Los Alamos Family Eyecare is proud to offer patients the Wellness Exam, the latest advancement in eye care technology that aids in early detection of eye diseases. The Wellness Exam uses state-of-the-art optical coherence tomography (OCT) to produce high definition images of the layers of the retina (sensitive area of the back of the eye).Continue reading “OCT Wellness”
Category Archives: Patient Cases
Benefits and Risks of Corneal Incisions for Cataract Surgery
There are 2 ways to created the incision during cataract surgery. Many surgeons, use sutureless clear corneal cataract incisions, because it offers advantages over the traditional sutured scleral tunnels and limbal incisions. Some of these benefits include lack of conjunctival trauma, less discomfort and bleeding, absence of suture-induced astigmatism, and faster visual rehabilitation. However, anContinue reading “Benefits and Risks of Corneal Incisions for Cataract Surgery”
Subconjunctival heme
A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of your eye (conjunctiva). This looks much worse than it really is. There’s usually no obvious harm to your eye and there’s no treatment. Even a strong sneeze or cough can cause a blood vessel to break in the eye.Continue reading “Subconjunctival heme”
Laser Treatment for Glaucoma
Wow! Did you know there are alternatives to eyedrops when it comes to HIGH RISK GLAUCOMA? #SLT is a safe and effective laser procedure that keeps pressures consistently low. Being consistent with drops have always been challenges that physicians and their patients have wrestled with for years. But with advances in laser technology improving laserContinue reading “Laser Treatment for Glaucoma”
How to Treat a Scratched Cornea?
One of the most painful things that can happen to your eye is a corneal abrasion, when you scratch your eye. It’s actually on your cornea, which is the very front part of your eye, the clear layer that covers the iris, the colored part of your eye. You might get a scratch if you:Continue reading “How to Treat a Scratched Cornea?”
Ultra Multifocal Toric Contacts
Corneal Edema after Cataract Surgery
In patients who have cataract surgery in both eyes, one eye will often heal faster than the other eye. I have seen severe corneal edema on day 1 after surgery, causing very blurry vision, redness, and discomfort. I have also seen mild to no corneal edema, and vision is very clear. This should clear inContinue reading “Corneal Edema after Cataract Surgery”
What is MPOD?
MPOD testing is a part of your annual eye health and wellness exam! Macular pigment is comprised of zeaxanthin and lutein, which are found in the center of the macula (fovea) at a natural 2:1 ratio. MPOD (Macular Pigment Optical Density) is important for three specific reasons: 1. Low macular pigment is a key riskContinue reading “What is MPOD?”
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Are your eyes watering, red, burning, and feel itchy and irritated? You might have DRY EYE, which is very common in New Mexico! Most people with dry eye also have another condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Changes to the amount and quality of oil that the Meibomian Glands produce can cause MGD. Multiple factors canContinue reading “Meibomian Gland Dysfunction”
Why can’t I see?
If you have a cataract, that doesn’t always mean you need surgery. You may not even notice any change in your vision. Some people who have this condition see just fine if they wear prescription glasses, use a magnifying lens, or rely on brighter lighting. But as cataracts grow, they can cause more symptoms. YouContinue reading “Why can’t I see?”
Post surgical care
We provide post surgical care for cataract surgery! Complications after cataract surgery are rare, and most can be treated successfully. Cataract surgery risks include: Inflammation Infection Bleeding Swelling Drooping eyelid Dislocation of artificial lens Retinal detachment Glaucoma Secondary cataract Loss of vision Your risk of complications is greater if you have another eye disease orContinue reading “Post surgical care”
Holes in the Iris
Laser peripheral iridotomy is the standard first-line treatment in closed angle glaucoma and eyes at risk for this condition. It has been used since 1984 both as treatment and prevention of the disease.
Support Small Business!
Dear Friends: It is truly devastating news that 14 businesses in our community will never open their doors again! Not all of them were COVID-19 related, but the reality is, every “Mom & Pop” has experienced a 25% to 75% loss in revenues due to the lock down. This is unsustainable for the long term.Continue reading “Support Small Business!”
What should I do about this bump on my eyelid?
We have seen many eyelid bumps in our office: some are painful and bothersome, while others aren’t even noticeable. For cases that do cause pain and discomfort: in office thermal heat treatment combined with at home dry heat masks can do a world of good in effectively treating these bumps. We also prescribe antibiotics, whichContinue reading “What should I do about this bump on my eyelid?”
February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month!
Dear Friends: We received a great response to our last letter and editorial in the Los Alamos Daily Post: Shin: Annual New Years Update.I never quite understood “aging eyes” until I personally experienced myself! Around 40, seeing fine details, seeing in low light, driving at night, and reading up close all become more difficult. The badContinue reading “February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month!”
How to Clean Your Ultrahealth Lenses!
We have seen great results with Ultrahealth contact lenses for those with high astigmatism and keratoconus! However, it is vital to clean these properly, or deposits will form, causing blurred vision! Be sure to clean your UltraHealth lenses each day prior to overnight storage. Use a daily cleaner at the end of the day. PlaceContinue reading “How to Clean Your Ultrahealth Lenses!”
