UT Hamilton Eye Institute

Have you registered for our Annual Race for Sight? It’s not to late, head to the link in our bio and join us for a fun day!

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Hamilton Eye Institute presents the 2026 Clinical Update and Memphis Eye Society Conference.

We are honored to announce this years esteemed guest speakers: Dr. Sarah Nehls, Dr. Elaine Binkley, and Dr. Tatyana Milman!

While neuro-ophthalmology became an official field in 1947 when Frank B. Walsh, an ophthalmologist at the Wilmer Eye Institute, published the textbook “Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology”, it is thought to be much older.

Socrates discussed visual perception and the relativity of our senses in The Republic. Plato later proposed the eye emitted rays that would reach out and touch the environment. Later thinkers, such as Galen of Pergamon and Leonardo da Vinci, would expound upon this theory through dissection of the cranial nerves, neuroanatomy, and the eye, helping shape the field we know today.

Sources:
Dr. Frank B. “Pappy” Walsh, MD. (2018, October 19). American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/lifetime-engaged-ophthalmologist/perspective/article/frank-pappy-walsh

Karanjia, R., & Sadun, A. A. (2016). The Foundation of Neuro-Ophthalmology in the United States of America. Ophthalmology, 123(3), 447–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.12.007

Named Deanships, Directorships, and Professorships. (2016, October 17). Frank B. Walsh Professorship in Neuro-Ophthalmology - Named deanships, directorships, and professorships. Named Deanships, Directorships, and Professorships - Endowed Positions Have a Personal and Lasting Impact. https://professorships.jhu.edu/professorship/frank-b-walsh-professorship-neuro-ophthalmology/

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, occur when your eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. This reaction leads to symptoms such as:
- Itching
- Redness
- Tearing
- Swelling
- Burning sensation
- Light sensitivity
These symptoms often affect both eyes and can be seasonal or year-round, depending on the allergen.

To manage eye allergies:
- Stay indoors during high pollen times (mid-morning & early evening)
- Wear glasses outdoors to help block allergens
- Keep windows closed and use clean A/C
- Control humidity and reduce dust and pet dander indoors
- Don’t rub your eyes
- Use lubricating eye drops to temporarily flush out irritants
- Consider antihistamine or allergy eye drops for relief

Eye allergies are common, but manageable. If symptoms don’t improve, see your eye doctor for help.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/allergies

A recent systematic review analyzing data from over 4.7 million individuals found that older adults with cataracts had a slightly increased risk of fractures compared to those without cataracts. The evidence suggests a possible association, though not all studies showed consistent results.

Interestingly, individuals who had undergone cataract surgery (pseudophakia) had a 27% lower risk of fractures compared to those with cataracts. However, this finding is based on low- to moderate-certainty evidence, and further studies are needed.

One estimate from the review suggests that for every 8 cataract surgeries, 1 fracture could potentially be prevented—though this is an approximation and should be interpreted cautiously.

Cataract surgery may do more than improve vision—it might also support mobility and fall prevention, especially in older adults.

Things you can do:
✔️ Schedule a routine comprehensive eye exam
✔️ Be aware of symptoms like blurry vision, glare, or difficulty seeing at night
✔️ Talk to your eye doctor about treatment options if indicated

Reference: Gallo Afflitto G, Aiello F, Surico PL, Malek DA, Mori T, Swaminathan SS, Maurino V, Nucci C. Cataract and Risk of Fracture: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis. Ophthalmology. 2025 Feb 18:S0161-6420(25)00130-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2025.02.010. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39978438.

Glaucoma True or False? Test your eye-Q! Glaucoma only affects older adults. ❌ False - While glaucoma is more common in older adults, it can occur at any age, including in infants and young children. You can always feel it when your eye pressure is too high. ❌ False - Most types of glaucoma, like open-angle glaucoma, develop silently without pain or noticeable symptoms. This is why glaucoma is called the thief of sight. (Note: angle-closure glaucoma can cause eye pain, blurry vision, redness, and nausea.) Glaucoma causes permanent vision loss. ✅ True - Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, and any vision loss that occurs is permanent. However, early detection and treatment can slow or prevent further damage. If I see fine, I don’t need an eye exam. ❌ False - Glaucoma typically affects peripheral vision first, so you may not notice it until the disease is advanced. Regular eye exams are essential!

The cornea functions to protect the eye, maintain its shape, and focus incoming light. Unlike most organs, the cornea doesn’t receive nutrients from blood — instead, it absorbs them directly from tears and aqueous humor. This keeps it crystal clear, supports rapid healing, and even makes corneal transplants more successful because it lacks blood-borne immune cells that can trigger rejection.

An incredible design for such a small part of the body!

False!

Many people think glaucoma is only a problem for seniors, but it can affect people of all ages, including infants. While the risk increases with age, certain factors like family history, diabetes, and being African American or Hispanic can increase the chances of developing glaucoma earlier in life.

Since vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible, early detection through routine eye exams is crucial—even for younger adults!

False!

Many people believe too much screen time can cause permanent eye damage, but this isn’t entirely true. While prolonged screen use can lead to digital eye strain, dryness, and temporary blurred vision, there’s no evidence it causes lasting harm. The discomfort is due to reduced blinking and eye fatigue, not permanent damage.

Taking breaks, blinking more, and following the 20-20-20 rule can help reduce strain.

Yes and no!

While newborns are capable of seeing colors, their brains have not developed the ability to perceive them, so their vision is largely monochromatic in the first few weeks of life.

As the relationship between their brains and eyes develop, the first primary color that babies can see is red! By 5 months of age, color vision is believed to be adequately developed.https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/when-can-babies-see-color -and-white

Happy Independence Day!

The 8th annual Ivan Marais Cataract-a-thon is this Saturday!

Last year, this event provided cataract surgery to 24 patients free of cost. This resident-led event has been providing cataract surgery to the Memphis community since 2017 and has since provided 150 surgeries! We are so excited to continue to serve our community through this incredible event!