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Category: Snead Insights

  • Snead Insights – Alternative Glaucoma Treatments

    Snead Insights – Alternative Glaucoma Treatments

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    Alternative glaucoma treatments can reduce or eliminate the need for eye drops, helping reduce the possibility of infection!

    October is Infection Prevention Month. 

    Traditional prescription eye drops are not for everyone. Besides the need to use them daily for glaucoma treatment, eye drops carry a risk of infection. The professionals at SNEAD EYE GROUP can treat glaucoma with two innovative, alternative methods, both conveniently preformed at our Fort Myers and Naples surgery centers.

    Dr. John Snead and Dr. Brad Snead are certified to perform iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass. Approved by the FDA, the iStent is the world’s smallest medical device, providing long-term, non-medicinal treatment for patients suffering from Open-Angle Glaucoma. This tiny titanium stent is inserted into the eye to help aide in the natural draining of intraocular fluid into the blood stream, reducing pressure build up within the eye. A large percentage of patients who receive the iStent report a reduction in the number of medications needed.

    Another option is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, also referred to as SLT, whereby laser energy is applied to the drainage tissue in the eye. This starts a chemical and biological change in the tissue that results in better drainage of fluid through the drain and out of the eye. Some people may no longer need drops – others may have to use one less drop.

    Since both procedures are accepted glaucoma treatments, and FDA approved, they are covered by Medicare and most medical insurances. Consult with a SNEAD EYE GROUP professional today to learn if you’re a candidate for either of these innovative treatment options!

     

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  • Snead Insights – Your Eyes Are What You Eat!

    Snead Insights – Your Eyes Are What You Eat!

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    Did you know that good health and nutrition play critical roles for maintaining a set of healthy eyes? Studies show that protecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E can help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts, In fact, a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology found a high intake of foods such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, collards, broccoli, pumpkin, and corn can reduce the risk of cataracts by 18%!  “Eating leafy green vegetables is not only good for your health, it’s good for your vision. The old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, is very true when it comes to healthy eyes,” says Dr. Brad Snead with SNEAD EYE GROUP.

    Green leafy vegetables not your thing? Have you tried kale chips?! They are super tasty, easy to make and will treat your eyes to loads of good nutrients! Here’s a link to a recipe so you can try them at home – Click here
    Regularly eating these foods below can help lead to good eye health:

    * Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale,
    and collards
    * Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
    * Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources * Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

     

    To see this Snead Insights article in its full PDF form, Click Here!

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  • Snead Insights – Annual Eye Exams Can Be Lifesavers!

    Snead Insights – Annual Eye Exams Can Be Lifesavers!

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    It’s important not to wait until you notice a change in your vision before scheduling your annual eye exam because eye problems are many times silent and present no symptoms. A recent study found that one in four adults were unaware that an eye exam could prevent them from losing their eye sight. Even if you’ve had laser vision surgery or have naturally good vision, it’s important to see your eye care professional annually. During your exam, a SNEAD EYE GROUP physician will look for eye muscle imbalance, vision disorders, and eye disease that could potentially cause future problems.

    So don’t wait until a street sign looks blurry, or you have trouble seeing objects close up. In addition to detecting vision changes, regular eye exams can also detect life-threatening conditions such as high cholesterol and even brain tumors. The slower months in Southwest Florida are a good time to visit SNEAD EYE GROUP.

    During the month of August, SNEAD EYE GROUP is offering 30% off eyeglass frames in our optical department.

    To see this Snead Insights article in its full PDF form, Click Here!

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  • Snead Insights – Is SLT Right For You?

    Snead Insights – Is SLT Right For You?

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    Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. It’s a big word, but here’s a primer to keep you informed on the latest technologies used to treat eye conditions by SNEAD EYE GROUP physicians.

    You may have heard Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty referred to as SLT, a form of laser surgery used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. SLT is used when eye drop medications are not lowering pressure enough,drops are causing significant side effects, or patient compliance is an issue, such as forgetting to take medications or they are experiencing problems using eye drops.

    With SLT, laser energy is applied to the drainage tissue in the eye. This starts a chemical and biological change that results in better drainage of fluid through the drain and out of the eye. This results in lowering of IOP.

