Category: Eye Health and Diseases

Have you noticed tiny shadows cast upon objects? Small spots, lines, or other shapes caused by floaters in your eye aren’t a big deal most of the time. Read more below to find out when you should contact your doctor about spots in your vision!

Floaters or Spots, are they normal?

As you age, the gel-like consistency in your eye begins to dissolve, creating floaters in the watery center of your eye. While you cannot see the particle floating in your eye, a shadow of these particles reflects off the objects. Floaters or spots are normal, and typically, treatment is not necessary.

Flashes of light

When light enters your eye, it sends a message to the retina. The retina then produces an electrical impulse to your brain. The brain then interprets this impulse as an image.

If the retina is tugged or torn, it’s common to see flickers of light. Depending on the retinal tissue’s severity, the flashes or flickers of light can be temporary or continue indefinitely. If you see flashes or flickering light in your vision, call our office immediately!

Shower of floaters

Seeing a few new floaters is not an emergency. However, if you suddenly see a shower of floaters or spots, this may cause concern. The sudden appearance of flashes of light could mean that damage is occurring to your retina. If any of these symptoms suddenly appear, call our office immediately to discuss them with your eye doctor.

Dark shadows in peripheral vision

If your floaters or spots become darkened peripheral vision or larger areas start to darken and stay in your peripheral vision, call our office to schedule an appointment immediately. Loss of sight in your peripheral vision could be the sign of a more severe vision problem.

It is our goal to keep your eyes healthy throughout your life. If you notice trouble seeing or are experiencing pain with your vision, schedule an appointment. While you can’t prevent some eye diseases, there are some general tips to protect your vision and maintain eye health.

• Receive a comprehensive eye exam
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Drink more water
• Wear protective eyewear
• Rest your eyes

From playing with the kids to working on the computer and playing golf with friends, our lives take us many different directions every day. However, is your eyewear ready for your multiple hobbies and the activities in between? Our busy lives show us that having multiple pairs of eyewear handy is a necessity. Here are a few reasons why we recommend having another pair of eyewear at the ready!

1) Accidents Happen

We’ve all been there! Looking for your missing glasses when you need them most or hearing a crunch when sitting on the couch for a relaxing movie night? An additional pair of eyewear can’t guarantee your current eyewear will be safe,  but it will significantly reduce the chances of having to go without. Contact lens wearer? Backup glasses are the perfect solution for a lost contact lens without a replacement. An additional pair of eyewear can hold you over until your new contact lenses come in!

2) Screen Time

Your eyes are exposed to harmful blue light through all digital devices, including your phone, TV, and tablet. This increased exposure to screens and blue light can cause eye strain and fatigue. If you are suffering from fatigue or headaches, computer eyewear is the perfect addition to your eyewear collection. Try wearing a pair of blue light blocking eyewear during extended screen use to alleviate your symptoms.

3) Work & Sports

From safety-approved eyewear for your workday to a pair of colored lenses to improve your game in the evening, we have you covered! No matter what space your lifestyle puts you in, get a pair of eyewear that fits each need. For example, a pair of polarized lenses may be a great addition to your eyewear lineup if you work outdoors at a construction site or love spending your weekends fishing. Polarized lenses remove glare off water or cement so you can see your best throughout your day.  If you are an avid golfer, try a pair of eyewear with colored lenses to increase contrast on the green and see your game soar! 

4) Contact Lens Wearers

Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays every season is key to reducing your risk for other eye-related diseases. However, not all contact lenses protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun. That is why we say a pair of plano sunwear that blocks 100% of UV rays is a must-have for all contact lens users. 

5) Style

Eyewear is more than just a medical necessity. It’s a fashion accessory! A date night with your partner calls for a different pair of eyewear than when working at your computer throughout the day. Try a pair of funky frames to showcase your personality and grab a more neutral pair for professional situations. 

