Crystalens cataract surgery in Detroit, patient from Kuwait

Our office received this note via email, from a patient who came from Kuwait to see Dr. Goldstein for crystalens cataract surgery in Detroit: "The crystalens lenses that were implanted are working great and my night vision is excellent. In fact, I drove here in Kuwait last night and was completely comfortable with the vision. I really didn't realize how colorful Kuwait was at night. Apparently my cataracts have dimmed the color vision for so long, that I didn't reaize how colorul the lights and other sights are." Thanks Dr. G! I am so glad that I found you to take care of my eyes and implant the crystalens implants in Detroit. It was worth the travel from Kuwait! For more info, visit http://www.2020vision.com

Red eyes, dry eyes and thyroid disease

A patient asked me today if his chronic red eyes really "mean anything". When I asked him what he meant, he said that his eyes feel better due to the dry eye treatment with Restasis, but that the redness had not completely resolved. This lead us to a pretty interesting discussion about red eyes, local diseases of the eye, and what systemic (whole body) problems can lead to red eyes. To put it in simplest form, redness is a sign of irritation. This can be due to dry eyes, allergies, infection, or inflammation, and can range from mild to severe. Many patients do not even feel that there is a problem, but notice redness when they look in the mirror. The first line of treatment is to use soothing lubricant drops, or artificial tears. Visine and other 'get the red out' drops are only to be used occasionally, not long-term, but tears can be used forever if they are working. If tears and other local treatments are not working, then other causes should be considered. Thyroid disease can be linked to dryness, and chronic red eyes. Other more rare causes would include some of the autoimmune diseases such as Lupus or Rheumatoid Disease. Blood tests can help confirm these problems, and sometimes treatment of the entire body is needed, with the red eyes resolving at the same time. It is most likely that if you have red eyes, it is from dry eye, blepharitis or allergies, but if you have concerns, or if eyedrops are failing to help, come see Dr. Goldstein. Call 586-323-2020, or request an appointment online at his website, 2020vision.com

The itchy eyes are back! Allergy season!

It's that season again...itchy eye season. The spring and fall are the times when our eyes are most reactive to airborn allergy elements. Pollen, grass, ragweed, hay fever....all of these can trigger allergic reactions in peoples' eyes. And let's not forget blepharitis, the most common eye problem seen in most eye doctor's offices. Many patient use over-the-counter allergy drops, but most eye doctors don't recommend them. Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, or 'allergy eyes' is an art. Sometimes, simple application of lubricating eyedrops is all that is needed. Other times more aggressive measures are the answer. Occasionally, patients even need steroid eye drops. In general, the fist step is to apply lubricating drops during the day, and use lid hygeine in the evening. This may be all that is needed to help alleviate symptoms. If this does not work, a visit to the doctor is needed to figure out the next step. Prescription drops for allergies may seem expensive, but since they can act for 24 hours, they may actually be less expensive than the over-the-counter drops, that need to be used 4 times daiiy. The prescription drops are also usually more effective because they work on several areas of allergic reaction. Steroid drops can also be used, but are usually only needed for a short period of time. During this time, an eye doctor should carefully monitor the patient for increases in eye pressure. Careful consideration of all of the different modes of treatment can usually make the most uncomfortable patient very happy and 'itch free'. For an appointment with Dr. Goldstein, call 586-323-2020, or go to his website, www.2020vision.com.

Implantable Contact Lens surgeon in Detroit

The implantable contact lens surgeon in Detroit is Dr. William Goldstein. The implantable contact lens, or ICL, has several advantages over LASIK surgery, and is becoming increasingly popular. Formerly viewed only as a replacement for LASIK in patients who were not candidates for LASIK surgery in Detroit, it has become a primary procedure of choice. The ICL has several advantages, in that it is a fully reversible procedure. In other words, if there is a problem, or a change in prescription, the lens can be removed or replaced. In LASIK surgery, the changes to the cornea are permanent. This is for better or for worse, since it means that the good that is done (getting rid of nearsightendness, for instance) is long-lasting. On the other hand, if any problems with glare and halos or night-vision occur, they are permanent. Another advantage to ICL surgery is that it can correct much higher degrees of correction, more than double the limit of LASIK. Most surgeons will not perform LASIK on patients over a -10.0 of nearsightedness. Dr. Goldstein has actually performed ICL surgery on patients with more than -20.0 of nearsightedness! More information is available on Dr. Goldstein's website, www.2020vision.com, or by appointment with him. You can arrange to meet him for a free evaluation by calling 586-323-2020.

