Cornea

What is The Cornea?

The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye. It is the clear dome-shaped window, in the front of the eye, that is responsible for the majority of the focusing power of the eye. If the cornea is not clear or is abnormal in any way, your vision will be affected. Some of the causes of abnormal vision that are attributed to cornea diseases are dry eyes, scars (from trauma, prior contact lens-related infections, or surgery), keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, infections, corneal ulcers and pterygia. The most common cornea disease is dry eyes. The cornea is dependent on tears to obtain the nutrients that it needs to keep it healthy. Some of the symptoms that occur if the eye is dry and not adequately lubricated are blurry vision, scratchy or sandy sensation, redness, stickiness and/or tearing.

Do You Have Blurry Vision?

Blurry vision can be a sign of a much more serious disease or disorder. If your eyesight has become blurred you may suffer from a common problem such as nearsightedness or may simply be experiencing the normal aging process of the eyes. However, you may have a condition that requires more advanced treatment. No matter what the cause of your blurred vision, the expert staff at Newsom Eye is here to help.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Our Cornea Specialist can easily diagnose corneal diseases during a routine eye examination. Some diseases are time sensitive, so the earlier the treatment is started the better the possibility that the vision is saved. Some diseases, such as dry eyes, may need prescription medications or more advanced in-office options may be necessary. For others, such as contact lens-related corneal scars or pterygia, surgery may be the only treatment option.

Refractive Surgery & Blurry Vision

Blurry vision can be a sign of a much more serious disease or disorder. If your eyesight has become blurred you may suffer from a common problem such as nearsightedness or may simply be experiencing the normal aging process of the eyes. However, you may have a condition that requires more advanced treatment. No matter what the cause of your blurred vision, the expert staff at Newsom Eye is here to help.
Refractive eye surgery was created to help you improve the natural visual properties of the eye, thereby helping you reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. LASIK is the most common form of refractive eye surgery, utilizing an excimer laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea. This technology has been effective in the treatment of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Our Newsom Eye Cornea specialists in Tampa and Sebring will carefully diagnose and review all available treatment options with you during your free consultation. The first step, as always, is to contact Newsom Eye for a comprehensive consultation.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome is a disease which can cause a variety of symptoms affecting vision and/or the comfort of the eyes. A normal healthy eye has a protective tear film made of three layers:

  • The oily layer (outermost) is secreted by the meibomian glands; its main purpose is to reduce the evaporation of tears.
  • The watery layer (middle) is produced by the lacrimal gland. This layer functions to wash away foreign particles.
  • The mucous layer (innermost) is produced by conjunctiva goblet cells; its purpose is to keep tears on the cornea.

Dry eye syndrome occurs when there is a decrease in the quantity and/or quality of the tear film. This condition is associated with an increased tear film osmolarity, inducing inflammation.

Symptoms Include:

  • Dryness or grittiness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Excessive tearing
  • Burning or stinging
  • Blurred vision and/or fluctuating vision

Diagnosis:

Your eye doctor can diagnose Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) during your eye examination. Common dry eye tests incorporate dye solutions that highlight dry spots and/or paper strips or threads placed on the eyelids to measure the rate of tear production.

Risk Factors Include:

  • Aging (40+)
  • Eyelid problems
  • Recent eye surgery
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Use of certain medications
  • External factors (computer use, contact lenses)

Treatments:

The Dry Eye Clinic at Newsom Eye offers the latest treatments for dry eye, including:

MiBo Thermoflo

MiBo Thermoflo is a revolutionary treatment that addresses obstructed meibomian glands and fosters superior lipid health and function, treating the most common form or dry eye, Meibomian Gland Disease/Evaporative Dry Eye. MiBo ThermoFlo delivers consistent emissive heat to the meibomian glandular apparatus. The result is improved lipid secretions that create an enhanced tear film.

Autologous Serum Eye Drops

Created using a patient’s own blood, these eye drops are a great alternative for patient’s that have not had success with traditional treatments, including lubricating eye drops. These serum eye drops contain reduced levels of nutrients and growth factors that improve symptoms of dry eye and are essential for optimal corneal health.

Stem Cell Treatment, Biological Corneal Bandages- PROKERA®

The only FDA-cleared therapeutic device that both reduces inflammation and promotes healing. Newsom Eye is pleased to offer our patients PROKERA®, a biologic corneal bandage/medical device used by eye doctors around the world to treat eye diseases such as keratitis, recurrent corneal erosion, dry eye syndrome and chemical burns.

