Q: Lens replacement corrects cataracts, astigmatism

A: "Yes, it’s now possible to remove a cataract and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens that can correct astigmatism at the same time," says Nancy Webb, M.D., chief of Ophthalmology at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.

Cataract formation – the gradual clouding of a normally clear eye lens – is usually part of the aging process, but diabetes, smoking and overexposure to sunlight are known to hasten the progression. Whereas, astigmatism (often incorrectly referred to as "a stigmatism") is blurred or distorted vision due to the shape of the cornea.

"If your cornea has a baseball shape, you don't have astigmatism," Dr. Webb explains. "However, if your cornea has a football shape, it is astigmatic – and this new lens can compensate for that."

Though results may vary for some patients, the foldable replacement lens is designed to offer crisper vision and an excellent opportunity to get rid of glasses for distance visual clarity.

The surgery is an outpatient procedure lasting about 30 minutes with another hour for recovery. The patient wears an eye patch until the next day's follow-up exam.

Whether a patient is a suitable candidate for this procedure is determined during their initial appointment.

"If you have cataracts, astigmatism or other vision problems, you should meet with a qualified ophthalmologist for a comprehensive examination and discuss today's treatment options," concludes Dr. Webb, a board-certified ophthalmologist who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold's Main Campus.

Q: Tips for avoiding eye strain

A: "You can remedy the discomfort that comes with computer use by making some simple adjustments at your desk," says Laura Zivley, O.D., an optometrist at Kelsey-Seybold's West Clinic. "In many cases, computer eye strain is related to your posture and the ergonomics of your eyes, head and neck."

Approximately 20 million American workers experience eye strain as a result of computer usage. In many cases, poor lighting, bright computer screens and inadequate eye wear cause discomfort.

"The good news is that these problems are easily adjustable to prevent eye fatigue," notes Dr. Zivley. "A good way to adjust the brightness on your screen is to use a filter on your computer monitor. If you wear eyeglasses, be sure they are appropriate for computer work and not just reading printed words. Your eye care provider can prescribe glasses or contact lenses created especially for computer users."

To ease your headache, Dr. Zivley suggests taking a much-needed break from your computer.

"Look away from your computer while you're at your desk and return phone calls or do work that doesn't involve the computer," adds Dr. Zivley. "To prevent the irritation and blurred vision that comes with dry eyes, you may need prescription eye drops. These drops provide moisture and treat the underlying problem to improve the quality of your tears."

Dr. Zivley notes that you can give your sore eyes the relief they need by changing the way you work on your computer. "However, if your headache won't go away, or your eye problems persist or worsen, consult your primary care provider or an eye care professional for help."

Q: What is a detached retina and how is it repaired?

A: "About the size of a postage stamp, the retina is an extremely thin tissue lining the inside of the back of the eye that allows us to interpret what we see," says Ruben Lemos, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic since 1981. "The eye focuses images onto the retina in much the way a camera focuses light onto film."

Most detachments occur when a break or a tear separates the retina from its attachments to the eye, allowing vitreous gel - a clear gel filling two-thirds of the inside of the eye - to accumulate behind the retina. Though about one in 10,000 people have a retinal detachment each year for no apparent reason, most detachments are caused by eye diseases, diabetes or blunt trauma - such as a tennis ball striking to the eye.

"Untreated, even partial retinal separations may progress to total detachment - and, eventually, blindness," Dr. Lemos warns. "That's why early diagnosis and repair is urgent."

Several treatments are available to make the repairs. However, surgical reattachment tends to be the best option for more severe cases.

"Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia," Dr. Lemos says. "About 90 percent of patients have a successful reattachment with improved vision."

The worst mistake a patient can make is not seeking treatment.

"The retina will not reattach itself. That's why it's important to be seen by a knowledgeable ophthalmologist," concludes Dr. Lemos, who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold's Main Campus location.

Q: Are cataracts an inevitable part of the aging process?

