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Eye Care Emergencies: Your Immediate Solution in Petrolia

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Plaquenil, the versatile medication hailed for its original purpose of combating malaria, has evolved into a trusted ally in the battle against an array of inflammatory conditions. As a prominent member of the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) family, Plaquenil takes center stage in reducing inflammation, easing pain, and mitigating joint damage.

Nevertheless, when embarking on the Plaquenil journey, it is vital to understand the potential effects it may have on your precious vision and ocular health.

What is Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy?

In some cases, Plaquenil can result in a condition called hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, also called bulls-eye maculopathy. This condition creates a ring-like pattern similar to a bull's eye on the retina, which is the part of the eye responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. This can affect the macula, which is essential for clear and detailed vision.

While Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy is extremely rare, it usually occurs when the dosage for the drug is too high or you have been taking Plaquenil for more than five years. The risk also increases when the cumulative dose (the total dose taken over time) exceeds 600 grams.

If it does occur, the side effects of Plaquenil can have a devastating impact on vision.

Initially, your central vision will remain unaffected. However, a ring of disrupted vision may become noticeable with time and begin to interfere with your overall vision, eventually leading to blindness.

Because the effects of Plaquenil on vision are permanent, it is crucial to detect hydroxychloroquine retinopathy early.

Why Frequent Testing is Vital

It is generally recommended by rheumatologists that patients undergo a baseline eye exam before beginning Plaquenil treatment. Since retinal toxicity is more prone to develop after five to seven years of medication use, it is a good idea to start annual exams once you have been on the drug for five years.

Your eye doctor may suggest more frequent testing to monitor vision changes. This can include a comprehensive evaluation every 18-24 months during the initial five years and annually after that.

Guidelines for Plaquenil screenings have evolved over the years, and technological advancements have improved your doctor's ability to detect retinal changes. A comprehensive Plaquenil eye exam should now include the following:

  • Visual field test
  • OCT imaging: three-dimensional pictures of the eye
  • Multifocal ERG: an examination of the retinal cells
  • Photos

Eye Exams in Petrolia

Although Plaquenil offers significant benefits in managing inflammatory diseases such as lupus,  it’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects that can adversely impact your eyes and vision in severe and lasting ways.

That’s why regular eye exams are so crucial. If its been more than a year since your last comprehensive eye exam, call us at Petrolia Optometry to book your appointment today!

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Our eyes are among our body's most essential and sensitive organs. They can be exposed to different irritants, such as dust, smoke, and allergens, which can cause discomfort, redness, and even infections. As a result, many people turn to rinsing their eyes but the question is: how safe is it to rinse your eyes with tap water?

Is it Okay to Rinse Your Eyes with Tap Water?

The safety of rinsing your eyes with tap water mostly depends on whether or not you wear contact lenses. 

Water from your sink may be fine for those who do not wear contact lenses. If you get a foreign object or irritating chemical in your eye, washing your eyes with fresh water can help remove the substance and reduce discomfort. Remember to tilt your head so that the affected eye is down to avoid accidentally flushing the object into the other eye. 

On the other hand, rinsing the eyes with tap water is not recommended for contact lens wearers. Tap water often contains microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and amoebae, that are usually harmless but can cause severe eye infections like acanthamoeba keratitis under certain circumstances. Contact lenses can trap these microorganisms against the eye's surface, increasing the risk of disease. If you're wearing contacts, you must avoid exposing your eyes to regular water, including while showering or swimming. If you need to rinse your eyes for any reason, it's recommended to use a sterile saline solution or contact lens solution specifically formulated for use on the eyes.

If your eyes are feeling dry, a lubricant like natural tears can help soothe dry eyes more effectively than water. Speak to your eye care professional for more information.

How to Properly Rinse Your Eyes

In case of an emergency, such as a foreign object, chemical, irritant or burn in the eye, here's how to rinse your eyes:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing germs into your eyes.
  • Use sterile saline or contact lens solution, specifically formulated to be safe for use on the eyes, and flush your eyes with it. 
  • If you don't have saline or contact lens solution, you can use clean, lukewarm water. Avoid using very cold or hot, as it can be uncomfortable or even harmful to your eyes.
  • Tilt your head back, open your eyes, and pour the solution or water into the inner corner of your eye, letting it flow across your eye and out of the outer corner. If the irritant is only in one eye, tilt your head with the affected eye down, to avoid flushing the object into the other eye.
  • Repeat the process until your eye feels better, but avoid rubbing or touching your eyes with your hands or a cloth.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible:

  • Severe pain or discomfort in your eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Redness, swelling, or discharge from your eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • A foreign object stuck in your eye that you can't remove

These symptoms may indicate an eye infection, condition, or injury that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications. If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort in your eyes, don't hesitate to consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Call us at Petrolia Optometry in Petrolia at 226-778-2166 to schedule an appointment today.

