What’s New

Children with good eyesight (20/20) may still struggle in school or sports due to poor visual skills. Imagine a powerful sports car with a weak engine - it looks great but won't perform well.

The Solution: Vision Therapy

Vision therapy trains the brain and eyes to work together, improving essential skills like tracking, focusing, and coordination. This can significantly impact learning and performance:

• Increased reading speed and comprehension
• Improved concentration and attention span
• Enhanced sports performance

The Process:

Vision therapy involves personalized exercises and tools like prisms, filters, and digital simulations. Treatments are done in-office under the supervision of a vision therapist.

Benefits:

• Improved learning and success
• Increased self-esteem and confidence
• Non-surgical solution (compared to eye turn surgery)

Who Needs Vision Therapy?

Children who experience symptoms like:

• Skipping words while reading
• Headaches with schoolwork
• Difficulty focusing
• Avoiding homework
• Poor hand-eye coordination

20/20 Isn't Enough:

Regular eye exams often only check basic vision (seeing letters on a chart). Vision therapy addresses the essential visual skills needed for daily activities.

See Results:

The time it takes to see results depends on the child's participation and the severity of the problem. Improvements can be noticed within weeks to months.

Further Information:

For a complete list of benefits and a detailed explanation of vision therapy, consult a certified vision therapist.

Protect Your Child's Vision: Early Myopia Control

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children. If left untreated, it can lead to serious eye problems. The good news is that early intervention can make a significant difference.

When to Start:

• The ideal time to start myopia control is when your child is first diagnosed with nearsightedness, typically between the ages of 6 and 12.
• Early intervention can significantly slow down the progression of myopia.

Treatment Options:

Several treatment options are available, including:

• Atropine eye drops (low doses)
• Orthokeratology (nighttime contact lenses)
• Multifocal lenses (glasses or contact lenses)

Talk to Your Eye Doctor

The best course of treatment for your child will depend on their individual situation. Consult with an eye doctor to determine the most appropriate approach.

Remember: Early intervention and consistent treatment can help protect your child's vision and reduce the risk of complications associated with myopia.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child today!

Glare and halos are common eye symptoms that occur around bright lights. Halos appear as bright circles around a light, while glare makes it difficult to see clearly, sometimes causing eye watering. These symptoms can occur at any time, but halos are more noticeable at night. Common causes include cataracts, refractive surgeries like LASIK, aging, eye conditions like nearsightedness, pupil dilation, and artificial lens implants.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve observation, eye drops, cataract treatment, wearing sunglasses, or using corrective lenses. If glare and halos persist, it's important to consult an eye doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.

If you wear contact lenses and have red eyes, your eyes are trying to warn you that there may be a problem. Sometimes eye redness may mean you're wearing your eye contacts too much, not cleaning them properly, or not changing them properly.

Allergies could be the cause as well. Sometimes red, irritated eyes are because of dry eye syndrome or poorly fitted contact lenses.

Eye redness can also be a sign of a more serious issue. A corneal ulcer, for example, needs treatment immediately. It's important to see your doctor so they can determine the cause of your eye redness.

 

Myopia: A Growing Concern

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing1 light to focus in front of the retina.2

Progressive Myopia: A Serious Risk

Progressive myopia refers to nearsightedness that worsens over time. This can lead to severe eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration.

Managing Myopia

While glasses and contact lenses can correct myopia, they don't prevent its progression. If you're concerned about your child's myopia, consult an eye doctor to discuss potential management strategies.

Obesity Linked to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A recent study published in Science has unveiled a new connection between obesity and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers found that even after losing weight, the body's immune system can remain in a state of heightened inflammation, increasing the risk of developing AMD.

Key Findings:

• Obesity as a Trigger: Obesity can trigger a chronic inflammatory state, even after weight loss.
• Immune System Impact: This inflammation can lead to changes in immune cells that damage the eye.
• Early Life Health: Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle early in life can reduce the risk of AMD.

Prevention and Management:

• Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect eye health.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of AMD.
• Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams can help detect AMD early and monitor its progression.

While there's no cure for AMD, early detection and treatment can help slow its progression and preserve vision. By understanding the role of obesity and other lifestyle factors, individuals can take steps to protect their eye health and reduce their risk of developing this debilitating disease.

Low Vision Devices: A Comprehensive Guide

People with low vision can significantly improve their quality of life with the help of specialized devices. These tools are designed to magnify images, enhance contrast, and reduce glare, making everyday tasks easier.

Types of Low Vision Devices

• Optical Devices:

  • Magnifiers: Stand magnifiers and reading glasses enlarge text.
  • Telescopes: Enhance distant vision.
  • Anti-glare Glasses: Reduce glare and improve visual comfort.

• Electronic Devices:

  • Video Magnifiers: Camera-based devices that magnify objects.
  • Smartphones: Voice-activated features and large-screen displays.
  • Specialized Apps: Assist with navigation, text-to-speech, and other tasks.
  • Electronic Glasses: Emerging technology that stimulates the eye's remaining function.
  • Dictation Software: Voice-to-text software for creating documents.

Choosing the Right Device

To select the most suitable device, individuals with low vision should consult with an eye care professional. A comprehensive eye exam will help determine specific needs and recommend appropriate devices.

Ortho-K: A Sleep-Based Vision Correction

Ortho-K, or Orthokeratology, is a non-surgical vision correction method that involves wearing specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses at night. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, improving your daytime vision without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses.

Key Benefits of Ortho-K:

• Non-surgical: No cutting or laser procedures involved.
• Reversible: The cornea returns to its original shape when the lenses are removed.
• Reduced Risk of Side Effects: Lower risk compared to LASIK.
• Effective for Irregular Corneas: Suitable for those ineligible for LASIK.
• Affordable: Less expensive than LASIK surgery.
• Early Vision Correction: Can be used for children to slow myopia progression.
• Complete Vision Correction: Can provide full-time vision correction.

If you're considering a vision correction option without surgery or daily contact lenses, Ortho-K may be a suitable choice. Consult with an eye care professional to determine if it's right for you.

Specialty Contact Lenses: A Solution for Unique Eye Needs

Specialty contact lenses are designed to address specific eye conditions that traditional soft contact lenses can't. Here are the main types:

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

• Made of firm, oxygen-permeable material
• Ideal for conditions like keratoconus and high prescriptions
• Offers better oxygen supply and comfort for dry eye sufferers

Scleral Contact Lenses

• Larger diameter, vaults over the eye
• Suitable for corneal abnormalities, surgical scarring, and severe dry eye
• Creates a tear film reservoir for better eye health

Soft Contact Lenses

• Toric Lenses: Correct astigmatism by conforming to the eye's unique curvature
• Multifocal Lenses: Address both astigmatism and presbyopia (difficulty focusing up close)
• Hybrid Lenses: Combine the best of both worlds with a rigid center and soft skirt, offering comfort and visual clarity

Choosing the Right Lens

The best specialty contact lens for you will depend on your specific eye condition and needs. It's essential to consult with an eye care professional to determine the most suitable option.

The article discusses the myths surrounding scleral lenses and how they can be beneficial for many patients. It debunks the myths that scleral lenses are hard to fit, expensive, a lens of last resort, a niche lens for a small population, and that we don't know their long-term effects on the eye. The article argues that scleral lenses are easy to fit, affordable, can be used for various conditions, are suitable for a wide range of patients, and have been shown to be safe for long-term wear. It encourages practitioners to incorporate scleral lenses into their practices to benefit more patients.

 

The passage debunks three common myths about keratoconus, a condition that thins and bulges the cornea, affecting vision.

Myth 1: Keratoconus leads to blindness - False: While vision can worsen, complete blindness doesn't occur.

Myth 2: Contact lenses stop keratoconus progression - False: Contact lenses improve vision but don't prevent the condition from getting worse. Poorly fitted lenses can even make it worse.

Myth 3: Only young people get keratoconus - False: Though it usually develops before 30, diagnosis can happen later in life as well.

The text concludes by encouraging readers to learn more about managing keratoconus and potentially switch to scleral lenses for improved comfort and vision.

CXL is a procedure used to strengthen the cornea, particularly for those with keratoconus. It involves applying riboflavin to the cornea and then activating it with UV light, which strengthens the collagen fibers.

Benefits of CXL:

• Halts the progression of keratoconus.
• Improves corneal stability.
• May enhance visual acuity.

Procedure:

• Performed under local anesthesia.
• Involves epithelial removal, riboflavin application, and UV light exposure.
• Post-procedure care includes using medications and attending follow-up appointments.

Ideal Candidates:

• Individuals with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia.
• Sufficient corneal thickness and no active eye infections.

This article offers advice on how to encourage children to wear glasses. Key tips include:

• Let your child choose their frames: This can help them feel more comfortable and invested in wearing glasses.
• Start slowly: Gradually increase the amount of time your child wears glasses.
• Be consistent: Set clear expectations and follow through on them.
• Highlight role models: Show your child examples of people who wear glasses successfully.
• Ensure proper fit: Regularly check that the glasses fit comfortably.

By following these tips, you can help your child adapt to wearing glasses and feel confident in their appearance.

