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The Vision of the Future is Here

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 01 May 2023 16:46:36 GMT

The Light Adjustable Lens Implant from RXSight

As a technician in the ophthalmology field for 30 years, I have seen some AMAZING technological advancements during my time. From improved equipment to customized surgeries, the benefits for our patients have grown exponentially.
Back in the "late 1900's", there were no special lens implant options for patients having cataract surgery. They received a standard, mono-focal lens implant, and generally still needed to wear glasses or contact lenses. Throughout the years, advancements like astigmatism correction and multi-focal lens implants have been added. These gave our patients the opportunity to be involved with determining their visual outcomes post-operatively, often resulting in no glasses or contact lenses.
The most recent addition to our lens implant options is the Light Adjustable Lens. This technology sounds like it belongs in a futuristic science fiction book or movie, but the reality is that it's available now! With the Light Adjustable Lens, we can now customize our patient's vision after cataract surgery. Within weeks of surgery, we adjust and preview vision based on our patient's personal desires and lifestyle requirements, and then perform customized light treatments to the lens to correct any residual prescription. This optimization is done by Dr. Hummel after lens implantation through a series of office-based light treatment procedures that take only a few minutes each. After our patient is happy with the visual outcome, the vision is "locked in" with a final light treatment.
I am proud to be a part of this amazing field of medicine, with the ever-changing opportunities available for our patients to be actively involved with their visual outcomes.

What is Lens Replacement Surgery?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 13:10:47 GMT

Lens Replacement Surgery

What is Lens Replacement Surgery?

Lens replacement surgery, or Refractive Lens Exchange, is a procedure that removes the lens of the eye, and replaces it with an artificial intra-ocular lens implant or “IOL”. The same procedure is performed on millions of patients every year throughout the United States and is referred to as cataract surgery. A cataract is a cloudy lens in the eye. The difference in these two procedures is the surgeon removing a cloudy natural lens vs. a clear natural lens. The intra-ocular lenses have power to help the patient see better, similar to glasses or contact lenses. Based on testing performed in the office, the surgeon calculates which power of lens implant is right for each patient.

Am I a candidate for Lens Replacement Surgery?

Almost anyone who has healthy eyes and wears glasses or contact lenses is a candidate for Lens Replacement Surgery. Lens Replacement is a great option for patients that have been told they are not candidates for other types of refractive surgery such as LASIK. To find out if you are a good candidate, you could ask your trusted local Optometrist, or request a consultation with a reputable Ophthalmologist that specializes in cataract surgery.

What are the Pros and Cons of Lens Replacement Surgery?

The goal of Lens Replacement Surgery is clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. A bonus is that the patient will never develop cataracts as he or she gets older! The most common thing preventing a patient from Lens Replacement Surgery is cost. The surgery is generally performed at an outpatient surgery center and requires an anesthesiologist.

Is Lens Replacement Surgery covered by insurance?

Unfortunately Lens Replacement Surgery is not covered by insurance. This procedure is considered elective.

What Is LASIK? A Few Answers To Common Questions

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 06:16:06 GMT

If you need vision correction, you have more choices than ever before. Some options, like glasses and contacts, are temporary solutions that call for continuous maintenance. Other options, such as LASIK eye surgery, are permanent fixes that give you back most of the freedom you had before vision problems.

If you're considering LASIK surgery, how can you know if it's for you? And what should you expect from the procedure? Here is a short guide to get you started.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is an acronym that stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis. During this short procedure, the surgeon utilizes a laser to open and reshape the cornea which corrects your vision.

This reshaping process corrects vision imperfections by allowing the eye to focus light properly. LASIK can often correct the three most common vision problems: nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by either flattening or steepening the curve of your cornea.

What is the Surgery Like?

Eye surgery is an intimidating idea for most people. Even though LASIK is performed with numbing eye drops, you can still request medication to help you relax during the procedure. Because of the short surgery duration - usually about 15 minutes - most patients won't have much time to be nervous.

During a LASIK procedure, your eyes are kept open with a lid speculum while a ring device helps prevent movement in the eye itself. The rest of the procedure is done with the aid of computers and cool-beam lasers. You may feel some pressure and hear clicking noises, but you shouldn't feel much discomfort. If you're anxious about the surgery, discuss your specific worries with the surgeon beforehand.

What Should You Know Afterward?

Once you've had LASIK surgery, what happens next? Your surgeon will ask that you get a ride home from the procedure and will likely suggest wearing sunglasses and eye shields to protect the eye (or eyes) from harsh or bright light. Rest at home for the remainder of the day. Again, your surgeon will give you protective shields to wear while you are sleeping so that you don't accidentally touch your face or eyes.

You may experience a few common symptoms, such as discomfort as the numbing sensation wears off or excess tearing up. Your surgeon will send you home with proper medication and drops to treat these symptoms and to make the transition more comfortable for you.

In the days after the procedure, your eyes may be more sensitive to light while they recover. In addition, many patients have temporary vision oddities such as halos or blurriness. This is normal, but if you have concerns you should talk with your LASIK surgeon. Finally, you'll likely be prescribed antibiotics and antiinflammatory medication as well as moisturizing drops to help the eye recover.

Where Can You Begin?

If you think that LASIK is a good solution for your vision and lifestyle, where should you start? Visit an eye surgeon with experience performing LASIK surgery in your area for an assessment as a candidate for this treatment. As well as your general health condition, the surgeon's team will consider factors such as a history of degenerative eye conditions, dry eyes, old injuries, and the size of your pupils.

