If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, you may be aware that traditional soft contact lenses are no longer the best option for you. That’s because the irregular shape of the cornea in people with keratoconus can make it difficult or impossible to achieve an optimal fit with regular soft lenses. The good news is that there are other options – particularly scleral contact lenses. These rigid gas-permeable lenses are larger than traditional lenses and have a unique shape that allows them to fit comfortably over irregular corneas. Here are seven reasons your eye doctor might recommend scleral contact lenses for you.
Nuclear sclerosis refers to cloudiness, hardening, and yellowing of the central region of the lens in the eye called the nucleus.
Nuclear sclerosis is very common in humans. It can also occur in dogs, cats, and horses. It usually develops in older peopleTrusted Source. These changes are part of the aging process of the eye.
If the sclerosis and clouding is severe enough, it’s called a nuclear cataract. For vision affected by the cataract, the usual correction is surgery to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens.
Diabetes is a condition in which your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter the cells in your body. If your body has problems with insulin, glucose can accumulate in your bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar.
Untreated high blood sugar can cause a range of health complications, including nerve damage and cardiovascular disease. But these aren’t the only complications of diabetes. It also raises the risk for cataracts.
A cataract is cloudiness of the eye lens, which causes blurry vision. Some people describe having cataracts as like looking through a fogged up window.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, about 32.2 percent of adults age 45 and over living with diabetes have cataracts.
Amblyopia—or lazy eye—is often associated with crossed eyes or is a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two eyes. It usually develops before age 6 and does not affect side vision. Eyeglasses or contact lenses cannot fully correct the reduced vision caused by amblyopia if vision was not developed within the critical period.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye. A cataract begins when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. The retina works by converting the light that comes through the lens into signals. It sends the signals to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain.
It develops slowly and eventually interferes with your vision. You might end up with cataracts in both eyes, but they usually don’t form at the same time. Cataracts are common in older people. Over half of people in the United States have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery by the time they’re 80 years old, according to the National Eye InstituteTrusted Source.
Keratoconus is when the cornea thins out and bulges like a cone. Changing the shape of the cornea brings light rays out of focus. As a result, your vision is blurry and distorted, making daily tasks like reading or driving difficult.
What Is Astigmatism?
Normally, the front of your cornea curves to fit the surface of your eye. Astigmatism is when one area is flatter than the other. As light tries to pass through the cornea to the retina, the uneven surface of your cornea misdirects it. This causes blurry vision.
The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurry vision. It can be very distracting and debilitating to deal with. Simple tasks like reading a book or being on the computer are a struggle with astigmatism. You may also notice other symptoms like eyestrain, headaches, and eye irritation.
If you’ve had a checkup with your eye doctor, they likely gave you three options for treating astigmatism: prescription glasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery. What they didn’t tell you was that there are natural ways you can treat your astigmatism that won’t cost a penny. Eye exercises and taking vision-boosting vitamins can improve your vision.
Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve. It is characterized by loss of nerve tissue that results in vision loss. People with glaucoma can lose nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss.
Causes & risk factors
There are many theories about the causes of glaucoma, but the exact cause is unknown. Although the disease is usually associated with an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye, other theories include a lack of adequate blood supply to the nerve.
The following are the different types of glaucoma and their potential causes.
Symptoms
The signs or symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on the type. Primary open-angle glaucoma often develops slowly and painlessly, with no early warning signs. It can gradually destroy one's vision without even knowing it. The first indication that a person has glaucoma may occur after some vision has been lost. Acute angle-closure glaucoma results from a sudden blockage of drainage channels in the eye, causing a rapid buildup of pressure. In this form of the disease, a patient would have blurred vision, the appearance of halos or colored rings around lights, and pain and redness in the eye.
Diagnosis
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Because glaucoma is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time, a change in the appearance of the optic nerve, a loss of nerve tissue, and a corresponding loss of vision confirm the diagnosis. Some optic nerves may resemble nerves with glaucoma, but the patients may have no other risk factors or signs of glaucoma. These patients should have routine comprehensive exams to monitor any changes.
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision issue distant objects become blurry. It is a phenomenon that occurs when the shape of the eye results in light rays refracting incorrectly, thereby focusing images in front of the retina rather than on the retina. It is a common eye condition that can affect both adults and children, with it affecting more than over 40% of American adults according to the American Optometric Association.
5 NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR MYOPIA
There is no catch-all home remedy to treat myopia. Corrective lenses or surgery are the most effective treatments for myopia, but some natural treatment options can help slow the progression of myopia.
