Health Care Heroes
Congratulations to The Daily Record’s 2011 Health Care Heroes. The LifeBridge Health winners are:
Tamika Gladney, R.N., Northwest Hospital
Rosa Griffith, volunteer, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital
Gerami Seitzman, M.D., ophthalmologist, Krieger Eye Institute, Sinai Hospital
Michael Zollicoffer, M.D., pediatrician, Sinai Hospital
Seitzman, director of Cornea, External Disease and Uveitis at the Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital, was the top winner in the physician category.
“Just doing my job is an honor in itself,” Seitzman says. “And this honor adds icing to the cake.”
Dr. Seitzman comments on her award:
Here what Tamika Gladney, R.N. has to say about this recognition.
Rosa Griffith’s sons accepted this posthumous award on her behalf. Rosa began volunteering at the age of 77, and continued even after surviving a stroke. In the spring of 2010, at age 82, Rosa was diagnosed with cancer. She continued to volunteer, amassing 1,400 hours during her nearly five years as a Levindale volunteer.
The Daily Record received nearly 150 nominations for its annual Health Care Heroes awards, which recognizes individuals in eight categories including physician, volunteer, community outreach, nurse, midlevel practitioner, health care professional, advancements in health care, and animal care provider
About 400 people attended the award ceremony this week at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Baltimore.
The Daily Record, a daily newspaper published five times a week to provide legal and business news, created Health Care Heroes in 2003 "to honor those heroes in the health care industry who impact the lives of Marylanders." For a full list of the 2011 finalists, visit http://thedailyrecord.com/health-care-heroes/current-winners/
Showing posts with label Krieger Eye Institute. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Krieger Eye Institute. Show all posts
Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, July 12, 2010
Summer Eye Safety
Most of us tend to concentrate on protecting our skin during the warmer months of the year. But did you know that protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin, especially while participating in certain activities at home?
Not only do your eyes need to be shielded from the sun, they also need to be protected from debris, household particles, and saltwater or chlorinated water.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 48 percent of reported eye injuries occur in the home, nearly a third of which were caused by play or sports, and more than one in five injuries were due to performing home repair or using power tools.
“Goggles or wraparound safety glasses are a smart idea for all safety concerns – in and out of the home,” says Gerami Seitzman, M.D., an ophthalmologist at the Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital. “So many injuries occur at home that are 100 percent preventable. Properly shielded eyes will be protected from flying debris while doing yard work or aerosolized sawdust from power tool use.
“Most of the eye injuries that I encounter are from work injuries in construction or welding,” says Seitzman. Eye injuries from sports such as basketball, lacrosse and tennis are also very common.
If you or your children are headed to the pool this summer, make sure to wear goggles. They will allow you to avoid eye damage when swimming in a chlorinated pool or in a large body of water such as the ocean. The chemicals in the chlorine can dry out the eyes resulting in irritation, and the high salt and dirt content in the ocean can have a similar effect.
Our eyes also need protection from other natural elements like sun rays and pollen. Sunglasses are crucial at all ages and during every season, Seitzman says. Wear sunglasses especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Other tips:
-Eyewear should completely cover your eyes and provide protection from UVA and UVB rays.
-Use a cool compress and artificial tears if you have red, irritated eyes.
-Wear goggles when doing a home repair project, including woodworking.
-Betsy Haley
Not only do your eyes need to be shielded from the sun, they also need to be protected from debris, household particles, and saltwater or chlorinated water.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 48 percent of reported eye injuries occur in the home, nearly a third of which were caused by play or sports, and more than one in five injuries were due to performing home repair or using power tools.
“Goggles or wraparound safety glasses are a smart idea for all safety concerns – in and out of the home,” says Gerami Seitzman, M.D., an ophthalmologist at the Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital. “So many injuries occur at home that are 100 percent preventable. Properly shielded eyes will be protected from flying debris while doing yard work or aerosolized sawdust from power tool use.
“Most of the eye injuries that I encounter are from work injuries in construction or welding,” says Seitzman. Eye injuries from sports such as basketball, lacrosse and tennis are also very common.
