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General Eye Care

The Schwartz Laser Eye Center recommends that you have yearly eye exams. An eye exam will not only determine your vision but may also detect eye disorders that you may not be aware of, some needing treatment immediately to prevent further loss of vision or damage to the eye.

• Optical
• Cataracts
• Contact Lense/Glasses Fitting
• Macular Degeneration
• Dry Eyes
• Conjunctivitis – "Red Eye"
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Corneal Eye Disease
• Glaucoma

Optical

Schwartz Laser Eye Center has on-site optical at both the Scottsdale and Glendale locations staffed with opticians that have a combined 36 years of optical experience. They attend numerous continuing education seminars to keep current on the latest technological advances in the optical industry.

At Schwartz Laser Eye Center, we pride ourselves on our “something for everyone” philosophy. Our frame selections range in price from $69.00 to higher end fashion designer frames like BCBG, Dolce Gabbana, DKNY and Silhouette as well as, an extensive line of premium sunglasses by Maui Jim, Oakley, Kaenon and others.

We provide our patients with the very best in optical lens technology by using state of the art optical fabrication laboratories right here in the valley. We have products such as; Teflon and Crizal anti-reflective lens coatings, a full line of Transitions photo-chromic lenses as well as a myriad of progressive multi-focal lenses and sunglass options to choose from depending on your specific lifestyle needs.

Schwartz Laser Eye Center also fits and dispenses contact lenses; anything from disposable and extended wear soft lenses to gas permeable and hard contact lenses. We can also order specialty lenses from the Nike/ Bausch & Lomb sport line geared toward baseball players, golfers and fisherman who want that visual edge. Once you and our Doctors determine which lenses are best for you, our opticians will place your order.

Stop in and let our experienced optical staff assist you in selecting the best lenses for your prescription and the perfect frame to help you look your best.

Schwartz Laser Eye Center participates with multiple vision plans including, VSP, Spectera, Superior Vision and NVA.

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Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away.

The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

Cataracts are classified as one of three types:

• A nuclear cataract is most commonly seen as it forms. This cataract forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, and is due to natural aging changes.
   
• A cortical cataract, which forms in the lens cortex, gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center. Many diabetics develop cortical cataracts.
   
• A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or those taking high doses of steroids may develop a subcapsular cataract.

Cataract Symptoms and Signs A cataracts start out small, and at first have little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting. A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright or glaring. Or you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.

The type of cataract you have will affect exactly which symptoms you experience and how soon they will occur. When a nuclear cataract first develops it can bring about a temporary improvement in your near vision, called "second sight." Unfortunately, the improved vision is short-lived and will disappear as the cataract worsens. Meanwhile, a subcapsular cataract may not produce any symptoms until it's well-developed.

If you think you have a cataract, see an eye doctor for an exam to find out for sure.

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What Causes a Cataract?

No one knows for sure why the eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. Researchers are gradually identifying factors that may cause cataracts — and information that may help to prevent them.

Many studies suggest that exposure to ultraviolet light is associated with cataract development, so eye care practitioners recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to lessen your exposure. Other types of radiation may also be causes. For example, a 2005 study conducted in Iceland suggests that airline pilots have a higher risk of developing nuclear cataract than non-pilots, and that the cause may be exposure to cosmic radiation. A similar theory suggests that astronauts, too, are at risk from cosmic radiation.

Other studies suggest people with diabetes are at risk for developing a cataract. The same goes for users of steroids, diuretics and major tranquilizers, but more studies are needed to distinguish the effect of the disease from the consequences of the drugs themselves.

Some eye care practitioners believe that a diet high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C and E, may forestall cataract development. Meanwhile, eating a lot of salt may increase your risk.

Other risk factors include cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption. A small study published in 2002 found lead exposure to be a risk factor; another study in December 2004, of 795 men age 60 and older, came to a similar conclusion. But larger studies are needed to confirm whether lead can definitely put you at risk, and if so, whether the risk is from a one-time dose at a particular time in life or from chronic exposure over years.*

Cataract Treatment

When symptoms begin to appear, you may be able to improve your vision for a while using new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids.

