ete services Honolulu, HI

3 Easy Resolutions to Make in 2019 For Better Vision

/0 Comments/in /by

With the eggnog gone and the Christmas tree in the dumpster, it’s now time to take a look at the fresh year we have ahead of us and make some resolutions that are worth keeping. Even though you may have some lofty resolutions to lose some weight and eat better, here at Dr. Maehara’s office we have created a few easy resolutions that will actually help you see better this year.

Wash Your Face Every Night

This may sound like a really easy goal but you’d be surprised by how many people actually go to bed with eye makeup still on. Even though you may think that eye makeup is fine to sleep in, it can actually lead to a bacterial infection. By washing your eye makeup off every night with a gentle cleanser or remover, you can cut down on the chances of you getting some sort of bacterial or viral eye infection.

Use Clean Contact Lens Solution

Did you know that your contact lens case may be filled with bacteria and dirt? To avoid getting an eye infection, make sure that you fill your contact lens case with clean solution every night before you go to bed.

As an extra tip, make sure to rinse out your case with some hot water before you put some contact lens solution back in it

Get Regular Eye Exams

Did you know that you should be getting your eyes examined every year? If you can’t remember the last time that you had an eye exam, then make sure that you contact our office today and schedule your next appointment.

It can be hard to get into the habit of good habits; especially when it involves your vision. If you want to learn a little bit more about how you can see better in 2019, contact our office today and call us at 808.955.3937.

Corneal Transplant Honolulu, HI

Are You Seeing Stars Around Your Christmas Lights? What That Could Mean About Your Vision

/0 Comments/in , /by

Christmas lights are one of the things that really set the entire Christmas mood or holiday spirit. Whether you are religious or not, driving down a street filled with houses adorned in Christmas lights can make you feel some sort of magic. One problem that we see in patients during this time of year is a complaint about seeing starbursts around Christmas lights. If you have started to notice that you see starbursts when you look at Christmas lights, then it may be time to come in for an eye examination. Typically, starbursts mean that you either need to change your prescription or that you have glaucoma or cataracts.

Your Prescription

If you wear the wrong prescription of contacts or glasses, you may see starbursts not just   Christmas lights but around stop lights as well when you are driving at night. By making a few minor adjustments and getting you a stronger precision, however, we can usually help you see a lot better.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes intraocular pressure which can lead to blindness if it’s left untreated. In its early stages, glaucoma in things like seeing starbursts around Christmas lights. When you schedule your appointment with Dr. Maehara, he will check you for glaucoma.

Cataracts

Cataracts are another eye condition that cause starbursts. Even though the biggest symptoms of cataracts are a clouding of the vision, it usually starts out smaller with things like seeing starbursts around lights.

If you notice that your vision seems a bit off, don’t hesitate to give our office a call. To schedule your next eye exam, contact our Honolulu office at 808.955.3937.

Eye Care Services Honolulu, HI

How to Make Your Thanksgiving Meal Count Toward Good Vision

/0 Comments/in /by

If a few days off, the thought of watching too much football, and the idea of loading your plate up with more food than you can imagine have you excited for the Thanksgiving holiday, then you are certainly not alone. Here at Jeffrey Maehara’s office, we are right there with you. To make sure that your Thanksgiving feast isn’t just adding calories to your waistline, but that it’s also giving you health benefits as well, we have created a list of foods that can help with your vision.

Sweet Potatoes

Whether you prefer your sweet potatoes steamed or in a casserole, it’s good to know that they are packed with more vitamins and minerals than you may know what to do with. One of the most important vitamins that are in sweet potatoes is Vitamin A which helps to prevent against macular degeneration and age related issues in the cornea and retina.

Turkey

That lean meat isn’t just good for your lean protein intake, but it’s also full of zinc which is great at reducing advanced age-related macular degeneration and reducing the progression and development of cataracts.

