Schizophrenia Now Diagnosable with a Simple Eye Test

As more research is completed, scientists realize just how interconnected different parts of the human body are–especially the eyes.

One of the biggest indicators of just how integrated the eyes really are is the “King-Devick” test. This test was designed to help doctors better identify if someone has suffered a concussion and has revolutionized concussion diagnoses. But simple eye tests aren’t just identifying brain trauma–now they’re diagnosing certain mental illnesses.

A new simple eye test can identify schizophrenia.

According to a Scottish study, scientists have developed a simple eye test that is 98 percent accurate in “distinguishing between those with and without 
schizophrenia.” The reason the test is so effective is that schizophrenics often have impaired eye movement that makes it difficult for them to smoothly track slow moving objects or keep a steady gaze for an extended period of time.

The study was conducted by Dr. Philip Benson and Professor David St. Clair and included a litany of different eye tests designed specifically to identify schizophrenia. In the study, “volunteers were asked to track slow-moving objects slowly with their eyes (known as smooth pursuit); inspect a variety of everyday scenes (free viewing); and given instructions to keep a steady gaze on a single, unmoving target (fixation tasks).”

Dr. Benson said that individuals with psychotic illnesses have been known to have various abnormalities in their eye movements, but until this study, it was never confirmed.

“In smooth pursuit, people with schizophrenia have well-documented deficits in the 
ability to track slow-moving objects smoothly with their eyes. Their eye movements tend to fall behind the moving object and then catch up with the moving object using rapid eye 
movements,” Dr. Benson said.

In ensure their tests were accurate, the two said they used multiple methods to model the data and each of the algorithms created were tested against those developed from tests on a control group. After combining all the data, they were able to see that their tests were 98 percent effective in diagnosing schizophrenia. Professor St. Clair said that  the biggest benefit of this development is that these eye tests are simple, cheap and only take a few minutes to conduct in comparison to the typical neuropsychological assessments that are not only time-consuming, but also have to be performed by a highly-trained professional.

There’s no telling what other connections between the eyes and the rest of the body will be discovered in the future, but I can tell you that this is an exciting time to be in the field of optometry.

The Most Common Eye Problems

Eye or vision problems are much more common than some people realize. In fact, regardless of their vision, most people suffer from some kind of eye-related ailment at one point or another in their lives. But what exactly are these common problems?

Refraction Problems

Did you know that your eyes can only see when light rays are bent? That’s how the eyes perceive the world around them. Light passes through the cornea and lens and then is focused on the retina; light is being bent during this entire process, which is what refraction is. But sometimes the eyes have trouble bending the light correctly which can often result in myopia or hyperopia. Also known as nearsightedness and farsightedness respectively, these are two conditions that can be easily fixed with the help of corrective lenses and laser eye surgery.

Astigmatism is another condition that can occur when the eyes don’t refract light correctly. When someone suffers from this condition, their eyes don’t focus light evenly on the retina, which can make objects blurry or otherwise distorted. Like near-and-farsightedness, this problem can be fixed with glasses.

Eye Twitches

There are many factors that come into play with respect to eye twitching. Unlike refraction problems, which are mostly genetic, eye twitching is usually caused by environmental conditions. The most likely culprits of this are stress, caffeine and fatigue. And while most people can’t completely avoid the stress and fatigue that come with our daily lives, we can avoid ingesting too much caffeine. Reducing the amount coffee, pop or energy drinks you regularly consume is one of the easiest ways to limit eye twitching.

Eye Fatigue

Just like eye twitching, fatigue can also be caused by outside forces. I’ve written about it before, but one of the best ways to avoid eye fatigue or eyestrain is to limit how long you stare at a computer screen at one time. Prolonged exposure to the light emitted by computer screens makes your eyes work harder than they should, which leads to fatigue. This is also known as computer vision syndrome.

Eye fatigue can also be caused by the refraction problems previously mentioned.

The best thing about all of these problems is that they can either be completely cured and/or treated. If you’re suffering from any of the above, please don’t hesitate to contact me online or call the SEEN Vision office at (313)278-SEEN to schedule an eye exam.

How to Protect Your Eyes at a Computer

Though the official start of summer was less than a week ago, many of us still have to spend a lot of our time in front of a computer screen. Prolonged exposure to the light of a computer screen can lead to eyestrain, which has a multitude of effects on the human body. But, here is some advice from the eye care experts here at Seen Vision in Dearborn, MI to help you combat computer-related eyestrain.

