INDICATOR OF EYE-CANCER RISK MAY BE SKIN DEEP

     Most people are probably so unfamiliar with the topic of eye cancer that they are not even aware it exists, much less are aware of its symptoms and possible indicators. If so, many will be surprised to learn that researchers have recently uncovered a link between moles and freckles on the skin and uveal melanoma (cancer of the eye’s iris, ciliary body, or choroid). The common denominator is the melanocytes that are located in the uvea (the pigmented middle layer of the eye) and also are responsible for skin color. According to researchers, people with atypical moles were found to have nearly three times the risk of having melanoma of the  eye as those without the moles.

    

P.S. The incidence of uveal melanoma is quite rare (approximately 4.3 cases per million of population) and usually affects older individuals.

This is the  anti-oxidant smoothie, created by Dr. Oganesov. I drink it most mornings. Dr. Keamy

1 organic apple with skin

1 kiwi

1/2  inch of pineapple or mango sliced

handul ( 5-6) walnuts or almonds soaked in water overnight

1 leaf of kale ( may substitute handful of parsley)

1 leaf of collard greens ( may substitute stalk celery)

1 leaf of romaine lettuce

1 inch peeled ginger

1 cup of water or organic apple juice or coconut water

may add 1/2 banana or blueberries or strawberries frozen or fresh

Ice

Blend in powerful blender or a juicer

THROWING A “WET� BLANKET

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the part of the eye needed for central vision and is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 60. While the “dry� form of AMD is vastly more common, “wet� (or neovascular) AMD accounts for 10% of cases but causes 90% of AMD-related vision loss. As abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, they leak blood and fluid and cause scar tissue that can result in sudden and severe vision loss. Until recently, most people with wet AMD had two options: photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy. Now there is a third. The FDA has approved pegaptanib, which is an aptamer, a drug that blocks the action of a substance that stimulates the formation of new blood vessels.

We are pleased to welcome you to our column. AT KEAMY EYE & LASER CENTRE, we look forward to helping you understand your needs and providing information so you can make an informed decision regarding vision correction. We have high personal and professional standards, impeccable integrity, and exceptional knowledge of all facets of eye care. In addition to providing routine eye care, Keamy Eye & Laser Centre treats diseases of the eye including dry eyes, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. We specialize in custom laser vision correction ( LASIK & PRK), cataract surgery with the newest multifocal and toric implants, and eyelid surgery for droopy lids. Additionally, we offer non-invasive cosmetic procedures and products to reduce lines around the eyes and face including: Botox, Radiesse, Juvederm, Silkpeel microdermabrasion, Latisse, and Obagi skincare.

We’re located at 24 Lyman St., Ste. 130, where our courteous staff is professional and well trained. Please call 508.836.USEE (8733) to schedule your next eye examination, or go to www.seemedrkeamy.com. Building a relationship for a lifetime of eye care.

P.S. According to a large clinical trial, treatment with pegaptanib significantly reduced the progression of vision loss in those with moderate to severe “wet� AMD one year after treatment.

SCALING BACK

Inflammation of the eyelids, “blepharitis,� which causes redness and scaly skin at the edges of the eyelids, is one of the most common eye problems among older adults. There are two types of blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis, which occurs at the outside edges of the eyelids, is often caused by bacteria or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows. Interior blepharitis affects the inner edges of the eyelids and can be caused by irregular oil production by the meibomian glands. Regardless of which type of blepharitis a patient has, he or she will likely experience a gritty feeling in the affected eyes, as well as burning, tearing, and irritation. Treatment usually consists of warm compresses, cleansing, topical antibiotics, and massage.

Almost everyone gets blepharitis at some time in his or her life. Some people get it repeatedly. Fortunately, blepharitis is relatively easy to treat. At KEAMY EYE & LASER CENTRE, we provide comprehensive care for diseases of the eye. The most current scientific methods are used for the diagnosis and management of your vision problem.

P.S. Treatment of blepharitis is essential to avoid the potential for eyelash loss, thickened eyelids, and abnormal turning in/out of the eyelids.

