Best of Chapel Hill

Carolina Ophthalmology Associates has been selected by the readers of Chapel Hill Magazine in the category for “The Best Optometrist/ Ophthalmologist” in Chapel Hill.



The "Best Of Chapel Hill" poll is the only one of its kind dedicated solely to our community and those who are contributing to its continued success.


We'll be featured in the July/August issue of Chapel Hill Magazine, so be on the lookout.

Cheers to all who voted for us!

Hormones Can Result in Dry Eye Syndrome

One of the most notable vision problems that affect women in larger numbers is dry eyes, or keratoconjuctivitis sicca. More than 60 percent of women suffer from dry eyes at a ratio of nine to one over men. Eyes become dry because the glands in the inner eyelids don’t produce enough oil, tears evaporate too quickly, or both. Dry eye syndrome has several causes. It occurs as a part of the natural aging process but also can develop as a side effect of medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, Parkinson's medications and birth control pills; from contact lens wear or dry air conditions.


For women, it is usually a result of hormones -- such as when women go through menopause, pregnancy or take birth control pills. The solution sometimes lies with the gynaecologist and not the eye doctor because if it happens during menopause, there is very little an eye doctor can do to control the hormones that cause the dry eye symptoms.


Like women going through menopause, pregnant women also suffer from dry eye, most likely because of the high level of estrogen. This typically occurs during the last trimester. That is when there is a lot of dryness and because of chemistry and slight changes in astigmatism, vision can slightly change, but tends to go back to the way it was before pregnancy.

Along with lubricating eye drops, our doctors may recommend over the counter supplements such as TheraTears Nutrition that help lubricate with flaxseed and fish oils. In more severe cases, we may use prescribed products such as Restasis or insert punctal plugs.   If you suspect you may have a dry eye condition, call Carolina Ophthalmology Associates to schedule an appointment today.

LASIK Holiday Special!




'Tis the Season for Clear Vision



If you’re not already our patient, don't miss out on the holiday special Carolina Ophthalmology Associates is having on LASIK. Finally, with zero money down and financing provided, having Advanced Custom LASIK by one of the most experienced surgeons in North Carolina is now affordable. Dr. James Bryan has been helping patients achieve their best possible vision with LASIK for over a decade and is offering $1000 off (both eyes) for anyone who books their procedure by December 31st!

With so many festive events and family celebrations on the horizon, why wait to upgrade your lifestyle and increase your quality of life? For more information or to schedule your consultation, please call me 877.321.EYES.

Pamela Andrews, COA

Refractive Surgery Coordinator

Local Families Need Assistance

Thanksgiving may be over, but our food drive isn’t.  Have an eye appointment scheduled soon?  Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable item!

Several local families are in need and this is Carolina Ophthalmology Associate’s 8^th year collecting items for the InterFaith Council (IFC) Food Pantry.  We will be collecting goods until the end of December.  Items in need range from canned tuna, canned meats, soups, rice, beans, canned vegetables, canned fruits, juice, dry milk, cereals, spaghetti pasta and sauce;  as well as diapers, soap, tooth paste, tooth brushes, shampoo and related personal hygiene items.

For information regarding donations or assistance, you may call IFC and its

Food Pantry at 929-6380 or visit them on line.

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

Are you one of the 29 million Americans that have diabetes? During November's Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Carolina Ophthalmology Associates want to remind those with diabetes to protect their vision by having a dilated eye exam every year. 

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of legal blindness among working-age Americans.

Each year 12,000 to 24,000 people lose their sight due to diabetes. This includes people as young as 18 years old.

Diabetic retinopathy can also appear within the first year or two after the onset of the disease. For some people, diabetic retinopathy is one of the first signs they have diabetes.

Pregnant women with diabetes should have an eye exam in the first trimester – since diabetic eye disease can progress rapidly during pregnancy.

If you're diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to schedule a complete dilated eye exam once a year. Don’t smoke and keep your blood sugar under control through diet and exercise. Remember, it's your sight for life.

Just Launched!

Our newly designed website has launched and is getting glowing reviews! The new site has more information, links and videos, better navigation and much more. We’ve made it easier for patients to find the information needed for their particular eye condition.  If you haven’t checked out our new web site, you should definitely take a peek!! 

http://www.carolina2020.com/

You can also find us on   Facebook and Twitter.

Have a Happy & Safe Fourth

Did you know that more often than not, fireworks injure bystanders more often then they injure the person setting them off?  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 5,000 Americans are sent to the emergency room during the Fourth of July holidays because of injuries due to fireworks.

Approximately 1,000 of those injuries were to the eyes.

“What surprised me was that children under the age of 15 account for almost half of the total injuries,” said Mark Scroggs, MD. “Parents need to understand that even consumer - approved fireworks require the use of fire and are dangerous.” So this year, go to the local park and see the fireworks from the safety of your blanket or car!