Ready to shop for your second pair of eyewear? We are excited to help! Schedule an appointment today, and we will help you find the best frames and lenses for your lifestyle!

What Is Dry Eye?

A continued lack of lubrication and moisture within the eye causes symptoms categorized as dry eye syndrome. The lack of tears and moisture to keep the surface of the eye lubricated, as well as wash away debris and dust, can cause eye discomfort and affect your vision.

Symptoms 

• Burning 
• Itchy 
• Aching 
• Heavy 
• Fatigued 
• Sore 
• Dryness 
• Red eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision

Causes

Symptoms like dry, itchy eyes occur when there is an issue with a component of your tears. The three components that make up your tears are oil, water, and mucin. Issues with these components like tear instability, tear film evaporation, or insufficient tear production, can be the cause of your symptoms. To help detect the cause of your dry eyes, schedule an exam today! 

There are certain factors that can increase your risk for symptoms. These factors include:

• Screen use: Humans blink less often when working on screens like computers or phones, causing a higher level of tear evaporation.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause your eyes to dry over time and puts you at a higher risk for other eye-related diseases. 
• Aging: The natural aging of your eye can cause your eyes to become dryer and is common in individuals over 50. 
• Health conditions & Medications: Certain diseases and medicines can lead to the development of dry eyes. 

Dry Eye Treatment 

The only way to fully diagnose chronic dry eye syndrome and determine its cause is through a comprehensive eye exam. If you are showing symptoms, schedule an appointment with our office! During your appointment, we will review your symptoms and discuss treatment options for relief!

 

Treatment options may include:

• Adding of tears through lubricating eye drops.
• Increasing the time your tears stay in your eye by blocking your tear ducts. 
• Determining and removing the reason for your symptoms if caused by a medication or environmental reason. 
• Introduction of practices to reduce symptoms and prevent further symptoms like remembering to blink during long screen use. 

In the same way we protect our skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, we need to protect our eyes as well! Even more importantly, we need to protect our child’s eyes. Children’s eyes are still developing at a young age, and with the substantial time they spend outdoors, it is essential to purchase sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays. Kid’s sunglasses are designed to appeal to their style to promote better use! 

UV Rays: What are they?

UV rays or ultraviolet radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation or energy. UV rays are emitted from the sun as well as sources like tanning beds. Our inability to see these rays is what makes them so dangerous. Ultraviolet rays fall outside the range of visible light for the human eye. 

Harmful UV Ray Exposure

Eye Development

The lens inside a child’s eye is still developing and cannot filter high energy rays similar to adults’ eye lenses. This inability to filter and fully protect their eyes causes children to have a higher risk of UV rays damage. Shielding your infant’s or child’s eyes from UV rays as early as possible will help prevent overexposure to UV radiation throughout their lifetime. For younger children and infants, a sun hat provides additional protection to their skin and eyes throughout the day as the sun shifts, and in case they remove their sunglasses.

Environment

Exposure to UV radiation increases at high altitudes, tropical locations, and in reflective environments. Consider the level of risk in your environment and if you should wear protective eyewear. Here are a few environmental aspects and how they could affect your exposure to harmful UV rays.

• Altitude: At higher altitudes, the earth’s atmosphere is thinner and unable to provide the same protection from UV rays.
• Location: As you move closer to the earth’s equator, the level of UV rays increases. If you and your family visit a tropical area near the earth’s equator, always wear 100% UV blocking eyewear when outdoors.
• Highly reflective services: Areas with highly reflective services like pools, lakes, oceans, and snow reflect UV rays. Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays creating a higher risk of UV damage to your eyes.
• Clouds: Keep in mind clouds do not block UV radiation. UV exposure can be high on cloudy days.

Time of Day

• Time of day: UV levels are higher between 10 am to 2 pm when the sun is at its peak.
• Setting: Highly reflective surfaces like sand, snow, and water provide a much higher risk of eye damage due to UV radiation.

