5 Ways to Prepare for an Eye Exam

5 Ways to Prepare for an Eye Exam

It’s always best to arrive at an appointment, whatever it may be, mentally and physically prepared. An eye exam is no exception. While the exam itself may only take 15 to 30 minutes, there’s a lot of information that needs to be exchanged in that timeframe. Making sure you can convey everything you need to in order to get the best care possible is priority number one. Here are five ways you can make the most out of your eye exam. Bring Past Prescriptions Whether you’ve seen this doctor before or not, bring in your most recent pair of glasses into your next eye exam. This way, your optometrist will have some information regarding your lens type and possible eye history to work with. The same thing is true if you wear contact lenses. Make sure to wear them into your appointment, while also bringing along the packaging and any other relevant information. This will save you, and your optometrist, time, frustration and a few headaches. Note Any Issues A week or two leading up to your eye exam, consider some eye problems you may be experiencing. Do you have constant headaches, dry eyes, a tugging sensation in the back of your eye? If you encounter anything that causes you pain, write it down so you can inform your optometrist. This way, they can focus on the possible causes of your discomfort right away. Gather Information Be sure to talk to your parents or close relatives about any possible family history regarding eye diseases. This can include glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment or anything else that has seriously affected...
Vision Care & Pink Eye

Vision Care & Pink Eye

Pink eye, also referred to as conjunctivitis, is an infection or allergic reaction that occurs when the conjunctiva becomes irritated. If you have pink eye, your eye(s) will get red and swollen, and you may notice a sticky discharge. You can have pink eye in one or both eyes and some types are extremely contagious. What Causes Pink Eye? There are three primary types of pink eye: 1. Viral conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by a virus, like a cold, and is very contagious. It will usually clear up in a few days without medical intervention.  Bacterial conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by bacteria. When left untreated, this type of pink eye can result in serious damage to the affected eye.  Allergic conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by eye irritants, such as dust. Pink Eye Symptoms Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms Watery and itchy eyes Sensitivity to light Bacterial Conjunctivitis Symptoms Sticky yellowish discharge from the eyes that sometimes causes the eyelids to stick together One or both eyes can be affected Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms Watery and itchy eyes Stuffiness or runny nose Pink Eye Treatments The treatment of pink eye will depend on the type of conjunctivitis you have. Viral Conjunctivitis Treatment You can expect viral conjunctivitis to clear up on its own after a few days, without medical treatment. You can apply a cool wet cloth to your eyes to relieve any discomfort you may feel. Bacterial Conjunctivitis If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, your optometrist will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Allergic Conjunctivitis You can use over the counter...
How to take care of your eyes in this summer?

How to take care of your eyes in this summer?

There is sunscreen for your skin, but what about protection for your eyes? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can protect your eyes this summer. Here are some simple ways you can keep your eyes safe when the sun is out: Wear Sunglasses with Complete UV Protection The most obvious way you can protect your eyes from the sun is by wearing sunglasses. You know that you should protect your skin from UV rays, and your eyes are no different. Keep in mind that rays from the sun can also reflect off of surfaces such as sand or water. Use Goggles in Water If you have not been swimming for a few months, your first dip in a pool can feel dreadful on your eyes. The chlorine in it, which is designed to protect you from exposure to germs, also has the potential to hurt your eyes. The simplest solution is to wear goggles every time you go swimming in a pool or any other body of water. Where chlorine is not present, there is a chance for contaminants to hurt your eyes. Wash Hands and Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes Studies show that the best way to protect yourself from the spread of contagious diseases is simply by washing your hands daily. It is crucial for avoiding the contraction of eye-related conditions like conjunctivitis. Most people develop conjunctivitis after touching something that someone else has been in contact with after they have rubbed their eyes. Wear Hats Even if you wear sunglasses when you go outside, you are not entirely protected from UV rays. Sunglasses usually have gaps...
Blue Filter Coatings to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

Blue Filter Coatings to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

In today’s world, it’s impossible to go a full day without the use of some form of technology whether it’s your laptop, cell phone or iPad. All of these items emit blue light that causes eye strain and can lead to more serious problems if proper care is not applied. Blue light can damage your retina and is toxic. This means it can pass through your cornea and cause long term issues for your eyes.  For these reasons, it is incredibly important to use a blue filter coating so that you can go on with your daily life which usually involves the constant use of tech gadgets without having to worry about damaging your eyes. It’s impossible to avoid the use of a laptop, smartphone or computer so proper protection is necessary. If you’re wondering what the best form of protection is, blue light filter glasses are a great solution.  How Blue Filter Coatings Reduce Eye Strain Blue filter coatings help block the blue light so that it doesn’t strain your eyes and shields them from all of the negative risks.  This coating is anti-reflective which helps reduce strain-related discomfort including blurry vision, eye fatigue and even headaches that many of us suffer from as a result of looking at a computer screen all day long.  The reality is that our everyday lives rely on the use of technology which means blue light is everywhere around us and can’t be avoided. Businesses run on computers and smartphones and laptops and digital screens and these devices are how we communicate with clients and share products so there’s really no way...
Eye Health and Eye Exams for People with Diabetes

Eye Health and Eye Exams for People with Diabetes

Diabetes is a complex condition that has many less familiar side effects than the body’s inability to produce insulin (type 1) or the body’s inability to respond to insulin or produce enough (type 2). One of the most significant health risks of diabetes outside diabetic comas caused by too high or too low blood sugar is the damage done to large blood vessels that are inside your heart, brain, and legs, and damage done to small blood vessels in the feet, nerves, kidneys, and eyes. Patients with diabetes need to see optometrists who understand the complex issues diabetes can cause on eye health regularly, at least every year because there are differences between a standard eye exam and an eye exam for someone who has diabetes.  What are some eye problems that can affect people with diabetes?  Glaucoma  People who have diabetes are more susceptible than the general population to both glaucoma, blurry vision, and cataracts. Glaucoma is the build-up of pressure inside of the eyeball, and it can lead to loss of sight over time. There are many treatments for glaucoma, including medication, eye drops, traditional surgery, or laser surgery. Glaucoma can be treated very successfully, but once you begin to lose vision because of glaucoma, that vision loss is irreversible, which is why it is so essential for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams so that if they develop glaucoma, it can be caught in the early stage before vision loss occurs.  Cataracts  A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts usually only affect people over the age of 40, but for...