Straight vision ahead: Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, NJ treats cross eye or Strabismus

Strabismus is an eye problem where the eyes are not aligned correctly, also known to many as “cross eye.” Ophthalmologists, like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, NJ, say that this problem may lead to loss of vision when not treated immediately.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo Credit: Boots.com

The New York Times shared that this condition is brought by the lack of coordination of the different muscles that surround the eyes. It results to one eye looking at a direction or object, while the other is focused on a different one.


Like in “lazy eye” or amblyopia, strabismus may lead to the brain’s confusion as to what image signal to focus on, resulting to the weaker eye/signal being completely neglected by the brain. Experts also note that for some people, amblyopia happens first before developing into strabismus.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo credit: Visionandlearning.org

For kids, ophthalmologists, like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of the Edison-based clinic Patel Eye Associates, say that the cause of this condition may not be determined, especially for cases of congenital strabismus, or when the eye problem is present short after or at birth.


The New York Times further explained that there are other conditions that may cause strabismus, which include:

- Graves’ disease restriction
- Brain and nerve disorders
- Diabetes
- Hemangioma (during pregnancy)


In treating this condition, eye specialists, like the team from Patel Eye Associates, prescribe eye glasses to patients with slightly misaligned eyes. Some children are required to wear special lenses called prisms.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo Credit: Togetpregnant.info

Eye patch, which is the basic solution from amblyopia, is also considered as one of the basic treatments for strabismus. Also, eye exercises are said to be helpful in correcting the eye misalignment.


For severe cases, eye muscle surgery is called for, with the objective of stabilizing the muscles’ coordination.


For more about strabismus and Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, log on to PatelEyeAssociates.com.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison: Causes of and treatments for blunt injuries to the eye

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel is an Edison, New Jersey-based ophthalmologist who treats various eye problems, and specializes in cataract diagnosis and treatment. He continuously seeks new ways to treat his patients by actively participating in conferences and courses at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

From http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnon/5698746966/

Blunt trauma or injury can cause serious injuries to the eye, according to the book Advanced Assessment and Treatment of Trauma by Michael D. Panté and Andrew N. Pollak, M.D.

One of the most common injuries under this type is the orbital ecchymosis or black eye. It is the collection of fluid and blood in the tissues around the eye (orbit) that leads to discoloration and swelling.

From empowher.com

Ophthalmologists like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison check this type of injuries by performing a full eye exam – checking of vision, eye movement, and eye pressure – on the patient. The first aid remedy to ecchymosis, as written in the book All About Your Eyes, is cold compress, which should be applied to closed eyelids for 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours after the injury.

Moreover, hyphema is another injury caused by blunt trauma. This condition involves bleeding in the anterior chamber of the eye that may cause retinal detachment, vision impairment, and complete loss of sight.

Whether they were hit by a ball or punched in the eye, people who acquired blunt injury must immediately consult with an ophthalmologist like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison. This is to determine the area in the eye that is most affected by the incident and to get proper treatment and not worsen the situation.

From Blogger Pictures

More about Dr. Patel can be accessed at PatelEyeAssociates.com.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, NJ: Detecting and managing color blindness

Color blindness is a condition which makes a person unable to see a color or a mix of colors. Ophthalmologists like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, New Jersey believe that color blindness is usually inherited, though it is also sometimes acquired by people who have eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma) or are suffering from Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy, among others. Other possible causes of color blindness include aging and side effects from medication.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo Credit: Logodesignworks.com

Though it is a common misconception that being colorblind means not being able to see colors at all, achromatopsia – the inability to perceive color – still occurs but on very rare occasions. In color blindness, the colors red, blue, and green (or a mixture of these) are the ones often missing from a person’s vision. To know if someone is colorblind, ophthalmologists like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison conduct color blindness tests which come in two types: screening tests and quantitative tests. The most common screening test is the Ishihara Test which makes use of plates that contain circles or dots of different colors and size. These dots form numbers that should be visible to people with normal vision.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo Credit: Milenyumtasarim.com

Although color blindness cannot be cured especially if it’s inherited, there are several ways to make one’s vision clearer. Glasses that block glare can be worn by colorblind people so they can identify colors more easily. Developing color identification systems is also helpful. For example, the order and brightness of traffic lights can be used to identify which light is on.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo credit: Visionandlearning.org

To know more about Dr. Hitesh K. Patel and his Edison, NJ-based clinic, visit PatelEyeAssociates.com.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, New Jersey: The distinction between an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and orthoptist

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel, Edison, New Jersey-based ophthalmologist and co-founder of the Patel Eye Associates, understands that the field of optical medicine has a myriad of sub-specialties, making it difficult for people to understand which branch offers what treatment.

Often, people mistakably compare an ophthalmologist with an optometrist or an orthoptist. With these three different experts under one field of medicine, contrasting them can be hard for some patients. Below are some definitions—provided by some of the world’s most trusted medical institutions—that might help people differentiate the functions, services, and procedures performed of the three eye care specialists.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Photo credit: Visionandlearning.org

Opthalmologists and Optometrists

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, ophthalmologists like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, NJ, are “medical doctors who specialize in all aspects of eye care including diagnosis, management, and surgery of ocular diseases and disorders.” The World Council of Optometry on the other hand, has defined an optometrist as “the primary healthcare practitioner of the eye and visual system who provides comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes refraction and dispensing, detection of disease in the eye, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system.”