1. Reading in Dim Lighting Weakens Eyesight: Reading in dim light doesn’t damage your eyes. As you age, your vision naturally declines, which might make reading in low light harder.
2. Eating Carrots Improves Eyesight: While carrots are good for eye health due to Vitamin A and beta-carotene, they won’t correct vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
3. Vision Loss with Age is Inevitable: While many people need glasses as they age, it’s possible to reduce age-related vision loss by getting regular eye exams, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and protecting your eyes from UV rays.
4. Sitting Too Close to the TV Damages Vision: Sitting close to the TV doesn’t harm your vision. This belief originated from older TVs that emitted radiation, but modern TVs don’t have this issue.
5. Wearing Prescription Lenses Weakens Eyes: Wearing glasses or contacts doesn’t weaken your eyes. Any changes in your prescription are due to natural changes in your eye condition over time.
6. Sunglasses Are Only Needed in Summer: UV rays can harm your eyes year-round, including in winter and on cloudy days. Sunglasses that block UV rays should be worn throughout the year.
7. Nightlights Cause Nearsightedness in Children: Recent research suggests that nightlights don’t cause nearsightedness and might even help with visual development and coordination.
8. No Need for Eye Exams with Good Vision: Regular eye exams are important even if you have 20/20 vision. Many serious eye conditions develop slowly and without obvious symptoms, making early detection crucial.

Understanding these facts can help you maintain good eye health and debunk outdated myths.

 

 

Exercise Benefits Your Eyes

Regular exercise can significantly improve your eye health. Studies have shown that exercise can lower the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. It can also help manage these conditions.

Specific Eye Exercises

In addition to overall physical activity, specific eye exercises can also benefit your vision. These include:

• Shifting: Rotating your eyeballs from side to side.
• Blinking: Rapidly blinking and then resting your eyes.
• Palming: Covering your eyes with your warm palms.
• Zooming: Shifting your focus between near and far objects.

Overall Eye Health

By combining exercise with a healthy diet and regular eye exams, you can significantly improve your overall eye health and well-being.

 

Eye disorders are common, ranging from minor annoyances to more serious conditions. While many can be self-treated, it's crucial to seek professional help for persistent or concerning symptoms.

Common eye disorders include:

• Eyestrain: Caused by overuse, often leading to fatigue and burning.
• Eye redness: Can be due to irritation, lack of sleep, or allergies.
• Night blindness: Difficulty seeing in low light, possibly caused by underlying conditions.
• Strabismus (crossed eyes): Misalignment of the eyes.
• Nystagmus (shaky eyes): Involuntary eye movements.
• Color blindness: Inability to distinguish certain colors.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.

If you experience any unusual symptoms like pain, redness, blurred vision, or changes in vision, it's important to consult an eye care professional promptly. Regular eye exams are also essential for early detection and prevention of eye problems.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is caused by brain cell damage. There is no cure, but early detection can help prepare for its progression. A new eye exam, called optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), can detect changes in the retina that may signal Alzheimer's. While more research is needed, this test could be a significant reason for people concerned about Alzheimer's to request an OCTA exam.

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition caused by diabetes. High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that converts light into images. This damage can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

Anyone with diabetes is at risk, but those with uncontrolled blood sugar, a long history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or pregnancy are at higher risk.

Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection. The exam involves taking pictures of the retina and a vision test. If diabetic retinopathy is found, treatment options may include better blood sugar control, medication, or more invasive procedures to preserve vision.

Early detection and treatment are key to protecting your eyesight.

 

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common eye condition where the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become inflamed and clogged. This reduces the oil in your tears, leading to dry, irritated eyes.

Symptoms

• Dry, itchy, or burning eyes
• Redness and inflammation
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• Feeling like something is in your eye

Causes

• Aging
• Ethnicity (more common in Asians)
• Eye makeup
• Contact lens wear

Diagnosis

An eye doctor can diagnose MGD by examining your eyelids and testing your tears.

Treatment

• Warm compresses and eyelid massages: To unclog glands.
• In-office treatments: LipiFlow, Systane iLux, TearCare, IPL, Blephex, lid debridement.
• Medications: Antibacterial eye drops, cyclosporine eye drops.
• Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids.

It's important to see an eye doctor if you suspect MGD. Early treatment can help prevent complications and improve your eye comfort.

Blepharitis is a common eyelid inflammation caused by clogged oil glands. Symptoms include red, itchy, and crusty eyelids, blurry vision, and a feeling of something in the eye.

Risk factors include poor eyelid hygiene, bacterial infections, allergies, and certain health conditions.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, as there's no cure. This often involves cleaning eyelids with warm water and prescribed eyelid cleanser, along with antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics in severe cases.

Prevention includes maintaining good eyelid hygiene, avoiding eye rubbing, and using gentle face washes.

While blepharitis can be uncomfortable, it usually doesn't cause permanent vision damage.

Neurotrophic keratitis is a condition that affects the cornea, the surface of the eye, due to damage to the nerves around the eye. This damage can cause the cornea to break down and develop ulcers.

Here are some of the key points:

• Causes: Contact lens overuse, chronic use of certain eye drops, dry eye, shingles, diabetes, and previous eye surgery.
• Symptoms: Blurred vision, feeling like something is in your eye, redness, and irritation.
• Diagnosis: Doctors will examine your eye and test your corneal sensitivity.
• Treatment: Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include artificial tears, antibiotics, ointments, and bandage contact lenses.

 

Low vision is a permanent vision impairment that can't be fixed with glasses or surgery. It makes everyday activities like reading, cooking, and watching TV challenging, especially for seniors (over 65) who are more likely to experience it. Common causes include age-related diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts, but younger people can also have low vision due to genetic conditions or injuries. Symptoms include blurry or hazy vision, loss of central or peripheral sight, and trouble seeing at night. Although not curable, there are ways to manage low vision and maintain a fulfilling life.

The article outlines five tips for recovering from cataract surgery: limit strenuous activity, shield yourself from irritants, avoid water exposure, don't drive until your doctor says it's okay, and follow your doctor's orders. It also emphasizes the importance of contacting your doctor if you experience any vision loss, eye pain, or other concerning symptoms.

Women excel at color vision: They can distinguish more subtle color variations than men. This might be due to brain wiring and potentially linked to historical roles where women gathered fruits and vegetables requiring good color differentiation.

Men excel at motion and distant vision: They are better at tracking fast-moving objects and seeing details from afar. This could also be due to brain development and potentially aligns with historical roles of men as hunters who needed to spot prey and avoid predators.

Rubbing our eyes, while often done unconsciously, can introduce harmful germs from our fingers, increasing the risk of infection. Our hands collect various microorganisms, including harmful ones, which can stay trapped under our fingernails and be transferred to our eyes.

Eyes have natural defenses like eyelashes, blinking, and the tear film, but rubbing can cause tiny injuries to the cornea, making it easier for germs to enter. To protect our eyes, it's important to wash hands thoroughly before touching them, minimize contact, and keep fingernails trimmed. If you experience symptoms like itchiness, redness, tenderness, watering, or burning, it could indicate an eye infection, and you should contact an eye care professional.

 

Blinking is a natural process that helps to keep our eyes healthy. It spreads tears across the eyes, which helps to keep them lubricated and clear away dust and dirt particles. When we concentrate on a task, such as reading or watching TV, we blink less often. This can lead to dry eyes and eye strain. If you are experiencing eye discomfort, you can try to blink more often or see a doctor.

Myopia on the Rise: More Screen Time, Less Outdoors Blamed

Nearsightedness (myopia) is becoming increasingly common, especially in children. The World Health Organization predicts half the world's population will be nearsighted by 2050, with some at risk of blindness from complications.

Why the increase? Experts point to a rise in "near work" activities like screen time and less exposure to natural light outdoors. When children focus more on close objects, their eyes grow longer, leading to myopia. Researchers are figuring out the exact biological process behind this.

Genetics also play a role, but the rapid increase suggests environmental factors are at play. Dr. Douglas Fredrick of Casey Eye Institute notes a correlation between formal education systems and myopia, suggesting less outdoor time might be a culprit.

The consequences of myopia are significant. It can affect academic performance and increase the risk of sight-threatening complications later in life. While mild cases aren't a major concern, severe myopia can lead to issues like cataracts and retinal detachment.

The focus now is on prevention. By understanding how the environment affects eye development, researchers hope to slow myopia progression and prevent vision loss in the future.

The article discusses myopia, or nearsightedness, which is a growing problem especially for children. It explains three ways to slow down the progression of myopia: limiting screen time, spending more time outdoors, and consulting an eye doctor for specialized contact lenses. Spending more time outdoors seems to be particularly effective because sunlight exposure and distance vision activities may help regulate eye growth.

The article describes two common vision problems: nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia).

• In a normal eye, light is focused on the retina.
• Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina. People with myopia can see near objects clearly but struggle to see far away.
• Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is not curved enough, causing light to focus behind the retina. People with hyperopia can see far objects clearly but struggle to see near objects.

