Coronavirus and the Eye

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Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that can cause flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatique, myalgias, shortness of breath, loss of a sense of smell and taste.  Symptoms can range from mild to severe.  Severe cases have caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.  It is primarily spread by respiratory droplets and it is important to wash your hands regularly and not touch your face.

Coronavirus and the EyeCoronaviurs and the Eye | Alaina Kronenberg MD | Eye Surgery Institute

Coronavirus can present as a viral pink eye (conjunctivitis) in a small percentage of patients.   It affects the eyes in approximately 1-3% of patients and may present as a red, swollen puffy eyes with watery discharge.

Eye Surgery Institute

At the time I am writing this blog, Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I have been adhering to the recommendations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the CDC.  We have closed our office to all routine appointments.  We are still available daily for emergent issues.  Please call our office to arrange an appointment if you are having an urgent issue.  I am also available for video conference appointment if the issue is one that can be addressed remotely.

If you do come into our office for an appointment, we have instituted additional safety and hygiene precautions to minimize any risk.  We are also spacing appointments so that contact with others can be minimized.  Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I are available and happy to see both new and established patients for urgent issues at this time.  We hope to resume normal operations once it is safe to do so.  We have staff available during the business day to answer your phone calls at (313) 582-8856 and you can also book either a virtual appointment or an appointment in our office at www.zocdoc.com.

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Aging of the Eye

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Aging of the Eye

The risk of serious eye diseases increases with age.   One in 6 Americans age 65 and older have a serious eye condition that permanently affects their vision.  This means that the vision cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.  Many older adults do not see eye care that could diagnose conditions at earlier stages.   It is important for you to have regular comprehensive eye examinations to diagnose eye conditions that become more common with the aging of the eye.

Eye Examination

A comprehensive eye examination will start with checking your vision and checking for the best pair of glasses.  As you age your near vision will deteriorate and you will require vision correction for near activities.  The vision can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or Lasik eye surgery.

There are several options for glasses that will help with your near vision. Glasses can be made as progressive lenses which is a no line bifocal.  The advantage of these is that it provides correction for distance, intermediate distance tasks such as your computer and reading.  Another option is to have a bifocal with a line in it.  This only provides correction for distance and reading but offers no correction for intermediate tasks.  The other glasses option for near correction is to have a separate pair of glasses for distance and near.

Afterwords, Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang or I will perform a glaucoma test, a slit lamp examination and a dilated fundus examination to determine the health of your eyes.  Common diseases we assess for are cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Eye Diseases

It is important to diagnose eye diseases at early stages so treatment can be initiated.  If we have diagnosed a cataract, we will recommend cataract surgery when it is affecting your daily activities.  If you feel you are struggling to perform daily activities due to the quality of your vision, cataract surgery may be indicated.  Diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration can be more effectively treated if diagnosed at an early stage.  Early diagnosis and treatment can help assure you maintain good vision the rest of your life!

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Contact Lens Health

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Contact Lens

Many patients do not like to wear glasses and prefer to wear a contact lens instead.  Contact lenses are a great option to provide vision correction.  The options for vision correction with contact lenses have greatly expanded.  There are many types of contact lenses on the market to meet most vision needs.  A comprehensive eye examination and refraction will determine your best options.

Contact lenses can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and near vision.  Dr. Cindy Wang, Dr. Stanley Grandon and I will discuss with you your visual needs and desires to determine the best options for you.  Our professional opticians will teach you how to insert and remove the contact lenses.  We will ensure you are confident in the care of your contact lenses.

The options on the market have many different wear schedules.  Some lenses are discarded daily.  This can be a great option for patients who have had difficulty with the comfort of other lenses.  It is also a great option for an occasional wearer and it is probably the safest option to minimize risk of infections.  Some lenses are discarded every 2 or 4 weeks depending on the brand.  Longer wear contact lenses are generally for people who have special contact lens needs.

Contacts and Eye Healthcataract surgery | Alaina Kronenberg MD

If cared for properly, contact lenses can be a safe and effective option for vision correction.  We will teach you how to care for your contact lenses.  It is important to follow our instructions and care for your lenses properly.