1. Increase the Time You Spend Outside
Spending more time outdoors during adolescence and your early adult years may decrease the lifetime risk of nearsightedness. This may be due to the sun’s ultraviolet rays changing the molecular structure of the sclera and cornea and help maintain a normal shape.
2. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and help slow the progression of myopia if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
3. Eat Healthily
Try to eat plenty of leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits. Your eyes benefit if you also include fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna and salmon, in your diet.
4. Reduce Eyestrain
Taking breaks from looking at screens and letting your eyes get proper rest can help slow the progression of myopia.
5. Don’t Smoke
Smoking has many detrimental effects, and it can negatively affect your eyesight and those around you. Avoid smoking to slow the progression of myopia.
Optos has incorporated new hardware and software technology enabling practitioners to see more, discover more and effectively treat more ocular pathology thus promoting patient health.
Have you or a loved one have experienced complications following LASIK or any other type of refractive surgery? Scleral lenses may be just the solution you need! Read on to learn how scleral contact lenses can help restore clear and healthy vision.
Childhood myopia — nearsightedness — is reaching epidemic proportions. Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to reduce their child’s risk of developing myopia.
Every child should have a comprehensive eye exam before the start of the new school year. Just as you wouldn’t consider sending them to school without a backpack or a lunch box, make sure their eyes and vision are ready for the challenges ahead.
Custom contact lenses are specially designed to fit irregularly-shaped corneas. If you find wearing regular contact lenses uncomfortable, ask your optometrist if custom contact lenses are right for you.
High myopia isn’t just difficulty seeing faraway objects. It can actually increase the risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life. Read on to find out how you can slow or halt your child’s myopia progression.
Did you know that Nerf® guns, a supposedly safe children’s toy, have been shown to cause eye injury in certain cases? What makes them so dangerous?
Hyperopia affects near vision in children and young adults. Want to know more about hyperopia? Here we explain ways to recognize the condition and help your child if they have it.
Whether you call it eye goop, crusties or gunk, there are times when a bit of mucus around your eyes is normal — and times when it’s not. Learn how a dry eye optometrist can help.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, resulting in blurry and distorted vision. Here are the most commonly asked questions about keratoconus.
Cataract surgery not only improves vision. Research suggests that cataract surgery may also prevent cognitive decline.
Myopia management, an optometrist-developed program, can slow and even halt the progression of a child’s myopia. Read on to learn more.
Here’s how you can celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27.
Studies have found a correlation between asthma and dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, a dry eye optometrist can help by treating your uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.
Scleral contact lenses provide the perfect fit and maximum comfort for people with keratoconus, other corneal irregularities or severe dry eye syndrome. Discover how scleral lenses can provide comfort and improved vision.
Working at home has many benefits, but it can also trigger computer-related eye strain. Here are some proven ways to reduce digital eye strain, whether at home or in the office.
Myopia — nearsightedness — affects your ability to see faraway objects. Unless myopia is managed during childhood, it raises the risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases later in life. Find out more about myopia management.
At some point in our lives, we've all had our eyes examined using an eye chart – whether during a school screening or at the optometrist's office. But what exactly is the chart and what does it measure? Read on to find out!
Depression is an illness that can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including the eyes. Researchers are currently investigating whether depression can cause dry eye symptoms.
Bloodshot eyes can be harmless, but may also be a sign of an underlying eye condition.
Can you pass myopia, or nearsightedness, onto your kids? According to research, there is definitely a genetic component. Fortunately, myopia management can slow myopia progression.
Macular degeneration is a major cause of vision loss. Here are 6 ways to help lower your risk of developing this sight-threatening condition.
In people with certain eye conditions, regular contact lenses may be uncomfortable—even impossible— to wear. Here's why scleral lenses may be a better option.
Scleral contact lenses are tailor-made for people with keratoconus, irregularly shaped corneas and severe dry eyes, as well as patients recovering from certain eye surgeries. But did you know that they’re also ideal for people who live active lifestyles?
If your child spends too much time in front of screens, it’s important to set limits and establish routines to protect both their general health and their eye health and help prevent the development or progression of myopia.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, your optometrist will monitor its progression and manage your symptoms. Once you need surgery, your optometrist can direct you to an eye surgeon.
Did you know that spending time in a climate-controlled airplane cabin can dry out your eyes? Find out what you can do to keep your eyes hydrated the next time you fly.
This March, in honor of National Save Your Vision Month, we’ve compiled a list of 5 essential ways to help you keep your eyes healthy and strong.
There are many reasons why your eyes may feel itchy and sore. However, new research suggests that these symptoms can also be linked to COVID-19.