 

Spending at least two hours outdoors each day is highly recommended for children to help protect their eyesight and prevent nearsightedness (myopia). Dr. Noha Ekdawi, a pediatric ophthalmologist, emphasizes that outdoor time is an effective prevention method for myopia, which is on the rise. In the U.S., myopia rates have increased from 25% in the 1970s to 42% today, with even higher rates in some East Asian countries. Ekdawi has observed a significant increase in myopia among her patients, now affecting about 50% of the children she sees.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball elongates, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This condition tends to worsen over time, potentially leading to severe eye problems like retinal detachments, glaucoma, cataracts, and even blindness. While treatments such as atropine eye drops, MiSight contact lenses, and orthokeratology lenses can slow myopia's progression, prevention through outdoor activity is considered the most effective strategy. Spending time outside may help by exposing children to natural light and reducing the time spent on near-vision activities, which are believed to contribute to the development of myopia.

A recent study involving 187 children aged 5 to 12 found no significant benefit in slowing myopia progression or axial elongation with nightly atropine eye drops compared to a placebo, according to the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group. The study included children from various racial backgrounds, such as white, Black, East Asian, Hispanic or Latino, multiracial, and West/South Asian.

The study's authors concluded that 0.01% atropine eye drops did not show any notable differences in myopia degree or axial length compared to baseline measurements. Dr. David Berntsen of the University of Houston College of Optometry, along with Dr. Jeffrey Walline of The Ohio State University, highlighted these findings in an editorial accompanying the study released in China in February.

Dr. Berntsen further explained that while studies in primarily Asian children have shown more consistent results in slowing myopia progression and eye growth with 0.01% atropine, results in primarily Caucasian samples have been variable. Factors such as improved compliance in Asian children, longer drug activity in children with darker irides, and faster myopia progression among Asian children have been speculated as possible reasons for these differences.

The NIH study reported a high retention rate of 94% at 2.5 years, with over 90% of children demonstrating excellent compliance (76% to 100% of the time).

 

 

Blurry vision can be a natural part of aging, but it can also signal underlying health issues. It can affect one or both eyes, your entire vision or just parts of it, like peripheral vision. Refractive errors like near-sightedness or far-sightedness can cause it too. Symptoms can include double vision, halos around bright objects, squinting, headaches, and more. However, sudden symptoms like severe headaches, trouble speaking, loss of muscle control, or sudden vision loss require immediate medical attention, as they could indicate serious conditions like stroke or retinal detachment, which if left untreated, can lead to long-term complications.

Keratoconus is often associated with other diseases, particularly those that affect the connective tissue. Keratoconus has been associated with atopic diseases, which include asthma, allergies, and eczema, and it is not uncommon for several or all of these diseases to affect one person. Keratoconus is also associated with Alport syndrome, Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and Marfan syndrome.

The exact relationship between keratoconus and these other diseases is not fully understood. It is possible that they share common genetic or environmental risk factors. For example, both keratoconus and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are caused by defects in the connective tissue. It is important to note that not everyone with keratoconus will have another associated disease.

Living with astigmatism often feels like seeing the world through a perpetually blurry lens. While glasses and certain contact lenses offer correction, many wonder if there's a cure. Astigmatism stems from an irregular cornea, but laser eye surgery can provide significant correction. If you're considering this option, your optometrist can guide you through exploring laser eye surgery.

 

 

The human eye is highly effective at blocking out UV rays from the sun, with less than one percent reaching the retina. However, the eye does not block out visible blue light as efficiently, allowing almost all of it to reach the retina. Prolonged exposure to blue light can lead to damage to retinal cells, potentially resulting in vision problems over time.

 

 

Cataracts primarily result from the natural aging process, causing proteins in the eye to clump together and impair vision. Symptoms include blurred vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. Treatments range from prescription glasses to invasive surgery, depending on the severity. Risk factors include genetics, trauma, diabetes, smoking, UV exposure, hypertension, and obesity.

Eye strain is a common discomfort characterized by tired and strained eyes, often caused by various factors such as prolonged digital device use, long-distance driving, exposure to bright light, underlying eye problems, stress, or fatigue. Wearing contact lenses can also contribute to eye strain due to reasons such as poor-fitting contacts, uncorrected refractive errors, overuse, dry eyes, or digital eye strain. Poorly fitting contacts can lead to irritation and discomfort, emphasizing the importance of contact lens exams and fittings. An uncorrected refractive error, such as presbyopia, can also cause eye strain, particularly during close-up tasks. Overusing contact lenses, wearing them past their expiration date, or sleeping with them increases the risk of eye strain and potential infections. Adhering to prescribed wearing schedules, replacing lenses regularly, and avoiding sleeping with contacts can help prevent discomfort and complications.

Consider a basketball player who effortlessly targets the hoop from half-court or a race car driver who skillfully maneuvers amidst competitors, securing victory by mere milliseconds. Their secret weapon? It might not solely rely on brawn or sheer speed; rather, it could lie within their eyes.

Achieving athletic greatness transcends mere physical prowess. Vision emerges as a pivotal yet often overlooked element in an athlete's journey. From enhancing concentration and focus to refining hand-eye coordination and depth perception, an athlete's vision serves as a cornerstone of their performance.

However, when an individual's vision falls short of optimal functioning, it can detrimentally impact their sports performance. Professional interventions such as vision therapy prove instrumental in augmenting visual skills, thereby elevating an athlete's performance by optimizing the synergy between their eyes and brain.

Read more!

Dry eye disease, also known as dry eye, is a condition characterized by insufficient hydration of the eyes due to problems with the tear film. This can lead to various discomforting symptoms, including blurry vision, eye fatigue, burning sensations, watery eyes, light sensitivity, and difficulty driving at night. The tear film consists of three layers (mucus, water, and oil) that work together to keep the eyes clean, protected, and free of debris. Issues with any of these layers can result in dry eyes. Factors contributing to dry eye include age (particularly over 65), medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid problems, pregnancy, medication use (such as antihistamines and antidepressants), and environmental conditions like wind, smoke, dry air, and prolonged computer use without rest. Dry eye typically occurs due to decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. If you're experiencing dry eyes and blurry vision, it's essential to seek assessment from eye care professionals like those at Heartland Eye Consultants, who can provide a tailored treatment plan for relief.

To safeguard your eyesight, prioritize wearing protective eyewear like sunglasses and transition lenses, especially during outdoor activities or sports. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to prevent macular degeneration. Understand your family's eye health history to identify hereditary conditions and take early precautions. Rest your eyes using the 20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from screens and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eyestrain. Lastly, regular eye exams are crucial for early detection of vision problems, allowing for appropriate treatment or corrective measures as needed.

 

 

Supplements for dry eyes include Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for tear quality and found in fatty fish like salmon; Vitamin A, essential for tear production, found in foods like carrots and sweet potatoes; Vitamin D, which aids in reducing inflammation and dry eye disease and is obtained from sunlight and certain foods like salmon; and Vitamin C, an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits and red bell peppers, which can help reduce the risk of dry eye disease. If dietary intake is insufficient, supplements can be considered for these nutrients.

 

 

Keratoconus is a rare eye condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, causing distorted vision. Its exact cause is unknown, but factors like genetics and eye rubbing may contribute. Symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and frequent changes in prescriptions. Diagnosis involves thorough eye exams and tests like corneal mapping. Treatment options include glasses, contact lenses, cross-linking, Intacs, and corneal transplants. Lifestyle tips, such as protecting the eyes and joining support groups, can help manage the condition.

 

Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects a significant portion of the population, with progressive myopia becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among children. Left untreated, it can impact various aspects of life and increase the risk of serious eye conditions in adulthood. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

Interventions to slow myopia progression include:

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Nighttime lenses reshape the eyes, providing clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contacts.

2. Atropine Drops: Effective in slowing myopia progression, particularly for children who may not be suitable for other treatments.

3. Contact Lenses: FDA-approved soft lenses like MiSight offer clear vision and help manage myopia in children aged 8-12.

4. Specialty Eyeglasses: Multifocal glasses can also slow myopia progression in children.

If concerned about a child's myopia, contacting The Eye Center At Jackson for an assessment is recommended, where a team of eye care professionals can guide management options. An online myopia assessment is available to determine if your child could benefit from treatment.

 

While there are many concerns we may think about when considering diabetes, eye health doesn’t always top the list. Unfortunately, diabetes can affect the blood vessels in your eyes, causing damage that can lead to blindness if left unchecked.

A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive eye exam focusing on detecting diabetic-related eye diseases. In fact, your optometrist could even be the first person to detect diabetes during such an exam. These tests are designed to pick up diabetic changes that are often asymptomatic in their early stages but, when uncovered early, can help preserve vision.

Chances are you visited your eye doctor due to a decline in your vision, anticipating a prescription for glasses or contacts. However, you received a diagnosis of keratoconus, a progressive condition with the potential to jeopardize your eyesight. Now, you may be wondering about the nature of keratoconus and the available treatment options.

In simple terms, keratoconus occurs when the cornea, typically round, thins and takes on a cone shape. This alteration in shape disrupts the normal focusing of light rays on the retina, leading to blurry and distorted vision.

The approach to treating keratoconus varies based on the severity of the condition and the speed of its progression. The primary objectives of treatment are to impede the advancement of the disease and enhance your vision.

