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Author Archive for Renee Bovelle

Will I Ever Need LASIK Enhancement Surgery?

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (0)

Thursday, March 12th, 2015

LASIK surgery is a wonderful option for many people who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. With this surgical procedure, people who need glasses and/or contact lenses to properly see could achieve crystal-clear 20/20 vision in a matter of days. It’s a revolutionary treatment that many people are taking advantage of; in fact, in 2008 alone, over 16 million people opted to go under treatment to restore their vision.

But not everyone will enjoy long-term 20/20 vision after just oneprocedure. While 95% of the people who opted for the treatment were pleased with their results, there’s a small group of people who may need to follow up their initial treatment with a LASIK enhancement procedure

Why do some people regular multiple treatments, while others enjoy 20/20 vision after one procedure? It’s difficult to say: There are so many unique variables involved in administering a LASIK treatment, including:

The shape and health of your corneas
The degree and quality of your nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
The strength of your prescription (people who have stronger prescriptions are more likely to need LASIK enhancement procedures)
Whether or not you suffer from dry eye
Your age (you’re more likely to need corrections if you’re younger)
Your desired expectations

If you’re searching for a LASIK surgery provider, it’s important to find someone who will offer enhancement surgery for you. Many LASIK providers opt to provide this service for free as part of the overall LASIK package. Be wary of providers who completely guarantee the results of the first LASIK procedure, as this is impossible. Instead, find someone who is realistic about results and who will talk to you about the potential need for LASIK enhancement surgery.

If you’re interested in learning more about the LASIK procedure – and if you’re a good candidate for it – schedule a consultation with Dr. Renee Bovelle today at Envision Eye & Laser Center. Dr. Bovelle will determine if you’re a viable candidate for LASIK surgery, as well as help you understand the likelihood that you will need LASIK enhancement surgery in the future.

Call (301) 805-4664 Envision Eye & Laser Center in located in Bowie, Maryland, and serves Baltimore and the greater Washington D.C. areas for a consultation.

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Categories : LASIK, Uncategorized

Tags : Baltimore and the greater Washington D.C, Enhancement Surgery, LASIK, LASIK eye surgery Washington DC, treatments

Glaucoma and the Risk to African-Americans

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (0)

Wednesday, March 4th, 2015

You may know that February is Black History Month – but did you know that January is Glaucoma Awareness Month? If you’re wondering why these two are tied together, consider this: African-Americans are especially vulnerable to glaucoma, which is one of the most dangerous eye conditions. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to vision impairment and even blindness. What’s more, once this happens, the damage is permanent, as there is no way to reverse the damage caused by glaucoma.

So why are African-Americans particularly at risk for developing glaucoma – and if you’re part of this group, what can you do to protect your health?

We are still researching why African-Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma. Interestingly enough, another ethnicity that carries a significantly elevated list of developing glaucoma is Hispanics. It’s estimated that these two ethnicities are six times more likely to develop glaucoma than any other ethnicity. That means African-Americans and Hispanics need to be extremely careful in monitoring the health of their vision.

While we don’t know everything there is to know about glaucoma, it is worth noting that this disease appears to be genetic. Many studies have shown that glaucoma can be passed down through the generations; therefore, if someone in your immediate family has had it, your chances of developing glaucoma significantly increase. What’s more, studies have shown that siblings of people who have been diagnosed with glaucoma are much more likely to have glaucoma themselves. With this in mind, it’s worth paying attention to the eye health of your family members, as it may have profound implications for your own ocular well-being.

Glaucoma can be difficult to catch because the symptoms often only appear once the disease has reached an advanced state. Glaucoma steals your vision like a thief in the night. So you should see an ophthalmologist at least once a year.

You should also schedule regular appointments if you meet the following criteria:

You’re over the age of 40
You have extreme nearsightedness
You suffer from diabetes
You’re of African or Hispanic descent
You suffer from hypertension
Have sleep apnea
You’ve used steroid medication for a significant period of time

For regular eye check-ups and advanced glaucoma care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Renee Bovelle of Envision Eye & Laser Center in Bowie, Maryland – also serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, DC areas.

Call (301) 805 – 4664 for to schedule an appointment today.

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Categories : Glaucoma, Old Age

Tags : African-Americans, DC areas, glaucoma, Glaucoma and the Risk Bowie, greater Baltimore and Washington, Maryland, ophthalmologist

Testing for Sjögren’s Syndrome: What to Expect

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (0)

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014

image from WebMD.com

If you suffer from dry and irritated eyes, it’s easy to assume that these symptoms are representative of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye is often so common and chronic that it’s used to explain away any symptoms that fit the bill, including dry eyes that can’t produce enough tears for lubrication.

