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It’s that time again — August means back-to-school for many children and that means back-to-school eye exams too! Parents are busy buying the perfect backpack, notebooks, writing utensils, and school clothes so students have everything they need for a successful school year.

But did you know that August is also Vision and Learning Month? It makes perfect sense because 80% of everything you – and your kids — learn comes through the visual pathway!

The American Optometric Association states that 25% of all school-age children have a vision problem that is significant enough to impact their ability to learn. That’s why it’s essential to get a comprehensive visual exam before your child begins the school year. Notice we didn’t say they need a “vision screening” – a comprehensive eye exam is the standard.

Why Does my Child Need a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Let’s go over some facts about school vision screenings and eye health to underscore the importance of a comprehensive eye exam by your optometrist — and why it can give your student a leg up on the new school year!

Most states require schools to conduct a vision screening, but this screening is only a partial eye exam at best. In fact, it is typically only a visual acuity check that asks your student to read a standardized eye chart with 11 rows of random capital letters, one large letter at the top, and letters that become smaller as you move down the chart. A row near the bottom represents the 20/20 visual acuity line, which means that a person standing 20 feet away who can read that specific line accurately has 20/20 vision.

This test measures visual acuity, or the student’s ability to see objects or images clearly at a given distance. And that’s a very important measurement. However, a visual acuity test provides less than 4% of the information gathered by your optometrist in a comprehensive eye exam!

Why 20/20 Does Not Mean Your Child Has No Vision Problems

Visual acuity is not the whole story; other factors affect your student’s visual perception. Remember: A child who sees 20/20 can still have a vision problem that will impact their ability to learn.

There are numerous visual skills necessary for functional vision that a school screening simply does not measure. For example, it’s critical that your child’s eyes work well together as a team – a skill called eye teaming – in order to read, learn, and perceive their world accurately. During a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist will evaluate your child’s eyes for acuity (visual clarity) in addition to checking for any potential problems that may affect their visual skills, learning, development, and even their social interactions and self-esteem.

When vision problems go undetected or misdiagnosed, children are often diagnosed with ADHD or a learning or behavioral problem that can affect the child for life.

A single eye chart exam administered by the school nurse or other volunteer in a school screening simply cannot identify the complex range of skills that might potentially minimize your child’s ability to learn.

Essential Visual Skills for Student Success

Following are 17 visual skills your student needs to be successful in reading, writing, sports, and daily classroom activities:

1. Eye Movement Control. Each eye has six muscles that work together to control the ability to move both eyes together to focus on an image.
2. The ability of both eyes to turn inward toward the nose to focus on a book or computer screen.
3. Side (Peripheral) Vision. The ability to see images off to the side without turning the head.
4. Binocular Coordination (Eye Teaming). When both eyes work together in unison; if one eye is weaker, the student may have “lazy eye.”
5. Quick, small, simultaneous movement of both eyes between two or more focal points. This skill is essential in tracking sentences and words across a page.
6. Smooth, slow movements of both eyes, required to hold the focus on a slow-moving object.
7. Accommodation Flexibility. The ability to continuously change focus between near and far objects, required to move the eyes from a blackboard to a book or class notes.
8. Accommodation Endurance. The ability to maintain visual focus over extended periods of time.
9. Visual Memory. Poor short-term visual memory can make it difficult to copy notes from the board and spell.
10. Visual Thinking or “Picture Thinking.” The ability to analyze what you have seen, needed for comprehension and math.
11. Central Vision Acuity. The ideal is 20/20 vision, as detected from reading an eye chart.
12. Color Perception. Important for accurate understanding of colored graphs and charts.
13. Fine Visual Motor Skills. The ability to accurately work on close-up activities like reading, writing and texting.
14. Gross Visual Motor Skills. The ability to move using visual information to guide you. It prevents you from bumping into objects – an essential skill for student athletes.
15. Visual Perception. Encompasses the total field of vision; it is your awareness of what is going on around you.
16. Visual Integration. Combining vision with the other senses to perform complex tasks.
17. Depth Perception. Discerning whether objects are close or far away.

Clearly, the range of visual skills required for a healthy sense of vision that can empower your child to succeed in the classroom and in sports is far more complex than a 20/20 visual acuity rating.

Bottom line? The start of every school year is the perfect time to call your optometrist and schedule that eye exam to give your child the opportunity to excel academically, in a sport, or just in “growing up!” Their eyes are the key to success, so help them take good care of them. Call us today!

Are you a parent with a child gearing up for their first year of college? Or are you a student ready to embark on the excitement of university life?

As you navigate the transition between the carefree days of childhood and full-on adulting, it’s easy to overlook some essential details. That’s why now is the ideal time for you and your college-bound student to have a vital conversation with your optometrist.

Before you pack up the minivan with “Go State” pennants, clothes, furniture, sports gear, and every sort of technology — don’t forget those chargers! – talk with your soon-to-be college student about a key to their academic success: maintaining good eye health.

You’ve always been there to caution, cajole, and monitor your child to keep them safe and healthy. You’ve been the one who scheduled their annual eye exam and was quick to notice the signs of an eye infection. But now that they will be on their own, making decisions about their health, they need some basic tips about how to protect and care for their eyes.

College kids have been known to push the limits of a healthy lifestyle by overeating junk food, not getting enough sleep, or spending too much time looking at screens. Let’s address some of those potential challenges.

Here are 5 things to share with college students to help them maintain healthy eyes and keep their vision the very best that it can be.

