Every few months we contact you to keep you informed of interesting new cases or findings that our doctors encounter while seeing patients. Of course, we also like to share exciting changes that take place in our office. In this newsletter, you will learn about how the pandemic affected our patients’ eyes, the latest advances in cataract surgery, a new treatment for droopy eyelids, and ooh and aah with us over the cuteness of Dr. Lee Kim’s first born baby!
– The Doctors and Staff at SPOG
- Congratulations Dr. Lee Kim!
- How 2020 Affected Our Eyes
- Droopy Eyelids but Not Ready for Surgery?
- Cataract Surgery and Newest Developments
- Celebrating 10 years!
- Are you taking Elmiron?
- Vaccinations and Office Protocol
Congratulations Dr. Lee Kim!
Dr. Lee Kim gave birth to Connor Dean Kim on an early Saturday morning in March! He was 7 lbs 5oz with a whole head of hair! Mom, Dad and baby Connor are all healthy and doing well. We look forward to seeing Dr. Lee Kim when she returns in June. Is he not the cutest?! (Oh yesh yoo are.)
How 2020 Affected Our Eyes
It has now been over a year since our work and schools switched to digital platforms, and our doctors are seeing the effects of a year of digital use. For the first half of the pandemic, 80% of our patients of all ages complained of digital eye strain (tired eyes, dry eyes, and/or blurry vision). Fortunately, this is easily solved by wearing a pair of computer or reading glasses and/or taking regular breaks from digital devices.
For our school-age and college students, we have seen an increase in nearsightedness or myopia (when distance vision becomes blurry). This was unfortunately expected and difficult to prevent due to less time spent outdoors. Usually myopia tends to worsen over time, especially if it develops at a younger age (6 years old and younger). The good news though is that we can decrease its progression through the use of contact lenses or eye drops (and soon-to-be FDA approved spectacle lenses). Additionally, spending more time outdoors has a beneficial effect, especially now that sporting activities are returning and schools are reopening.
Please make sure to contact our office if you or your child has not been seen in a year and need to make an appointment. As we are still working on a slightly limited appointment schedule, you may need to be placed on the waiting list for appointments and will be contacted when one becomes available. Thank you for understanding, we want to see you too!
Droopy Eyelids but Not Ready for Surgery?
Are you noticing that your upper eyelids tend to droop or that raising your eyebrows improves your vision? Until now, surgical correction has been the only treatment. But a new eyedrop called Upneeq, used once daily, can give you a temporary lid lift to improve your vision and look more alert.
Cataract Surgery and Newest Developments
A cataract is when the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy or yellow/brown; this causes glare at night or blurry vision that cannot be improved with glasses or contact lenses. For many patients, cataract surgery may be needed, whereby the cataract is removed and replaced with an implant. Here’s the cool part: the implant can incorporate your prescription so you can be free from your glasses for the majority of the day.
There are a number of factors to consider when having cataract surgery but the two decisions that you will need to make is whether you would like to have a laser-assisted cataract surgery (vs. traditional) and if you would like a specialty implant.
Femotsecond laser-assisted cataract surgery uses a laser to create incisions and the opening to remove the cataract. It offers a more precise, safer and more predictable approach to traditional cataract surgery. This is especially important when using a speciality implant that requires more precision for best vision. The majority of our patients choose to have a laser-assisted approach. Insurance plans typically only cover a traditional surgery and the laser portion would be the patient’s responsibility.
There are many options for implants to correct your vision ranging from standard to multifocal (to correct far and near vision) to astigmatism-correcting implants. But the latest development is the light-adjustable lens. This is the most advanced lens because its power can be adjusted non-invasively after surgery. The lens changes power in response to a precise pattern of UV light. Two weeks after cataract surgery, we will determine your preferred vision correction you will return to the surgeon to adjust the power to obtain crisply focused vision at the distance of your choice. This is an exciting option particularly because adjustments can be made up to three times to fine tune the power. There are limitations with this choice such as frequent follow-up visits and wearing UV-blocking glasses everyday (even indoors) until the adjustments are finalized.
The light adjustable lens is the most advanced lens because its power can be adjusted non-invasively after implantation.
It’s an exciting time for cataract surgery; important decisions and discussions will need to take place prior, in addition to ensuring optimal health of the eyes in preparation for surgery. Please feel free to discuss this further with your eye doctor at your next appointment.
Celebrating 10 years!
Thank you Ginnie for your ten years of service! Ginnie’s kind and compassionate care of our patients is a true reflection of her character. And her dry wit keeps us chuckling throughout the day. Clinicians like Ginnie is what makes our office what it is today, where quality patient care is our top priority. Thank you Ginnie for bringing your best to work every day!
Are you taking Elmiron?
Recent findings are suggesting that a medication called Elmiron used to treat a bladder condition, has a high likelihood of causing vision loss. Some patients on this medication have noticed gradual blurry vision, difficulty reading and difficulty seeing in dim environments. If you are noticing these problems and are currently taking Elmiron, it is important to come see your eye doctor for further evaluation.
Vaccinations and Office Protocol
All our staff and doctors have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and continue to follow our protocol for maximum protection and disinfection in the office. This includes curbside waiting (maximum of 2 people in our reception area), temperature checks, thorough disinfection of equipment and eyeglass frames in between patients, and the use of single-use disposable tools and instruments where available. Our appointment slots continue to be lengthened to allow for social distancing and time for disinfection in between patients.