 

To decelerate the progression of keratoconus, several proactive measures can be taken.

1. Avoid Eye Rubbing: Cease rubbing your eyes, as it has been associated with an accelerated advancement of keratoconus. Frequent or forceful eye rubbing can potentially scratch or damage the cornea, leading to increased thinning. Opt for lubricating eye drops if your eyes are uncomfortable, and consider using antihistamine eye drops for allergy-related itching.

2. Regular Eye Exams with Topography: Undergo a comprehensive eye examination with corneal topography every 6-12 months. Corneal topography provides a detailed map of the corneal surface, enabling your doctor to monitor any changes in curvature. This is crucial for effective keratoconus management.

3. Ensure Proper Contact Lens Fit: Check that your contact lenses fit correctly, as ill-fitting lenses can aggravate symptoms by rubbing against the compromised cornea. Regular evaluations every 6-12 months can ensure that your lenses continue to fit properly.

4. Corneal Cross-Linking: If keratoconus progresses, consider corneal cross-linking, a highly effective procedure for slowing its advancement. In this in-office procedure, the cornea is saturated with riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops and exposed to ultraviolet light. This process physically strengthens the cornea, preventing further alterations in shape.

 

 

Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" due to its gradual onset and lack of noticeable early symptoms. Detectable through eye exams, the disease can lead to various issues as it progresses. Peripheral vision loss, where the outermost area of sight is affected, is one of the initial signs. This can result in blind spots and difficulty seeing objects or people on the sides. Blurred vision may occur early on as glaucoma damages the optic nerve, causing challenges in processing visual information. Halos around lights, particularly at night, can also indicate the condition, caused by increased intraocular pressure scattering light. In cases of angle-closure glaucoma, sudden severe symptoms like eye redness, pain, nausea, vomiting, and headaches may occur. While some symptoms resemble other eye conditions, such as dry eye or cataracts, any changes in vision should prompt a visit to an eye doctor for proper evaluation.

 

 

Regular eye check-ups for children are crucial as 80% of their learning during the first 12 years is through their eyes. Detecting and addressing eye issues early is key to preventing chronic problems later in life. Some common pediatric eye conditions include refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, which can cause blurry vision. Recognizing signs indicating a need for a pediatric eye exam is essential for timely intervention and management.

Read the full article!

  Contact lenses are an effective way to correct your vision, provide freedom and convenience, and are a great alternative to traditional eyeglasses. Despite the ease of wearing contact lenses, according to the National Institute of Health, around 10% of wearers stop wearing them within the first three years because of contact lens discomfort. Dry eye,...

If you're a daily contact lens wearer, you probably have a routine for caring for them. However, it's important to be aware of certain actions that should be avoided to maintain proper eye health. Millions of people globally use contact lenses, and habitual practices may inadvertently lead to mistakes that can impact vision. Ensuring the correct handling of daily contacts is essential for safeguarding your eyesight. Here's a guide on what activities you should steer clear of when it comes to your daily contact lenses.

 

Read more!

 

 

Rubbing itchy eyes poses significant risks for keratoconus, a condition that leads to permanent vision loss. Here are the top 5 reasons why:

1. Excessive Pressure on Cornea: Rubbing eyes applies unnecessary force on the cornea, gradually weakening its internal structure and increasing susceptibility to keratoconus.
2. Damage to Corneal Cellular Structure: Rubbing eyes can cause the loss of vital keratocytes, essential for maintaining corneal health. Once lost, these cells cannot regenerate rapidly, leaving the cornea vulnerable to deformities.
3. Thinning and Weakening: Constant rubbing results in thinning and weakening of the cornea, impacting visual clarity. Collagen fiber structure can be deformed, leading to continued thinning.
4. Increased Eye Pressure: Eye rubbing temporarily raises intraocular pressure, straining the cornea, especially with frequent or forceful rubbing.
5. Allergic Reactions: Excessive rubbing due to allergies releases histamines, causing chronic inflammation and weakening the cornea, contributing to keratoconus.

Maintain good eye hygiene, address allergies promptly, and opt for alternatives like cold compresses or eye drops instead of rubbing. Seeking medical attention is crucial for optimal eye health.

Dry eye disease results from insufficient tear quantity or quality, leading to daily discomfort and potential vision issues. Symptoms encompass dryness, redness, watering, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and eye irritation. Causes range from allergies to medical conditions or prolonged computer use. Identifying the cause is valuable for targeted treatment. If uncertain, managing symptoms becomes crucial. Here are 10 home remedies for dry eye relief. Read more for effective solutions.

 

 

If you wear contacts, there's a good chance you take measures to keep your eyes and lenses as clean as possible. Unfortunately, certain infections are inevitable, no matter how much care you put into your eyes.

A very common issue is a sty. This is a minor infection on either the inside or outside of your eye. Although most styes are harmless, it's important to take steps to treat the problem as soon as possible. These steps could involve your contact lenses.

The first question you may ask is, "Can I wear contacts with a sty?" That's why we've put together this guide with everything you need to know.

Read more!

For contact lens wearers, a simple trip to the drugstore for eye drops can be daunting. The shelves are full of tiny bottles of liquid all claiming to be eye drops! But which ones are the best eye drops to treat your specific eye complaint? And which ones are safe to use with contact lenses?

Eye drops are a self-administered drug that you apply directly to your eyes. Since your eyes are extremely sensitive and vital for daily life, you really want to get this right!

Luckily for you, we’ve put together this foolproof guide. Read on to learn how to use eye drops with contact lenses and so much more!

Read more!

 

 

Another eye drop recall is pulling 28 products from store shelves, including store-brand products sold at retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Walmart, with the recall coming about three weeks after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned people not to buy or use the eye drops. Kilitch Healthcare India is...

Annual eye exams are crucial for individuals with diabetes, as the condition can lead to vision loss. The American Diabetes Association recommends yearly eye checkups, especially for those with diabetes or a significant family history of it. Diabetes, affecting over 30.3 million Americans, can go unnoticed in a quarter of cases, posing a risk to eyesight. The disease damages small blood vessels, affecting blood flow and causing complications like cataracts and retina damage. Early diabetes diagnosis is essential for better visual outcomes, as timely intervention can prevent irreversible damage to the eyes.

 

 

 

Diabetic eye disease, also known as diabetic retinopathy, is a serious condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It is the leading cause of vision loss among individuals with diabetes. The disease occurs when high levels of blood sugar damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

One of the concerning aspects of diabetic eye disease is that it often develops without any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This means that individuals may not be aware of the damage occurring to their eyes until it reaches a more advanced stage. Therefore, regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and intervention.

According to the National Eye Institute, it is estimated that by 2030, approximately 11 million people will be affected by diabetic retinopathy. This statistic highlights the urgency of raising awareness about the disease, as well as the importance of promoting routine eye screenings for individuals with diabetes. Early detection, timely treatment, and proper follow-up care are essential to prevent vision loss and maintain eye health in those with diabetes.

 

FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use certain eye drops from several major brands due to risk of eye infection

[10/30/2023] FDA is updating the list of over-the-counter eye drop products consumers should not purchase or use to include Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 mL sold by Walmart in stores and online. Walmart is removing the product from their store shelves and website.

[10/27/2023] FDA is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. These products are marketed under the following brands:

• CVS Health
• Leader (Cardinal Health)
• Rugby (Cardinal Health)
• Rite Aid
• Target Up & Up
• Velocity Pharma

These products are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses.

FDA recommended the manufacturer of these products recall all lots on October 25, 2023, after agency investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility. FDA also recommends consumers properly discard these products.

CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing the products from their store shelves and websites. Products branded as Leader, Rugby and Velocity may still be available to purchase in stores and online and should not be purchased.

FDA has not received any adverse event reports of eye infection associated with these products at this time. FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse events or quality problems with any medicine to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:

• Complete and submit the report online at Medwatch; or
• Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

 

While a contact lens can’t get lost behind your eye, one can get stuck in your eye. While it's easy to insert and remove contact lenses after sufficient practice, occasionally, you may have one that seems stuck.

The first time this happens, you might be alarmed. But don’t be. Read on to learn how to remove a stuck contact lens in a safe manner, and you’ll be prepared if, and when, you find yourself dealing with a stuck contact.

How to Remove a Stuck Soft Contact Lens - 

Before you attempt to remove your stuck contact lens, stop! Aren’t you forgetting something? Yes, you need to wash your hands. Do so in a thorough fashion and dry your hands on a lint-free towel.

You want to make sure that contaminants don't add to the existing issue. Once you do, then you’re ready to check out where your contact is.

Read more!

Laying out at the pool, building sandcastles on the beach, tossing a flying disc at the park — these are typical “fun in the sun” activities. But with all that fun you’re having, are you blinded to the dangers of sun exposure?

These are the top 5 eye conditions that can result from sun damage — and your options for treatment.

1. Aging

2. Corneal sunburn

3. Cataracts

4. Pinguecula and pterygia

5. Macular degeneration

Nearly all of these sun-related eye conditions can be treated in some way, alleviating the side effects if not reversing the process altogether.

