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Category: Eye Knowledge

Potthoff Eye Care and SurgeryNewsEye Knowledge
Cataract Surgery, Eye Knowledge Dr. Potthoff

Does cigarette smoking cause cataracts?

In a word, yes. The association between cigarette smoking and cataract formation has been known for some time, and was recently reaffirmed by a new study published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery here. Interestingly, this survey used urine tests for cotinine, which is greatly increased in cigarette smokers, to verify smoking status (because not everyone admits to it on a survey!). Across the entire studied population, cigarette smoking increased the risk of cataract formation by approximately 35%. While cataracts can be removed with cataract surgery, cigarette smoking can also increase the frequency of other blinding eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, which are not so readily treated.

Eye Knowledge Dr. Potthoff

7 Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The following article is shared by Dr. Potthoff from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Potthoff is an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Traverse City, MI.

Traverse City, MI – Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over the age of 50, affecting about 2.1 million people nationwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing vision loss. During February, Potthoff Eye Care & Surgery joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in educating the public about the facts on AMD. Unlike cataracts, which can be treated with cataract surgery, AMD can cause irreversible vision loss.

AMD is a degenerative disease that happens when part of the retina called the macula is damaged. It’s the part of the eye that delivers sharp, central vision needed to see objects straight ahead. Over time, the loss of central vision can interfere with everyday activities, such as the ability to drive, read, and see faces clearly.

Ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – have more tools than ever before to diagnose the disease earlier, and to treat it better. But these advances cannot help patients whose disease is undiagnosed, or patients who are unaware of the seriousness of their disease. People’s lack of understanding about AMD is a real danger to public health. A recent study showed that most people with AMD don’t realize it’s a chronic health issue that requires regular attention for the rest of their lives. 

The Academy offers these seven steps to help people take control of their eye health:

  • Get regular comprehensive medical eye exams. AMD often has no early warning signs, so getting regular comprehensive eye exams from an ophthalmologist is critical to diagnosing and treating the eye disease in its early stages. The Academy recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 — the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. By age 65, the Academy recommends getting an exam every one to two years, even in the absence of symptoms or eye problems.
  • Quit smoking. Numerous studies show smoking increases the risk of developing AMD, and the speed at which it progresses. Smokers are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration compared with a nonsmoker.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet. Many studies demonstrate that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-packed foods, such as salmon and nuts, may reduce the risk of AMD. Research also suggests that patients who ate fresh fish, an important source of omega-3s, were at lower risk of developing AMD.
  • Take the right kind of vitamins. Vitamins can delay progression of advanced AMD and help people keep their vision longer if they have intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. But make sure it’s the right combination of vitamins. A recent study found that some of the top-selling products do not contain identical ingredient dosages to eye vitamin formulas proven effective in clinical trials. 
  • Exercise regularly. Exercising three times a week can reduce the risk of developing wet AMD by 70 percent. Studies also show that physical activity may lower the odds of both early and late-stages of AMD.
  • Monitor your sight with an Amsler Grid. This simple, daily routine takes less than one minute and can help people with AMD save more of their vision. Using this grid is essential to finding any vision changes that are not obvious, so you can report them to your ophthalmologist.
  • Know your family’s eye health history. If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a 50 percent greater chance of developing the condition. Before your next eye exam, speak with your family about their eye health history. You may need more frequent eye exams based on your family history.

“Most people understand the importance of annual medical examinations,” said Rahul N. Khurana, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “However, we often forget that our eyes also need regular evaluation by a medical doctor. Degenerative diseases, such AMD, can now be successfully treated, but early detection is imperative to avoid lasting consequences.”

Eye Knowledge, Glaucoma Dr. Potthoff

Lifestyle Choices May Help Glaucoma Patients Preserve EyeSight

The following article is shared by Dr. Potthoff from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Potthoff is an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Traverse City, MI.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss, affecting about 3 million people in the United States. Because there are no symptoms early on, about half of people with the disease don’t know they have it. Once vision is lost to glaucoma, it can’t be regained. During Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, Potthoff Eye Care & Surgery joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in reminding the public that early detection and treatment, and some lifestyle choices can help protect your sight.