The team will also weigh the surgery against the amount of vision correction you require. As with all surgical procedures, there is some risk with LASIK. So your doctor would want to ensure that you aren't taking on additional risk by needing too much correction or that you will see enough improvement to warrant the procedure.

Hummel Eye Associates has provided high quality LASIK surgery as well as a variety of other vision correction options for 50 years. Make an appointment today to learn if you're a candidate for LASIK or if another treatment might be more suited.

What Do You Need to Know About Your New Glasses?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 05:24:41 GMT

Every adult should get a complete eye exam by age 40, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Whether you already need corrective lenses or your first exam reveals the need for them, getting used to new glasses isn't always easy. Take a look at what you need to know about your new prescription and adjusting to it.

Understand How New Lenses Impact Your Vision

A different adjustment period is needed for different types of lenses. The most common lenses that eyeglasses wearers need include single-vision and multifocal. Single-vision glasses are just what the name implies. These glasses change one aspect of your vision - either nearsightedness or farsightedness.

While single-vision glasses typically come with a short adjustment period, multifocal lenses may take longer. These glasses, again like the name implies, have multiple corrections in each lens. These include:

Bifocals . The bottom half of bifocals helps you to see near (for reading), and the top corrects your vision for distance viewing.
Trifocals . Trifocals helps you to see near, at intermediate or middle distances, and far.
Progressives . Progressive lenses allow you to see both near and far, without a dividing line.

The different areas of vision in multifocal lenses are often challenging to adjust to. It may take one to two weeks for your eyes to get used to the division lines or transition.

Expect an Adjustment Period

If you don't wear your new glasses, your eyes won't have time to adjust to them. This doesn't mean you have to force yourself to wear the lenses 24-7 or push through the headaches, dizziness, and minor discomfort that can accompany the adjustment. Start with a few hours a day. Take breaks as needed if possible.

Gradually build up to wearing your new glasses all day long. While this strategy can work for people who don't need to wear their glasses constantly, it's not advisable for anyone who needs corrective lenses to drive, work, operate machinery, or do anything similar. If you can't go through your normal daily activities without glasses, talk to the optometrist about alternative ways to overcome the adjustment.

Know When to Call the Eye Doctor

You've tried to make the adjustment. You've waited, watched, and expected your vision to change. But it's not happening. Why can't your eyes adjust to your new prescription - even after weeks of trying?

It's possible the prescription is off. Even though it can take several days to fully adjust to your new glasses, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable (or like you have distorted vision) for more than two weeks.

Contact your vision professional to verify the prescription. The eye doctor may need to reevaluate your vision or make slight changes.

Don't Forget about the Frames

Sometimes the lenses have very little to do with this adjustment. Moving from small, sleek wire frames to chunkier plastic ones may make you more aware of your glasses. You may feel your glasses differently on your face or see the edges of the frame while you're wearing them.

Like any other sensory change, this one takes time. You may need to change the positioning of the glasses on your face or ask the optometrist to make the adjustments for you.

Along with minor physical discomfort, new frames can slightly change the way you see out of your old prescription. If your prescription hasn't changed but the frames have, you may need an adjustment period. Again, this shouldn't last longer than two weeks. Failure to adjust within this time-frame requires a trip back to the eye doctor or optometrist.

Do you need a new prescription or new glasses? Contact Hummel Eye Associates for more information.

4 Strange, Eye-Related Symptoms and What They Might Mean

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 04:05:01 GMT

You rely on your eyes to see the beauty of the world around you, to read material related to schoolwork or your job, and even to carry out everyday tasks like eating and dressing. Most people, however, take their eye health for granted - that is, until a sudden, strange, eye-related symptom arises.

Some strange eye symptoms are, indeed, a sign of serious ailments. Others are not. Keep reading to learn about four strange eye-related symptoms and what they might mean.

1. Floaters

If you see a tiny speck or cobweb in your visual field and that speck seems to travel around when you move your eyes, what you are observing is called a floater. The spots tend to be most noticeable when you look at a plain, flat image, such as a piece of white paper or a plain blue sky.

Don't get too worried if you have floaters - they are usually just a marker of age-related changes to the vitreous humor, the gelatinous liquid inside your eyeball. Rarely, however, they may indicate retinal damage, diabetes, hypertension, or inflammation at the back of the eye. So make an appointment with your eye doctor just to be on the safe side.

2. Flashes of Light

Having flashes or light appear in your visual field can be alarming. These flashes might look like bright spots, jagged lines, or even colorful rainbows. Typically, these flashes are the result of the vitreous humor inside your eye shrinking or expanding, causing your optic nerve to send abnormal signals to your brain.

Flashes of light can be caused by migraines, a stroke, or a torn retina. If you have a history of migraines, the flashes are accompanied by a headache or nausea, or the flash episodes last less than an hour, you are probably just suffering from a migraine.

On the other hand, if the flashes last more than an hour, they may indicate retinal damage. If you experience any confusion, paralysis, or numbness along with the flashes of light, a stroke may be to blame. Both of these conditions demand emergency medical care.

3. Amaurosis Fugax

Amaurosis fugax is the formal term for a temporary loss of vision. It can occur in one or both eyes, and patients often describe its onset a curtain coming down over their visual field.

