Pembroke Pines Eye Doctor

There are many different vision disorders and diseases among the population, but every age group has particular problems. Here are five of the most common eye disorders found among children.

1. Children can often be found to have an eye misalignment called strabismus. It can affect either just one eye or both at the same time. When a child has strabismus, their eyes turn in a different direction such as up or to the side without looking straight ahead. Eyeglasses are used to help promote eye alignment and most recover fine with time.

2. Another common childhood eye condition is amblyopia. Amblyopia is much better known as “lazy eye”. With amblyopia, a child had bad vision in what seems to be a healthy eye. The condition can develop from being cross-eyed or eyes with refractive errors cannot perceive light reflections well enough to see. Treatment usually involves eyeglasses but can also require corrective surgery on the affected eye or eyes.

3. A child can also have eye problems through refractive problems in their eyes. These errors can lead to many different issues with vision. Some of the refractive disorders include farsightedness and nearsightedness. Being nearsighted or farsighted are the most common eye problems among children today and usually wearing glasses helps to make vision much easier.

4. While cataracts are most common among older adults, they can also occur in children. Over half of children who develop cataracts do so do to having a genetic predisposition from their parents. Injury to the eye, especially traumatic injury, can also cause them to occur in the eye of a child. Surgery and eyeglasses are both used for treatment, but eye surgery is considered the most effective treatment.

5. Astigmatism is caused by imperfect curvature of the eye. It creates blurred vision and usually affects both eyes on the child. Eyeglasses are the most common treatment for astigmatism, but they cannot cure the issue.

If you suspect your child has a visual problem, go see your eye doctor as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis.

Our goal at Pines Vision is to provide the local community with the very latest in eyecare technology in order to help each one of our patients achieve the best possible vision. Call our office at 954-621-3967 to schedule an appointment!

Astigmatism is a common eye problem. It is an abnormal curve in the shape of the cornea, which causes vision to be out of focus. The cause of astigmatism is unknown, but it can occur in nearsighted or farsighted people and is usually present in those who have it from birth. Alternatively, astigmatism can result from some eye surgeries, such as those involving cataracts.

In a properly functioning eye, the cornea refracts light onto the retina in the back of the eye, enabling the person to see. With astigmatism, the abnormal curve of the cornea refracts light imprecisely resulting in the eye’s inability to focus on fine detail.

The symptoms of astigmatism can be detected in a routine eye exam using a refraction test. In the event the patient cannot respond to a standard refraction rest, an ophthalmologist can employ a retinoscopy, an alternative test that measures refraction with a reflected light.

Treatments for astigmatism vary. A mild astigmatism can be left untreated if the doctor and patient feel it does not significantly interferes with the patient’s eyesight. The standard treatment for a significant astigmatism is corrective lenses in the form of either eyeglasses or contacts which will typically restore visual acuity to normal. In the case of an extreme astigmatism, laser surgery may be needed to correct the shape of the cornea. Patients wishing to correct their astigmatism and their near or farsightedness in one procedure may also opt for laser surgery.

If the patient only has astigmatism in one eye, or it is worse in one eye than the other and the condition is left untreated it may lead to amblyopia, or “lazy eye”, in which the nerve pathway from the eye to the brain does not function properly. This confuses the brain and can lead to the brain ignoring the image it receives from the affected eye, resulting in diminished vision.

Get your eyes checked out at Pines Vision Care today! Call our office at 954-621-3967.

Eye exams are an important part of preventative medicine. Everyone should receive an eye exam every three years, while those using corrective wear should get one annually. Eye exams can help detect eye disease, vision loss and other health problems.

1. Since vision loss can happen gradually, many do not realize that they have a problem prior to an examination. Untreated vision loss can cause unnecessary eye strain, which causes headaches and other problems.

2. Eye exams also increase the detection rate of eye diseases and other disorders, such as: cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These diseases are easier to treat when they are detected early, failure to treat certain eye diseases can cause permanent vision loss.

3. Undiagnosed vision problems in children can lead to poor performance in the classroom. Students who suffer from these problems are put at a disadvantage and may fall behind their peers in their studies. These children may also act out, causing disruption to other students in the classroom. Unfortunately, this may earn the child a reputation as a trouble maker.

4. Children are also screened for eye diseases and related problems that could affect their future vision. A common problem in children is lazy eye, where one eye outperforms the other. The brain tends to block out the performance of the lazy eye which can prevent the child or parents from recognizing the problem. This condition can easily be corrected in the child’s preschool years.

5. Eye exams can also detect other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes. Early detection of these problems play a vital role in the treatment of the problem.

While most people understand the benefits of an eye exam, it is often delayed until a noticeable vision loss occurs. However, many health and eye related problems can be prevented by simply scheduling a comprehensive vision test every three years.

