Livingston Reporting - page 162

Clever Kitchen and Bathroom Storage Ideas

Both kitchens and bathrooms are filled to the brim with a number of different accessories.  In fact, it would not be a stretch to call them the busiest rooms in the entire house because of how many valuable accessory objects that they hold. Therefore, it is essential to effectively utilize as much space as possible and use every single inch in a useful manner. It is imperative for you to know how to use your space while undertaking kitchen and bathroom remodel. A licensed contractor can bring the most out of the two rooms and their renovations.

Here are some very clever kitchen and bathroom storage ideas to use during kitchen and bathroom remodeling:

Kitchen Storage Options

The kitchen is the room where most of the hard work takes place. Therefore, it is important to make sure that there is less clutter all around it. A clean and tidy kitchen ensures greater productivity.

Following are some clever ideas to tell your licensed contractor for kitchen storage:

Plastic Bag Holder

Place this holder inside the door of a cabinet to make sure it is just as usable but does not interfere with anything. It saves a lot of space.

Racked for Cans

Placing cans all around the kitchen can cause a huge clutter and interfere in many kitchen tasks. Placing all the cans on a designated rack ensures less of a clutter and more organization.

Knife and Measuring Cups Hanger

Much like a plastic cup holder, you can make a holder for knives for measuring cups inside cabinet doors. This ensures usability while also saving a lot of space.

Wine Glass Molding

To save space while also not letting go of your glasses, you can always add a wine glass molding to your kitchen and hang all appropriate glasses from it.

Cookware Organizer

Instead of using standard cabinets for cookware and utensils, it is better to install cabinets that act as cookware organizers. This helps to organize your cookware while making it ready to use.

Bathroom Storage Options

Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in the entire house. Having a number of accessories in them, such as towels, mats, lotions, body sprays, and such need a lot of care when organizing bathrooms. Here are some clever bathroom storage options:

Wall Cabinet

The most simple of them all, the wall cabinet helps you keep most of your bathroom accessories in the wall and not have them lying around. While making everything neat, it also makes the accessories more accessible.

Vintage Storage

Having small straw storage closets beneath your sink is a great way to keep your things at hand and secure.

Storage Tower

Storage towers are a great way of keeping your things right in the middle, while keeping them all in one place. This is a great way to store toilet paper, towel, and such.

Storage Ladder

Much like the storage tower, the storage ladder keeps your accessories in one place. Preferably the corner.  These ladders are also perfect for hanging towels.

Ask Your Contractor For More Ideas

Give your licensed contractor all these great ideas when you are having your kitchen or bathroom remodeled.  Most contractors will have some tricks of their own when it comes to extra storage in kitchen and bathroom renovations.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

Five Signs Your Siding Needs to Be Upgraded

Have you taken a look at the siding on your home recently? Over time it can breakdown and begin to look unsightly.  Since it is a gradual process you may not notice until it’s too late. A house’s siding has been designed to protect the interior structure from the harsh elements. Is it time for it to be upgraded? Check your siding for one of the following five signs.

 

  • Is it falling apart?

 

Is your house’s siding falling off at an alarming rate? Do you constantly have to hire a handyman to go onto the ladder to reset it in place? Perhaps you’ve had to buy new siding from the store and patch it up. Now it looks uneven, but you’re uncertain whether it’s worth painting. It may be time to do some exterior home improvements.

 

  • Is there excessive dampness within the home?

 

If your home is starting to feel damp inside and you can’t seem to get it warm enough, your siding may be failing. This can be causing dampness and moisture to get into the structure of your home. Over time, this can cause major problems, such as issues with the development of mold that can infest your entire home. And while you’re having your siding done, you may want to do some replacement windows too, that can help provide energy bill savings.

 

  • Are little critters finding their way into your home?

 

If your siding is falling apart, this can be an opening for little critters to get in. They love the warmth of a home. You may start seeing a lot more insects too. There may be cracks and gaps starting in your siding. It’s time to withdraw the invitation and get the siding contractors to install fresh new siding and do other exterior home improvements too.

 

  • Does your siding look like it is fighting the wind?