Amaurosis has a wide array of possible causes, including:

Stroke
Multiple sclerosis
Migraine
Optic neurosis, which is an inflammation of the optic nerve
Glaucoma
Inflammation of the iris

Seek medical attention immediately if you suddenly lose vision in one of both eyes. Once medical professionals rule out the possibility of a stroke, they will generally refer you to your eye doctor for additional diagnosis. Usually, your vision can be preserved as long as the underlying cause is identified and treated.

4. Periodic Eye Pain

Sometimes patients experience brief episodes of eye pain. The pain may last a couple of minutes, fade away for hours or days, and then return. The most common cause of this episodic pain is glaucoma, a condition in which pressure in the back of the eye is abnormally high. Sometimes, the pain episodes may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or blurry vision.

Glaucoma has no cure, but your eye doctor can prescribe medication to lower your intraocular pressure, which should put an end to the pain episodes and help preserve your vision. Do not delay seeking medical treatment. Without care, symptoms will only get worse over time.

The symptoms above may be alarming, but the causes are all manageable. Contact Hummel Eye Associates if you experience any strange eye-related symptoms. We're recognized as one of the most comprehensive eye care centers in Oklahoma. Our knowledgeable doctors use the most advanced testing procedures to diagnose and treat patients of all ages.

Red, Irritated Eyes: 4 Possible Causes

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Most everyone experiences some form of eye irritation from time to time. Whether your eyes burn or sting, become red and bloodshot, or won't stop itching, the symptoms usually come from an underlying reason that can be easily treated. If your eye issues don't clear up within a short time, you should see your optometrist. In the meantime, here are possible causes for your eye irritation.

1. Environmental Factors and Household Products

If you are exposed to smog, cigarette smoke, or fumes from chemicals, you may experience a degree of eye irritation. Most notably, your symptoms may include burning and stinging. In more severe reactions, your eyes may also become red and watery.

Obviously, the best way to prevent this reaction is by avoiding the triggers, such as not allowing anyone to smoke around you. When you must be outdoors where you will be exposed to smog or smoke, wearing sunglasses may help filter out the irritants to some degree.

Also, be aware of chemical cleaners and household products that emit fumes. When using such a product, always do so in a well ventilated area. Keep your windows open and never aim the spray nozzle toward your face.

Also, if you have sensitive eyes, you might want to avoid using air fresheners as well. The aerosol kind or plug-in varieties may be irritating to you when the particles are dispersed into the air.

2. Cosmetics With Harsh Ingredients

Be mindful about certain cosmetics and soaps you are using. If your eyes are especially sensitive, read all labels on products. You should use only the hypoallergenic cosmetics and facial products.

Also, you might want to avoid using mascara altogether, or watch out for dyes and additives that may burn or sting your eyes if you react badly to cosmetic products. Waterproof mascara might be especially difficult to remove, forcing you to rub your eyes and cause further irritation, so stay clear of this product. If you must use mascara and makeup, be sure to remove all traces before going to bed.

3. Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, such as hay fever and reaction to pollen, are a major cause of dry, itchy, red, and irritated eyes. You can avoid allergy eyes by staying indoors when the pollen count is especially high. Also, keep your windows closed and use air conditioning during allergy season.

You might try medicated eye drops as well. Typically, drops for eye allergies will contain an antihistamine, which relieves itching by blocking histamine. Always remove contact lenses before applying the drops. If over-the-counter eye drops don't work for you, see your optometrist who may prescribe something stronger.

Placing a cool compress over your eyes may also provide some relief from dry, red, itchy eyes due to allergies. As a last resort, your doctor may suggest allergy shots.

4. Pink Eye

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) refers to inflammation which leaves the white of the eye and inside of the eyelid red, itchy, and watery. Red and bloodshot eyes are also a tell-tale sign. Pink eye may be caused by a virus or bacteria, in which case the condition is highly contagious. Pink eye may also be caused by allergies or injury to the eye, and this form is not contagious or spread through contact.

If you believe you have conjunctivitis, play it safe and consult your optometrist. When there is a discharge of pus and bacterial pink eye is suspected, you may need antibiotic eye drops to treat the infection. Cool compresses may provide relief from the irritation.

To avoid the spread of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, do not share towels or washcloths. Wash your hands frequently, and don't rub your eyes.

As a final word of caution, see your eye doctor at Hummel Eye Associates if your symptoms do not approve or if your vision is affected.

4 Fascinating Facts About Cataracts

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Cataracts are a common condition that affects your vision, causing cloudiness of the lens, blurriness, double vision, and even sensitivity to light. Unfortunately, because the cloudiness of the lens is so severe, cataracts can also affect your appearance and self-esteem.

Even though it is a common disorder, most people are not very familiar with what causes cataracts and what treatments are available. Using this guide and your optometrist's help, learn a few fascinating facts about cataracts.

1. Age Is Not Just a Number

In many instances, your age does not affect the way you feel or look. However, in regards to the development of cataracts, age is not just a number.

Age is the main cause of cataracts since the proteins in your lens start to break down at or over the age of 40 . The breakdown of the proteins in the lens causes the cloudiness cataracts have.

Additional issues may arise that increase your risk of developing cataracts. If you have diabetes, take corticosteroid medications, or have a family history of cataracts, you will be at risk of developing the disorder.

Finally, certain eye injuries can lead to cataract development. Actual eye trauma, eye surgery, or excessive sun exposure increase your risk of cataracts.