If you or your children are headed to the pool this summer, make sure to wear goggles. They will allow you to avoid eye damage when swimming in a chlorinated pool or in a large body of water such as the ocean. The chemicals in the chlorine can dry out the eyes resulting in irritation, and the high salt and dirt content in the ocean can have a similar effect.
Our eyes also need protection from other natural elements like sun rays and pollen. Sunglasses are crucial at all ages and during every season, Seitzman says. Wear sunglasses especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Other tips:
-Eyewear should completely cover your eyes and provide protection from UVA and UVB rays.
-Use a cool compress and artificial tears if you have red, irritated eyes.
-Wear goggles when doing a home repair project, including woodworking.
-Betsy Haley
Thursday, July 1, 2010
After Surgery, Things are Looking Up
Editor's Note: Marketing Department writer Sandra Crockett had eye surgery in May at the Krieger Eye Institute and is sharing her experience with our blog readers. You can read about her preparing for surgery here.
It was all worth it. The four separate surgeries in May, two weeks apart by two Sinai physicians, were all worth it. The six weeks at home on medical leave from work? Worth it. The "no exercising" and "no driving" directive, the “roller coaster” of a ride that meant terrific vision some days, not so great other days? Worth it.
I’m six weeks out from my last surgery and my vision is vastly improved. I will even say it’s great.
I had glaucoma surgery and cataract surgery on both eyes (May 5 for the right eye and May 19 for the left eye). These surgeries caused a reoccurring autoimmune disease - called uveitis - to flare up big time. I knew and accepted this going in. I was warned – having to sign a document that I understood this would most likely happen – before the surgeries.
In fact, it was my years-long struggle with treating uveitis that caused the cataracts and glaucoma to develop at a somewhat younger age than usual. The cataracts were causing seriously impaired vision, and the glaucoma meant my eye pressure was dangerously high. I had been treated at other health facilities, with no good outcome, before I came to Sinai two years ago.
The uveitis could be brought under better control once the cataracts were gone and the eye pressure dropped, said my primary ophthalmologist, Gerami Seitzman, M.D.
I asked her what I could do pre- and post-surgery to facilitate the best surgical outcome. She said the best thing I could do was “have a positive attitude.”
It was kind of crazy right after the procedures on May 5. The next day, the huge bandage came off my right eye. There was an eye chart on the wall and Dr. Seitzman asked if I could make out anything or if it was “all just one big blur.” Turns out, everything was crystal clear! Better out of that right eye than I had seen in, well, I can’t ever remember seeing anything that clearly.
Dr. Seitzman told me great vision right away was unusual. I was thinking, maybe that “positive attitude” paid off. She cautioned that it might be “a roller coaster” and the next day could be different.
Boy, was she right. The following day things were blurry. And so it went for the next few weeks. And let’s not forget the medication! I needed eye drops for the uveitis, plus an antibiotic and oral steroids. The eye drops were administered in different dosages at different times of the day. For instance, one medication in the right eye every two hours. Another medication in the right eye four times a day. A high dose of oral steroids that kept me up at night. And that was just for the first week.
Then my left eye was operated on. I had an entirely different medication schedule for that eye. Finally, this week, I am using one eye drop twice a day in both eyes. And the oral steroids, thank goodness, are gone.
So six weeks out from the last surgery and things are looking good. Make that things are looking great! It is exactly like Dr. Seitzman told me. It took time and patience. For someone who got her first pair of glasses in the third grade, imagine my shock at learning I was now cleared to drive without them. Everyone who has had cataract surgery knows the joy of having the “veil” lifted from one’s vision.
I am hoping that I am done once and for all with the uveitis as well. Only time will tell. Right now, I am maintaining that positive attitude.
-Sandra Crockett
It was all worth it. The four separate surgeries in May, two weeks apart by two Sinai physicians, were all worth it. The six weeks at home on medical leave from work? Worth it. The "no exercising" and "no driving" directive, the “roller coaster” of a ride that meant terrific vision some days, not so great other days? Worth it.
I’m six weeks out from my last surgery and my vision is vastly improved. I will even say it’s great.
