Vision Care Optometry of Hanford

09/02/2025

Ocular Disease case at our office:

Herpes Zoster Opthalmicus:
Hutchinson's sign: skin lesions, such as a vesicular rash, that appear on the tip, side, or root of the nose.
Pseudodentritic, conjunctival lessons. HSK is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), while HZK is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles

Herpes Simplex Keratitis (HSK):
Causative Agent: HSV (primarily HSV-1, but HSV-2 can also be involved).
Typical Presentation: Often starts with a punctate epithelial keratitis, which can progress to a characteristic dendritic (branching) ulcer on the cornea.
Disease Course: Recurrent, with episodes triggered by various factors. Can involve the corneal epithelium, stroma, or endothelium, leading to potential scarring and vision loss.
Herpes Zoster Keratitis (HZK):
Causative Agent:
VZV, reactivated from a latent state, causing shingles (herpes zoster) which can then involve the eye as herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
Typical Presentation:
Often occurs in older adults (over 50) or immunocompromised individuals, and may present with pain, rash, and blisters on the forehead and around the eye (Hutchinson's sign).
Disease Course:
Reactivation of VZV, leading to HZO and potentially HZK (corneal inflammation). Can affect the corneal epithelium, stroma, or endothelium, with stromal inflammation being common and potentially severe.
Key Differences:
Virus:
HSK is caused by HSV, while HZK is caused by VZV.
Age of Onset:
HSK can occur at any age, while HZK is more common in older adults or immunocompromised individuals.
Disease Pattern:
HSK is recurrent, while HZK is a reactivation of a prior VZV infection (chickenpox or shingles).
Clinical Presentation:
HSK often presents with dendritic ulcers, while HZK may present with a rash or blisters on the forehead or around the eye, in addition to corneal inflammation.
Treatment:
Both HSK and HZK are typically treated with antiviral medications, but the specific drugs and dosages may differ. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for both conditions to prevent complications like vision loss and chronic pain.

Sources:
Tracey H Nguyen OD
Image: stock.adobe.com

09/01/2025

07/04/2025

Happy July 4th!!

On Fourth of July, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Independence Day — a time to honor the values of freedom, unity, and resilience that define our nation.

In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025. Regular operations will resume on Monday, July 7, 2025.

We hope you to take this time to relax, enjoy the holiday with family and friends, and reflect on the significance of this day in our nation’s history.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and patriotic Independence Day!

Warmth regards,

Tracey Nguyen OD and staff.

05/08/2025

Happy Thursday!☀️
Our new business hours.
Have a wonderful day!

04/20/2025

Wishing you a joyous Easter 🐣
from Dr. Tracey Nguyen and Staff
at Vision Care Optometry of Hanford!

04/18/2025

We will be closed at 1:00pm today April 15th
for Good Friday.

03/16/2025

What is a chalazion?
It's a manageable eyelid condition characterized by a cyst caused by chronic granulomatous inflammation of Meibomian glands, resulting from an oil gland blockage.

Causes:
Chalazia are relatively common, accounting for approximately 25% of eyelid lesions, and recurrence is possible. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining good eyelid hygiene, avoiding eye rubbing, and minimizing exposure to environmental stressors, you can reduce your risk of developing a chalazion.
Certain medical conditions, including chronic blepharitis and rosacea, can increase your risk, but awareness and proactive management can make a positive difference. How can you differentiate between a stye and a chalazion? While both conditions cause eyelid lumps, they have distinct characteristics.

Chalazion vs Stye (Hordeolum):
A stye is typically painful, with redness, swelling, and a yellowish, pus-filled center, whereas a chalazion is usually firm, painless, and pus-free. By understanding these differences, eye care providers can take steps towards effective management and healing.

Treatment/Management:
(None surgical options)
Although home remedies like warm compresses and improved eyelid hygiene can be beneficial, it's essential to consult your local eye doctor for personalized guidance and care. With the right approach, you can overcome a chalazion and enjoy optimal eye health.

Tracey H. Nguyen, O.D.
Kingsburg Vision Care Optometry
Vision Care Optometry of Hanford

03/12/2025

Pink eye (Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis) is an eye infection caused by bacteria. It is highly contagious, resulting in soreness, red eye, excessive tearing with light yellow mucus discharge. The four most common bacteria that cause bacterial conjunctivitis in the US are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

Patients should do the following: use hand sanitizer and/or wash their hands thoroughly after touching their eyes or nasal secretions; avoid touching the noninfected eye after touching the infected eye; avoid sharing towels or pillows; and avoid swimming in pools.

Treatment includes measures to prevent spread and antibiotics (topical antibiotics for all causes except gonococcal and chlamydial).

See your local eye doctor for proper diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Tracey H. Nguyen OD
Kingsburg Vision Care Optometry
Vision Care Optometry of Hanford

02/28/2025

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