Did you know the average American spends more than 11 hours a day staring at a screen? Between working a desk job, answering text messages, and unwinding with a Netflix binge session, we expose our eyes to a lot of bright lights without even realizing. In addition to making it a goal to reduce your screen time, you can implement other changes to avoid further eye damage and discomfort. We encourage you to learn how to relieve eye strain and prevent it from becoming a problem.
What Is an OCT Scan?
Has your optometrist recommended an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan? If you’re hesitant or uncertain, we completely understand. After all, you might not be familiar with OCT scans – what they are, how they work, and why you could benefit from a scan. As it turns out, this advancement in technology is enhancing the way doctors diagnose and treat serious eye issues like glaucoma and retinal diseases. [Read more…] about What Is an OCT Scan?
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.
What Happens During an Eye Exam
Your eyes contain some of the hardest-working muscles in your body. You might take your eye health for granted, but keeping those muscles in good shape is key to maintaining your quality of life. That’s why regular eye examinations are an important part of your annual health routine. If you’ve never had an eye exam before, the idea can be intimidating – after all, no one wants a doctor poking around in the sensitive area around their eyes. However, eye exams typically make for a quick, completely painless, and very informative visit. If you’ve never had your eyes examined – or it’s been a few years since your last appointment – learn more about what happens during an eye exam so that you can go into your check-up with peace of mind.
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.
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.