    The effects of SLT will generally last between 1-5 years and since the procedure is an accepted glaucoma treatment, and is FDA approved, it is covered by Medicare and medical insurance.

    Some patients IOP can be controlled with just laser treatment. Others require additional lowering and may need to use glaucoma medication as well. Think of the SLT as equivalent to one glaucoma medication. Just as some patients will require more than one glaucoma medication to control their IOP, some may also require laser plus one or more glaucoma medications.

    SLT is not a cure for glaucoma, just as medication and surgery are not. Whatever method is used to treat glaucoma, appropriate follow up and testing with a SNEAD EYE GROUP professional is critical. If you’re wondering if SLT may help you, call us today!

    To see this Snead Insights article in its full PDF form, Click Here!

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  • Snead Insights – Cataract Awareness Month

    Snead Insights – Cataract Awareness Month

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    The numbers regarding cataracts are nearly astonishing. Did you know cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world? There are more than 24 million Americans age 40 and older with cataracts and more than half of all Americans will have cataracts by age 80.

    June is Cataract Awareness Month and at SNEAD EYE GROUP we want to keep you informed of treatment options to keep you seeing your best.
    Symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, decreased vision at night, “halos” around lights and needing more light to read. These symptoms could also be indications of other eye problems, so it’s important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any of these.

    Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States. One eye at a time is treated and the procedure takes less than fifteen minutes. Because the eye is numbed with drops, patients typically feel nothing during or after the procedure. The cataract is removed through a tiny incision and a clear implant is put in its place.

    New technology now allows patients several choices of lens implants that reduce the need for glasses after surgery. The decision on which implant is best for you should be determined by you and your SNEAD EYE GROUP surgeon, taking into account your lifestyle and overall health of your eye. At SNEAD EYE GROUP you are guaranteed to experience your best vision possible!

    Although you can’t prevent cataracts, they are curable. Once cataracts begin restricting your activities or decreasing your ability to participate in normal activities like reading or driving, it’s time to talk with a SNEAD EYE GROUP physician about your surgery options.

    To see this Snead Insights article in its full PDF from, Click Here!

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  • Snead Insights – Ultraviolet Awareness Month

    Snead Insights – Ultraviolet Awareness Month

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    The sunny skies of Florida are a big reason why so many of us enjoy living in and visiting the area. However, our sunny climate also has its risks when it comes to our eye health. May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month and SNEAD Eye Group wants to make sure you are protected from the risks of over exposure to the sun’s harmful UV radiation.

    Most of us are familiar with the risks from sunburn and skin cancer, however, our eyes are also susceptible to UV radiation with an increase in the chance of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and even damage to the retina.
    Pingueculae and pterygia, growths on the eye’s surface which can become unsightly and cause corneal problems and distorted vision, can be caused by over exposure.  Certain drugs can also increase your sensitivity to UV radiation.

    The American Ophthalmology Association recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection. To provide adequate protection, sunglasses should:

    • Block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
    • Screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.
    • Be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection.
    • Have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition.

    SNEAD Eye Group recommends seeing your eye doctor for an annual comprehensive eye examination as a good way to monitor your eye health, maintain good vision and keep track of your solar radiation protection needs, as well as new advances in eye protection. Call us today and protect your eyes for tomorrow.

    To see this Snead Insights article in its full PDF form click here!

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  • Don’t Let Poor Vision Affect Your Balance

    Don’t Let Poor Vision Affect Your Balance

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    Did you know poor vision can affect your balance?

    Poor or blurred vision, flashes of light or black spots can occur over time as we age. Your eyes can also take longer to adjust to changes in light and the ability to judge the steepness of stairs and curbs can also be a challenge.

    Your vision not only helps you avoid obstacles, but it also helps you maintain balance. Your eyes work like a level, which is a tool that tells you if a surface is flat and even. Everyday, without realizing it, you see vertical and horizontal objects like buildings and your eyes use this information to help you stand and stay upright.

    Poor balance therefore can be a result of poor vision. SNEAD EYE GROUP is dedicated to your good eye health. If it has been awhile since you had an eye exam, particularly if you have experienced any signs of dizziness or unbalance, we encourage you to see one of our physicians for a thorough eye exam, which can also detect other health issues you may not even be aware of!

