Eye Cancer

There are two types of eye cancer:

1. Primary intraocular cancers
   These cancers start inside the eyeball and are common in adults over age 50. The most common is melanoma, which is a result of malignant pigment-making cells called melanocytes. The second is lymphoma, which is a result of a weak immune system. Retinoblastoma, a cancer that arises from cells in the retina, is the most common type of intraocular cancer found in children. The next most common is medulloepithelioma.
2.  Secondary intraocular cancers
   These cancers start somewhere else in the body and spread to the eye. They are not actually eye cancers but are spread most commonly by breast and lung cancers to the eyeball. These cancers are more common than primary intraocular cancers.

Melanoma
What are the risk factors?

1. Race/ ethnicity
   Caucasians are more likely to suffer from intraocular cancer than African Americans or Asian Americans.
2. Eye color
   Light colored eye are at a higher risk for intraocular melanoma.
3. Inherited genetics
   People with moles and abnormal brown spots on the uvea of the eyeball are more likely to suffered from intraocular cancer
4. Sun Exposure
   There is still on going research to determine if sunlight has a direct link to melanoma
5. People suffering from dysplastic nevus syndrome.

How to prevent it

Eye cancer is quite rare and research is still occurring but a great way to prevent it is by wearing UV Sunglasses as they protect your eyes from the sun. Wrap-around sunglasses with 99%-100% UV protection are the best type to select.

Detection

There is no exact screening test for cancer but those who are at risk of developing melanoma should conduct yearly eye exams.  If you notice a dark spot around your iris (colored part of the eye) that is noticeably getting bigger, have a doctor look at it.  Whether or not you are at risk for melanoma, conduct yearly exams to ensure early detection.

Treatments for Melanoma

Following the diagnosis and staging of eye cancer, treatment options will be discussed. As with most cancers, treatment plans vary by cancer type, stage, overall health and cancer location. Some treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and laser therapy.

Melanoma is a rare eye cancer but just because it is rare does not mean it cannot occur. Make sure you are taking care of your eyes properly. Remember they are the most important and only visual organs we have. Let Raleigh Eye Center take care of your eyes for you.

Raleigh Eye Center, the Triangle area’s leader in ophthalmology and laser vision correction, has awarded free LASIK to Raleigh, NC resident, Kelly Castillo as the winner of their second annual Visual Challenged Moment Contest. Raleigh Eye Center, recognized for their unique commercials featuring humorous stories of what people do when they cannot see clearly, decided to see how funny and creative patients could be in exchange for free LASIK.

No stranger to implementing programs for the betterment of North Carolinians, Raleigh Eye Center developed the Visually Challenged Moment Contest as a way to give back to the community while encouraging creativity and humor. This is the third year the Raleigh Eye Center has offered a free LASIK contest to the community.

“LASIK is a medical procedure and must be taken seriously,” said Refractive Surgeon, James Kiley at Raleigh Eye Center. “We are casting humor on the silly things people do or could potentially do when they cannot see clearly,” added Kiley.

The winners’ story depicted life as a new U.S. Army recruit with poor vision. Her entry took readers through the trials and tribulations of going through boot camp virtually blind.

“We received more contest entries than ever before and are delighted that people took so much time to share their ‘Visually Challenging Moment,’” said LASIK Coordinator, Amanda Carey, at Raleigh Eye Center. “We read each and every entry that was submitted. Kelly was selected as the winner because her story was not only funny, it touched our hearts,” Carey added.

“After learning I won the contest, I shook for about an hour because I couldn’t believe it,” said Kelly Castillo of Raleigh. “I have been wearing glasses since the third grade and have wanted to have LASIK for many years,” Castillo added.

To read Kelly’s “Visually Challenging Moment” entry or to learn more about LASIK and the Raleigh Eye Center, visit http://raleigheyecenterlasik.com/news/contests/. 

What is LASIK?