We do not recommend sleeping in your contacts.  This increases the risk of a serious infection.  It is also not recommended that you use tap water for your lenses or case.  It is important to store your lenses each night in fresh solution.  We recommend a multipurpose disinfecting solution.  There are many brands on the market.

What do I do if I Have a Problem?

If you have a red, painful eye or discharge it is important to come to our office for an evaluation.  We offer same day appointments for all emergencies.  As a contact lens wearer, you need to understand that serious eye infections can occur.

 

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Ophthalmologist in Dearborn, Michigan

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Ophthalmologist in Dearborn, Michigan

Were you a former patient at the Dearborn office of Kresge Eye Institute?  The office has closed.   Are you looking for a new local ophthalmologist?  The Eye Surgery Institute has been serving the Dearborn community for over 60 years.   We accept most medical and vision insurances and have a full service optical department.  Same day urgent appointments are accepted.  Same week appointments for non urgent issues.

Dr. Alaina Kronenberg, Dr. Stanley Grandon and Dr. Cindy Wang provide the highest quality eye care in the Dearborn community.   We take the time to listen to your concerns and will address all of your eye care needs.  We strive to offer the most modern, up to date care for all of your eye care needs.

Dr. Alaina Kronenberg and Dr. Stanley Grandon are board certified ophthalmologists and Dr. Cindy Wang is a board certified optometrist.   We perform cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery and refractive eye surgery.  Dr. Cindy Wang specializes in glasses and contact lenses.  She performs complex contact lens fittings and offers low vision services.

Diseases of the EyeAre you looking for an ophthalmologist?

We offer the highest quality care for patients with all diseases of the eye.  We care for patients with all eye diseases of the eye including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eyes, allergies, diabetes and eye pain.  We also can provide all of your needs for glasses and contact lenses.

Make an Appointment!

If you were a patient at Kresge Eye Institute in Dearborn, Michigan and are looking for a new eye care provider, make an appointment at the Eye Surgery Institute!  We are happy to have you as a patient and will offer the highest quality, most up to date eye care.  Our office phone number is 313 582 8856 or you can visit our website www.eyesurgeryinstitute.com and book an appointment online.

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

What is the Difference Between and Ophthalmologist and and Optometrist?

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What is the Difference Between and Ophthalmologist and and Optometrist?

This is a question that is asked quite frequently.  You may be confused about the difference between an optometrist and and ophthalmologist (Eye MD). These two professions differ in the amount and type of training.  They also differ in what conditions they are able and comfortable to treat.

Ophthalmologistoptometrist vs ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist (Eye MD) is a medical doctor who completed an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school and a four year residency.  During the residency, the ophthalmologist is trained to perform surgery on the eye.  One of the most commonly performed surgeries is cataract surgery.  They are also trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the eye.  Ophthalmologists can also prescribe glasses and contact lenses at your appointment.

Some doctors opt to also complete a one or two year fellowship program to sub specialize in certain eye conditions.  The sub-specialty areas include glaucoma, retina, pediatrics, plastic surgery, cornea, neuro ophthalmology and uveitis.  Ophthalmologists who have sub-specialty training may feel comfortable caring for and performing surgery on more complex eye conditions.

Optometrist

An optometrist has completed and undergraduate degree and four years of optometry school.      An optometrist has a doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.  They primarily perform eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and dispensing glasses and contact lenses, detecting certain eye diseases, and prescribing medications for some eye diseases.  Optometrists typically do not perform surgical procedures on the eye.

Eye Examinations

It is important to maintain regular comprehensive eye examinations to not only check for the need for glasses but also to check for diseases of the eye.  Many diseases of the eye become more common with age and are easier to treat if diagnosed at an earlier stage. Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can perform a comprehensive eye examination to check the health of your eyes.

Alaina Kronenberg, M.D.
Cataract Specialist
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dearborn, Michigan 48126

Vision As You Age

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The Aging Eye

With the aging eye, you may notice more difficulty driving especially at night and in the rain. There are many diseases of the eyes that can contribute to more difficulty driving. These changes often become more common at age 60 or older. A comprehensive eye examination by Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can help diagnosis and treat eye diseases.

