610-628-2022 [email protected]

It’s Our 2nd Anniversary!

our office in Fountain Hill

Two years have passed since the start of Moran Eye Associates in Fountain Hill! We are so happy to have welcomed Dr. Moran’s former patients and many new patients too!

Although our practice is young, we’ve all been together for a long time. Here is a look at Moran Eye Associates by the numbers.

  • Dr. Moran has been practicing in the Lehigh Valley since 1990. He started Moran Eye Associates in April of 2017, where he continues to provide quality, compassionate medical and surgical care for his patients.
(again!) Dr. Moran’s first employee was Beth Handwerk, who was a member of the team at Trachtenberg-Moran. After almost 30 years, Beth & Dr. Moran are still working together. Beth is the office manager here at Moran Eye Associates.
Mandy Bolton & Cindy Male both started working with Dr. Moran at the turn of the century! They have been part of Dr. Moran’s team for 19 years.
Bobbi has worked with Dr. Moran’s surgical patients since 2011. Starting first as his LASIK coordinator, she now works with cataract patients too.
Dr. Tang joined our growing practice one year ago. She quickly became an essential part of our team. Dr. Tang has expertise in all aspects of medical eye care, contact lenses and low vision devices.

The numbers add up to an experienced team of eye care professionals that continue to work together to give our patients quality eye care. You can benefit from our commitment to our patients by making an appointment for yourself and your family!

 

Treating Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

 

Irritated, runny eyes…it is Pink Eye?

If you or your children have an inflammation in the eye, it could be pink eye. The medical term for pink eye is Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the outermost layer of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.

Red, irritated eyes could be pink eye.

There are three different types of conjunctivitis: Viral, Bacterial and Allergic.

The treatment for each condition varies, so if you have an inflamed eye, make an appointment so our doctors can prescribe the specific treatment that will give you relief.  Conjunctivitis is very common and easily treated, so don’t suffer, call for an appointment when symptoms begin.

VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS: If it’s viral conjunctivitis, it usually affects one eye.  Because it is a virus, it is contagious, and can easily spread to your other eye.  You may experience a light discharge, excessive watering, itching and crusting on the eyelids.  Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with antibiotics.

BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS: If your inflamed eye has a heavy yellow or green discharge with crusting on the lids, you may have bacterial conjunctivitis.   This type of conjunctivitis easily spreads to both eyes. It is important to start antibiotic eye drops as soon as you start to have symptoms. Be careful wiping your eyes, use a clean tissue or gauze for each eye.

ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS: Itching, redness, tearing and eyelid swelling are all signs of allergic conjunctivitis. This condition is often accompanied by other signs of allergies, like a stuffy, itchy and runny nose.  It’s not contagious since it is caused by dust or allergens. Artificial tears, antihistamine eye drops, and medication can help relieve the symptoms.

For ALL types of eye inflammations, practice good hygiene. Assume that the condition is contagious until told otherwise.

  • WASH your hands frequently
  • STOP wearing contacts
  • THROW AWAY your old contact case
  • WASH your pillowcase
  • DISCARD old eye makeup

Warm compresses will give you relief from Viral, Bacterial and Allergic conjunctivitis.  Good hygiene practices are essential!

If you have questions about pink eye or any other eye condition, don’t hesitate to contact our office at 610-628-2022.

Eyes are the Windows to your Health

Your annual eye exam offers a look at more than just your vision.

You may have heard that the eyes are the windows to your soul, but did you know that they provide a look at your overall health as well.

Your dilated eye is an open window where blood vessels and nerves can be clearly seen. The view through the open pupil is a unique means of detecting health issues including:

Your eye doctor may be the first to alert you to developing health problems.The American Optometric Society reported that in just one year, over 250,000 patients were diagnosed with diabetes after their optometrists reported concerns. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for the health and vision of diabetic patients.

Changes or fluctuation in your vision may also be an indicator of a larger health problem.  Report blurred vision to your eye doctor, it may be a sign of increased blood sugar levels and the need for medical treatment.

Uncontrolled diabetes can have severe consequences. Loss of vision due to diabetic retinopathy is a primary concern. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people under the age of 74, so a regular schedule of dilated eye exams are important for diabetic patients. If you know someone who is diabetic,or has a family history of the disease, make sure that they are getting the eye care that they need.

Our goal is to keep you healthy!

Dr. Moran and Dr. Tang not only provide excellent vision care, they are essential partners for your general health and well-being.  If you are overdue for a vision exam, don’t delay. Call us to schedule your appointment, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

 

For a video of a dilated eye exam, click here National Eye Institute Dilated Eye Exam

Quick Q&A: Diabetes & Your Eyes

 

How does Diabetes affect your eyes?

Diabetic eyes

Diabetics need to see their eye doctor at least once a year.