2. Cataracts Lead to Blindness

Cataracts affect your vision in many ways.

As the proteins in the lens break down, causing cloudiness in your lens, light will not reach them. This leads to blurry vision. Over time, the cloudiness spreads through the eye, making the blurriness more severe and prominent.

Cataracts also change your clear lens to a yellow or brownish color. Others may notice this discoloration, and the discoloration also tints your vision quality. The tinting progresses over time, decreasing your ability to read, watch television, drive, and complete simple activities.

In severe cases, the tinting can affect your ability to see or distinguish between certain colors.

Without efficient diagnosis and effective treatment, cataracts can lead to complete blindness. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world.

3. Multiple Types of Cataracts Exist

Another fascinating fact about cataracts is that multiple types exist. The type is based on where and how they develop. Here are the most common types of cataracts:

Nuclear : This is the most common type of cataract. They form in the middle of the lens, causing cloudiness and yellowing.
Cortical : Cortical cataracts form on the outside edges of the lens.
Posterior Subcapsular: This type of cataract forms in the back surface of the lens.

Age typically causes the above types of cataracts, but other types may form due to genetics, disease, or trauma.

For example, congenital cataracts are present at birth. Secondary cataracts form if you have diabetes or take specific medications. You also have traumatic cataracts, which develop after a direct injury to the eye.

4. Treatment Is Helpful and Imperative

Many people ignore a diagnosis of cataracts. This decision can interfere with your vision, affecting your overall quality of life. Cataracts worsen over time, so avoiding treatment will most likely cause you to go blind.

Surgical treatment is an effective option to consider. An estimated 3 million Americans undergo cataract surgery each year, and 98 percent of these surgeries are successful.

The surgery involves breaking down the cloudiness of the lens using an ultrasound tool. Once the surgeon has removed the damaged lens, he or she then puts an artificial lens into place.

If surgery does not seem like an option, talk to your optometrist about correcting your vision with prescription eyeglasses. This can correct your vision issues while protecting your eye from further cataract damage.

A cataract may not be life-threatening, but it can threaten your vision and quality of life. For more information on preventing and treating cataracts and other disorders of the eye, contact Hummel Eye Associates today.

For example, congenital cataracts are present at birth. Secondary cataracts form if you have diabetes or are taking specific medications. There are also traumatic cataracts, which develop after a direct injury to the eye.

Treatment Is Helpful and Imperative

There are many people who ignore a diagnosis of cataracts. This decision can interfere with your vision, affecting your overall quality of life. Cataracts worsen over time, so avoiding treatment will most likely cause you to go blind.

Surgical treatment is an effective option to consider. An estimated 3 million Americans undergo cataract surgery each year and 98 percent of these surgeries are successful.

The surgery involves breaking down the cloudiness of the lens using an ultrasound tool. Once the damaged lens is removed, an artificial lens is put into place.

TrueTear - the new drop-free, drug-free treatment for dry eyes

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Is LASIK the Right Corrective Procedure for You?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 07 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you're tired of wearing glasses and contacts, then you may be thinking of getting surgery to permanently correct your vision. LASIK is one of many surgical procedures that could correct your vision to normal or near normal.

This procedure has good results for most people after they're fully healed. However, not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. If you've been considering this type of surgery for your eyes, here are some things that could affect whether or not you will qualify.

Age

In most cases, you must be at least 18 to receive LASIK, but there's no upper age limit. You should be aware, however, that if you're over 40, your eyesight will begin to go through changes that may affect your eligibility as a candidate. You may still need reading glasses at some point as well.

You could also opt for a monovision procedure, in which one eye is corrected for seeing in the distance while the other is corrected for close-up vision. You can temporarily figure out whether monovision is right for you with contacts before you make a decision.

Eye Health

If you're suffering from any type of eye disease or issues like dry eye or herpes simplex virus, then you will likely be screened out. This is because these conditions affect how your eyes heal.

LASIK can also cause increased pressure in the eye, so glaucoma patients should consider an alternative. Luckily, if the condition is temporary, such as a corneal abrasion or ulcer, then you may be a candidate for LASIK once your condition has healed.

Overall Health Issues

Any health issue that affects your ability to heal may affect whether or not you can have LASIK. This includes conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Certain medications can also affect your eye's health by making your eyes too dry or cause you to perceive more pain after surgery. If your condition improves or your medication changes, then you may become a suitable candidate once again.

Vision Parameters

If you are extremely nearsighted or farsighted, then you could be screened out. The same goes for those with severe astigmatism. This is because it may be difficult to remove or reshape your cornea enough to correct your vision. You may also want to rethink choosing LASIK if your vision is near normal and you only need to wear glasses part-time or if you have high refractive errors.

Pupil Size

If you have naturally large pupils, then you may not be satisfied with the results of LASIK because people with large pupils tend to experience more problems with lights at night, specifically with halos and glare. These problems can become debilitating. Your doctor will check your pupils to make sure that they are within ideal range for LASIK.

Corneal Problems

If your corneas are excessively thin and uneven, then you may not be an ideal candidate for LASIK. The procedure removes and reshapes the cornea, and it's important that there's enough material to do so while keeping the eye healthy. Your doctor will do thorough measurements to make sure your corneas are suitable for surgery.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy and nursing, as well as any other condition that causes fluctuating hormones, can affect the shape of your cornea. Having the procedure done at this time may give you unsatisfactory results once your hormone levels get back to normal. Therefore, it's best to postpone your LASIK procedure until you are finished with your pregnancy and nursing.

