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“I never remember having problems seeing the board in school… no problems reading,” Karesh said.
This scenario is not uncommon, he said, because many vision problems progress almost without symptoms. Even conditions as serious as glaucoma or a detached retina can steal vision with barely a clue.
That’s why Karesh said he cannot overemphasize the importance of regular and early vision screenings for both children and adults. Painless symptoms such as blurred vision that doesn’t clear up when you blink, the appearance of “floaters,” showers of light or the perception that a “shade” is being drawn over your eyes should not be ignored, he said.
“Don’t feel silly,” Karesh said. “It is better to be overly cautious.”
Vision screenings can begin very early, he said. Premature infants, for example, who have had supplemental oxygen are at risk to develop retinopathy of prematurity—or an abnormal development of the blood vessels that supply the retina. Blindness can result, he said.
People with medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension and hyperthyroidism or a family history of retinitis pigmantosis, glaucoma, near sightedness or other eye disease should also have vision screenings. All children should have their vision checked prior to starting school, and then every three to five years after that, Karesh said.
The Krieger Eye Institute provides a full range of ophthalmic consultation services. At the forefront of ocular disease research and patient care, the Krieger Eye Institute’s highly trained staff of ophthalmologists can also help you improve your appearance through a variety of aesthetic services.
The staff provides the latest methods of surgical and nonsurgical medical treatment of diseases of the eye, including glaucoma, strabismus, ocular tumors, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment and cataracts. Other specialized areas include oculoplastic surgery for the correction of ptosis (sagging eyelids) and aging problems of the eye, orbital surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, and laser treatment for correction of nearsightedness (LASIK and PRK).
Aesthetic services using laser resurfacing, Botox® injections and other skin smoothing techniques are also available at the Krieger Eye Institute from a medically-supervised aesthetician.
For more information about the Krieger Eye Institute and the services available there, click here, or call 410-601-WELL (9355).
Terms to know…
Cataracts: A clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Surgery is the only way to remove the cataract, though a change in eyeglasses may improve vision in the short term. Surgeons at Sinai use an advanced surgical technique that reduces the operating time and healing time and offers immediate vision improvement.
LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis): One of the latest advances for vision correction using refractive surgery. LASIK can address nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. After LASIK surgery, you may return almost immediately to all but the most strenuous activities.
Glaucoma: The leading cause of blindness in the United States, glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. Treatment for glaucoma requires close teamwork between you and your physician. You must take your medications and schedule frequent eye examinations and tests to monitor for any changes.
Macular Degeneration: An age-related eye disease that destroys central vision by damaging the macula. The macula is part of the retina, a thin layer of nerve cells that lines most of the inside of your eyeball.
Oculoplastic Surgery: Deals with the management of deformities and abnormalities of the eyelids, the lacrimal (tear) system and the orbit (the bony cavity surrounding the eye). Can improve the performance and appearance of the eye.
Related Links
Krieger Eye Institute
Department of Ophthalmology at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.
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