At Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City, Dr. John Henahan is committed to great vision and the health of your eyes.  For younger patients, most eye health problems come from improper care of their contact lenses.

In a startling new study, Dr. Danielle Robertson and researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that the situation was far worse than previously thought.  In fact, only one percent of patients fully complied with the simple strategies that are required to safely wear contact lenses. As reported on NPR’s morning edition the following common mistakes lead to problems including eye irritation, redness and even sight threatening eye infections.

Common Contact Lens Care Mistakes:

#1) Reusing the same contact lens solution multiple times.  Lenses must be cleaned and disinfected each time they are removed.  Typically, this involves a simple process of soaking the lenses in a solution that cleans and disinfects the lens.  The solution must be completely changed every usage, otherwise it becomes contaminated and can cause eye problems.

#2) Keeping the contact lens case too long.  Even properly rinsed and cleaned cases gradually build a biofilm that will contaminate the contact lenses.  This contamination can cause eye irritation, poor comfort when wearing the lenses, eye redness and corneal ulcers.  A good strategy is to replace the case every time you buy a new bottle of solution.

#3) Not washing your hands before handling your lenses.  As we interact with the world, we come in contact with countless chemicals, viruses and bacteria, as well as other even nastier organisms. Nothing is more basic than washing your hands before sticking your fingers in your eye, but most people don’t do it.

#4) Sleeping in your contacts. Sleeping in your lenses increases the risk of all types of complications ten fold.  This is especially true of the most serious complications, such as the dreaded corneal ulcer.

#5) Keeping your lenses too long.  Failure to replace your contact lenses on the recommended schedule (typically every 2 – 4 weeks), results in a dirtier lens that is unable to transmit adequate oxygen to the eye.  Oxygen starvation to the eye is a big cause of eye infections and irritations.  It saves very little money too, especially compared with the cost of  doctor’s visits and prescription eye drops.  The drops alone can easily cost more than $150.

#6 Soaking lenses in… anything other than contact lens multipurpose solution.  In the no one can make this stuff up category, a UK study found that patients would soak their contacts in things like fruit juice, beer and even butter rather than multipurpose solution.  This is a sure way to end up with a major eye infection.

According to Dr. Henahan, the risk of poor contact lens hygiene is often great than the risk of LASIK eye surgery.  If you know that you are not going to care for your contacts properly, consider the daily disposable contacts or LASIK.  Proper use of daily disposables (single use, thrown away everyday), is the safest way to wear contact lenses.

If you have concerns about your eye health or would like an appointment with Dr. Henahan, please contact us here or call 770-487-0667.

In a follow on to an earlier story we published about Avaira Toric lenses by CooperVision being recalled, the FDA yesterday expanded the recall and increased

it’s seriousness by elevating it to a class I level.  This is the most serious level of recall the FDA uses.

In a story published in MedPage Today(12/9, Petrochko) reports about the FDA’s recall of CooperVision’s AVAIRA Aquaform Sphere Soft Contact Lenses. They “may have unintended silicone oil residue on the lens, which may cause symptoms that range from hazy/blurry vision, to discomfort, to eye injuries that require medical treatment.” The company’s “AVAIRA Tonic Soft Contact Lenses faced a similar recall in October due to the presence of silicone residue.” Patients can check their lens package lot number on a website to see if their contacts are part of the recall.

If your lenses are among the recalled lots, return them to the point of purchase or to your eye care practitioner.

For more information call CooperVision at 855-526-6737.

If you would like further assistance or an appointment, you may contact Spectrum Eyecare at 770-487-0667.

As the optometrist at Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City, Dr. Henahan is committed to the safety and visual health of your eyes.  As part of that mission, he reposts information on recalls of eyecare and eyewear related products.  If you wear Avaira contact lenses, please read the following to ensure that your eyes are not threatened by wearing defective Avaira contact lenses.