It’s best to protect yourself from the sun and prevent the damage before it can start. The best way you can do that is to wear sunscreen with water-resistant, broad-spectrum coverage and an SPF of 30 or higher, UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat each time you go outside.

 

 

 

 

How heart disease affects eye health

Your heart is the pump of your cardiovascular system, which includes arteries, veins and tiny blood vessels that supply blood, oxygen and nutrients to your body. Conditions that damage blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, harm the entire body, including the eyes.

The kidneys, liver and other organs vital to the maintenance of good health are also affected by risk factors like diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol. Thus, damage in our cardiovascular system can lead to a cascade of ill health ranging from heart disease to eye disease.

A helpful framework for appreciating the way heart disease affects eye health is to understand how certain risk factors damage blood vessels — leading to diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.

Did you know…?

Orthokeratology, ortho-k for short, is the use of overnight contacts to correct nearsightedness.

Nearsightedness develops when the shape of the cornea is too curved. This alters the trajectory of incoming light to the eye and results in an unfocused image. While you are asleep, these specialized gas permeable (GP) contact lenses reshape your cornea so that you wake up with perfect vision the next day.

The best candidates for ortho-k are people with mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness). Even more so if you are ineligible for laser eye surgery. Orthokeratology enables you to maintain improved daytime vision without glasses or contacts. Moreover, the process is reversible, so you can start and stop at anytime.

Overnight contact lenses aim to correct refractive errors, but can also help delay the progression of myopia. This is especially valuable for early onset of nearsightedness.

The risk of developing high myopia is greater when nearsightedness begins in childhood or during puberty. People with high myopia are more susceptible to age-related eye conditions, like glaucoma. Early implementation of orthokeratology can reduce the prevalence of high myopia.

It goes without saying, but ortho-k is not suitable for everyone. If you already suffer from high myopia, this process is unlikely to make a difference in your vision. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is to consult with your eye care professional.

 

 

 

Are you guilty of dipping in the pool or enjoying a hot tub session without taking off your contact lenses first? You'd be surprised to know that this seemingly harmless act can put your eyes at risk. When contact lenses come into contact with water, they can absorb various microorganisms, including bacteria and parasites, present in the water. These microorganisms can lead to severe eye infections, such as keratitis, which causes inflammation of the cornea. Additionally, contact lenses can also trap chemicals and irritants found in the water, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the lenses themselves. It's important to note that even if you are wearing waterproof or water-resistant contact lenses, they are not completely impervious to the risks associated with water exposure. Therefore, it is highly recommended to remove your contact lenses before swimming, using hot tubs, or participating in any water-related activities. By doing so, you can protect your eyes from potential infections and ensure the longevity of your contact lenses.

Eyeglasses vs. Contact Lenses: The Ultimate Battle! Pick a side, because this debate is heating up! Whether you're team eyeglasses or team contact lenses, there's no denying the passion behind each choice. But wait, there's more! Discover the hidden gems and pitfalls of both options.

 

 

Dry eyes can be temporary. This is especially true if it is a result of prolonged exposure to screens, overuse of contact lenses, or being in a cold and dry environment. Taking a long break after a period of looking at your mobile phone or computer screen or going out of an air conditioned room should help relieve symptoms. The same can be said if you stop taking certain medications that’s causing the symptoms to occur in the first place.

However, many people experience chronic dry eyes, which means the condition never goes away completely. The good news is that the symptoms can be managed through long-term treatment. This specific diagnosis may also be in relation to other health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and diabetes.

While no macular degeneration treatment currently approved for use in the United States is likely to completely restore vision lost to the eye disease, some drugs — such as Lucentis — may be able to slow or prevent additional vision loss or even improve remaining vision to some extent.

Also, certain investigational treatments have shown promise for reversing at least some vision loss in people affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

 

 

The FDA is warning consumers to stop using two eye drop products due to potential contamination. The products, "Dr. Berne's MSM Drops 5% Solution" and "LightEyez MSM Eye Drops – Eye Repair," may pose serious health risks, including vision- and life-threatening infections. The FDA has not received any reports of problems caused by these products. This warning comes after previous FDA warnings about eye drop brands linked to drug-resistant bacteria, which have resulted in deaths and infections across multiple states. The FDA found that the contaminated products were not sterile and contained an unapproved active ingredient. Dr. Berne's has issued a voluntary recall, but LightEyez has not responded to the FDA. LightEyez's product was found to be contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria linked to the outbreak. Another brand, Global Pharma Healthcare, had previously recalled its eye drop products due to potential bacterial contamination.

 

The sun can damage your eyes in various ways, and it's important to be aware of the potential risks. One common yet often overlooked condition is sunburned eyes, also known as photokeratitis. This occurs when the corneas are exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It is not limited to specific activities like welding or being in snowy environments; anyone can experience it. The symptoms of photokeratitis include redness, swelling, tearing, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. While this condition is not permanent, it can be extremely uncomfortable and may require medical attention. To protect your eyes from sunburn and other sun-related eye conditions, it is crucial to wear sunglasses with UV protection, a wide-brimmed hat, and to seek shade during peak sun hours. Additionally, using artificial tears can help alleviate any discomfort caused by sunburned eyes.Make it shorterSurprise meExpand conceptMake it punchier

Regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Eyeglasses and contact lenses help correct these vision issues, but even a slight change in vision can impact the comfort and effectiveness of your eyewear.

Can wearing the wrong prescription lenses harm your eyes? Let's find out.

 

Don't let the sun's rays play havoc with your peepers! It's not just your skin that's at risk; your eyes need protection too. That's why your trusty optometrist always advises rocking those stylish shades when the sun's out or avoiding direct sunlight altogether. But wait, there's more! If you're a contact lens aficionado, we've got a game-changer for you. Discover the secret weapon in the fight against harmful UV rays – contact lenses with built-in UV protection! Get the lowdown on these lifesavers and keep your eyes safe from the sun's wrath. Don't let UV rays steal your sparkle – protect your precious peepers in style!

 

 

Dehydration affects the eye and the tissue around it in different ways. It can cause dark circles and the appearance of sunken eyes. Dehydration can also cause dry, red and irritated eyes as well as blurred and double vision. Dehydration can also be a sign of systemic diseases that damage the eye.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a disease or taking a medication that can cause dehydration, it is important to have regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor for any eye complications. If you are dehydrated and it affects your vision see an eye care professional immediately.

Adequate hydration is an essential part of protecting your long-term eye health. There are simple things we can do to stay hydrated and avoid eye complications.

 

Dry eye can lead to vision loss and even blindness if it goes untreated. A person should speak with a doctor if they experience ongoing symptoms of dry eye. Doctors can recommend medications, suggest lifestyle adjustments, and treat any underlying causes.

Treatment can help prevent worsening symptoms and complications, such as vision loss.

 

The demodex mite can cause blepharitis, resulting in inflammation of the eyelids and severe dry eye.

Demodex folliculorum is a type of demodex mite that lives mostly within the hair follicles on the face and the eyes and is usually found on the eyelids and lashes.

Demodex mites come out during the night to eat dead skin cells, lay eggs and expel waste products in your eyelid glands and eyelash follicles.

Demodex mites naturally occur on the skin in small amounts and can actually be beneficial for the skin, as they remove the dead skin cells. In small numbers, they typically do not cause any harm or symptoms.

However, if they reproduce in large numbers, they can cause significant damage to the skin and eyes— dry, red, and itchy skin, and/or eczema, as well as severe inflammation of the eyelids, and damage to the oil glands in the eyelid margins, meibomian glands and eyelashes.

Do you often wake up in the morning with red, scratchy, and uncomfortable eyes? Do you have to force your eyelids open through dried mucus built up while you sleep? If yes, then you might be suffering from dry eyes. This is a common condition where your eyes cannot produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes properly or produce tears of poor quality.

When this happens at night, it can disrupt your sleep, leaving you frustrated and unrested. You may wake up with dry eyes because of an underlying health concern, allergies, or environmental factors.

There are various causes of dry eyes, but the good news is that different treatments are available to help alleviate the symptoms. The first step is understanding why your eyes are dry and why it seems to happen more at night.

CAUSES OF DRY EYES

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition due to a lack of moisture in your eyes. Every time you blink, you’re spreading a layer of tears across your eyes. These tears aren’t just water either, they’re a combination of proteins and nutrients that protect and nourish your eyes. Tears also act as a shield against dust and debris and get released in an attempt to wash away foreign bodies.

Some people experience dry eyes occasionally, which typically fade once the eyes are re-moisturized. Still, others deal with chronic dry eyes that can lead to secondary eye infections.

Various factors can increase your risk of dry eyes, some of which include:

• Age: As we age, our eyes’ ability to produce tears decreases, leading to dry eyes.  However, decreased blink rate with increased screentime has increased dry eye symptoms in younger age groups.
• Medications: Certain medications like antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can reduce the amount of tears in your eyes.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to windy or dry weather, air conditioning, or smoke can dry out the eyes. Eye allergies are also a common trigger for dry eyes.  Increased use and duration of screentime can also decrease blink rate and tear production leading to dry eyes.
• Diet: A lack of a healthy diet, including vitamin A and omega-3, can affect your tear production.
• Medical conditions: Medical conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can affect the tear production of your eyes.
• Sex: Women are more likely to experience dry eyes as well as have more severe symptoms.