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina.  These damaged blood vessels may leak, swell or bleed causing problems with your vision. Diabetes can also increase the growth of cataracts, and increase your risk of glaucoma.  Changes in your blood sugar can cause blurriness in your vision, and fluctuations to your glasses prescription.

What is the best way to keep my eyes healthy?

Annual eye exams are important, because left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can worsen, and lead to blindness.  Patients with uncontrolled blood sugar are at a higher risk for problems, but even patients who control their diabetes can develop issues.

Are there warning signs of diabetic eye disease?

Whether you are diabetic or not, if you notice any changes to your vision, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.  If you notice a change in prescription, any cloudiness, blind spots or increased floaters in your vision, you should see your eye doctor.

Will controlling my blood sugar help my vision?

Yes. Swings in your blood sugar readings can cause changes to your vision.  High blood sugar can cause swelling in the eye, which can affect your vision.  If your blood sugar fluctuates, your vision will fluctuate too, and you may find that your glasses don’t work effectively.

Is there a way to treat diabetic retinopathy?

There are different options for treating diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Moran and Dr. Tang can discuss which options are best for your needs.  There laser treatments which target the damaged vessels, as well as medications which can help preserve your vision.

If you are Diabetic, Annual Vision Exams are a MUST!

Diabetics have special needs when it comes to taking care of their eyesight.  With a dilated exam, your doctor can detect and begin to treat diabetic eye disease before you notice any vision changes. Your annual exam allows our doctors to check for early onset cataracts and glaucoma.

If you (or someone you care about) has diabetes, make sure to connect with the trusted eye care team at Moran Eye Associates.
Call our office to schedule an appointment 610-628-2022.

 

Another Staff Certification Achievement!

The certificate has arrived, so now it is official!

 

Bobbi Spain has received her COA designation from the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAPHO). Bobbi is our surgical coordinator, who works with LASIK and cataract patients. She was surprised to see that the package from JCAPHO also included an official COA card, pin and patch!

Official Certification

To provide the best care for our patients, the staff at Moran Eye Associates makes learning a priority.  Every member of the team takes part in monthly compliance training, as well as taking on additional programs of study in general ophthalmology, low vision, dry eye management, regulations and billing.  They also attend industry conferences each year to keep up with advances in technology and and patient care.

In 2017, Mandy, Beth and Dr. Moran attended the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) conference in New Orleans. In April of this year, Bobbi and Cindy accompanied Dr. Moran to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) in Washington, D.C.

Bobbi joins Mandy and Cindy, who already have their COA certificates on display.  Mandy received her COA in 2017.  Cindy has been a COA since 2004.  In order to maintain certification, a total of 18 credits in continuing education must be completed every three years. Eighteen credits is an easy to complete at Moran Eye Associates, where continuing education plays a key role in our success!

 

What Does 20/20 Vision Mean?

Are you Seeing your Best?

How Vision is Measured

 

The distance vision of a normal human eye is defined at 20/20.  This number illustrates what a person with normal vision can see at twenty feet.  Your visual acuity is measured on how it relates to vision at 20 feet.

  • If your vision is 20/40, you can see at 20 feet, what a normal eye can see at 40 feet.
  • If your vision is 20/100, you can see at 20 feet, what a normal eye can see at 100 feet.
  • If your vision is 20/400, you can see at 20 feet, what a normal eye can see at 400 feet.

When you read an eye chart, chances are that person testing you is paying attention to what you say, as well as how you say it. They will know if you are seeing clearly or are struggling and making guesses. It never pays to cheat on your eye test!

Driving vision requirements

Driving requirements

How well do I need to see to drive?  

Although each state determines their specific requirements, generally 20/40 vision is needed to pass the driving test.  If you need glasses to see 20/40, it will be indicated on your driver’s license. While your distance vision is key to passing the driving test, there are other factors that are considered as well.  For complete information on what is required in Pennsylvania, click on the link.

Pennsylvania Drivers Visual Standards

After vision correction surgery, like LASIK or cataract surgery, you may be able to see well enough to have the vision correction restriction removed from your license.

What is legally blind?

If you cannot see any letters below the 20/200 line, even when wearing glasses or contacts, you are considered legally blind.  If your vision can be corrected by putting on a pair of glasses, you may have poor vision, but you are not legally blind.

I see 20/20, do I need an eye exam?

Absolutely!  Measuring your vision is an important part of your comprehensive exam, but there is so much more that we check at your visit. We will check your pupils, eye pressure and field of vision.  We will record your visual history, health history and medications. The doctor will examine the health of your eyes using a slit lamp microscope, checking for eye disease, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.

Early detection of eye disease is your best defense against vision loss.  So even if you don’t need a new pair of glasses, make sure to schedule your regular check-up, so you can keep seeing your best!