From Consumer Reports: CooperVision has announced that it has expanded its worldwide recall of Avaira contact lenses to include Avaira Sphere lenses, after reports of wearers experiencing hazy vision and discomfort.

Dr. John Henahan of Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City is proud to announce that Spectrum is celebrating it’s three year anniversary this month.

“We unofficially opened on April 15, 2008.  The official public opening occurred on May 1, 2008″, according to Dr. Henahan.  ”It has been a wonderful three years, especially the support of the residents of the Peachtree City area, which I am proud to call home as well as where I practice.”

“Lots of things have changed since we opened, with surprising technological leaps in eyeglass lenses and bifocal contact lens technology, as well as the ability to diagnose and treat eye diseases. We have expanded and refined our selection of unique frames including our newest addition, RayBan.

One thing that has not changed is Spectrum Eyecare’s simple patient satisfaction philosophy.  My staff listens to the issue and asks themselves, ‘What would I want done for myself in this situation?’, then they do that.  ”It makes things very simple for us”, reports Dr. Henahan.

“As an optometrist, I am so proud of what we have created here and the wonderful staff that I work with.  I feel so thankful for  the patients who entrust us with the care of their eyes”, Dr. Henahan continues.  ”We look forward to many years of continuing our mission of providing the highest quality eye care, eyeglasses and medical eye care in a relaxed, caring environment.”

If you or someone you know needs the most caring, comprehensive eye care available, please contact us here or call 770-487-0667.

#1 Protect the future of your vision.  Vision loss is a leading cause of disability in older Americans.  By simply having an eye examination periodically, you can ensure that any eye health issues can be addressed before the problem becomes irreversible.  Remember, even if you don’t have vision insurance, a medically focused eye exam can usually be billed through your medical insurance. Proper nutrition is also a foundation for a lifetime of good vision.

#2 Wear Sunglasses. Quality polarized sunglasses with UV protection can cut the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and even reduce the risk of skin cancers around the eyes.  Additionally, up to 30% of auto accidents are associated with glare induced vision impairment.  Polarized sunglasses are far more effective at cutting dangerous glare than tinted lenses alone when driving.  Polarized sunglasses are available with and without prescription lenses.

#3 Stop sleeping in your Contact Lenses. Study after study have shown that sleeping in contact lenses is the number one risk factor for serious complications from contact lenses including a potentially blinding eye infection called a corneal ulcer.  Even if your contact lenses are approved for extended wear, it is much safer to remove them at night.

#4 Throw Away those Contact Lenses (and that Contact Lens Case). After extended wear, keeping contact lenses for too long is the major risk for the aforementioned eye infections.  Most contact lenses are meant to be thrown away every two – four weeks.  As your contact lens ages, it is less able to provide enough oxygen to the surface of the eye.  This oxygen starvation can damage the surface of the eye.  Also, have you looked at your contact lens case lately?  Older cases are breeding grounds for bacteria.  Each time you buy a new bottle of solution, get a new case (some companies even bundle cases with large solution bottles).

#5 Resolve to give up your reading glasses. Are you a reading glasses addict? Do you have pairs spread around the house, car and office?  Always running around looking for a pair when your phone rings, when you need to read a menu, recipe or  to check your Facebook status?  There is a better way.  With a new generation of High-definition bifocal contact lenses and eyeglasses you can have good vision all the time; far away, close up and in between.  Imagine, no more taking on and off readers all day.

Whatever else you may do, Dr. Henahan recommends you resolve to see the best in yourself, others and the world around you.  Now that is a resolution we can all agree on!

Dr. John Henahan is a fellowship trained doctor of optometry practicing and living in Peachtree City with his wife and two sons.  You may call his office at 770 487-0667 or visit him on the web at www.speceye.com.

Winter is the season for celebration.  The joy of Christmas trees, stockings and fires crackling in the hearth make the season bright.  Unfortunately for many people, the colder weather and drier air also leads to a flare up in their dry eye symptoms, according to Dr. John L Henahan at Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City.

