Steven G. Fogg, MD

The holidays are great opportunities to spend time with your family, friends, and those you love most. This time of year is exciting for people of all ages, but it can also be a common time for eye injuries. Make sure to keep your eye safety a priority throughout the holidays. Christmas treesWhether you’re trimming the tree to make sure its branches look good for the inside of your home, or whether you’re decorating the tree with your children, eye safety is a must! Christma...s tree-related eye injuries are fairly common throughout the holidays, so be sure to wear safety glasses if you’re trimming the tree, and make sure not to get any glitter in your eyes or your children’s eyes while you decorate the tree! If you decorate with the tree with glass ornaments, be careful and do not hang them within reach of small children. ToysAs you help the little ones open their toys this holiday season, make sure to get rid of any packaging that could be sharp. Eye injuries often occur on Christmas Day when excited children play with new toys. Also make sure that gifts are age appropriate so that your child’s eye safety is protected. DrivingIf you’re driving to visit family, don’t forget to wear sunglasses! No matter where you go in the country for your holiday season, it is important to protect your eyes. Even if you drive in snow, the sun’s rays will reflect off of the snow, and you’ll want to have your sunglasses with you in order to protect your eyes. Also, make sure to keep the windshield clean so that you can clearly see the road ahead without any glare. Champagne BottleNew Year’s celebrations and champagne go hand in hand, but so do champagne bottle corks and eye injuries. This year, uncork that bottle of champagne with a hand towel over it to ensure the cork doesn’t fly. While not as flashy as a cork flying across the room, sending a party guest or yourself to the emergency room isn’t exactly a positive party memory. To learn more about eye safety during the holiday season, or to schedule an appointment with me call my office at (559) 449-5010!

How is your child's vision? Bring their school work into focus by having an eye exam before they go back to school. Be sure to schedule their exam with us. Clear vision is essential! https://www.eyecarefresno.com/request-an-appointment.htm

Your sight depends on seeing the right eye doctor at the right time. Today, cataract surgery is incredibly advanced and very safe. I offer cataract surgery for those who are tired of cloudy, blurry vision standing in their way of enjoying life. If you have been considering cataract surgery but are not sure where to start, call my office at (559) 449-5010.

UV protection isn't only needed for your skin, your eyes need UV protection too! Wear sunglasses labeled 100% UV protection": Use only glasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection. Choose wraparound styles so that the sun's rays can't enter from the side.... If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you'll still need sunglasses. Wear a hat along with your sunglasses; broad-brimmed hats are best. Remember the kids: It’s best to keep children out of direct sunlight during the middle of the day. Make sure they wear sunglasses and hats whenever they are in the sun. Know that clouds don’t block UV light: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds. Sun damage to the eyes can occur any time of year, not just in summer. Be extra careful in UV-intense conditions: Sunlight is strongest mid-day to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off of water, ice or snow. If you want to pick up some stylish sunglasses, you can visit any of our 5 locations optical department. https://www.aao.org/e/tips-prevention/summer-sun-eye-safety

As 4th of July approaches, I wanted to remind everyone about eye safety when handling or being around fireworks. The most recent Consumer Product Safety Commission report found that 14% of fireworks injuries were eye injuries. Children and people not handling fireworks themselves are in as much danger as the people actually lighting fireworks.

UV protection isn't only needed for your skin, your eyes need UV protection too! Wear sunglasses labeled 100% UV protection": Use only glasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection. Choose wraparound styles so that the sun's rays can't enter from the side.... If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you'll still need sunglasses. Wear a hat along with your sunglasses; broad-brimmed hats are best. Remember the kids: It’s best to keep children out of direct sunlight during the middle of the day. Make sure they wear sunglasses and hats whenever they are in the sun. Know that clouds don’t block UV light: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds. Sun damage to the eyes can occur any time of year, not just in summer. Be extra careful in UV-intense conditions: Sunlight is strongest mid-day to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off of water, ice or snow. If you want to pick up some stylish sunglasses, you can visit any of our 5 locations optical department. https://www.aao.org/e/tips-prevention/summer-sun-eye-safety

What are Cataracts? A cataract occurs when the natural crystalline lens in the eye begins to stiffen and cloud as we age. When the normally flexible and clear lens begins to form a cataract, your vision will begin to look blurry and cloudy. Symptoms of a cataracts include:... *Blurry, cloudy vision *Decreased color vision *Glare when driving at night or halos appearing around lights *Poor night vision Learn how to get them evaluated and/or treated at my office by making an appointment (559) 449-5010. https://www.eyecarefresno.com/cataracts-fresno.htm

Yearly physical? Check. Dentist appointment? Check. But what about your eye health? Get it checked at my office by calling (559) 449-5010.

Meet our Certified Ophthalmic Technicians, Anna and Carol. These ladies are highly trained professionals and key members of our eye care team. They provide comprehensive support in daily patient care. See them in action in our office!

April is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month! Women often manage family health concerns. Studies show more women than men have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Hormonal changes, age and smoking can endanger sight. Some recommendations are: *Quitting smoking... *Taking supplements (as approved by a medical professional) *Learning of any family history of eye disease *Expectant mothers should be aware of possible vision changes during pregnancy *All women who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant and have been diagnosed with diabetes should get a full, dilated eye exam *Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a brimmed hat outdoors *Use cosmetics safely *Use contact lenses safely Do you know how to protect your eye sight? To get your eye exam scheduled, call my office at (559) 449-5010 #seeyouthere

Meet my team! These wonderful group of ladies assist me to give the best care to my patients. More than employees, they are like family.

Blepharitis is when you have bacteria and oily flakes at the base of your eyelashes. Your eyelids are red, swollen, or feel like they are burning. Blepharitis is very common, especially among people who have oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes. Unfortunately there is not a cure for blepharitis, but there are a number of things you can do to help control the symptoms. Treatments include: Warm Compresses... Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and wring it out until somewhat dry. Place the washcloth over your closed eyes for at least 1 minute. Wet the washcloth as often as needed so it stays warm. This will help loosen the flakes sticking around your eyelashes. It also helps keep nearby oil glands from clogging. Eyelid Scrubs Soak a clean washcloth, cotton swab (Q-tip) applicator, or lint-free pad in warm water. Then use it to gently scrub the base of your eyelashes. Scrub for about 15 seconds. Antibiotics Your ophthalmologist may have you use an antibiotic ointment on your eyes. Put a small amount of ointment on a clean fingertip or a cotton swab (Q-tip). Gently apply the ointment to the base of your eyelashes. Do this just before bedtime, or as your doctor recommends. Your doctor might also prescribe an antibiotic medicine for you to take by mouth. Eye Drops Artificial tears or steroid eye drops may reduce redness, swelling and dry eye. Your ophthalmologist might prescribe an antibiotic eye drop to help the oil glands work better. Skin and Eyelid Hygiene It is very important to keep your eyelids, skin and hair clean. This keeps your blepharitis symptoms under control. Carefully wash your eyelashes every day with baby shampoo. Also, wash your hair, scalp and eyebrows with an antibacterial shampoo. There are some new antiseptic sprays you can use on the skin that keep bacteria from growing too much.

Have you had your eyes examined? Give my office a call at (559) 449-5010