Nutrition – Omega-3

Omega-3 nutritional supplements have been proven to significantly improve eye health and relieve dry eye symptoms. Supported by research and experience, the doctors at Newsom Eye in Tampa and Sebring have determined that certain potent and pure formulations of omega-3s can be a great option for patients. When taken as recommended, they deliver a therapeutic amount of omega-3 EPA and DHA.

Prescription Eye Drops

Patients who have dry eye disease due to inflammation may find relief with Restasis®Ophthalmic Emulsion drops. Restasis®helps increase the eyes’ natural ability to produce tears. Another option is Xiidra®, a prescription eye drop used twice a day to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

Artificial Tears

Systane, Refresh, and Retaine, are over-the-counter lubricant eye drops that can help manage your symptoms and provide relief for dry eyes.

Scleral Contact Lens / PROSE Lens Fitting

For patients who wear contact lenses and have dry eye, a scleral lens may be more comfortable. A scleral lens is a medical device used to help reduce dry eye disease while incorporating your prescription to provide clear vision. Dry eye syndrome is a chronic disease and even though there is currently no cure, there are many ways to manage dry eye syndrome. By managing these symptoms there is a chance of decreasing or even eliminating the issues that disrupt your vision and/or comfort. If you suspect you have dry eye syndrome, please ask to be evaluated by a doctor at Newsom Eye.

Oculoplastics

Optical

OPTICAL SERVICES

At Newsom Eye our friendly, knowledgeable opticians are always ready to help you with the perfect solution to meet all your visual needs. Whether you are active and enjoy golfing, biking, reading or if you are exposed to the day to day demands of digital devices, we understand your needs. Our Team of Licensed professionals with decades of experience will help you find the right frames for your personality and lifestyle. This is a personalized eye care experience that you can rely on.

Newsom Eye is committed to provide you with the best visual experience and eyewear is no exception. We have taken great effort to also provide the best options in lens technology to fight digital eye strain and enhance your vision during night driving and daily activities. Please ask our Team of licensed opticians about the best options for your lenses such as anti-reflective coating, digital designs, blue light filter and premium progressive lenses.

WHAT TYPE OF EYEGLASS BRANDS DO YOU CARRY?

At Newsom Eye’s optical department, with locations in Tampa, Sebring, and Brooksville, FL, you’ll discover an extensive selection of eyewear frame styles suited for you and your entire family. Our collection spans across these Florida locations, including high-end designer brands like Coach, Tom Ford, Ray Ban, Prada, Versace, Nike, and Maui Jim, catering to the diverse preferences of our clients. Whether you’re in Tampa, Sebring, or Brooksville, seeking the latest fashion trends or in need of durable frames for an active lifestyle, our optical shops are equipped to meet the demands of the most style-conscious to the most physically active individuals. Explore our curated range of eyewear to find the perfect match that complements your personal style and meets your optical needs.

HOW MUCH DO EYEGLASSES COST?

We have quality options for every budget! Our competitive pricing on premium frames, lenses and accessories give you the perfect combination of affordability and style. Let us help you choose what will work best for your needs at a price you are comfortable with.

Are you in need of multiple pairs of eyeglasses to meet the demands of the Florida lifestyle? Take advantage of the 30% discount we offer in your second pair (ask our optician for details). Visa, Master Card, Discover and Care Credit are accepted for your convenience.

I DON’T LIKE WEARING GLASSES, AM I A CANDIDATE FOR CONTACT LENSES?

Newsom Eye’s board-certified optometrists are your go-to experts for contact lenses Tampa, along with our other convenient locations in Sebring, Gainesville, and Brooksville. Specializing in a comprehensive range of options, we can evaluate and fit you for disposable, conventional, or custom lenses tailored to your unique vision requirements. Our expertise extends to single-use soft contact lenses, ensuring we can guide you in selecting the perfect match that aligns with both your vision needs and budget constraints. Trust Newsom Eye to provide top-tier care and advice for all your contact lens needs. Our dedication to quality and patient satisfaction makes us the preferred choice for individuals seeking personalized eye care solutions.

HOW CAN I ORDER MY CONTACTS LENSES?

We have made it easy and convenient to order your contacts. You may visit our online store at www.helloabby.com to place your order at any time of the day, get updates on your order and enjoy free shipping with no minimum purchase required. Need help setting up your HelloAbby Account? Feel free to contact our Team of opticians, they will be happy to assist you!