Uncategorized – Petrou Eye Care

Benefits of IPL Light Therapy for Eye Health and Aesthetics

Christina Petrou — Thu, 30 May 2024 20:08:07 +0000

LIGHT THERAPY PACKAGE SALE – 25% OFF!

Buy three, get one free! Buy any 3 Light Therapy sessions and the 4th is free
Can purchase up to three 4-packs, a savings of 25%
Sessions never expire!
Includes any professional in-office treatment: Ocular or Full Face IPL, Red or Blue Light Therapy
Use your HSA or FSA for diagnosed medical conditions
Cannot combine with other discounts. Sale price ends 12/31/2025.

FRUSTRATED WITH YOUR DRY EYES, ROSACEA AND/OR STYES?

At Petrou Eye Care, we’re dedicated to providing our patients with the most up-to-date eye care. That’s why we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) as part of our ocular surface disease treatment options!

WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE?

Dry eye is a condition affecting millions of people. It occurs when your eyes produce low quality tears, and/or an inadequate amount of tears. Familiar symptoms include: dryness & irritation, intermittent blurry vision, hordeola and chalazia, and light sensitivity. Common culprits include Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis, excessive screen time, allergies and some medical conditions.

HOW DOES PULSE LIGHT (IPL) THERAPY WORK?

IPL is a non-surgical and non-invasive therapy that treats dry eye syndrome often caused by malfunctioning meibomian glands, which secrete oils to slow down the evaporation of tears. During treatment, a handheld device is used to emit pulses of light targeted at the meibomian glands. This process melts away stagnant secretions and allows the meibomian glands to produce more of the oils needed to slow down the evaporation of tears.

Multiple sessions are typically prescribed, and the effects are cumulative.

HOW DOES LOW LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY (LLLT) WORK?

Low-level light treatment is a non-surgical and non-invasive therapy that uses specialized LEDs to increase tear production by reducing inflammation and stimulating cell activity, helping rejuvenate oil gland activity in the eyelids. A mask is placed over your clean face, and is completely painless. Multiple sessions are typically prescribed, and the effects are cumulative.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IPL & LLLT?

While IPL offers thermal-based effects, LLLT is athermal and has additive photobiomodulation (non-ionizing light to treat pain and inflammation) effects on the lids and around the eyes. IPL involves your eyes being protected by patches with pulses of light being administered by a medical professional, while a mask is worn during LLLT. It is not uncommon for your doctor to prescribe both treatments to achieve the best results.

ARE THE PROCEDURES PAINFUL?

IPL therapy is generally well-tolerated by patients, and LLLT therapy is painless. Our team takes every precaution possible to ensure that our patients are comfortable during both procedures. Patients will feel a temporary sensation during IPL treatments when the device emits pulses of light.

ARE THE PROCEDURES SAFE?

Light therapy is safe and FDA-approved.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LIGHT THERAPY?

If you experience chronic dry eye symptoms that persist with a regular eye drops regimen, you may be a good candidate for IPL and/or LLLT treatments. Dr. Petrou will discuss your individual symptoms and medical history and determine if Light Therapy is right for you.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOLLOWING LIGHT THERAPY?

Following treatment, you will be able to resume your normal activities. You may experience some minor redness and inflammation. After your visit, please wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen to your face, including the skin around your eyes.

WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT?

Most patients report improvement in their symptoms after their initial treatment and less dependence on artificial tears and other eye drops used to control dry eye. Clinical studies have found that symptoms continue to improve after each treatment, with maximum improvement typically occurring after the fourth treatment session. Unlike artificial tears that offer temporary relief, Light Therapy addresses the underlying causes of dry eye, offering months of comfort. Many patients notice less fine lines and wrinkles in the areas treated.

HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatment sessions you will need depends on the severity of your case. Most patients require four to six treatment sessions, followed by annual/biannual touch ups. If you require more than one treatment, we offer Bundle pricing on some services.

HOW MUCH ARE LIGHT THERAPY TREATMENTS?