It is recommended at age 60 to have a yearly dilated eye examination. If you have a family history of certain diseases of the eye such as glaucoma or macular degeneration it is important to initiate regular eye examinations at an earlier age.

Normal Changes as You Ageaging and eye health

As you age, it is normal to rely on glasses for near vision tasks. It is also normal to need more light when reading and feel it takes longer to adjust when you move from the light to dark or vice versa. You may notice changes in your contrast sensitivity. A comprehensive eye exam can ensure you are in the best pair of glasses possible.  As you age, you may need glasses that correct for both distance and near tasks.

Eye Diseases

Vision loss is not a normal part of aging. As you age, you become more likely to develop diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and age related macular degeneration. Many diseases of the eye are easier to treat if diagnosed at an earlier stage. Some eye diseases can lead to blindness if not treated properly. If diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage, you are more likely to maintain adequate vision for the rest of your life.

If you feel you are uncomfortable with your vision especially when driving, you may have a cataract. Cataract surgery may be indicated if it is interfering with you daily tasks.

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Eyelid Twitching

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Eyelid Twitching

Eyelid twitching is a common complaint that from patients.   You are often very concerned about the health of their eye.  The medical term for twitching is called myokymia.  It can occur on either the upper or lower eyelid and it is a repetitive involuntary spasm of the muscle.

If you are experience this, Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang or I can perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine the health of your eye.  We will focus on the surface of the eye to make sure that it looks healthy.

CausesEyelid twitching| Alaina Kronenberg MD| Eye Surgery Insittute

Twitching can be caused by many things.   Some causes include stress, fatigue, dry eyes, blephartis (inflammation of the eyelid), too much caffeine, irritants in the environment and a foreign body touching the eye.  Certain medications can also cause eyelid twitching sometimes.

Treatment Options

It is important that we treat the underlying cause of the twitching.  If signs of dry eyes or blepharitis is detected then we can initiate dry eye or blepharitis treatment.  This may include over the counter drops, prescription eye drops, lid hygeine, warm compresses and ointments.  We will determine what treatment is best for your condition.  If a foreign body is detected, removing it may help also.  It is important for you to minimize irritants in your environment also.

Is It Serious?

Usually twitching is not the sign of a serious underlying problem. If the spasms become chronic, you may have what’s known as benign essential blepharospasm.  This is the name for chronic and uncontrollable blinking.  This can sometimes be treated with injections into the muscle area.  Very rarely, eye twitching may be a sign of certain brain and nervous system disorders.  Most importantly, it is almost always accompanied by other signs and symptoms.   Conditions that can cause this include Bells Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Tourettes and Parkinson’s Disease.

In summary, most of the time eyelid twitching is not the sign of a serious medical condition.  Treating the surface of the eye can be helpful.

Alaina Kronenberg, M.D.
Cataract Specialist
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dearborn, Michigan 48126

Eye Myths Part 3

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Eye Myths Part 3

Do you ever wonder if eye myths told to you by your family and friends are true?

Myth: If you lot a lot of carrots it will improve your vision.

Carrots have beta-carotene and are a good source of vitamin A.  Eating carrots will not improve your eye site regardless how many you eat.  It is always important to maintain a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables.

Myth:  Reading in the dark can damage your eyes.Eye Myths | Eye Surgery Institute | Alaina Kronenberg MD

We have all read in the dark.  The only thing this will cause is eye fatigue.  Your eyes will become tired a bit quicker causing words to seem blurry but this is only temporary and no permanent damage has been done to your vision.

Myth:  Starring at the computer all day will ruin your eyes.

When you stare at anything for an extended period of time you tend to blink less causing dryness and eye strain but will not affect your vision.  This can occur with reading, any kind of screen use, even watching tv or driving for a long time.  It is recommended for you to take regular breaks and frequently glance away from the computer when working for an extended amount of time.  Sometimes an artificial tear drop can help with eyes that feel tired or blurry.  Staring at the computer will not cause permanent damage to your vision.  If your eyes constantly feel dry with prolonged screen time Dr. Cindy Wang, Dr. Stanley Grandon and I can evaluate you and offer treatments to help make your eyes more comfortable.