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Typically, the disease progresses slowly, gradually destroying peripheral vision. Because people are unaware of early peripheral vision loss, a patient can lose most of it before they even know they have glaucoma. 

That’s why the Academy recommends that everyone have a comprehensive eye exam at age 40. This exam provides ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – an opportunity to carefully examine the eye including the optic nerve for signs of damage and other possible problems that may affect vision. Individuals at greater risk for developing glaucoma include people: 

Appropriate treatment for glaucoma depends on the specific type and severity of the disease. Medicated eye drops or laser treatments are the most common initial approach. These techniques work by lowering eye pressure to reduce the amount of fluid in the eye, and by increasing fluid outflow from the eye. Cataract surgery has also been shown to lower eye pressure.

Beyond drugs and surgery, several recent studies suggest that lifestyle choices may also help minimize the risk of losing vision to glaucoma.

Exercise regularly. A study just published in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, showed that people who engaged in physical activity can slow vision loss from glaucoma.

Meditate. A new study published last month in the Journal Glaucoma showed that a relaxation program with meditation can lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients and improve their quality of life by lowering stress hormones like cortisol. 

Don’t use CBD as a “natural” glaucoma remedy. CBD, or cannabidiol, is the non-psychotropic component of cannabis and hemp being touted as a magical cure-all. A study published last month in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science shows it actually raised eye pressure in mice.

Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially green, leafy ones. One study showed that people who ate more leafy vegetables have a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. Why? Nitrates in green vegetables can be converted to nitric oxide, which can improve blood flow and help regulate pressure inside the eye.

Don’t smoke. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of glaucoma and has an overall negative impact on eye health.

Maintain a healthy body weight. People with a higher body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk for diabetes, and having diabetes puts people at risk of glaucoma. Having a too low BMI is also associated with increased glaucoma risk.

“Patients are often surprised when their ophthalmologist tells them they have glaucoma because they don’t have symptoms,” said Dianna Seldomridge, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “That’s why it’s so important to have your eyes examined regularly; to detect the signs of disease you don’t see. The good news is that today’s innovative treatments and surgical techniques are better than ever.”

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website.

Eye Knowledge, Health Dr. Potthoff

Make Sure Protective Eyewear is on Your Christmas Shopping List

The following article is shared by Dr. Potthoff from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Potthoff is an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Traverse City, MI.

In the beloved holiday movie, A Christmas Story, Ralphie attempts to convince his parents and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift. They all reject his pleas with the same warning: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” While you may not literally shoot your eye out, a new study in Ophthalmology Retina – a journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology – shows that BB and pellet guns do blind children every year.

And, the number of eye injuries related to such nonpowder guns are increasing at an alarming rate. Another study published earlier this year showed an increase of almost 170 percent over the last 23 years. If toy guns are on your shopping list, Potthoff Eye Care and Surgery in Traverse City, Michigan and the American Academy of Ophthalmology urge you to also give the gift of protective eyewear. Protective eyewear and proper guidance make BB, pellet and paintball gun activities safer for children.

Eye injuries can include traumatic cataract formation, glaucoma, eyelid injury and retinal tears and detachments. In fact, Savannah Guthrie from the Today show recently suffered a retinal tear after her toddler threw a toy train that hit her eye.

To prevent eye injuries, ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – share the following tips.

  • Buy the proper eye protection. Always wear eye protection that meets appropriate national standards when using nonpowder guns.
  • Get a target. Have children shoot BB and pellet guns at paper or gel targets with a backstop to trap BBs or pellets.
  • Educate children. Teach them proper safety precautions for handling and using non-powder guns.
  • Be present. Ensure that there is always appropriate adult supervision.
  • Know what to do (and what not to)if an eye injury occurs. Seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist. As you wait for medical help, make sure to never to touch, rub, apply pressure, or try to remove any object stuck in the eye. If an eye injury occurs, follow these important care and treatment guidelines.

“Ophthalmologists see firsthand the devastating damage toy guns can inflict on the eyes; children are blinded,” said Dianna Seldomridge, M.D., MBA, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The good news is, most of these injuries are avoidable. Protective eyewear and adult supervision make non-powder gun activities much safer for children. If you can’t resist the Ralphies in your life, buy protective eyewear.” 