With scleral lenses, you’ll experience consistently clear vision—even if you have an irregular cornea and dry eye syndrome. Here are some of the benefits of wearing scleral lenses.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to give your eyes some love. Here are 10 ways you can give your eyes the attention they deserve, to protect them both now and in the future.
Research suggests that children who are obese may have a higher risk of developing high myopia. Read up to learn why and discover what you can do about it.
An eyelid twitch can develop for a number of reasons, and most of the time it’s not a cause for concern. Find out what may be causing your eye to twitch and what can relieve it.
Isotretinoin, popularly known as Accutane, is a very effective acne medication that may cause eye dryness. In this article, we explain why it causes dry eye symptoms and what you can do to prevent or treat such an occurrence.
Keratoconus is an eye disease that changes the shape and function of the cornea. Here are 6 facts about keratoconus that you should know.
For many children, COVID-19 restrictions have meant more time indoors, and more time spent on digital screens. According to research studies, this has led to a worrying increase in myopia progression. Fortunately, there are ways to slow and sometimes stop myopia from worsening.
Your children's vision is their primary window into the world around them. Keeping their eyesight healthy is an important part of allowing them to experience life to the fullest. Read these 5 tips!
If your child spends a significant amount of time playing online video games, here’s what you need to know about how it can contribute to the onset and progression of myopia — nearsightedness.
Did you know that pregnancy hormones can affect your vision? Read on to learn about the possible visual changes that some women may experience while expecting, and what warning signs to look out for.
Blinking plays a crucial role in maintaining the right amount of moisture on the eye’s surface. If you don’t blink properly or enough, it can leave your eyes feeling dry and irritated. Fortunately, there are certain blinking exercises you can perform to prevent your eyes from becoming dry.
Have you or a loved one just been prescribed scleral contact lenses? If so, here are a few tips for making the transition a little smoother.
For many children, learning via a digital device has become routine, and their eyes are paying the price. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize digital eye strain while your child is studying.
Red, itchy, irritated eyes are no fun. Here are 7 tips for alleviating the discomfort of dry eye syndrome.
Not sure if you should have LASIK surgery? Here are a few reasons why ortho-k lenses make a great alternative to refractive surgery.
Creating healthy living habits is a great way to preserve your vision throughout your lifetime. These can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that gradually causes the cornea to thin and change shape. Luckily, there are different contact lens options to treat it.
If you've noticed that your vision turns hazy after enjoying a meal, you may have an early stage of diabetes mellitus. Here's how your optometrist can help.
Astigmatism is a non-spherical cornea that causes blurred vision. Here are 7 frequently asked questions and answers regarding this very common refractive error.
Myopia (nearsightedness) is the most common refractive error in children. While glasses and contact lenses can help correct a person’s vision, they don’t cure or slow the progression of myopia.
Dry eye syndrome can leave your eyes red, irritated, and itchy. If you ignore your symptoms, other complications can arise. Treating your dry eye syndrome is essential for your eye health and vision.
Photophobia (light sensitivity) is a common side effect of certain eye conditions. This discomfort can be treated with scleral contact lenses.
Eye care is just as important for children as it is for adults. The sooner you teach your children how to care for their eyes, the more likely they will be to ingrain these habits for life. Here are some tips for kids!
Do your eyes become irritated and itchy when you wear contact lenses? Could be dry eye syndrome, allergies or the contact lenses themselves. Read on to find out what to do if you experience contact lens discomfort.
Mosquito bites are annoying but on the eyelid they can be particularly uncomfortable and even impact your vision. Find out what you can do to treat the bite at home, and when it's a good idea to contact your optometrist.
Are your contact lenses uncomfortable? It may be time to look into custom-designed scleral lenses, which provide clear and comfortable vision to people with keratoconus, corneal irregularities, severe dry eye syndrome, astigmatism and hard-to-fit eyes.
Do you have a lump on your eyelid? It could be a chalazion. Learn what a chalazion is, how to treat it and prevent it from recurring.
Do people with dry eye syndrome have to forgo wearing eyeliner and other eye makeup? Although eyeliner can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction, there are steps you can take to safely wear eye makeup without compromising your eye health.
Dry eye syndrome can cause dry, red, itchy, irritated eyes. While eye drops or artificial tears provide relief to some individuals, they may not be effective for people with severe dry eye symptoms. For these individuals, scleral lenses may be a better option. Find out how scleral lenses can help relieve your dry eye symptoms.
You may be familiar with dry eye syndrome, but still have some questions. Here, you’ll find answers to 7 of the most frequently asked questions about this common eye condition.
