Category Archives: New and Events

Hey, it’s Dr. May again! This month’s topic is a retinal condition called an epiretinal membrane. This is a fairly common retinal disorder that can affect many people, with varying degrees of severity. The retina is the very back layer of the eye, and there are 10 layers to the retina. The very top layer is called the inner limiting membrane, and this is where epiretinal membranes develop. The top layer is supposed to be very smooth and flat, but when you develop an epiretinal membrane, it becomes rough or jagged.The top layer also connects with the vitreous humor (the gel that fills the middle of the eye). Sometimes, the vitreous gel pulls on the top layer, which can cause these epiretinal membranes to develop.

Fundus photograph of an epiretinal membrane

Fundus photograph of an epiretinal membrane

The symptoms of an epiretinal membrane can vary, depending on how jagged or rough the top layer is. Sometimes the vision is unaffected. Sometimes the vision can be very blurry and distorted. Diagnosis is best done with a dilated exam and also an OCT scan (Optical Coherence Tomography). This special testing machine allows us to look specifically at the top layer and see what is happening. We can repeat this test over time to look for changes.

OCT scan of an epiretinal membrane.

OCT scan of an epiretinal membrane.

The treatment and management of an epiretinal membrane depends on how severe it is. If it is very mild and not affecting vision, then we would just monitor it and watch for changes. If the epiretinal membrane is distorting the vision and making it blurry, then there are some surgical options to fix the epiretinal membrane and smooth out the top layer again. In these cases, we refer to retinal specialists.

We have seen many successful patients undergo surgeries to fix epiretinal membranes over the years! If you are experiencing blurry or distorted vision, be sure to get your eyes checked yearly to make sure it is not an epiretinal membrane. If you have any questions, please let us know, and we look forward to seeing you!

-Dr. May

Dr. May & Dr. Martin are excited to present their second installment in their optometric version of Star Wars!!  Here is Episode 4.2: Leia’s Eye Infection.  This is the story of Princess Leia, struggling with an eye infection.  She sends a desperate message to Dr. Kenobi to come and help protect her from the vile treatments of Dr. Darth Vader.  Luke and Han, the stars from Episode 4.1, get involved in her rescue.  We hope you enjoy!!

May the Vision be with you!

Written and performed by Andrew May & Barrett Martin
For all other credits, see Star Wars, Episode 4: A New Hope

Dry Eye Syndrome affects so many people in so many different ways, but let me just talk briefly about one of the major causes of dry eye, which is blepharitis.  Blepharitis is a fairly common condition where the eyelids will become inflamed (for a variety of reasons).  This causes the tear film to not work as well, which can in turn cause dry eye.  Dry eye can cause many symptoms, including: burning, watering, blurred vision, light sensitivity, gritty sensation, excessive blinking, and many other symptoms.

Blepharitis can vary in severity, and sometimes mild blepharitis does not cause any issues at all.  But moderate to severe blepharitis can cause significant discomfort.  Although lubricating eye drops are helpful, it is actually better to treat the underlying blepharitis, instead of the resulting dryness.  Another common result of blepharitis is recurrent styes (or uncomfortable bumps on your eyelids).

If you are experiencing dry eye, we can evaluate you to determine if blepharitis is the cause of your dry eye.  If so, we can help to treat and manage this condition.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

We look forward to helping you!

Dr. May

Many of us suffer from the symptoms of dry eye. In this video, Dr. Martin explains what causes dry eye, the symptoms, and treatment options.

Dr. May & Dr. Martin are back with a new Britney Spears video!! They are joined by up-and-coming superstars Jessica and Yoana in this dance music video! Have you ever had a doctor flip the lenses too quickly?! Have you ever wanted your doctor to flip them just one more time?! Then watch and enjoy their newest video!!

Dr. Andrew May discusses diabetes as part of our Educational Series. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people under the age of 65, and a very serious health problem in America. It is very important to have a yearly dilated exam if you have diabetes or may be at risk for it.

Dr. Barrett Martin discusses our new Optos Retinal Camera as part of our Educational Series. We are very excited by the quality of the images and the amount of the retina that we can image with this new camera. If you have any questions about this, please let the technician or doctor know at the time of your exam.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us or request online. We look forward to seeing you.

And now, for something a little different… Dr. May & Dr. Martin, invigorated by the beat of March of the Resistance from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, plan to keep marching for you and your eyes!! May the Vision Be With You!!

Dr. May & Dr. Martin are excited to present Star Wars, Episode 4.1: Luke Gets Contacts. This is the story of Luke Skywalker, a young moisture farmer who is having blurry vision. So he goes on a quest to find Dr. Kenobi and fix his vision. Along the way, he meets Han Solo and has the adventure of a lifetime. We hope you enjoy!!

May the Vision be with you!

Written and performed by Andrew May & Barrett Martin
For all other credits, see Star Wars, Episode 4: A New Hope

Merry Christmas from the doctors and staff of Johnson Optometric Associates!! Doing parodies of Good King Wenceslas, Frosty the Snowman, We Need a Little Christmas, Oh Christmas Tree, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, and Deck the Halls, this is a fun trip!! We hope you enjoy, and more importantly, have a great Christmas season!

Lyrics: (by Andrew May & Barrett Martin)

Good Bob Johnson came to work to help patients see clearly
And since it was Christmastime, he was so very cheery
Brightly shone his light that day, in his patient’s eye ball
He took such good care of them that they would never trip or fall

Hartman the eye doc had a shining light one day
But his patient sighed and began to cry
Saying, “Please don’t go away!”
But Hartman the eye doc had to hurry on his way
So he waved goodbye saying “Don’t you cry!”
“I’ll be back again someday!”

Cause we need a little Hammond, right this very season
You have healthy vision, and he is the reason
Yes he’s here to solve your problems and help your eyes feel better
So we need a little Hammond now

Oh Dr. May, Oh Dr. May
Please help me see my book today
I’m squinting and I’m struggling
I just cannot see anything
I’ve tried the 1’s, I’ve tried the 2’s
I just don’t know what I should use
Oh Dr. May, Oh Dr. May
Please help me see my book today

You know Johnson, and Hartman, and Hammond and May
All of the staff in Garner and Fuquay
But do you recall, the most famous eye doctor of all…
Martin the Red-Nosed Doctor he will help you see just right
And if you’re ever blurry, he can help restore your sight
Then one blurry Christmas Eve, Santa came to say
Martin with your nose so bright, I can read my list tonight
Then how the patients loved him, as they shouted out with glee
Martin the red-nosed doctor you’ll go down in history

Fuquay staff, Fuquay staff, how we love you so
You fit glasses, answer phones all while your faces glow, oh
Fuquay staff, Fuquay staff, you are full of cheer
We hope Santa brings you all the toys you want this year

Garner staff is so amazing, fa la la la la la la la la
Their hard work we’re always praising, fa la la la la la la la la
Come on by and let them greet you, fa la la la la la la la la
They can’t wait to gladly meet you, fa la la la la la la la la

We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!