For contact lens wearers, a simple trip to the drugstore for eye drops can be daunting. The shelves are full of tiny bottles of liquid all claiming to be eye drops! But which ones are the best eye drops to treat your specific eye complaint? And which ones are safe to use with contact lenses?
Eye drops are a self-administered drug that you apply directly to your eyes. Since your eyes are extremely sensitive and vital for daily life, you really want to get this right!
Luckily for you, we’ve put together this foolproof guide. Read on to learn how to use eye drops with contact lenses and so much more!
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Annual eye exams are crucial for individuals with diabetes, as the condition can lead to vision loss. The American Diabetes Association recommends yearly eye checkups, especially for those with diabetes or a significant family history of it. Diabetes, affecting over 30.3 million Americans, can go unnoticed in a quarter of cases, posing a risk to eyesight. The disease damages small blood vessels, affecting blood flow and causing complications like cataracts and retina damage. Early diabetes diagnosis is essential for better visual outcomes, as timely intervention can prevent irreversible damage to the eyes.
Diabetic eye disease, also known as diabetic retinopathy, is a serious condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It is the leading cause of vision loss among individuals with diabetes. The disease occurs when high levels of blood sugar damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
One of the concerning aspects of diabetic eye disease is that it often develops without any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This means that individuals may not be aware of the damage occurring to their eyes until it reaches a more advanced stage. Therefore, regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and intervention.
According to the National Eye Institute, it is estimated that by 2030, approximately 11 million people will be affected by diabetic retinopathy. This statistic highlights the urgency of raising awareness about the disease, as well as the importance of promoting routine eye screenings for individuals with diabetes. Early detection, timely treatment, and proper follow-up care are essential to prevent vision loss and maintain eye health in those with diabetes.
FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use certain eye drops from several major brands due to risk of eye infection
[10/30/2023] FDA is updating the list of over-the-counter eye drop products consumers should not purchase or use to include Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 mL sold by Walmart in stores and online. Walmart is removing the product from their store shelves and website.
[10/27/2023] FDA is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. These products are marketed under the following brands:
- CVS Health
- Leader (Cardinal Health)
- Rugby (Cardinal Health)
- Rite Aid
- Target Up & Up
- Velocity Pharma
These products are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses.
FDA recommended the manufacturer of these products recall all lots on October 25, 2023, after agency investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility. FDA also recommends consumers properly discard these products.
CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing the products from their store shelves and websites. Products branded as Leader, Rugby and Velocity may still be available to purchase in stores and online and should not be purchased.
FDA has not received any adverse event reports of eye infection associated with these products at this time. FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse events or quality problems with any medicine to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:
- Complete and submit the report online at Medwatch; or
- Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.
While a contact lens can’t get lost behind your eye, one can get stuck in your eye. While it's easy to insert and remove contact lenses after sufficient practice, occasionally, you may have one that seems stuck.
The first time this happens, you might be alarmed. But don’t be. Read on to learn how to remove a stuck contact lens in a safe manner, and you’ll be prepared if, and when, you find yourself dealing with a stuck contact.
How to Remove a Stuck Soft Contact Lens -
Before you attempt to remove your stuck contact lens, stop! Aren’t you forgetting something? Yes, you need to wash your hands. Do so in a thorough fashion and dry your hands on a lint-free towel.
You want to make sure that contaminants don't add to the existing issue. Once you do, then you’re ready to check out where your contact is.
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Laying out at the pool, building sandcastles on the beach, tossing a flying disc at the park — these are typical “fun in the sun” activities. But with all that fun you’re having, are you blinded to the dangers of sun exposure?
These are the top 5 eye conditions that can result from sun damage — and your options for treatment.
1. Aging
2. Corneal sunburn
3. Cataracts
4. Pinguecula and pterygia
5. Macular degeneration
Nearly all of these sun-related eye conditions can be treated in some way, alleviating the side effects if not reversing the process altogether.
It’s best to protect yourself from the sun and prevent the damage before it can start. The best way you can do that is to wear sunscreen with water-resistant, broad-spectrum coverage and an SPF of 30 or higher, UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat each time you go outside.