Is your child nearsighted (myopic)? Here’s what you need to know about myopia and how it can lead to sight-threatening eye disease in the future.
As we age our eyes start to change, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle with declining vision. Find out what you can do to maintain eye health after the age of 50.
Although COVID is still present in our lives, we are slowly returning to a semi-normal life. With so many disruptions this past year, the one thing that should be consistent is your child's back-to-school eye evaluations.
If you wear contact lenses, you likely appreciate the freedom it provides. But did you know that wearing contact lenses in water or while sleeping can damage your eyes?
If you have recently been diagnosed with keratoconus, you’ll likely have many questions. We’ve compiled 5 frequently asked questions about keratoconus so you can better understand the disease and learn how to manage it.
Choosing the right eye drops to relieve dry eye syndrome can be a real challenge, as there are several brands and products on the market. Learn all about the types of artificial tears available and start feeling better today.
If you wake up in the morning with itchy, burning eyes, you may have dry eye syndrome. Wonder how this happens when your eyes are closed all night? Read on to find out!
Since blue eyes contain very little melanin — a pigment that helps block out light, including the sun’s harmful UV rays and blue light — they often feel more sensitive to bright light. Find out more.
Scleral contact lenses are so much more than oversized contact lenses. Here are our top 4 reasons why patients and doctors are calling scleral lenses a ‘big deal.’
More and more children are being diagnosed with myopia, a common refractive error associated with developing serious eye diseases later in life, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Find out what myopia is and how to prevent it from progressing
Here’s another reason for parents to send their kids out to play. Research shows that spending 2 hours or more outdoors lowers the risk of developing myopia and slows its progression.
Although caffeine has a diuretic and drying effect, it also has tear-producing properties that can potentially lessen your dry eye symptoms.
Dilated eye exams make it possible for eye doctors to better assess your eye health and are the only way to detect certain eye diseases.
Multifocal contact lenses can help people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) see clearly, whether focusing on close or distant objects.
Myopia is, unfortunately, becoming the new norm. Is that because more children are spending more time looking at computers? Learn more about myopia and ways to manage it.
Scleral lenses are rigid gas permeable contact lenses that are often prescribed to patients with irregular corneas and severe dry eye syndrome, among other eye conditions. Read on to learn how to insert, remove and care for scleral lenses.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is more than just blurry vision. Here’s why parents of myopic children should consider myopia control, and what we can do to help.
Here’s a glimpse into the life of Kenneth — a real-life keratoconus patient. Read on to learn about his struggle with this eye disease, and how scleral lenses opened up a world of opportunities for him.
Playing outdoors offers numerous benefits, including delaying the onset of myopia. Read on to learn why, and discover why slowing myopia progression is vital for your child’s eye health.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, can affect not only your child’s vision but their school performance as well. Fortunately, there are ways to slow and sometimes stop myopia’s progression. Learn more about myopia control and why NaturalVue Multifocal lenses may be a good option for your child.
Eyes that protrude can signal an underlying medical condition and can cause uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Your dry eye optometrist can help.
A reduction in hormones during menopause, may lead many women to experience symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Read on to learn about the link between menopause and dry eye syndrome.
Myopia is an eye condition with increasing prevalence. While there is a lot of information out there on myopia, there are also many misconceptions. Read on to discover the REAL facts.
Dry eye syndrome is more common in women than it is in men. Read on to learn why, and how we can help diagnose and treat the cause of your dry eye syndrome.
Scleral lenses are becoming increasingly popular among those with corneal problems and dry eye syndrome—and for good reason! Here are our top 5 tips for anyone who wears scleral lenses.
Many parents who come into our practices consider their children’s myopia as a simple vision problem that needs correction.
Using your computer for long periods of time can irritate and dry out your eyes. The condition is so common, researchers have coined it computer vision syndrome. Learn more about how to relieve your dry eyes when using a computer.
Since our eyes grow as we grow, children tend to need new prescription lenses relatively often. If your child has myopia (nearsightedness), their prescription may change even more frequently. Find out ways to slow your child's myopia progression.
Does it feel like you have something stuck in your eyes, and that no matter what you do, that scratchy sensation won’t go away? If so, you may be experiencing dry eye. Consult your eye doctor, who will diagnose the problem and prescribe the best treatment.
While rare, LASIK surgery can occasionally cause dry eye symptoms. It is essential to speak to your eye doctor to determine your risk and effectively address the condition.
Scleral contact lenses are specially designed to vault over irregular corneas to create a smooth optical surface that provides sharp, comfortable vision. Here are 3 benefits of wearing scleral lenses.