Cranberries

Cranberries don’t just make a great vase filler to add to your centerpiece but they are also a fruit that contains Vitamins A and C which help prevent macular degeneration, cataracts, and other age related issues that may lead to vision loss.

We aren’t guaranteeing that you will see any clearer after Thanksgiving, but it’s still good to know that at least some of the food you are eating can help reduce vision problems. If you want to learn more vision care tips, schedule an appointment with Dr. Maehara at our Honolulu office. Call Us Today: 808.955.3937.

Eye Treatment Honolulu, HI

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis and Your Vision

/0 Comments/in /by

It used to be that the only reason to smoke marijuana was for recreation and the only way to obtain it was illegally. Nowadays, there are hundreds of uses for cannabis to help patients find relief from pain, nausea, discomfort, and other medical issues. Here at Jeffrey Maehara’s office, we provide consultations for the evaluation of the state 329 medical marijuana license card which is necessary for the legal use and possession of marijuana products in Hawaii. Here at our office, we specifically see patients who suffer from glaucoma. Let’s take some closer look at the answers to some frequently asked questions about cannabis for eye conditions.

What are the benefits of cannabis for eye conditions?

Glaucoma is caused by a lot of eye pressure on the eyes. When patients use medical cannabis, it helps to lower the eye pressure for patients with glaucoma. Additionally, medical marijuana can also be used to help treat patients who suffer from eye conditions that cause nausea or chronic pain.

How long will the cannabis evaluation take?

On average, this evaluation will only last about 15-20 minutes.

Can I use my medical card in other states?

The Hawaii 329 card is recognized only in Hawaii. Likewise, no other licenses or cards are recognized in Hawaii.

Can you help me acquire marijuana?

You can purchase your marijuana with your active 329 card at any medical marijuana dispensary in Hawaii or the Honolulu area.

Do I need to renew my evaluation?

Yes, the law requires that patients have their 329 card renewed every year. Remember that you must have an active 329 card in order to legally use and possess any form of marijuana in Hawaii.

If you want to learn more about medical marijuana to treat eye conditions like glaucoma, schedule an eye appointment at our Honolulu office and call us at 808.955.3937.

Corneal Transplant Honolulu, HI

Have a Scratched Cornea? What To Do

/0 Comments/in , /by

Yes, you may know how to scratch a few records for a large crowd (or at least you did in the 80’s) but do you know what to do if you have a scratched cornea? A scratched cornea can happen to anyone at almost anytime. Even though your eyelashes are designed to help protect your cornea from such disasters, accidents happen. If you are experiencing tenderness, redness, excessive tearing, and the sensation like something is stuck in your eye, then you may have a scratched cornea. But how can you treat it?

Flush It

First things first, you want to flush your eye out.  If there’s something still in your eye that you get it out before it causes more damage. To flush your eye out either grab an eye cup or a clean drinking cup. Then, fill it up to the top with either a saline solution or water. Gently lean over the cup and place your eye into the solution and blink; this will allow the water to enter your eye and get anything out of it. Repeat as necessary until you find some relief.

Don’t Put Anything In It

You may be tempted to rub your eye with your finger or put your contact lenses back in but make sure that you don’t touch your eyes or put anything in them until your eye has healed; this will just make the situation worse.

Schedule an Eye Appointment

If you think that you’ve scratched your cornea, then come into our office to see Dr. Jeffrey Maehara. During your eye exam, he will be able to determine if your cornea is scratched and if it is, just how to treat it. Depending on how severe the scratch is, Dr. Maehara may recommend something as small as letting it heal on its own to something as serious as steroid injections.

If you think you have a scratched cornea, make sure that you follow these tips in this article. To learn more about your vision health and how to take better care of your eyes, schedule a consultation at our Honolulu or Waipahu office today at 808.955.3937.

Eye Treatment Honolulu, HI

3 Basic Ways to Prevent an Eye Infection

/0 Comments/in , /by

Taking good care of your vision doesn’t have to be hard and preventing eye infections is even that much more simple. With a few basic tips, you can keep your eyes free from bacteria and infection for the rest of spring and into summer— giving you more time to enjoy what you love doing, comfortably.