1. Beware Digital Eye Strain

Technology is a threat to your student’s eye health. While the average American spends 6-8 hours a day looking at screens, college students spend 10 hours or more (yikes!) gazing into their laptops, cell phones, and monitors.

According to the National Eye Institute, nearsightedness is on the rise – 42% of Americans are now nearsighted, up from 25% in 1971 – and the increase correlates strongly with the rise in screen use.

Plain and simple: Too much time spent staring at screens can contribute to nearsightedness and cause Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) due to the prolonged use of near focus and exposure to blue LED light. Help your student recognize the symptoms of CVS:

• Dry, gritty-feeling eyes
• Red, watery eyes
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain due to poor posture
• Stinging or burning eyes

There are two main ways to help protect their eyes from digital eye strain: Proper computer workstation set-up and taking frequent breaks from staring at the screen.

• A. Set up computer workstations to promote visual ease.
• Use a desk or table and sit in a chair with back support (don’t hunch over your screen on the coffee table).
• Position yourself an arm’s length away from the monitor.
• Tilt the screen slightly upward and keep your feet on the floor to reduce strain on the neck and shoulders.
• Adjust screen brightness down and color to be more yellow than blue.
• Make the font size larger.
• Reduce screen glare by working in rooms with lots of natural light – try not to work in a darkened room at night.

• B. Take frequent breaks during extended periods of looking at a screen.
• Make the 20-20-20 rule a mantra: For every 20 minutes you look at a screen, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. And remember to blink!
• For every hour on the computer, take a 10-minute break. Stand up, stretch your legs, clear your mind, get a snack, or do some deep breathing exercises. Short breaks increase productivity, so it’s a win-win!

2. Wear prescription computer glasses. Spending hours each day at a computer screen can make your eyes feel exhausted and cause trouble focusing. Counteract that with prescription computer glasses made especially for focusing on that screen an arm’s length away. In addition, consider a blue-light protective coating on computer glasses, because some studies have found that long-term exposure to blue light can cause chronic eye damage. While the evidence isn’t definitive, wearing blue light glasses won’t cause any harm and could keep eyes from tiring out so quickly.
3. Study Outside. Encourage your student to take every opportunity to get outside in natural light. Being outside provides a multitude of positive benefits – lower levels of depression and anxiety, boosted immunity, and a greater degree of happiness. Plus, being outside is good for your eyes! As your student adjusts to their crazy college schedule, encourage them to find a quiet bench or sit on a blanket under a tree. Soak up some fresh air and natural light to make their work more enjoyable and give their eyes a break.
4. Wear Protective Eyewear. Protective goggles for chemistry, biology, and science labs are a must! The National Institutes of Health states that 45% of lab workers have had accidents in a lab, and you don’t want your student to be one of them! Wearing proper eye protection in the form of safety goggles, glasses, face shields, or side shields will help protect their eyes from dangerous fumes, chemical droplets, or potential projectiles such as shattering glass.

And sports are no different! Whether they play team or individual sports, wearing protective eyewear is simply part of the gear. According to Prevent Blindness, more than 32,000 sports-related eye injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2022, and 90% could have been prevented with protective eyewear.

5. Schedule an Annual Eye Exam. Because prolonged and excessive use of technology can age the eyes prematurely and increase the risks of developing age-related eye disease later in life, younger patients need to be examined annually to monitor their eye health. When your young adult comes home for the holidays or summer break, schedule their annual comprehensive eye exam.

There are relatively few things you can control in your college kid’s life, so have a conversation about healthy eyes before they leave — and the next time they roll their eyes at you, you can be confident in the knowledge that those are healthy eyes!

July is National Dry Eye Awareness Month. It is estimated that at least 17 million and up to 50 million Americans suffer moderate to severe symptoms from Dry Eye. Twice as many women as men experience the pain and discomfort of Dry Eye. A significant percentage of diagnoses in women can be attributed to certain types of birth control, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, and menopause.

Misdiagnosis of Dry Eye can cause damage to the tissues of the eye, so it’s important that you visit your optometrist for a thorough eye exam to get a proper diagnosis, determine the contributing causes of your condition, and treat your symptoms effectively.

What is Dry Eye?

Your eyes constantly produce tears, creating a “tear film” to lubricate the eyes, maintain a smooth surface for light refraction, and preserve the health of the conjunctiva and cornea. This tear film is made up of an outside fat-based oily layer, a watery middle layer, and an inner mucus layer that keeps the surface of the eyes lubricated. If any of these layers are lacking, the blinking that distributes tear film can’t occur smoothly and discomfort results. Not only is Dry Eye uncomfortable, but it can also, in some instances, negatively impact your vision.

What are the two types of Dry Eye?

1. Evaporative Dry Eye: This type of Dry Eye is the most common and is caused by not having enough of the oil that prevents evaporation in the tear film. This condition is termed MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction). It is defined as eyelid glands that don’t produce enough oil or produce oil of poor quality.
2. Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye: This type occurs when the lacrimal glands don’t make enough of the watery component of the tear film. It can be attributed to specific autoimmune conditions, hormonal changes, certain medications, and aging.

What are risk factors of Dry Eye?