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
MPOD: Heterochromatic flicker photometry is a noninvasive diagnostic test to measure your macular pigment, which is made up of zeaxanthin and lutein. These carotenoids protect the retina and shield it from harm caused by damaging light waves known as short-wavelength, high-energy, visible blue light. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) With state-of-the-art technology such as OCT, weContinue reading “Advanced Diagnostic Technology”
White Spots in Vision
What is asteroid hyalosis? Asteroid hyalosis (AH) happens when calcium and lipids, or fats accumulate in the fluid between your eye’s retina and lens, vitreous humor. What are the symptoms? The main symptom of AH is the appearance of small white spots in your field of vision. What causes it? Doctors aren’t exactly sure whyContinue reading “White Spots in Vision”
Corneal Edema after Cataract Surgery
After cataract surgery, it is common to experience mild corneal edema (swelling). If your cataract is more dense and progressed, the more likely the edema will cause blurred vision. It is important to stay on the prescribed eye drops. After about 1 week, this will resolve and you will be happy with your clear vision!Continue reading “Corneal Edema after Cataract Surgery”
COVID-19 Update
As of November 16th with the 2 week lockdown, we are making the following changes: No walk-in: all services by appointment only. No family members & friends who do not have an appointment. Wash hands before & after appointment. We will schedule curbside pickups. Text & email are the best ways to reach us!833-520-0669lshinrecall@gmail.com
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids that causes red, swollen eyelids and crusty eyelashes. We used to tell people to use baby shampoo, but now, there are far better ways to manage: Ocusoft lid sprays and scrubs; heat mask; in office thermal heat treatment!
UV Protection to Prevent Cataracts!
Cataracts is common in seniors after 60+ years old. They can also be caused by trauma, steroid use, and too much UV exposure! Did you know that there’s a higher prevalence of cataracts in younger adults in New Mexico? Ask us about UV protection on your glasses today! **Check out our Carl Zeiss C-UVPROTECT. EverybodyContinue reading “UV Protection to Prevent Cataracts!”
What is Uveitis?
When your eye is inflamed, it could be uveitis. Symptoms include sensitivity to light, eye redness, pain and blurred vision. This is treated effectively with steroid eyedrops. Dr. may dilate (open) your pupils for pain management and prevent synechiae (iris sticking to lens, as shown in this photo). #Eyehealth #Uveitis #Eyecare
Peripapillary Atrophy
Thinning in the layers of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium around the optic nerve is called peripapillary atrophy. This can be a risk factor for glaucoma, and can also cause your blind spot to be larger than normal. Regular eye exams with fundus photos are recommended to monitor for any changes.
Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE)
This rare condition usually occurs in young adults causing vision loss in both eyes. Treatment includes high doses of steroids. Symptoms may include flashes of light, blurred vision, blind spots, and distorted vision. Fundus examination shows scattered, flat multifocal creamy white or yellow spots at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with indistinctContinue reading “Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE)”
Don’t abuse your contact lenses!
Do you wear your contact lenses 12-14+ hours/day? Do you extend the life of your contact lenses, instead of tossing them as recommended? This is what can happen! White spot on the cornea is caused by inflammation. Symptoms include: pain, redness, sensitivity to light, burning, foreign body sensation, grittiness, and watering. Sometimes vision can beContinue reading “Don’t abuse your contact lenses!”
Factors associated with dry eye syndrome
SOURCE: All about Vision Computer use — We blink less when we’re on our digital devices and computers all day! Contact lens wear — Aging — older than 50 Menopause — Post-menopausal women Indoor environment — Air conditioning, ceiling fans and forced air heating systems all can decrease indoor humidity and/or hasten tear evaporation, Outdoor environment — Arid climate in NewContinue reading “Factors associated with dry eye syndrome”
Eye Floaters and Flashes / Spots in Your Vision
SOURCE: ALL ABOUT VISION By Marilyn Haddrill; contributions and review by Charles Slonim, MD Eye floaters are those tiny spots, specks, flecks and “cobwebs” that drift aimlessly around in your field of vision. While annoying, ordinary eye floaters and spots are very common and usually aren’t cause for alarm. Floaters and spots typically appear whenContinue reading “Eye Floaters and Flashes / Spots in Your Vision”
Peripapillary atrophy
Peripapillary atrophy (PPA) manifests as chorioretinal thinning and disruption of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the area surrounding the optic nerve.
Why I don’t use punctal plugs
Punctal plugs are used to treat dry eye. They are biocompatible devices that can be inserted into tear ducts to block drainage. This increases the eye’s tear film and surface moisture to help relieve certain forms of dry eye. READ MORE HERE: There are 2 reasons I don’t use punctal plugs for dry eye treatment:Continue reading “Why I don’t use punctal plugs”
Eyelid Dandruff
This patient said, “my eyelids have always been itchy, uncomfortable. You’re the first doctor who addressed this problem.” Ocusoft products are designed for such conditions, specifically Oust lid scrubs. We have all seen the chronic blepharitis patient that has attempted numerous unsuccessful treatment regimens and has visited numerous eye doctors looking for some relief. Interestingly,Continue reading “Eyelid Dandruff”
Now is the Time for an Eye Exam
Dear Friends: Recently, I found high astigmatism in a 6 year old with no complaints or symptoms. I prescribed glasses necessary to see clearly, just in time for school. With Los Alamos Public Schools starting off with online learning, eye exams are essential for the well being and eye health of our kids! Check out myContinue reading “Now is the Time for an Eye Exam”
Protecting our Children’s Eyes
I tell kids all the time to limit their digital device use to 2 hours/day, but now, they will be required to spend 6-8 hours/day on their computer!
Tests and Treatment for Glaucoma
As we get older, we lose retinal ganglion cells and our retinal nerve fiber layer gets thinner. However, in glaucoma, these ganglion cells are lost more quickly and peripheral vision can be affected. The vast majority of glaucoma patients will not experience severe vision loss. Lowering eye pressure by 20% with eye drops decreases theContinue reading “Tests and Treatment for Glaucoma”
How to Avoid Eye Injuries on the Job
Did you know that 90% of eye injuries are preventable? Many injuries result in permanent loss of vision. We strongly recommend well-fitted industrial safety glasses with impact resistant lenses that meet ANSI Z87. 1 standards. We provide high quality safety eyeglasses for LANL and subcontractors, with an excellent customer service. Check it out today!