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Phoenix, AZ
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Phoenix, AZ
About
Bio
Grew up in Florida playing baseball and golf. AttendedFSU as an undergraduate,U of Miami for medical school sponsored by the US Air Force. Following my internal medicine /neurology internship I spent 3 years as a general medical officer (GMO) at RAF Lakenheath,UK. I returned to Miami to complete my residency in ophthalmology and Retina fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Ophthalmology
Doctor Q&A
77 Answers
0 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Sinusitis: From your brief description it appears that your frontal sinus may be involved either with an obstruction of the normal drainage or an infection. You ... Read More
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old male asked:
I have had sudden vision loss after what felt like a small shock behind eye, was this a mini stroke?
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Vision loss: There are a number of potential problems associated with sudden vision loss and pain. Some involve the optic nerve, others involve the blood flow to t... Read More
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Sinusitis: It sounds like you have a sinus infection. You should consult with your primary care doctor for this problem.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Cataract : Monocular diplopia or double vision in one eye is related to cataract changes 95% of the time and macular pathology (changes in the retina) 5%.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
The Vitreous: The vitreous is composed of a clear liquid called hyaluronic acid and fibers called collagen. As we age the vitreous becomes less solid and the collag... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Diabetic nerve palsy: Diabetic ocular muscle palsies are common and will usually resolve spontaneously in 3-4 months. There can be other causes that need to be investigated... Read More
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Surgery: The type of surgery performed depends on the reason for the ptosis ( drooping) but surgery is the main therapy. The eye plastic surgeon or general oph... Read More
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Causes: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments(rd) are caused by a tear in the retina. Serous rd's are caused by fluid leakage under the retina. The rd is repair... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Usually not: Thin areas in the retina (lattice degeneration) is usually asymptomatic unless there is vitreous traction on the tissue which may cause flashing light... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Depends on your age: Without symptoms, medical or eye conditions every two years should be sufficient for most people under 60. If there are visual problems, medical prob... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Depends: Dizziness is usually under the control of the inner ear structures (semicircular canals) . Any infection or fluid in the middle or inner ear, nasal al... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Reduced vision : Legal blindness in most states is 20/200 or worse in the better eye. Most states also have a minimal peripheral visual field (side vision) requirement... Read More
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
It depends: If there is a total avulsion of the optic nerve then the vision is nlp(no light perception) and the atrophy will occur within a few weeks. If the avul... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Causes: Your symptoms may be due to allergies, dry eyes(keratitis sicca) or inflammation of the eye (iritis or uveitis). If your symptoms do not respond to al... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Farsightedness: Hyperopia is due to a relative lack or corneal and lens focusing capability in the eye. The eyes may be smaller. Severe hyperopia may also be related ... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Partially: When individuals start to develop nuclear sclerotic cataracts they may become more nearsighted. This may allow them to read without their reading glas... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Wash your hands: Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an infection of the covering of the eye or conjunctiva. Most infectious varities are related to direct contact so hand w... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Could be: Your symptoms may be due to allergies, dry eyes(keratitis sicca) or inflammation of the eye (iritis or uveitis). If your symptoms do not respond to al... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Yes: If only the rod or cone discs are damaged and the rpe and cell body of the rod and cone are intact then the cells can regrow the discs and the functi... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Vitreous debris: The floating debris seen in the central or peripheral vision is actually composed of collagen fibers that are breakdown products of the vitreous. Thes... Read More
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Delayed development : The visual system continues developing until age 10-12years. If something interferes with the vision in one eye (cataract, trauma, strabismus[crossed ... Read More
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Retinal function : Leutin is one of the protective found in the central portion of your retina (fovea). It is one of the antioxidant ingredients in the vitamin/ antioxid... Read More
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Liver problem: The yellow color you describe is related to an elevated bilirubin, a chemical usually processed by the liver. The bleeding of the conjuctiva may be in... Read More
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Reading glasses : The only other alternative besides glasses is cataract surgery using a multifocal intraocular lens at the time of cataract removal.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Yes: You can use both, just put the antibiotics in first and wait 1 minute before applying the artificial tears.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Neither: Lasik changes the curvature of the cornea to reduce nearsightedness(myopia) and has no adverse effect on the optic nerve. If the optic nerve has been ... Read More
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Usually: Retinal detachment usually causes a blind or darkened area(scotoma or visual field defect)) and may be associated with flashing lights (photopsias) an... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Yes: Most states only require vision in one eye of 20/40 or better to maintain an unrestricted drivers license, so even during the healing phase or if the ... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Depends on your age: Without symptoms, medical or eye conditions every two years should be sufficient for most people under 60. If there are visual problems, medical prob... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Ophthalmologist: If the cataract is causing enough of a problem that it interferes with your ability to function then cataract surgery is indicated. It does not hurt ... Read More
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
I have had retina tears recently. someone told me i should not use an inversion table. is that true?