RED ALERT!

Few things are more disconcerting than looking in the mirror and seeing blood beneath the mucous membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the visible portion of the eye. While subconjunctival hemorrhage, the medical term for this condition, may be an alarming sight, it is usually benign. That is, it is not likely to lead to lasting vision problems or discomfort, despite its bloody appearance. It can be thought of as something of a bruise, in which small capillaries beneath the surface of the eye break due to trauma or a sudden increase in blood pressure (caused by a violent sneeze, heavy lifting, etc.). It is also possible that a blood thinner, such as aspirin or warfarin, can be the root cause.

The conjunctiva is nourished by tiny blood vessels that are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Besides causing a pink eye, conjunctivitis also can make your eye hurt or itch. You can trust professionals at KEAMY EYE & LASER CENTRE to help you with any eye problems you may have. We will explain your options and make the proper recommendations. We are a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing the highest quality eye care.

We’re located at 24 Lyman St., Ste. 130, where our courteous staff is professional and well trained. Please call 508.836.USEE (8733) to schedule your next eye examination, or go to www.seemedrkeamy.com. Building a relationship for a lifetime of eye care.

P.S. Generally speaking, a sunconjunctival hemorrhage will clear up spontaneously in 7-10 days.

This continuing series of columns will present a wide range of information about the eye. It is hoped that

our readers will use this knowledge to familiarize themselves with eye diseases, their symptoms, preventa-

tive measures and treatments. The professional best suited to discuss such matt ers is an ophthalmologist.

Trained to perform total eye care, an ophthalmologist is the only eye care professional who practices

medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist is a doctor of medicine who has att ended college and medical

school and has served a general internship as well as at least three years of residency in eye care. Th at

individual can diagnose  disease, prescribe treatment and perform surgery. Additionally, vision problems can

be detected and then addressed with surgical procedures, glasses or contact lenses.

We are pleased to welcome you to our column. AT KEAMY EYE & LASER CENTRE, we look forward

to helping you understand your needs and providing information so you can make an informed decision

regarding TOTAL EYE CARE

P.S. An ophthalmologist is trained to diagnose diseases such as diabetes that may lie behind an eye problem.

We have high personal and professional standards, impeccable ,integrity, and exceptional knowledge of all facets of eye care. In addition to providing routine eye care, Keamy Eye & Laser Centre treats diseases of the eye including dry eyes, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.  We special- ize in custom laser vision correction ( LASIK & PRK), cataract surgery with the newest multifocal and toric implants, and eyelid surgery for droopy lids.  Additionally, we off er non-invasive cosmetic procedures and products to reduce lines around the eyes and face including: Botox, Radiesse, Juvederm, Silkpeel microdermabrasion, Latisse, and Obagi skincare.

We’re located at 24 Lyman St., Ste.

130, where our courteous staff  is professional and well trained. Please call

508.836.USEE (8733) to schedule your next eye examination, or go to

www.seemedrkeamy.com. Building a relationship for a lifetime of eye care.

As discussed in my upcoming segment on the cable show  ” Seniors on the Move”, the following vitamins and supplements are important for eye health:

Vitamin A ( carrots, butternut squash), Vitamin C ( kale, strawberries, orange, broccoli), Vitamin E ( nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds), Betacarotene (carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes), and zinc ( oysters, wheat, nuts), Bioflavonoids ( cherries, grapes, plums)

Lutein & Zeaxanthin (kale, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, peaches) & Omega 3 fatty acids ( fatty fish: tuna, salmon, fax seed oil, walnuts),

Eating foods with Lower Glycemic Index ( whole grains, lentils, Yams)

In general, eat 5-9 servings of vegetables or fruits per day, fatty fish 2 times per week, and 3 servings of whole grains per day, avoid processed, sugary, or fried foods.  Add a supplement if you want an insurance policy that you are getting enough nutrients or if you already have signs of macular degeneration.

Dr. Jean Keamy

Lattisse is a new prescription treatment used to grow eyelashes longer, thicker and darker. Consult with Dr. Jean Keamy to see if LATISSE is right for you.