Kids Sunglasses

We understand convincing your child to wear sunglasses can be a challenge. Use these pointers when talking with your kids about sunglasses! Don’t forget, you know your children better than anyone else, so some of these tips may not work for them.

• Match the current trends. If your child loves a specific color, pattern, or shape, purchase sunglasses to match their unique style.
• Make sure the eyewear fits properly. If the fit is wrong, your child may feel discomfort while wearing their glasses. Have your optician make sure that your child is comfortable wearing their glasses and make adjustments if they need to.
• TV shows, young celebrities, and brands like Disney create sunglass lines to appeal specifically to children. That’s right; children notice and prefer brand named items just like teens and adults.
• Keep frame in the family. If the child has an adult or sibling, they look up to and admire, purchase your child similar sunglasses to what the adult or sibling owns. This will appeal to the child’s desire to look more like their older sibling or parent!
• Let them do the shopping. Take children shopping specifically to pick out their very own unique pair of sunglasses. The more they like their sunglasses, the more likely they are to wear them, and the better protected their eyes will be from harmful UV radiation from the sun.

The foods and vitamins you consume affect your body’s overall health, including your eyes. With a healthy diet and lifestyle, the likelihood of developing some eye diseases and health disorders dramatically decreases. With a few simple steps, your body will thank you later!

Eating Healthy Foods

One of the best things you can do is choose foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins. An easy trick to remember is dark green or brightly colored fruits and vegetables are the go-to foods. Not only will they impact your overall health, but they will help to reduce the chances of developing eye diseases such as dry eyes and cataracts. 

Another trick is to look for different versions of your favorite snacks. Instead of foods that are high in sugar or made from white flour, look for sugar-free foods and whole-grain alternatives. Healthy fats such as salmon and nuts are high in omega-3, which helps with your eye health.

Hydration

Water is one of the best drinks that you can choose, so drink plenty of it! Stay away from sugary drinks because proper hydration helps to reduce dry eye symptoms.

 

Nutrients

Nutrients are essential to your overall health. If you find yourself not getting the amounts needed daily, look into taking supplements to ensure you receive the proper amount. The following nutrients can help reduce your risk for many eye related issues!

Vitamin A: night blindness and dry eyes

Omega-3: macular degeneration and dry eyes

Vitamin C: cataracts and macular degeneration

Vitamin D: macular degeneration

Zinc: night blindness

Vitamin E: advanced macular degeneration

Aging Eyes

Your eyes will change as you age, so it’s essential to take all factors into consideration on how to keep your eyes healthy. One of the most important things is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. By wearing sunglasses with built-in UV protection, you can help prevent your eyes from developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

Eating lean beef in moderation can also boost your eye health. Beef contains zinc, which helps your body absorb vitamins and may play a role in reducing the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration.

Another habit you should start is leaving the cigarettes behind. Not only is smoking harmful to your overall health, but it increases the chances of developing eye diseases.

Finally, one of the easiest things you can do is schedule an annual eye exam to detect any eye diseases as early as possible. Many eye conditions start without symptoms, so it’s crucial to have a professional take a look. Call us today to learn more!

Cataracts affect about 24 million Americans and are the leading cause of blindness in the world.* Cataracts are a natural part of aging but should be addressed as they start to affect your vision. If you are over the age of 40, we recommend scheduling a yearly comprehensive eye exam to detect cataracts as they develop. Want to learn more about the cause, symptoms, and treatment of cataracts? Read below!

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts are the clumping together of proteins within the lens of your eye, causing cloudiness in your vision. While health issues like diabetes, obesity, smoking, ultraviolet radiation, and family history can influence your development of cataracts, your eyes and body’s natural aging also leads to cataracts. As you age, cataracts may begin to develop and get larger or more severe over time naturally. 

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. If you start to experience any of the following symptoms associated with cataracts, schedule an appointment with our office. 