 

Even if the siding hasn’t completely fallen off yet, it may be loose. If you ever hear any exterior noise during a wind storm, it may be the siding banging against your house. It’s only a matter of time before it comes off, which can be a safety hazard for people walking past. This is a sign that you need to call the experts to do exterior home improvements.

 

  • Are you uncertain if your siding confirms to fire regulations?

 

When was the last time the siding contractors came by and fully replaced your siding? If you’re the new owner of a house, you may have no idea when it was last done. Did you know that siding contractors use fireproof and flame-retardant siding now? Not only will your home look brand-new if you hire siding contractors to tear off your old siding and install with new, but you’ll also be conforming to industry regulations that will keep your family safe.

 

You may experience many other signs that it’s time to upgrade your siding. This may also be the perfect time to get replacement windows or have the roof done too. Soon your home will look brand new, for only a fraction of the cost of buying a new house!

 

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

 

 

Different Types of Electrical Switches

We use electrical switches every single day in our lives. Whether they are used to turn on the light or if they are used indirectly while using computers and other appliances, switches are one of the most common electrical accessory around. There are a number of different electrical switches we can use, each having its own unique purpose and use. The type of electrical switch we need to use depends on what we need to use it for. It is a secondary accessory that is highly dependent on the primary accessory it supports. Out of all the switches available in the market, two are highly common and of great use: panel switches and line switches. Let’s have a more detailed look into the two most common types of electrical switches that are in use today.

Panel Switch

Panel switches were developed in the 1910s by Western Electric labs and introduced in the Bell System. Panel switches became used as early types of automatic telephone systems. Known for their huge panel like structure, panel switches are basically very tall strips of layered terminals that are separated by a fine layer of insulation between them. First installed in 1915, the panel switch became the go to method for phone terminals.

That is, however, just one type of panel switch. The second type is far more common and known to almost everyone. Common panel switches are the ones we see on our walls. Most of the switches in our homes are arranged in a panel arrangement. It is basically a plastic panel fitted in the wall with multiple switches embedded in it. This makes it easier for people to switch multiple appliances off or on since the switches are arranged together in the same place.

Line Switch

Much like common panel switches, line switches are very popular as well. In fact, they are perhaps the go to switches to attach to smaller electric appliances. Lamps especially almost always line switches. Line switches carry a relatively smaller load than panel switches and are used for electrical appliances you do not commonly use. An analogy can be drawn with toys that have their own specific switch for use whenever it needs to be used.

In that manner, line switches are commonly used for appliances that are rarely turned on. Lamps, decoration pieces, fountain lights, and disco lights are all common appliances that have line switches attached. Line switches are fairly simple and can be fixed or attached by anyone who has an idea about how to. However, panel switches are often very complex since they are attached to wires from all around a room, or even the entire house! This makes them too difficult for common people to understand, and they cannot find and fix faults on their own. Therefore, whenever there’s a fault with a panel switch it is important to hire a professional for repair or replacement.  You can purchase a new one or a refurbished switch, both will have gone through rigorous testing before making it to you the consumer.

Contact Us Today

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Installing an Aluminum Fence That Follows the Slopes of Your Landscape

Aluminum fencing provides many benefits to a yard and when it comes to installation it can be one of the easier materials in fencing to install.  It will last much longer than your average wood fencing and will also look better for longer, with no need for repainting or yearly maintenance.

 

Perhaps the greatest challenge in installing aluminum fence panels and aluminum driveway gates will be due to the natural obstacles in your yard.  Often it’s not a simple fix to remove trees, slopes, or hills in your yard. Often your yard may even look nicely even when it isn’t. The only solution is to either install the aluminum fence panels around the obstacles, or over them. Your greatest puzzle will be how to do it.

Racking Method

Aluminum fencing has the benefit that the panels will always face downwards. This happens even if the post itself doesn’t and your pickets will still stay standing. This is a process in the industry called racking. It allows your aluminum fence panels to follow the natural slopes of your yard. Your aluminum fencing will follow the natural slopes of your yard, whether the land goes uphill or downhill.

 

It’s better to choose a fencing height that follows a specific slope. These different heights can follow different types of slopes. When using the racking method, it helps to have an uninterrupted slope but this is rare.

