One of my favorite books is actually a children’s book written by Dr. Seuss. It is titled “The Eye Book” and tells the story of a boy and a rabbit as they discover their eyes and the wonderful power they posses. From the sun and the moon to trees and bees, the two characters marvel at the many things their eyes enable them to see. The last line in the book says it best: “And so we say ‘Hooray for eyes! Hooray, hooray, hooray . . . for eyes!”
For almost a decade, I have spent nearly every day looking at eyes. Why? Because I am an eye doctor and have been given the wonderful opportunity to take care of eyes. Over the years I have seen small eyes, big eyes, sick eyes, healthy eyes, blue eyes, green eyes and even “goopy” eyes. I have removed BBs and other foreign objects from eyes, and I have placed foreign objects into the eye like synthetic lenses after cataract surgery to restore sight. I have been blessed to share in the joy patients have when they see 20/20 without glasses for the first time after LASIK, and I have also shared in the heartache experienced as a patient’s vision fades away due to macular degeneration. I have marveled at the eyes ability to heal itself after an injury and yet been frustrated by the damage caused to the eye by a single microscopic virus.
Henry David Thoreau wrote “The eye is the jewel of the body.” My experiences as an eye doctor have reaffirmed to me time and time again how precious our eyes truly are. Take a moment to ponder the beautiful things you see every day. From the dew on a blade of grass to the majestic scenery of Zion National Park, our eyes make it possible for us to enjoy them all. Most of us probably never consider the awesome power of our eyes as we drive our car down the road, enjoy a show at Tuacahn, read a book, hike Snow Canyon, or watch snowboarder Shaun White pull off his ‘double McTwist 1260’ in the Winter Olympics. Imagine never enjoying another sunset, never seeing a friend’s face, or never admiring the snowcapped Pine Valley Mountains again; then you will begin to understand that we really do posses two priceless jewels called eyes.
As spring approaches and with it the opportunity to get out and enjoy this fabulous area we live in, take a moment to ponder the amazing power of our eyes. We have been told before to take time to smell the roses; I encourage us to not only smell the roses but see them too. Enjoy the vibrant color of the petals, the intricate details of the leaves, and the movement of the bees that fly around them. For unfortunately, my experiences as an eye doctor have also taught me that vision is fragile and can leave us at any time. And so I echo the words of Dr. Seuss and say “Hooray, Hooray, Hooray . . . for eyes!”
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Diabetes and the Eye
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes then most likely your primary care doctor has instructed you to undergo a yearly eye exam. Hopefully, you are following this recommendation. Why? Because diabetes can have a significant damaging impact on eyes and subsequently your vision.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. It occurs when tiny blood vessels inside the retina are damaged by diabetes. The retina acts like the film in a camera. It is the part of the eye that takes the picture and passes that information on to the brain. When the retina is damaged, vision loss occurs.
Diabetic retinopathy causes vision loss in two main ways. First, fragile blood vessels grow and leak blood into the eye blurring vision. This is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Second, fluid can leak from compromised blood vessels into a part of the retina called the macula. This condition is called macular edema and can dramatically reduce vision. Both of these conditions can be treated if discovered soon enough. Laser treatments to the retina are the traditional way to treat both proliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. However, new treatments are being studied such as injecting steroid into the eye or utilizing compounds called VEFG inhibitors which destroy the problematic abnormal blood vessels.
All people with diabetes are at risk for developing retinopathy whether or not insulin is used. In fact, 40 to 45 percent of Americans with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy. As diabetic retinopathy begins to develop, there are often no warning signs. This is why it is so important to undergo an annual dilated eye exam if you have diabetes. Your eye physician can detect subtle changes occurring in the retina and provide education and treatment in an effort to prevent vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy can be a disastrous disease. Fortunately, there are ways to lower your risk of developing it and treatments to minimize its damaging effects. If you have questions regarding diabetic retinopathy or other issues related to the eye, please feel free to contact me at the Saint George Eye Center.