After a thorough examination, your doctor or surgeon will make the final decision on whether you qualify for LASIK. Even if you're not a good candidate, you still might qualify for other procedures to permanently correct your vision.

Hummel Eye Associates is experienced with several types of corrective procedures as well as treating other eye health conditions. Contact us for an examination to see what options are available for you.

Six Eye Care Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As someone who wears contact lenses, you touch and interact with your eyes more often than the average individual. You also insert foreign objects into your eyes each day. For these reasons, you are at an increased risk for infections, corneal scratches, and other ocular ailments.

While contacts are safe when worn and handled appropriately, many patients are not as careful as they should be with their contacts and their eyes. The following are six ways you can take better care of your eyes as a contact lens wearer.

1. Change Your Contacts on Schedule

As you wear contacts, proteins build up on the contact surface and make the lens less permeable, which will dry out your eyes. When wearing a protein-coated lens, you are at an increased risk for corneal infection, as certain infectious bacteria thrive in the absence of air.

Different types of lenses build up protein at different rates. Some lenses, for example, need to be replaced every two weeks due to buildup; others last two months.

Replace your lenses on schedule as recommended by your eye doctor. If you have a tough time remembering to change your lenses, consider switching to daily lenses. Many patients find it easier to simply use a new set of lenses each day than to store lenses and remember to change them.

2. Clean Your Case With Contact Solution

Many patients do not rinse their case every day, but this step is important to reduce the risk of infection. Always rinse your case with contact solution and then let it air dry between uses. Do not rinse your case with tap water. Tap water may contain a germ called acanthamoeba, which causes very severe eye infections.

3. Replace Your Case Every Three Months

Even if you are meticulous about cleaning your case, you should still replace it with a new one every three months. Many bottles of contact solution come with free cases, which makes it easier to remember to switch.

You could also stock up on cases in advance and then set a reminder in your phone to replace the case every three months. Some patients like to replace their toothbrush and contact case at the same time.

4. Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Eyes or Contacts

Even if you just need to fish a stray eyelash out of your eye or add some contact solution to your case, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water first. There are almost always infectious bacteria and fungi on your hands, and all it takes is one slip-up to cause an eye infection.

5. Don't Wear Contacts if Your Eyes Feel Irritated

Even if you strongly prefer to wear contact lenses, you need to have an updated pair of prescription glasses on hand, too. If your eyes are at all irritated, red, or sore, wear your glasses instead of your contacts. Whether the irritation is caused by allergies, infection, or screen fatigue, contacts will only make it worse.

6. Carry Eye Drops With You

Especially if you spend a long time staring at computer screens, venturing outside on the wind, or sitting in front of a heating vent, your eyes may start to feel dry when wearing contacts. "Suffering through" dry lenses increases your risk of infection and corneal scratches. Always carry a bottle of contact-safe, lubricating eye drops with you, and use them at the first sign of dryness.

If you follow the tips above, you can enjoy lasting eye health as a contact lens wearer. Contact Hummel Eye Associates if you have any additional concerns about wearing contacts or would like to learn more about switching to contact lenses.

Eye Diseases Linked to Diabetes and How to Prevent Them

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

If you are one of the just over 30 million Americans who suffer from diabetes, then it is important to know that your chronic health problem makes you more susceptible to diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease is not just one disease, but a term describing a group of eye diseases.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms of these eye diseases and how to prevent them.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness among diabetic adults of working age. This condition occurs when the blood vessels in your retina become damaged due to the effects of high blood sugar. While you may experience no symptoms during the early stages of this vision problem, as the disease progresses, you may notice eye floaters, blurry vision and/or dark spots in your vision.

While diabetic retinopathy is not always preventable, steps you can take to prevent it include keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. You should also avoid smoking.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema is a complication that can occur if you don't seek treatment for diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when there is swelling in an area of your eye called the macula that causes the blood vessels in it to leak.

Symptoms of diabetic macular edema are similar to those of diabetic retinopathy, although double vision or even blindness can occur when this disease is left untreated.

The key to preventing diabetic macular edema is seeking treatment for diabetic retinopathy early on.

Glaucoma

Diabetics are twice as likely as those who do not suffer from diabetes to develop glaucoma. Several types of glaucoma exist, and diabetics are prone to the development of open- and closed-angle glaucoma and a more rare form of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma, especially if they already suffer from diabetic retinopathy.

Glaucoma increases the pressure in your eye, which puts pressure on your optic nerve. This can lead to optic nerve damage and, in advanced stages, blindness.

Some people experience no symptoms when they first begin developing open-angle glaucoma. After this type of glaucoma becomes more advanced, permanent loss of peripheral vision is often the first symptom sufferers notice.

Symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma can occur very early in the development of this disease. These symptoms can include blurry vision, eye and head pain (often so severe it leads to nausea) and/or rainbow-colored circles around lights.

Neovascular glaucoma often has no symptoms, although some sufferers experience severe eye and head pain, sensitivity to light and/or loss of vision.

While not all cases of open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma are preventable, exercise has been shown to reduce eye pressure, which can help prevent and slow the development of this disease. The best way to prevent neovascular glaucoma is by preventing the diabetic retinopathy that it stems from.