 

Each and every yard is different. Usually they follow one of three different types. To use standard racking, you need to have small slopes, regular racking for medium slopes, and heavy racking for steep slopes.  Your yard may also overlap with your aluminum driveway gates. You’ll want to ensure that your fence works for the size of area you are installing your fencing on.

Raked Or Stepped Fencing

There are two more choices in aluminum fencing: raked and stepped. A raked fencing will go follow the slopes no matter its ups and downs.  Stepped fencing will rise upwards like a set of stairs. Are you wondering which is going to be best for your property?

 

If you install a standard fence, it will leave gaps. A stepped fence will not. Gaps can be riskier, particularly if you have pets or small children. It may also let critters into your yard. A racked fence can be visually unappealing. You’ll have to decide which will look more visually appealing to you. Some people don’t mind the look of the gaps, while others like the look of straight lines.

Ask The Experts

There may also be factors that depend on how steep the slopes in your yard are. Even aluminum fencing can have limits as to much it can be raked or stepped. Often it’s best to let the professionals install aluminum fence panels and aluminum driveway gates, because they’ve had the experience of installing fencing onto landscape slopes. They can advise which types of aluminum fencing will be right for your front, side, and backyards. Once your fencing has been installed, it will make your home more inviting and appealing.

 

Learn more about iFence USA and their vast line of custom aluminum fencing options with various grades of aluminum fence to choose from including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing at www.ifenceusa.com.  To contact one of our aluminum fence experts call toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

Winter Upgrades for Your Michigan Home

The worst thing to happen to your roof is for the structure to fail during the worst months of the year. Wind, rain, and snow can cause deterioration to that leads to roof repairs or a new roof installation. The last thing you want to do is call a roofing contractor in the middle of the winter but sometimes it is necessary. Don’t leave your winter upgrades to the last minute in Michigan. Now that spring is on the way, it’s time to consider winter upgrades for your Michigan home.

First Step To Prep For Winter

Your roofing contractor will help you to get your roof ready for winter. This begins by booking an appointment for them to come by and do a visual inspection of your house. They will do an exterior inspection of your roofing system first.

 

A visual inspection can help to prevent smaller problems from turning into larger ones—in this case bad roof leaks that can damage your house. Even having clogged gutters or loose shingles can cause problems.

 

During a visual inspection, your roofing contractor will look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. You may be able to see some problems from the ground, but they’ll be able to climb up to the roof and have a closer look.

Taking Care of Any Roof Repairs

If there are any roof repairs required, they should be fixed right away. Even if you plan on having a new roof installation done over the summer, get these little things fixed now. Shingles and shakes can be replaced, as long as the original ones can be matched.

 

Resealing may also need to be done. Expert roofers will be able to caulk around flashings, vents, chimney stacks, etc. Even though shingles may have a lifetime warranty, you’ll still have to do the maintenance to keep them lasting.

 

Tree branches can also affect the lifetime of a roof. It may be recommended that trees be cut back from your roof or house during the warmer months. It’s recommended that they are cut at least two feet from your roof and gutters. Trimming will also prevent an excess of debris falling on the building.

Cleaning Your Gutters

Cleaning is also an important part of your roof’s winter upgrade. These should include cleaning out all gutters and downspouts. This task should be done once per season. When preparing for winter, have it done in late November. Downpipes should be inspected. They should be directed at five feet from the foundation. This is the new requirement to keep water from getting into your house.

 

It’s also important to check the ventilation of your attic to the outside. An overheated attic could cause excess moisture inside. Your attic should also have the right amount of insulation.  Many roofing contractors will offer you a free housing inspection that covers all these structures within your home and more. Hopefully you only need roof repairs, but it could also be time for a new roof installation. By the time next winter arrives, you’ll be relieved that all the hard tasks of winterizing your home have been done. Now you can enjoy a warm and comfy home!

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors, call 810.225.9080 today.

What Is a Managed IT Service Provider & Where Do You Find One?

If you’re running a large business and find that it’s growing faster than your “IT department” it may be time to look into consulting a managed IT service provider.  Many large companies consider those few people that come to the rescue when their technology goes down their IT department. This however cannot sustain, nonetheless help you grow your business.