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Photo credit: Star-dust

Orthoptists

The World Health Organization defines the functional work of an orthoptist as “the study and treatment of defects in binocular vision…which involves a technique of eye exercises designed to correct the visual axes of eyes not properly coordinated for binocular vision.


The three eye doctors have some similarities, however. Both optometrists and ophthalmologists treat patients with medications, optical aids, and eye exercises; orthoptists do the same things minus the medication. All perform screenings for common visual problems affecting children and the adult population (including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy), and are required to contribute in the ongoing education courses to maintain licensure and keep abreast on the latest standards of eye care.

From Dr. Hitesh K. Patel

For more information about Dr. Hitesh K. Patel, his Edison, New Jersey-based eye clinic, and the services offered, visit www.pateleyeassociates.com.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, New Jersey: Cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo Credit: Medicmagic.net

Eye physicians like Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, New Jersey state that while some types of contact lenses may not need constant cleaning, many others still require regular disinfecting to retain clear and crisp vision and prevent discomfort and infections caused by various microbial formations such as biofilms. There are many products that are used to clean contact lenses:




Multipurpose solutions. The most popular cleaning solution for contact lenses, multipurpose solutions are suitable for rinsing, disinfecting, cleaning and storing lenses, and in most cases, eliminating the need for protein removal enzyme tablets.




Hydrogen peroxide solution. This disinfecting solution is available in two-step or one-step packages. With two-step products, the peroxide must first be rinsed away with saline solution before the lenses may be worn, because hydrogen peroxide is an irritant and strong oxidizer.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo Credit: Eyedoctorguide.com

Enzymatic cleaner. Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, New Jersey always takes special measurements when dealing with contact lenses and their disinfection. He states that such products as enzymatic cleaners are very safe to use as they are able to remove protein deposits off lenses. Protein deposits make contact lenses very uncomfortable when worn, and may cause various eye irritations.




Ultraviolet, vibration, or ultrasonic devices. These devices are used to both disinfect and clean contact lenses. The lenses are inserted inside the portable device for few minutes during which both microorganisms and protein build-up are completely removed.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel Edison Photo Credit: Artisanoptics.com

For more information about Dr. Hitesh K. Patel, visit www.pateleyeassociates.com.

Don’t go blind: Dr. Hitesh Patel of Edison, New Jersey speaks about glaucoma

Blindness is a serious – and scary - condition. And the leading cause of vision loss among Americans is glaucoma. Dr. Hitesh Patel, Edison, New Jersey-based ophthalmologist, advises several steps for you to not become a victim of this so-called “silent thief of sight.”

Dr. Hitesh Patel EdisonPhoto Credit: Eabceyes.com

Glaucoma is caused by the buildup of pressure inside the eye called intraocular pressure. This can damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye that is responsible for sending messages to the brain. What makes it dangerous is the fact that very few symptoms are felt until considerable damage to the optic nerve has caused a noticeable effect on your vision. If it remains untreated, glaucoma may ultimately lead to permanent loss of sight. Thus, it is advised that you take regular glaucoma screenings at least twice a year after you reach 40.

Dr. Hitesh Patel EdisonPhoto Credit: Salon.com

There are two types of glaucoma identified by ophthalmologists like Dr. Hitesh Patel of Edison, depending on the cause of the condition. Primary open-angle glaucoma occurs when fluid does not flow through your eye’s drainage channels very well. Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the angle between your cornea and iris is too narrow, or when your pupil opens too wide, so that fluid is prevented from flowing through your eyes’ drainage channels.

From Profile Photos

Symptoms of glaucoma include the gradual loss of peripheral vision, eye pain, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, halos around lights, and redness. In cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, symptoms are generally not felt until the condition becomes serious enough to your affect vision. It is important to go to a doctor once you start experiencing these symptoms.




More information is available at www.pateleyeassociates.com.

The perfect fit: Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, New Jersey on choosing the right pair of eyeglasses

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison blogs.webmd.com

For Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, New Jersey, people’s first line of defense against the advent of blurry eyesight may be purchasing and wearing eyeglasses. Although the decision to buy a pair of vision-correcting eyeglasses is easy to make, Dr. Patel still emphasizes on patience for procedures--people with eye problems should slow down on purchasing lenses. For this Board Certified eye doctor, consulting first with eye experts will prove to be more beneficial than blindly deciding on wearing the much coveted eye accessory.


Consultation is still the best option


The Patel Eye Associates, a group of ophthalmologists founded by Dr. Patel, suggests that a visit with a specialist will verify any visual impairment through their diagnoses, which are vital in figuring out the eye problem and lens type associated with the patient. Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison, New Jersey and the other eye specialists from the group are vigilant in assessing the eye’s condition and which refractive error—nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism—needs to be corrected.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison Credit:Eabceyes.com

Patel Eye Associates offers three assorted types of lenses for eyeglasses—concave, convex, and cylindrical lenses—which can help in creating the perfect kind of eyeglasses for specific patients.

From Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison

For more information about Dr. Hitesh K. Patel and the Patel Eye Associates, you can go to http://pateleyeassociates.com/.