Petrou Eye Care provides Medical Grade Light Therapy Treatments for dry eye and ocular surface conditions of ocular rosacea, demodex blepharitis, meibomian gland disease, and more, beginning at $250. Medical insurance can be used for all doctor consultations, and we offer bundle discount packages for those needing more than one visit. You may use your FSA and HSA funds to pay for medically-related light therapy treatments. Spas may offer IPL services to improve facial skin appearance with much higher costs and they encourage tipping. The medical professionals at Petrou Eye Care do not accept tipping and only provide high quality, result-driven IPL and Low level Light Therapy for long term eye health and ocular comfort benefits.

Ready to experience dry eye relief? Contact Petrou Eye Care today to schedule an office visit and learn more about how Light Therapy treatments can help you find lasting relief from dry eyes.
*IPL and LLLT Technology is intended for the external dermatological and periocular treatment of moderate inflammation from dry eye disease, meibomian gland deficiency, superficial vascularization, benign pigmented lesions, periocular wrinkles and rhytides (fine lines).

For more information on Light Therapy, go to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8149274/

Insurance FAQs

Christina Petrou — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 23:12:01 +0000

Q: Does Petrou Eye Care accept my medical insurance?

A: Petrou Eye Care is in network for MANY medical insurance providers, including (but not limited to):

UMR
UHC (United Healthcare)
Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
WPS
Humana
Medicare Part B
Most Medicare Plans

Though we do our best to verify your benefits for you, your online insurance portal can confirm that we are in your network.

Q: Does Petrou Eye Care accept my vision insurance?

A: The short answer is, “Yes!” We are currently in-network for VSP, and are an Open Access Provider for the following plans:

Eyemed
Spectera (UHC Vision)
Davis Vision
Superior
Cigna Vision
Blue View
Aetna Vision

Open Access means that you can utilize your benefits at our office and receive reimbursement directly from your Vision Plan. You receive a 20% Same Day Pay discount on the day you visit, and we will bill your plan for you. You’re able to receive the best vision care without the restrictions your Vision Plan may have. Please contact our office to schedule your next eye exam or shopping appointment!

Q: How long will it take for my Vision Plan to pay me?

A: You’ll receive a check from your plan within 2 months.

Q: What if my plan is not listed above?

A: As always, it’s best to check directly with your insurance provider. If your plan is not included above, we’re always happy to see you. You still receive our 20% discount and a detailed receipt (including billing codes!) is always available in your online Petrou Eye Care health record portal. We’ll do our best to help with whatever you need.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

NEW: Vuity for Presbyopia

Christina Petrou — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 23:39:50 +0000

Vuity is new and is the first FDA-approved eye drop for loss of near focus called Presbyopia, also known as age-related blurry near vision.

It is ideal for most eyes with mild near blur from presbyopia and is available through pharmacies with a prescription from your eye doctor.

Ask Dr Petrou if Vuity is right for you. Call or email today to schedule an appointment.

For important safety information about Vuity go to https://www.vuity.com

Petrou Eye Care Now Offers Gift Certificates!

Christina Petrou — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 21:33:59 +0000

Petrou Eye Care now offers Gift Certificates! Why should you purchase one? Petrou Eye Care Gift Certificates NEVER expire, can be purchased in any amount, and can be used for all goods and services. If your loved one needs an excellent eye exam, fashionable frames or stunning sunnies, our team can help you choose the right amount to gift. Prefer to wrap something in a box with a bow? We keep wish lists on file, and when it comes to eyewear, we offer the latest in fashion and function.

Contact us with any questions, or to make a purchase!

Keeping Eyes Safe From COVID-19: What Works?

Christina Petrou — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 00:08:50 +0000

Protection Goes Beyond Masking

By Brianne N. Hobbs, OD, 12/16/2020 from Medscape.com

Given that COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to climb, it’s clear that we don’t perfectly understand all modes of transmission, including the role of the eyes.

