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Fireworks sales will be blazing across the country from now through the Fourth of July. As retailers begin their promotions, the West Virginia Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons joins the American Academy of Ophthalmologyin shining a light on this explosive fact: the number of eye injuries caused by fireworks has more than doubled in recent years.
Fireworks injuries cause approximately 10,000 visits to the emergency each year, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Injuries largely occurred in the weeks before and after the Fourth of July. The CPSC’s most recent fireworks report showed that about 1,300 eye injuries related to fireworks were treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2014, up from 600 reported in 2011. This is why some ophthalmologists – physicians that specialize in medical and surgical eye care – have to keep operating roomson call to treat these injuries each year.
Read more: Fireworks Eye Injuries Have More Than Doubled in Recent Years
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The West Virginia Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons urges people to learn their risk factors for blinding eye disease .
Approximately 2.7 million Americans have the potentially blinding eye disease glaucoma, but only half are aware of it.
Meanwhile, glaucoma incidence is on the rise. Researchers predict that glaucoma will affect as many as 6.3 million Americas by 2050.
Before Glaucoma Awareness Month begins in January, the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Read more: Half of Those with Glaucoma Don’t Know It; Are You At Risk?
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Experts share tips for protecting sight
It’s commonplace for many people to take steps to fight common signs of aging. Americans spend billions of dollars each year to improve the way they look. Far too many, however, forget about the steps they should take to protect how they see.An estimated 43 million Americans will face vision loss or blindness from age-related eye diseases by 2020.
During September, the National Eye Institute and the Academy are recognizing Healthy Aging Month by bringing eye-healthy tips to the public.
“Adults should know that recent advances in eye care have made it more possible than ever to have good vision in your senior years,” said Rebecca Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the Academy and comprehensive ophthalmologist. “But, to achieve this, you’ll need to adopt some healthy habits early on, and see an ophthalmologist at points along the way.”
Read more: Remember Your Eyes When it Comes to Fighting the Signs of Aging
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BRIDGEPORT — With over 30 years experience in eye care, Dr. James Genin has worked hard to offer his patients the best and newest treatment available.
Previously practicing at United Hospital Center, Genin teamed up with Regional Eye Associates in 2004 and moved to his new location at Cambridge Plaza in Bridgeport seven years ago.
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As an organization, we are always proud of our members when they are recognized for the noble work that they do in this profession. So of course, we were delighted when Dr. Mark Hatfield was appointed as Chair for the Ophthalmology department of Marshall University School of Medicine. The following link give insight into the man and his beliefs. He is truly someone who tries to “do the right thing!”
Dr. and Mrs. R. Mark Hatfield share their time, talent and resources with the schools and communities that have shaped their lives.
Mark Hatfield, M.D., is the great-great-grandson of Devil Anse Hatfield, the infamous leader of the Hatfield clan during the legendary Hatfield-McCoy feud of the 1800s. He is also a renowned ophthalmologist, a noted educator and a loyal supporter of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine – but if there’s one thing Dr. Hatfield learned growing up in the Hatfield family, it’s never to forget his Appalachian roots. “There are a lot of wonderful aspects of our mountain culture,” he said. “Our ancestors took care of strangers who were passing through. Everyone was welcome to their home and their food. Giving was part of the culture back then, and it’s still a part of our heritage today. I learned as a young boy that it’s better to give than to receive and that it’s my responsibility to serve my family, my friends and those I don’t know.”
It is with those childhood lessons as his guide that Hatfield embarked on a lifetime of generosity that has pervaded his professional career, his scholastic pursuits and his personal philosophy.
Read more: Hatfield Appointed Ophthalmology chair at MU School of Medicine
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If you are one of the more than 26 million Americans with diabetes (like your editor), you know the importance of watching your diet and keeping track of your blood sugar. But, did you know it’s also important to have regular eye exams? November is National Diabetes Month, a national eye health observance established by the National Eye Institute.
Diabetes is the leading cause of death, disability, and blindness in the United States. Diabetes currently afflicts 8% of the American population and is growing. It is expected to affect 10% of adults worldwide by 2030. More than one in 10 West Virginia adults has diabetes, ranking the state in the top five nationally.
All people with diabetes – both type 1 and type 2 and pregnant women with diabetes – are at risk for eye-related problems. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will get diabetic retinopathy. Between 40% and 45% of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. Typically, diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. But, the disease can be detected early through a comprehensive dilated eye exam, which should be conducted annually.