Do you ever hold menus at arm’s length to read the text? Do you often get headaches while reading because you’re constantly squinting? As the years pass, do you notice yourself struggling with simple tasks like reading prices at the grocery store, checking the time on your watch, or signing a receipt? You may be dealing with presbyopia, a common and natural type of farsightedness that usually begins in middle age (early to mid-40s). This condition occurs because the eye’s lens becomes more rigid as we age, making it less flexible and less able to change shape to see close-up objects. Fortunately, a very simple and inexpensive tool is available that improves near vision: reading glasses. What are reading glasses, and how might they improve your life?
Types of Soft Contact Lenses
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 million Americans wear contact lenses, and nearly 80 percent of people who wear contacts opt for soft contact lenses. There are several types of soft contact lenses available, and exploring the possibilities can help you to decide which of these are the best fit for you. [Read more…] about Types of Soft Contact Lenses
Vision and Headaches
Everybody gets a headache every now and then, and usually they’re nothing to worry about. If you’re having headaches more than once a week, however, it might be time to see your optometrist. The connection between vision and headaches is real, and it can often reveal the solution to a chronic problem.
Vision Regression After Lasik
For people with less-than-perfect vision who dream of ditching their glasses or contacts, Lasik can seem like a perfect solution. Regrettably, perfection is rare in this world. Anyone considering a serious medical procedure like Lasik should weigh the pros and cons carefully beforehand. Should you be concerned about vision regression after Lasik? [Read more…] about Vision Regression After Lasik
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Have you ever thought about how often you blink and why? Scientists have found that the average person blinks 15–20 times per minute. This means we spend about 10 percent of our waking time with our eyes closed (source). In healthy eyes, blinking replenishes the tear film, which is made of water, fatty oils, protein, electrolytes, and other substances that fight off bacteria (source). However, if you are experiencing dry eye syndrome, your eyes might feel constantly dry and gritty, no matter how many times you blink. Keep scrolling to learn more about the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, and contact your Optometrist to receive help.
What Causes Blepharitis?
Do you ever wake up with red, itchy eyes? If it just happens once or twice a year, you’re probably fine. But if you’ve noticed it happening frequently, you might have blepharitis. But what causes blepharitis, and what can you do about it?
Benefits of Polarized Lenses
Most people know that too much sun exposure is bad for the skin, but did you know that your eyes are also vulnerable to sun damage? In fact, extended exposure to the UV radiation generated by the sun has been linked to many eye issues that can negatively impact a person’s vision, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygia, pingueculae, and photokeratitis. A quality pair of sunglasses can provide invaluable protection, and the many benefits of polarized lenses make them an especially good choice. [Read more…] about Benefits of Polarized Lenses
Are Carrots Good for Your Eyes?
They’re a notorious favorite of rabbits. They’re delicious in a stew. They’re iconic at Eastertime. And whether you love them, hate them, or simply eat them because they’re choke-full of vitamins and minerals, carrots are one of the most popular vegetables in America, coming in right after potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. When you were a kid, your parents might have told you that carrots help you see better, but were they just trying to convince you to eat more veggies? Are carrots good for your eyes?
[Read more…] about Are Carrots Good for Your Eyes?
What Are Toric Contact Lenses?
If you wear contacts and have astigmatism (i.e., an imperfection in the curvature of your eye’s cornea or lens), your eye doctor will likely bring up toric contact lenses. In fact, you may already have a prescription for toric lenses! But what are toric contact lenses exactly? How do they differ from other contact lenses? Why are they a common choice if you have astigmatism? Let’s explore . . .
How to Take Care of Contact Lenses
Despite their outward simplicity, contact lenses accomplish a complex job. These thin optical devices, which allow people to see clearly, date all the way back to 1887 – but it isn’t clear who we can thank for the invention. Some sources say that German glassblower F.A. Muller created the glass contact lens in 1887, while other reports say Swiss physician Adolf E. Fick and Paris optician Edouard Kalt teamed up to create the first glass contact lens in 1888 (source). Modern contact lenses are generally comfortable and easy to use, but they require more upkeep than glasses. Learn how to take care of contact lenses to keep your eyes healthy.