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Did you know that your eyes are often the first line of defense when it comes to detecting and treating many common systemic diseases and conditions? It's true! Signs of conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis can first begin to show up in the eyes. This makes a comprehensive eye exam at our Petrolia eye care clinic an essential part of not only your eye health but of your overall whole-body health as well.

Let's take a look at some of the diseases and conditions our Petrolia optometrists are trained to detect.

Diabetes and Your Eyes

Diabetes is by far the most common systemic disease our optometric team diagnoses during our comprehensive eye exams. Using advanced scans and testing, eye doctors can check for changes in the blood vessels in and around your retina for signs of changes or damage that may indicate diabetes. If we find any worrying signs, we can refer you to a general practitioner who can do more thorough testing.

One of the main risks of diabetes is a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which is associated with consistently elevated blood sugar levels, and can result in damage to the blood vessels and leakage of fluid onto the retina and macula. This can lead to significant vision loss, including blindness: Timely detection and treatment, combined with a healthy lifestyle and diet, can help minimize the impact of both diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

How Your Eyes May Show Signs Of Multiple Sclerosis

Studies also indicate strong links between certain eye changes and systemic diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

The optic nerve connects the eye directly to the brain and is to some extent an extension of the central nervous system. Swelling or inflammation of the optic nerve can therefore be viewed as an early sign of multiple sclerosis. Although this kind of swelling can also indicate a number of other ailments or even a viral infection or vitamin deficiency, about 20% of people with multiple sclerosis first experienced swelling of the optic nerve.

Want to learn more about what we can do to help you maintain your whole-body health for years to come? Come visit our Petrolia eye doctors or give us a call at 226-778-2166 today!

Eye Care Emergencies: Your Immediate Solution in Petrolia

When it comes to your eyes, emergencies require swift, efficient, and compassionate care. Understanding the steps to take during an eye emergency can significantly impact preserving your vision and eye health. Fortunately, for residents of in Petrolia, in Ontario, and surrounding areas, our practice is your dedicated partner, equipped to handle a range of eye emergencies, ensuring you receive the care you need when you need it most.

Recognizing Eye Emergencies: When Do You Need Help

Eye emergencies can occur due to a variety of conditions, from eye infections and sudden vision loss to chemical burns and eye trauma. Each of these situations demands immediate attention to prevent lasting damage to your vision.

Recognizing the signs of an eye emergency is your first step toward safeguarding your eye health. Key indicators include, but are not limited to:

  • Sudden changes in vision
  • Eye pain
  • Light sensitivity
  • Visible injury to the eye area.

What Steps to Take in an Eye Emergency

  • Stay Calm: Panic can exacerbate the situation. Take a deep breath and assess the severity of the incident.
  • Avoid Home Remedies: Addressing the issue at home might be tempting in cases of chemical burns or foreign objects in the eye. However, improper handling can lead to further damage.
  • Contact Our Practice Immediately: Our eye care team is trained to deal with a wide range of eye emergencies, offering specialized care that general emergency rooms might not provide.

Why Choose Petrolia Optometry for Urgent Eye Care?

Our practice is located in Petrolia, Ontario, and we are ready to assist you with any eye emergency. Here's why you should turn to us in your time of need:

Our Proven Experience in Eye Care

Our eye doctors possess the specialized knowledge and equipment to diagnose and treat eye emergencies effectively, prioritizing the preservation of your vision and eye health.

Immediate Attention When You Need It

We understand the urgency of eye emergencies. Our team is prepared to provide prompt care to address your concerns without the long wait times often associated with hospital emergency rooms.

Comprehensive Care for Every Occasion

From minor injuries like corneal abrasions to more severe conditions such as chemical burns or sudden vision loss, our practice offers comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs.

Preserving Your Vision and Eye Health

Taking immediate action is crucial in the event of eye trauma. Our practice is dedicated to providing urgent eye care that focuses on minimizing the impact of the emergency and preserving your vision and eye health. Remember, timely intervention is key to preventing long-term damage.

Eye Emergencies: Prevention Tips

While not all eye emergencies can be prevented, certain precautions can reduce your risk of experiencing one.

  • Always wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities that could potentially harm your eyes, such as sports, woodworking, or handling chemicals.
  • Regular eye exams can also help identify potential issues before they escalate into emergencies.

Serving the Community of Petrolia and Beyond

Whether you're dealing with an eye emergency or looking to take proactive steps in caring for your vision, our practice is here to support you. Located conveniently in Petrolia, we're committed to serving our community with professional, friendly, timely eye care.

If you or a loved one experiences an eye emergency, don't hesitate to contact us. Remember, visiting our eye care professionals can make a significant difference in the outcome of an eye emergency. Schedule your appointment today, and trust us to be your partner in preserving your vision and eye health.

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The April 8th solar eclipse is a celestial spectacle not to be missed! But did you know looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage?

Ensure you’re prepared by viewing this helpful resource: Solar Eclipses and Eye Safety (OAO)