Think about surgery when your cataracts have progressed enough to seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life. Many people consider poor vision an inevitable fact of aging, but cataract surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure to regain vision.

Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision. In fact, it is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, with over 1.5 million cataract surgeries done each year. Nine out of 10 people who have cataract surgery regain very good vision, somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40.

During surgery, the surgeon will remove your clouded lens, and in most cases replace it with a clear, plastic intraocular lens (IOL). New IOLs are being developed all the time to make the surgery less complicated for surgeons and the lenses more helpful to patients. Presbyopia-correcting IOLs potentially help you see at all distances, not just one. Another new type of IOL blocks both ultraviolet and blue light rays, which research indicates may damage the retina (see illustration).

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Contact Lense/Glasses Fitting

Contact lenses come in a wide variety of styles, including soft (daily and disposable) lenses and rigid/hard gas permeable lenses. Each type has advantages and disadvantages that our doctors will discuss with you as the selection of proper lenses is made. Our doctors specialize in complicated fittings on patients who have had problems wearing contacts or achieving the desired vision in the past.

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Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is rare among younger individuals, but is a fairly common cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 50. Deterioration of the Macula causes blurry vision when an object is directly looked at but typically the peripheral vision is unaffected.

Effective treatment of Macular Degeneration is not yet available; however, this condition can be managed and further development of the disease can be prevented through routine eye exams.

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Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are very common, especially in Arizona. Increased exposure to the sun, wind, dust, smog and air conditioners may cause or aggravate dry eyes. Dry eyes may also result naturally through aging, sinus ailments, allergy symptoms, medications and wearing contact lenses.

Frequent tearing or “watering” of the eyes is a common symptom, caused by the eye over compensating for the dryness. Patients also complain their eyes are itchy, burning, red or feel like they have grit in their eyes.

The most common treatment is to either block or close the tear ducts; restricting the eyes natural drainage process, keeping the eyes lubricated. This can be accomplished by inserting either a temporary or permanent plug called a “punctal plug”, or by using a laser to permanently close the tear duct opening.

For minor cases the doctor may also prescribe the use of artificial tears as an alternative.

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Conjunctivitis – "Red Eye"

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of red, irritated eyes commonly called pink eye.This can be caused by a virus or can be bacterial in origin. Further more it’s not uncommon to have the typical cold symptoms before, during or after Conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is contagious, you can spread the virus by coughing, sneezing or through sharing items that touch the eye, like makeup, face towels or eye drops. Treatment may vary according to the cause of Conjunctivitis; therefore it is important to have a thorough eye exam.

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Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is a diabetic complication caused by abnormal changes in the small veins and arteries of the retina (i.e. they begin to leak.) Fluid and blood, which spills onto the retina, can cause permanent damage. The retina then sends distorted images to the brain causing vision problems.

Once diagnosed by the doctor and with careful monitoring this condition can be treated before sight is affected.

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Corneal Eye Disease

The cornea is the transparent outer surface of the eye and the primary focusing element. It allows light into the eyes and refracts (bends) the light rays to help the lens focus them onto the retina. To perform properly, the cornea must be clear, free from any irregularities and have the proper curvature.

Dr. Schwartz has extensive experience in several forms of corneal eye disease and disorders including corneal abrasions, ruptures and transplants, chelation and pterygium removal.

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma affects between 2 and 3 million Americans per year and is one of the leading causes of blindness. Typically the patient is given no signs that they have glaucoma, reinforcing the need to have yearly eye exams.

Glaucoma can result from changing pressure within the eye. When the pressure is too high, damage may be done to the optic nerves, which carry messages to the brain. There are several types of Glaucoma, with the most common called Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma. Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma is typically painless and causes gradual vision loss. Acute Glaucoma is less common but develops quickly and is usually accompanied with severe eye pain, requiring immediate treatment.

Dr. Jay L. Schwartz can treat all types of glaucoma either through prescribed medications or surgically by using a laser.

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