Dr. Anzeljc Visits The Dr. Bob Show To Explain Oculoplastic Surgery

Baptist Eye Surgeons • December 11, 2018

Two men are sitting in front of a tv that says dr bob showDr. Anzeljc was recently invited on to The Dr. Bob Show to discuss oculoplastic surgery. Dr. Bob Overholt opened the segment by acknowledging that it’s common to stress the importance of regular eye exams for detecting problems within the eye, like cataracts or to see if the back of the eye indicates general health problems such as high blood pressure.

“But what if there are problems on the outside of the eye?” Dr. Bob asked. Problems outside the eye might involve the orbit, the lid, blocked or excessive tearing, or a laceration. He noted that in those cases, special oculoplastic surgeries may be needed to relieve these issues.

Dr. Anzeljc is an oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in treating problems around, but not in, the eye. “Attention immediately goes to the eyes when we’re speaking to people, so functional and cosmetic changes can really be rewarding for patients,” Dr. Anzeljc said, adding that addressing them can really improve a person’s appearance as well as their function.

He explained to Dr. Bob that one of the most common problems he treats are droopy upper eyelids. “It’s common for droopy upper eyelids to affect vision to some degree,” Dr. Anzeljc said. If that’s the case, insurance will often pay for surgery to “lift” the heavy eyelid. He noted that usually right after surgery, patients report that they can see better. More light is able to come into the eye and peripheral vision is typically improved.

In the case of lower eyelids, they can sometimes turn outward or inward, which can be irritating to the eye. If a lower eyelid is turned outward away from the eye it can also lead to either drying out or excessive tearing pouring down the cheeks. There are precise surgical procedures to correct lower eyelids in these instances.

“What if someone is in a car accident and has a laceration around the eye, or an injury to the eyeball or eye socket, or cuts on eyelids?” Dr. Bob asked. Dr. Anzeljc explained that the eyeball must first be thoroughly examined, then the eyelids and the eye sockets. The eyelids are designed to protect our eyes, so it’s crucial that they are healthy. If there’s a cut, an oculoplastic surgeon will address how to restore proper operation of the eyelid, as well as restore or improve the patient’s appearance.

Dr. Bob and Dr. Anzeljc also discussed what can be done when tear ducts are blocked, either from aging or infection, and what procedures might be called for in the case of a fracture to the eye socket. Dr. Anzeljc explained that surgical procedures to repair any condition to the eye socket or area around the eyes are usually very effective with successful results for the patient.

“What I’m hearing you say,” Dr. Bob summarized near the end of the show, “is that the eye is so important and there are so many things that can go wrong, but they can all be fixed with the proper technique and training. It amazes me what you can do, it really does.”

View The Dr. Bob Show With Guest Dr. Anzeljc

 

Dr. Andrew Anzeljc specializes in oculoplastic surgery, including eyelid surgery, as well as non-surgical procedures such as Botox and fillers to rejuvenate the face. If you have concerns about your upper or lower eyelids, have excessive tearing or blocked tear ducts, or have an injury around the eye, schedule a consultation with Dr. Anzeljc to discuss which treatment options might improve your vision as well as your appearance.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN, dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from cosmetic improvements to complex eye surgeries. To learn more about our specialities, visit our website, or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information, or schedule an appointment online.

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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