The good news is that the treatment options for dry eye continue to evolve.  “We use a staged approach to treating dry eye to find maximum relief of dry eye without over treating”, continues Dr. Henahan.   “We also firmly believe in using natural therapy whenever possible, and we resort to prescription medications only when necessary.”

Advances in Treatment

Of the big advances in 2010 in treating dry eye, perhaps none is more exciting than a new contact lens that secretes a moisturizing compound as it is worn.  This breakthrough product uses the most effective moisturizing compound used in eye drops for treating dry eye.  Since contact lens wearers are among those who most commonly suffer from dryness problems, this exciting lens can represent a real breakthrough.  Imagine a contact lens that corrects your vision AND secretes artificial tears all day!

Another exciting development is in the arena of topical foams that reduce dry eye caused by blepharitis, which creates symptoms due to inflammation in the eyelid.  This hygiene regimen is especially powerful when combined with nutritional intervention such as vitamins and fish oil capsules.

A simple in office procedure, called punctal plugs can provide almost immediate relief for a majority of patients with chronic dry eye.  It is often a first line treatment due to it’s ease, the fact that it is covered by most insurance companies, and it’s simple “set it and forget it” nature.

Smart Strategies for Treating Dry Eye

Before undergoing treatment for dry eye, patients should ask themselves some simple questions, reports Dr. Henahan.  “Do you drink adequate amounts of water every day?  Do you eat a healthy diet or is your diet overloaded with fried foods and products loaded with High Fructose Corn Syrup?  Are you having other symptoms, that might be associated with thyroid problems?  Finally, if you are on any number of different medications including anti-histamines, birth control or hormone replacement therapy they could be playing a role in your symptoms.

In most cases, if you can make changes in these areas, your symptoms may be reduced.  For many, these changes are not practical, in which case evaluation and treatment by your eye doctor is warranted.

Dr. John Henahan is a fellowship trained doctor of optometry practicing and living in Peachtree City, GA with his wife and two sons.  You may call his office at 770 487-0667 or visit him on the web at www.speceye.com.

“The growing body of research in children’s vision correction continues to demonstrate that contact lenses provide significant benefits to children beyond simply correcting their vision. This three year, multi-site study showed considerable improvement for contact lens wearing children 10 years or older in areas of appearance, participation in activities, and satisfaction with vision correction, and it remained or improved over three years,” said Jeffrey J. Walline, O.D, Ph.D., of The Ohio State University College of Optometry and leader of the Adolescent and Child Health Initiative to Encourage Vision Empowerment (ACHIEVE) Study, the largest randomized trial of its kind.

Researchers note that the most surprising finding may be children’s reports of improved quality of life with regard to handling contact lenses compared with glasses, as it is often assumed that glasses are much easier to manage than contact lenses.

“Although contact lenses may require more adept handling, daily disposable contact lenses decrease this burden, and the fact that contact lenses may be lost or broken less often than glasses outweighs the slight increase in time spent inserting and removing contact lenses,” said Dr. Walline. “Many children remove their glasses multiple times per day during gym, recess or other activities, which increases the chances of loss or breakage.”, according to Dr. Henahan.

Four hundred eighty-four 8- to 11-year-old nearsighted children participated in the randomized, single-masked trial conducted from September 2003 to October 2007 at five clinical centers in the United States.

Children were randomly assigned to wear spectacles (n=237) or contact lenses (n=247) for three years. Children randomly assigned to wear contact lenses were provided the option of daily disposable or two-week disposable lenses, and they chose daily disposable contact lenses 93.3 percent of the time.

Researchers measured outcomes using the Pediatric Refractive Error Profile (PREP), an instrument used to compare the vision-specific quality of life between children affected only with refractive error.  The PREP survey consisted of 11 scales: activities, appearance, far vision, near vision, handling, peer perception, satisfaction, academics, symptoms, overall vision, and overall PREP.