 

Instead of having an in-house IT department, you’ll be hiring commercial IT support to assist you. There can be many reasons why you choose to consult managed IT support to help you be your own IT department.

Your Company May Be Smaller In Size

Technology is continually changing and it can be expensive to run your own servers onsite. Unless your firm is considerably large, you may not be able to keep up with all the expenses of purchasing new servers and new equipment and managing the software and firewalls to run them. You need to have support in place that keeps up to date on all the latest available in IT.  Most companies with 50 or less people may find it impractical financially to have their own IT department on staff.

Storing Your Data Safely

There are other reasons why you may wish to hire managed services. If your business relies heavily on the storage of customer data, you may need additional securities in place to protect it. It’s also beneficial to store data offsite, just in case there’s an emergency in your office building.  Basically, the goal of hiring managed IT services is to gain knowledge and expertise that will improve your operations and cut expenses.

 

Managed IT services can save money, as these companies are supplying services to a variety of different businesses or organizations. They can also buy software and hardware in bulk for lesser costs than you can as a manager of your business. Managed IT services are billed on either a monthly basis or hourly basis, depending on the proposal you decide upon. They are in contrast to the on-demand sourcing model where you only hire IT expertise when you need it, then you are only billed for what they have done.

 

Under this model of operation, there will be a manager assigned to oversee this part of the operations, which might be you. You will then work with the MSP, Manager Service Provider, so that they can deliver the managed services. There will be a contract involved that will state all the services and expectations of the services rendered.

 

Some of these managed services can include one type of service, such as IT consulting, or many. For instance, cloud backup services are highly desired, as they protect client data in the event of an emergency. Servers, security and firewalls are all big services, particularly with growing businesses.  Once you recognize a need for this type of service in your own business, you’ll need to find a competent and trustworthy MSP.

Searching for IT Services

You can ask for the advice of other similar-sized businesses that provide IT consulting. Ask your peers if they know who provides IT consulting or commercial IT support. You can also search online to find the best provider. It’s helpful to find one in your own city, so your IT manager and the MSP can better communication with each other.  Managed IT services can take the worry out of whether you can keep up with the ever-growing and changing world of internet and new technology.

 

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

 

What your Buyer’s Agent Will Do for You

Are you considering the purchase of a new home?  Buying a home is never a simple task.  In order to purchase a home there are a number of elements that go into it.  One thing for sure is that you must have the cooperation of the individuals currently in possession of the home you are looking to buy.  Usually sellers have listed their homes with a seller’s agent as they are looking to find a buyer, so this part is usually a fairly simple part of the process.

Buying a house can be a very taxing and time-consuming process.  It can end with its fair share of problems as well if you don’t choose the right buyers agent.  To decrease the stress that comes along with the buying process, hiring a buyer’s agent is what you need to do. A good buyer’s agent ensures that you buy a house at the best possible price and with minimal exertion.

What does a buyer’s agents do?

Agents are essentially the main broker in such operations and deal in every aspect based on their client’s wishes. Hence, agents must have a great knowledge of everything related to houses, including marketing trends, street smarts, and thorough information about all the areas with houses for sale. Agents are the ones to initially advise you about the kind of property you should look for based on your wishes. After that, the buyer’s agent looks for houses meeting the requirements that their clients have expressed.

Real estate agents must have thorough knowledge of all the locations in which houses are for sale and must have a grab of the market trend prevalent in those areas. While dealing with the sale of the property, the agent is the one who talks and deals with the owners of the property, while representing the wishes of their clients. It is a buyer’s agent’s duties to make sure their client purchases the house they want at the best possible price and with the least hassle.

What you should expect?

It is important that buyers work with reputable agents since agents get a cut out of every single successful deal, they may often try to swindle you by brokering deals without disclosing all the details to you. Worse, agents might end up cheating you out of all the money you are entitled to with charges they might not have told you about before. Not all buyer’s agents are like this, with many being honest and highly efficient at their work. It is your job as the buyer of a home to find an agent that is dedicated to your needs.