Tip #1: Wash Your Hands

One of the best things you can do to prevent the spread of bacteria to your eyes is to wash your hands before you do anything like touch your face, put on eye makeup, take off eye makeup, put in contacts, take out contacts, or try to get something out of your eye. Germs and bacteria from your hands can quickly spread across your eyes and cause an infection.

Tip #2: Get Rid of Old Mascara

You should replace your mascara every three months. Research says that after about three months of use, mascara starts to grow harmful bacteria on it which can lead to eye infections and more.

As another side tip, never share mascara with anyone— even if you’re related.

Tip #3: Wash Eye Makeup Brushes

Just like mascara, makeup brushes are also a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Luckily, real animal hair makeup brushes and even many synthetic brushes can be washed with hot water and soap. Try to wash your brushes every few weeks. To wash them, run them under hot water until they are damp. Then take a small amount of antibacterial soap and gently rub it into your brushes. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear, and all of the makeup is off the brushes. Lay flat to air dry.

Another way to protect your eyes? Schedule regular eye exams with Dr. Jeffrey Mahara. Ready to schedule your next eye exam? Call us today: 808.955.3937.

Cosmetic Injections Honolulu, HI

Shower Your Skin With HydraFacial MD®

/0 Comments/in /by

As they say, “April showers bring May flowers,” and the same holds true for your skin. Like the little blooms of spring, your skin relies on hydration and nutrients to stay healthy and beautiful, and HydraFacial MD® is one of the best ways to give your skin exactly what it needs!

What is HydraFacial MD®?

HydraFacial MD® takes an innovative approach to skin resurfacing. Two of the most common techniques that are used for skin resurfacing are dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. These treatments remove dead skin cells and layers of damaged skin to reveal younger, healthier skin. Compared to these treatments, HydraFacial MD® gives you superior results.

Why is HydraFacial MD® Unique?

The HydraFacial MD® treatment relies on water rather than crystals to remove the damage. The water is infused with special serums to address any specific problems that you have, such as acne and dry skin. Microdermabrasion and dermabrasion cannot provide these benefits. The treatment is safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin, and it may delay the effects of aging.

What Can Be Treated with HydraFacial MD®?

  • Lines and wrinkles
  • Acne and blemishes
  • Sun damage
  • Dryness
  • Rough skin
  • Dull complexion
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Age Spots

The HydraFacial MD® Treatment

Just 45 minutes is all it takes to exfoliate, cleanse, hydrate and protect your skin with HydraFacial MD®. You simply relax and enjoy the cooling sensation of the treatment. Four steps are followed for the procedure.

  1. Exfoliation to remove the damaged outer layer of glycolic and lactic acids
  2. Loosening dirt, oils and dead skin cells inside the pores with glycolic and salicylic acids
  3. Deep cleaning the pores with a unique extraction mechanism
  4. Infusing the pores with a serum of hyaluronic acid, vitamins and more

Your skin looks refreshed and healthy after the treatment, and you can have a HydraFacial MD® treatment up to two times each month to keep your skin beautiful.

Learn More About HydraFacial MD®. Contact Potozkin MD Skincare Center.

To learn more about HydraFacial MD®, CoolSculpting®, treatments for men and our other services, contact Potozkin MD Skincare Center to schedule a consultation. Our office is located in Danville, California, and you can contact us directly at (925) 838-4900.

Eye Treatment Honolulu, HI

What’s the Difference Between a Stye and Pink Eye?

/0 Comments/in /by

With flu season estimated going extra long this year (through May) the last thing you want to have on your mind is contracting another virus or infection. However, during this time of year, more and more people contract eye infections like styes and pink eye. But what are these two bacterial infections and how can they be treated? Let’s take a closer look.

