Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common eye condition that affects the quality and quantity of tears necessary to lubricate the eyes. Approximately 85% of patients with dry eye disease have some degree of MGD. These meibomian glands are located along the edge of the eyelids and are responsible for producing the oily part of tears. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms and potential eye complications due to evaporative dry eye.

A thorough eye examination by a qualified optometrist ensures that the contacts you wear are suitable for your eyes. Everyone's eyes have unique shapes and sizes, and wearing ill-fitting contacts can cause discomfort, irritation, or abrasions on the cornea.

Floaters tend to fade or become less noticeable over time. If you have persistent bothersome floaters that affect your vision, there are newer treatment options such as laser therapy to break them apart or surgery to remove them. Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor your eye health and address any concerns promptly.

While common "redness-relieving" eye drops can provide quick relief for redness and irritation, they are not a long-term solution for underlying eye issues. One of the main concerns is that these types of over-the-counter eye drops works by temporarily constricting blood vessels in the eye, which reduces redness but can lead to rebound redness when the drops wear off. This creates a cycle of dependency on the eye drops, causing the eyes to become even redder over time.

Glasses are a valuable tool to correct vision problems and should be worn as prescribed to support eye health and visual acuity. Remember, not only are regular eye exams crucial for monitoring for changes in ocular and even systemic health, but also to ensure that you have the most accurate prescription for your needs.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye'", is an inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This condition can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens, leading to symptoms such as redness, itchiness, excessive tearing, and discharge.

Eye dilation enables eye care professionals to thoroughly examine the internal structures and general health of your eyes. By making the pupils larger, doctors gain a clearer view of the retina, optic nerve, blood vessels, and other vital components.

Prism lenses counteract this misalignment by bending light rays based on the specific prescription. By altering the path of light entering the eye, the prism lenses bring images into alignment, enabling the eyes to work together seamlessly.

Regular eye exams, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays are all essential for optimal eye function. Appreciate their complexity and take the necessary steps to safeguard your vision, so you can cherish the beauty of life for many years to come.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can have detrimental effects on the eyes. UV radiation, which is invisible to the human eye, is present in sunlight and artificial light sources, such as tanning beds. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer.

While early stages may be asymptomatic, in later stages of diabetic retinopathy you might experience:

1. Blurred or fluctuating vision.

2. Dark or empty spots in the field of vision.

3. Eye floaters and spots.

4. Difficulty perceiving colors.

5. Impaired night vision.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call us at 231-723-9911 right away.

Contact lenses provide many benefits to wearers worldwide, but there are some risks if not used correctly. Most conditions can be treated by your optometrist if treatment is started quickly, but more serious disorders can lead to ulcers and potentially permanent vision loss.

At Coastal Woods Vision, our optometrists prioritize patient satisfaction and take the time to thoroughly explain any diagnoses, treatments, or recommendations. We understand that our patients' eye health is important not only for their vision, but also for their overall health and well-being. We are committed to providing exceptional, personalized care every step of the way.

Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects many people, especially those over the age of 60. Cataracts occur when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and difficulty seeing in low light conditions. It can also cause a noticeable decrease in color perception and increased glare symptoms.

Call us right away if you experience these symptoms of an acute attack:

Intense eye pain

Sudden blurry vision in one or both eyes

You feel nauseous or throw-up

Halos around lights

Generally, IOP between 10 and 20 is considered normal. If someone has elevated pressure but no symptoms, it is considered ocular hypertension. With glaucoma, elevated pressure causes damage to the optic nerve. Damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed, so it is important to catch it early.

Have you been diagnosed with myopia, hyperopia, an astigmatism, or presbyopia, but you want to know what that actually means?

Your eyelids are far more than lashes and skin. They can build up an excessive amount of oily residue, bacteria, allergens, biofilm and even demodex mites. This accumulation is typically subtle and hard to see with the naked eye. A thorough eye exam is necessary to detect problems on your eyelids that can make dry eye symptoms worse.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can have a cumulative effect on a patient’s overall health. Signs of hypertensive retinopathy in the eye include narrowing of the blood vessels, hemorrhaging, buildup of fluid under the retina and blockage of blood flow to the optic nerve. Visual symptoms, such as blurriness, dimming of vision, or headaches, may not show up for years.

It is wonderful to be able to see at a distance better than I have in my entire life. I must agree with a patient I had in the office years ago that was quite anxious about having his cataract surgery. When he returned to our office for his post-op care he said “Doc, that was as easy as having a cup of coffee.”