However, dry eyes can often be symptomatic of another problem altogether: Sjögren’s Syndrome.

This disease frequently goes undiagnosed particularly because it has symptoms that can be explained away by other diseases and problems. Sjögren’s Syndrome is the second most common cause of dry eye; it’s also a relatively common rheumatologic disorder. Despite its commonality, Sjögren’s Syndrome is difficult to diagnose because laboratory testing is highly unpredictable and unreliable. It took years for tennis champion Venus Williams, who has access to world-class healthcare, years to be diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome.

The symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome vary, and in addition to Dry Eye, can include the following:

Dry mouth
Difficulty swallowing or moistening food
Chronic cough
Shortness of breath
Recurrent bronchitis or other respiratory problems
Dry nose
Chronic sinus issues
Dry skin
Depression
Concentration or memory problems

With these symptoms in mind, it’s important to diagnose Sjögren’s Syndrome right away, as this disease can cause a myriad of health problems. Ophthalmologists now can use a simple in-office panel test – known as the Sjö – which has specific markers that are more sensitivity to Sjögren’s Syndrome symptoms. This panel test is often more successful than laboratory tests, meaning patients can be successfully diagnosed and experience relief with treatment.

It’s thought that up to 10% of patients who suffer from dry eye can be diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome, which means it’s vital but easy to get tested in your ophthalmologist s office. At Envision Eye & Laser Center in Bowie, Maryland – also serving the greater Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, DC areas – Dr. Renee Bovelle can perform a test to diagnose dry eye patients who may be suffering from Sjögren’s Syndrome.

Once Dr. Bovelle has diagnosed a patient with Sjögren’s Syndrome, she can provide patients with specific treatments and preventative medications that can help stem the progression of Sjögren’s Syndrome. This is critical, as 4% to 5% of Sjögren’s Syndrome sufferers develop lymphoma, a serious blood cancer.

If you suffer from dry eyes, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bovelle today at Envision Eye & Laser Center in Bowie, Maryland (also serving the Baltimore and Washington DC metros). Just fill out the form in the top left corner or call 301-805-4664.

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Categories : Dry Eye

Tags : Diagnose Sjögren’s Syndrome, Diagnose Sjögren’s Syndrome Bowie MD, Diagnose Sjögren’s Syndrome Washington DC, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Treat Sjögren’s Syndrome, Treat Sjögren’s Syndrome bOWIE md, Treat Sjögren’s Syndrome Washington DC

Dr. Bovelle on the Radio

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (0)

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014

If you missed Dr. Bovelle on the radio last night (Monday April 21) then you’re in luck, we have the entire interview available to stream. The topic is “What Do Your Eyes Tell You About Your Overall Health?” and you can listen to the entire 96.3 WHUR interview here:

dr bovelle radio

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Categories : Media, News

Tags : Eye Health, Radio Interview, WHUR

How to Effectively Treat Cataracts

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (1)

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014

If you’re suffering from cataracts, it’s important to note that your treatment options are much more varied than those available just a generation ago. While cataracts were once regarded as a permanent sentence for vision loss and blindness, over three million patients each year in the United States are able to maintain or even improve their overall vision, thanks to cataract surgery.

First, to understand your treatment options, it’s important to explore how cataracts form in the first place. Cataracts are often associated with degenerative conditions (that is, they form as the body gets older), or they occur as a result of a genetic defect or after an injury to the eye. Cataract symptoms usually form slowly, and aren’t noticed by the patient until it has somehow impaired their vision. Cataract symptoms can include any of the following:

Foggy, cloudy, or blurry vision;
Nearsightedness that continues to get worse;
Changes in how you perceive color;
Experiencing a glare at night from oncoming headlights;
Sudden changes in prescriptions, especially after wearing the same prescription glasses for a significant period of time;
Double vision; and
Problems with glare.

It’s also important to note that cataracts can severely impact your ability to see in the winter. When your vision is compromised, it can be difficult to make out ice on the roads or sidewalk. Whether you’re driving or walking to work, cataracts can put your safety at risk due to falls, slips, and other ice-related accidents.

Don’t put your safety at risk because of cataracts. At Envision Eye & Laser Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland (also serving the greater Baltimore and Washington, DC areas), Renee Bovelle, MD and her staff members provide a wide range of effective treatments for patients suffering from cataracts. If it’s determined that you have cataracts, Dr. Bovelle can offer you the following treatment options:

Standard Monofocal: This is a traditional cataract surgery that provides you with the ability to see objects at a distance again. You may need glasses for distance and reading after undergoing this surgery.