We constantly hear each summer how prolonged exposure to the sun is bad for our skin and what we need to do protect ourselves. Prolonged exposure to sun rays is the leading cause of skin cancer. People want to know what they can do to protect themselves, yet few understand the dangers that exposure to the sun has on the eyes. It is critical that you educate yourself and know how to protect your eyes.

Your eyes are at risk all year round, but the risk increases during the summer as people will spend more time outdoors. Reflection of the sun in the water and even off the pavement can greatly increase the risk of cataracts and spots on the eyes which can lead to cancer.

Start teaching your children now about the dangers of the sun and how to protect themselves when they’re outdoors. Sunglasses are the simplest and most effective way to take care of your eyes over the summer. Just remember that spending extra money on sunglasses is not always a guarantee that you will have the best protection for your eyes! You want to look for sunglasses that give 100 percent protection–the sunglasses should say they block UVA and UVB rays. Furthermore, you should find sunglasses with wraparound protection. If you invest in a great pair of sunglasses now, you can (and should!) wear them all year.

Wearing a hat will give you extra protection when worn with sunglasses. The best time to stay out of the sun is between 10am and 2pm when the sun rays are most damaging. Clouds are just as dangerous as the sun–possibly more so because people may mistakenly believe they will not be as exposed when in fact, certain types of clouds can magnify the effects of UV radiation!

Those who wear contact lenses might feel they have enough protection because their contact lenses offer UV protection, but this is not always the case. You should always wear sunglasses even if you wear contact lenses, too!

For all your eye care needs, visit Pines Vision Care! Call our office today at 954-621-3967!

Laser eye surgery is a procedure that involves reshaping the cornea in order to correct vision problems. This procedure can eliminate the need for contacts and glasses. It is estimated that only 12 million people have undergone laser eye surgery since it was approved in 1995.

One of the reasons that only 12 million people have had laser eye surgery since it was first approved is because only a small percentage of the population is eligible for this procedure. People who are interested in getting laser eye surgery should have healthy eyes. Conjunctivitis, chronic dry eyes and eye injuries can make surgery more risky.

All states require that patients be at least 18 years old before they get this surgery. However, some doctors are willing to bend this rule if the patient has parental consent. It is also important to note that the risk of complications is higher in patients who are under the age of 18. Furthermore, a candidate for laser eye surgery must have stable vision and most people’s vision does not stop changing until they are in their 20s.

Pregnancy disqualifies a person from getting laser eye surgery. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can affect a woman’s vision. Pregnant women are also prone to dry eyes. Some patients may be prescribed medications to help the healing process go smoother, but these medications can be passed from mother to child during breastfeeding.

People who have certain autoimmune diseases may not be able to get laser eye surgery. These diseases interfere with the body’s ability to heal.

Talk to your local eye doctor today!

Our goal at Pines Vision Care is to provide the local community with the very latest in eyecare technology in order to help each one of our patients achieve the best possible vision. Call our office at 954-621-3967 to schedule an appointment!

Regardless of your age or health, eye evaluations are very important. The first problem of health can show up in your eyes. Early tests can help evaluate diseases that sometimes go unnoticed. Prompt diagnosis can prevent severe complications and even save your vision.

Pain may not be present even if there is a serious condition. Symptoms could be present, including flashes of light or periphreal vision darkening. Retina problems and other diseases of the eyes should have the Ophthalmoscopy test. This is a much more advanced look into the eyes magnifying the structure up to 15 times. He will use an instrument that has several lenses and is the size of a small flashlight.

If you experience any of the symptoms or have a family history of retinal detachment, loss of vision could be in your future. Other people at risk are near-sighted adults and the elderly. When the eye is dialated it will reveal the retina has detached from the underlying tissues. It must be repaired quickly or vision may be lost.

There are several different avenues to repairing the detached retina. Freezing or Laser can be done in the doctor’s office with early diagnosis. If the tear is small enough,the procedure Pneumatic retinopexy is an option. There is an 85% success rate when the laser is used to repair the tear.

A silicone band can be surgically placed holding the retina in position. It is permanent and can’t be seen visibly. Scleral Buckle, the name given to the silicone band, has been 95% successful. Virectomy is also available which removes the vitreous and is replaced with a saline solution. Both procedures are equal in popularity.

Preventing problems with vision requires early detection. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure,you could be at a higher risk for retinal detachment. Annual eye exams are very important. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned or have questions about retinal detachment. Eye examinations play an important role in our physical well-being. Your eyes must last a lifetime. Treat them well and preserve your vision.

