 Bifocal $169

No Line Standard Progressive $219

Add on Options Available at a Reduced Price

Sharp View No Glare Coating $99.00 

Transitions® VI Changeable Lens Color $99.00

Polycarbonate $60.00

|Hi Index 1.60 $90.00

VISIT OR CALL BALTIMORE WASHINGTON EYE CENTER TODAY

1-800-495-3937

AMD Macular Degeneration Genetic Testing

Genetic testing for age related macular degeneration (AMD) has received a great deal of attention in the past year or so. While the presence of specific genes may indicate an increased risk for age related macular degeneration, according to researchers commenting in the journal  Ophthalmology,  routine genetic testing to predict the development of age related macular degeneration (AMD) does not really predict how a person would respond to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Inhibitor injections and thus the genetic testing is not recommended. Further, the downside of routine genetic testing at present is that it can cause unnecessary anxiety, it can leave patients with promises that are not fulfilled and it may impact insurability and employability.

If you or someone you know is concerned about their risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD) , or wishes to learn more about AMD,  you 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. 

Cataract Surgery in Both Eyes for Best Functioning

“It is also important to know that although having cataract surgery in one eye is likely to improve vision and visual functioning, the best improvements are found in patients who undergo second eye cataract surgery,” remarked Baltimore Cataract Surgeon Arturo Betancourt, M.D.  Having a cataract in one or both eyes often causes blurry, cloudy or dimming of vision but more importantly it can cause a meaningful decrease in visual functioning that impacts daily activities and lifestyle. In general it is well known that the presence of a cataract negatively affects both subjective quality of life and objective performance measures.

Researchers reporting in the journal Ophthalmology studied the impact that cataracts and cataract surgery have on clinical measurements of vision, reading speed, objective mobility performance and subjective visual functioning. In this study, 29 participants had cataract surgery on both eyes, 90 participants had cataract surgery in one eye and 1620 participants had no cataract surgery. The results showed that patients who had the cataract surgery in both eyes demonstrated better visual performance, better mobility-based task performance and even scored better on the Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS). “Thus, even though patients might find a great improvement after having cataract surgery in only one eye, the data indicate that having cataract surgery on both eyes provides the best visual functioning,” summarized Dr. Betancourt.

If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts, or wishes to learn more about laser cataract surgery & lens implants, you 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 with office locations at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 600, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061 and River Hill Professional Center, 6100 Day Long Lane, Suite 207, Clarksville, Maryland 21029, serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area.