How heart disease affects eye health
Your heart is the pump of your cardiovascular system, which includes arteries, veins and tiny blood vessels that supply blood, oxygen and nutrients to your body. Conditions that damage blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, harm the entire body, including the eyes.
The kidneys, liver and other organs vital to the maintenance of good health are also affected by risk factors like diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol. Thus, damage in our cardiovascular system can lead to a cascade of ill health ranging from heart disease to eye disease.
A helpful framework for appreciating the way heart disease affects eye health is to understand how certain risk factors damage blood vessels — leading to diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.
Did you know…?
Orthokeratology, ortho-k for short, is the use of overnight contacts to correct nearsightedness.
Nearsightedness develops when the shape of the cornea is too curved. This alters the trajectory of incoming light to the eye and results in an unfocused image. While you are asleep, these specialized gas permeable (GP) contact lenses reshape your cornea so that you wake up with perfect vision the next day.
The best candidates for ortho-k are people with mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness). Even more so if you are ineligible for laser eye surgery. Orthokeratology enables you to maintain improved daytime vision without glasses or contacts. Moreover, the process is reversible, so you can start and stop at anytime.
Overnight contact lenses aim to correct refractive errors, but can also help delay the progression of myopia. This is especially valuable for early onset of nearsightedness.
The risk of developing high myopia is greater when nearsightedness begins in childhood or during puberty. People with high myopia are more susceptible to age-related eye conditions, like glaucoma. Early implementation of orthokeratology can reduce the prevalence of high myopia.
It goes without saying, but ortho-k is not suitable for everyone. If you already suffer from high myopia, this process is unlikely to make a difference in your vision. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is to consult with your eye care professional.
Are you guilty of dipping in the pool or enjoying a hot tub session without taking off your contact lenses first? You'd be surprised to know that this seemingly harmless act can put your eyes at risk. When contact lenses come into contact with water, they can absorb various microorganisms, including bacteria and parasites, present in the water. These microorganisms can lead to severe eye infections, such as keratitis, which causes inflammation of the cornea. Additionally, contact lenses can also trap chemicals and irritants found in the water, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the lenses themselves. It's important to note that even if you are wearing waterproof or water-resistant contact lenses, they are not completely impervious to the risks associated with water exposure. Therefore, it is highly recommended to remove your contact lenses before swimming, using hot tubs, or participating in any water-related activities. By doing so, you can protect your eyes from potential infections and ensure the longevity of your contact lenses.
Eyeglasses vs. Contact Lenses: The Ultimate Battle! Pick a side, because this debate is heating up! Whether you're team eyeglasses or team contact lenses, there's no denying the passion behind each choice. But wait, there's more! Discover the hidden gems and pitfalls of both options.
Dry eyes can be temporary. This is especially true if it is a result of prolonged exposure to screens, overuse of contact lenses, or being in a cold and dry environment. Taking a long break after a period of looking at your mobile phone or computer screen or going out of an air conditioned room should help relieve symptoms. The same can be said if you stop taking certain medications that’s causing the symptoms to occur in the first place.
However, many people experience chronic dry eyes, which means the condition never goes away completely. The good news is that the symptoms can be managed through long-term treatment. This specific diagnosis may also be in relation to other health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and diabetes.
While no macular degeneration treatment currently approved for use in the United States is likely to completely restore vision lost to the eye disease, some drugs — such as Lucentis — may be able to slow or prevent additional vision loss or even improve remaining vision to some extent.
Also, certain investigational treatments have shown promise for reversing at least some vision loss in people affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The FDA is warning consumers to stop using two eye drop products due to potential contamination. The products, "Dr. Berne's MSM Drops 5% Solution" and "LightEyez MSM Eye Drops – Eye Repair," may pose serious health risks, including vision- and life-threatening infections. The FDA has not received any reports of problems caused by these products. This warning comes after previous FDA warnings about eye drop brands linked to drug-resistant bacteria, which have resulted in deaths and infections across multiple states. The FDA found that the contaminated products were not sterile and contained an unapproved active ingredient. Dr. Berne's has issued a voluntary recall, but LightEyez has not responded to the FDA. LightEyez's product was found to be contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria linked to the outbreak. Another brand, Global Pharma Healthcare, had previously recalled its eye drop products due to potential bacterial contamination.
