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…]
Symptoms of a Cataract
Although it’s true that you might not see as well at age 70 as you did at age 7, you shouldn’t write off vision problems as just a normal part of aging. According to the National Eye Institute, cataracts affect more than half of American adults over 80 years old. Keep scrolling to learn about the symptoms of a cataract, and contact your optometrist today if you have trouble seeing.
What Causes Astigmatism?
If you’ve been diagnosed with astigmatism, you’re not alone. According to the American Optometric Association, most people have some degree of astigmatism. Astigmatism is an irregular curvature of the eye’s cornea or lens that disrupts the refraction of light rays. A healthy eye should have a round shape similar to a basketball, while an eye with astigmatism has a shape more like a football. Slight astigmatism usually doesn’t affect your vision, but in more severe cases you might experience blurred or distorted vision and need corrective lenses or surgery. So what causes astigmatism?
Chances are, it’s nothing you’ve done, so be wary of anyone who tries to convince you that it’s because you sit too close to the TV or read in dim light for too long. We’ve broken down two of the common causes of astigmatism so you can better understand the condition.
Eye Complications from Diabetes
Diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar levels; unfortunately, it can also damage your eyes. There are several different types of eye complications from diabetes. So if you are diabetic, protect the health of your eyes by keeping your insulin levels in check and consulting your doctor if you notice any changes to your vision or eye health. Scroll down to learn how diabetes affects your eyes and how to spot signs of these complications before your vision is permanently affected.
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…]
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 ophthalmologist to receive help.
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.
Eye Emergencies
Your eyes play such a vital role in your everyday life, so experiencing issues with your vision can be nerve-wracking. Whether you’ve accidentally scratched your eye during a DIY bang trim or you’re seeing flashes, seek medical attention immediately. Read up on the most common types of eye emergencies, so you can recognize the symptoms and receive help.
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…]
LASIK Complications
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and other types of laser eye surgery are designed to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, and can allow you to see without glasses or contacts (source) until your eyes change. However, they don’t always work as intended. To make an informed decision about LASIK surgery, you need to educate yourself not only about the benefits of the procedure, but also about the risks for LASIK complications and side effects. [Read more…]