First, it’s important to know exactly what eyestrain is and what its symptoms are. Eyestrain can happen when your eyes are over-exerted over an extended period of time. Some of the most common symptoms are as follows:

• Eye pain or tension (can also manifest in the temples and lead to your head or neck)
• Dryness or redness of the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Double vision

And while some of those may seem serious, by making a few changes to how you work at a computer, you can dramatically decrease eyestrain. One of the easiest things you can do to make working at a computer easier on your eyes is to increase the size of the text you’re reading. When we are forced to read smaller-sized texts, our eyes have to work harder to see the words. Zooming-in can work wonders.

Another way to give your eyes a little help is to reposition how you sit at your desk. The best way to sit is straight in your chair while your monitor is slightly below eye level. Not only will sitting this way decrease eyestrain, it will also improve your posture.

Reading offline is also a great way to give your eyes a break from the glare of a computer screen. If you have a long article or report to read, it might be a good idea to print it out and read it that way. It will give you a chance to turn off your monitor and relax a bit.

And finally, we suggest getting your eyes checked. If you’re already wearing glasses, you might need a new prescription and if you don’t wear them at all, you might need to start. If you have any questions about how to reduce eyestrain or if you want to set up an appointment with us, don’t hesitate to give me a call at (313)278-SEEN or contact me today.

Improving Your Eyes’ Health Takes More than Eating Carrots

Improving your diet doesn’t just help you lower your blood pressure and cholesterol or help you lose weight. It can also be a vital way to improve the health of your eyes.

How many times has someone told you to “just eat your carrots” if you want to have healthier eyes? If your answer is “countless,” you’re not alone. But we all know it takes more than eating carrots to better your vision. Here are some suggestions on how you can not only make your eyes healthier, but the rest of you, too.

Omega-3s are an essential fatty acid, which means they can’t be synthesized by the human body, so eating foods containing omega-3 fatty acids is crucial. These fatty acids have been shown to benefit the eye’s macula, which is your eyes’ natural sunscreen. Foods like eggs and fish contain high amounts of omega-3s, and while you don’t have to eat them every day, be sure to include them in your diet.

It’s summertime, so it’s salad-eating season, which is good because leafy greens contain a pigment found in lutein and zeazanthin that helps improve your eyes’ health. Foods high in antioxidants like peppers, tomatoes, and yes, even carrots are also excellent for your eyes.

Other ways to improve the health of your eyes is by taking your vitamins. There are a lot vitamins and minerals that our bodies do not produce on their own, meaning we have to do the work for them. Adding supplements to an already healthy diet will work wonders for your vision and your body.

And don’t forget to exercise and wear your sunglasses. Your eyes are similar to your skin, if you don’t protect it from dangerous ultraviolet rays, you could damage them. There’s no sense in putting more strain than is necessary on your eyes. Be smart out there and protect your eyes … you need them.

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Dr. Baseem Wahab is the lead optometrist and owner of SEEN Vision Care, located in Dearborn, MI. He is also the president of Mobile Eye Care and Eyes on You Image and Practice Consultants, an organization that has a 100 percent track record for improving the efficiency of every eye care practice it has consulted for.

Getting To Know Dr. Baseem Wahab

I wrote in a previous blog post about some things to look for when choosing an eye doctor. It made sense to share that information with you because of all the stories we hear from patients, then it occurred to me that I really haven’t shared much about myself. Reading about me here isn’t quite the same as having a conversation with me, which I invite you to come into SEEN Vision Care and do, but this will give you an idea of my background and what I’m currently doing.

First, for those of you in the Dearborn, Michigan area, I’m a resident here. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo in 1997, then went on to earn a Doctor of Optometry from New England College of Optometry and MBA from Arizona State University. Finally, I’m licensed in Optometry in the state of Michigan as well as by the DEA.

Education is one thing, but it’s also what we do with that education that helps define a person. One of things I’m very proud to have done and continue to do is give back to local communities. Not everybody is as fortunate as we are, so I bring my skills into the homes of patients who are unable to travel to clinics or even my office. On top of that, I provided pro bono services for people unable to afford proper medical attention, something I’ve done since before the recent recession hit.