Pink Eye (conjunctivitis)

There are three types of pink eye: viral, bacterial, and allergic. The most common symptoms of pink eye are redness, swelling, itchiness, fluid build up, and pus around the eyes. One of the most common forms of pinkeye is viral which is very contagious but should clear up on its own. If you get the bacterial pink eye, make sure that you are seen by a primary care physician or eye doctor because if it is left untreated, it can cause eye damage.

Stye

Typically, styes are superficial and look like a pimple across the lash line. And although styes can be contagious, they aren’t nearly as infectious as bacterial conjunctivitis. If you have a stye, one of the best things you can do is to place a warm compress over it for about 10-15 minutes and repeat this multiple times a day until it goes away. If your stye gets worse or becomes painful, schedule an eye appointment.

If you have started to experience red, swollen, and itchy eyes, keep a close eye on them (literally) because they might be the result of a bacterial infection. Luckily, if you have either pink eye or a stye, they are both easily treatable.

To learn more about your vision health, contact our Honolulu office today at 808.955.3937.

Eye Exam Honolulu, HI

3 Resolutions to See Better in 2018

/0 Comments/in , /by

Refusing to eat sugar and trying to burn 3,000 calories five days a week are a few resolutions that are likely going to last a solid week— at most. Rather than following the crowd and setting a few resolutions that are not only unattainable but ones that won’t last, set your resolutions apart from the crowd this year and set a few resolutions that will help you see better in 2018.

Wear Sunglasses Every Time You’re Outside

Even if it’s cloudy outside, that Hawaii sun can still wreak some serious damage on your vision. Shield your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays all year long and make sure that you don’t leave the house without some UVA and UVB protected sunglasses. Try keeping a pair in your car, bag, and anywhere else so that you always have a pair of sunglasses on hand.

Eat Better

Eating better isn’t just good for your blood sugar and waistline, eating better is also good for your eyesight. Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants like leafy greens are one of the best ways to shield our eyes from macular degeneration. Additionally, eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon are good at keeping your eyes lubricated and preventing you from developing a chronic dry eye.

Get An Eye Exam

Can you remember the last time that you got a professional eye exam from Dr. Jeffrey Maehara? Depending on your age, genetics, and overall health of your eyes, it’s recommended that you get an eye exam around every 1-3 years on average. If you are past that timeframe, contact our office and schedule your next eye exam with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara today!

Want to see better and clearer in 2018? Try adding these three resolutions to your list. To learn more about how you can take better care of your eyes, schedule an appointment at one of our offices today!

Elta MD Honolulu, HI

The Importance of Wearing Sunscreen in the Winter

/0 Comments/in /by

You know to never hit the beach without dousing your entire body in a thick layer of sunscreen— ya know, until you resemble more of a ghost than an actual human. But now that the temperatures have dropped, and you’re spending less and less time outside, you may not remember to protect your skin as much. Even though you may not be laying on the beach in a swimsuit, your skin is still exposed to harsh UV rays even when you walk to your mailbox or even drive in our car.

Here at Jeffrey Maehara office, we recommend that patients use the EltaMD Skincare system to protect their skin all year long.

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 3.5 million new cases of noninvasive melanoma are diagnosed each year in the U.S. And more than 75,000 new cases of invasive melanoma are diagnosed. So, how can you protect yourself from being one of those numbers? Although there is no guarantee that you won’t ever get skin cancer, there are two main ways to shield your skin: avoiding the sun altogether and wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen every day.

Try to protect your skin from sun damage this winter by spending more time inside and less time exposing yourself to the sun.

When it comes to sunscreen, one of the best parts about the EltaMD sunscreen brand is that they have a variety of body sunscreens and tinted moisturizers to keep your skin protected and shielded all winter long. Plus, if you use a tinted moisturizer, it can also cover up light blemishes and sunspots which saves you a step every morning.

Depending on your lifestyle, Jeffrey Maehara and his staff may recommend one type of EltaMD sunscreen over another. Schedule an appointment at one of our locations to learn more about what type of sunscreen you should be wearing.