If current trends continue, roughly half the world’s population will have myopia (nearsightedness) by 2050. But is the growing rate of myopia due to increased use of digital devices?
People with astigmatism may wonder whether they can wear contact lenses. They absolutely can! The two main contact lens choices for astigmatism are scleral lenses and toric lenses. Read on to learn more and discover how we can help.
Though some people think vaping is a harmless alternative to traditional smoking, it can actually cause a whole host of health problems — including dry eye syndrome.
Visit us at The White Butterfly! This Thursday only! We will be performing on the spot glaucoma testing.
Come in and check out our newest additions to our Vera Wang Eyewear Collection!
Help Us Donate to The Memorial Jaguar Band!!
We will donate a portion of your proceeds to benefit the students of the band!
This is the team at our holiday dinner. Happy holidays from all of us to you!
The Eye Center at Jackson volunteered at the 2015 Special Olympics held at Villanova University on November 7th and 8th. Dr. Scombordi, Dr. Raghu and Salus University students performed eye exams on the athletes and glasses were made onsite by our staff and volunteers. Check out the pictures here!
Are your eyelashes making you ILL? Scientists calculate the optimal lash length to prevent dry and dusty eyes - and the same research could help Mars rovers
Ryan is seeing 20/20 without glasses, contacts or surgery thanks to Overnight Vision Correction!
Indian Doctor Creates Cotnact Lenses with 24-Carat Gold
Fashion gone too far? Read about it here.
Another Overnight Vision Correction (orthokeratology) success! Aarnav is seeing 20/15 thanks to OVC! Schedule your free consultation today to see if you are a candidate.
Dr. Raghu's adorable son, Luke, watching his first pair of glasses being made!
The team went to Vision Expo on March 20th! Check out our pictures from the event on Facebook!
Review us on Google+ and win a pair of Lacoste or Kate Spade sunglasses!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Breakfast at the Eye Center designer eyewear show! Check out our pictures from the event on Facebook!
THE BALL IS ABOUT THE DROP...
Don't forget to use your Flex Spending or Health Saving Account dollars before they expire!!
Frames for Families!
Bring in a pair of your old glasses to be donated to the Lions Club and receive $100 towards a brand new pair!
Here's our Google contest winner, Katie! Check out her new Kate Spade frames!
Come in and donate an old pair of complete glasses for $100 off your next pair!
During the week of June 4th, Dr. Raghu will be involved with Westlake events! Come check out The Eye Center at Jackson information table at the Business Expo on Monday, June 4th. Also, Dr. Raghu will be participating in the Westlake Golf Fundraiser for Prostate Cancer on Wednesday, June 6th. Come out and show your support!
On Thursday, November 8th Stop by The Eye Center's table at the Four Seasons South Knolls Business Expo from 5:30-7:30 for information and give-a-ways!
This is the season for cat eye seductresses and smart geometric shapes. Look into the future through tinted lenses or fly there on your sunglasses' wings. When it comes to kooky and traffic-stopping shades, this season delivers.
Make sure you get your yearly eye exam and keep your eyes healthy.
Call us to today to schedule an appointment!
We'd like to wish all of our patients and their families a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Our newest, most durable and comfortable eyeglasses are in! Watch this amazing youtube video on OVVO Optics...
Happy Father's Day!
20% OFF ALL MEN'S SUNGLASSES!
PLUS FREE GIFT FOR DAD!
*Restrictions may apply.
Happy 4th of July!
Celebrate with a nice pair of shades! Just take our short quiz and enter to win $150 toward your choice of Oakley Sunglasses!
VOTE FOR THE EYE CENTER AT JACKSON!
(Category: Optical Store)
It's here! Introducing our new retinal imaging technology!
Congratulations to Annette and Brian!
The historic G15 lens (used in WW II) is now available in Transitions!
Come try our new colored contacts by Air Optix or upload a pic and use the Color Studio at AirOpticColors.com
We made a special delivery to one of our favorite patients today, Albert! We hope he's happy with his brand new frames!
The Visioffice 2! We're the first office in NJ to have this piece of state of the art equipment for taking the most accurate glasses measurements possible.
“If playing basketball didn't pan out the way it has so far, I would have gone to optometry school,” proclaimed James. “It would’ve given me the ability to stay close to home and spend more time with my family.”
Well Lebron, Dr. Raghu wouldn't mind playing for the Cavaliers for a while ...
Dr. Raghu gave a seminar on children's eye health and Overnight Vision Correction this weekend!
Help support Breast Cancer Research when you come into the Eye Center!
The time to use your flex benefits is running out! Call to make an appointment today!