I had glaucoma surgery and cataract surgery on both eyes (May 5 for the right eye and May 19 for the left eye). These surgeries caused a reoccurring autoimmune disease - called uveitis - to flare up big time. I knew and accepted this going in. I was warned – having to sign a document that I understood this would most likely happen – before the surgeries.
In fact, it was my years-long struggle with treating uveitis that caused the cataracts and glaucoma to develop at a somewhat younger age than usual. The cataracts were causing seriously impaired vision, and the glaucoma meant my eye pressure was dangerously high. I had been treated at other health facilities, with no good outcome, before I came to Sinai two years ago.
The uveitis could be brought under better control once the cataracts were gone and the eye pressure dropped, said my primary ophthalmologist, Gerami Seitzman, M.D.
I asked her what I could do pre- and post-surgery to facilitate the best surgical outcome. She said the best thing I could do was “have a positive attitude.”
It was kind of crazy right after the procedures on May 5. The next day, the huge bandage came off my right eye. There was an eye chart on the wall and Dr. Seitzman asked if I could make out anything or if it was “all just one big blur.” Turns out, everything was crystal clear! Better out of that right eye than I had seen in, well, I can’t ever remember seeing anything that clearly.
Dr. Seitzman told me great vision right away was unusual. I was thinking, maybe that “positive attitude” paid off. She cautioned that it might be “a roller coaster” and the next day could be different.
Boy, was she right. The following day things were blurry. And so it went for the next few weeks. And let’s not forget the medication! I needed eye drops for the uveitis, plus an antibiotic and oral steroids. The eye drops were administered in different dosages at different times of the day. For instance, one medication in the right eye every two hours. Another medication in the right eye four times a day. A high dose of oral steroids that kept me up at night. And that was just for the first week.
Then my left eye was operated on. I had an entirely different medication schedule for that eye. Finally, this week, I am using one eye drop twice a day in both eyes. And the oral steroids, thank goodness, are gone.
So six weeks out from the last surgery and things are looking good. Make that things are looking great! It is exactly like Dr. Seitzman told me. It took time and patience. For someone who got her first pair of glasses in the third grade, imagine my shock at learning I was now cleared to drive without them. Everyone who has had cataract surgery knows the joy of having the “veil” lifted from one’s vision.
I am hoping that I am done once and for all with the uveitis as well. Only time will tell. Right now, I am maintaining that positive attitude.
-Sandra Crockett
Friday, May 14, 2010
Preparing for Surgery: A Testimony
Marketing's Sandra Crockett had successful eye surgery at the Krieger Eye Institute last week. This is an account of her preparation for eye surgery.
My eye surgery at Sinai Hospital is scheduled, and I am filled with trepidation and hope.
It has been more than a year since I’ve learned surgery was an option. I had uveitis (inflammation of the uvea; cause unknown in my case) which has given me both cataracts and glaucoma. The surgery can not be done if the uveitis is active, so I have had to wait.
Getting to surgery requires some necessary steps, which increase if you are over age 50.There is the pre-admission evaluation and testing, which must be done within thirty days of the surgery. This includes blood tests, a urinalysis and an electrocardiogram.
My primary care physician completed my outpatient history form, which states any sort of physical issues. And, I’ve been told to have a complete list of medications (for me that is three different eye drops and one twice-a-day pill, for eye pressure) to present to the nurse the day of surgery. I started on a heavy dose of steroids three days before surgery, but won’t take it on the day of surgery.
Those preparing for surgery are reminded not to eat, drink or smoke after midnight the day of the surgery. Aspirin is not allowed, but other medications are sometimes allowed - check with your physician. No make-up is to be worn the day of surgery and any jewelry is to be left at home.
It's important to plan who will be there with you after surgery. Obviously driving home after eye surgery is a non-starter. If there was no one available to take me home after surgery, it would be canceled.
Behind the scenes at Sinai, the PASS department is busy watching out for all the hospital’s preoperative patients. PASS stands for Pre-Anesthesia Screening Service.
“We review all of the paperwork,” says Tina Sewell, PASS nurse practitioner. If necessary, they also see patients.
