Guidance From Gurus

Dr. Brian Ludwig, OD

I recently sat down with an optometrist, Brian Ludwig, OD, to discuss the importance of good vision, and to ask him what seniors should be doing to keep their eyesight healthy.

As we get older, we cherish our time with our loved ones more and more, and flourish as we watch our grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren grow. When they’re not around, we turn to activities both in and out of the home that keep us feeling engaged, healthy, happy and vibrant. Preserving our eyesight is an important part of being able to enjoy these things to their fullest. And so I sat down with optometrist, Brian Ludwig, OD, to find out what senior citizens can do to keep their eyes healthy. “Losing one’s eyesight can be devastating,” replied Dr. Ludwig, “and not being able to drive, see one’s loved ones, watch TV, or write out a check are the things that cause them the most anguish.”

“Regular eye exams are the number one thing that can help to identify a problem and treat it before it becomes a serious issue. Very often, it's just a matter of getting a new glasses prescription,” reports Dr. Ludwig. “That is the first thing I check for, along with a complete health assessment of the eye. Cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye, and glaucoma are other leading causes of decreased vision in the elderly, and we want to act on them as early as possible.”

Q: What is the best way to clean glasses?

A: The best way to clean glasses is with warm tap water and mild dish soap. Quite often I hear patients ask for a cleaning cloth or see them clean their glasses on their shirt before I check their vision. As soon as the cleaning cloth or shirt gets a few fine grains of sand or grit on it, the cloth or shirt will start to scratch the lenses. If patients insist on using a cloth, I tell them to change them frequently when they see the first signs of dirt build up on them.

Q: What kind of impact does nutrition have on eyesight?

A: As far as nutrition goes. The lack of beta carotene found in carrots is no longer an issue in modern American diets. I do recommended fatty fish to my dry eye patients such as salmon, which are high in Omega 3s. Evidence suggests that Omega 3s are great for patients suffering from dry eye as well as cardiovascular health. We are also finding that dark leafy green vegetables such as kale can help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Doctors may recommend supplemental vitamins as well if patients with macular degeneration are not consuming enough leafy green vegetables.

Q: What can you tell us about cataract surgery?

A: Even in today’s modern society, cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness. The procedure to remove cataracts is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. I find that my patients in my senior population put off cataract surgery in favor of more pressing medical issues. Cataracts will not get better by themselves and will either stay the same or progress with time. I find that when they are “ripe” is "the best time to remove them. If patients wait too long, they may not be able to pass health clearance from their primary doctor to undergo the surgery. As cataracts progress more complications can arise with the surgery. The biggest piece of advice I recommend to patients who are apprehensive about cataract surgery, is to ask their friends or family who have had their cataracts removed what their experience was like. I find that a majority of my patients are very pleased that they underwent the procedure and they’re happy to share their experience with others.

Dr. Ludwig is the owner of Long Island Optometry Care, PLLC. He services patients who are in skilled-nursing facilities, assisted/independent-living facilities, and those who are home-bound. To find out more, visit his webpage, www.LongIslandOptometryCare.com