Conjunctivitis, popularly known as red eye disease, is one of the most common eye disorders in both children and adults. If conjunctivitis is not treated in a timely and correct manner, it can exacerbate and cause permanent eye damage.

Stating that bacterial or viral infections and allergic reactions are among the most common causes of conjunctivitis, Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Burcu Usta Uslu from Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi Hospital said, “Eye redness can occur for many reasons, but if it is an infectious redness, you should be very careful about its contagiousness and treatment, so the symptoms should be closely monitored.” Op. Dr. Burcu Usta Uslu listed the measures that can be taken to protect against conjunctivitis, a disease that can be easily transmitted from person to person or from one eye to another:

1. Do not go outside without sunglasses, especially on sunny days.
2. As soon as you come back from outside, wash your hands and face for at least 20 seconds without irritating them, rubbing them, and even take a bath if possible.
3. Apply cold compresses to your eyes from time to time.
4. Avoid dry eyes by using cooled artificial tears that do not contain preservatives.
5. In consultation with your doctor, use antihistamines, steroids, i.e. eye drops containing cortisone or immunomodulators such as cyclosporine.
6. Never scratch or rub your eyes vigorously, as this can damage the cornea and increase the risk of keratoconus and secondary contamination and infection.

November  2024

Heart disease can cause symptoms in different organs. The health of your heart is reflected in your eyes. Heart diseases can cause some problems in the eyes.

Every year, 17 million people in the world lose their lives due to heart disease. Regular health screenings ensure that heart diseases that progress silently without any symptoms are recognized at an early stage and successful treatment methods are applied. Heart disease is a term that covers any disorder that occurs in the heart and affects the heart. Heart disease includes blood vessel diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) and congenital heart defects. The term heart disease is often used interchangeably with the term cardiovascular disease.

Experts say that ophthalmologists can detect signs of heart disease during a comprehensive eye examination. A new study reveals that the retinas of people with heart disease show signs of eye strokes. Eye strokes cause cells to die when the eye is deprived of blood flow and oxygen. This creates a scar called a retinal ischemic perivascular lesion. These signs can be detected when ophthalmologists use an imaging tool called optical coherence tomography, or OCT, to look closely at the retina. OCT scans of the retina are a valuable way to detect diseases and dysfunctions not just in the eyes, but throughout the body, says Joseph Nezgoda, an ophthalmologist and Academy spokesperson and retina specialist. Eye scans can detect signs of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other underlying health conditions.

How eye exams detect heart disease

The eye is the only place in the body where a doctor can see the live movement of blood vessels, nerves and connecting tissues without the need for an invasive procedure. This is why ophthalmologists are often the first to detect health problems including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, strokes and more. While the scars left behind by eye strokes may be present in small numbers in healthy people, they are much more numerous in those with heart disease. The researchers reached these conclusions by analyzing the medical records of 84 people with heart disease and 76 healthy people, all of whom had retinal OCT scans.

Diagnosing heart disease early can save lives

The new study adds to the list of health conditions that an eye exam can help detect. “Your ophthalmologist can take an image of your eye to help detect cardiovascular diseases earlier,” says Nezgoda. For people with heart disease, the number one cause of death worldwide, early detection and treatment can help prevent a heart attack or stroke. In the future, ophthalmologists may be able to refer their patients to a cardiologist if they notice eye strokes on an OCT scan, especially if the patient has not had a comprehensive health check-up or has no family history of heart disease.

November 2024

Most people think that eye injuries occur in industries or construction sites, but in reality many eye injuries happen inside our homes.

A staggering 90% of eye injuries are actually preventable. However, while many people think that these injuries occur in industries or construction sites, in reality many eye injuries occur in the safety of our own homes. With October being Eye Safety Awareness Month, it is even more important that we raise awareness of simple measures we can take to protect our eyes from everyday risks at home. Even mundane activities such as handling household chemicals, cooking, or even gardening can pose potential hazards that can seriously damage our eye health. Understanding these hazards and taking precautions can greatly prevent eye injuries at home.

Major Eye Safety Risks at Home

We unknowingly put our eyes at risk when using various common household items. For example, a simple trip or fall at home can cause pens, furniture corners or other sharp objects to come into contact with the eyes, causing serious injury. Also, splashes of hot oil, especially when cooking, pose a serious risk to our eyes. A sudden splash of hot oil can cause burns or long-term damage to the eye. Misuse of kitchen cleaners and other harsh chemicals can also cause eye irritation, burns or permanent damage. Toys with small parts in the home pose a particular risk, especially for children. These toys can easily come into contact with the eyes or get into the eyes through carelessness. Tools such as lawn mowers and weed whackers used in the garden are also very dangerous. When these machines are in operation, small stones or other foreign objects can be thrown quickly and cause eye injuries. Similarly, chemicals used in gardening – fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides – can cause serious injury when they come into contact with the eyes. Chemical splashes can be prevented by proper handling and safe storage.