PASS' ultimate goal to physically see all preoperative patients, regardless if the patients have a primary physician to provide screening. Only some patients see a PASS nurse.
“If a patient can’t get to their primary care doctor or if they have had anesthesia issues in the past, we will see them and discuss it,” says Patricia Valentino, a PASS nurse practitioner,
Some patients need guidance on which medications should be taken before surgery, says Patricia Drummond, PASS nurse practitioner. “We do a consult on what they need to take, whether it's blood pressure, psychiatric drugs, whatever," she says.
My best advice for people facing surgery is to put yourselves in the hands of good doctors and good hospitals. Ask questions and make sure you understand all of the answers.
That’s the medical part. There is also the rest of life after surgery. I will be out of action for about a month. Running is my exercise of choice but that will be out of the question for a couple of months. Ouch! Besides weight control, running provides stress relief. A long-time running buddy is already looking ahead. He is planning on running a November marathon in New Hampshire.
“And there’s a half marathon for you!” he says.
I know that November will be here before I know it. In the meantime, I’ll be a woman walking for the next few months.
My eye surgery at Sinai Hospital is scheduled, and I am filled with trepidation and hope.
It has been more than a year since I’ve learned surgery was an option. I had uveitis (inflammation of the uvea; cause unknown in my case) which has given me both cataracts and glaucoma. The surgery can not be done if the uveitis is active, so I have had to wait.
Getting to surgery requires some necessary steps, which increase if you are over age 50.There is the pre-admission evaluation and testing, which must be done within thirty days of the surgery. This includes blood tests, a urinalysis and an electrocardiogram.
My primary care physician completed my outpatient history form, which states any sort of physical issues. And, I’ve been told to have a complete list of medications (for me that is three different eye drops and one twice-a-day pill, for eye pressure) to present to the nurse the day of surgery. I started on a heavy dose of steroids three days before surgery, but won’t take it on the day of surgery.
Those preparing for surgery are reminded not to eat, drink or smoke after midnight the day of the surgery. Aspirin is not allowed, but other medications are sometimes allowed - check with your physician. No make-up is to be worn the day of surgery and any jewelry is to be left at home.
It's important to plan who will be there with you after surgery. Obviously driving home after eye surgery is a non-starter. If there was no one available to take me home after surgery, it would be canceled.
Behind the scenes at Sinai, the PASS department is busy watching out for all the hospital’s preoperative patients. PASS stands for Pre-Anesthesia Screening Service.
“We review all of the paperwork,” says Tina Sewell, PASS nurse practitioner. If necessary, they also see patients.
PASS' ultimate goal to physically see all preoperative patients, regardless if the patients have a primary physician to provide screening. Only some patients see a PASS nurse.
“If a patient can’t get to their primary care doctor or if they have had anesthesia issues in the past, we will see them and discuss it,” says Patricia Valentino, a PASS nurse practitioner,
Some patients need guidance on which medications should be taken before surgery, says Patricia Drummond, PASS nurse practitioner. “We do a consult on what they need to take, whether it's blood pressure, psychiatric drugs, whatever," she says.
My best advice for people facing surgery is to put yourselves in the hands of good doctors and good hospitals. Ask questions and make sure you understand all of the answers.
That’s the medical part. There is also the rest of life after surgery. I will be out of action for about a month. Running is my exercise of choice but that will be out of the question for a couple of months. Ouch! Besides weight control, running provides stress relief. A long-time running buddy is already looking ahead. He is planning on running a November marathon in New Hampshire.
“And there’s a half marathon for you!” he says.
I know that November will be here before I know it. In the meantime, I’ll be a woman walking for the next few months.
Friday, January 1, 2010
All in Favor, Say Eye
Several initiatives allowed residents in Baltimore County and the city of Baltimore to have their eyes screened in 2009.
The Eyes Have It program, created by the Polakoff Foundation, offers monthly free glaucoma screenings at hospitals through the city, and hundreds of residents were screened in 2009. The Krieger Eye Institute, a partner in this effort, screened 45 people in 2009, and roughly 1/4 of those patients received follow-up services. Many patients with financial hardship who needed additional care were helped through the generosity of the institute and Sinai Hospital.