• Slight blur in vision
• Dim or cloudy vision
• Light sensitivity (sunlight or lamps seem too bright)
• Colors appear faded
• Reduced night vision quality

Types of cataracts

Subcapsular

Subcapsular cataracts, most commonly found in individuals with diabetes, typically occur in the back of the lens. Because of where it develops, you may notice symptoms of degraded night vision or difficulty reading first. 

Nuclear

Nuclear cataracts are the most common and are associated with aging and occur in the central zone of the lens.

Cortical

Cortical cataracts are the opposite of Nuclear cataracts and begin in the outer part of the lens, interfering with light passage through the eye. 

Are cataracts preventable?

Lower your risk of developing cataracts by maintaining your body and eye health.  

• Schedule a yearly comprehensive eye exam! 
• Stop smoking!  Smoking can increase your risk of cataracts. 
• Continuing treatment if you have diabetes or other medical conditions will help minimize your risk.
• Prevent ultraviolet radiation by wearing 100% UV blocking sunglasses.

Treating cataracts

If you are experiencing symptoms listed above or are concerned you may be developing cataracts, call our office to schedule an appointment. During your appointment, we will examine your eyes and provide the best recommendation to manage your cataracts or recommend surgery if needed. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear lens to improve your vision. 

Have more specific questions about cataracts, your risk, or treatment options? Call our office to schedule an appointment and let us know you would like to learn more about cataracts!

*National Eye Institute (https://nei.nih.gov)

It’s no secret we live in a very digital world and use digital devices throughout the day. While we cannot escape exposure to digital devices and blue light, it is important to know how our eyes are affected by our changing technological environment. 

Before we talk more about the digital world and its effect on our eyes, let us share our top tip to keep your eyes comfortable during extended periods of device usage. Follow the 20/20/20 rule! Every 20 mins of device usage, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. This simple exercise will help you keep your eyes lubricated and reduce any eye strain you may be experiencing. 

Digital Devices & Blue Light

Blue light is a high energy spectrum of light emitted by the sun and human-made sources like your computer or a phone’s digital screen. This light can reach deeper into the eye and cause eye strain. 

Since the sun is the biggest emitter of blue light, it has been tied to our circadian rhythm. Higher exposure to blue light tells our body it’s daytime and that we should be awake, while lower amounts in the evening tell our body it’s time to rest. By supplementing the sun’s natural blue light with digital devices, we are tricking our bodies into a different pattern of awake and rest. 

Are digital devices harmful to my eyes?

With all light, if your eye has been overexposed, there are risks to your vision health. In this case, blue light can reach the back of your eye. When overexposed to this type of light without protection, it can increase your risk for specific eye-related diseases. To keep your eyes protected, we recommend ay pair of computer eyewear or blue light blocking lenses.  

Reduce Your Risk

To reduce your risk of digital eye strain and other eye-related diseases, we recommend the following for adults and children who spend time on a screen light-emitting device. 

• Practice the 20/20/20 rule.
• Remember to blink! 
• Use eye rewetting drops.
• Reduce or limit your screen time.
• Adjust your screen brightness to match your surrounding environment. 

Have more questions about how the digital world could be affecting your vision and eye health? Schedule an appointment today and share any questions or concerns you have. We are happy to walk through your symptoms and help you get relief.

Yearly comprehensive eye exams are crucial to detecting changes in your vision and risk of eye-related diseases. We recommend adults have a comprehensive eye exam every year, and children should have an eye exam as early as six months before they start school, and then every 1-2 years. We often get questions about what to expect from your eye exam, so we’ve created an overview of the parts of a typical eye exam.

Eye Exams: What to Expect

Eye exams are quick and painless! 

Who gives an eye exam? An optometrist will perform your eye exam. Optometrists are eye doctors who prescribe glasses, contacts, vision therapy, and medication to treat eye diseases.

Choosing eyewear? Following your exam, one of our staff opticians will help you select a pair of eyewear. An optician will ask you about your lifestyle to determine which eyewear is best for you as well as fit, adjust, and repair your eyeglasses.