Myth:  Crossing your eyes will make them stay crossed forever.

When you cross your eyes to be funny it may cause some laughs from your friends but it will not cause permanent damage to your eyes.  Afterwords, your eyes will return to the normal position.  This will not cause any permanent problems to your eyes.

Alaina Kronenberg, M.D.
Cataract Specialist
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dearborn, Michigan

Can I Use My Medical Insurance to Visit the Eye Doctor?

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What are medical insurance and vision insurance plans?

There is much confusion regarding what type of insurance you can use when you go to the eye doctor.  Most people do not understand the difference between medical insurance and vision insurance plans.  Most ophthalmologists practices accept both medical insurance and vision insurance plans.  The Eye Surgery Institute is a medical practice and the majority of our examinations are billed to your medical insurance.  Dr. Stanley Grandon and I are board certified ophthalmologists and we care mostly for medical eye conditions.

An examination is considered a medical eye exam if Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang or I are evaluating and treating a problem, disease or particular complaint.  For example, if you are being treated or evaluated for common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts or age related macular degeneration (ARMD) it is considered as a medical appointment.  Also, if you are requesting the appointment for a complaint such as pain, irritation, itching, headaches or redness it is also considered a medical appointment.

What Do I Use My Vision Plan For?Eye Surgery Institute | Alaina Kronenberg MD

A vision exam is an examination for a prescription for eyeglasses or for contact lenses.  At the Eye Surgery Institute, we will also check the general health of your eye.  We will inform you if any problems or concerns are noted.  If particular concerns are raised Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang or I may request for you to return to the office for a medical appointment.

You can also often use your vision plan to help in purchasing glasses or contact lenses.  It is important that you learn the benefits of your vision plan and the coverage options.   We offer a full service optical department that also accepts most insurance plans.

How Do I Know If My Insurance is Accepted?

Our experienced staff can assist you with your insurance choices when you call for your appointment.  It can be very confusing to determine the difference between medical insurance and vision insurance plans.  When you arrive to our office, we will also verify your insurance plan.  You are responsible for knowing any co-pays or deductibles with your plan.

 

Alaina Kronenberg, M.D.
Cataract Specialist
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dearborn, Michigan

Eye Health

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Eye Health

Eye health is an important part of your overall health.  It is important to have a comprehensive eye exam to ensure that your eyes are healthy.  Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can ensure you are seeing properly and ensure that no eye diseases are present.

You may assume that your eyes are healthy if you have no difficulty with your vision.  Sometimes, we can determine that a glasses prescription can allow even better vision.  Common eye diseases such as glaucoma, age related macular degeneration (ARMD), diabetic eye disease and early cataracts often have no symptoms at the early or even moderate stages.  Early diagnosis and treatment can be very important.

Our goal at the Eye Surgery Institute is to allow you to keep optimal vision your entire life.  Many diseases require diagnosis and treatment at early stages to help prevent vision loss in the future.

Family Historyeye health Alaina Kronenberg MD | Eye Surgery Institute

Many eye diseases can run in your family.  It is important to know your family history of eye diseases.  If you have a strong family history of eye problems, it is important to have more frequent eye examinations especially as you age.

Eye Safety

It is important to wear safety eye protection especially when working with tools, machines or chemicals.  This can include safety glasses, eye shields and goggles.  Many are made of polycarbonate because it is much stronger and more protective.   It is especially important to wear eye protection if you only have one eye that sees well.

Lifestyle

It can be helpful to eat a healthy diet with lots of green, leafy vegetables.  This can help prevent certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

It is useful to wear sunglasses when outside.  This can help prevent against cataracts and macular degeneration.  It is also helpful to not smoke.  Smoking is bad for your overall health, including your eyes.

Alaina Kronenberg, M.D.
Cataract Specialist
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dearborn, Michigan