There are many and varied risk factors associated with Dry Eye, many of which you can’t control but some that you can control:

• You’re at greater risk if you are over age 50.
• Hormonal changes or medications that affect hormones are a risk factor — which is the reason why a greater percentage of women suffer from Dry Eye.
• Certain medications, including meds used to treat glaucoma.
• Medical conditions like thyroid disorders, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Lupus, and others.
• Decreased blink rate that can be caused by frequent or prolonged screen use or by diseases such as Parkinson’s.
• Inflammation of the eyelids or eyelid conditions that prevent eyelids from closing completely.
• Lasik or other refractive surgery
• Contact lenses
• Poor make-up hygiene
• Allergies, dry climate, exposure to smoke, or other environmental conditions

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?

Just because you have some of the Dry Eye symptoms listed below doesn’t mean that you have Dry Eye. Your optometrist will review your symptoms along with your medical history to diagnose your condition properly. Following are the common symptoms of Dry Eye:

• Increased sensitivity to light
• Extreme sensitivity – particularly to cigarette, cigar, or vape smoke
• Blurry vision
• Stinging or burning
• Inflammation or redness
• Itchiness
• Sandy or gritty feeling
• Stringy mucus or particles in the eye

How can I get relief from Dry Eye?

• Use a Humidifier: In living areas that use heaters or air conditioning, a humidifier can help keep natural moisture in the air. If you live in a dry, arid climate, a humidifier can keep your eyes more comfortable.
• Avoid low humidity conditions: Limit forced air heating, air conditioning, hair dryers, and even windy conditions if possible. Be especially aware of airflow in cars and airplanes where vents blow directly in your face and eyes. Avoid cigarette, cigar, pipe, or vape smoke.
• Take frequent screen breaks: Take a screen break every 20 minutes and remember to blink frequently to lubricate your eyes.
• Hydrate: Drink water to keep your eyes and body fully hydrated.
• Consult your optometrist: Your Dry Eye symptoms may be related to wearing contacts or using glaucoma eye drops. Your optometrist can discuss the options available to help with your symptoms – which may include taking specific vitamins or Omega-3 supplements.
• Over-the-counter treatment options: Artificial tears that replace the natural tear film of the eye are available over-the-counter and can provide symptom relief, but they are not a treatment for Dry Eye. There are many formulations and brands with different ingredients, including ones with preservatives and preservative-free. Frequent and prolonged use of artificial tears, particularly those with preservatives, can cause irritation or allergic reactions. So, it’s important to discuss their use with your optometrist. Ointments may also be used before bedtime to help eyes stay moisturized during the night.
• Eyelid Care: If eyelid irritation is causing your Dry Eye symptoms, your optometrist may recommend massaging your eyelids, and using eyelid cleanser or warm compresses to help reduce inflammation.
• Prescription Medications: Your optometrist may suggest oral medications, nasal spray, or eye drops in more serious cases of Dry Eye.
• Dry Eye Treatments: Tear duct plugs, Meibomian gland procedures that release clogged oil glands, and surgery to tighten your eyelids and keep tears in your eyes are options in the most severe cases of Dry Eye.

Dry Eye is a treatable condition, and your optometrist can answer your questions and discuss a treatment plan to help you achieve healthier eyes. Your eyes are your “windows on the world” and deserve the best of care.

Call us to schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam today to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Let’s work together to ensure you enjoy great vision for years to come!

Are you aware that your eyes can get sunburned? Yes, just like your skin, your eyes can be burned by direct or reflected ultraviolet (UV) rays. That is why we recommend sunglasses offering uv eye protection to all our patients. As the summer weather gets hotter and you enjoy the season’s outdoor activities, your eyes are exposed to greater amounts of the sun’s intense and damaging UV rays.

Increased outdoor activity such as yard work, warm weather sports, or a day at the beach can pose a threat to your eyes and to the sensitive skin surrounding them. Nobody wants a case of photokeratitis to slow down the summer fun. What is photokeratitis, you ask? It’s literally a sunburn to the eye that causes inflammation of the cornea — the clear, rounded structure that covers the iris and pupil.

This painful sunburn can lead to redness, blurred vision, itchy, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, gritty eyes, or a headache. Additionally, ongoing exposure to the sun’s harmful rays over the years can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (a fleshy growth on the surface of the eye).

So, what’s the solution to protecting your eyes from those damaging ultraviolet rays?

SUNGLASSES! A very simple yet very effective solution that offers uv eye protection. Everyone wants to look stylish and cool in their sunglasses but there are some important points to remember when selecting a pair to ensure the best protection for your eyes.