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
No: Retinal tears are caused by vitreous traction not from outside activities. You can hang upside down if you like.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
My eye is swollen now because it was hit by the brim of a hat, what can i do to reduce the swelling?
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Warm compresses: The compresses will help the swelling but you should have an eye examination to be sure there is no intraocular damage.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Nyctalopia: Night blindness refers to the reduced ability of the retinal rods to function under reduced lighting conditions. This affects functioning outside at n... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Causes: Your symptoms may be due to allergies, dry eyes(keratitis sicca) or inflammation of the eye (iritis or uveitis). If your symptoms do not respond to al... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Retinal detachments: The retina is permanently attached to the optic nerve and the ora serrata( the area in front of the retina). A total detachment means the retina betwe... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Reflex: It is called the gastrocolic reflex and is a normal gastrointestinal response to eating. It is commonly used to house break animals and toilet train y... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Choroid: If people have large eyes with thin sclera you can often see the blood vessel system ( the choroid) as a bluish tint through the white of the eye. It ... Read More
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Surgery: Unless the problem is associated with a high aca ratio, in which glasses will help, surgery to move the eyes straight is the fastest treatment. Your o... Read More
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Is true that ox liver cures night blindness and cod liver oil and sunshine can help to cure rickets?
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
No and yes: Night blindness (nyctalopia) is usually associated with rp(retinitis pigmentosa) and we have no treatment available. Rickets are caused by a vitamins... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
The Vitreous: The vitreous is composed of a clear liquid called hyaluronic acid and fibers called collagen. As we age the vitreous becomes less solid and the collag... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
For what city?: There are excellent retinal surgeons in every mayor city in texas.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Depends: Dizziness is usually under the control of the inner ear structures (semicircular canals) . Any infection or fluid in the middle or inner ear, nasal al... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
None: Vitrectomies are usually done as outpatient surgery requiring no hospital stay.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Yes: Dizziness is usually under the control of the inner ear structures (semicircular canals) so vision loss would not prevent you from becoming dizzy.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Eyelid- yes: The droopy eyelid is called ptosis. It is usually caused by a muscle or nerve problem that is amenable to surgery. The lazy eye (amblyopia )treatment ... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Surgery: Floaters are collagen fibers in the vitreous cavity ( jelly part of the eye).They do not cause damage to the eye but sometimes block the images we see... Read More
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Corneal infection: It is a corneal ulcer caused by waterborne amoeba, often found in lakes and canals in tropical areas. It needs to be treated agressively because the i... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Surgery: There are 5 fat pockets around the eye. Those fat pads are shock absorbers for the eye. They are held in place by a muscle layer called the septum. If... Read More
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Jack Sipperleyanswered
Ophthalmology 51 years experience
Yes: There are two situations in which the blue sensitive cones do not work properly dichromacy is the most severe with complete loss of blue perception. ... Read More
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
185
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Sipperley is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Sipperley is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Any temporary precautions?
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Graduated 1971MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL
Graduated 1971MD
Residency
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Residency
University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital
Awards
Multiple
Affiliations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
AAO,AOS,
Publications
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
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