The eye, like the nose and mouth, is a mucous membrane that might serve as a portal for acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 by providing a large surface area exposed to droplets or airborne particles and contamination from a person’s hands. The surface of the eye is thought to contain SARS-CoV-2 ACE receptors, which bind to the virus. The virus has been isolated in tears and other conjunctival secretions, and like other viruses, it can be carried down via the nasal-lacrimal duct into the nasopharynx and into the lungs. Moreover, conjunctivitis can be the presenting sign of COVID-19.

Which of the many available eyewear options significantly reduce the risk for viral transmission? Let’s review the evidence.

Prescription Eyeglasses

Early in the pandemic, doctors in China made a curious observation about COVID-19 patients admitted to their intensive care unit. Very few of these patients routinely wore prescription eyeglasses, suggesting that glasses might have a role in protecting the wearer from the virus that causes COVID-19. Their observations were confirmed in a cohort study of patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of COVID-19. Inpatients with COVID-19 were significantly less likely than the general population (5.8% vs 31.5%, respectively) to wear glasses for at least 8 hours daily.

This significant disparity suggests a protective effect of full-time eyeglass wear against the acquisition of SARS-CoV-2, possibly by serving as a barrier to droplet and ocular surface transmission if worn when directly interacting with others. The findings of this small study, while certainly intriguing, are far from conclusive, and a prospective study would be needed to prove that glasses can guard against COVID-19.

Standard eyeglasses protect only the front of the eye, so airborne viruses, droplets, or splashes can reach the eyes from the top, bottom, or sides of the glasses. Poorly fitting or loose glasses might encourage more handling of eyewear, with potential contamination from the wearer’s hands.

Safety Glasses

Like standard eyeglasses, safety glasses (also known as trauma glasses) provide a relatively low level of protection against respiratory droplets. Safety glasses are primarily designed to protect the wearer from high-velocity impact and exposure to radiation and chemicals. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulates the standards for this type of eyewear, with ANSI Z87.1 being the standard rating for eye and face protection. Note, however, that this rating does not include protection against bloodborne pathogens or other types of infection control.

Like prescription eyeglasses, many safety glasses are designed with gaps between the frame and the face, which may fail to block transmission of infection through sprays, splashes, or airborne particles circulating in poorly ventilated environments. This exposure point can be minimized with side shields or a wraparound design.

Plano safety glasses can be worn over prescription glasses and will probably provide some protection. Some safety glasses can be customized with prescription lenses to eliminate the need for multiple pieces of eyewear.

Goggles

By creating a seal around the eyes, goggles can dramatically reduce the access of the virus to the ocular surface by offering protection against sprays or splashes of respiratory droplets.

This effectiveness may depend on the style of the goggles. Goggles are available with different degrees of ventilation, which cuts down on fogging. Direct-vented goggles allow unimpeded airflow and also may allow penetration by sprays and splashes. Indirect-vented goggles may block liquid splashes but could still allow small airborne particles to penetrate. Nonvented goggles offer the highest level of infection by blocking airborne particles as well as sprays or splashes.

Some goggles can fit over prescription glasses, but it is important to check for any gaps between the edge of the goggles and the face.

Goggles are currently recommended for providers interacting with COVID-19 patients or working in areas with moderate to substantial SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Typically a nondisposable item, goggles should be removed after leaving an infected patient’s room, and cleaned and disinfected prior to next use. In areas with minimal or no community spread, goggles are considered optional unless otherwise indicated.

Unvented goggles (along with a face mask) would probably also offer the highest level of protection for anyone spending a long period of time with people in a poorly ventilated environment.

Contact Lenses

Questions have been raised about whether contact lenses can act as a shield against the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. On the flipside, there are fears that contact lenses could serve as reservoirs for the virus. Contact lenses could also potentially promote the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by increasing the frequency and intensity of hand contact with the ocular surface. t is unlikely that contact lenses offer any meaningful protection from infection because they are covered by the tear film, which is the eye’s first line of defense. Soft contact lenses more fully cover the cornea than hard lenses and thus might serve as a mechanical barrier to the eye’s SARS-CoV-2 ACE 2 receptors. However, the receptor density is low overall, and the tear film could still spread virus particles to the cornea and conjunctiva.