What to expect during your appointment?

Your eye exam may take an hour or more based on the tests your eye doctor determines are needed to evaluate your eye health. Your eye exam may consist of the following tests.

Pre-Exam Tests

Before your exam, a technician will often perform a few basic tests, including:

• During a color sensitivity test, we will ask you to look at colored circles or shape and simply read the letter or number you see within it.
• For a peripheral vision test, we will place an object in your peripheral vision and ask that without moving your eyes if you can see the item displayed.
• The glaucoma (or “air puff” test) is commonly the most uncomfortable testing during your exam. For this test, the technician will puff a small bit of air into your eye to measure your eye pressure. There is no direct contact between the technician or machine and your eye and should only result in some watery eyes following.

Your Eye Exam

To prepare for your exam, bring your most recent pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Remember also to bring a list of questions or concerns you may have about your eyesight to discuss with your eye doctor.

Pupillary Reaction

Using a light, the doctor checks your pupils’ responsiveness. Your pupils’ response to light is a natural function of the eye and is critical to your vision. While using the light, the doctor will also look at the surface of your eye for signs of dry eye, corneal scratches and bacterial debris.

Slit Lamp Test

A slit light test is when your doctor shines a vertical bar of light into your eye to magnify its surface and inspect for abnormalities. This test allows the doctor to check your cornea, iris, and lens. During this test, you may be asked to blink or look in a specific director to allow your doctor to view your eye’s surface.

Visual Acuity and Refraction

The most well-known part of the eye exam is the visual acuity test. Your doctor will ask you to read an eye chart filled with numbers and letters with one or both eyes. Your ability to clearly read and identify the numbers and letters helps the doctor further determine your vision prescription needs. To hone in on your exact prescription, your doctor will place a large lens refractor in front of you and ask you a series of questions about which lenses make your vision better or worse.

Pupil Dilation

We recommend getting a dilated eye exam every year! By dilating your eyes, your doctor can more clearly examine your retina and optic nerve. To dilate your eyes, your doctor will place a few eye drops in your eyes to cause your pupils to enlarge. After a dilated exam, your eyes may be sensitive to light for up to an hour after the test. If you need a pair of temporary sunglasses, ask us, and we may be able to provide you one for comfort while driving home.

What to do after the exam?

Shop our selection of eyewear to find the perfect pair for your lifestyle. An optician for our team will be available to walk you through this process. Finally, schedule your follow-up appointment for the next year!

There are many things we need to protect our eyes from all year round, including allergies, dry eye, and harmful UV rays. Each of these could affect your eyes any day of the year.  Take a look at these tips for protecting your eyes so you can stay allergy-free, hydrated, and protected  from harmful UV rays.

Reducing Allergy Symptoms

Whether you have seasonal, perennial, or indoor allergies, the key to protecting yourself is to reduce your exposure to allergens. From summer to winter, here are some tips to reduce your symptoms.

• Wear Sunglasses. Try wearing sunglasses outside to protect yourself from harmful UV rays and keep pollen or allergens from entering your eyes. 
• Keep your hands and face clean. Your hands touch many surfaces throughout the day and can easily pick up allergens from your surroundings. Reduce the possibility of allergens entering your eye by making sure your hands are clean before touching your face and eyes. 
• Opt for glasses. Contact lenses are an excellent option for most people, but if you are heavily affected by outdoor allergens, opting for glasses instead might reduce allergy symptoms. Glasses allow your eyes to maintain lubrication and act as a shield from outdoor allergens.
• Keep your windows shut and use your air conditioning instead!
• Use an air purifier to remove your allergy triggers from your indoor space.
• Keep your eyes lubricated by using artificial tears and rewetting drops.

Protecting Your Eyes From Against Harmful UV

Your exposure to harmful UV rays is affected by many different factors from location, time of day, cloud cover to your environment. However, these factors don’t mean that UV protection is not needed. Check out our facts below about UV rays and different environments.