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website.

Eye Knowledge Dr. Potthoff

What Happened To Savannah Guthrie’s Eye?

Earlier this week, People Magazine reported that Today show host Savannah Guthrie suffered a retinal tear after her young son, Charley, threw a toy that hit her in the eye. Per her account of the ongoing treatment, it also sounds like she had a vitreous hemorrhage, which means that there was blood in the “jelly” inside her eye. This would have occurred if a blood vessel crossed the area of the retina that tore, which would result in the blood vessel tearing as well.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Retinal Tear?

The most common symptoms associated with a retinal tear are “flashes and floaters”, which means seeing little lightning-like flashes in one’s vision (often off to the side and more noticeable in the dark) and black “specks” floating through one’s visual field. As in Savannah’s case, decreased vision can also result if the tear is associated with bleeding inside the eye.

Is A Retinal Tear The Same Thing As A Retinal Detachment?

No. However, a retinal tear can lead to a retinal detachment, which is what makes the identification and treatment of a retinal tear time-sensitive. This is because a retinal tear can allow the fluid inside the eye to get under the retina and detach it, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

How Is A Retinal Tear Treated?

A retinal tear is most commonly fixed by laser surgery, which involves an ophthalmologist using a laser to seal or “weld” down the retina around the tear, thus isolating it and preventing fluid from entering the tear and causing a detachment to develop. In some cases, cryotherapy is used to freeze the adjacent tissue and accomplish the same goal as laser therapy. If a retinal tear progresses to a retinal detachment, surgery is often required to repair it. This carries more risk than in-office laser, including infection, bleeding, and cataract formation.

Diabetic Eye Disease, Eye Knowledge Dr. Potthoff

Sixty Percent of Americans with Diabetes Skip Annual Sight-Saving Exams

The following article is shared by Dr. Potthoff from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Potthoff is an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Traverse City, MI.

People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing serious eye diseases, yet most do not have sight-saving, annual eye exams, according to a large study. Potthoff Eye Care & Surgery in Traverse City, MI joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in reiterating the importance of eye exams during the month of November, which is observed as Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. 

Researchers at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia have found that more than half of patients with the disease skip these exams. They also discovered that patients who smoke – and those with less severe diabetes and no eye problems – were most likely to neglect having these checks. 

The researchers collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to review the charts of close to 2,000 patients age 40 or older with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to see how many had regular eye exams from their eye doctors. Their findings over a four-year period revealed that:

  • Fifty-eight percent of patients did not have regular follow-up eye exams
  • Smokers were 20 percent less likely to have exams
  • Those with less-severe disease and no eye problems were least likely to follow recommendations 
  • Those who had diabetic retinopathy were 30 percent more likely to have follow-up exams

One in 10 Americans have diabetes, putting them at heightened risk for visual impairment due to the eye disease diabetic retinopathy. The disease also can lead to other blinding ocular complications if not treated in time. Fortunately, having a dilated eye exam yearly or more often can prevent 95 percent of diabetes-related vision loss. 

Eye exams are critical as they can reveal hidden signs of disease, enabling timely treatment. This is why the Academy recommends people with diabetes have them annually or more often as recommended by their ophthalmologist, a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care. 

“Vision loss is tragic, especially when it is preventable,” said Ann P. Murchison, M.D., M.P.H., lead author of the study and director of the eye emergency department at Wills Eye Hospital. “That’s why we want to raise awareness and ensure people with diabetes understand the importance of regular eye exams.”

The Academy offers this animated public service announcement to help educate people about the importance of regular exams and common eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy. It encourages the public to watch and share it with their friends and family. 

“People with diabetes need to know that they shouldn’t wait until they experience problems to get these exams,” Rahul N. Khurana, M.D, clinical spokesperson for the Academy. “Getting your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist or optometrist can reveal the signs of disease that patients aren’t aware of.

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website.

Eye Knowledge Dr. Potthoff

Keeping Aging Eyes Healthy

The following article is shared by Dr. Potthoff from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Potthoff is an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Traverse City, MI.