Jason W. Hendrix, M.D. is a local Eye Physician and Surgeon who specializes in cataract surgery and diseases of the eye including the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. He is located at the St. George Eye Center, 676 South Bluff Street, Suite 208, Saint George, Utah. Contact him at 435-628-4507 or visit www.stgec.com.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. It occurs when tiny blood vessels inside the retina are damaged by diabetes. The retina acts like the film in a camera. It is the part of the eye that takes the picture and passes that information on to the brain. When the retina is damaged, vision loss occurs.
Diabetic retinopathy causes vision loss in two main ways. First, fragile blood vessels grow and leak blood into the eye blurring vision. This is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Second, fluid can leak from compromised blood vessels into a part of the retina called the macula. This condition is called macular edema and can dramatically reduce vision. Both of these conditions can be treated if discovered soon enough. Laser treatments to the retina are the traditional way to treat both proliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. However, new treatments are being studied such as injecting steroid into the eye or utilizing compounds called VEFG inhibitors which destroy the problematic abnormal blood vessels.
All people with diabetes are at risk for developing retinopathy whether or not insulin is used. In fact, 40 to 45 percent of Americans with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy. As diabetic retinopathy begins to develop, there are often no warning signs. This is why it is so important to undergo an annual dilated eye exam if you have diabetes. Your eye physician can detect subtle changes occurring in the retina and provide education and treatment in an effort to prevent vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy can be a disastrous disease. Fortunately, there are ways to lower your risk of developing it and treatments to minimize its damaging effects. If you have questions regarding diabetic retinopathy or other issues related to the eye, please feel free to contact me at the Saint George Eye Center.
Jason W. Hendrix, M.D. is a local Eye Physician and Surgeon who specializes in cataract surgery and diseases of the eye including the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. He is located at the St. George Eye Center, 676 South Bluff Street, Suite 208, Saint George, Utah. Contact him at 435-628-4507 or visit www.stgec.com.
Friday, November 6, 2009
November Girls Night Out
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Spots are filling up quickly, conctact Janalee today to reserve your seat. (435)229-7044
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Cataract Surgery
Dr. Hendrix specializes in no stitch cataract surgery.
ReStor, Crystalens, and Toric Lenses are available.
For more information about cataract surgery visit our website,
or call today to schedule an appointment with
Dr. Jason W. Hendrix M.D.
(435)628-4507
Monday, October 26, 2009
Scarecrow Festival
"Seemore Clearly" the Scarecrow
This past weekend, the St. George Eye Center,
participated in the 1st Annual Scarecrow Festival
and Chili Cook-off to benefit the Dixie Care and Share.
participated in the 1st Annual Scarecrow Festival
and Chili Cook-off to benefit the Dixie Care and Share.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Getting to Know Jason W. Hendrix, M.D.
Jason W. Hendrix, M.D., eye physician and surgeon, arrived in St. George 3 years ago to start the St. George Eye Center. “My goal in coming here was to provide the highest level of ophthalmic eye care available in Southern Utah and to do so in a personal and friendly way,” states Dr. Hendrix. “I have high expectations for my doctors when I am the patient and I strive to treat my patients like I expect to be treated.”
Dr. Hendrix was born in Salt Lake City. After graduating Cum Laude with a B.A. in History from Brigham Young University, he and his wife Kristyn moved to Washington D.C. where Dr. Hendrix had the privilege of attending The George Washington University School of Medicine. “I wanted to experience the culture and history of our Nation’s capital and could not pass on the special opportunity of attending George Washington University,” comments Dr. Hendrix when asked why he chose to attend school so far from home. “It was a wonderful opportunity for my wife and I, and I truly treasure the time spent there.”
Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Hendrix moved his young family to Columbia, Missouri where he completed his Ophthalmology residency. “I chose ophthalmology because I felt it was a specialty in which I could truly make a difference in peoples’ lives. There are few things as rewarding as improving someone’s sight. It can be life changing for them. I also love being able to interact with so many different patients. We have patients as old as 98 and as young as one week.”