The sun can damage your eyes in various ways, and it's important to be aware of the potential risks. One common yet often overlooked condition is sunburned eyes, also known as photokeratitis. This occurs when the corneas are exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It is not limited to specific activities like welding or being in snowy environments; anyone can experience it. The symptoms of photokeratitis include redness, swelling, tearing, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. While this condition is not permanent, it can be extremely uncomfortable and may require medical attention. To protect your eyes from sunburn and other sun-related eye conditions, it is crucial to wear sunglasses with UV protection, a wide-brimmed hat, and to seek shade during peak sun hours. Additionally, using artificial tears can help alleviate any discomfort caused by sunburned eyes.Make it shorterSurprise meExpand conceptMake it punchier
Regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Eyeglasses and contact lenses help correct these vision issues, but even a slight change in vision can impact the comfort and effectiveness of your eyewear.
Can wearing the wrong prescription lenses harm your eyes? Let's find out.
Don't let the sun's rays play havoc with your peepers! It's not just your skin that's at risk; your eyes need protection too. That's why your trusty optometrist always advises rocking those stylish shades when the sun's out or avoiding direct sunlight altogether. But wait, there's more! If you're a contact lens aficionado, we've got a game-changer for you. Discover the secret weapon in the fight against harmful UV rays – contact lenses with built-in UV protection! Get the lowdown on these lifesavers and keep your eyes safe from the sun's wrath. Don't let UV rays steal your sparkle – protect your precious peepers in style!
Dehydration affects the eye and the tissue around it in different ways. It can cause dark circles and the appearance of sunken eyes. Dehydration can also cause dry, red and irritated eyes as well as blurred and double vision. Dehydration can also be a sign of systemic diseases that damage the eye.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a disease or taking a medication that can cause dehydration, it is important to have regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor for any eye complications. If you are dehydrated and it affects your vision see an eye care professional immediately.
Adequate hydration is an essential part of protecting your long-term eye health. There are simple things we can do to stay hydrated and avoid eye complications.
Dry eye can lead to vision loss and even blindness if it goes untreated. A person should speak with a doctor if they experience ongoing symptoms of dry eye. Doctors can recommend medications, suggest lifestyle adjustments, and treat any underlying causes.
Treatment can help prevent worsening symptoms and complications, such as vision loss.
The demodex mite can cause blepharitis, resulting in inflammation of the eyelids and severe dry eye.
Demodex folliculorum is a type of demodex mite that lives mostly within the hair follicles on the face and the eyes and is usually found on the eyelids and lashes.
Demodex mites come out during the night to eat dead skin cells, lay eggs and expel waste products in your eyelid glands and eyelash follicles.
Demodex mites naturally occur on the skin in small amounts and can actually be beneficial for the skin, as they remove the dead skin cells. In small numbers, they typically do not cause any harm or symptoms.
However, if they reproduce in large numbers, they can cause significant damage to the skin and eyes— dry, red, and itchy skin, and/or eczema, as well as severe inflammation of the eyelids, and damage to the oil glands in the eyelid margins, meibomian glands and eyelashes.
Do you often wake up in the morning with red, scratchy, and uncomfortable eyes? Do you have to force your eyelids open through dried mucus built up while you sleep? If yes, then you might be suffering from dry eyes. This is a common condition where your eyes cannot produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes properly or produce tears of poor quality.
When this happens at night, it can disrupt your sleep, leaving you frustrated and unrested. You may wake up with dry eyes because of an underlying health concern, allergies, or environmental factors.
There are various causes of dry eyes, but the good news is that different treatments are available to help alleviate the symptoms. The first step is understanding why your eyes are dry and why it seems to happen more at night.
CAUSES OF DRY EYES
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition due to a lack of moisture in your eyes. Every time you blink, you’re spreading a layer of tears across your eyes. These tears aren’t just water either, they’re a combination of proteins and nutrients that protect and nourish your eyes. Tears also act as a shield against dust and debris and get released in an attempt to wash away foreign bodies.