Doctors will typically evaluate a child’s maturity and level of parental support in deciding whether a child is ready for contact lenses. Dr. Walline advises parents and eye care practitioners to look beyond the visual benefits when choosing the most appropriate vision correction modality for children requiring vision correction.

At Spectrum Eyecare in Peachtree City, Dr. John Henahan works with many children to fit contact lenses, as well as treating common eye conditions, such as pink eye.  To learn more, click here or contact the office at 770-487-0667.

Traditional bifocal glasses and even older generation progressive (no line bifocal) lenses can fall woefully short when it comes to helping us see small screens on our smartphones or GPS devices, and to see our large computer monitors clearly from side to side.

The challenges of the computer screen have increased as screens have gotten wider and with the variety of positions that computer monitors can be located.

“The information age has taken a toll on our eyesight,” says Jeffrey Anshel, an optometrist in Carlsbad, Calif., and president of Corporate Vision Consulting, which advises employers on vision issues.

More people are showing up at eye appointments complaining of headaches, fatigue, blurred vision and neck pain—all symptoms of computer-vision syndrome (CVS), which affects some 90% of the people who spent three hours or more at day at a computer, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

Advanced Eye Examination

“The good news is that with a little detective work and a careful eye examination we can create customized solution to solve these problems”, says Dr. Henahan.

“By taking a moment to measure the distance from the bridge of your nose to your computer screen, keyboard and the papers on your desk you can really help your doctor deliver the vision that meets your needs.  At Spectrum Eyecare, we have a philosophy that allows us to take more time with the patient, so we can truly understand their vision needs and recommend customized eyeglass and/or contact lenses that best balance the demands of near, intermediate and distance vision”, continues Dr. Henahan.

Advanced Eyeglasses Lenses

Furthermore, the new generation of customized HD progressive lenses provides a much wider intermediate and near vision focal area that greatly enhances the value of these lenses in the digital age.

When evaluating your vision options, choosing the cheapest progressive is usually a mistake.  Older progressive lenses were shown to be much less satisfactory to patients in a recent study published by UC Berkeley.  In that study, patients preferred the newer HD progressive lenses on every measure of satisfaction, including visual clarity, reading vision performance, computer vision performance and how easy the lenses were to get used to.

Next generation Bifocal Contact Lenses

The big advances in HD eyeglasses lenses have recently been matched by two next generation contact lenses that improve greatly upon older technology bifocal contact lenses.  These lenses greatly reduce dependence on reading glasses when you wear contacts by providing crisp distance and intermediate vision.  Reading vision is quite good too, but low power reading glasses are likely to be needed on occasion, especially if the lighting is poor or the print is very small.

If you are suffering from problems with the performance of your eyeglasses or contact lenses in the digital age, look for the advanced technology of new generation lenses to get you seeing all your devices more clearly with less eyestrain.

Dr. John Henahan is a fellowships trained doctor of optometry practicing and living in Peachtree City, GA with his wife and two sons.  Click here to contact his office at 770 487-0667 or visit him on the web at www.speceye.com.

I see great, why should I have an eye exam?

Even if you have perfect vision, most organizations, like the American Optometric Association feel that an adult should have an eye exam at least every 3 years.  Once you reach your 40’s exams are recommended a minimum of every two years.  Those 50 years of age or older should have an eye exam annually, as should people who wear corrective lenses and/or have a family history of eye disease.  Diabetics must have an exam with dilated pupils and special photographs annually (see below for more on diabetes and the eye).

The reason that even those of us with perfect vision should still have periodic eye exams is that many eye diseases have no symptoms early in their course.

Glaucoma, for example, is often called the “sneak thief of sight” because millions are suffering from this condition with no symptoms.  It is not until one has lost 80% or more of their vision that symptoms develop.  Unfortunately, any vision you have lost cannot be recovered.  That makes early diagnosis essential in the treatment of this disease.

