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Understanding and Treating Vision Floaters

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Floaters in your vision can be a common annoyance as you age. However, for some, they may indicate a more serious condition. If you notice an increase in floaters, especially large ones that affect your ability to drive or read, one treatment option is vitrectomy surgery. The vitreous gel, a clear, jelly-like substance, fills the center of the eye and helps maintain its shape while providing some nourishment to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As we age, the vitreous may shrink and pull away from the retina, sometimes causing floaters. Vitrectomy surgery is a routine procedure where the vitreous gel is removed from the eye. This surgery is also used for repairing a detached retina or removing foreign objects from the eye. During vitrectomy surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions in the white of the eye to insert tiny instruments. The vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a saline solution, gas, or sterile air. The procedure typically takes about an ...
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Early Signs and Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

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Retinal detachment is a severe eye condition that, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. It occurs when the retina becomes separated from the underlying tissue. This can happen for several reasons, including injury, surgery, or age-related changes. If you experience any early signs and symptoms of retinal detachment, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. We will discuss the most common symptoms of retinal detachment as well as treatment options. What is Retinal Detachment, and What are the Symptoms? The retina is a thin layer located at the back of the eye. When it separates from its normal position, this is called retinal detachment. This can cause blurred or distorted vision, floaters, or spots in your vision, flashes of light in one eye, shadows, missing areas in your peripheral vision, and sudden or gradual loss of sight. Causes of Retinal Detachment While aging, trauma, and surgery on the eye are often cited as significant factors in the condition, sometimes t...
Location: United States
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March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month!

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At Windy City Retina, we're dedicated to ensuring your vision stays crystal clear, especially in the workplace.  Did you know? Many jobs involve prolonged screen time, which can strain your eyes. It's crucial to prioritize eye health to prevent discomfort and potential long-term issues. Here's how you can benefit from Workplace Eye Wellness Month: 1) Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to catch any issues early on. 2️) Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something 20 feet away. 3️) Adjust your workstation ergonomics to reduce eye strain and fatigue. Employers, promoting eye wellness in the workplace boosts productivity and reduces absenteeism. Let's prioritize our employees' vision and health together! Share this post to spread awareness and encourage your colleagues to prioritize their eye health this March!
Location: United States
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Vitrectomy: What you need to know

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A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that treats problems with the retina, the innermost layer of the eye. The retina is a sensitive sheet of tissue that lines the inside of your eye and sends visual signals to your brain. During a vitrectomy, your surgeon removes some or all the clear gel that fills the center of your eye. Vitrectomy Can be Used to Treat Several Serious Eye Conditions, Including: • Retinal detachment happens when the retina disconnects from the back wall of your eye. Retinal detachments can cause blindness if not treated promptly. • Diabetic retinopathy appears when high blood sugar levels damage small vessels in the retina, causing them to leak blood and swell. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in adults. Sometimes, the surgeon will perform a vitrectomy with another surgery, such as cataract surgery. The surgery, performed under local anesthesia to numb the area around your eye, takes about one to two hours. During a vitrectomy, your surgeon ...
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Gain In-Depth Insights into the Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery

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Various factors can cause retinal swelling and bleeding, including diabetes, hypertension, and retinal detachment. Laser retinopexy, an in-office surgical procedure performed by a retinal surgeon, uses laser energy to seal torn retinas or gently heat vessels to prevent further bleeding and swelling. Retinal surgeons have been performing laser retinopexy for many years, considering it a safe and effective treatment for various retina problems. Retinal tears or breaks can be detected during a comprehensive eye examination. If you have a retinal tear, your eye care professional may recommend laser surgery to prevent it from worsening and causing a detached retina. Laser retinopexy is also useful in treating small areas of bleeding in the retina not associated with tears or breaks, a procedure known as focal photocoagulation. During laser retinopexy, your retinal surgeon will administer numbing drops to your eye. You'll be awake during the procedure but should not feel discomfort. A un...
Location: Plainfield, IL, USA
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Clear Vision, Healthy Eyes: Navigating Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

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November is pointed to as a crucial time in the American health calendar – diabetic eye disease awareness month. The month of November is dedicated to shedding light on the often-overlooked connection between diabetes and vision health. Let us dive into this important topic to understand diabetic eye disease and the proactive steps that should be taken to preserve our vision. Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease: Diabetic Eye Disease encompasses a group of eye conditions that people with diabetes may face. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetes, a condition that affects how the body uses blood sugar, can lead to changes in the blood vessels of the retina, impacting vision over time. The Silent Threat to Vision: One of the worst things associated with Diabetic Eye Disease is that it often develops without showing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Regular eye check-ups become crucial for early detection and interventi...
Location: Illinois, USA
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Understanding Histoplasmosis of the Eye: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

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Histoplasmosis of the eye is a medical condition that occurs when the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum infects the eye. This condition is often a result of inhaling the spores of the fungus, which can be found in soil, especially in areas with bird or bat droppings. While histoplasmosis primarily affects the lungs, it can disseminate to other parts of the body, including the eyes. Symptoms: Histoplasmosis of the eye can lead to various ocular symptoms, including: Choroiditis: Choroiditis is the most common manifestation of ocular histoplasmosis. It can cause blurred or distorted vision, scotomas (blind spots), and decreased central vision. Retinal Scarring: As the infection progresses, it can lead to the formation of scars in the retina, which can further impair vision. Macular Edema: Some individuals with histoplasmosis may develop macular edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the macula, leading to central vision distortion. Diagnosis: Diagnosing histoplasmosis of the eye typi...
Location: Illinois, USA
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