Ophthalmologists Encourage Making Your Eyes Part of a Healthy Aging Strategy

According to a national survey released by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly two out of three American adults report having eye or vision problems. A significant percentage of them, however, fail to seek medical attention in the form of regular, sight-saving eye exams from an eye doctor. In observance of Healthy Aging Month in September, Potthoff Eye Care & Surgery in Traverse City, MI joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in emphasizing the importance of having regular eye exams to maintain healthy eyes and vision.

Some of the more common age-related eye diseases include age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can help to save sight before vision loss occurs. Ophthalmologists – the physicians that specialize in medical and surgical eye care – recommend a dilated comprehensive eye exam as the best way to prevent these conditions from becoming debilitating.

U.S. Adults Do Not Get Eye Exams as Often as Recommended
The survey results emphasize a need for more education about the importance of medical eye exams. Findings showed that 64 percent of adults had at least one or more of the following issues with their eyes or vision: 

  • difficulty seeing at night; 
  • blurry vision; 
  • reading up close; 
  • flashes of light; 
  • red, watery eyes; and,
  • double vision. 

Despite experiencing some level of impairment, only 13 percent admitted they had been seen by an ophthalmologist. 

How Often Do Adults Need Eye Exams?
The Academy recommends that a healthy adult get a baseline eye exam at age 40, even if they have no history of eye problems or eye disease. Those who have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may require more frequent exams. 

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website.

Eye Knowledge Dr. Potthoff

Eye Health Tips for Students

The following article is shared by Dr. Potthoff from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Potthoff is an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Traverse City, MI.

Students face special challenges to the eyes when they are under academic performance pressure. Lack of sleep, prolonged computer use and long hours studying make for tired eyes that are dry, scratchy and achy. 

Prolonged computer use contributes to eye fatigue because you blink less frequently. Less blinking significantly reduces lubrication in the eye making it feel tired, scratchy and “dry” as a result. Also eyes are not designed for prolonged focus on a single object, such as the computer. Remedy: place a note on the computer screen as a reminder to blink and to look away from the screen and focus on objects in the distance.  Looking out a window (20 – 20 – 20 rule:  for every 20 minutes of computer work, look away for 20 seconds, and focus on a scene or object at least 20 feet away) is a good break for the eyes. The key is to give your eyes a rest.

“Dry eye” is a common feeling from not giving your eyes enough rest while some people just naturally do not produce enough tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. Some common symptoms of dry eye are stinging and burning to the eyes, scratchiness, excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind and excessive tearing. Remedy: If you have occasional symptoms of dry eye, you should try eye drops called artificial tears. These are similar to your own tears and help lubricate the eyes and maintain moisture. For persistent “dry eye,” see your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

For more information about things students should do for their eyes, please visit: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/college-students.

Contact Lenses and Sleep Deprivation 

When a contact-lens wearer stays awake studying for 18-20 hours or more with their contacts in, it’s almost the equivalent of sleeping with contacts in, something that eye doctors warn against. Prolonged wearing of your contact lenses is a problem for people who wear regular hydrogen lenses, since traditional hydrogels are relatively less permeable to oxygen than newer alternatives like silicone hydrogels. The eye needs oxygen to keep it healthy. Without regular exposure to oxygen, the eye’s cornea can become inflamed and the vision blurry. Prolonged contact lens use can even lead to infections or corneal ulcers that in the worst case can permanently damage vision. 

Sometimes students fall asleep without knowing it (with their contacts in), while studying. Remedy: Alternate wearing contact lenses with use of eyeglasses during long study periods. Also, students with irregular sleep patterns can wear contact lenses made of silicon hydrogen, a new material with improved oxygen permeability, which may reduce risk of infection and discomfort.

For more information about contact lenses and proper contact care guidelines, please visit: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-care.

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website.


This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart Campaign (http://www.aao.org/eyesmart).

Eye Knowledge Dr. Potthoff

What Is 20/20 Vision?

Have you ever gone to the eye doctor (an optometrist or ophthalmologist) and been told that you have 20/20 vision? Have you ever wondered what 20/20 vision actually means?