The Danger of Diabetes in the Eye

The dangers of Diabetes in the eye are well documented, and I had a reminder of that danger over the Labor Day weekend. I was called into the hospital to see a patient who complained of severe left eye pain. She had been having this problem for about 3 weeks, and her pain was increasing as her vision was decreasing.

When I examined her, I found that the pressure in her left eye was almost 3 times normal. As I looked further, I observed a pattern of lacy blood vessels growing on the iris of her eye. This was a sign that the Diabetes was causing a severe problem known as neovascular glaucoma.

In all likelihood, it is too late to save much if any vision in her eye. The diabetic eye disease has progressed beyond the usual retina issues, and is affecting the front of the eye. Multiple eyedrops to control pressure along with aggressive laser in the retina will be used in an attempt to save her eye, and it will be a long road.

Yearly eye exams for all patients, especially diabetics can prevent these types of problems. Early intervention with laser is especially useful when the disease is confined to the retina.

More information is available on my website www.2020vision.com/diabetes.html or during an appointment with me. Call 586-323-2020 for more info!

Cataract surgery in Detroit

Dr. Goldstein has been performing cataract surgery in Detroit since 1991, and the technique continues to evolve. After 3 generations of cataract surgery tech, the true micro incision has arrived, with incisions close to 1/16th of an inch. But why does a small incision matter?

To understand this, it is necessary to realize that cataract surgery is actually lens replacement surgery. The cataract forms in the lens of the eye, which must be removed and replaced in order to complete the surgery. The replacement lens that is chosen is intended to allow good distance vision without glasses. To accomplish this goal, the eye must retain its natural shape. A large incision can cause irregularity that leads to astigmatism, which may result in glasses for the patient.

Incisions that are in the 2.5 millimeter range tend to cause almost no astigmatism. Dr. Goldstein is currently making a 2.2 mm incision. This equates to around 1/10th of an inch! The incision also seals itself shut without stitches, making the healing faster and more comfortable for patients. The use of crystalens cataract surgery lens implants allows for a full range of focus so that even readers may not be needed!

More info is available at Dr. Goldstein's website, or by calling the office at 586-323-2020.

Crystalens Cataract Surgery in Detroit

Crystalens cataract surgery in Detroit continues to evolve, with increased use of the lens and better results.

There have been several generations of crystalens implants for cataract surgery, and each one had its own strengths. Thousands of each version have been implanted, and the data is very good, and very complete.

Dr. Goldstein has been involved in the use and data research on all of the different generations of lenses in the United States. Currently, he recommends the Crystalens AO, which is also the most recent addition to the crystalens cataract surgery family. This particular lens functions in the same way that the other lenses did, meaning that it flexes to provide accommodation, or near vision focus. The difference is in the aspheric design, which allows a broader range of vision, with less chance of halos and glare.

Call the office of Dr. Goldstein, which is a crystalens center of excellence at 586-323-2020, or go to the website, www.2020vision.com

Eye examinations help with Alzheimer's diagnosis

Eye surgeons are often caught up in the details of performing advanced technique cataract surgery in Detroit. But it has often been said that "The eyes are the windows to the soul". As an eye doctor, I have increasingly realized that the eyes are the window to the overall health of the body. Diagnosis and treatment of such 'full body' conditions like Diabetes and High Blood pressure are great examples.

A recent report indicates that a simple measurement in the eye is probably highly predictive for the development of Alzheimer's Disease! Yet another reminder of how important the eyes are in the overall health of the body. The small study indicates that measurement of the diameter of the blood vessels on the retina in the back of the eye may indicate high risk for Alzheimer's.

What will we do with this information? For now, further research is needed to determine the usefullness of these findings. Eventually, it may allow earlier treatment to prevent progression, or decrease the severity of the disease.

