Westside Optometry Hours through the Holidays
Monday, December 31st 8:30 – 12:00
Tuesday Closed for New Years Day
Regular hours resume
Wednesday, January 2nd 8:30 – 5:00
Thursday, January 3rd, 9:00 – 6:00
Friday, January 4th, 8:30 – 12:00
Saturday, January 5th, 8:00 – 12:00
We wish you a very Happy New Year
Color vision deficiency is often called “color blindness” by mistake. Color vision deficiency describes a number of different problems people have with color vision. Abnormal color vision may vary from not being able to tell certain colors apart to not being able to identify any color.
Color vision deficiency affects an estimated 8% of males and fewer than 1% of females. Most color vision problems run in families and are inherited and present at birth.
A child inherits a color vision deficiency by receiving a faulty color vision gene from a parent. Abnormal color vision is found in a recessive gene on the X chromosome, therefore, color vision deficiency is a sex-linked condition. Because males only have one X chromosome, they are more likely to have color vision deficiencies than females.
Heredity does not cause all color vision problems. One common problem happens from the normal aging of the eye’s lens. The lens is clear at birth, but the aging process causes it to darken and yellow. Older adults may have problems identifying certain dark colors, particularly blues. Certain medications as well as inherited or acquired retinal and optic nerve disease may affect normal color vision.
At Westside Optometry, we test our young boys and some girls for color vision deficiency. Any child who is having difficulty in school should be checked for possible visual problems including color vision impairment. If there is a family history of color deficiency or your child is having problems identifying colors, let us know so he/she can be tested.
The specialized cells in the retina are called rods and cones. You use these cells for normal vision. Rods are useful for night vision and working in dim light. Cones are responsible for color vision. They work best in daylight. Three types of cone pigments are present in normal vision. These are sensitive to either blue, green or red colored objects. Together, they let you see a wide range of colors, from purple through red.
For normal color vision, all three cone pigments must work correctly. When a cone pigment is abnormal or missing, a type of color vision deficiency results. For example, the most common deficiency causes confusion between red and green colors. In rare cases, a person is born without any cones. These people are truly “color blind.” They see the world in shades of gray and suffer significant visual impairment. Most types of color vision deficiency are present at birth. There are also some types caused by aging, eye disease or injury.
Color Vision Testing
There are several ways to test color vision. Simpler tests involve colored 
figures (either shapes or numbers) placed against a busy, patterned background. A person with normal color vision can see the figures against the background. Those with color vision deficiencies cannot see the symbols.
At Westside Optometry we do a more specific test that requires placing colored disks in order, from one shade to another. People with different color deficiencies place the disks in varying order.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for hereditary color vision deficiency. Many people with color vision deficiency develop their own “system” or learn to 
identify colors by other means. Some people learn to tell colors apart by brightness and location. A stoplight, for example, is designed so the colors are always in the same order.
Progressive lenses offer a range of vision as close to natural as can be obtained from prescription eyeglasses. Their hallmark is clearer vision at any distance or angle, and because there is no abrupt change of power anywhere in the lens, there are no visible dividing lines. They provide a great solution for many people who find their present lenses limit their vision for a particular distance or activity.
Continuing advances in manufacturing techniques mean more precise lenses that deliver even sharper, clearer vision; most patients consider them an improvement over their older ones. Ongoing design research has produced ways to further increase depth perception and the amount of clear vision at any angle of the newer progressives. In addition, the latest technology eliminates swimming and swaying sensations associated with typical progressive lenses.
Furthermore, if you’re like most progressive lens wearers then the exact prescription for each of your eyes is different. And the position of your nose and cheekbones affects the way you see through your lenses. So even with a correct prescription, older progressives were still limited in perfecting your vision. Increased measurements for fitting the newest progressive lenses produce a more customized, personalized set of glasses with the widest, clearest viewing zones possible, no matter how intricate the prescription. Ask us about the latest innovations in progressive lens designs and improve your vision experience. There are a variety of designs to choose from today.
Winter winds and moisture zapping heaters can cause dry, red and irritated eyes.
Tears are essential for good eye health and clear vision. They bathe the eye, washing out dust and debris, and 
keep the surface moist and clear. The natural tear film also contains enzymes that neutralize microorganisms, reducing the risk of eye infections.
