We are closely monitoring events in our local community and follow all recommended guidance from public health authorities.  Our highest priority is to keep all of our patients and staff as safe as possible.  

We ask that our patients:

• Reschedule their appointments if they have a fever, cough, or any other illness.
• Keep the social distancing rules in our office. We limit the number of patients in the waiting room to 1-2 patients at a time. 
• Limit the number of people accompanying them to their appointment to 1 per person.

Written By: Kierstan BoydReviewed By: J Kevin McKinney MDFeb. 26, 2018

Our eyes constantly make a fluid called aqueous humor. As new aqueous flows into your eye, the same amount should drain out through a tiny drainage area. This process keeps pressure in your eye (called intraocular pressure or IOP) stable. But if the drain is not working properly, fluid builds up. Pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve. This is often how glaucoma develops.

As part of a complete eye exam, your ophthalmologist will measure your eye pressure. This pressure check is called tonometry.

• Eye drops are put in your eyes to numb them.
• Then the doctor or assistant gently touches the front surface of your eye with a device that glows with a blue light. Other times a different handheld instrument is used.
• Both methods apply a small amount of pressure to the eye.
• This allows your ophthalmologist to measure the pressure inside each eye.
• During this test, it is very helpful to relax and breathe normally.

Each person's eye pressure is different, and there is no single correct pressure for everyone. Generally, the range for normal pressure is between 10 and 21 mmHg ("mmHg" means "millimeters of mercury," a scale used to record eye pressure).

Most people who have glaucoma will have an eye pressure higher than 21 mmHg. However, some people with pressures between 10 and 21 mmHg may have glaucoma.

Your ophthalmologist will determine the eye pressure range that is healthy specifically for you.

Written By: Reena MukamalReviewed By: Rebecca J Taylor MDFeb. 23, 2018

People are going to new lengths to make their eyes look special. Eyelash extensions, professionally applied on natural lashes with a semi-permanent glue, are growing in popularity. Ophthalmologists say this cosmetic treatment can be safe, as long as consumers take precautions to protect themselves.

There are three types of lash extensions: synthetic, silk and mink. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Lash extensions are usually applied by a technician in a beauty salon, using tweezers and a specially formulated, semi-permanent glue. The procedure can take as long as two hours, and your eyes should remain closed for the duration of the application. The faux lashes typically last three to four weeks, falling off as your natural lashes shed.

"To keep the eyes safe, lashes should be applied by an experienced aesthetician in a sanitary setting, with chemicals that are safe for your skin," says Rebecca J. Taylor, MD, a Nashville ophthalmologist and clinical spokeswoman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The procedure does come with risks, namely: trauma to or infection of the eyelid or cornea; allergic reaction to the glue; and permanent or temporary loss of eyelashes.

Infection can come from inadequate hygiene in the shop or damage to the eye during application. "Remember that a sharp object is being used very close to your eye," Dr. Taylor says.

Ingredients in the glue can cause allergic reactions. In the past, some of these glues have contained the allergen formaldehyde. An allergic reaction can trigger pain, itching, redness and swelling. It may even temporarily interfere with vision. Eyelash extensions and glue are not currently regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Rubbing, tugging or pulling can fracture your natural lashes, and even cause permanent damage to the eyelash follicle. Although rare, extensions can also lead to fibers getting stuck under the eye tissue, which may require surgical removal.

Be sure to look carefully at the shop or salon, the aesthetician and the ingredients of the products before going ahead with eyelash extensions. Here are a few things to look for and ask about:

• Does the salon have a good reputation? How long have they been in business, and do they practice good hygiene? Read reviews and look at before-and-after photos from other customers.
• What training, certification, and experience does the aesthetician have in lash extensions?
• Ask for the glue's ingredient list and check it for allergens. Confirm the expiration date has not passed. Request a spot test on the inside of your wrist before the glue is applied to your eyes.

If you have an allergic reaction to extensions, do not try to remove them yourself, as this could damage your eyes. Do not try to treat the reaction on your own. Doing so incorrectly may make the symptoms last much longer. Instead, go see an ophthalmologist immediately.