Did you know that when a person has 20/20 vision, that means they have normal visual acuity measured at a distance of 20 feet? They can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at a distance of 20 feet. Most people are relatively familiar with this method of representing visual clarity or sharpness but don’t fully understand how to read a glasses prescription. If you’ve always wondered what those numbers and abbreviations on your prescription represent, scroll down for a quick guide.
[Read more…] about How to Read a Glasses Prescription
Can You Put Contacts in Water?
If you’re a wearer of contact lenses, chances are you’ve been in at least one situation where you needed to store or clean your contacts but you didn’t have access to contact lens solution, and you considered water as an alternative. You’ve probably also been tempted to open your eyes underwater while swimming or bathing. Water seems harmless, after all. You drink water, clean yourself in water, and a large portion of your body is composed of water! But can you put contacts in water?
[Read more…] about Can You Put Contacts in Water?
How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
An eye exam should be a critical component of your health care routine. Not only can optometrists check to see if your vision is blurry and provide a prescription for contacts or glasses, but also they can assess the condition of your eyes by conducting a variety of tests. The whole process is quick, easy, comfortable, and informative. So how often should you get your eyes checked? The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors, including your age, your vision, and your eye health.
[Read more…] about How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
Interesting Facts About Eye Color
Brown, blue, green, gray, hazel . . . What color are your eyes? Your eye color doesn’t just affect your appearance; it also says something about the concentration of melanin in your irises, your ancestry, and perhaps even your health. Some eye colors are incredibly popular, while others are extremely rare. And did you know that it’s possible for a person to have two different colored irises? Without further ado, let’s explore some interesting facts about eye color . . .
[Read more…] about Interesting Facts About Eye Color
Does Reading in the Dark Hurt Your Eyes?
Did your parents ever scold you for reading in the dark? “You’ll hurt your eyes,” they might have said, or, “Be careful or you’ll ruin your vision.” Although this is a common claim, few people know if there’s any truth behind it. Whether you begrudgingly tucked away your book as a child, turned on a light, or continued reading in the dark regardless, you likely wondered if your parents were right. Does reading in the dark hurt your eyes? Or is this an old wives’ tale?
[Read more…] about Does Reading in the Dark Hurt Your Eyes?
Daily vs. Monthly Contacts
When you decide to begin using contacts, your optometrist may ask if you would like daily or monthly contacts. Your answer will depend on your eye health and personal preferences, as there are several differences between the two types. Today we’re reviewing the pros and cons of daily vs. monthly contacts so that you can decide which option best fits your needs.
What to Do When Your Eyes Hurt
We tend to take our vision for granted, but one bout of serious eye pain is enough to realize how important your eye health really is. Eye pain can be caused by anything from conjunctivitis to a corneal abrasion, and no matter the cause, it’s always annoying. Dealing with frustrating eye pain? Find out what to do when your eyes hurt so you can get back to living your life.
Swimming with Contacts: Bad Idea?
Remember those childhood summers spent at the pool? Entire days could pass while you were diving in search of submerged pool toys – often with the help of those goofy full-face goggles. Once you got a little older, you may have spent time training yourself to swim with your eyes open. Splashing around and gazing underwater with open eyes can be fun when you’re a kid – but what about when you’re an adult wearing contact lenses? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially recommends that contact lenses should not be exposed to any kind of water. However, that can be hard to do when you’re on the go in the summertime. So is swimming with contacts really a bad idea?
Visual Symptoms of Eye Problems
Visual symptoms of eye problems may sneak up on you. If the issue forms gradually, it can be hard to notice that there is anything wrong with your vision at all. From blurry and foggy vision to seeing faded colors, you might continue for several months with an eye issue before realizing you even have a problem.
On the other end of the spectrum, certain visual eye changes can occur seemingly overnight. One evening you could close your eyes and sleep soundly, and the next morning you might wake up with red, swollen, or jaundiced eyes. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the appearance of common eye issues so that you know when to contact your eye doctor for help.
How to Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light
How much screen time do you clock each day? According to a 2018 Neilsen survey, Americans spend 11 hours a day interacting with media, and most of those hours are spent looking at a screen. Many people start their days and end their days by looking at their phones, and their eyes are suffering. Exposing your eyes to too much blue light can lead to dry eyes, eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and even neck and shoulder pain (source). However, avoiding these problems doesn’t have to mean quitting your desk job or switching from a smartphone to a flip phone. We’ve come up with some helpful tips on how to protect your eyes from blue light.
[Read more…] about How to Protect Your Eyes From Blue Light