Another organization you will see the name Baseem Wahab associated with is the Eyes on You Image and Practice Consultants. I am President of this group and together we have a 100 percent track record of improving efficiency in practices we’ve consulted for. There is always room for improvement, especially in this day and age where advancements in technology seem to happen daily.

There are other things I could share with you, but they’re business-oriented and probably wouldn’t be as interesting. Perhaps, in closing, I can let you see some of the other organizations I’m proudly affiliated with. And please, if you have any questions or would like to speak to me in person, stop by SEEN Vision Care or contact me, Baseem Wahab, here. I look forward to meeting you!

2010-Present Member, BNI Dearborn Chapter
2009-Present Member, National Arab American Medical Association
2009-Present Member, Dearborn Chamber of Commerce
2004-Present Member, Michigan Optometric Association
2001-Present Member, American Optometric Association
2001-Present Member, American Academy of Optometry
2001-Present Member, Prevent Blindness America
2000-Present Member, International Academy of Sports Vision.

Don’t Put Off That Eye Exam!

It’s said that when we’re in difficult economic times that two of the things people start to put off are visits to the dentist and visits to the eye doctor. This may seem like the thing to do at the time, but without healthy teeth, you open yourself up to a huge number of potential problems. The same with your eyes. Not only do you need your eyes to drive to work, but you need them to be healthy for the daily rigors of your job and home life. How can you expect yourself to fill out or read important documents when you have a hard time seeing them? And if you have children, have you ever not been able to get out of checking their homework?

Find out how SEEN can help you!

By ignoring the needs of your eyes, you can begin to suffer from headaches caused by eyestrain, have difficulty focusing or even concentrating. A simple eye test can determine if you’re suffering from being nearsighted (myopia, or having problems seeing things far away), longsighted (hyperopia, or difficulty seeing things close by) or even if you need bifocals. And what if you’re squinting at everything? It could be an astigmatism (meaning images may be more out of focus in some directions than in others

And if you have seen an optometrist, only he or she isn’t able to get your vision back to 20/20 with glasses, then you may need to have your eyes checked out for an eye disease. That’s hopefully not going to be the case. Let’s not forget that you may also want to find out if contacts are the right solution for you. We can help.

No matter what, it’s important you have a yearly eye exam in order to prevent things from getting any worse. At SEEN Vision Care, Dr. Baseem Wahab will give you a complete optical workup and then help you find that perfect pair of glasses. We have lenses, lenses and even more lenses, plus we believe in the old age of quality over quantity. This means you’ll get a terrific pair of glasses and not at an inflated price.

Contact SEEN Vision Care today and schedule your appointment!  Have you been SEEN?

Dr. Baseem Wahab, Optometrist and owner of SEEN Vision Care in Metro Detroit’s Dearborn area, is also the president of Mobile Eye Care. While holding this position, he has traveled to the homes of patients unable to leave their home and provided pro bono services for those unable to afford optical medical attention.

I Wear My Sunglasses At Night…

I heard the song “I Wear My Sunglasses At Night” while driving in my car the other day and listening to the radio. It’s still a catchy tune, but isn’t it ironic how easy it is to dismiss how important sunglasses are?  People still tend to think of them as merely a fashion accessory, but they’re much more than that. Much more.

Dr. Baseem Wahab has the perfect pair of sunglasses for you!

When it comes to having happier, healthier eyes, remember that sunglasses reduce glare, especially if you’re spending time around the pool or late during the summer months. And do you remember the windy day we had the other day? Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from any dust and debris the wind kicks around. It’s just proof that a little prevention can go a long way.

Also, did you know that ultraviolet radiation in the summer is three times higher than during the winter? And UV radiation can also cause the skin around your eyes, which is more delicate than other areas of your face, to wrinkle if you leave it exposed to sunlight too long? Letting the sun prematurely age your skin and eyes when there’s a solution at hand doesn’t seem to make much sense.

Those of you who suffer from headaches might be interested to know that sunglasses can reduce eyestrain and the headaches associated with it (eyestrain). What’s not to love about not having headache? Keep in mind, too, that the staff at SEEN Vision Care in Dearborn, Michigan, will help outfit you with the right pair of sunglasses that’ll enhance your looks with style and protect your eyes!

Call 313-278-SEEN today and let us help you help your eyes.

