Winter Newsletter

Dec 20, 20234 min read

Cape Fear Eye Digest December 2023 issue

Whats New at Cape Fear Eye Associates

December-Safe Toys and Celebrations Month

Roughly 1 in 10 children's eye injuries that end up in the ER are caused by toys. In support of 'Safe Toys and Celebrations Month' this December, the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises parents to be cautious when choosing holiday gifts for young people and recommends avoiding those that launch projectiles, such as crossbows and BB guns. The Academy also offers tips on how to safely open champagne to keep New Year’s celebrations from turning tragic.

What Is Astigmatism?

To understand astigmatism, it is helpful to think of the normal eye as evenly rounded, like a basketball. With astigmatism, the eye is egg- or oval-shaped like a North American football. There are two basic types of astigmatism:

horizontal astigmatism (when the eye is wider than it is tall)

vertical astigmatism (when the eye is taller than it is wide)

With either type of astigmatism, near and far vision is blurry because of the eye’s irregular shape.

What Is the Main Cause of Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is caused by a cornea or lens that has a different shape than normal. Astigmatism is very common. Doctors don't know why the shape of the cornea or lens varies from person to person. But they do know the risk of getting astigmatism is inherited (passed down from parents). People can also get astigmatism from:

eye disease

eye injury

or after surgery

It is a myth that reading in low light or sitting very close to the television causes astigmatism or makes it worse.

How Does Astigmatism Affect Vision?

Normally, the cornea and lens at the front of the eye have an evenly round shape. This helps focus light rays sharply onto the retina so you can see clearly. With astigmatism, light rays do not refract (or bend) properly as they enter the front of the eye. Vision is blurry at near and far because light rays either fall short of the retina or behind it. Ophthalmologists can diagnose astigmatism during a comprehensive eye exam. People may have astigmatism along with other refractive errors, such as:

nearsightedness (myopia)

farsightedness (hyperopia)

How Is Astigmatism Corrected?

Eyeglasses or contact lenses. They work by refocusing light on the retina in the back of your eye so that you can see more clearly.

Refractive surgery. With LASIK and other procedures, a laser reshapes the cornea to adjust how light travels through it.

There is no best way to correct your astigmatism—the most appropriate correction is one that best suits your vision needs and lifestyle. You and your ophthalmologist can discuss your options in more detail after your exam.

Saying Good-Bye- A Letter to My Patients

To all Cape Fear Eye Associates Patients:

I would like to deeply thank each and every single patient of our practice, especially those patients I have had the privilege to be involved in the care of, for your trust, respect, and continuity at Cape Fear Eye Associates. It is because of you; we can continue to build upon this practice and serve the community. This practice has made some big changes recently, with the hope it will continue to improve upon the care and management for all individuals with eye-related problems for many years to come.

My journey with Cape Fear Eye Associates began just over two years ago in August of 2021, my first time living in this area. It has been nothing shy of an amazing two years that I would never trade. With the support of my fellow doctors here, the staff that have become like a family to me, and every patient I have seen during that time, I have grown as both a provider and a person.

While my job uses all my training and knowledge to treat disease, a truly great doctor never stops learning and adapting. I can say that my time spent at Cape Fear Eye Associates has taught me many valuable lessons, and I will continue to build upon those and strive to be better every day.

I am saddened to share the news that I will be unfortunately leaving Cape Fear Eye Associates, officially in January of 2024. It was a decision I never thought I would have to make, and especially difficult as I see the amazing changes and improvements in the practice. This decision is not personal as I must do what is best for my family outside of work, and we have decided to move closer to our extended family as we prepare for the next chapter in our personal lives.

To every patient I have treated, helped, formed professional relationships with or any care involved, I apologize for this decision. No matter how significant the disease or outcome of care, I can definitively say I have tried to provide the best care for each of you and will continue to provide this care until my final day.

Thank you everyone for all the support and time you’ve each given me. You will all be in good hands with the excellent providers and resources at Cape Fear Eye Associates.

Sincerely

Brett Campbell, MD

*Your medical records will continue to be maintained at Cape Fear Eye Associates unless you request otherwise. If you need a copy, then please complete an “Authorization for Release of Information” form, and one of the administrative staff will be happy to assist you. Should you have any questions or concerns about the continuity of your care, please feel free to call or drop by the office.

Cape Fear Eye Holiday Luncheon 🎄

The Gift of Sight🎁 WE LOVE OUR PATIENTS❤

WaveLight® LASIK technology with CONTOURA® Vision?

WaveLight® LASIK technology with CONTOURA® Vision is a kind of laser vision correction that gives your doctor the ability to map out the features of your eyes. It combines the latest surgical advancements into a procedure personalized for your ideal vision with more precise measuring of the cornea, increased treatment speed and fewer side effects. WaveLight® LASIK is effective at treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and more patients are treated on the WaveLight® platform than any other. Click to learn more