January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to discuss the symptoms of this sneaky but devastating disease. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), more than three million people in the United States have glaucoma – and that number is projected to grow to 4.2 million by 2030. The problem with glaucoma is its gradual nature, which means you may not notice a change in your vision until the condition is at an advanced stage. Scroll down to find out more about the symptoms of glaucoma and what you can do to slow the progression of the disease with your doctor’s help.
Nutrition for Eye Health
Did your parents tell you that eating carrots would help you see in the dark? That sounds like an old wives’ tale, but there’s more truth to it than you might think. Eating the right foods can have a positive impact on your eyesight, so it’s worth your while to learn about nutrition for eye health.
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, and even blurred vision (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.
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Eyes of Faith
At Heffington’s, we’ve been providing our neighbors in southwest Missouri with top-quality eye care, affordable eyeglasses and contacts, and excellent service for more than 40 years, but we are not content to rest on our laurels. We’re always looking for top-notch products that will help us match the diverse needs and distinctive styles of our customers, so we are delighted to now offer frames from Eyes of Faith. [Read more…] about Eyes of Faith
Choosing the Right Pair of Reading Glasses
No matter how good your eyesight is, there’s one pair of glasses you’re almost certain to buy in your lifetime: reading glasses. When you find yourself squinting at your daily paper or holding your phone at arm’s length to read a text, it’s time to buy some reading glasses. But choosing the right pair of reading glasses doesn’t have to be a chore! Let’s talk about how to pick the ideal pair for you.
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Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
Did you know that it’s possible for the retina to lift away from the back of the eye? This is known as retinal detachment, and it prevents the retina from working correctly, which can cause blurry vision. If that sounds like a temporary inconvenience, think again. If your retina becomes detached and you don’t visit an eye doctor ASAP, you could permanently lose your sight in that eye. Watch out for the symptoms of retinal detachment, and notify your eye doctor if you spot any concerning changes.
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What Causes Cataracts?
Have you ever tried to look through a frosty window? If so, you may have an idea of how it feels to live with cataracts. People who have cataracts struggle to see through increasingly cloudier eye lenses, making it hard to read, drive, or see far-away details. But what causes cataracts? Find out how you can help prevent and treat this common condition.
Causes of Dry Eyes
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!” If you’ve seen a heart-wrenching movie or attended an especially moving concert, you’re probably heard that phrase. But the truth is, there’s never a dry in the house – because our eyes are constantly full of tears. Of course, we only see our tears when our eyes begin to water, but they’re always there, providing moisture and lubrication. If you have dry eyes, it means your tear system needs a bit of TLC – but what are the causes of dry eyes?
What Does 20/20 Vision Mean?
20/20 vision. 20/10 vision. A lot of numbers get tossed around during vision assessments, but what do they actually mean? Contrary to popular belief, having 20/20 vision doesn’t necessarily mean you can see perfectly. It also isn’t as common as you may think. Check out these myths if you’ve ever wondered, “What does 20/20 vision mean?”
Heffington’s Will Reopen on May 4th
Heffington’s will reopen on May 4th with a soft launch, in accordance with governing health authorities. We invite patients to visit us for routine eye exams, medical visits, contact lenses, adjustments and repairs, and the purchase of new eyewear. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our patients and employees, so we will be adjusting our normal procedures during this time.
We will be open from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All of our staff members will receive OSHA training and certification to ensure they can maintain a safe environment for everyone visiting the clinic. In addition, we will be regularly sanitizing our eyeglass frames, continually cleaning and disinfecting the clinic, and using directional distancing barriers to protect our patients’ health.
We will also be utilizing drive-thru and curbside pickup to minimize contact. Please call or text 417-882-3937 to let us know you have arrived, and we will meet you outside.
What to Expect When Visiting the Clinic
- A sanitary mask and gloves will be required to enter the clinic. Please bring your own and put them on before you enter.
- Only patients will be admitted into the office. We will be limiting capacity and enforcing social distancing of at least six feet.
- We will be performing temperature checks. If your temperature reads above 99.0° Fahrenheit, you will be asked to reschedule.
- Before your appointment, please preregister online so that we can avoid cross-contamination through pens, paper, and clipboards.
We appreciate your patience during this time. Our team is closely monitoring the recommendations of health authorities, and we will adjust our procedures as needed to best protect our community.