Finding the Best Agent

It is necessary to hire the best possible real estate agent you can find. It is advised to always look for agents or real estate agencies that have a very good reputation in the market and a good reputation with previous clients. You need to thoroughly search for the real estate agent that works best according to your needs. Often you can easily tell the intentions of any agent at the very first meeting if you go with the intention of judging them. Many real estate deals end up in legal battles because of agent discrepancies, so make sure you buy the best possible buyer’s agent. A good buyer’s agent makes sure that you buy a house at the best possible deal while feeling the least stress during the process of buying a house.

Learn more about C21 Lady of the Lakes Realtors and the numerous services they offer including: buying a new home, selling a home, or renting a home at www.ladyofthelakes.com.  To contact one of our real estate agents call 734-426-6060 today.

 

Differentiate Your Packaging with Shrink Sleeve Labeling

Shrink sleeve labeling is becoming more and more popular within the industry.  Rather than traditional sticker type label options, shrink sleeve labeling offers full color graphics that wrap around the entire bottle.  This type of shrink sleeve design can make your packaging stand out. You are only limited by the size and shape of the bottle. You can differentiate your package with shrink sleeve labels.

Labels That Is Fit For Everything

Shrink sleeve labels fit over complex containers so you’re not limited by one shape. They serve the purpose of being a label, as well as provide a safety seal and a promotional tool. These shrink sleeve labels are carefully measured and then applied to the plastic bottle through a heat-shrinking process. This process makes them wrap around the bottle. Shrink sleeve designs are for more than just plastic bottles, shrink sleeve labeling can also be done for glass and metal containers as well.

 

Shrink sleeve labels work on a wide range of containers within a multitude of industries. They can be placed on food and beverage bottles, or personal care products such as shampoo, lotion, or sunscreen. They can be used for household products such as cleansers and cleaners. They also work well on pharmaceutical or nutritional products. The shrink sleeve design will nicely wrap around the bottle and provide a 360 degree full wrap feature. They can conform to all shapes and sizes of containers, with the ability to utilize the entire space.

 

They can also be used for other types of promotional designs. They can be used to create bonus packs or to attach samples or other types of incentives to your containers. Creating combination packs will help you to increase your sales and reduce any slow moving inventory you may have.

A Sense of Security and Freshness

Shrink sleeve labeling can also wrap around the cap of your bottles. This is done with a perforated tamper evidence wrap. You can choose to match the sleeve or use a different color, such as clear, white, black, or metallic. This will give a secure appearance to your products and provide assurance to buyers that the product is fresh. It also serves a dual purpose in that it protects your children from easily opening containers, and keeps them from ingesting unsafe products.

How To Get Started

Shrink sleeve labels can easily be customized to your products. During the process, it’s also easy to adjust, should there be something you don’t like. These items are printed with the latest and best high-quality offset technology. To get started, you’ll create your designs, and then customize them. You will then select your film substrate.

 

Your order can be adjusted by changing your graphics to fit the bottle until you are satisfied. Our shrink sleeve labels can be ordered in any quantity to suit your ordering needs. We also keep graphics on file. We provide one-off test samples so you can see how this packaging can work for your business.

 

Learn more about Anchor Printing and their vast line of custom product label & packaging options including: Shrink Sleeve Labels, Flexible Packaging, Roll-Fed Labeling, Pressure Sensitive and Cut & Stack Labels at http://www.anchorprinting.com/shrink-sleeve.php.  To contact one of our label specialists call toll free at 800.748.0209 or via email at info@anchorprinting.com.

 

 

 

 

Should You Repair It or Replace It: LINAC Systems

LINAC, linear accelerators, are an essential part of treating tumors and destroying cancer cells in people, while leaving the normal tissue alone. While this is an effective treatment for specific types of cancers, as the machines have built-in safety measures that only deliver the required dosage, they can also start to fail over time. When the system fails you will question whether you should continue to repair it or if it is time to replace it.

The Importance Of Regular Maintenance

It’s up to the medical physicist to ensure that their clinic or hospital’s LINAC system is functioning properly. If there is any doubt, repairing or replacing medical equipment may be required.  It’s important that all patients who’ve been scheduled for radiation therapy are assured of safe and accurate treatment. They need to also be assured of timely treatment, with few delays. Treatment is more specialized and intricate with linear accelerators. It’s very important to keep to regular servicing LINAC systems.