Dr. Baseem Wahab is an optometrist and owner of local Southeast Michigan’s SEEN Vision Care. He is also the president of Eyes on You Image and Practice Consultants, an organization that has a 100-percent track record for improving the efficiency in ever practice it’s consulted for.

Staying Healthy By Sunblocking Your Eyes

Some people read the sports section of the paper each morning. I admit I do, too, but I’m also always on the lookout for articles and information to pass along to my clients here at SEEN Vision Care in Dearborn, Michigan. The way the weather has been here over the past few months has actually made people somewhat erratic in making appointments for their eyes, especially when it comes to sunglasses. It’s overcast one day, sunny the next, snowing another, windy the day after that and the variety never seems to end. Regardless of how the weather is today and tomorrow, you need to protect your eyes in the coming summer months.

Contact Dr. Baseem Wahab at SEEN Vision Care for your summer sunglasses!

I came across a health and fitness article last week discussing reasons why you should wear sunglasses in the summer. Did you know that if you’re not in the habit of wearing sunglasses that you can get a sunburned cornea? Even worse, it’s even possible to develop skin cancer of the eyelids. Nobody wants these things to happen and we all know what the solution is.

However, while wearing sunglasses can help, there’s more to it than that. Do you know what level of UV protection your glasses are? How about the tint? These are all things addressed in the ENews Park Forest article “Top Five Ways to Sunblock Your Eyes this Summer.” I urge you to read it and also make an appointment with SEEN Vision Care today! We can make sure your sunglasses do everything they’re supposed to in order to keep you safe!

Give us a call at 313-278-SEEN and let us help your eyes before you head out for those sunny afternoons in the yard or at the beach.

Dr. Baseem Wahab, Optometrist and owner of SEEN Vision Care in Metro Detroit’s Dearborn area, is also the president of Mobile Eye Care. While holding this position, he has traveled to the homes of patients unable to leave their home and provided pro bono services for those unable to afford optical medical attention.

“BK” Baseem Wahab, Optician

From the college life, the creative thoughts of Dr. Baseem Wahab were noticed by his superiors and colleagues. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Waterloo at Canada. Later on, he became Assistant teacher in Biology Department of that University. The authority of the University implemented his unique method of grading system. He learned the technique of interaction with the teammates being the member of College team. After spending four years at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Baseem Wahab came to Johns Hopkins Hospital of Baltimore for studying “Doctor of Optometry” in the year 1997. When he was intern, he regularly attended the weekly conferences, lectures at the Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins University Hospital to get comprehensive knowledge on ocular science. At that time, he also presented his case reports and lectured to his professors.

At Dimock Community Health Center and Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Centers he gained the practical knowledge of ocular treatment. There from, he became expert on primary care including refractive, contact lens fitting, low vision pediatric care, optical dispensing, pre and postoperative care of refractive surgery patients, cataract surgery patients, and various retinal surgery. His research on “Performing LASIK Using the Autonomous Laser on a Patient with Congenital Nystagmus” was published in “Poster, American Academy of Optometry, 2000” and another work “Comparison study of fundus imaging tools and their benefit to the private practitioner” is still to be published. However, he became interested in healthcare management procedure of patients.

Dr. Baseem Wahab acquired Master of Business Administration Degree from Arizona State University in 2005. His main focus was on business strategy on competitive atmosphere and logistic dominance. He started his independent practice as staff optometrist from CIGNA Healthcare of Arizona. Later on, he served as Director, Vision Services Cigna Healthcare of Arizona from 2002-07, Managing Member, OPTICA of Arizona from 2006-10 and currently he is attached with Mobile Eye Care and SEEN Vision Care as president of the Organization.

Baseem’s vision on the treatment of the patient is very much clear. His primary goal was to provide the eye care facilities to the maximum patients maintaining the standards of care. At Cigna Healthcare of Arizona, he provided eye care to 250,000 patients at 10 centers with the help of only 19 providers and 82 staff in vision department. It has set to improve on $ 3 million plus division of the Corporation.

His knowledge of management study has helped him manage the overhead costs, equipment capital, quality, P&L, interdisciplinary communication, co-management with surgical providers, and ensuring efficiency within the medical group. Another major contribution of Dr. Baseem Wahab is the use of i-Pad for office and medical use and remote access to patient records. This innovative concept has benefited the neglected section of the society and they get the treatment at an affordable price. His caring and compassionate attitude combined with strong educational background and vast experience has raised a new hope among the ocular patients of America.