Cataracts

Diabetics are 60 percent more likely to develop cataracts than the rest of the general population. Cataracts occur when the eye lens becomes clouded with protein deposits, which can lead to vision problems. While people without diabetes are typically good candidates for cataract lens replacement surgery, realize that diabetics with uncontrolled blood sugar are often not.

Cataract symptoms include double vision, sensitivity to light, clouded vision, blurry vision, double vision and/or colors appearing less vivid than they used to.

Two ways to help prevent cataracts are to wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and to eat a diet filled with plenty of antioxidants.

One of the most important ways to catch the development of diabetes-related eye disease is to obtain a full eye exam at least once a year. Contact the staff at Hummel Eye Associates to schedule an appointment with one of our eye care professionals.

Oh Christmas Tree...Cataract?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Oh, Christmas Tree...Cataract?

Cataracts are basically a hardening, or yellowing of the eye's natural lens. There are different types of cataracts that develop in different areas of the lens. Some are white in the center, some are wedge-shaped in the periphery, and some are just cloudy all over. There is one type of cataract however, that is absolutely beautiful (well, maybe just beautiful for the doctor to examine). This is called the Christmas Tree Cataract. The lens forms needle-like poly-chromatic or iridescent crystals within the cortex. When the doctor's light hits the cataract, a sparkling display of colors including red, pink, green, blue and gold are visible, reminiscent of tinsel on the Christmas tree, reflecting the colored lights. This type of cataract is quite rare, and is only seen in our busy cataract surgery office about once a year. If you would like more information about cataracts, please call our office at 405-755-6111 or email cindy@hummeleye.com. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Eye Floaters: Causes and What You Should Know About Treatment (1)

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

If you have noticed the presence of small specks that aimlessly drift around inside your eyes, you probably have myodesopsia, or more commonly known as eye floaters. Eye floaters can be alarming, especially if they appear suddenly or in conjunction with other symptoms. While eye floaters are occasionally associated with serious eye disorders, most eye floaters are harmless.

Below is more information about eye floaters, including their causes and treatment options.

What Are Eye Floaters?

The human eye is mostly filled with a transparent gel known as vitreous humor. The vitreous helps provide physical support for the eye and prevents it from being unduly compressed. If something causes the vitreous composition to change, either on a microscopic or wider level, fragments of gel can become visible to affected individuals in the form of floaters.

Eye floaters can take on a wide range of shapes and sizes and are variously described as cobwebs, strands, flecks and threads. Floaters can cast shadows on the retina or become directly visible due to the changes in light passing through them.

What Causes Floaters?

Eye floaters affect almost all people at some point in their lives, though their frequency increases with age. However, a number of causes can bring about the onset of eye floaters, some of which can occur at any age. Here are a few of the most common causes of eye floaters.

Decrease in Vitreous Volume

As people age, the vitreous tends to break down into its component parts, which are water, collagen and other materials. Bits of collagen then become suspended inside the eye and appear as floaters. The problem is rarely serious, as the brain is capable of adapting and learns to ignore these insignificant floaters.

Vitreous Detachment

For some individuals, the onset of eye floaters begins when the vitreous pulls away from the retina. This process can occur naturally due to shrinkage of the vitreous, but its appearance can be dramatic and sudden if the sticky vitreous tugs at the retina as it falls away. The physical disturbance of the retina causes a number of symptoms, including light flashes and floaters.

While vitreous detachment isn't usually serious, it can cause tearing of the delicate retina and bleeding inside the eye in some instances. If this occurs, the number of floaters increases greatly in the form of bubbles of blood. Tearing of the retina is a medical emergency and should be addressed immediately to prevent blindness or permanently impaired vision.

Retinal Detachment

The retina lies along the back of the eye and is a highly sensitive layer of tissues that collect light energy. If the retina is pulled away from the back of the eye, known as a retinal detachment, then individuals may quickly lose their ability to see.

Fortunately, retinal detachment doesn't usually occur without symptoms, as the movement brings about a large number of eye floaters, light flashes and dark spots in the field of vision. Like the tearing of the retina, retinal detachment is an extremely serious condition and requires medical care to correct. Surgery is often necessary, though lasers are also used to treat retinal detachment.

How Are Eye Floaters Treated?

For most people, eye floaters are nothing more than a nuisance, so treatment isn't usually necessary. However, some individuals develop severe floaters that interfere with their quality of life and work activities. In those situations, treatment may be necessary.

Eye floaters can be treated using both surgery and laser techniques. Traditional surgery involves the replacement of the vitreous humor with saline solution in order to restore the transparency of the eye. This surgery can present risks, especially if an infection occurs as a consequence.

Laser surgery is another treatment option for eye floaters, and its less-invasive nature means the recovery time after the treatment is much less. To reduce eye floaters, ophthalmologists use yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers to destroy collagen strands by converting them to a gas.

If you have questions or concerns about your eye floaters, it is important to contact a qualified medical professional for help. Hummel Eye Associates is available to assist you with any eye care needs, so please contact them soon for an appointment.

5 Strategies for Recovering From Cataract Surgery

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

You've lived with the hazy effects of cataracts for a while now, and you are looking forward to finally enjoying clearer vision again. Yet you still feel a little apprehensive about undergoing eye surgery since it is a new experience.

When your optometrist recommends corrective surgery for your cataracts, it is because your vision has reached the point where you will notice an improvement in your visual acuity within a few hours to days after your eye procedure is completed.