 

Servicing linear accelerators is a specialty that is best left to the professionals. There are many safety checks in place. The LINAC itself may present warnings that it’s due for servicing LINAC systems.  When warnings are present it is important to see what needs to be repaired and to see if repairing it or replacing it with a refurbished linear accelerator is the best choice.

Keeping Machine Functionality Effective

There are a wide range of professionals who use this equipment to help patients. The medical physicist and the dosimetrist will determine the exact prescribed dosage, and calculate the right amount of time for that dosage. The oncologist will be prescribing the volume and dosage. It’s important to have a functioning system so that there are not additional problems and that the patient receives effective treatment. Linear accelerator maintenance is also a part of the process to keep your LINAC systems working well. If the technician finds something wrong with the system, they will advise of fixing it or replacement.

 

Patient safety is also of paramount important. The radiation treatment plan is double-checked, with several steps and quality-assured procedures so that the treatment is delivered exactly. Following all these steps, the machine should not deliver a higher dosage than prescribed.

 

Today’s modern linear accelerators also have an internal checking system that keeps the machine from being turned on unless all the prescribed requirements have been fulfilled. If for some reason you are initiating treatment with the patient, but the machine refusing to turn on, it’s may be time for servicing LINAC systems or replacement.

Ensuring Specific Parts Like Beam Position

During treatment, the radiation therapist will be continuing to observe the patient with a closed-circuit television monitor. There is also a microphone in the treatment room so the patient can speak to the radiation therapist if required. Just some of the items that are checked during this process include the port films or x-ray that are taken with the treatment beam, and the cone beam CT. This ensures that the beam position doesn’t change from the original plan. It’s important for servicing linear accelerators to ensure that these safeties stay in place. If they fail, it could be time for a replacement.

 

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

Understanding Cataracts and Getting Treatment

A clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil in people over age 40, is known as cataracts. It is the primary cause of blindness in the world and while it is a condition directly related to ageing, diabetes, smoking, significant trauma to the eye, exposure to radiation, prolonged exposure to sunlight, high blood sugar, prolonged use of oral corticosteroids, genetic illnesses such as Wilson’s disease or Down syndrome are also risk factors for the development of cataracts.

Cataracts are neither painful nor do they make the eye itchy or red; however, the type of cataract someone has will directly affect the symptoms they will experience and how soon they will occur. Cataract surgery has been found to be extremely successful in helping patients with serious cataract-related vision impairment to regain their eyesight. A cataract surgeon surgically removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, plastic IOL or intraocular lens.

Different Types of Cataracts

There are three main types of cataracts that affect different parts of the eye lens or a combination of all three. Consider the following:

  • The posterior sub capsular cataracts – Where the lens develops major opacity
  • Nuclear cataracts – Affects the center of the lens
  • Cortical cataracts – The side of the lens appears whitened and in many cases vision impairment
  • Congenital cataracts can be nuclear, cortical, or sub capsular and are present from birth as a result of an infection contracted by the mother during pregnancy or due to a genetic condition.

Knowing the Signs and Symptoms

To the untrained eye, cataracts may be difficult to detect, but the first signs will be a hazy or blurred vision. You should consider seeing a cataract surgeon if you experience the following signs and symptoms:

  • Visible white spots on the pupil
  • Difficulties with night vision, particularly when you are driving at night
  • Intense sensitivity to light, glares, or halos
  • A repeated change in your glasses or contacts prescription

An eye doctor or surgeon will conduct a series of tests such as a visual acuity test where you will be asked to read a series of letters off of a Snellen eye chart posted 20 feet away from you. A slit lamp exam allows your doctor to check for other serious eye conditions. There is also other eye tests known as the glare and contrast sensitivity test, tonometry test, Ishihara color test, all used in diagnosing advanced cataracts as well as other eye problems such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

A Solution to the Problem

While there is nothing positive about having your eyesight impaired, the good news is that cataracts only affect the lens and cataract surgery only comes highly recommended when new glasses, contacts, anti-glare lenses, and magnification devices are not as effective. Also, if you do not receive a good score on your visual acuity, glare, contrast sensitivity, or Ishihara color tests or when your condition begins to affect the quality of your life in a negative way such as being unable to drive or productive at work.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.