• Clouds: While clouds do block some light and UV rays, UVA can penetrate clouds and reach your eyes.
• Sun: Easy, sun = UV radiation. Always make sure you are wearing your sunglasses on a sunny day!
• Snow: On sunny days, snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation. Wear a pair of sunwear on snowy days to protect your eyes and reduce blinding glare from reflected light.
• Water: Water can reflect up to 10% of UV light and sand by almost 15%. So next time you head out to go fishing or to the beach, remember your UV protective eyewear!

Reduce Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Does chronic dry eye syndrome or extended computer use have your eyes tired, red, and itchy? Try these tips to reduce your dry eye symptoms and find relief!

• Weather: If you are going out on a cold or windy day, pack your glasses or sunwear! Heavy wind can cause your eyes to dry out. By wearing a pair of eyewear, you are keeping your eyes hydrated. 
• Take a computer break. Our bodies naturally blink less when working on a digital device. Remember to take breaks from your computer screen to give your eyes a break!
• Remember to blink! Try adding a note to your computer screen to remind yourself to blink! Blinking is what keeps your eyes hydrated and can help alleviate dry eye symptoms. 
• Keep your eyes lubricated by using artificial tears and rewetting drops. 

Ready to start protecting your eyes all year round! Grab a pair of eyewear during your next appointment or ask us about relief from your symptoms. We are here to help. 

Love online shopping and want to extend your purchases to online eyewear? Before you do, let us share with you what you may be missing! Eyewear is one of the most important investments you can make, it will help you see the world around you and complete your daily life to the best of your ability. We don’t want you to end up with a pair of eyewear that will break, scratch, or even discolor over time.  Our goal is to find you a pair of eyewear that will last and not need frequent replacement. 

Know the difference.

When you compare online eyewear to our practice, there is always a compromise to be made. One of the most significant features lost when buying online eyeglasses is individual care. When purchasing eyewear in our office, our opticians will recommend eyewear based on your daily routine, provide professional fittings, and ensure your eyewear quality is examined. In addition, once you purchase your eyewear, you have our team to call if something breaks, scratches, or stretches. We are happy to readjust your glasses anytime a mishap happens!

Quality

Many types of metal, plastic, and lens materials are used in the eyewear manufacturing process. Online retailers often use lower quality materials in the eyewear they are selling, leading to more easily damaged or worn eyewear. Unsure about the materials offered in an online store? Ask us! We are happy to share our recommended frame and lens materials or brands for your unique needs. 

Try it On For Fit & Style

When buying glasses from an online retailer, you sacrifice the opportunity to try various eyewear shapes and colors to see how they fit your face. We know a virtual try-on just doesn’t cut it! In addition to style, purchasing eyewear online does not allow a proper fitting of your final eyewear. Our staff is experienced in altering your nose pads, ears, and arms of your frames to ensure they are the perfect fit for you. As a result of an online purchase, you may receive a pair of glasses that are too tight or loose for your face.

Materials

Did you know some materials could cause skin irritation! Lower quality metal frames can discolor your skin or even cause a skin rash due to allergy. With prolonged wear, low quality plastic frames will discolor in sunlight and the smooth finish can diminish. If your frames are made with inexpensive materials, they are not designed to withstand extended use, unlike eyeglasses sold by our office, which are designed to be long-lasting.

Sunwear Protection

Quality and material is the most crucial factor when purchasing sunwear. If you are tempted to buy low-cost sunglasses because of the fear of misplacing or scratching them, stop! While we understand the fear of breaking your new pair of sunglasses, we feel your eye protection is always most important. It is crucial to protect your eyes from UV radiation damage! So, don’t give up 100% UV protection for a lower sticker price.

Are you still looking to purchase eyewear online? We ask that you come into the office to talk with our staff first! Ask our team to write out their specific recommendations so you can compare your new eyewear features equally across suppliers.