How to Prevent Eye Injuries at Home?

Consider the following measures to make your home a safer environment and reduce the risk of eye injuries;

• Wear Appropriate Protective Eyewear: Wearing protective eyewear when working with airborne particles or hazardous chemicals is critical to protecting eye health. Wearing goggles, especially when gardening, cleaning or repairing, significantly reduces the risks to your eyes. This simple precaution can make the difference between a minor incident and serious eye damage.
• Eliminate Tripping Hazards: Keep your home free of clutter that can lead to accidents. Toys, cables or items left unorganized on the floor can pose a hazard. Secure your carpets and make sure that areas with steps or stairs are well lit and equipped with sturdy railings.
• Prepare Your Garden Before Maintenance: Remove toys or debris from your lawn to prevent them from becoming projectiles when you mow your lawn or use other machinery.
• Use Chemicals Safely: Always read the labels of household cleaners, fertilizers and other chemical products and use them as directed. Never mix chemicals that can cause dangerous reactions, such as bleach and ammonia. Also, keep such chemicals in safe areas out of the reach of children and pets.
• Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Always avoid touching your eyes when handling chemicals or after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.

What to do in an emergency?

It is very important to have a plan to effectively respond to eye injury emergencies at home. Here’s what to do in common situations:

• Serious Injuries: If an object enters the eye, do not try to remove it. Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Improper intervention in such cases can cause further damage to the eye.
• Small Foreign Objects: While hospital care is recommended, some small particles can be removed using tear drops.

Chemical Exposure: Any chemical exposure should be washed off immediately with water and then go to the hospital to make sure there are no chemicals left.

October 2024

It may surprise you how different vision and eye health can be between the sexes. For example, men have a higher risk of suffering serious eye injuries, while women are generally more susceptible to various eye diseases.

Women face a greater risk of certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, which encompasses a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss, and age-related macular degeneration, which gradually erodes central vision. This increased vulnerability in women is largely attributed to longer life expectancies; the more years we live, the more likely we are to face these vision problems. Early detection is the most effective defense against these potentially devastating conditions. In addition, women are more prone to chronic dry eye and diffuse refractive errors, which are usually managed with glasses or contact lenses.

Men, on the other hand, are not immune to hormone-related vision changes, although they do not experience hormonal changes as frequently or dramatically as women. During puberty, it is common for boys to develop temporary myopia as their eyes grow with their bodies. Not all cases correct naturally, but fortunately this type of myopia can usually be corrected with glasses. Men are statistically more prone to eye injuries because they are more likely to engage in high-risk occupations and sports. There is also a tendency among men to neglect wearing protective equipment and to minimize or ignore injuries when they occur.

October 2024

Eye examination in infants is performed by dilating the pupil and examining the anterior and posterior eye sections with the help of devices.

The first eye examination in a baby must be performed by an ophthalmologist in the newborn period. In this period, it is essential for the healthy development of vision that the path that the light, which we call the visual axis, follows to the visual layer behind the eye after entering the eye, is clear. Determining whether this path is anatomically clear and determining that all intraocular structures are anatomically normal is the basis of the newborn eye examination. Congenital drooping of the eyelid (congenital ptosis), mass formations that prevent the opening of the eyelid, congenital disorders of the transparent layer called the cornea, congenital cataracts, congenital diseases of the visual layer of the eye called the retina and the visual nerve (optic nerve), congenital high eye pressure are conditions that should be detected early in this period. The first examination should be performed by dilating the pupils of the baby with drops in order to perform a healthy newborn eye examination and to prevent congenital structural problems from being missed.

The second eye examination of the baby should be performed in the 6-8 month period and it should be evaluated whether the eyes move in coordination, the baby’s focusing and tracking of objects. The main purpose of the examination in this period is to have an idea about whether the baby’s visual function is developing in accordance with his/her age. The presence of strabismus in the eyes during this period will both prevent the development of depth perception and lead to laziness in later life as a result of the sliding eye not learning to focus and see. Early detection and treatment of strabismus is important in preventing vision loss. The presence of undetected refractive errors results in the inability of the eye to learn to see and the eye to remain lazy as a result of incomplete development of visual acuity. In every examination, the retina layer behind the eye should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist in terms of early childhood diseases.

October 2024

The 21st century has brought humanity a longer and healthier life. However, elderly diseases have also increased.