1. Insist on 100% UVA and UVB Protection. UV Coating is the most important feature of a good pair of sunglasses. Just as you apply sunscreen to your skin to protect it from ultraviolet rays, a UV coating applied to your sunglasses lenses blocks UV rays from harming your eyes. And remember to wear those sunglasses not only throughout the long days of summer but year-round, and even on cloudy days.
2. Get Coated: Coating Options for Sunglasses
   • Anti-reflective (AR) coating: Eliminates reflections on the surface of your sunglasses, which allows for clearer vision. Some sunglasses even offer AR coating on both the front and back of the lenses, for extra visual comfort in bright conditions.
   • Mirror coating: Applied to the front of your lenses, it is the first line of defense for reflecting harmful UV light away from your eyes, just like a mirror! The coating is applied to the front of your lenses to deflect sunlight. Not only does it prevent UV rays from damaging your eyes but it can also help you avoid squinting and the eyestrain associated with intense or direct sunlight. Bonus: Friends and loved ones will enjoy checking out their reflection in your mirrored lenses.
   • Polarized lenses: Polarization filters out the reflected light from water, snow, sand, and pavement to help reduce glare and eyestrain. It’s all about visual comfort plus the added safety feature that polarized lenses offer when you’re participating in outdoor activities, driving, or just relaxing by the pool.
3. Bigger is Better: Go big! Choose a comfortably fitting larger frame that contours to your face to protect even more of the delicate skin around your eyes. Also consider wrap-around frames that offer extra protection from UV rays by reducing the amount of UV on the top, sides, and bottom of your face.
4. Darker Lenses Are Not Better: Wearing very darkly tinted sunglasses doesn’t guarantee better protection from the sun’s UV rays. The effectiveness of your lenses in blocking harmful rays depends solely on their UV coating. The color and tint of lenses is a personal preference based on where you wear your sunglasses and the activities you participate in. Consider these colorful choices:
   • Gray tints block the most light, so if you have light-sensitive eyes, go with gray. Gray is also best for driving since colors appear the most accurate.
   • Green or dark brown tints elevate depth perception and are a favorite of people who play tennis, baseball, or golf because the tints balance UV light without altering the landscape light.
   • Yellow or orange tints increase contrast and allow you to see more detail in the landscape when you participate in snow sports.
   • Blue tint helps block out bluer lights and reduce light glare – if you are a boater or fisherman, blue is for you!
5. Double-Up Protection: Do you wear UV-blocking contact lenses? Then why not double-up your eye protection? While UV-blocking contact lenses can protect the cornea, iris, and pupil, they leave the conjunctiva, eyelid, and surrounding skin exposed. When you add 100% UV protective sunglasses, you gain comprehensive protection against the harmful rays of the sun.

The bottom line where sunglasses are concerned: Consider all of the options and elements of a good pair of sunglasses, and choose wisely. Yes you can have it all — both style and UV eye protection.

Come in and ask our optical department team members which sunglasses they recommend for the best uv protection that fits your unique lifestyle and visual challenges. Our team members are knowledgeable and experienced, and will help you choose the right coatings and frames so you can enjoy summer while seeing your best and protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.

Enjoy the long, lazy days of summer!

Summer fun and summer chores are in full swing! School is out, vacations are planned, weekend events are on your calendar, and yard work is a weekly activity, but have you thought about protecting your eyes? Read more to learn our eight summer eye health tips!

Summer poses a number of threats to eye health and vision. You may have noticed itchy, red, or irritated eyes from summer allergens or maybe burning, red or gritty eyes from chlorinated pools or ocean water? Plus, fans and air conditioning can contribute to dry eyes.

To avoid the uncomfortable “summertime threats” to your eyes, remember these 8 summer eye health tips to help you navigate summer with your healthy, comfortable vision:

1. Shield Your Eyes

You know that the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, but did you know those same rays can also negatively affect your eyes? According to the World Health Organization, UV exposure is responsible for up to 20% of cataracts worldwide. UV rays can increase your risk for macular degeneration, cause photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), and even increase your risk for skin cancer surrounding the eye. Bottom line? Wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses that block UVA, UVB and UVC ultraviolet rays – the entire alphabet of UV rays! Buy properly fitted sunglasses with a design and shape to cover a larger area of your face to maximize effectiveness. And don’t forget your hat! A hat with a 3-inch brim can block up to half of UVB rays that typically damage eyes and eyelids.

2. Protect Your Eyes in the Water

When swimming, water skiing, or enjoying your favorite water park, wear protective water goggles. Always remove contact lenses to prevent infections from bacteria and microorganisms that inhabit the pool, lake or river. If you simply cannot go without your corrective lenses, we recommended prescription goggles.

3. Apply Sunscreen Carefully

We’ve all had the unpleasant experience of a wayward spray of sunscreen or insect repellent in or around the eyes. Ouch! Try mineral-based sunscreens that are less likely to run into your eyes. When you apply spray sunscreen on a child, have them cup their hands over their eyes. And if you use a lotion-type sunscreen, be very careful in applying it delicately around the eyes but not too close to your eyes – let your sunglasses and hat do the work of protecting your eyes and eyelids. If sunscreen gets into your eyes, simply flush with fresh water. If you wear contact lenses, remove them and then flush with water.

4. Protect Your Eyes When Working Outside

Yard work and DIY projects increase during the summer months — and so do eye injuries! Wearing wrap-around protective eyewear or goggles can reduce your risk of eye injury by 90%! Before starting yard work, clear overhanging or fallen limbs, sticks, pinecones or other loose debris. And, check for loose gravel, sand, or anything else that could become a projectile and injure the eye.

5. Moisturize Your Eyes

Summer heat and irritated eyes often go together. You can experience a condition called dry eye due to heat, wind, fans or even when the air conditioning vents in your car point directly at your face. When the tear film that keeps your eyes moist evaporates, the surface of the eye can feel gritty, itchy and uncomfortable. If you have allergies or wear contact lenses, your likelihood of getting dry eye is higher, so use artificial tears to bring relief to your eyes. We’ll gladly recommend the type of drops best suited for your lifestyle and needs during your next comprehensive eye exam.

6. Eat Your Veggies and Hydrate

It’s easier to eat healthily in the summer months with the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available. The red, green, yellow, and orange produce is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy nutrients for your eyes.

And … hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to take a sip — thirst indicates that dehydration is already occurring. Lack of moisture in the eye can cause eyestrain, which can result in blurry vision and headaches, which nobody wants when there’s summer fun to be had!

7. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

It’s hard to resist itching your eyes with summer allergens in full swing. It’s a natural reflex to rub itchy eyes, but rubbing releases histamines that can cause more inflammation and more itching and then more inflammation. It’s a vicious cycle! And if your hands aren’t clean, there is the possibility of introducing bacteria into the eye, which can lead to conjunctivitis, styes, or infection. If allergies are getting you down, ask us to recommend allergy eye drops or artificial tears to help bring relief to your itchy eyes.

8. Get Quality Sleep

Researchers have found that lack of quality sleep and dry eye disease go hand-in-hand. You may have experienced itchy, red, dry eyes the morning after a poor night’s sleep. You’re more likely to rub your eyes when tired, and there is a greater risk for other eye problems as well — like that irritating eye twitching, bloodshot eyes, and under-eye puffiness. So, get into a consistent sleep routine, every single night if possible. Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and technology-free! Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time seven days a week. And remember — no caffeine at least eight hours before bedtime.

And the best advice of all? Schedule your regular eye exam to keep your eyes healthy – don’t skip an exam even during busy summer months. It’s important for your optometrist to monitor your eyes for vision changes and identify any problems early, when treatment is most effective.

Summer fun is on the calendar, so put on your sunglasses and keep these 8 summer eye health tips in mind!

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a great opportunity to educate yourself on cataracts, an eye condition that so many of us will experience in our lifetimes. By age 65, as many as 90% of people have at least one cataract forming. We’ve all heard the term cataract, but what exactly is a cataract?

A cataract is simply when the natural lens of your eye becomes thick and cloudy. The lens of your eye is typically clear and easy to see through, but when proteins in the lens break down, symptoms occur – like cloudy, foggy, blurry, hazy, or even “less colorful” vision. Though they are often a natural part of aging, cataracts can negatively impact not only your vision but, ultimately, your quality of life – how you work, play, and interact with the world.

1. What causes cataracts, and when do they start?

As your eye health professionals, we encourage you to become familiar with the causes of cataracts in order to be proactive with your vision health. Typically, people begin to notice symptoms as they approach their 60s or 70s. However, some people experience symptoms as early as their 40s or 50s.

Age-related cataracts are a result of the normal aging process and form gradually over time. Sometimes cataracts develop more rapidly, and age is not the only factor in the changes to the lens of the eye. Other contributing factors in early formation of cataracts can include:

• Genetics – if you have family members who have cataracts
• Smoking
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes
• Radiation treatments of the upper body
• Eye injury
• Failure to wear sunglasses or UV-protective eyeglasses
• Medications, like corticosteroids

2. What are the signs and symptoms of cataracts?

One typical early symptom of a cataract is that you begin to have difficulty seeing at night – particularly when driving, due to “halos” around the headlights of oncoming cars. But be aware of other symptoms or changes that may indicate the formation of cataracts:

• Blurry vision
• Colors that appear faded
• Double vision
• Difficulty reading small print
• More frequent changes in your prescription lenses

Your optometrist can definitively detect cataracts in your annual comprehensive eye exam. Because patients “adapt” to the slow changes in the lens of the eye, they are not always aware of the formation of a cataract. That’s yet another good reason to stay on top of scheduling your annual eye exam with your optometrist!

3. What is involved in cataract correction?

The only treatment for cataracts is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a new, clear lens. In general, younger patients tend to heal more quickly and resume their normal routines more rapidly. The procedure is common and very safe, so even older patients do quite well and enjoy dramatic vision benefits.

Cataract correction takes about 30-45 minutes or less per eye, and patients go home the same day. If you have cataracts in both eyes, you will have two separate procedures, allowing one eye to heal before the second cataract is removed. Keep in mind that you will need to avoid driving for a couple of days after the procedure, so you will need someone drive you home the day of the procedure.

Things to remember as you heal at home:

• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• No lifting of objects heavier than five pounds.
• If you are a side sleeper, sleep on the opposite side of the healing eye. This will minimize pressure on the eye as it heals, and can shorten recovery time.

Most patients experience very little pain or discomfort after cataract correction. Eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection. You may experience some blurred vision, minor pain, or itching as you recover but your vision will improve daily and symptoms should subside within a few days or weeks. Within a couple of days of the procedure, you will be able to return to work and your normal daily routine.

4. Can a cataract re-grow after surgery?

No. The implanted lens, called an intraocular lens, does not need to be replaced or have any ongoing maintenance unless complications arise. Generally, the earlier a cataract is removed, the better. Untreated cataracts are more difficult to remove and complications can result.

5. Can I prevent cataracts?

There are many causes of cataract formation that are simply out of your hands but some preventative care can help slow the formation of cataracts. Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV radiation that can hasten cataract formation by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses or regular eyeglasses with an anti-UV coating. And since smoking increases the rate of cataract formation, make a commitment to quit.

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss worldwide. Fortunately, they can be corrected effectively with a very high success rate, estimated between 95-98%.

Schedule an appointment with your optometrist if you recognize any of the signs associated with cataracts, and we’ll discuss your symptoms and treatment. Your vision depends on it!

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you may already know that by the time your son or daughter reaches age 18, they’ve already received up to 80% of their entire lifetime’s worth of exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays! It’s a shocking statistic.

That’s because kids spend so much time outside – which is healthy – but means parents must protect them from the damage that UV rays can cause to their developing eyes and tender skin. One game-changing advantage parents like you can provide their kids with is high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. And encourage them to wear their sunnies whenever they spend time outside. Yes, even on cloudy or overcast days.