A: "Cataract formation - the clouding of a normally clear lens of the eye - is part of the natural aging process," says Nancy Webb, M.D., chief of Ophthalmology at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "Over time, the protein fibers within the eye lens break down and begin to clump together.

"During the early stages, cataracts may have little effect on vision," Dr. Webb says. "But as a cataract progresses, the lens becomes more clouded and vision becomes hazy or blurred as if you were looking through a foggy window."

Nuclear cataracts form in the nucleus, or inner core, of the lens. This is the most common type associated with the aging process. Scientists don't know the exact cause of cataracts, but smoking and overexposure to sunlight are known to increase the likelihood.

They never "just go away." If the formation progresses untreated, cataracts can cause blindness.

"Fortunately, cataracts can almost always be successfully removed with surgery," Dr. Webb says. "The decision to have surgery is usually based on whether the patient's lifestyle - such as driving, reading or watching TV - is being significantly interfered with."

In surgery, an ophthalmologist removes the clouded lens and, in most cases, replaces it with an artificial lens. More than 90 percent of patients opting for cataract removal surgery enjoy improved post-op vision.

"If you suspect cataracts, glaucoma or other eye conditions, you should be seen by a qualified eye doctor," concludes Dr. Webb, a board-certified ophthalmologist who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold's Main Campus location.

Q: Why do my eyes have to be dilated for my eye exam?

A: "Dilation allows for the evaluation and detection of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and glaucoma on the retina that cannot be seen when pupils are in their normal state," says Ashley Huynh, O.D., an optometrist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic's Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center in Sugar Land and Clear Lake Medical Center in Webster.

"When eye drops that enlarge the pupils are placed in the eyes, patients become sensitive to light and may experience blurry vision, especially up close, for a few hours," Dr. Huynh says. "Almost all my patients are able to drive themselves home, but if they feel uncomfortable, I advise they bring a friend to drive them."

Dr. Huynh stresses the importance of yearly eye exams.

"It's important to have your eyes checked at least once every year," says Dr. Huynh. "Some diseases like glaucoma can steal sight without signs or symptoms. It's an insidious disease causing a gradual loss of peripheral vision without the patient being aware of it. I've had patients who've lost 75 percent of their sight without noticing it. And sadly, the damage is irreversible."

The disease has personally affected Dr. Huynh: Her mother-in-law is blind is one eye because of undetected glaucoma.

"This happened before I met my husband," she says. "Otherwise I would have gotten her eyes examined.

"If it's been a year or longer since your last checkup, I recommend you make an appointment right away. "Vision is a precious gift. Just imagine the rest of your life without it."

Q: My 3-year-old preschooler has recurrent pink eye. Will this affect her vision as she gets older?

A: "Even though pink eye can be irritating to the eyes, it rarely affects your eyesight and usually doesn't require extensive treatment," says Madhuri Chilakapati, M.D., a specialist in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic - Main Campus. "Because pink eye is so contagious, it can sometimes be difficult to prevent a repeat diagnosis of the condition."

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, can be highly contagious for up to two weeks after the symptoms surface.

"It's important to seek diagnosis and treatment early," adds Dr. Chilakapati. "Preschool-age children are particularly susceptible to both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, making it even more important to seek early treatment."

Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of pink eye. Frequent hand washing, changing pillowcases often and not sharing washcloths are effective ways to prevent the condition.

"If your child has pink eye, it's also a good rule of thumb to prevent the spread of the condition by keeping her away from school until she gets the treatment she needs," says Dr. Chilakapati. "Ask your child's pediatrician when your child can return to school. Many schools and child care facilities require that your child wait at least 24 hours after getting treatment before returning to school or child care.

"If your preschooler has recurrent pink eye or persistent eye tearing, she may have a blocked tear duct. Your child's pediatrician may check to see if your child's tear duct opens on its own," says Dr. Chilakapati. "Your child may be referred to an eye specialist for further evaluation and treatment."