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?
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Smoking and Eyesight
Did you know that smoking is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States? Most people are aware that smoking can have an enormous impact on lung health but might be surprised to learn that smoking harms nearly every organ in the body – including the eyes! So if you needed yet another reason to quit smoking, explore the relationship between smoking and eyesight below. [Read more…] about Smoking and Eyesight
Myopia vs. Hyperopia
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 94 percent of Americans age 12 and older have good vision, but the remaining six percent, or 14 million, are visually impaired. Are you one of those 14 million? When you go to your optometrist’s office for the first time to receive an eye exam, you might hear words like myopia and hyperopia. Keep reading to learn more about myopia vs. hyperopia so you can better understand your eyes.
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.
Causes of Red Eyes
Sometimes the redness of your eyes may surprise you. One minute you’re washing your hands, and the next minute you barely recognize your own face in the mirror. Other times, red eyes come with irritation. With all that itchiness and aggravation, you know that your eyes will be red before you see your reflection. If the redness persists for more than a day or your eyes feel painful, consult your optometrist. The causes of red eyes vary by case, and while it’s likely nothing to worry about, a professional can help you determine why your eyes are so red and irritated and how you can soothe them.
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
How to Choose Eyeglass Frames
Wondering how to choose eyeglass frames? Selecting the perfect pair of frames can be intimidating, especially if this is your first time wearing glasses. With so many frames to choose from, how can you find the most comfortable and flattering style for your face? Although you could try on every pair of eyeglasses in the store, you can save yourself time and stress with a few simple tips. Use the recommendations below to narrow down your choices.
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Pros and Cons of Transition Lenses
Most of the time, glasses are amazingly convenient. Unlike contacts, you don’t have to worry about a lens falling out or scratching your eye. Glasses are easy to put on during a rushed morning, and they can add style to an otherwise simple ensemble. However, we can’t ignore one area in which traditional glasses lenses fall short: bright sunlight.
When the sun is shining in your eyes, you can’t wear sunglasses on top of prescription eyeglasses. You can only reach for a pair of prescription sunglasses or a clip-on sun visor to attach to your frames. It can be hard to keep track of an expensive pair of prescription sunglasses, and not everyone loves the look of a clip-on sun visor, but it’s dangerous to expose your eyes to harmful UV rays for the sake of convenience, cost, or good looks. Enter transition lenses. This type of eyeglass lens darkens when exposed to sunlight. Learn the pros and cons of transition lenses, so you can decide if they’re a worthwhile purchase for you and your eyes.
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.
Parts of Eyeglass Frames
Whether you’re shopping for glasses for the first time or discussing adjustments to your current pair, you may come across some unfamiliar terms, such as temples, bridge, and end piece. If you don’t understand what your optometrist or a sales assistant is referring to with these terms, don’t be afraid to ask for a quick explainer! Or maybe you’d rather learn the parts of eyeglass frames before you go shopping for new glasses? If so, review the diagram and descriptions below.
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