Hamilton Vision & Eyecare

05/22/2026

Case of the week: Trichiasis

Trichiasis is the inward turn of eyelashes. We see this pretty commonly in the clinic. The primary symptoms are foreign body sensation and irritation.

The easiest treatment is epilation (removal of the lash/lashes involved). Typically the lashes will regrow in a couple months and need to be removed again. Also, contact lenses can be used to protect/shield the cornea from the lash. A more permanent treatment option would be destruction of the follicle. This can be achieved by electrolysis or cryotherapy. Electrolysis uses electric current to destroy the follicle whereas cryotherapy uses extreme cold temperature to destroy the follicle.

The photo below is a current patient who is being referred for one of these procedures. We have epilated the single lash 4-5 times over the past 10 months. You can see where the lash has caused several scratches/epithelial corneal defects from constant tracking across the eye. The cornea heals quickly once the lash is removed.

05/18/2026

Hamilton Vision and Eyecare would like to wish the Hamilton Lady Aggies and the Hackleburg Lady Panthers good luck this week in the state softball tournament!!

Send a message to learn more

05/01/2026

Case of the week: Intraocular lens dislocation

An intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation is a complication where the artificial lens implanted during cataract surgery moves out of its normal position inside the eye.

IOL dislocation is relatively rare but can happen early after surgery or years later.

Early causes : surgical complications, poor capsular support, or trauma after surgery.

Late causes: progressive weakening of zonules (fibers that hold the lens in place), previous eye surgeries or previous trauma, and connective tissue disorders.

Symptoms: blurred or fluctuating vision, double vision, glare/halos, significant vision loss

Management: observation if mild; surgical options include IOL repositioning, IOL exchange, scleral fixation of the lens, or iris fixation of the lens.

Side bar: our case this week was an anterior IOL dislocation. This particular patient had severe blunt force trauma to the eye prior to having cataract surgery. The IOL has been functioning well for around 7 years. Patient presented to the office with sudden vision loss and moderate pain. The IOL had shifted forward and was in direct contact with the posterior iris. This caused vitreous prolapse, increased intraocular pressure, and mild corneal edema. The patient is currently being managed with ocular hypotensive medications until they can undergo an IOL exchange procedure.

04/24/2026

Case of the week: Acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG)

AACG is an ocular emergency caused by a sudden rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) when the drainage angle of the eye (between the iris and cornea) becomes blocked.

What happens:
The eye normally drains fluid (aqueous humor) through a structure called the trabecular meshwork. In AACG, the iris shifts forward and closes off this drainage pathway, causing fluid buildup and a rapid increase in pressure.

Symptoms (sudden onset):

* Severe eye pain
* Blurred vision or halos around lights
* Red eye
* Headache
* Nausea and vomiting
* Fixed, mid-dilated pupil

Risk factors:

* Age > 50
* Female
* Hyperopia (farsightedness)
* Asian descent
* Shallow anterior chamber

Why it matters:
The rapid pressure increase can damage the optic nerve within hours, leading to permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.

Treatment:

* Emergency lowering of IOP with medications (topical and oral/IV)
* Laser peripheral iridotomy (definitive treatment) to create an alternate pathway for fluid flow
* Sometimes surgery if laser is not sufficient

Bottom line:
AACG is a true ocular emergency—prompt recognition and treatment are critical to prevent permanent blindness.

04/22/2026

We were pleased to be a part of the Hamilton High School ACT raffle. Tickets were awarded based on growth, achievement level, and participation during prep activities. Congratulations to Kimber Nix and the other juniors on their dedication to ACT prep!

04/17/2026

Case of the week is Stargardt Disease.

Many people haven't heard of Stargardt disease, but for those living with it, the world looks a little different.

Stargardt disease is a rare genetic eye condition that causes progressive vision loss. It specifically affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision.

Here are a few facts:
📍 **The Cause:** A buildup of fatty deposits (lipofuscin) on the retina, which eventually damages the cells we use for seeing detail.
📍 **The Symptoms:** Blurry or distorted central vision, "blind spots," and difficulty seeing in low light.
📍 **The Timing:** It usually begins in childhood or adolescence, though it can sometimes emerge later in life.
📍 **The Vision:** While it affects central vision (making it hard to read or recognize faces), peripheral (side) vision usually remains intact.

Right now, there is no cure, but researchers are working hard on gene therapies and new treatments! Below are some retinal images of an early case the we had confirmed through genetic testing. Acuity still measures good clinically at 20/25, but the visual image quality has deteriorated.

04/10/2026

We are looking for an attentive, caring, pleasant, and a willing to learn attitude employee to help us in patient care. Prior experience in the eye care field would be great, but not necessary. There will be numerous patient encounters per day with good communication a must. We would like this position to be a long term commitment as to the training involved. Please drop resumes off at the office or email to christy.huffman@yahoo.com.

Thanks!!!!

04/02/2026

We will be closed for Good Friday on Friday, April 3rd. Have a great Easter weekend. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!!

03/22/2026

Case of the week: Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive ocular condition in which the cornea bulges forward forming a cone like shape. Approximately 1 in every 1500 people have keratoconus. The exact cause is unknown but there does seem to be a genetic component. Also, extensive eye rubbing has been shown to increase the risk/progression.

The best treatment for keratoconus is early detection and corneal cross-linking. I have posted a picture of an eye undergoing the cross-linking procedure. Cross-linking involves putting riboflavin drops into the eye and then using UV light to strengthen the corneal integrity and prevent further cone formation. Visually, special contact lenses called scleral lenses usually provide the best vision for these patients.

03/06/2026

The case of the week is Fuch’s corneal dystrophy.

Fuch’s dystrophy is a fairly common corneal disease that affects about 4% of the US population. Onset typically occurs in patients’ 40s and 50s. It is caused by endothelial cell loss. Endothelial cells are responsible for fluid regulation in the cornea. This can lead to cloudy vision over time. Mild stages of the disease can be managed with sodium chloride eye drops. Moderate to severe cases may be better managed with minimally invasive surgeries to replace the damaged cells with healthy donor cells (DMEK) or removing the damaged cells to allow natural healthy cells to migrate centrally (DWEK).

Key point to remember: there many eye conditions that cause similar visual symptoms such as blurry vision, foggy vision, glare etc. It is important for patients to keep regular eye exams, so their eye care professional can determine what is causing their individual symptoms.

02/27/2026

The case of the week is Sjögren's Syndrome and Filamentary Keratitis.

Sjögren's Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking its own moisture-producing glands. This can lead to dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). It can also affect other parts of the body, resulting in fatigue and joint pain.

One of the complications of Sjögren's Syndrome is Filamentary Keratitis. This occurs when abnormal filaments form on the surface of the eye, causing significant discomfort, redness, and blurred vision. These filaments can be irritating and may worsen the already dry condition of the eyes.

Key Points to Remember:
- Symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome may include dryness in various body parts, fatigue, and joint pain.
- Filamentary Keratitis can arise as a complication and present with eye irritation and blurred vision.
- Diagnosis and management might involve a team of healthcare professionals, including rheumatologists and optometrists.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, it's essential to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve quality of life.