But — how do you get your kids to wear their sunglasses? Here are five proven methods:

1. Let Kids Choose Their Own Sunglasses

A little child psychology goes a long way: If you want your kids to wear sunglasses regularly (and you do!), simply allow them to choose their own sunnies. And why not make a big deal out of it? It’s a unique treat for a child to get to choose the frames that make their heart sing and express their budding fashion sense. Encourage them to pick the style, color, frame, and tint of their sunglasses, because what child doesn’t love the ability to be a little independent with their “look?”

2. Beware of Cheap Sunglasses

Our optical department is well-stocked with high-quality kids’ sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Your eye health and the eye health of your kids are our No.1 priority. We want to ensure that the sunglasses you wear protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation.

As a precaution: Beware of cheap sunglasses at the dollar store – those heart and cat-shaped frames are very cute, but without regulation on the lenses the manufacturers use, it’s quite possible that those $2 “funglasses” don’t offer 100% UV protection.

Sunglasses without proper UV protection are particularly dangerous for kids. To explain why, it’s important to understand that the tint on a lens doesn’t indicate that it includes UV protection. Darker does not mean better where UV protection is concerned — we can put a 100% UV protection coating on a clear lens. Some dark lenses offer no UV protection.

If you remember just one fact from this article, let it be this: Sunglass lens tint does not indicate its level of UV protection.

Darker tints on sunglass lenses allow the pupils to open a bit wider. But if those dark sunglass lenses don’t offer UV protection, wider pupils will allow your eyes (or your kids’ eyes) to absorb even more damaging UV rays into the deep structures of the eye, where they can do long-term damage. Cumulative UV damage over a lifetime can contribute to your child developing cataracts, macular degeneration, or even cancer of the eye in adulthood.

That’s why it’s critical to provide your child with high-quality sunglasses that protect them from 100% of UVA and UVB rays in a style that they love and will wear every day.

3. Keep An Eye on Comfort and Durability

It’s important that your child’s sunglasses are both comfortable and durable:

• Comfort is key because heavy or bulky sunglasses will make it an uphill battle when trying to get your child to wear them, so choose lightweight, impact-resistant eyewear. Our scratchproof polycarbonate lenses are one great option. You might also consider wraparound-style glasses that protect a larger portion of their face.
• Durability is necessary because – kids, right? Frames that flex and bend but don’t break are the best choice for active kids.

If your child participates in sports, choose a close-fitting frame that offers increased protection. Amber or green lenses can increase contrast, which can be a positive for young athletes.

4. Model Good Behavior

It’s a smart strategy to set a good example by wearing your sunglasses consistently. Kids watch and emulate much of what their parents do. Most kids understand why it’s important to wear sunscreen on their skin, so have a discussion with them about protecting their eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.

When you wear your sunglasses — which we encourage you to do every time you go outside — make a verbal note of it if your kids are in earshot. Maybe say something like, “Now that I’ve applied sunscreen, I’m also going to put on my sunglasses so I can protect my eyes and look like a rockstar for our day at the park!” They might roll their eyes, but they’re listening — and they will likely do exactly what you do. (Because, after all, you’re their hero, and they want to be just like you!)

5. Start Early

When should your child start to wear sunglasses? Experts say 6 months of age! And if your child needs prescription glasses, we can also fit them for prescription sunglasses.

Spring has sprung, and summer is coming up fast. If your child’s sunglasses are scratched, bent, or dollar-store-cheapies that may not offer full UV protection, come visit us today.

We’ll outfit your child with a pair of high-quality sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection to protect their precious sense of vision now so they can continue to see their best for decades to come.so put on your sunglasses and keep these 8 summer eye health tips in mind!

May is Healthy Vision Month. A lifetime of healthy vision starts in childhood, by protecting your eyes from injury and damage and developing good eye health habits. Keep reading to learn why high-quality sunglasses for children is a must have!

Did you know that by the time your child turns 18, they have received 80% of their lifetime exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation? You likely recognize the importance of protecting your children’s skin from UV light, but most people aren’t aware that kids’ eyes need protection from UV as well.

Overexposure to UV rays can cause severe damage to children’s eyes, and only about 5% of parents report that their child always wears sunglasses when outside. Kids spend hours outside — riding bikes, school recess, playing, participating in sports — enjoying “fun in the sun.” The result is that their annual exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays is three times more than for adults!

Why are UV rays a risk to kid’s eyes?

The lens of the eye acts as a natural defense barrier against harmful UV rays, but the lenses in children’s eyes are not yet fully mature. Therefore, they are at greater risk for UV overexposure because their “filter” is not fully functional. For children, less natural filtering of UV light, as well as having larger pupils, means that harmful UV rays penetrate more deeply into their eyes. Additionally, the skin and eyelids of children are more easily harmed by UV light. The resulting damage of unprotected UV exposure to the delicate tissues in and around the eye can accumulate over a lifetime and cause eye disease in adulthood.

What is UV light?

UV light is the invisible electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. UVA, UVB and UVC are the three types of UV light. The difference in these types of UV rays is how they are absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere and to what degree they are absorbed.

• UVA rays are (unfortunately) not absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere, and therefore pose the greatest danger to eye health.
• UVB rays are only partially absorbed, and overexposure can cause sunburn to the skin and eyes.
• UVC rays, which are completely absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere, cause no risk of injury to the skin or eyes.