Tecnis Toric: This type of lens provides Dr. Bovelle with the opportunity to correct cataracts and astigmatism at the same time. This provides quality distance vision and improves contrast sensitivity and night time driving.

Tecnis Multifocal: This surgery uses a type of lens with fixed zones that are built into the optics of the lens. This makes it possible for patients to experience sharper distance vision, improved computer vision, and even enhanced reading vision. This is an ideal procedure for patients who want to maintain a more active lifestyle with freedom from glasses.

Dr. Bovelle is one of the few area surgeons who specializes in all of these treatment options. To learn more about your cataract treatment options, visit Envision Eye & Laser Center in Glenn Dale, MD (also serving the greater Baltimore or Washington, DC areas) or call Dr. Bovelle’s office at 301-805-4664.

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Categories : Cataracts

Tags : Treat Cataracts, Treat Cataracts Baltimore, Treat Cataracts Bowie MD, Treat Cataracts Glenn Dale MD, Treat Cataracts Washington DC

The Common Sins You’re Committing with Contact Lenses

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (0)

Monday, February 3rd, 2014

If you wear contact lenses, chances are that you’re so used to them that you barely think about popping them into your eye. And let’s face it: if we’re being truthful here, there may be times when you skip cleaning your lenses, or – sin of sins – fallen asleep without taking your contact lenses out.

If you think these peccadilloes won’t impact your overall eye health, it’s time to think again. Your contact lenses aren’t an aesthetic improvement or a simple tool; they’re an advanced medical device that you put on one of your most valuable body parts: your eye. What’s more, your eyes – especially the fragile mucus membrane where your contacts sit – are highly susceptible to infection, disease, and a host of other problems. Throw dirty or dry contact lenses into the mix, and you’re creating a perfect storm for an eye infection, scarring, or worse: blindness.

At Envision Eye & Laser Center, Renee Bovelle, MD, and her team of staff are dedicated to providing you with the practices and hygiene habits that can help keep your eyes healthy for the rest of your life. Whether this is the first time you’ve ever worn contacts or the thousandth, consider integrating these practices into your daily contact lens routine:

Always wash your hands before placing contacts into your eyes. You won’t believe the number of patients who skip this step, as it’s become an automatic part of their daily routine. Wash your hands thoroughly, and dry them properly before handling anything that goes into your eyes.

You don’t clean out your contacts before putting them in your eyes. As soon as you remove your contacts from your case with (clean!) hands, place one in the palm of your hands, squeeze a small puddle of contact lens solution over the contact, and carefully rub it around in the solution with your other hand’s index finger. Give it one last rinse before placing it into your eye.

Always replace the contact lens solution in your case. Some people may not rinse out the case each and every day, but this can lead to a build-up of bacteria, direct, and other eye-harming particles. What’s more, ensure that you’re using brand name contact lens solution that has been recommended by your doctor.

If you need contact lenses or have any questions about preserving your ocular health while wearing these medical devices, visit Dr. Bovelle at Envision Eye & Laser Center in Glenn dale, MD. We’re just a short drive from Bowie, Silver Spring, Baltimore, and Washington DC.

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Categories : Contact Lenses

Tags : Contact Lens Tips, Contact Lenses, Contact Lenses Baltimore, Contact Lenses Bowie, Contact Lenses Glenn Dale MD, Contact Lenses Silver Spring, Contact Lenses Washington DC

Botox and Fillers: A Special Offer

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (0)

Monday, October 21st, 2013

Your eyes are one of the most prominent and beautiful features of your face – and Botox and fillers can help highlight them. Over the course of time, stress, environmental damage, and constant squinting can cause the skin around our eyes to become wrinkled and tired-looking. These stubborn lines can make even the most youthful person seem older and tired, as they give off the illusion that you are older than your years would suggest.

How To Brighten Your Eyes with Botox and Fillers

Botox and fillers can help highlight your eyes for all the right reasons. Let’s take a look at how each of these treatments can help minimize the appearance of your eyes’ biggest beauty woes:

Botox is one of the most popular anti-aging treatments, and for good reason: this injection can help relax the muscles around your eyes, thus fading the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. Over the course of our lives, our eyes are engaged in a number of exaggerated, repeated movements. From squinting and straining to rubbing our eyes, these movements can be etched into our skin in the form of wrinkles and crow’s feet. Botox works to minimize these lines by relaxing the muscles, which creates a softened look around the eyes. This means that more people will focus on your sparkling eyes, instead of the etches and lines that surround them.

Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are different from Botox in that they contain hyaluronic acid, a compound that’s found naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid helps increase skin hydration and volume, which helps create a more youthful and natural look around the eyes. When injected to other areas of the face, fillers can create contours that help highlight the appearance of your eyes.

Botox and fillers are excellent anti-aging options for those patients who want their appearance to match their youthful spirit.

These treatments require the special skills of an expert, as the eye area is especially delicate. That’s why patients should schedule an appointment with Renee Bovelle, MD, at Envision Eye & Laser Center in Glenn Dale, MD (serving Bowie, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.). Right now, Envision Eye & Laser Center is offering 10 free units of Botox for every 30 units purchased. It’s an incredible deal that can make it possible for you to restore your youthful eyes without emptying out the contents of your wallet.

Visit Envision Eye & Laser Center today to take advantage of this fantastic deal! Just fill out the form in the top left corner or call 301-805-4664.

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Categories : Botox

Tags : Botox, Botox Deals Baltimore, Botox Specials, Botox Specials Bowie MD, Botox Specials Washington DC

Is There A Link Between Dry Eye and Migraines?

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (0)

Wednesday, September 11th, 2013

When it comes to migraines, many people are quick to point the finger at the usual suspects. Stress. Hormonal changes. Drinks. Bright lights and sun glare. But while this line-up of common triggers might provide answers for some sufferers, new research is indicating that individuals who experience migraines might have another cause to blame:

Dry eye.

At Envision Eye & Laser Center of Glenn Dale, MD – also serving the greater Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C. areas – Renee Bovelle, MD and her team of talented staff members are dedicated to providing patients with the information they need to make smart decisions about their ocular health. With this new research indicating the link between dry eye and migraines, it’s important to understand what causes dry eye, and how it (and potentially, your migraines) can be treated.

Understanding Dry Eye and Migraines

In a study published in the medical journal Cornea, researchers observed a small group of participants to determine if there could be a causal link between dry eye and migraines. Clinical indicators demonstrated that those patients who suffered from migraines have a greater severity of dry eye symptoms than patients who do not suffer from migraines. Based on this study, researchers have concluded that irritating dry eye symptoms can lead to migraine flare-ups.

Dry eye symptoms – which can include red, irritated, and itchy eyes – are uncomfortable and often chronic, which creates the perfect storm for migraine headaches. Ocular health experts have suspected that dry eye symptoms can cause migraine flare-ups, as many have reported that aggressively treating dry eye syndrome can greatly decrease the severity and frequency of these migraine headaches.

This means that ocular health experts are recommended to ask dry eye patients if they’re suffering from migraines. This can help ocular patients understand the link between these two conditions, including ideal treatments. It’s also crucial for patients who suffer from migraines to look into dry eye treatments. Relieving these irritating symptoms can lead to a better quality of life for migraine sufferers.

Treat Dry Eye Symptoms At Envision Eye & Laser Center

If you’re suffering from migraines and want to determine if dry eye is behind the pain, or you simply suffer from dry eyes and want to find the best solution for them, visit Dr. Bovelle at Envision Eye & Laser Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland, also serving the greater Bowie, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas.

Dr. Bovelle can provide you with the kind of aggressive dry eye treatment that might lead to migraine relief. Just fill out the form in the top right corner or call (305) 805-4664.

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Categories : Migraines

Tags : Cure Dry Eye, Cure Dry Eye Baltimore, Cure Dry Eye Bowie MD, Cure Dry Eye Glenn Dale MD, Cure Dry Eye Prince George's County, Cure Dry Eye Washington DC, Dry Eye and Migraine Link, Migraines

New Study Reveals Vision-Related Illness Costs Are Skyrocketing

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (0)

Monday, July 15th, 2013

It’s more important than ever to maintain your ocular health – but it might not be just your quality of life that benefits. In fact, a new report from Prevent Blindness America has revealed that the costs of treating vision-related illnesses are skyrocketing…

And they’re showing no signs of slowing down.

Vision-related illnesses and diseases have been shown to cost patients, insurance companies, and the government almost $140 billion this year, more than double the costs in 2007, the year when similar research was conducted. Health experts are worried about how the costs will burden individuals who should be more vigilant than ever about maintaining their ocular health.

So why the increase in costs for vision-related illnesses?

The Reason for the Rise

Blame it on the boomers. According to President and CEO of Prevent Blindness America, Hugh R. Parry, the Baby Boomers are starting to hit retirement – and that means more cases of aged-related diseases like cataracts and macular generation.