Nor is it likely that contact lenses play a significant role in promoting the spread of the virus as long as standard contact lens hygiene practices are followed. Contact lens wearers do tend to rub their eyes more often than the general population, which might serve as another route of infection of the eyes.

Patients with COVID-19 should refrain from wearing contact lenses while sick. Any soft contact lenses worn when the patient was positive for the virus should be discarded; hard contact lenses should be sterilized. There is no compelling evidence regarding specific contact lens materials and virus susceptibility, but in general, daily disposable lenses are the most effective at reducing inflammatory complications.

Choosing Eye Protection

Formal eye protection recommendations have been made for HCPs who are caring for COVID-19 patients in clinical settings, but other scenarios fall into a gray area.

If ventilation of the area is a concern or the level of ventilation in one’s workspace is unknown, then goggles would provide the highest level of eye protection, as they protect from airborne particles that may circulate for longer in a poorly ventilated area.

When interacting with other people where the level of contact is casual and social distancing is followed, eyeglasses or safety glasses would provide some level of eye protection from an unexpected sneeze or cough that could transmit SARS-CoV-2. The level of protection offered by eyeglasses or safety glasses is not robust, but they do provide at least some barrier to viral transmission.

Best Practices for Eyewear Removal

When eyeglasses or safety glasses are removed, the wearer should touch only the portion of the glasses that secures them to the head. The front of the glasses is the area most likely to be contaminated, so touching that area should be avoided. Safety glasses should be disinfected according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allowed to air-dry.

Goggles should be removed by touching the back strap, not the front or sides of the goggles.

The Evolving Role of Eye Protection

The precise role of eye protection is evolving. Although goggles and face shields provide high levels of eye protection from SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace, the evidence is less clear when it comes to safety glasses, standard eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Future studies will certainly attempt to determine the most effective form of eye protection for HCPs in the clinical setting.

In addition to HCPs facing an obvious risk for exposure to the virus and more severe COVID-19 illness in the workplace, recent evidencesuggests that the risks are also significant during social or family gatherings.

There is no question that the eyes pose a risk, at least theoretically, of serving as a gateway for infection with SARS-CoV-2, and they may even exhibit conjunctivitis, a presenting sign of the virus. In the absence of universal recommendations for protective eyewear during the pandemic, clinicians must decide for themselves how much protection they desire, both inside and outside the healthcare setting.

About the author: Brianne N. Hobbs, OD, is associate director of exam innovation at the National Board of Examiners in Optometry in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently engaged with the creation of a new clinical skills exam for optometry. She has spent most of her career in academia and has also worked in a hospital-based setting. Follow Medscape on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Sunglasses Are Needed All Year Long

Kathleen Flanders — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 16:56:15 +0000

Why do we recommend sunglasses ALL year round?

Winter is here, and some of us put our sunglasses into hibernation. Take them out of storage!!
Sunglasses are a necessity all year round. Here are 5 reasons you need to pull those sunnies out of the vault.

UV radiation can be just as damaging in the winter as in summer. The sun sits lower on the horizon, hitting our eyes at a different angle. As a result, these rays can do more damage to your cornea and along your eyelids. A “Jackie O” frame can give your eyes a rest, help keep those wrinkles at bay..and make you look fabulous!
Reduce headaches and eye fatigue from squinting during sunlight hours. Conditions can be even brighter due to the sun reflecting on snow, ice and even cars. Sunglasses, especially those with polarized lenses, significantly reduce glare, helping you to see you best.
Many of us suffer from dry eye syndrome. Quality sunglasses protect eyes from the sun, wind and cold air, helping to prevent further dryness. We wear scarves to protect our necks; aren’t your eyes even more important?
Winter activities can cause snow blindness, also known as sunburned eyes. This harmful exposure is another risk factor for the development of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Childrens’ eyes need protection, too! The lenses in their eyes are new and clear (this disappears over time). Roughly 25-50% of lifetime UV exposure happens before we turn 18. Set a good example by wearing sunglasses yourself. Most young kids want to be just like their parents, so start them young.