What happens to the eyes when exposed to excessive UV light?

There are both short-term and long-term outcomes to a day of excessive UV light exposure:

1.Short-term UV exposure can cause sunburn to the eye, called photokeratitis. Ouch! While this type of short-term sunburn to the eye doesn’t necessarily cause long-term ocular damage, it can cause painful symptoms like excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and gritty eyes.

What do we mean by short-term exposure? One example would be a day at the beach when you or your children forget to wear their sunglasses. The beach presents a unique challenge for UV and the eyes, because UV rays come at you both from above and below (since rays are reflected up from the sand and water). Reflected UV light is responsible for 50% of your UV radiation exposure. That’s why a wide-brimmed hat isn’t enough UV protection for your kids’ eyes at the beach.

Snow skiers: It’s out-of-season right now, but next winter, don’t forget to protect your eyes and those of your child with sunglasses or sun goggles on those beautiful snow-covered slopes: Up to 94% of UVB rays are reflected off of snow and ice as compared to 8% that reflects off of water!

2.Long-term UV Exposure. Cumulative UVA and UVB exposure over the years can cause partial or even total loss of vision. Children (and adults) can develop growths called pterygium, a non-cancerous lesion that forms in the eye tissue from prolonged, excessive UV exposure.

Macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases are often a result of the UVA and UVB rays absorbed by the eye. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the eye, causing retinal damage, while UVB rays damage the cornea and lens.

Wear Sunglasses Even on Overcast Days

Another critical point: Both adults and children need to wear sunglasses on overcast days. Why? Because the sun’s damaging UV rays penetrate our atmosphere and reach the Earth even when there is cloud cover.

For example, have you ever spent an entire day on the beach with an overcast sky only to find yourself quite sunburned by the end of the day? Yep, that’s what we’re talking about. The UV index is just as high on overcast days when high clouds are present as when the sky is clear. So, protect your children’s eyes!

Remind your kids to wear their sunglasses every day. And one great way to get kids to wear their sunnies is by wearing yours. Because – although they won’t likely admit it once the teen years commence – your kids are watching you and soaking up cues from everything you do, subconsciously forming their adult behaviors and habits. So wear your sunglasses every day, whether it’s sunny or cloudy!

If you or your child needs new sunglasses, your timing is perfect because our optical department is getting new styles in every week. Our team is wonderfully skilled in helping you choose a pair that will flatter your face shape and fit your lifestyle. And we can help your kids choose great styles that work with their active lifestyles.

We look forward to helping you look great while protecting your eyes and your kids’ eyes from the sun’s UV rays all year long! Stop by our office to start shopping for a pair of sunglasses for your children today!

When it comes to using eye drops, the “blink” of an eye is the problem – right? It sounds easy enough, but it’s not always as simple as following the recommended steps: Tilt your head back, look up, open your eye wide, and squeeze one tiny drop from the bottle into your eye. And voila — it’s done!

Knowing how to administer eye drops properly is a life skill that takes practice. Eye drops are often used to treat ocular ailments and diseases. You may use them to moisturize your eyes, relieve redness and irritation, or treat eye conditions, including glaucoma, pink eye, allergies, dry eye, or eye infections. Improper use of eye drops may lead to insufficient treatment, so it’s important to learn how to use them effectively.

About 20% of people have difficulty putting drops into their eyes because of fear, tremors, poor vision, poor circulation, or problems with the eye-hand coordination necessary to dispense them. Some people may even need assistance from a friend or family member.

No matter your situation, the following tips will help improve your eye drop skill level. We also offer some reminders for using eye drops correctly.

Before You Eye-Drop: Be Prepared

First, read the instructions on the box or bottle carefully to double-check the correct number of drops. Also, check the expiration date, and do not use expired medication.

Pro tip: Consider refrigerating your eye drops, which will enable you to “feel” the cool drop as it makes contact with your eye — confirmation that your eye drop hit its intended target.

Commercially produced eye drop containers vary in size and shape. They typically deliver a drop larger than your eye can contain, so a small amount may spill over onto your cheek even after a triumphant eye drop moment. Also, some containers may be more challenging to squeeze than others, so be careful to deliver only the recommended number of drops per eye.

If your optometrist prescribed more than one type of drop, wait at least 5 minutes between applications of different drops. Using a second type of eye medication immediately after the first may wash out the first eye drop, and reduce the efficacy of both.

If you wear contact lenses, don’t use over-the-counter drops for dry eyes without consulting your optometrist. You need specific formulations without preservatives that won’t cause problems or damage your contacts. One size does not fit all where eye drops are concerned!

Now that you’re prepared, let’s dive into how to eye-drop properly.

Tip 1: Wash Those Hands

Your hands are a playground for microorganisms, which can transfer bacteria or viruses to your eyes, potentially causing an eye infection. Nobody wants that! So, soap up those hands, rinse them and dry with a clean towel — then use that towel to turn off the faucet. Remove all eye makeup before using eye drops, and if you wear contact lenses, take them out.

Tip 2: Master the Technique

Either sit or lie down flat to help you remain steady as you squeeze a droplet into your eye. You don’t want to risk losing your balance and stumbling backward while standing! That could cause you to injure your eye with the application tip of the bottle.