Through the LifeBridge Health Know Your Health program, 65 residents received care at two diabetic eye screenings, which are for those who have diabetes or are recently diagnosed with diabetes. At the cataract eye screening in October, 31 people were screened.
The next diabetic eye screening is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 23 at Clinical Associates, 515 Fairmount Avenue, Suite 407, Towson. The next glaucoma screening is 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16 at Krieger Eye Institute at Quarry Lake, 2700 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 180. Both of the screenings are free.
For more information on the Know Your Health program, click here. For information on the Eyes Have it, call 410-601-7295 or visit the Web site.
The Eyes Have It program, created by the Polakoff Foundation, offers monthly free glaucoma screenings at hospitals through the city, and hundreds of residents were screened in 2009. The Krieger Eye Institute, a partner in this effort, screened 45 people in 2009, and roughly 1/4 of those patients received follow-up services. Many patients with financial hardship who needed additional care were helped through the generosity of the institute and Sinai Hospital.
Through the LifeBridge Health Know Your Health program, 65 residents received care at two diabetic eye screenings, which are for those who have diabetes or are recently diagnosed with diabetes. At the cataract eye screening in October, 31 people were screened.
The next diabetic eye screening is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 23 at Clinical Associates, 515 Fairmount Avenue, Suite 407, Towson. The next glaucoma screening is 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16 at Krieger Eye Institute at Quarry Lake, 2700 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 180. Both of the screenings are free.
For more information on the Know Your Health program, click here. For information on the Eyes Have it, call 410-601-7295 or visit the Web site.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Krieger Eye Institute Hosts Cataract Screening
What does Latin etymology have to do with your eyes?
In Latin, the word cataracta means "waterfall." That's the feeling many people have when there are cataracts in their eyes - the clouding of the lens of the eye is similar to the distortion you'd see if you were looking through a waterfall. Other symptoms are
While surgery is the only way to remove a cataract, new eyeglasses may also help. If you or a loved one suspect you may have cataracts, a free screening is being offered Tuesday by the Krieger Eye Institute. The screening is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Quarry Lake Office, 2700 Quarry Lake Drive. Call 410-601-WELL (9355) to register.
In Latin, the word cataracta means "waterfall." That's the feeling many people have when there are cataracts in their eyes - the clouding of the lens of the eye is similar to the distortion you'd see if you were looking through a waterfall. Other symptoms are
- Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
- Double vision in one eye
- Need for brighter light to read
- Poor night vision
- Fading or yellowing of colors
While surgery is the only way to remove a cataract, new eyeglasses may also help. If you or a loved one suspect you may have cataracts, a free screening is being offered Tuesday by the Krieger Eye Institute. The screening is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Quarry Lake Office, 2700 Quarry Lake Drive. Call 410-601-WELL (9355) to register.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Free Glaucoma Screening Available at Sinai
The Eyes Have It Program (EHIP) offers free monthly glaucoma screenings to all Baltimore citizens. Glaucoma is a blinding eye disease with no obvious warning signs.
A FREE glaucoma screening will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, on the sixth floor of the Morton Mower Building, Krieger Eye Institute, on the Sinai Hospital campus.
For unknown reasons, African-Americans are 3-4 times more likely to get glaucoma than other groups. Others at risk include:
The Maryland-based Polakoff Foundation, a founding member of The Eyes Have It Program, has a goal of screening at least 500 high-risk people in 2009 at four different Baltimore hospitals.
Screenings are painless and take only a few minutes. The Eyes Have It Program maintains programs for uninsured people who are referred for medical attention due to glaucoma. No appointment is necessary.
For more information on upcoming screenings, call 410-601-7295 or click here.
A FREE glaucoma screening will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, on the sixth floor of the Morton Mower Building, Krieger Eye Institute, on the Sinai Hospital campus.