Some people experience dry eyes occasionally, which typically fade once the eyes are re-moisturized. Still, others deal with chronic dry eyes that can lead to secondary eye infections.
Various factors can increase your risk of dry eyes, some of which include:
- Age: As we age, our eyes’ ability to produce tears decreases, leading to dry eyes. However, decreased blink rate with increased screentime has increased dry eye symptoms in younger age groups.
- Medications: Certain medications like antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can reduce the amount of tears in your eyes.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to windy or dry weather, air conditioning, or smoke can dry out the eyes. Eye allergies are also a common trigger for dry eyes. Increased use and duration of screentime can also decrease blink rate and tear production leading to dry eyes.
- Diet: A lack of a healthy diet, including vitamin A and omega-3, can affect your tear production.
- Medical conditions: Medical conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can affect the tear production of your eyes.
- Sex: Women are more likely to experience dry eyes as well as have more severe symptoms.
Contact lenses can also worsen dry eyes, as the soft lenses might absorb the moisture from your eye’s surface.
HOW CAN ORTHO-K IMPROVE YOUR EYESIGHT?
One significant benefit of ortho-k is how it can correct vision overnight and eliminate the need for other forms of vision support during the day, such as other contact lenses or eyeglasses. It works by gently moulding the shape of your cornea while you sleep, so light can focus correctly inside your eye during the day.
One factor that can determine how well ortho-k works for an individual is how often the lenses are worn. Typically, ortho-k lenses require nightly wear for the first several weeks to achieve the desired correction. Once your eyesight is improved, your doctor may recommend a slightly modified schedule with retainer lenses.
Too much screen time is an easy trap for kids and families to fall into—and a dangerous one. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity.
high blood pressure, and other health problems. Plus, screen time can cut into hours better used for sleep, reading, homework, or active play.
Of course, most parents agree that limiting screen time is a good idea. It's making it happen that is hard.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) previously recommended that kids under 2 not be exposed to screens at all and kids between 2 and 5 should be limited to one hour a day or less.3 But the organization has updated its advice to reflect the widespread use of media by kids and families allowing for screen time under certain situations.
Choosing the best computer glasses for you
In an increasingly digital age, we spend more time each day staring at our computers, watching TV and tinkering on our smartphones and tablets. All that screen time can add up to a lot of eye strain. But blue-light-blocking computer glasses can offer relief.
What are computer glasses and how do they block blue light? What is blue light? What kind of blue light glasses are there? Our guide will help you select the best computer glasses for you.
What are computer glasses?
Computer glasses have specially coated lenses designed to relax your eyes while using a computer. The lenses are designed to help prevent digital eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and other symptoms of digital eye strain.
Prescription and non-prescription computer glasses are available.
Not sure if your monitor is far enough from your eyes? If your screen is about an arm’s length away, it’s the perfect distance from your eyes.
SEE RELATED: Do blue light glasses work?
What is blue light?
Electronics like your smartphone, computer and TV give off blue light. That light can disrupt your sleep cycles and make it hard to get restful sleep.
So, if anyone has ever cautioned you to put your phone away an hour or so before bed, they gave you sound advice.
Computer glasses are similar to the night mode on a smartphone. They block blue light to help your body maintain a natural day-night cycle.
Computer glasses also make it more comfortable to look at your screen and easier to focus on the work at hand, no matter the time of day.
What does bilateral myopia mean?
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a vision impairment that causes difficulty in focusing on objects and signs that are far away. The condition is common among children and adults and can occur in one or both eyes. When it occurs in both eyes, it is called bilateral myopia.
Although bilateral myopia affects both eyes, the degree of vision prescription for each myopic eye may vary.
What causes bilateral myopia?
Bilateral myopia occurs when each eyeball is longer than normal, or when the cornea and/or lens is too curved. In rare cases, it can be due to the location of the lens and cornea relative to each other. A combination of these factors can also be responsible for bilateral myopia.
Bilateral myopia is typically detected in childhood, and it is more likely to occur if there is a family history of the condition.
SEE RELATED: What’s the difference between nearsightedness and farsightedness?