Contact lenses can also worsen dry eyes, as the soft lenses might absorb the moisture from your eye’s surface.

 

HOW CAN ORTHO-K IMPROVE YOUR EYESIGHT?

One significant benefit of ortho-k is how it can correct vision overnight and eliminate the need for other forms of vision support during the day, such as other contact lenses or eyeglasses. It works by gently moulding the shape of your cornea while you sleep, so light can focus correctly inside your eye during the day.

One factor that can determine how well ortho-k works for an individual is how often the lenses are worn. Typically, ortho-k lenses require nightly wear for the first several weeks to achieve the desired correction. Once your eyesight is improved, your doctor may recommend a slightly modified schedule with retainer lenses.

Too much screen time is an easy trap for kids and families to fall into—and a dangerous one. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity.

high blood pressure, and other health problems. Plus, screen time can cut into hours better used for sleep, reading, homework, or active play.

Of course, most parents agree that limiting screen time is a good idea. It's making it happen that is hard.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) previously recommended that kids under 2 not be exposed to screens at all and kids between 2 and 5 should be limited to one hour a day or less.3 But the organization has updated its advice to reflect the widespread use of media by kids and families allowing for screen time under certain situations.

Choosing the best computer glasses for you

In an increasingly digital age, we spend more time each day staring at our computers, watching TV and tinkering on our smartphones and tablets. All that screen time can add up to a lot of eye strain. But blue-light-blocking computer glasses can offer relief.

What are computer glasses and how do they block blue light? What is blue light? What kind of blue light glasses are there? Our guide will help you select the best computer glasses for you.

What are computer glasses?

Computer glasses have specially coated lenses designed to relax your eyes while using a computer. The lenses are designed to help prevent digital eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and other symptoms of digital eye strain.

Prescription and non-prescription computer glasses are available.

Not sure if your monitor is far enough from your eyes? If your screen is about an arm’s length away, it’s the perfect distance from your eyes.

SEE RELATED: Do blue light glasses work?

What is blue light?

Electronics like your smartphone, computer and TV give off blue light. That light can disrupt your sleep cycles and make it hard to get restful sleep.

So, if anyone has ever cautioned you to put your phone away an hour or so before bed, they gave you sound advice.

Computer glasses are similar to the night mode on a smartphone. They block blue light to help your body maintain a natural day-night cycle.

Computer glasses also make it more comfortable to look at your screen and easier to focus on the work at hand, no matter the time of day.

What does bilateral myopia mean?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a vision impairment that causes difficulty in focusing on objects and signs that are far away. The condition is common among children and adults and can occur in one or both eyes. When it occurs in both eyes, it is called bilateral myopia.

Although bilateral myopia affects both eyes, the degree of vision prescription for each myopic eye may vary.

What causes bilateral myopia?

Bilateral myopia occurs when each eyeball is longer than normal, or when the cornea and/or lens is too curved. In rare cases, it can be due to the location of the lens and cornea relative to each other. A combination of these factors can also be responsible for bilateral myopia.

Bilateral myopia is typically detected in childhood, and it is more likely to occur if there is a family history of the condition.

SEE RELATED: What’s the difference between nearsightedness and farsightedness?

Symptoms of bilateral myopia

Bilateral myopia affects visual acuity in both eyes. This means symptoms are usually experienced in both eyes at the same time. Some common symptoms of bilateral myopia include:

• Blurred vision
• Squinting the eyes to see far-away objects more clearly
• Headaches
• Eye strain

Vision changes with age, so these symptoms can reoccur over time. This is often an indicator that your vision prescription needs to be updated. In some cases, vision may become weaker in one eye over time while the other eye remains the same.

You might be surprised by the notion of overnight vision correction. How could contact lenses possibly correct your vision while you sleep? Well, for starters, these are no ordinary contact lenses – these are Ortho K lenses. They’re designed to gently reshape the surface of your eye and in doing so, can correct many cases of short-sightedness. Once these lenses get to work at night and you remove them when you wake up in the morning, you won’t need to wear glasses or normal contact lenses during the day. Instead, you’ll experience crystal clear, pristine vision and freedom, of course.

Who is a candidate for OVC?
Nearsighted individuals who are too young for LASIK surgery or for some other reason are not good candidates for vision correction surgery. Because it can be discontinued at any time without permanent change to the eye, people of any age can try the procedure, as long as their eyes are healthy.
People who participate in sports, or who work in dusty, dirty environments that can make contact lens wear difficult.

How to Limit Your Child's Screen Time?

While unlimited time with electronics may keep your child busy, you don't want them to have too much screentime. That said, setting limits on TV and video games for kids isn't always easy in today's screen-filled world. Here are 10 tips parents can use to decide how much screentime is reasonable for their kids.

• Model Healthy Electronic Use
• Educate Yourself on Electronics
• Create “Technology-Free Zones”
• Set Aside Times to Unplug
• Use Parental Controls
• Explain Why You're Limiting Screen Time
• Ask for Your Child’s Passwords
• Encourage Other Activities
• Make Screen Time a Privilege
• Keep Your Child’s Bedroom Screen-Free

 

 

What is pathologic myopia?

Pathologic myopia is characterized by the presence of degenerative damage in the eyes. It is often the result of high myopia but can also occur in eyes that have not progressed to high myopia. Pathologic myopia (formerly myopic degeneration) is less common than high myopia and can lead to blindness.

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common refractive error that makes faraway objects look blurry. Progressive myopia is nearsightedness that gets worse year after year. High myopia is a severe degree of nearsightedness. It can also lead to serious eye complications and blindness.

Pathologic myopia is not a degree of nearsightedness. It is a form of myopia that is diagnosed if specific types of degenerative damage develop at the back of the eye.

Degenerative means that the damage is progressive and reduces the tissues' ability to function. This is why pathologic myopia used to be called myopic degeneration or degenerative myopia.

Myopia is one of the most common vision problems in the world. It usually appears early in life and can progress and worsen over time.

If you’re a parent, you know that your child’s vision is one of the most important things to keep an eye on (pun intended). How can you help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in your child?

Thankfully, there are many options available to you to help slow the progression of myopia. This includes things you and your child can do at home like:

• Spending more time outdoors
• Making sure your child eats well
• Taking breaks from close-up work

Options available with the help of your optometrist include:

• Regular eye exams
• Wearing the right eyewear

There are several steps you can take to help slow myopia progression in your child, both at home and with the help of your trusted optometrist.

What Lens Can Be Used For Myopia Control?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, is a corneal reshaping lens. These durable and rigid contact lenses help control and correct myopia. They gently reshape the cornea overnight, allowing your child to see clearly throughout the day without needing corrective eyewear.

Ortho-k contact lenses flatten the centre of the cornea to change how light bends as it enters the eye, correcting your child’s vision. These lenses are safe and effective—2018 research discovered these contacts can slow myopia progression by 36–56% in children.

MiSight and Abiliti Contact Lenses

MiSight contact lenses and more recently Abiliti contact lenses have a unique design specialized for children with myopia. They’re disposable lenses your child replaces daily, making them easy and safe to use for even younger children. These lenses can help correct and control myopia by creating myopic defocus, a technique to change how the eye focuses light.

The lens centre helps correct your child’s vision, and contains different types of myopia treatment zones to help focus light in front of the retina instead of behind the retina, shifting your child’s focal point of vision and tricking the eye into not growing.

Soft daily myopia control contact lenses can help slow myopia progression by up to 59% in children.

SightGlass

SightGlass is a new way to help control and correct myopia in children. These eyeglasses feature thousands of micro-dots in the lens, helping scatter light and reduce contrast on the retina (D.O.T. technology).  2020 research found these glasses slowed myopia progression in 85% of the children in the study, with myopia progressing less than a dioptre.  This may be the best available lens option for younger age groups (especially <8 years old) and Foresee Eyecare is recognized as an authorized site that specializes in prescribing this lens.

MiyoSmart Glasses

MiyoSmart glasses can help your child see better while slowing myopic progression. These glasses utilize defocus incorporated multiple segments (D.I.M.S.) technology to help images focus in front of the retina instead of behind the retina, known as myopic defocus.

A MiyoSmart lens features a central zone for correcting myopia. Additionally, it has several ring-shaped zones surrounding the lens to slow myopia progression. 2019 research found that the DIMS technology used in MiyoSmart lenses can help slow myopia progression by up to 60% in children over 2 years.

Stellest Lenses

Stellest lenses feature H.A.L.T. technology to help correct and control your child’s myopia. These lenses have tons of tiny lenses (known as lenslets), which help slow down myopia progression. When worn 12 hours a day, Stellest lenses can slow myopia by up to 67%.

 

Myopia control is a group of methods eye doctors can use to slow the progression of childhood myopia. There is no cure for myopia, but there are ways to help control how rapidly it develops or progresses. These include myopia control contact lenses and glasses, atropine eye drops and habit changes.