For unknown reasons, African-Americans are 3-4 times more likely to get glaucoma than other groups. Others at risk include:
- People with family history of the disease
- People over 60
- People with diabetes
- People who are extremely nearsighted or farsighted
- Long-time users of steroid medications
- The victim of a severe eye trauma
- Hispanics
- Russian Jews
- American Indians
The Maryland-based Polakoff Foundation, a founding member of The Eyes Have It Program, has a goal of screening at least 500 high-risk people in 2009 at four different Baltimore hospitals.
Screenings are painless and take only a few minutes. The Eyes Have It Program maintains programs for uninsured people who are referred for medical attention due to glaucoma. No appointment is necessary.
For more information on upcoming screenings, call 410-601-7295 or click here.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Krieger Eye Institute Hosts Diabetic Eye Screening
by Don Abrams, M.D.
The Krieger Eye Institute of Sinai Hospital sponsored a Diabetic Eye Screening at the institute's Quarry Lake location last night. The event, which was promoted on WJZ-TV, resulted in 41 people, all with diabetes, attending the screening.
The screening was set up to determine if any of the individuals had diabetic eye changes and needed therapy. Many of the participants had not eye care for many years, and in many cases had never had seen an ophthalmologist, despite carrying the diagnosis of diabetes.
Several of the patients had diabetic retinopathy, and many had not received treatment for the condition. Several patients also were diagnosed with cataracts, and a couple were diagnosed with uncontrolled glaucoma.
All participants were encouraged and educated about seeing their eye care professionals annually. Those that needed more immediate treatment were counseled to see their own ophthalmologists as soon as possible, or were scheduled to see some of the doctors of the Krieger Eye Institute.
Five Krieger Eye Institute ophthalmic technicians, seven Krieger Eye Institute faculty members, resident physicians, and members of the Marketing Department participated in the event.
The Krieger Eye Institute of Sinai Hospital sponsored a Diabetic Eye Screening at the institute's Quarry Lake location last night. The event, which was promoted on WJZ-TV, resulted in 41 people, all with diabetes, attending the screening.
The screening was set up to determine if any of the individuals had diabetic eye changes and needed therapy. Many of the participants had not eye care for many years, and in many cases had never had seen an ophthalmologist, despite carrying the diagnosis of diabetes.
Several of the patients had diabetic retinopathy, and many had not received treatment for the condition. Several patients also were diagnosed with cataracts, and a couple were diagnosed with uncontrolled glaucoma.
All participants were encouraged and educated about seeing their eye care professionals annually. Those that needed more immediate treatment were counseled to see their own ophthalmologists as soon as possible, or were scheduled to see some of the doctors of the Krieger Eye Institute.
Five Krieger Eye Institute ophthalmic technicians, seven Krieger Eye Institute faculty members, resident physicians, and members of the Marketing Department participated in the event.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Four LifeBridge Health employees named Health Care Heroes winners
Once a year, the Maryland Daily Record sponsors a day to recognize those heroes that walk among us – Health Care Heroes.
LifeBridge Health is proud of all its finalists: Donald Abrams, M.D., Lee David Chiat, R.T., Susan Golden, Lynn Harris R.N., Shawn Standard, M.D., Garrick Williams, Harry Zemel and Project LIGHT. The winners were Dr. Abrams, Harris, Williams and Zemel.
Dr. Abrams, the chief of Sinai Hospital’s Department of Ophthalmology, was recognized for his work with glaucoma patients and the free screenings held regularly at Krieger Eye Institute through a partnership with the Polakoff Foundation.
Harris, a nurse who is the manager of the Mother-Baby Unit at Sinai Hospital was recognized for her work with new mothers experiencing postpartum depression.
Zemel was a top winner in the Volunteer category for his 20-plus years of service at Sinai, from the Post Anesthesia Care Unit to the Volunteer Advisory Council.
Williams won for his work as a youth outreach worker, running support groups for young men as
well as the 8-year-old Park Heights Saints football league.Congratulations to all!