Symptoms of bilateral myopia
Bilateral myopia affects visual acuity in both eyes. This means symptoms are usually experienced in both eyes at the same time. Some common symptoms of bilateral myopia include:
- Blurred vision
- Squinting the eyes to see far-away objects more clearly
- Headaches
- Eye strain
Vision changes with age, so these symptoms can reoccur over time. This is often an indicator that your vision prescription needs to be updated. In some cases, vision may become weaker in one eye over time while the other eye remains the same.
You might be surprised by the notion of overnight vision correction. How could contact lenses possibly correct your vision while you sleep? Well, for starters, these are no ordinary contact lenses – these are Ortho K lenses. They’re designed to gently reshape the surface of your eye and in doing so, can correct many cases of short-sightedness. Once these lenses get to work at night and you remove them when you wake up in the morning, you won’t need to wear glasses or normal contact lenses during the day. Instead, you’ll experience crystal clear, pristine vision and freedom, of course.
Who is a candidate for OVC?
Nearsighted individuals who are too young for LASIK surgery or for some other reason are not good candidates for vision correction surgery. Because it can be discontinued at any time without permanent change to the eye, people of any age can try the procedure, as long as their eyes are healthy.
People who participate in sports, or who work in dusty, dirty environments that can make contact lens wear difficult.
How to Limit Your Child's Screen Time?
While unlimited time with electronics may keep your child busy, you don't want them to have too much screentime. That said, setting limits on TV and video games for kids isn't always easy in today's screen-filled world. Here are 10 tips parents can use to decide how much screentime is reasonable for their kids.
- Model Healthy Electronic Use
- Educate Yourself on Electronics
- Create “Technology-Free Zones”
- Set Aside Times to Unplug
- Use Parental Controls
- Explain Why You're Limiting Screen Time
- Ask for Your Child’s Passwords
- Encourage Other Activities
- Make Screen Time a Privilege
- Keep Your Child’s Bedroom Screen-Free
What is pathologic myopia?
Pathologic myopia is characterized by the presence of degenerative damage in the eyes. It is often the result of high myopia but can also occur in eyes that have not progressed to high myopia. Pathologic myopia (formerly myopic degeneration) is less common than high myopia and can lead to blindness.
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common refractive error that makes faraway objects look blurry. Progressive myopia is nearsightedness that gets worse year after year. High myopia is a severe degree of nearsightedness. It can also lead to serious eye complications and blindness.
Pathologic myopia is not a degree of nearsightedness. It is a form of myopia that is diagnosed if specific types of degenerative damage develop at the back of the eye.
Degenerative means that the damage is progressive and reduces the tissues' ability to function. This is why pathologic myopia used to be called myopic degeneration or degenerative myopia.
Myopia is one of the most common vision problems in the world. It usually appears early in life and can progress and worsen over time.
If you’re a parent, you know that your child’s vision is one of the most important things to keep an eye on (pun intended). How can you help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in your child?
Thankfully, there are many options available to you to help slow the progression of myopia. This includes things you and your child can do at home like:
- Spending more time outdoors
- Making sure your child eats well
- Taking breaks from close-up work
Options available with the help of your optometrist include:
- Regular eye exams
- Wearing the right eyewear
There are several steps you can take to help slow myopia progression in your child, both at home and with the help of your trusted optometrist.
What Lens Can Be Used For Myopia Control?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, is a corneal reshaping lens. These durable and rigid contact lenses help control and correct myopia. They gently reshape the cornea overnight, allowing your child to see clearly throughout the day without needing corrective eyewear.
Ortho-k contact lenses flatten the centre of the cornea to change how light bends as it enters the eye, correcting your child’s vision. These lenses are safe and effective—2018 research discovered these contacts can slow myopia progression by 36–56% in children.
MiSight and Abiliti Contact Lenses
MiSight contact lenses and more recently Abiliti contact lenses have a unique design specialized for children with myopia. They’re disposable lenses your child replaces daily, making them easy and safe to use for even younger children. These lenses can help correct and control myopia by creating myopic defocus, a technique to change how the eye focuses light.