Other conditions like Macular Degeneration (AMD) can sometimes be prevented or at least delayed. Often the precursor to this condition can be seen 20 years before AMD begins to affect vision.  With appropriate nutritional therapy, research shows that we can reduce the likelihood of a person developing AMD by up to 30% or more.

I have diabetes, what should I do to protect my eyes?

Diabetes is the number one cause of vision loss in Americans under age 65, and number 2 across all ages groups.  While most people think of diabetes as a blood sugar disease, in the eye we are concerned about changes to blood vessels that can result in hemorrhaging (bleeding) inside the eye.  This results in damage to the retina (which can be thought of as similar to the film in a camera).  This damage can result in permanently blurred vision or even total blindness if left untreated.  Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve good vision for life.  Annual eye exams with special photographs of the retina are imperative in preserving sight for people with diabetes.

I’m in my 40’s why can’t I see up close anymore?

We all lose the ability to focus up close.  This process begins in our twenties, and typically becomes a noticeable problem in our early to mid 40’s.  This loss of focusing, called presbyopia, diminishes our ability to see clearly up close through our distance prescription. Presbyopia is a natural process, it is also a progressive process, so we tend to have greater and greater difficulty with near tasks as we move through our 40’s and into our early 50’s.  By our early to mid-50’s, the progression stops, but we never regain our ability to focus up close.

This often means a transition to bifocal glasses (often called progressive lenses) or necessitates the need for reading glasses over our contact lenses.  The good news is that with the new digitally surfaced, HD style progressive lenses, it is easier than ever to make a successful transition to multifocal glasses.  At Spectrum Eyecare, we are even having good success with people who were previously unable to use this type of eyeglasses lens.

I wear contacts and replace them online, why should I bother with an annual exam?

Contact lenses (CL) are a prescription device that when cared for appropriately are very safe.

However, as we age our eyes change, often requiring a change in the type of contact lens worn, solutions used or the replacement schedule of the lenses.  That is why all contact lens prescriptions have an expiration date.  Since CL use increases the risk of dry eye, abnormal blood vessel growth and serious eye infections it is critical to have regular, annual checks of your eyes and contacts.  This is true regardless of your age.  However, our eyes become less resilient as we age requiring even greater care in monitoring the health of our eyes as we age.

At many leading practices, including Spectrum Eyecare, it is understood that you can get your contacts from many sources, so CL’s are priced very competitively with mail order and big box retailers.  The important thing is to have an annual exam and to replace your contacts as advised by your eye doctor.

Is it safe to sleep in my contacts?

Sleeping in contact lenses is the single greatest cause of complications among those who wear lenses.  Even in the safest materials, contact lens over-wear causes at least a tenfold increase in eye infection and other dangerous complications.  Teaching and reinforcing the dangers of contact lens over-wear is one of Dr. Henahan’s top priorities.

What type of contact lens is best for me?

For most, soft disposable lenses represent the best balance of comfort, easy care, clear vision and safety.  For some people, disposable lenses are not an option due to the nature of their prescription, but other lens options do exist which allow us to fit almost any child in contacts. Advances in bifocal contact lens technology have been slow, so most people struggle to succeed with this type of lens, despite what the TV commercials want you to believe.

What about LASIK?

LASIK eye surgery is an excellent option for many people with glasses or contacts who wish to eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts.  However, one must be at least 18 years of age to undergo LASIK.  Furthermore, it is important that the prescription is not changing.

It is also important to understand that LASIK does nothing to prevent the loss of focusing capability that afflicts those of us in our 40’s.

NEXT MONTH:  Eye FAQ’s for Seniors

Dr. John Henahan is a fellowship trained doctor of optometry practicing and living right here in Peachtree City with his wife and two sons.  You may call his office at (770) 487-0667 or visit him on the web at www.speceye.com.

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At what age should my child have their first eye exam?

Most organizations, like the American Optometric Association feel that a child should have a first exam before age 1.  The problem with this is that finding an eye doctor who has the special equipment and training to evaluate infants is difficult.  In our area, the waiting time for an appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist is more than six weeks.