Winners (from left) Dr. Abrams, Zemel, Harris and Williams
following a breakfast ceremony this morning.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Early screening key to preventing vision problems in kids
Vision problems in children are common. An estimated 13.5 million infants and children ages 1 - 17 have vision problems. The good news is that the majority of these vision problems can be corrected if caught early. Yet less than a third of U.S. elementary children aged 5 years and under had ever had their vision screened prior to starting elementary school, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Maryland mandates hearing and vision screenings for all public school students. But health professionals differ on how early children should be screened. According to this George Washington University Center for Health and Health Care in Schools report on the subject:
"The American Optometric Association and the American Public Health Association recommend comprehensive vision examinations for all children starting at 6 months of age and at regular intervals thereafter, while the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Pediatricians support vision screenings for all children by age 3 and at regular intervals thereafter."
A change in your ability to see, from a neurological perspective, can happen at any age, and can be caused by many conditions, including:
In some cases, your child's pediatrician may recommend consulting a neuro-ophthalmologist. Neuro-ophthalmology is the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders that affect the eye and visual function. Neuro-ophthalmologists receive advanced training in problems of the eye, brain, nerves and muscles.
Michael Altman, M.D., specializes in neuro-ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology at Sinai Hosptial of Baltimore's Krieger Eye Institute. In addition to coordinating the resources and specialists there, he puts the diagnostic technology and surgical expertise of Sinai Hospital to work, evaluating and treating neurologically-based vision problems.
Appointments begin with an extensive examination of your child's personal health history, lifestyle, and family history, along with a thorough eye and medical exam, with an emphasis on the neurological system. While some conditions can be treated medically through drug therapy, others may be treated through surgery. Some conditions cannot be treated, except through a change in your child's medical condition.
What do you think is the proper age for a child to have his or her first eye exam?
Maryland mandates hearing and vision screenings for all public school students. But health professionals differ on how early children should be screened. According to this George Washington University Center for Health and Health Care in Schools report on the subject:
"The American Optometric Association and the American Public Health Association recommend comprehensive vision examinations for all children starting at 6 months of age and at regular intervals thereafter, while the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Pediatricians support vision screenings for all children by age 3 and at regular intervals thereafter."
A change in your ability to see, from a neurological perspective, can happen at any age, and can be caused by many conditions, including:
- Hormonal/pituitary imbalances
- A weakening of nerves controlling the eye muscles
- Infection, disease or pressure on the optic nerve
- Tumor or stroke
- Certain diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
In some cases, your child's pediatrician may recommend consulting a neuro-ophthalmologist. Neuro-ophthalmology is the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders that affect the eye and visual function. Neuro-ophthalmologists receive advanced training in problems of the eye, brain, nerves and muscles.
Michael Altman, M.D., specializes in neuro-ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology at Sinai Hosptial of Baltimore's Krieger Eye Institute. In addition to coordinating the resources and specialists there, he puts the diagnostic technology and surgical expertise of Sinai Hospital to work, evaluating and treating neurologically-based vision problems.
Appointments begin with an extensive examination of your child's personal health history, lifestyle, and family history, along with a thorough eye and medical exam, with an emphasis on the neurological system. While some conditions can be treated medically through drug therapy, others may be treated through surgery. Some conditions cannot be treated, except through a change in your child's medical condition.
What do you think is the proper age for a child to have his or her first eye exam?
Friday, January 9, 2009
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, a group of eye diseases often caused by increased pressure inside the eye, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of your risk and to make sure you have a comprehensive screening regularly. People with higher risk for glaucoma include:
* Those with family history of glaucoma
* African-Americans over the age of 40
* Anyone with elevated eye pressure
* Anyone over the age of 60 (the older you are, the more you are at risk)
While glaucoma can not be cured, it can often be treated. The Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital offers a variety of treatment options -- from screening to surgical procedures. Log on to www.lifebridgehealth.org to find out more about the Krieger Eye Institute.
The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of your risk and to make sure you have a comprehensive screening regularly. People with higher risk for glaucoma include:
* Those with family history of glaucoma
* African-Americans over the age of 40
* Anyone with elevated eye pressure
* Anyone over the age of 60 (the older you are, the more you are at risk)
While glaucoma can not be cured, it can often be treated. The Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital offers a variety of treatment options -- from screening to surgical procedures. Log on to www.lifebridgehealth.org to find out more about the Krieger Eye Institute.
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