The lens centre helps correct your child’s vision, and contains different types of myopia treatment zones to help focus light in front of the retina instead of behind the retina, shifting your child’s focal point of vision and tricking the eye into not growing.
Soft daily myopia control contact lenses can help slow myopia progression by up to 59% in children.
SightGlass
SightGlass is a new way to help control and correct myopia in children. These eyeglasses feature thousands of micro-dots in the lens, helping scatter light and reduce contrast on the retina (D.O.T. technology). 2020 research found these glasses slowed myopia progression in 85% of the children in the study, with myopia progressing less than a dioptre. This may be the best available lens option for younger age groups (especially <8 years old) and Foresee Eyecare is recognized as an authorized site that specializes in prescribing this lens.
MiyoSmart Glasses
MiyoSmart glasses can help your child see better while slowing myopic progression. These glasses utilize defocus incorporated multiple segments (D.I.M.S.) technology to help images focus in front of the retina instead of behind the retina, known as myopic defocus.
A MiyoSmart lens features a central zone for correcting myopia. Additionally, it has several ring-shaped zones surrounding the lens to slow myopia progression. 2019 research found that the DIMS technology used in MiyoSmart lenses can help slow myopia progression by up to 60% in children over 2 years.
Stellest Lenses
Stellest lenses feature H.A.L.T. technology to help correct and control your child’s myopia. These lenses have tons of tiny lenses (known as lenslets), which help slow down myopia progression. When worn 12 hours a day, Stellest lenses can slow myopia by up to 67%.
Myopia control is a group of methods eye doctors can use to slow the progression of childhood myopia. There is no cure for myopia, but there are ways to help control how rapidly it develops or progresses. These include myopia control contact lenses and glasses, atropine eye drops and habit changes.
Why should you be interested in myopia control? Because slowing myopia progression may keep your child from developing high myopia. High myopia can lead to sight-threatening problems later in life, such as:
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Cataracts: both posterior subcapsular cataracts and nuclear cataracts
- Primary open-angle glaucoma
- Retinal detachment
Myopia management includes all the eye-health care a person with myopia might need. It ranges from diagnosing childhood myopia to addressing its complications in adulthood. Myopia control is a vital part of myopia management.
Scleral Lenses: Specialty Lenses for Complex Eyes
Scleral lenses are a type of specialty contact lenses that are designed to fit over the entire surface of the sclera, the white part of the eye. They are typically larger than traditional contact lenses and are used to correct a variety of vision problems, especially those that cannot be corrected with standard contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Scleral lenses are often used to treat complex eye conditions such as keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, and severe dry eye syndrome. They can also be used for people who have had corneal transplant surgery or other types of eye surgery that have left their eyes irregularly shaped.
One of the main advantages of scleral lenses is that they provide a more stable and comfortable fit than traditional contact lenses. Because they rest on the sclera rather than the cornea, they can help to reduce irritation and discomfort for people with sensitive eyes. Additionally, the space between the lens and the cornea can be filled with a saline solution, which can help to keep the eye moist and reduce dryness.
However, scleral lenses do require a bit more care and maintenance than traditional contact lenses, and they can be more expensive. They also require a skilled eye care professional to properly fit and adjust them to ensure that they are comfortable and effective for the individual user.
Overall, scleral lenses can be a valuable treatment option for people with complex eye conditions, offering improved vision and comfort compared to other forms of vision correction.
Refractive errors are among the most common causes of visual acuity problems in the United States. Half of all American adults don’t have 20/20 vision due to their eyes not refracting light correctly as it enters the eye. Treatments for refractive errors generally include prescription eyewear and refractive surgery. Fortunately, there’s a revolutionary non-surgical procedure that eliminates the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. This safe and effective treatment is known as orthokeratology or ortho-k. Do you want to know which vision problems can ortho-k correct? Read on to learn more about this technique and how it might apply to you.
Modern genetic testing is truly incredible. Today, we can screen for genetic diseases and begin treatment much earlier than in the past, allowing many potentially affected individuals the chance to enjoy a higher quality of life.