LASIK is an acronym that stands for laser in-situ Keratomileusis. LASIK uses a laser beam to reshape the eye’s cornea. It is used to treat far- and near-sightedness and astigmatism.

The recommended age for LASIK is 18 and older. According to the FDA, there are no lasers approved for anyone under the age of 18. However your eyes are still developing between the ages of 18-21 and therefore it is up to your LASIK surgeon to determine if you are ready for LASIK.

Who Should Consider LASIK?

Many demographics fall under the potential candidate list for LASIK

1. Patients with myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism or those who have a combination.
2. Patients with a stable refractive error. This means that prescriptions have not change in the last year.
3. Patients with “adequate” cornea. (Patients with thin corneas are often deemed non-candidates for LASIK, however PRK may be an option.

Age 40 and up

Presbyopia occurs around age 40. This is when the lens in the eye loses the ability to change focus due to aging. Presbyopia causes the eyes to have difficulty transitioning between near and far distances. With the onset of presbyopia, extra magnification is needed for the bottom of glasses (bifocals). Presbyopia occurs regardless of whether or not you have had refractive surgery.

Monovision

A solution to this problem is Monovision Refractive Surgery. Monovision allows for freedom from reading classes. With monovision, a contact lens is worn on one eye to correct distance vision (typically the dominant eye) and another contact lens of a lesser prescription is worn in the other eye to correct for near vision. With time, the brain learns to use one eye for near and the other for distance. Within six to eight weeks the brain will adapt to the changes and allow for the change from near to far and vice versa without much effort. Monovision can be corrected through LASIK or PRK.

Health tip: Talk to your ophthalmologist if you are considering monovision. Your doctor may suggest trying monovision contact lenses first to check compatibility.

If you are ready to learn more or to treat your eyes, contact the Raleigh Eye Center today to make an appointment.

 1.    Wear Eye Protection

The American Optometric Association recommends that eye protection should be worn in any activities that could result in eye related injury.  Just because you feel “uncomfortable” does not mean you shouldn’t wear protection. Also make sure your kids are wearing eye protection when playing sports.

 2.    Take Breaks from Screens

The digital age has given us very few options of how we conduct our daily work. Entertainment comes in the form of a television and we do work on computers. This has resulted in blurred vision and dry eye diseases. If possible, take a few breaks from the screens daily. Take a walk outside or just listen to music.

 3.    Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Your eyes will maintain healthiness when you eat healthy. Add vegetables and fish to your diet for better eyesight. Follow the USDA’s food pyramid for a well-balanced diet.

 4.    Don’t Smoke

Everyone knows that smoking is responsible for many diseases but did you know that it also causes bad eyesight? Smoking is responsible for increased thyroid eye disease, cataracts and increase in eye infections.

 5.    Avoid Contact Lens Abuse

Falling asleep with contact lenses is a big “no-no”. Avoid wearing your contacts for too long and keep your eyes hydrated. Overuse of contact lenses can lead to corneal infections. Taking a few minutes to take out your contact lenses can save you from having a corneal transplant.

 Wearing the right protection and taking care of your eyes is the best way of showing love to your eyes. Don’t take your eyesight for granted. Let Raleigh Eye Center help you with your eye needs.

 1.    Wear Eye Protection

The American Optometric Association recommends that eye protection should be worn in any activities that could result in eye related injury.  Just because you feel “uncomfortable” does not mean you shouldn’t wear protection. Also make sure your kids are wearing eye protection when playing sports.

 2.    Take Breaks from Screens

The digital age has given us very few options of how we conduct our daily work. Entertainment comes in the form of a television and we do work on computers. This has resulted in blurred vision and dry eye diseases. If possible, take a few breaks from the screens daily. Take a walk outside or just listen to music.

 3.    Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Your eyes will maintain healthiness when you eat healthy. Add vegetables and fish to your diet for better eyesight. Follow the USDA’s food pyramid for a well-balanced diet.