Lightly shake the bottle and remove the cap. With your index finger, gently pull your lower lid down to form a pocket. With the other hand, hold the bottle upside down about an inch over your eye and aim for the outer corner of the eye. Look up toward the ceiling and squeeze the bottle, being careful not to touch the eye with the tip.

Blinking is a natural response when something is coming towards your eye, so practice makes all the difference. Give yourself time to master the technique. Don’t get discouraged if you initially struggle or miss a drop.

Tip 3: Prevent Blinking and Overflow

Because excessive blinking can cause problems with absorption, leave your eyelid closed for 30 seconds to two minutes after administering the eye drop. Place your finger lightly on your tear duct (at the inner corner of your eye). That will keep the eye drop from draining into your nose and allow for more complete absorption of the drop on the surface of the eye.

Tip 4: Use Drops Only as Prescribed

Your optometrist has prescribed your drops to be used as directed. Don’t stop using prescription drops simply because your eye feels better, and don’t use more than is recommended on the label. More is not better! Stopping use before the recommended length of time may cause your eye problem to return.

Similarly, if you develop a new eye problem, don’t self-medicate with old leftover eye drops in the medicine cabinet. See your eye doctor for a diagnosis.

Remember, some eye drops that treat ocular diseases like glaucoma can save your vision. If you don’t use them correctly, it could adversely affect your ability to see. Other eye drops treat infections or protect your eyes from vision loss. Still others treat conditions such as dry eye and help your eyes feel more lubricated and less irritated.

Mastering the eye drop technique is not always easy, but with practice, you can become a pro!

If you are experiencing an eye disease, infection, or condition, consult your optometrist for an evaluation and follow their instructions for eye drop use. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you’ll be feeling better in “the blink of an eye!”

As an optometric practice, we understand the excitement around the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Many major U.S. cities will be in total darkness when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun that day, including Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis and Cleveland. It’s a relatively rare event – with totality and its view of the wispy corona of the sun occurring only once every 400 years or so in any given location on Earth. So you don’t want to miss it!

In most of the U.S., at least a partial eclipse will be visible on the afternoon of Monday, April 8. To explore what your view of the eclipse will look like, check out Eclipse Central and enter your city name. For example, here’s how the eclipse will appear in Charlotte, NC.

Witnessing this celestial event can be a breathtaking experience, but it’s crucial to prioritize eye safety while doing so.

Here are 8 tips to guide you in viewing the eclipse with your eye safety as the priority:

1. Use Certified Eclipse Viewing Glasses – Not Regular Sunglasses

While your regular sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays on a daily basis, viewing an eclipse requires next-level eye protection. If you want to look directly at the sun as the moon eclipses it, invest in a pair of eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. These glasses are specially designed to filter out harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation, allowing you to look safely at the sun during the eclipse. Avoid using regular sunglasses or homemade filters, as they do not offer adequate protection.

2. Inspect Your Certified Eclipse Glasses for Damage

Before using eclipse glasses that you may have stored after viewing previous eclipses, carefully inspect them for any signs of damage, such as scratches, cracks, or punctures. Even minor imperfections can compromise their effectiveness and pose a risk to your eyesight. If you notice any damage, discard the glasses immediately. It’s not worth risking any damage to your vision!

3. Keep Glasses On at All Times During The Eclipse

When viewing the solar eclipse, keep your eclipse glasses on at all times while looking directly at the sun. Resist the temptation to remove them, even for a brief moment, as this can result in severe eye damage. And, parents: Supervise your kids closely to ensure they keep their glasses on properly. Their young eyes are more susceptible to UV damage than your adult eyes.

4. Practice Proper Viewing Technique

To safely view the eclipse, put on your eclipse glasses before you walk outside, or put them on with your back to the sun while outside. You can look directly at the sun through the glasses, but don’t look at the sun through any unfiltered devices such as cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. These devices can magnify the sun’s rays and cause irreversible eye damage if not equipped with appropriate solar filters.

5. Use Pinhole Projection or Optical Projection

If you don’t have access to certified eclipse glasses, consider using the pinhole projection or optical projection methods as safe alternatives. These can be a fun project to do with your kids. For pinhole projection, poke a small hole in an index card or piece of cardboard and hold it between the sun and a second piece of cardboard or a flat surface. This will project an image of the eclipsed sun onto the surface, allowing you to view it indirectly. Remember to always keep your back to the sun when using a pinhole projector, and never look at the sun directly through the pinhole.

6. Watch Live Streams or Broadcasts

If it’s cloudy in your city, or if you don’t have the proper viewing glasses or methods, don’t lose hope! You can still enjoy the celestial show through eclipse live streams or broadcasts, and you may even get a better view of it that way. Many organizations will offer high-quality broadcasts of the eclipse, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle from the safety of your home.

7. Educate Friends and Family About Eye Safety

Share these tips about the importance of eye safety during the solar eclipse among your friends, family, and community. Encourage them to use certified eclipse glasses or alternative viewing methods to protect their eyesight. The April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible to about 32 million people in 15 states in a 115-mile-wide path in the U.S., plus millions more who will be able to see varying percentages of partial eclipse. Let’s help ensure that everyone enjoys the eclipse safely.

8. Schedule a Post-Eclipse Eye Exam

Now that you’re focused on eye safety, why not take it to the next level and schedule your annual eye exam with us this month? After you take all of the precautions to view the eclipse safely, you want to make sure your eyes stay healthy to enjoy all of life’s exciting future events, too.

Enjoy the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse – we hope it is a memorable and safe experience for you and your family.