Eye chart used by eye doctor to check visual acuity for 20/20 vision.
Example of Snellen visual acuity chart.

20/20 is a notation of visual acuity in what is called Snellen acuity. It is tested by having a patient read individual black letters of various sizes on a white background. The top number in the Snellen acuity is the distance at which the chart is viewed (historically 20 feet); however, new digital acuity systems can be calibrated to various testing distances. The bottom number of the Snellen acuity refers to the distance from which those letters can be read by a person with “normal” vision. For instance, someone with 20/200 vision can read letters at 20 feet that someone with “normal” vision can read from 200 feet. 20/200 happens to be the threshold to determine someone is “legally blind” if that is the best they can see in their better-seeing eye.

Is It Possible To See Better Than 20/20?

Yes, some people can actually read the 20/10 line on the vision chart! This means their vision is twice as “good” as someone with 20/20 vision; they can read letters at 20 feet that a person with “normal” or “average” vision can only read at 10 feet. A disproportionate number of professional athletes, especially MLB professional baseball players, have vision that is better than 20/20.

Why Don’t I Have 20/20 Vision?

There are countless reasons someone may not be able to see 20/20, but I don’t consider age one of them! Too often I have patients in their 70s, 80s, or 90s say “I can’t see well because I’m old”. Not true! Last year I did cataract surgery on a 96-year-old gentleman and he was able to see 20/20 afterwards! Now there is some truth to the above sentiments, because age is the biggest risk factor for eye diseases including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. These are all reasons an eye might not be able to see 20/20.

Eye Knowledge Dr. Potthoff

Firework Eye Injuries

10,000 Reasons to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Every year, about 10,000 people are rushed to the emergency department for fireworks injuries. Ophthalmologists – physicians and eye doctors who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – treat thousands of patients who suffer a range of fireworks-related injuries, from cuts and bruises to damaged corneas, retinas, and ruptured eyeballs. Traverse City is no exception, last year Dr. Potthoff cared for a man who suffered a devastating eye injury from a firework. Many people believe that consumer fireworks are safe. But here’s the explosive truth: Most injuries are caused by legal fireworks parents buy for their children, such as sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles. To help reduce the number of potentially blinding fireworks accidents this holiday, Potthoff Eye Care & Surgery and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are sharing these tips:

  • Wear protective eyewear when igniting fireworks: Ophthalmologists recommend that every household have at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear. Stop by any hardware store and pick up some safety glasses for the entire family. 
  • Don’t pick up duds and misfires: When a lit firework didn’t explode, Javonte McNair, 14, walked over and picked it up. The “dud” exploded, severing his hand and blasting hot debris into his eye, causing severe damage to his cornea. Keep a hose and buckets of water on hand for duds and misfires. Soak the dud from a distance with a hose or a bucket of water. Pick it up with a shovel and fully submerge it in a bucket of water to ensure it’s safe for disposal.
  • Keep a safe distance: Bystanders are injured by fireworks as often as the operator. Stacy Young was 100 yards away when an illegal firework sent shrapnel into her skull. Ophthalmologists couldn’t save her eye. It had to be removed. 
  • Supervise children closely: Sparklers seem like harmless fun for the kids, but they are responsible for about 1,400 eye injuries each year. Even those tiny poppers or snappers can pose dangers. A ricocheting popper burned parts of five-year-old Nolan Haney’s eye and eyelid.
  • Celebrate with the pros: The Fourth can be complete without using consumer fireworks. The Academy advises that the safest way to view fireworks is to watch a professional show.

“Consumer fireworks are a treasured part of Fourth of July celebrations, so it’s easy to forget the dangers they can pose, particularly to the eyes,” said Dianna L. Seldomridge, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Please, take our advice. We don’t want to see you in the ER this Fourth of July.”

If you experience a fireworks eye injury, ophthalmologists urge you to minimize the damage to the eye:

  • Seek medical attention immediately
  • Do not rub the eye. Rubbing may make the injury worse
  • Do not attempt to rinse the eye
  • Do not apply pressure to the eye
  • Do not remove objects from the eye
  • Do not apply ointments or take pain medications before seeking medical help

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website.