What These Eye Symptoms Could Mean

The eyes of many people who are over 40 start to show signs of aging, such as cataracts. Each eye has a lens that sits behind the pupil, focuses light on the retina and sends it to the brain. Cataracts start when the lens’ clear protein and water start breaking down and make the lens cloudy. Objects appear fuzzy or less vivid. Luckily, however, a common surgery that implants an intraocular lens (IOL) can correct the symptoms of cataracts.

At the office of Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis, our ophthalmologists and support staff aim to provide all of our patients with the utmost care and best medical treatments. If you’re having any difficulties with your vision or suspect that you may have cataracts, we can help improve your quality of life by correcting or ameliorating them. 

The IOL, which is smaller than half of a dime and made of clear plastic, replaces the cloudy lens. After numbing your eye and giving you a sedative, the ophthalmologist breaks the lens into pieces and sucks them out via a tiny cut in your cornea. The IOL is put in place, and the tiny cut heals by itself without stitches. 

There are four main types of IOLs. Your ophthalmologist will decide which lens is best for you. 

The monofocal is the most common. Whereas your natural lens can stretch or bend to help your eye focus, the monofocal stays focused at one fixed distance. If yours focuses at a distance, you might need reading glasses.

The multifocal has areas that help you see things at different distances, just like eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive lenses,

The accommodating acts more like your natural lens and focuses at more than one distance; you’re less likely to need reading glasses.

Torics are for people with an astigmatism or if their cornea is more oval than round.

The health of your eyes is as important to us at Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis as it is to you. Good vision is crucial for innumerable reasons, and it’s especially important to monitor your eye health as your reach middle age. Please call today to schedule an examination with one of our ophthalmologists!

By Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis

September 27, 2021

Think of each of your eyes as a complex and delicate machine—such as a fine-quality, high-performance Italian sports car. And as with intricate and refined mechanisms, there is potential for, things to, so to speak, “muck up the works.”

At the office of Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis, the health of your eyes is as important to our board-certified ophthalmologists as it is to you. We know that your eyes are your windows to the world. Our high-tech, cutting-edge diagnostic equipment will provide an overall view of the health of each of your eyes. 

Here are some conditions that can affect your eyes.

Burning or stinging. Eyes can feel this sensation when they are tired or have been aggravated by smoke, dust or hay fever. There’s also the possibility of an accumulation of bacteria, called blepharitis, which elicits flakes on your eyelids. Or, your eyes might not be producing good-quality tears or a sufficient amount. 

Puffiness. Allergies, an infection, bumps on your eyelids, pinkeye or cornea sores are the usual suspects, and the swelling often disappears on its own. But if your eyes stay puffy for more than 24 hours or if your vision is hindered, see an ophthalmologist immediately. 

A lump. It could be a stye (a sore protuberance under your lid or on your lash line caused by bacteria) or a chalazion (a bulge due to a clogged oil gland). If holding a warm washcloth on your eye for 10 to 15 minutes up to five times a day doesn’t help, see an ophthalmologist. On the other hand, yellow spots are probably pinguecula (growths of protein, fat or calcium) or pterygium (fleshy tissue). If they don’t bug you or inhibit your vision, there’s usually no need for treatment. 

At the office of Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis, our elite team of ophthalmologists has the ability, focus and flexibility to demonstrate unparalleled professional knowledge. In addition to our high-quality, comprehensive care, we also have a welcoming, patient-focused environment in which each client will feel at ease and at home. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.

By Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis

August 24, 2021