 4.    Don’t Smoke

Everyone knows that smoking is responsible for many diseases but did you know that it also causes bad eyesight? Smoking is responsible for increased thyroid eye disease, cataracts and increase in eye infections.

 5.    Avoid Contact Lens Abuse

Falling asleep with contact lenses is a big “no-no”. Avoid wearing your contacts for too long and keep your eyes hydrated. Overuse of contact lenses can lead to corneal infections. Taking a few minutes to take out your contact lenses can save you from having a corneal transplant.

Wearing the right protection and taking care of your eyes is the best way of showing love to your eyes. Don’t take your eyesight for granted. Let Raleigh Eye Center help you with your eye needs.

Why should you get rid of glasses and contact lenses?

Consider the fact that an average person needs to get an eye check up every year. A person’s prescription changes and contact lenses and/or glasses need to be ordered. According to LASIK Thoughts, the average consumer spends about $40,000 on eye care in their lifetime. If you were to invest in a LASIK procedure, you would spend an average of $4,000 and you would no longer have to worry about glasses or contacts. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a carefree life?

Contact Lenses Vs. LASIK Debate

There has been much debate about the safety of LASIK. Did you know that a study in the Archives of Ophthalmology proved that 1 in 2000 people have a chance of obtaining a sight threatening infection from contact lenses versus 1 in 10,000 for LASIK?

Benefits of Lasik

The benefits of LASIK are wonderful. The most valuable benefit is freedom from contacts or glasses. Making a decision to get LASIK is yours. Here are five reasons to consider getting LASIK now:

1. Overall vision is improved
2. It saves money
3. It can help allergy sufferers
4. It reduces recurring eye infections
5. Promotes an active lifestyle

Consider getting LASIK at Raleigh Eye Center with our Best Price Guarantee. Or tell us your story in our “Visually Challenging Moment” contest in which one lucky winner will receive free LASIK. If you want to learn more about LASIK, visit our website http://raleigheyecenterlasik.com/lasik/. 

The rules are simple: submit a real or made up visually challenging moment on www.raleigheyecenter.com and the best moment will be chosen.

“We know that many people want LASIK but do not have the finances to pay for it. So we decided to give away a free LASIK procedure to the person who can come up with funniest and most creative ‘Visually Challenging Moment’” said Refractive Surgeon, James Kiley, at Raleigh Eye Center.

LASIK, an acronym for Laser Assisted Stromal In-situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure in which a laser reshapes the eye’s inner cornea resulting in improved vision, eliminating or reducing the need for glasses and contact lenses.

“Having to constantly keep up with changing contact lens and glasses prescriptions can be tiring and expensive. The aim of this contest is to engage the Raleigh community, help Raleigh Eye Center create humorous commercials and improve the eyesight of a lucky winner. It’s a wonderful thing because everyone wins,” said Amanda Carey, LASIK Coordinator at Raleigh Eye Center.

To learn more about Raleigh Eye Center or to schedule a LASIK consultation, call 919-876-2427 or visit them online: www.raleigheyecenterlasik.com.

The Raleigh Eye Center has been improving the vision of Triangle area residents for over 30 years. With a reputation for providing quality, comprehensive eye care, the Raleigh Eye Center offers a full range of services from routine eye care to refractive, cataract and glaucoma surgery. Located in Raleigh at 3320 Executive Drive, Suite 111 Raleigh, NC 27609. For more information, call (800) 596-0384 or online at www.raleigheyecenterlasik.com.

Contact lens wearers know all too well how frustrating it can be to have allergies and wear contacts. A survey revealed that 54% of contact lens wearers who experience eye related allergies, find it very uncomfortable to wear contact lenses while suffering from their allergies. Itchy, red, tearing eyes are not conducive to wearing lenses. Allergens such as dust and pollen adhere to the surfaces of contacts, creating constant exposure to the allergen. This has caused many to abandon their contact lens wear and switch to glasses until after the allergy season passes. Another option is to undergo laser vision correction.

