A Genetic Approach for the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, ARMD, grows from 1 in 10 people over the age of 60 to more than 1 in 4 people over the age of 75.  ARMD is an eye disease that decreases the central vision.  Most people do not know they have ARMD until they start to lose their functional everyday vision such as driving, reading, or watching TV.  Vision loss can happen quickly and without warning.

We now have a test called Macula Risk that can identify your risk of vision loss due to ARMD.  The test is easy and painless.  The test is a cheek swab taken in our office and then sent to the laboratory.

Macula Risk is covered for reimbursement by most private health insurance including HMO and PPO and by Medicare.  It is not reimbursed without a diagnosis or early or intermediate ARMD documented by the appropriate ICD-9 code.

Early detection and treatment of ARMD is critical for the prevention of blindness.   Macula Risk is now an integral part of preventing the spread of ARMD; with current treatment it may be arrested and in some cases improved.   Frequent monitoring is recommended for those at risk.

Should you have further questions regarding Macula Risk, please schedule an appointment to discuss this with one of our eye doctors.

Scripps Poway Eyecare & Optometry contact us!

4S Eyecare & Optometry contact us!

Z-LASIK is here!

The next generation of LASIK eye surgery is here and the results are amazing. Z-LASIK has been the surgery of choice in Japan and Europe for many years and has now come to the United States. The big advantage of Z-LASIK over previous versions of the surgery is the gentleness of the laser. It uses 90% less energy than traditional lasers which means a very comfortable surgical experience for the patient and a very quick visual recovery. It is a completely bladeless procedure that only takes a few minutes to perform. I have been an eye doctor for 15 years and have never seen a refractive surgery procedure as impressive as this! My wife underwent Z-LASIK last month and I am happy to report that she was seeing 20/20 the very next day. If you have ever considered laser eye surgery then you definitely need to investigate Z-LASIK. In my opinion, Z-LASIK is a game-changer and will soon become the gold standard of refractive surgery.

Chronic Dry Eye

What Is Chronic Dry Eye?

Chronic Dry Eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a medical condition that needs continuous therapy. It can be caused by advanced age, contact lens wear, certain medications, eye diseases, or other medical conditions.
One type of Chronic Dry Eye is characterized by decreased tear production due to inflammation. For this type of Chronic Dry Eye, RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion helps increase your eyes' natural ability to produce tears.

Constantly using artifical tears may be a sign of Chronic Dry Eye

Some people who suffer from Chronic Dry Eye use artificial tears. Over time, some people need them more and more often as the condition gets worse. They may also find that using different kinds or brands of eye drops aren’t enough. Using artificial tears can help moisten the eyes and may provide short-term relief, but they cannot help increase tear production in cases where it may be caused by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye.

RESTASIS^®: A prescription eye drop

RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion is the only prescription eye drop to help increase your eyes’ natural ability to produce tears, which may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye. RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion did not increase tear production in patients using anti-inflammatory eye drops or tear duct plugs. With RESTASIS^®, one drop, twice a day, with continued use can help you make more of your own tears.

Don’t wait until your next annual eye appointment. Contact our offices and have one of our eye doctors examine your eyes and determine whether you have decreased tear production caused by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye. 

Fill out the Dry Eye Actionnaire!

Direct link to our offices e-mail to schedule an appointment:  
Scripps Poway Eyecare
4S Eyecare

10549 Scripps Poway Pkwy Ste, G

San Diego, CA 92131

(858) 530-2800 

10531 4S Commons Drive Ste 168

San Diego, CA 92127

(858) 675-2020