    Call Snead Eye Group to schedule your eye exam for optimal overall health. 

    Upcoming Events!

    April 7th from 9 am-11 am – Free vision screenings at Walgreen’s Senior Day. 

    April 10th at 11:00 am – Reduce Your Risk of Blindness Seminar with cataract and eyelid evaluations by Dr. John Snead to be held at the Olive Garden Restaurant at 12870 Cleveland Avenue. Reservations are required and space is limited. Call TODAY to reserve your seat. 

    239-936-8686. 

    April 21 – at 11:30 am – Dr. Brad Snead will speak on Conditions & Treatment of the Eye, including discussion of Cataracts, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration at the Naples YMCA. We will be conducting free vision screenings. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required and may be made by calling the Naples YMCA at (239) 597-3148.

     

    To view this Snead Insights article in its full PDF form, click here!

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  • Tips for Avoiding Computer Eye Strain

    Tips for Avoiding Computer Eye Strain

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    Use proper lighting. Decrease sunlight with window coverings and avoid overhead fluorescent lights. Floor lights that provide indirect lighting are a better alternative. Switching to full spectrum fluorescent lights can be more comfortable as well.

    Minimize glare. Consider installing an anti-glare screen on your monitor. Darker walls with a matte finish are also better than bright white walls. Upgrade your monitor. Select a screen with the highest resolution possible. 19″ in diameter or larger with a dot pitch of .28 mm or smaller is recommended for desktop computers.

    Take breaks. Take a minimum of two 15 minute breaks and 4 two-minute breaks in an 8 hour period. Stand up, move around and stretch your arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders to reduce tension and muscle fatigue.

    Adjust your work area. Sit 20-40 inches from your monitor. If you look between paper and your computer throughout the day, place written pages on a document holder adjacent to your monitor. Light the copy stand, but do not have the light shine in your eyes or on the monitor.

    Consider computer eyewear. You may benefit from having your eye care professional modify your eyeglasses prescription to create customized computer glasses. Computer glasses are a good choice if you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, because these lenses generally are not optimal for the distance to your computer screen.

    Get a comprehensive eye exam. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends computer users have a yearly eye exam. Consult with your doctor about additional factors that may impact your eye comfort. Let your doctor know how often you use a computer, measure how far your eyes are from the screen and tell your doctor so he can test your vision at that distance.

    To view this Snead Insights article in its full PDF form, click here!

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  • Who Loves Ya?

    At SNEAD EYE GROUP we LOVE helping others look their best with safe and effective cosmetic procedures, including Botox and Juviderm.

    An experienced ophthalmologist trained in the use of Botox is always the best choice. At SNEAD EYE GROUP our surgeons have been using Botox for medical and cosmetic reasons since 1985. Likewise, using Juviderm CX our physicians utilize their expertise to help patients achieve smoother skin and fewer wrinkles.

    To view this Snead Insights article in its full PDF form, click here!

  • Medical vs. Vision Insurance

    Medical vs. Vision Insurance

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    Many times patients are confused about the difference between which insurance plan covers what. The physicians at Snead Eye Group provide comprehensive medical eye exams for those with eye disorders, as well as routine vision exams.

    If you have both vision and medical insurance it is helpful to know that the purpose of your vision insurance is to provide a routine eye exam to check the overall health of your eye. This is similar to a preventative visit to your Primary Care Physician. In addition, your vision insurance may have an allowance for glasses or contacts if needed. If you are being evaluated for any medical conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma or diabetes, you are being provided with medical care and as such, your visit will be filed with your medical insurance.

    If you have vision insurance and Snead Eye Group is participating in your vision plan, a vision exam will be filed as a secondary claim after your medical plan completes the claim for any medical services. If you are being seen for a routine eye exam and do not have vision coverage, your medical insurance will not pay for the exam.

    When you visit Snead Eye Group for a routine eye evaluation, we collect the fee at the time of service unless we participate with your vision plan. If we are participating, we will follow your plan’s guidelines and collect applicable copay and/or co-insurance at the time of service.

    Rest assured, our knowledgable staff will determine the appropriate plan (medical or vision) to file your claim with, based on the results of your exam. We look forward to being your eye doctor of choice!

    To view this Snead Insights article in its full PDF form, click here!

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