“We feel that we now have a true estimate of the current and growing costs of eye disease in this country. Armed with that information, we can address the need for increased prevention, research and healthcare options,” said Parry. “It’s important that people understand that eye disease is among the most expensive conditions in our country, with over half the cost currently being assumed by aging patients and their families.”[1]

Parry hits upon another reason for the rising costs in treating vision problems. As ocular diseases and conditions are so expensive to treat, this means that insurance premiums are higher, as are office costs and surgical procedures. Take a look at the breakdown from the 2013 Economic Burden of Vision Loss and Eye Disorders Report:[2]

A breakdown of estimated costs of eye disorders and vision loss from the perspective of three payers: government ($47.4 billion), private insurance companies ($20.8 billion in direct medical costs and $1.3 billion for long-term care), and patients ($71.6 billion).

With these astonishing statistics in mind, it’s no wonder that more health experts are stressing the importance of excellent ocular health practices, like making regular appointments with your ophthalmologist.

Visit Dr. Renee Bovelle and her team at Envision Eye and Laser Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland – also serving the greater Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C. areas – to learn more about preventing eye diseases and preserving your ocular health.

[1] http://www.preventblindness.org/significant-increase-costs-vision-related-diseases

[2] http://www.preventblindness.org/significant-increase-costs-vision-related-diseases

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Categories : News

Tags : Eye Costs, News, Prevent Blindness, Vision Illness Costs, Vision-Related Illnesses

Health Risks Associated With Eyelash Extensions

By Renee Bovelle · Comments (0)

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

At first glance, eyelash extensions may seem to be the ultimate statement in glamour and fashion. With more celebrities sporting extra-long eyelashes, it’s no surprise to realize that eyelash extensions are growing in popularity.

However, when it comes to preserving your ocular health, it seems as though this trend should take a backseat: consumer reports have shown that eyelash extensions can cause allergic reactions and even infection. In addition to these critical risks, women are discovering that eyelash extensions can cause their natural eyelashes to fall out, which causes a vicious and ironic cycle that’s hard to miss.

At Envision Eye and Laser Center in Bowie, Maryland – also serving the greater Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland areas – Renee Bovelle, MD and her team pride themselves on ensuring that patients are supplied with the most relevant information about maintaining excellent eye health. That’s why it’s critical for patients to understand that no matter how great eyelash extensions may look, they may not be worth the risk.

The Main Culprit Behind Eyelash Extensions

So why are there so many health risks associated with eyelash extensions? Simple: the glue used to adhere eyelash extensions –comprised of synthetic fibers – usually contains a formaldehyde ingredient that can increase your risk of irritation, infection and allergic reaction.

Eyelash extensions have also been shown to increase your risk of picking up conjunctivitis, or keratitis, a condition in which the ey’s cornea becomes inflamed, which can be very painful. The risk is so great that in Japan – where eyelash extensions are especially popular – the number of patients seeking eye-clinic consultations has skyrocketed.

If you think you can escape these health risks with temporary eyelash extensions, think again: even false eyelashes carry their own drawbacks. The simple act of removing false eyelashes can cause your hairs to fall out, leaving you with a thin look. This can prompt many patients to seek out eyelash extensions again, thus continuing a vicious cycle that is ultimately damaging to your ocular health.

Preserve Your Eye Health at Envision Eye and Laser Center

Whether you’ve used eyelash extensions before or are simply looking to preserve the health and well-being of your eye, visit Envision Eye and Laser Center in Bowie, Maryland today (also serving the greater Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland areas).

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Categories : Eyelashes, News

Tags : Dangers of Eyelash Extensions, Eyelash Extensions, Risks of Eyelash Extensions

Click Below To Hear Dr. Bovelle’s Radio Interview

Author Archive for Renee Bovelle

Will I Ever Need LASIK Enhancement Surgery?

Glaucoma and the Risk to African-Americans

Testing for Sjögren’s Syndrome: What to Expect

Dr. Bovelle on the Radio

How to Effectively Treat Cataracts

The Common Sins You’re Committing with Contact Lenses

Botox and Fillers: A Special Offer

How To Brighten Your Eyes with Botox and Fillers

Is There A Link Between Dry Eye and Migraines?

Treat Dry Eye Symptoms At Envision Eye & Laser Center

Health Risks Associated With Eyelash Extensions

The Main Culprit Behind Eyelash Extensions

Preserve Your Eye Health at Envision Eye and Laser Center

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