Why should you be interested in myopia control? Because slowing myopia progression may keep your child from developing high myopia. High myopia can lead to sight-threatening problems later in life, such as:

• Myopic macular degeneration
• Cataracts: both posterior subcapsular cataracts and nuclear cataracts
• Primary open-angle glaucoma
• Retinal detachment

Myopia management includes all the eye-health care a person with myopia might need. It ranges from diagnosing childhood myopia to addressing its complications in adulthood. Myopia control is a vital part of myopia management.

Scleral Lenses: Specialty Lenses for Complex Eyes

Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact lenses that are designed to fit over the entire surface of the sclera, the white part of the eye. They are typically larger than traditional contact lenses and are used to correct a variety of vision problems, especially those that cannot be corrected with standard contact lenses or eyeglasses.

Scleral lenses are often used to treat complex eye conditions such as keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, and severe dry eye syndrome. They can also be used for people who have had corneal transplant surgery or other types of eye surgery that have left their eyes irregularly shaped.

One of the main advantages of scleral lenses is that they provide a more stable and comfortable fit than traditional contact lenses. Because they rest on the sclera rather than the cornea, they can help to reduce irritation and discomfort for people with sensitive eyes. Additionally, the space between the lens and the cornea can be filled with a saline solution, which can help to keep the eye moist and reduce dryness.

However, scleral lenses do require a bit more care and maintenance than traditional contact lenses, and they can be more expensive. They also require a skilled eye care professional to properly fit and adjust them to ensure that they are comfortable and effective for the individual user.

Overall, scleral lenses can be a valuable treatment option for people with complex eye conditions, offering improved vision and comfort compared to other forms of vision correction.

 

Advantages of ortho-k lens wearing: Scientific research has proven ortho-k can slow down the myopic progression in children by about 50% per year when compared to children just wearing single vision lenses.  Ortho-k can usually reduce myopia of -4.00D within the first two weeks. Vision of successful wearers can usually...

Refractive errors are among the most common causes of visual acuity problems in the United States. Half of all American adults don’t have 20/20 vision due to their eyes not refracting light correctly as it enters the eye. Treatments for refractive errors generally include prescription eyewear and refractive surgery. Fortunately, there’s a revolutionary non-surgical procedure that eliminates the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. This safe and effective treatment is known as orthokeratology or ortho-k. Do you want to know which vision problems can ortho-k correct? Read on to learn more about this technique and how it might apply to you.

 

Modern genetic testing is truly incredible. Today, we can screen for genetic diseases and begin treatment much earlier than in the past, allowing many potentially affected individuals the chance to enjoy a higher quality of life.

One of the leading corneal genetic disorders today is keratoconus, a condition that impacts millions of Americans every year. This is a condition in which the cornea bulges outward into a cone shape. According to the Cornea Research Foundation of America, keratoconus affects 54.5 per 100,000 people. A person with keratoconus may experience a number of vision related issues including but not limited to:

• Blurry or Cloudy Vision
• Light Sensitivity
• Double Vision

What Does AvaGen Genetic Testing Screen for Exactly?

AvaGen Genetic Testing looks at over 75 genes and 2,000 variants. It is designed to put the risk of keratoconus and other corneal disorders into perspective based on actual data. One of the best parts about this type of testing is that It’s personalized which means that it focuses on your unique genetics.

 

IS ORTHO-K RIGHT FOR YOU?

The problem with refractive errors often lies in the shape of the eyes’ lenses and/or cornea. If the cornea, lens, or both have the wrong shape, light rays that pass through will not focus properly onto the retina. This will cause distorted vision.

Ortho-k is a technique involving the use of rigid gas-permeable lenses designed to reshape your cornea while you sleep. When you wake up, you will have improved vision that will hold throughout the day. These lenses can help correct hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. In some cases, they can treat age-related vision problems such as presbyopia.

In addition to improving your vision, ortho-k lenses can also stop or slow down the progression of refractive errors, especially in kids. This is why many patients choose them over conventional contact lenses.

 

 

 

Ortho-K lenses (short for orthokeratology) lenses are special gas-permeable lenses designed to reshape the cornea. The patient wears the lenses overnight and when they remove them in the morning, they will be able to enjoy clear vision throughout the day without using glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Ortho-K lenses can correct a variety of eye conditions including astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. Here are seven things you may not have known about corneal reshaping and Ortho-K lenses.

 

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disease that causes the cornea (the front part of the eye) to thin and warp out of shape. Without treatment, the condition can result in vision loss. While the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, many cases are clearly inherited. This means that if you have a family member with keratoconus, you may be more likely to develop the condition yourself.

If you’re considering having children, genetic testing can be a helpful way to find out if you have a genetic variant that could cause keratoconus. If you do have a specific genetic mutation, there’s a 50% chance that you could pass it on to your child.

If you or your child has keratoconus, custom-fit scleral lenses can dramatically improve visual acuity and comfort levels. To learn more or to find out whether you're a candidate, contact us today!

Switching from glasses to scleral contact lenses can take some time and adjustment. Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses and are designed to correct more severe vision problems, such as keratoconus and severe dry eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses are filled with a solution before being placed on the eye, which can take some getting used to.

It's not uncommon for it to take a few weeks to adjust to scleral lenses, as the larger size and filling solution can feel foreign to the eye at first. The eye doctor will provide instructions on how to properly insert, remove, and care for the lenses, as well as how to monitor for any potential complications.

Scleral Lenses Provide More Comfort

Our patients report comfort as the most prominent feature of the scleral lens. Throughout the fitting process, we survey our patients on how the lenses feel, and not surprisingly, the usual response we get is “fine” or “I can’t feel them at all”.

The size of a scleral lens is one of the reasons it is more comfortable than a traditional gas permeable contact lens. A traditional contact lens is much smaller, typically 9 -10 mm in diameter. With each blink, this contact lens moves a bit over the cornea and the lid tends to roll over the edge of the lens as well. Many patients report being unable to wear them for more than a few hours at a time due to discomfort.

The scleral lens, on the other hand, is larger in diameter and spreads its weight over a much greater, less sensitive area so that when you blink, the eyelid doesn’t catch the edge of the lens. Moreover, because the lens vaults over the bulging cornea, it protects the cornea from any abrasion caused by blinking or external irritants. Furthermore, the scleral lens is made up of highly oxygen permeable materials and provides a soothing bath of artificial tears that refresh the ocular surface.

Scleral Lenses Offer Improved Vision

Patients with keratoconus have a clearer vision with scleral lenses than with glasses. With glasses, patients usually see 20/200, whereas with scleral lenses their vision typically improves to 20/30 or even 20/20. Furthermore, because the lenses sit firmly on the eye, they offer more stable vision than traditional lenses. The scleral lens not only offers comfort but also improves vision acuity.

 

If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, you may be aware that traditional soft contact lenses are no longer the best option for you. That’s because the irregular shape of the cornea in people with keratoconus can make it difficult or impossible to achieve an optimal fit with regular soft lenses. The good news is that there are other options – particularly scleral contact lenses. These rigid gas-permeable lenses are larger than traditional lenses and have a unique shape that allows them to fit comfortably over irregular corneas. Here are seven reasons your eye doctor might recommend scleral contact lenses for you.

Nuclear sclerosis refers to cloudiness, hardening, and yellowing of the central region of the lens in the eye called the nucleus.

Nuclear sclerosis is very common in humans. It can also occur in dogs, cats, and horses. It usually develops in older peopleTrusted Source. These changes are part of the aging process of the eye.

If the sclerosis and clouding is severe enough, it’s called a nuclear cataract. For vision affected by the cataract, the usual correction is surgery to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens.

 

Diabetes is a condition in which your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter the cells in your body. If your body has problems with insulin, glucose can accumulate in your bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar.

Untreated high blood sugar can cause a range of health complications, including nerve damage and cardiovascular disease. But these aren’t the only complications of diabetes. It also raises the risk for cataracts.

A cataract is cloudiness of the eye lens, which causes blurry vision. Some people describe having cataracts as like looking through a fogged up window.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, about 32.2 percent of adults age 45 and over living with diabetes have cataracts.

 

Amblyopia—or lazy eye—is often associated with crossed eyes or is a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two eyes. It usually develops before age 6 and does not affect side vision. Eyeglasses or contact lenses cannot fully correct the reduced vision caused by amblyopia if vision was not developed within the critical period.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye. A cataract begins when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. The retina works by converting the light that comes through the lens into signals. It sends the signals to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain.

It develops slowly and eventually interferes with your vision. You might end up with cataracts in both eyes, but they usually don’t form at the same time. Cataracts are common in older people. Over half of people in the United States have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery by the time they’re 80 years old, according to the National Eye InstituteTrusted Source.

Keratoconus is when the cornea thins out and bulges like a cone. Changing the shape of the cornea brings light rays out of focus. As a result, your vision is blurry and distorted, making daily tasks like reading or driving difficult.

What Is Astigmatism?

Normally, the front of your cornea curves to fit the surface of your eye. Astigmatism is when one area is flatter than the other. As light tries to pass through the cornea to the retina, the uneven surface of your cornea misdirects it. This causes blurry vision.