Dr. Gülşah Tezcan said, “While the frequency of cataracts is 35% on average at the age of 60, over 80% cataracts are seen in the 80s. It is estimated that nearly 100 million people worldwide have decreased vision due to cataracts. The main cause of cataracts is aging, but in some cases cataracts are seen at an earlier age. These conditions include eye trauma, diabetes, some eye diseases such as uveitis (inflammation of the eye), prolonged use of cortisone-containing drugs, not protecting the eyes from the sun, and not paying attention to nutrition. The only treatment is a painless surgery that takes about 20 minutes. As in the world, the incidence of cataracts is increasing in our country as the population ages.” On the other hand it is possible to take some measures to prevent cataract and slow its progression.

• Protecting from the sun by wearing UV-coated glasses or sunglasses.
• Being careful about cortisone use and avoiding it as much as possible.
• Keeping blood sugar levels at a low level for diabetics.
• Eating foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and carotenoids (bell peppers, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, oranges, spinach, tomatoes, watermelon).
• Not smoking and not drinking too much alcohol.

September 2024

Experts warned against the increasing risk of “blindness epidemic” in Gen Z as they don’t go out as much as before. Constantly looking at the screens of technological devices and staying away from daylight can trigger a wave of blindness.

Increased screen time means Gen Z is missing out on natural light, which is vital during their formative years. This has the potential to have a devastating long-term impact on their eyesight. The UK, where the research was conducted, has seen a 46 percent increase in cases over the last 30 years, while cases of myopia are on the rise worldwide. But the figures have reached “epidemic levels” with eye surgeons warning that the situation will get worse.

Children Are Not Getting Enough Dopamine

Experts say that children who stay indoors on computers during adolescence do not get enough dopamine, which damages their eyes. Another factor that can trigger this epidemic is the amount of time spent looking at phones and tablets held inches away from the face. This can cause myopia, or nearsightedness. Myopia does not just mean wearing glasses. Severe cases can lead to blindness.

Research suggests that bad cases of myopia in young people increase the likelihood of developing macular degeneration by 41 percent. One type of age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness.

September 2024

Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Ufuk Askeroğlu explained for us what is curious about eyebrow and eye ptosis, which is the problem of many people today.

Eyebrow and eye ptosis has become a problem experienced by many people today. This drooping can be seen in one or both eyes. In some cases, a slight sagging occurs, and in some cases, the sagging of the eyebrows or eyelids can fall down to the level of the pupils. In these and similar cases, vision is restricted and patients may experience vision loss. Eyebrow tissue is very soft and can weaken. Weak eyebrows can cause a tired appearance. In addition to appearance, it can also cause visual discomfort.

Various brow lift methods can make you look younger and more energetic. Eyebrows have a great effect on facial expressions. Asymmetrical and drooping eyebrows can reduce expression and cause self-confidence problems.

There may be more than one cause of droopy eyelids. Eyelid drooping occurs with the weakening of the eyelid muscles. As we age, the muscles that lift and hold the eyelids open weaken. Weak muscles become heavier and come under the influence of gravity. In some cases, the disorder can be congenital. During development in the womb, the muscles that open the eyelids may be underdeveloped.

How to treat droopy eyelids and the accompanying problems?

In the Bella Eyes procedure, the eyebrows are lifted by pulling them up and the eyes appear more slanted than they are. This procedure; It is preferred by people who have started to fall from the edges of the eyes, crow’s feet and eyelids. Thanks to the application, people can get rid of these problems and achieve the vibrant and youthful appearance they want. Trinity Lift surgery is also frequently performed in combination with Bella Eyes. Since both are performed through the same incision, both mid-face and brow lift are achieved at the same time. Since it is a surgical procedure, it must be performed by an expert plastic surgeon. The biggest advantage is that it leaves no scars and the incision remains completely in the scalp. The operation can be performed in the hospital overnight and the patient can return to normal life within 7 days on average.

Pay attention to these after the procedure!

Some conditions must be taken into consideration for a fast and completely scarless recovery after Bella Eyes application. Since this procedure is not a very long and difficult surgical intervention, patients are not expected to experience serious complications, but faster recovery can be achieved by paying attention to certain points.

• It is recommended not to lie face down for about a week.
• Doctor’s recommendations and warnings must be followed.
• Ice should continue to be applied on the first day. It helps to remove swelling and bruises in the area.
• Swelling on the face after surgery will naturally disappear in about 1 week.
• The surgical scars formed during the surgery should be protected from sunlight and sunbathing for 2-3 months.

September 2024

DeepMind artificial intelligence (AI) can detect almost 50 different eye diseases by analyzing three-dimensional retinal scan images.

After Google acquired DeepMind, the British artificial intelligence company famous for its AlphaGo algorithm that defeated the world champion in the Go strategy game, in 2014, DeepMind has become able to detect almost 50 different eye diseases by examining three-dimensional retinal scan images. According to an article published in the British journal Nature Medicine, the algorithm, developed using anonymized health data, can detect diseases such as yellow spot and eye diabetes with a success rate close to that of specialist physicians.

