Eye exams are recommended annually to ensure not only clear vision but also to safeguard eye health as well. Eye exams can also sometimes be the first sign of some systemic diseases like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.
Difficulty in low light settings or in unfamiliar territory while driving may indicate a need for a prescription change with your glasses or contacts.
When worn as prescribed contacts can be a very healthy option for vision correction. Although some contacts are FDA approved to sleep while wearing; many contact lens related issues, infection, irritation and redness come from sleeping in contact lenses.
Several things can contribute to dry eyes to include among others: medications, history of eye surgery; menopause and the eyes also naturally become drier over time as we age.
The wide brim of a hat can block about 50% of UV from the eyes, and many of today’s soft contact lenses and sunglasses include UV protection.
Dilation allows for a better evaluation of the retinas in the eyes as more of the peripheral retina can be examined by the doctor through a dilated pupil. The doctor can then see if there are holes/tears or pigmented abnormalities present within the retinas as well as more of the lens in the eye is visible to allow the doctor to diagnose cataracts earlier as well.
Vision that is worsening due to eye disease is preventable or at the very least hastened many times by routine eye examinations and early detection and treatments. Early detection and potential for early treatment can slow the progression or worsening of many eye conditions that affect the vision long term.
The eyes may not close fully during the night and may become dry as many of us use fans and circulate air with heat or A/C during the night. The tear film is part of the optical surface of the eye and when it is weak the vision will suffer as a result. In the early morning as we remain awake and continue blinking our eyes the tear film and vision can improve as a result
Rinsing the eye(s) as soon as possible for at least 20 minutes continuously with clean water can be very helpful for chemicals in the eye in order to remove them before they cause more damage over time as they continue to remain in the eye.
A Doctor of Optometry is essentially a primary care provider of the eyes and vision. An Ophthalmology deals with more of the tertiary or surgical management of the eye and eye conditions.
A Digital eyestrain is fatigue of the eyes or soreness due to prolonged computer or cell phone screen use. Additionally digital eye strain can indicate that a glasses prescription may need updating as annual exams may also reduce that tired eyes feeling.
Hazy vision at night and glare with lights can indicate vision effects from cataracts.
Being a good candidate for LASIK depends upon a wide variety of factors such as glasses prescription corneal thickness, age and overall eye health. If you are interested in refractive surgery talk to your eye doctor and we are happy to review your specific candidacy.
Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale tend to provide much needed eye vitamins when consumed regularly and are good for macular health and protect vision as we age. Vitamins containing lutein meso zeaxanthin and zinc support eye health and retina function. Fatty fishes and omega 3 oils can help with eye dryness, allowing the eyes to feel more comfortable.
Reducing risk with glaucoma is with early detection and treatment. Generally routine and comprehensive eye examinations are crucial, especially in families with a history of glaucoma with parents or siblings.
Floaters or flashes of light in the vision can be symptoms of a retinal detachment which can be visually debilitating and cause permanent loss of vision if not identified and treated early. So, it is always best to visit an optometrist as soon as possible for evaluation.
For eyeglasses storing them in a case when not being used and cleaning them only with lens cloths and sprays designed for glasses will protect them. Contact lenses need to be stored in a contact lens case with fresh multipurpose contact solutions that will keep them safe to wear and your eyes healthy.
Vision care plans cover routine eye examinations of the eyes, vision and glasses prescriptions. If any eye disease or medical issues related to the eyes are detected during the routine exam, then the medical insurance would cover the next visit and treatments for such medical issues when they are tested for or treated.
Red or bloodshot eyes can be caused by a wide variety of issues, but most commonly dryness or irritation. Over the counter artificial tears may help with the redness over time but it is always best to be evaluated by an eye doctor to determine the cause and best course of treatment.
Prolonged or excessive screen time can damage vision more in children, as it can shift their prescription by increasing their nearsightedness over time. High nearsightedness has increased risk of eye disease as we age. In adults screen time generally causes eye strain and dryness which affects the overall comfort of their eyes.
Eye exams are recommended as early as 6 months of age, and a child should have their first eye exam before beginning kindergarten. Eye exams in children are especially necessary if the child shows signs of blurred vision rubs their eyes often or has a noticeable eye turn or shite pupil.
School aged children should see receive an eye examination every one to two years or more if an eye condition is present.
Eye twitching is called myokymia and it is generally caused by stress and lack of sleep too much caffeine. While not inherently concerning consult an optometrist if the twitching is worsening or unresolving or any other symptoms are present.
Children often manifest vision issues by squinting holding reading material very close or mentioning headache safter reading. If their eyes any potential concern regarding a child’s vision, it is best to have them scheduled to see an optometrist.
For children not wearing their prescribed contacts or glasses can lead to permanent vision deficit in some cases. Adults will no damage their vision by forgoing their correction but it can lead to ocular discomfort with eye strain.
When choosing sunglasses the more UV blocking the lenses advertise the better. With ideal protection being 100% - 99% UVA and UVB blocking. Additionally larger frames also protect the skin around the eyes from damaging UV rays.
Nearsightedness means the near vision is well, but the distance vision is blurry. Farsightedness means the distance vision is well and the near vision is blurry.