It is also reassuring to know that cataract surgery is a simple outpatient procedure that is finished in less than an hour in most cases. Since caring for your eye after surgery plays a big role in how well you heal, use these strategies to protect your vision throughout the recovery process.

Follow the Pre-Op Instructions

In most cases, your optometrist will only have a few pre-operative instructions to follow prior to your procedure. Usually, you will need to come in for a short visit a week or so before your eye surgery so that you can be fitted for the right sized lens implant.

As with any type of surgery, it is also best if you arrive well-rested. Abstain from stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine the night before. If your doctor recommends fasting before the surgery, then make sure to avoid eating and drinking during the recommended time period.

Arrange for Transportation Home

Some patients experience clearer vision right after their surgery is finished. However, the majority of people can expect to deal with mild blurriness that gradually improves over several days. This can interfere with your driving, so arrange for someone to drive you home on the day of your eye surgery.

Take It Easy the First Few Days

Having your cataract removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens can be deceptively simple since most people feel very little discomfort. Yet you will still need to treat your body with care to promote proper healing.

As your eye recovers, it is best to avoid placing any kind of pressure on your eye that could delay healing. Avoid bending over at the waist during the first day. It is also important to have someone else handle any heavy lifting, and do your best to avoid straining your facial muscles through forceful actions such as vomiting.

Use Your Medication as Prescribed

Once you are ready to go home, your optometrist will prescribe special eye drops that help prevent infection in your eyes. Usually, you will need to use these for about three weeks, but it could be longer if you heal slower than normal. Make sure to use these as prescribed because they help to hasten healing.

Watch for Signs of Complications

Having cataract surgery is fairly safe, and you won't even have stitches in your eye afterward. However, there is always the possibility of experiencing a complication such as an infection. Although you may experience some normal itching or soreness for a few days, you should report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.

Watch your eye for signs of a developing problem such as redness, excessive drainage or a sense that something is wrong. As a general rule, addressing complications early on gives you the best prognosis for resuming a successful recovery.

Attend Your Follow Up Visits

You should also expect to return to your optometrist for several follow-up visits. These visits are important for helping you prevent infections and check to see how your vision is improving. You may also be given new prescriptions for corrective lenses during this time.

At Hummel Eye Associates, cataract surgery is a common procedure that is performed in our office. For more information about what to expect before, during and after your surgery, contact us today.

Philosophy of a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Examination

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

"The eyes are the window to the soul" is a profound statement for philosophers and poets, but for doctors, "the eyes are the window to your health" rings true. Eye doctors are fortunate to have a window that allows them to clearly view the inside of the eye. By looking inside, your eye doctor can detect conditions such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration. A dilated eye exam can even allow your doctor to see signs of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol! Your eye doctor can detect bleeding in the tiny blood vessels indicative of Hypertension or Diabetes. Plaques that come from clogged carotid arteries due to high cholesterol can sometimes be seen inside your eyes as well. Vitamin or nutritional deficiencies can be detected in the eye also, but is less common in the United States.
We are all aware that freckles and moles on our skin should be watched for changes, but did you know you can have a freckle inside your eye also? Only your eye doctor can see the freckle on your retina (or nevus as we call it), and can monitor for any changes in shape, color or size.
Comprehensive dilated eye examinations to check the "window to your health" are recommended every 1-2 years depending on age, or more often as needed.

Tips for viewing the Solar Eclipse 2017

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Tips on viewing the Solar Eclipse 2017

NASA has released a few guidelines for viewing the solar eclipse.
* Check for certification information with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard
* The manufacturer's name and address should be printed on the product
* DO NOT USE if older than 3 years, or if there are scratched or wrinkled lenses
* DO NOT USE homemade filters
* DO NOT USE ordinary sunglasses, even if they are very dark

Which intra-ocular lens implant is right for me?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

LASIK Versus Refractive Lens Exchange

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 11 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Both LASIK and refractive lens exchange treat refractive errors in your eyes such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but they are very different surgical procedures that each serve a different purpose for our patients. Our LASIK surgeons will recommend the procedure that is right for you based on your current eye health and vision.

During LASIK surgery, your cornea is reshaped to correct the irregularities that cause blurry vision. LASIK is generally appropriate to treat patients who are suffering from refractive errors alone.

With a refractive error, your cornea is either curved too much so that your eye is elongated like a football or it is not curved enough to be rounded like a basketball, the ideal shape for good vision. This error in shape prevents light from focusing correctly on your retina.

LASIK surgery allows our ophthalmologists to correct the shape of your cornea with a laser so that you can see clearly. Recovery from LASIK usually takes about a week, and you may experience clearer vision almost immediately.

Refractive lens exchange is most often used to treat presbyopia or cataracts. Presbyopia is a condition that affects everyone as they age. The lens in your eye becomes less flexible as you grow older and prevents you from focusing clearly. Cataracts are a clouding of your lens because of protein fibers that clump within your eye and block light from your vision.

A refractive lens exchange procedure can help both of these age-related conditions. During a lens exchange procedure, the doctor replaces your eye's natural lens with a new lens, such as Crystalens, ReZoom, or ReSTOR. Each type of lens has different advantages that our surgeons will discuss with you.

Recovery from refractive lens exchange can take over a week, and it can be six to 12 weeks before your final results are apparent and you are seeing clearly again.

If you are interested in vision correction surgery, please contact Hummel Eye Associates by calling 405-755-6111 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma.