It can also inform patients about the treatment methods they should follow and what they need to do urgently. The software primarily aims to facilitate the work of specialist physicians. In this context, when a disease is detected, the findings on the basis of which this decision is made are shared with the physician. The parts of the image that may be related to the disease are even labeled with a prediction percentage. This helps the physician make a more accurate assessment. The examination of three-dimensional retinal scan data can take a long time and patients may experience problems that can lead to temporary vision loss. With artificial intelligence, it may be possible to shorten this time, and especially patients who are thought to have a serious problem may be moved to the front line.

How Deepmind Works?

What is particularly important about the research, according to DeepMind’s Co-Founder Mustafa Suleyman, is that the AI has a level of ‘explainability’ that can increase doctors’ trust in its recommendations. He said, “It is possible for the clinician to interpret what the algorithm is thinking. They can look at the underlying segmentation. In other words, our AI software doesn’t work like a mysterious black box that reveals the results. DeepMind’s AI was trained on a database of about 15,000 eye scans stripped of identifying information. DeepMind worked with clinicians to label areas of disease and then can calculate these labeled images with a percentage score in its system. The two-and-a-half year project required a major investment for DeepMind and involved Moorfields researchers as well as 25 other employees.” Suleyman called the findings a ‘research breakthrough’ and said the next step is to prove that AI works in a clinical setting, which will take several years.

Accelerating Eye Scans

He emphasizes that patients are at risk of losing their eyesight because doctors are unable to attend to eye scans in a timely manner. Mustafa Suleyman says that one of the reasons DeepMind and Moorfields undertook the research project was that clinicians were ‘overwhelmed’ by the demand for eye scans. He said, “If you have a sight-threatening condition, you want to be treated as soon as possible and unlike A&E, a staff nurse will talk to you and make an assessment of how serious your condition is, then use that assessment to decide how quickly you will be seen. When an eye scan is sent, there is no system for prioritizing medical intervention based on the severity of your scan. The fact that eye scans are done through artificial intelligence will speed up the whole process. It’s clear how Deepmind has the potential to transform public hospitals. In the future, we envision a person going to their local high street optician and getting an eye scan, and this algorithm will identify patients with sight-threatening diseases at a very early stage of the condition.”

Not Limited to the Eye

Artificial intelligence’s detection of diseases is not limited to the eye. The algorithm developed by MIT researchers Tuka Alhanai, Muhammad Ghassemi and James Glass can predict whether a person is depressed or not by analyzing their texts and voices. While therapists try to understand a person’s mental state through question and answer methods and observation, artificial intelligence tries to do this by looking at the content the person produces on certain topics. Of course, while the therapist detects depression, the AI only guesses. Snapchat has developed a similar artificial intelligence software. This application can determine how happy people in a selfie are on a scale of 1-5. This kind of software can help identify people who are ‘thought’ to be depressed and take precautions by analyzing their social media posts.

August 2024

You enjoy sunbathing on the beach and feeling the gentle breeze on your face. However did you know that getting windblown sand and dust in your eyes can cause permanent vision loss?

Eye Health and Diseases Specialist Op. Dr. İlker Biçer said, “One of the most common eye problems during summer holidays is sand in the eye. A wrong intervention or delay in consulting a doctor after sand in the eye can cause eye diseases.”

Conjunctivitis (Eye Inflammation): As a result of sand and dust particles coming into contact with the eye, eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) may occur. Conjunctivitis manifests itself with symptoms such as redness, itching, watering, burning and stinging. An examination by a specialist ophthalmologist is usually sufficient for diagnosis. In treatment, eye drops or ointments are used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Early diagnosis can prevent the progression of conjunctivitis.

Corneal Abrasion: The cornea is the transparent layer at the front of the eye and can be scratched when sand or dust rubs against its surface. Corneal abrasion causes symptoms such as pain, tenderness, redness, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.

Permanent Vision Loss: When sand or dust particles get into the eye and are not intervened early, undesirable conditions such as impingement under the eyelid and damage to the cornea may occur due to intraocular foreign body. This may result in permanent vision loss.

Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Sand

There are some precautions you can take before the windblown sand and dust gets into your eyes and turns your vacation into a nightmare. Wearing sunglasses on the beach is an effective way to protect your eyes from sand and dust. Wearing a hat or hat-like headgear on the beach can reduce the impact of direct sunlight on the eyes and the risk of foreign objects hitting the eyes. Wearing swimming goggles in windy weather, especially when swimming in shallow waters close to the beach, can also help protect your eye health from sand contact. Never rub your eyes if you get sand in your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can cause sand to scratch your cornea. After sanitizing your hands, you can wash your eyes with tear drops. If the sensitivity persists, you should consult a specialized eye health and diseases specialist before the symptoms worsen.

August 2024