One of the leading corneal genetic disorders today is keratoconus, a condition that impacts millions of Americans every year. This is a condition in which the cornea bulges outward into a cone shape. According to the Cornea Research Foundation of America, keratoconus affects 54.5 per 100,000 people. A person with keratoconus may experience a number of vision related issues including but not limited to:
- Blurry or Cloudy Vision
- Light Sensitivity
- Double Vision
What Does AvaGen Genetic Testing Screen for Exactly?
AvaGen Genetic Testing looks at over 75 genes and 2,000 variants. It is designed to put the risk of keratoconus and other corneal disorders into perspective based on actual data. One of the best parts about this type of testing is that It’s personalized which means that it focuses on your unique genetics.
IS ORTHO-K RIGHT FOR YOU?
The problem with refractive errors often lies in the shape of the eyes’ lenses and/or cornea. If the cornea, lens, or both have the wrong shape, light rays that pass through will not focus properly onto the retina. This will cause distorted vision.
Ortho-k is a technique involving the use of rigid gas-permeable lenses designed to reshape your cornea while you sleep. When you wake up, you will have improved vision that will hold throughout the day. These lenses can help correct hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. In some cases, they can treat age-related vision problems such as presbyopia.
In addition to improving your vision, ortho-k lenses can also stop or slow down the progression of refractive errors, especially in kids. This is why many patients choose them over conventional contact lenses.
Ortho-K lenses (short for orthokeratology) lenses are special gas-permeable lenses designed to reshape the cornea. The patient wears the lenses overnight and when they remove them in the morning, they will be able to enjoy clear vision throughout the day without using glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Ortho-K lenses can correct a variety of eye conditions including astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. Here are seven things you may not have known about corneal reshaping and Ortho-K lenses.
Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disease that causes the cornea (the front part of the eye) to thin and warp out of shape. Without treatment, the condition can result in vision loss. While the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, many cases are clearly inherited. This means that if you have a family member with keratoconus, you may be more likely to develop the condition yourself.
If you’re considering having children, genetic testing can be a helpful way to find out if you have a genetic variant that could cause keratoconus. If you do have a specific genetic mutation, there’s a 50% chance that you could pass it on to your child.
If you or your child has keratoconus, custom-fit scleral lenses can dramatically improve visual acuity and comfort levels. To learn more or to find out whether you're a candidate, contact us today!
Switching from glasses to scleral contact lenses can take some time and adjustment. Scleral lenses are larger than traditional contact lenses and are designed to correct more severe vision problems, such as keratoconus and severe dry eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses are filled with a solution before being placed on the eye, which can take some getting used to.
It's not uncommon for it to take a few weeks to adjust to scleral lenses, as the larger size and filling solution can feel foreign to the eye at first. The eye doctor will provide instructions on how to properly insert, remove, and care for the lenses, as well as how to monitor for any potential complications.
Scleral Lenses Provide More Comfort
Our patients report comfort as the most prominent feature of the scleral lens. Throughout the fitting process, we survey our patients on how the lenses feel, and not surprisingly, the usual response we get is “fine” or “I can’t feel them at all”.
The size of a scleral lens is one of the reasons it is more comfortable than a traditional gas permeable contact lens. A traditional contact lens is much smaller, typically 9 -10 mm in diameter. With each blink, this contact lens moves a bit over the cornea and the lid tends to roll over the edge of the lens as well. Many patients report being unable to wear them for more than a few hours at a time due to discomfort.
The scleral lens, on the other hand, is larger in diameter and spreads its weight over a much greater, less sensitive area so that when you blink, the eyelid doesn’t catch the edge of the lens. Moreover, because the lens vaults over the bulging cornea, it protects the cornea from any abrasion caused by blinking or external irritants. Furthermore, the scleral lens is made up of highly oxygen permeable materials and provides a soothing bath of artificial tears that refresh the ocular surface.
Scleral Lenses Offer Improved Vision
Patients with keratoconus have a clearer vision with scleral lenses than with glasses. With glasses, patients usually see 20/200, whereas with scleral lenses their vision typically improves to 20/30 or even 20/20. Furthermore, because the lenses sit firmly on the eye, they offer more stable vision than traditional lenses. The scleral lens not only offers comfort but also improves vision acuity.
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!