Looking for an Eye Doctor in Pembroke Pines, contact Dr. Stuart McIver and Dr. Liliana Betancourt-McIver at Pines Vision Care, 17782 SW 2nd Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029, 954-621-3967

Double vision, also known as diplopia (from the Greek words for the same), is a vision disorder in which a person simultaneously sees two images of the same object. For example, a diplopic person would see two houses in a place where there was only one. The positions of the two images in relation to each other varies; they may be displaced vertically, horizontally, or diagonally in any direction or angle. Most cases of diplopia affect both eyes, but on rare occasions only one eye displays the problem.

In the vast majority of cases, the disorder occurs as a result of the failure of the extraocular muscles—the set of seven muscles that control the eye’s movements—to focus on objects properly. This failure can be due to a number of causes. In some instances, a malfunction of the neuromuscular junction, the point where the axon of the motor neuron meets with the motor end plate, is responsible; or it may be in one of three cranial nerves (oculomotor,,trocular, or abducens). Less commonly, the supranuclear oculomotor pathways may be involved.

Intoxicated people may often experience temporary double vision. People may also cause diplopia to occur by engaging too much in certain activities, such as staring at a computer or TV screen for too long. It is also possible to intentionally cause oneself to see double by crossing one’s eyes; and it is perfectly normal for objects up close to appear double owing to the different positions of each eye with regard to it (it is this binocular vision, after all, which enables us and other primates to see in depth).

Sometimes, double vision is a symptom of a disease that affects the entire body. For example, it may occur as a by- product of multiple sclerosis,d or of cancer.

Most cases of diplopia go away by themselves, without requiring any treatment. In the meantime, the person can cut down the double vision by covering one eye with his hand or putting an eyepatch on over it. This type of self- treatment, however, should not be used in the long term.

Looking for an Eye Doctor in Pembroke Pines, contact Dr. Stuart McIver at Pines Vision Care, 17782 SW 2nd Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029, 954-621-3967

When there is damage to the optic nerves in the eye, it is usually caused by Glaucoma. The intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma is known as the second most common reason for blindness. Intraocular pressure causes the damage to the retinal ganglion cells in the optic nerves in a chiastic pattern. Angle-closure glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, Open-angle glaucoma and Secondary glaucoma are the four major types.

Out of those four types, most people are diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma since it tends to be hereditary. Open-angle glaucoma is caused by eye pressure slowly and painlessly forming over time. Angle-closure is a painful rapid rise of pressure in the eye because the aqueous humor fluid is abruptly blocked. Congenital glaucoma is inherited and present from birth. Other disease, drugs or trauma brings about secondary glaucoma.

The symptoms for each type of glaucoma vary depending on the type of glaucoma one is diagnosed with.

Open-angle glaucoma: The majority of people diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma show no symptoms until the damage is already severe. Frequently the first symptom that is noticed is a slow loss of side vision, causing tunnel vision.

Angle-closure glaucoma: The symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma are often a severe steady pain in one eye. Vision will seem cloudy, haloed or decreased. You may have vomiting and nausea. The infected eye will feel swollen and look red.

Congenital glaucoma: Symptoms for congenital glaucoma are noticeable early in newborns. The child’s eye or both eyes are frequently cloudy, red and enlarged. The eye or even both eyes may be sensitive to light and tear up.

All types of Glaucoma are diagnosed with an eye exam and a tonometry test. During the eye exam, you will receive eye drops that dilate your pupil so that the doctor can look inside of your eye. The tonometry test will help measure the pressure in your eye, but since pressure fluctuates in most people, the tonometry test will be done along with other tests to confirm glaucoma. These other tests may include gonioscopy, laser scanning of the inside of the eye and examination of the retina.

Once diagnosed with glaucoma, the eye doctor will want to reduce your eye pressure. For non-severe cases, this can usually be done simply with eye drops and medication. For slightly more severe cases, other treatments such as laser therapy or eye surgery may be included. Since acute angle-closure is considered a medical emergency treatment will often be more intense with eye drops, and IV administered medication to lower eye pressure. If this treatment does not show a fast response then an emergency iridotomy operation will be performed using a laser to open and release the pressure in your eye. Congenital treatment is typically always surgery while under anesthesia.

The first thing a person notices about you is your eyes. Keep them sparkling with regular visits to a Pembroke Pines optometrist. An optometrist spots problems before they start, ensuring your eyes stay healthy. You should have an eye exam at least once a year. The doctor will look into your eyes, and make sure they look healthy from the inside, as well as the outside. He will also check your eyesight, and determine whether or not you need glasses.

Contact lenses are a convenient alternative for those would prefer to avoid surgery and don’t want the hassle of handling cumbersome glasses every day. They can be a fun fashion statement because of the selection of colors. There are many scary stories surrounding the use of contact lenses, but in reality most problems can be avoided by taking a few simple safety precautions.