The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurry vision. It can be very distracting and debilitating to deal with. Simple tasks like reading a book or being on the computer are a struggle with astigmatism. You may also notice other symptoms like eyestrain, headaches, and eye irritation.

If you’ve had a checkup with your eye doctor, they likely gave you three options for treating astigmatism: prescription glasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery. What they didn’t tell you was that there are natural ways you can treat your astigmatism that won’t cost a penny. Eye exercises and taking vision-boosting vitamins can improve your vision.

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve. It is characterized by loss of nerve tissue that results in vision loss. People with glaucoma can lose nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss.

Causes & risk factors

There are many theories about the causes of glaucoma, but the exact cause is unknown. Although the disease is usually associated with an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye, other theories include a lack of adequate blood supply to the nerve.

The following are the different types of glaucoma and their potential causes.

Symptoms

The signs or symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on the type. Primary open-angle glaucoma often develops slowly and painlessly, with no early warning signs. It can gradually destroy one's vision without even knowing it. The first indication that a person has glaucoma may occur after some vision has been lost. Acute angle-closure glaucoma results from a sudden blockage of drainage channels in the eye, causing a rapid buildup of pressure. In this form of the disease, a patient would have blurred vision, the appearance of halos or colored rings around lights, and pain and redness in the eye.

Diagnosis

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Because glaucoma is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time, a change in the appearance of the optic nerve, a loss of nerve tissue, and a corresponding loss of vision confirm the diagnosis. Some optic nerves may resemble nerves with glaucoma, but the patients may have no other risk factors or signs of glaucoma. These patients should have routine comprehensive exams to monitor any changes.

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision issue distant objects become blurry. It is a phenomenon that occurs when the shape of the eye results in light rays refracting incorrectly, thereby focusing images in front of the retina rather than on the retina. It is a common eye condition that can affect both adults and children, with it affecting more than over 40% of American adults according to the American Optometric Association.

Myopia, often referred to as nearsightedness, is an eye disease in which the eye elongates more than it should, causing light to be focused in front of the retina instead of on the retina’s surface. Essentially, your child’s eye is growing too long. Because the eye elongates and grows with...

5 NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR MYOPIA

There is no catch-all home remedy to treat myopia. Corrective lenses or surgery are the most effective treatments for myopia, but some natural treatment options can help slow the progression of myopia.

1.  Increase the Time You Spend Outside

Spending more time outdoors during adolescence and your early adult years may decrease the lifetime risk of nearsightedness. This may be due to the sun’s ultraviolet rays changing the molecular structure of the sclera and cornea and help maintain a normal shape.

2. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and help slow the progression of myopia if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

3. Eat Healthily

Try to eat plenty of leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. Your eyes benefit if you also include fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna and salmon, in your diet.

4. Reduce Eyestrain

Taking breaks from looking at screens and letting your eyes get proper rest can help slow the progression of myopia.

5. Don’t Smoke

Smoking has many detrimental effects, and it can negatively affect your eyesight and those around you. Avoid smoking to slow the progression of myopia.

DEALING WITH DRY EYE Dry eye disease occurs when you lack tear quantity or quality. Dealing with the discomfort of dry eyes can be a daily battle, and the condition can affect your vision. The condition includes various symptoms, such as: Dry eyes Redness Watery eyes Blurred vision Light sensitivity Irritated or scratchy...

A scleral contact lens is a specialty hard contact lens. They are Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses that are larger in diameter. Their large diameter allows them to vault over the cornea of the eye providing a more comfortable fit for some patients. Patients with some eye disorders can find them...

Can Your Distance Vision be Saved? Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is on the rise and it is the most common eye refractive error in both children and adults. Myopia is regarded as a global epidemic. In fact, a recent study by the American Optometric Association concluded that more than 40% of Americans are...

Ortho-K lenses (short for orthokeratology) lenses are special gas-permeable lenses designed to reshape the cornea. The patient wears the lenses overnight and when they remove them in the morning, they will be able to enjoy clear vision throughout the day without using glasses or daytime contact lenses. Ortho-K lenses can correct a variety...

A decade into her optometry career, Marina Su began noticing something unusual about the kids in her New York City practice. More of them were requiring glasses, and at younger and younger ages. Many of these kids had parents who had perfect vision and who were baffled by the decline...

Optos has incorporated new hardware and software technology enabling practitioners to see more, discover more and effectively treat more ocular pathology thus promoting patient health.

Have you or a loved one have experienced complications following LASIK or any other type of refractive surgery? Scleral lenses may be just the solution you need! Read on to learn how scleral contact lenses can help restore clear and healthy vision.

Childhood myopia — nearsightedness — is reaching epidemic proportions. Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to reduce their child’s risk of developing myopia.

Every child should have a comprehensive eye exam before the start of the new school year. Just as you wouldn’t consider sending them to school without a backpack or a lunch box, make sure their eyes and vision are ready for the challenges ahead.

Custom contact lenses are specially designed to fit irregularly-shaped corneas. If you find wearing regular contact lenses uncomfortable, ask your optometrist if custom contact lenses are right for you.

High myopia isn’t just difficulty seeing faraway objects. It can actually increase the risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life. Read on to find out how you can slow or halt your child’s myopia progression.

Did you know that Nerf® guns, a supposedly safe children’s toy, have been shown to cause eye injury in certain cases? What makes them so dangerous?

Hyperopia affects near vision in children and young adults. Want to know more about hyperopia? Here we explain ways to recognize the condition and help your child if they have it.

Whether you call it eye goop, crusties or gunk, there are times when a bit of mucus around your eyes is normal — and times when it’s not. Learn how a dry eye optometrist can help.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, resulting in blurry and distorted vision. Here are the most commonly asked questions about keratoconus.

Cataract surgery not only improves vision. Research suggests that cataract surgery may also prevent cognitive decline.

Myopia management, an optometrist-developed program, can slow and even halt the progression of a child’s myopia. Read on to learn more.

Here’s how you can celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27.

Studies have found a correlation between asthma and dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, a dry eye optometrist can help by treating your uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.

Scleral contact lenses provide the perfect fit and maximum comfort for people with keratoconus, other corneal irregularities or severe dry eye syndrome. Discover how scleral lenses can provide comfort and improved vision.

Working at home has many benefits, but it can also trigger computer-related eye strain. Here are some proven ways to reduce digital eye strain, whether at home or in the office.

Myopia — nearsightedness — affects your ability to see faraway objects. Unless myopia is managed during childhood, it raises the risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases later in life. Find out more about myopia management.

At some point in our lives, we've all had our eyes examined using an eye chart – whether during a school screening or at the optometrist's office. But what exactly is the chart and what does it measure? Read on to find out!

Depression is an illness that can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including the eyes. Researchers are currently investigating whether depression can cause dry eye symptoms.

Bloodshot eyes can be harmless, but may also be a sign of an underlying eye condition.

Can you pass myopia, or nearsightedness, onto your kids? According to research, there is definitely a genetic component. Fortunately, myopia management can slow myopia progression.

Macular degeneration is a major cause of vision loss. Here are 6 ways to help lower your risk of developing this sight-threatening condition.

In people with certain eye conditions, regular contact lenses may be uncomfortable—even impossible— to wear. Here's why scleral lenses may be a better option.

Scleral contact lenses are tailor-made for people with keratoconus, irregularly shaped corneas and severe dry eyes, as well as patients recovering from certain eye surgeries. But did you know that they’re also ideal for people who live active lifestyles?

If your child spends too much time in front of screens, it’s important to set limits and establish routines to protect both their general health and their eye health and help prevent the development or progression of myopia.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, your optometrist will monitor its progression and manage your symptoms. Once you need surgery, your optometrist can direct you to an eye surgeon.

Did you know that spending time in a climate-controlled airplane cabin can dry out your eyes? Find out what you can do to keep your eyes hydrated the next time you fly.

Now Offering Vuity Consultations to see if you’re a candidate!

This March, in honor of National Save Your Vision Month, we’ve compiled a list of 5 essential ways to help you keep your eyes healthy and strong.

There are many reasons why your eyes may feel itchy and sore. However, new research suggests that these symptoms can also be linked to COVID-19.

With scleral lenses, you’ll experience consistently clear vision—even if you have an irregular cornea and dry eye syndrome. Here are some of the benefits of wearing scleral lenses.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to give your eyes some love. Here are 10 ways you can give your eyes the attention they deserve, to protect them both now and in the future.

Research suggests that children who are obese may have a higher risk of developing high myopia. Read up to learn why and discover what you can do about it.

An eyelid twitch can develop for a number of reasons, and most of the time it’s not a cause for concern. Find out what may be causing your eye to twitch and what can relieve it.

Isotretinoin, popularly known as Accutane, is a very effective acne medication that may cause eye dryness. In this article, we explain why it causes dry eye symptoms and what you can do to prevent or treat such an occurrence.

Keratoconus is an eye disease that changes the shape and function of the cornea. Here are 6 facts about keratoconus that you should know.

For many children, COVID-19 restrictions have meant more time indoors, and more time spent on digital screens. According to research studies, this has led to a worrying increase in myopia progression. Fortunately, there are ways to slow and sometimes stop myopia from worsening.