The most common signs and symptoms of dry eyes are persistent dryness and irritation, scratchiness, a burning feeling in your eyes and red eyes. Oddly enough, dry eye syndrome also can make your eyes watery, as dryness can cause a protective overproduction of the watery component of your tears.
Cold winter wind outdoors and dry heat indoors can cause or worsen dry eyes. Follow these tips to keep dry eyes at bay.
Dry eyes may not be completely curable in certain cases, but the unpleasant dryness, scratchiness and burning sensation can be managed. We are carrying a new artificial tear called Oasis that contains long-molecule hyaluronic acid which keeps the moisture on the eye longer. Click here to read more about dry eye syndrome.
This is a continuation of my last blog post about diabetic retinopathy. I want to stress that diabetic retinopathy is the number 1 cause of new cases of blindness for adults 20-70 years old. The increasing number of people with diabetes means the number of people who will develop diabetic retinopathy will also increase. This is significant because severe vision loss can be prevented 90% of the time.
It is my job as an optometrist to identify and detect diabetic retinopathy. When I see diabetic retinopathy, I have to decide when to refer for further evaluation and/or treatment.
PREVENTING VISION LOSS
The most important thing you can do to prevent vision loss from diabetes is have a dilated eye examination every year.
If you notice changes in your vision or it seems blurry, call your eye doctor immediately. To read more about preventing eye complications from diabetes click here.
TREATMENT
If I think treatment is indicated, I will refer you to a retinologist. A retinologist is an ophthalmologist, who treats conditions of the vitreous and retina, both effected by diabetic retinopathy. He or she will chose the best treatment option.
A laser may be used to stop blood vessels from leaking. It may also be used over a larger part of the retina to reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Laser maintains sight, but the side effects can include, blind spots in the vision and reduced vision.
Corticosteroid injections into the eye provide a temporary treatment. To maintain control of the retinopathy, repeated injections are necessary every 6-8 weeks. The continued use of corticosteroids increases the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.
Another treatment is the injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
(anti-VEGF) to prevent the blood vessels from leaking. This treatment also needs to be repeated every 6-8 weeks.
The retinologist will often use a combination of the above treatments to yield the best results.
Researchers continue to look for therapies with long-term results and minimal side effects.
Westside Optometry continues to recognize November as Diabetes Awareness Month, although diabetes is something that deserves attention all 365 days of the year. If you have diabetes, I will dilate your eyes at least once a year. Diabetes can affect many organs of the body, in the eyes it causes blindness.
Many problems develop in the retina due to diabetes. The possibilities include abnormal blood vessel growth, hemorrhages and lipid leakage. If these problems are allowed to continue without treatment they will cause scarring which leads to detachment of the retina. Another complication is the leakage of fluid under the macula which will severely reduce vision.
Not all these conditions will have symptoms. Only when the bleeding or fluids reach a certain size will you notice blur or dark spots. The earlier changes in the retina are detected, the better treatment results will be.
The picture above shows some of the changes diabetes causes in the retina. There is bleeding and some areas where blood isn’t flowing properly (ischemia). This patient did not notice any changes in his vision. If you have diabetes, don’t wait until you have vision changes, it may be too late.
There are steps you can take to avoid eye problems due to diabetes.
First and most important, keep your blood sugar levels under tight control. In the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, people on standard diabetes treatment got retinopathy four times as often as people who kept their blood sugar levels close to normal. In people who already have retinopathy, the condition progressed in the tight-control group only half as often.
These impressive results show that you have a lot of control over what happens to your eyes. Also, high blood sugar levels may make your vision temporarily blurry.
Second, keep blood pressure under control. High blood pressure can make eye problems worse.
Third, quit smoking.
Fourth, see your optometrist at least once a year for a dilated eye exam. 
Having your regular doctor look at your eyes is not enough.
Fifth, see your optometrist if:
Don’t procrastinate. If you have diabetes and haven’t had a dilated eye exam in the last 12 months, schedule an eye exam now.
For more information, check out the American Diabetes Association.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
To begin the month of diabetes awareness, let’s start by dispelling some myths:
Myth: Diabetes is not that serious of a disease.
Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.
Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other 
risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Unfortunately, too many people disregard the other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Most overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes, and many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight.
Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Fact: The answer is not so simple. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.
Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. Research has shown that drinking sugary drinks is linked to type 2 diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people should limit their 
intake of sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, energy and sports drinks and fruit drinks, to help prevent diabetes. These beverages will raise blood glucose and can provide several hundred calories in just one serving!
Myth: People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.
Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy diet for anyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Diabetic and “dietetic” foods generally offer no special benefit. Most of them still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.
Myth: If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta.
Fact: Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. The key is portions. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods per meal is about right. Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut healthy.
Myth: People with diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate.
Fact: If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. They are no more “off limits” to people with diabetes than they are to people without diabetes. The key to sweets is to have a very small portion and save them for special occasions so you focus your meal on more healthful foods.
Myth: You can catch diabetes from someone else.
Fact: No. Although we don’t know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we know diabetes is not contagious. It can’t be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.
Myth: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses.
Fact: You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any illness can make diabetes more difficult to control, and people with diabetes who do get the flu are more likely than others to go on to develop serious complications.
Myth: If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor says you need to start using insulin, it means you’re failing to take care of your diabetes properly.
Fact: For most people, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When first diagnosed, many people with type 2 diabetes can keep their blood glucose at a healthy level with oral medications. But over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin, and eventually oral medications may not be enough to keep blood glucose levels normal. Using insulin to get blood glucose levels to a healthy level is a good thing, not a bad one.
Myth: Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is OK to eat as much of it as you wish.
Fact: Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruits contain carbohydrates, they need to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.
For more facts check out the American Diabetes Association.
Color vision deficiency is often called “color blindness” by mistake. Color vision deficiency describes a number of different problems people have with color vision. Abnormal color vision may vary from not being able to tell certain colors apart to not being able to identify any color.
Color vision deficiency affects an estimated 8% of males and fewer than 1% of females. Most color vision problems run in families and are inherited and present at birth.
A child inherits a color vision deficiency by receiving a faulty color vision gene from a parent. Abnormal color vision is found in a recessive gene on the X chromosome, therefore, color vision deficiency is a sex-linked condition. Because males only have one X chromosome, they are more likely to have color vision deficiencies than females.
Heredity does not cause all color vision problems. One common problem happens from the normal aging of the eye’s lens. The lens is clear at birth, but the aging process causes it to darken and yellow. Older adults may have problems identifying certain dark colors, particularly blues. Certain medications as well as inherited or acquired retinal and optic nerve disease may affect normal color vision.
At Westside Optometry, we test our young boys and some girls for color vision deficiency. Any child who is having difficulty in school should be checked for possible visual problems including color vision impairment. If there is a family history of color deficiency or your child is having problems identifying colors, let Dr. Griffith know so he/she can be tested.
The specialized cells in the retina are called rods and cones. You use these cells for normal vision. Rods are useful for night vision and working in dim light. Cones are responsible for color vision. They work best in daylight. Three types of cone pigments are present in normal vision. These are sensitive to either blue, green or red colored objects. Together, they let you see a wide range of colors, from purple through red.
For normal color vision, all three cone pigments must work correctly. When a cone pigment is abnormal or missing, a type of color vision deficiency results. For example, the most common deficiency causes confusion between red and green colors. In rare cases, a person is born without any cones. These people are truly “color blind.” They see the world in shades of gray and suffer significant visual impairment. Most types of color vision deficiency are present at birth. There are also some types caused by aging, eye disease or injury.
Color Vision Testing
There are several ways to test color vision. Simpler tests involve colored figures (either shapes or numbers) placed against a busy, patterned background. A person with normal color vision can see the figures against the background. Those with color vision deficiencies cannot see the symbols.
At Westside Optometry we do a more specific test that requires placing colored disks in order, from one shade to another. People with different color deficiencies place the disks in varying order.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for hereditary color vision deficiency. Many people with color vision deficiency develop their own “system” or learn to identify colors by other means. Some people learn to tell colors apart by brightness and location. A stoplight, for example, is designed so the colors are always in the same order.