Experienced Ocular Surface Disease Treatment South Florida

One of the most popular ways to correct vision is with a procedure called LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis), which uses an excimer laser to change the curvature of the cornea (outer window of the eye). LASIK has quickly become the procedure of choice for most patients because they recover quickly and have fewer side effects and complications than with other methods of vision correction. In fact, most LASIK patients notice a significant improvement in their vision soon after surgery. Our LASIK center can remove tissue within the cornea to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common type of refractive error where close objects appear clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. Nearsightedness develops in eyes that focus images in front of the retina instead of on the retina, which causes blurred vision. This occurs when the eyeball becomes too long and prevents incoming light from focusing directly on the retina. An abnormal shape of the cornea or lens can also cause nearsightedness.

Farsightedness or hyperopia is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus. Farsightedness occurs if your eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, so light entering your eye is not focused correctly.

Astigmatism is a vision condition that causes blurred vision due either to the irregular shape of the cornea, the transparent front cover of the eye, or sometimes the curvature of the lens inside the eye. An irregular shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance.

Ocular allergies are also referred to as “allergic conjunctivitis.” It is an inflammatory reaction to environmental allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, grass, trees or pet dander). This response results in inflammation of the conjunctival tissue (the normally white part of the eye) as well as the eyelids themselves.

Could ocular allergies be your problem?

Eye discomfort can have many sources that sometimes overlap. Dry Eye, Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) and Allergic Conjunctivitis may occur at times present in a very similar fashion. It can sometimes be challenging for eye doctors to differentiate between these eye conditions.

With the introduction of Doctor’s Allergy Formula, now for the first time, your eye doctor can better determine if ocular allergies are the source of your problem. Doctor’s Allergy Formula was designed by eye doctors to be an Ocular Surface Disease treatment specifically for these conditions. Ask your eye care provider if this test is right for you.

Allergies affect many people every year, with around 40% of patients having some form of ocular allergies within a year period. These allergies can be mild or severe and have the ability to distract you from everyday activities.

Patients with ocular allergies report:

  • Itchiness
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Redness

Ocular allergies were particularly bothersome to those who have dry eye symptoms, contact lens intolerance, or nasolacrimal dysfunction, as this allergy can often worsen these conditions. At Your Eye Specialists, we understand that the symptoms associated with ocular allergies can be debilitating, which is why we offer the latest solutions.

The introduction of Doctor’s Allergy Formula has revolutionized the diagnosis and Ocular Surface Disease treatment of ocular allergies. Currently, eye doctors only subjectively diagnose ocular allergies. Now, with our in-office diagnostic test, within 15 minutes your eye doctor can objectively identify what’s causing your ocular allergies and then customize a treatment plan.

Doctor’s Allergy Formula’s new allergy skin testing is covered by most insurance plans. By merely scratching the surface of the skin, this painless procedure can be done in a matter of minutes. Our diagnostic system tests for environmental allergens specific to your geographic region. Once completed, your doctor can determine whether or not a particular allergy-causing substance (allergen) is the source of your symptoms.

By correctly identifying your allergens and creating a personalized plan, you’ll be able to reduce or eliminate allergy signs and symptoms. A custom treatment protocol will be discussed with you to determine the most effective approach. Some solutions include allergen avoidance, medications, nutraceuticals and/or immunotherapy.

  • Itchy eyes
  • Red/bloodshot eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Swollen eyes
  • Dark circles under your eyes
  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy skin
  • Flaky/red skin
  • Asthma

Allergies are extremely common, affecting more than 50 million Americans. If you suffer from allergy-related symptoms, we can help. The first step toward improving your health is the proper diagnosis. Schedule an appointment to meet with our eye doctors as soon as possible.
Age: Patients of all ages may be treated; typically children under two haven’t had enough antigen exposure and rarely exhibit allergic conjunctivitis. Most physicians wait until the patient is at least five years old before treating. There is no upper age limit for treatment; if immunotherapy is indicated, typical risk vs. benefit analysis should be taken into consideration for all patients, especially the elderly population.

Pregnancy: Patients who are pregnant have special considerations; if they have built up to maintenance dose prior to pregnancy, immunotherapy can be continued with the typical risk vs. benefit analysis being taken into consideration. If they become pregnant before immunotherapy, or during their buildup phase, then immunotherapy treatment shouldn’t be used.

Autoimmune Disorders: Potential adverse effects may occur in select patients with autoimmune diseases; the decision to use immunotherapy treatment must be considered on a case-by-case basis with evaluating the risks vs. benefits of such therapy.

Unstable Asthma: Patients with severe unstable asthma may be at an increased risk for systemic reactions. Most fatalities have occurred in patients with unstable asthma. The decision to use immunotherapy in these patients must be considered as the potential risks may outweigh the potential benefits.

Beta Blockers: Patients on beta blockers may have an increased severity of allergic symptoms and are more refractory to emergency epinephrine if needed. Careful consideration of patients on beta-blockers should be considered when treating with immunotherapy.
If you’re suffering from allergies, don’t just mask your symptoms. We have Ocular Surface Disease treatment options available. Contact or call us at 954-452-9922 to schedule your testing. Allergy testing is covered by Medicare and all major insurances.

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