If you (or your pediatrician) suspect any vision problems, have a family history of congenital vision problems, then it is advisable to have an infant eye exam with a pediatric specialist.

For most other children, a first eye exam around age 5 is ideal.  The child is old enough to allow for a very thorough eye exam that with great accuracy can determine if glasses are needed.  If no problems are found, repeat exams are recommended approximately every three years.

What is lazy eye?

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, affects just two to three percent of the population. But, if left uncorrected, this vision problem can have a very big impact. Central vision fails to develop properly, usually in one eye, which is called amblyopic.  Untreated amblyopia may lead to functional blindness in the affected eye. Although the amblyopic eye has the capability to see, the brain “turns off” this eye because vision is very blurred, and the brain elects to see only with the stronger eye.  Proper intervention, which may include glasses and eye exercises (vision therapy), can drastically improve vision in the affected eye of these children, especially if diagnosed before age 6.

Why does my child struggle in school?

There are many reasons for poor school performance.  Developmental and learning disabilities, AD/HD, Asperger’s and autism are just a few possible causes.  Even if your child is diagnosed with one of these conditions, an eye exam to rule out vision problems is essential.  Remember, approximately 80% of what a child learns comes through their visual system.  A complete eye exam with dilated pupils is a key way to determine if your child’s visual system is doing it’s part.

My child is complaining of difficulty seeing the board in school, what does that mean?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a vision problem that manifests as difficulty seeing far away.  This condition can come on at any age, but most commonly arises in late elementary school or early middle school.  Correction of myopia is straightforward with glasses or contact lenses.

At what age can my child wear contact lenses?

Depending upon your child’s prescription and level of maturity, a good rule of thumb is around age eleven.  Dr. Henahan has fit younger children in contact lenses, but it is important for parents to carefully monitor the younger child’s actions to insure safe practices with respect to contact lens care.

Advances in contact lens care and materials have made them dramatically safer than five or ten years ago if the child cares for their contacts properly.

Can my child sleep in their contacts?

Sleeping in contact lenses is the single greatest cause of complications among those who wear lenses.  Even in the safest materials, contact lens over wear causes at least a tenfold increase in eye infection and other dangerous complications.  Teaching and reinforcing the dangers of contact lens overwear is one of Dr. Henahan’s top priorities.

How important is it to replace my child’s contact lenses on schedule?

Apart from sleeping in lenses, failure to replace contacts on schedule is the second biggest cause of complications that arise from the use of contact lenses.  Contact lenses should be replaced as directed by your eye doctor, or monthly at a minimum (this does not apply to patients wearing rigid or hard contact lenses).

Additionally, your child should get a new case with their contact lenses with each new bottle of solution.  Additionally, replacing the solution that your contacts soak in should be done daily.  The contact lens solution is not effective in cleaning or disinfecting a contact lens after the first night.  Each morning when the contact lenses are put on, the case should have the solution rinsed out of it and allowed to air dry (with the top off) during the day. Fresh solution should be used when taking the lenses out in the evening.

What type of contact lens is best for my child?

For most children, soft disposable lenses represent the best balance of comfort, easy care, clear vision and safety.  For some children, disposable lenses are not an option due to the nature of their prescription, but other lens options do exist which allow us to fit almost any child in contacts.

What about LASIK?

LASIK eye surgery is an excellent option for many people with glasses or contacts who wish to eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts.  However, one must be at least 18 years of age to undergo LASIK.  Furthermore, it is important that the prescription is not changing.  Typically, most children continue to see prescription changes until they are in their early to mid 20’s.  Dr. Henahan advises against LASIK until your child’s prescription has been stable for two years.

Dr. John Henahan is a fellowship trained doctor of optometry practicing and living right here in Peachtree City with his wife and two sons.  You may call his office at (770) 487-0667 or request an appointment here.