Dr. Hendrix states that he spent many hours contemplating how he could best serve the needs of the Southern Utah community. The end result of this brain storming process was the St. George Eye Center, a comprehensive Ophthalmology practice dedicated to providing state of the art eye care and surgery and yet maintaining that personal, friendly and caring attitude that is often missing from health care. “My patients are my friends. I am honored that they have entrusted me with the care of their eyes and I do all I can to maintain that trust.”
Dr. Hendrix and his wife have four children. Their oldest is 9 years old and their youngest is 9 months., Dr. Hendrix loves to spend time with his family, study history, play the piano and mountain bike. When asked what his favorite hobby is Dr. Hendrix responds “I love to play soccer. It is definitely my passion.” Dr. Hendrix also coaches a youth club soccer team. “It’s getting harder and harder to play so to stay involved in soccer I coach. It’s a fun and rewarding experience.”
Dr. Hendrix is a Board Certified Eye Physician and Surgeon and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the Utah Ophthalmology Society and the Utah Medical Association. He treats a variety of eye problems including cataracts, glaucoma, pediatric eye diseases, dry eye syndrome, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration and other retinal, corneal and general eye diseases. He also performs Lasik and other refractive eye surgeries.
Call 435-628-4507 or visit http://www.stgec.com/ for more information.
Dr. Hendrix was born in Salt Lake City. After graduating Cum Laude with a B.A. in History from Brigham Young University, he and his wife Kristyn moved to Washington D.C. where Dr. Hendrix had the privilege of attending The George Washington University School of Medicine. “I wanted to experience the culture and history of our Nation’s capital and could not pass on the special opportunity of attending George Washington University,” comments Dr. Hendrix when asked why he chose to attend school so far from home. “It was a wonderful opportunity for my wife and I, and I truly treasure the time spent there.”
Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Hendrix moved his young family to Columbia, Missouri where he completed his Ophthalmology residency. “I chose ophthalmology because I felt it was a specialty in which I could truly make a difference in peoples’ lives. There are few things as rewarding as improving someone’s sight. It can be life changing for them. I also love being able to interact with so many different patients. We have patients as old as 98 and as young as one week.”
Dr. Hendrix states that he spent many hours contemplating how he could best serve the needs of the Southern Utah community. The end result of this brain storming process was the St. George Eye Center, a comprehensive Ophthalmology practice dedicated to providing state of the art eye care and surgery and yet maintaining that personal, friendly and caring attitude that is often missing from health care. “My patients are my friends. I am honored that they have entrusted me with the care of their eyes and I do all I can to maintain that trust.”
Dr. Hendrix and his wife have four children. Their oldest is 9 years old and their youngest is 9 months., Dr. Hendrix loves to spend time with his family, study history, play the piano and mountain bike. When asked what his favorite hobby is Dr. Hendrix responds “I love to play soccer. It is definitely my passion.” Dr. Hendrix also coaches a youth club soccer team. “It’s getting harder and harder to play so to stay involved in soccer I coach. It’s a fun and rewarding experience.”
Dr. Hendrix is a Board Certified Eye Physician and Surgeon and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the Utah Ophthalmology Society and the Utah Medical Association. He treats a variety of eye problems including cataracts, glaucoma, pediatric eye diseases, dry eye syndrome, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration and other retinal, corneal and general eye diseases. He also performs Lasik and other refractive eye surgeries.
Call 435-628-4507 or visit http://www.stgec.com/ for more information.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Girls Night Out ~ November 19
Join us as we "Accentuate and Celebrate Your Uniqueness" at Girls Night Out November, 19, 2009.
The evening will feature a variety of fun classes, including: Mini Massage, Laser Hair Removal, and Hair Extensions.
I will post more information as we get closer, but anyone interesed can contact Janalee to reserve your spot. Registration is limited, and filling up quickly so call today to reserve your seat
Janalee (435) 229-7044
The evening will feature a variety of fun classes, including: Mini Massage, Laser Hair Removal, and Hair Extensions.
I will post more information as we get closer, but anyone interesed can contact Janalee to reserve your spot. Registration is limited, and filling up quickly so call today to reserve your seat
Janalee (435) 229-7044
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