For more information about eye diseases, go to my website, www.2020vision.com, or call for an appointment, 586-323-2020.

LASIK surgery in Michigan is safer than Contact Lenses!

In general, surgery is considered more dangerous than non-surgical solutions to problems. But is this always true? In the case of eye surgery, the answer may actually be NO! LASIK surgery in Michigan causes vision-threatening problems less often than contact lenses. This may be surprising to some, but any eye doctor will tell you the facts!

Most problems caused by contact lenses are due to overwear. Patients should strive to limit wear time to 12 hours each day, and then switch to glasses. Even lenses that are FDA approved for overnight wear can be dangerous. A British study showed that overnight wear increases the risk of serious infection fourteen times over daily wear!

Contact lenses can cause infection, corneal ulcers, corneal abrasions, punctate keratopathy, and sub-epithelial infiiltrates. Commonly, a specific problem called Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is caused by overwear, and may be difficult to cure.

It is very rare for LASIK to result in any form of infection, and when performed on proper candidates for surgery, results in excellent vision within 24 hours. Scarring, abrasions and ulcers are also very rare.

Consider LASIK surgery, for the safety of your eyes! Call Dr. Goldstein's office to arrange a free evaluation 586-323-2020, and check out his website, too!

Cataract Diagnosis and Preventiom

Cataract diagnosis is usually not a very difficult problem, but it can be challenging in areas where access to a doctor isn't easy. This is true in rural areas of the United States, and in lesser developed countries.

CNN reported recently that smartphones may be the answer to this problem! A small device is attached to the phone, and the phone is held up to each eye individually. The software focuses beams of light into the eye, and the patient presses a button when the light appears faded. Next, the software analyzes the information, and provides a virtual map of the cataract in the patient's eye!

This information may be used to guide patients in their need for surgery, or to counsel them to avoid smoking or ultraviolet light. These are two of the biggest promoters of cataracts, and moderation can slow down the progression of cataracts.

Ultimately, cataract surgery is usually needed to cure the problem, and is very successful. A quick, painless outpatient procedure is performed, and vision is restored.

For more information, call Dr. Goldstein's office for an appointment at 586-323-2020, or go to his website.

Cataract Surgery Safety

A recent article in the Journal "Ophthalmology" indicates that cataract surgery is safe, even after the age of 90!

The study actually compared outcomes and complications in 80 year olds and 90 year olds, and found no statistical difference in the safety of surgery in these 2 age groups. Interesting, because many patients believe that, once they get 'too old', they should not have surgery because it won't go well. They are worried that it is too risky.

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. today, and is also the most successful surgery performed in the U.S. today. As an added benefit, cataract patients are benefitting from new technology that allows more freedom from glasses. With the use of such advanced technology implants as the crystalens implant, most patients are completely free of glasses.

More information is available from Dr. William Goldstein, who performs a dozen or more cataract surgeries each week. You can make an appointment by calling 586-323-2020, or visiting the website, 2020vision.com

Macular degeneration treatment

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world, and is the number one cause of blindness in the older population in the Unted States. There is treatment for some of the forms of macular degeneration, and there are a few preventative measures that people can employ as well.

Patients with wet macular degeneration, where bleeding is occuring under the retina, may benefit from medications that are injected into the eye. These medications, known as anti-VEGF's, cause the abnormal bleeding vessels to shrink down and stop bleeding. These medications may not only stop the vision loss, but may actually lead to an improvement in vision in many patients. Injections usually need to be repeated several times to bring about reduction of swelling and bleeding. These injections may take several months to complete, and improvement in vision may take much longer.

Several surgical options have been used in the past, including removal of the leaking blood vessels, and use of laser to shrink them. Unfortunately, these options often cause severe immediate decreases in vision.

Patients with risk factors for macular degeneration will benefit from vitamins that follow the AREDS study, and will also benefit from the use of sunglasses and hats to prevent exposure to ultraviolet light.

Dr. William Goldstein helps patients with vision problems such as macular degeneration maintain good vision. Call for an appointment, 586-323-2020, or go to www.2020vision.com for more information