What Is PRK?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 10 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Before the advent of LASIK surgery, patients could undergo photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to correct vision problems. PRK is one of the LASIK alternatives offered at Hummel Eye Associates. If you’re not a suitable candidate for LASIK, PRK may be an effective option to help restore the clear, crisp vision you desire.

PRK uses a computer-controlled surgical laser to alter the shape of the cornea. By reshaping the cornea, PRK is capable of correcting common vision problems such as:

Farsightedness
Nearsightedness
Astigmatism

The PRK procedure only takes about 15 minutes to complete. Our eye surgeons will do the following:

Apply a local anesthetic to numb the eye prior to the procedure
Gently remove the cornea’s epithelium (outermost protective layer) with a specialized brush
Reshape the cornea using the surgical laser to the specifications determined during your initial consultation
After the procedure is over, place a special contact lens over the site to encourage healing of the epithelium and reduce postoperative discomfort

LASIK surgery, like PRK, also uses a special laser to reshape the cornea. However, instead of removing the epithelium, our ophthalmologists will make an incision into the cornea and create a flap of tissue. The area beneath the flap is the site of the LASIK surgery, where the laser precisely reshapes the cornea to correct irregularities that impaired your vision.

Our eye surgeons often recommend PRK as an alternative for patients who are seeking vision correction but have issues that could diminish the effectiveness of LASIK. PRK might be a superior option if you have:

Thin corneas
Large pupils
Scarring on the cornea
Chronic dry eyes

PRK might also be better suited for your eyes if you have a physically demanding occupation or regularly engage in contact sports. If you undergo LASIK and subsequently suffer eye trauma that disturbs the corneal flap, you might experience vision distortion. Because the procedure doesn’t penetrate as deeply into the cornea as LASIK does, PRK doesn’t carry this risk.

To learn more about PRK and other LASIK alternatives, please contact Hummel Eye Associates using the form on this page or call 405-755-6111 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma.

Types of Refractive Surgery

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Have you grown tired of taking eyeglasses on and off throughout the day, or putting in contact lenses each morning and removing them at night? If you live in or around Oklahoma City and you’re looking for a more convenient way to correct your vision problems, LASIK and other types of refractive surgery might be the best options for achieving your ideal eyesight.

Refractive surgery is the general term for procedures that correct vision conditions known as refractive errors. These errors occur when abnormal structures within the eye prevent light from focusing correctly as it moves toward the retina.

Common refractive errors include:

Astigmatism (blurred vision due to the eye’s inability to focus incoming light properly)
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Our ophthalmologists offer different types of refractive surgery options to help patients resolve these eyesight issues. The ideal refractive surgery will depend on your eye health and corrective needs.

Nowadays, the most common refractive surgery is LASIK, in which an advanced surgical laser gently and precisely reshapes the cornea to restore clear, crisp vision. Although LASIK is probably the best-known laser eye surgery for correcting refractive errors, it isn’t the only option.

Other laser eye surgery options include:

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
LASEK
Epi-LASIK

PRK, LASEK, and Epi-LASIK are known as surface ablation procedures. Unlike LASIK, surface ablation doesn’t require the creation of a flap in the cornea, making these refractive surgeries a potentially superior option for patients with thin corneas or other eye health issues that could rule you out as a LASIK candidate.

We also offer refractive surgery that doesn’t require the use of laser technology via clear lens exchange. During this process, your flawed natural lens is removed from the eye and an artificial lens (akin to a permanent contact lens) customized to correct your unique vision problems is inserted in its place.

To learn more about how refractive surgery can help you attain your ideal eyesight, please contact Hummel Eye Associates using the form on this page or call 405-755-6111 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Oklahoma City, Norman, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma.

LASIK Side Effects

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Laser eye surgery can correct your vision with advanced technology, giving you the freedom to live life without the constraints of glasses and contacts. Before moving forward with LASIK surgery, it’s important to know what you should expect from the procedure – both the benefits and potential side effects.

LASIK procedures use a gentle surgical laser to correct imperfections on the surface of the eyeball, reshaping the cornea and restoring your vision. Like any surgical procedure, side effects can occur after LASIK. However, many of these side effects are temporary, including:

Dry eyes
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Blurry vision
Loss in contrast, leading to trouble with night vision and causing glare, halo or starburst shapes to form around lights

Typically, these issues only persist anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Though unrelated to the LASIK surgery itself, your eyes, like any other part of the body, undergo changes tied to health, age, and other physical developments over time. Although your vision might be corrected to your satisfaction after LASIK, your vision can still change over time due to issues such as:

Presbyopia: The age-related decline in the eye’s ability to see nearby objects, requiring reading glasses or bifocals
Flap folds: Some patients might experience wrinkling in the corneal flap over time, potentially leading to vision impairment; this is correctable through surgical repositioning
Patients with farsightedness (hyperopia) might find that LASIK doesn’t permanently correct their vision; subsequent LASIK procedures can offset regression
In rare cases, some patients’ vision could be overcorrected or undercorrected by LASIK, possibly requiring additional surgery and/or correction with glasses or contact lenses; if your vision wasn't corrected properly by the initial procedure, it’s best to wait for the eyes to heal completely before additional correction

Please contact Hummel Eye Associates using the form on this page or call 405-755-6111 today to schedule your LASIK consultation. We serve patients in Oklahoma City.