For many, wearing glasses when allergic symptoms are at their peak is not an ideal solution. Active lifestyles can make wearing glasses difficult.

LASIK can provide the solution contact lens wearers need. While LASIK will not make allergies go away, eliminating contact lenses removes the barrier that can keep trapped allergens on the eye. This can help alleviate some of the additional discomfort caused by the contacts. LASIK can also eliminate the increased risk for eye infections caused by wearing contact lenses.

If you are interested in learning more about how Raleigh Eye Center can help rid you of contact lenses, call today to schedule a consultation.

1.    Dark Leafy Greens

Popeye has been touting the benefits of eating spinach for many years and he knew what he was talking about! Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and swiss chard are rich in lutein. Lutein is a carotenoid compound that helps protect cells from damage by assisting in the prevention of diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

2.    Cold-Water Fish

Fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring and sardines are full of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) with is an omega-3 fatty acid that helps prevent plaque formation in the eyes. Over time plaque formation can progress to macular degeneration. Consuming omega-3’s can also help improve dry eyes by improving the quality of tears produced by the eye. It is recommended that 3-4 ounces of cold-water fish be consumed weekly for optimal benefits.

3.    Broccoli

Broccoli and other cruciferous veggies such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts trigger an anti-inflammatory response in the body with can help decrease inflammation in the eye and encourage detoxification.

4.    Tea

Teas such as black, green and oolong are very beneficial in the prevention of cataracts. They have also been shown to prevent the growth of new blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to macular degeneration.

5.    Avocados

The benefits of eating avocados far outweigh any concern for the amount of fat inside these small wonder fruits. Avocados pack a lot of nutrient punch containing a variety of vitamins and minerals such as lutein, beta-carotene, vitamins C, B6 and E. Combined, avocados can help prevent macular degeneration, cataracts and can improve dry eyes.

1.    How many refractive surgery procedures have you performed?

LASIK is generally a very safe procedure, however, it is still important to choose a highly experienced surgeon to perform it. Increased surgical experience has been shown to correlate to safer procedures and improved outcomes. It is best to stick with surgeons who have performed over 500 procedures. Dr. Kiley has performed thousands of refractive procedures to date.

2.    What is your enhancement rate?

The need for an enhancement or LASIK touch-up can happen to any patient. This is because everyone heals at different rates. While enhancements are more common in patients with higher prescriptions, the skill of the surgeon and the way your treatment is planned also plays a role. When comparing LASIK surgeons it is important to consider their enhancement rate. At Raleigh Eye Center, our overall enhancement rate is 2%.

3.    Have you had an outbreak of a serious eye infection? If so, what was the cause?

Infections happen, but outbreaks of serious eye infections raise questions about surgical hygiene. Knowing if the facility you are considering has had an outbreak of a serious eye infection is an important piece of information you must uncover prior to choosing a provider. Raleigh Eye Center’s attention to detail and meticulous intra-operative aseptic techniques have allowed them to maintain an infection rate of zero.

4.    Should I have microkeratome or bladeless LASIK?

Not all facilities offer both the microkeratome and the femtosecond laser (bladeless). Depending on the patient, one may be a better option than the other. It is best to choose a facility where both options are offered to ensure you receive the best treatment for your unique needs. We are pleased to offer both the femtosecond laser and microkeratome at Raleigh Eye Center.

5.    Do you charge for enhancements when they are needed?

This is an important consideration because as mentioned above, touch-ups are sometimes needed. The best way to protect yourself from the risk of unnecessary expense down the road is to choose a provider that offers free enhancements. If an enhancement is needed, it is usually within the first one to two years after surgery. At Raleigh Eye Center, we stand behind our results and therefore offer free enhancements for the first two years after surgery. Should an enhancement be needed after this period, we will provide it at a significantly discounted rate.