Eye Allergy Season is on the Way - Are You Prepared?

If you are experiencing red eyes, itchy eyes or watery eyes it could be due to pollen-induced eye allergies. For some, spring time is pollen season, marking the onset of uncomfortable symptoms such as red eyes, itchy eyes, stinging, burning and watery eyes. Seasonal eye allergies are often a result of an influx of pollen from trees and flowers into the air and can greatly inhibit quality of life for those that suffer from them.

How can you defend your eyes during pollen season? Well the most obvious answer would be to reduce contact with pollen which means staying indoors, in particular on days with a high pollen count. Keeping windows closed, cooling off with air conditioners and wearing wrap-around sunglasses when going outside can also help to protect your eyes from allergens in the atmosphere. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter can be used filter particles from the air inside your home or office.


Nevertheless, for the majority of us that can't stay indoors the entire spring season, certain medications can alleviate symptoms such as red eyes, watery eyes or itchy eyes. Often times a simple over-the-counter eye drop is enough to moisturize and alleviate itchy eyes or red eyes and flush out allergens. Medications containing antihistamines, decongestants or mast cell stabilizers are made to allay redness and swelling of the eyes and treat other symptoms such as congestion and sneezing. Eye drops often work better than pills or liquid medications to alleviate eye symptoms.


Individuals that wear contacts often have worse symptoms as a result of eye allergy season since irritants are more likely to stick to the surface of the lens, causing inflammation. This is compounded when oral antihistamines are taken which have a drying effect on the eyes. Contact lens wearers should make sure to keep their eyes lubricated and replace lenses on time. Many optometrists recommend switching to daily disposable contacts, because changing your contact lenses each day reduces the chances of buildup and irritation.


Most importantly, don't rub red, itchy eyes. Doing so can only exacerbate the inflammation. Due to the fact that some of the effective medications do require a prescription, if over-the-counter medications are not working for you, see your eye doctor.

Is it Smart to Purchase Glasses Online?

Though many people have become accustomed to shopping for anything and everything through the Internet, eyeglasses are a product that you are better off buying in person. Why? Although web-based optical dealers often offer reduced rates, the benefits of choosing an optical store far outweigh the ''deals'' you might find online.

One of the best reasons for buying your eyeglasses at an eye wear store rather than online is that you have a qualified optician to help you select the proper glasses. Our opticians can advise you in the numerous variables you need to consider in selecting a eyeglasses. In instances where you order through the Internet, you forgo the experienced advice of a professional optician.

As your head shape and eye shape are unique, it is hard to identify properly fitted eyeglasses without trying them on. An optician will consider your measurements and choose a pair of glasses that are a good fit and won't hinder your comfort. Glasses that are not wide enough can cause pressure and headaches, while those that are too wide can slip off the bridge of your nose. Online eye wear boutiques may give suggestions, still this can't replace expert consultation.

Even more than the comfort and alignment of your eyeglasses, good vision demands correct PD measurement. The optical center of your lenses provides you the clearest vision, making it crucial to properly measure the pupillary distance, or PD. It can be complicated to assess your PD by yourself, but without this measurement, your lenses won't be positioned properly within the frames.

Yes, Internet shopping is often good for other products, but in the case of eyeglasses your best bet is sticking to your local vision center where you can get glasses that are most appropriate for you and your lifestyle.

Dry Eyes Getting You Down? Tips on Keeping Your Eyes Hydrated This Cold Season

While you may refer to winter as the wet time of year due to the precipitation, the atmosphere is actually a lot dryer in the winter, causing your eyes to be more sensitive.

Our optometry team is available to assist you in selecting the most effective options to keep your eyes hydrated during the arid winter season. While you are indoors you can help your eyes by using a humidifier. Eye doctors suggest using humidifiers in rooms with forced air heaters, which can decrease moisture from the air.

In addition, be careful to take extra protective measures once you step outside into the cold air. Keep your eyes protected by wearing a hat with a brim and wearing sunglasses. It is important to protect your eyes from the whipping winds to stop them from drying out your eyes.

If your dryness is persistent you may want to consider lubricating eye drops which may help manage the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes. Speak to your eye care professional before you start using eye drops to make sure they are suitable for your symptoms.

Remember that if you use contact lenses it’s important to be especially careful in the colder months. When able, make use of rewetting drops often. While you may not realize it, lenses are like sponges and must remain wet to maintain their shape. Once they loose moisture, the lenses can lose their form and cling to the eyeball, causing pain and blurriness. So do your eyes a favor and keep them lubricated this winter. With a little knowledge and planning, you can avoid the dangers of winter and keep your eyes clear and moisturized all season long!

What does 20/20 mean

The term 20/20 is used to describe someone with perfect vision, but what do the numbers mean?

Everything optically is measured at a twenty foot distance(20 feet is considered optical infinity). However, exam rooms typically are not 20 feet long, but with the use of mirrors and certain types of charts, the same effect as a 20 foot distance in achieved.

20/20 means that what someone with perfect vision sees at 20 feet is the same as what you would see. 20/40 vision means that an object a person with perfect vision sees at 40 feet, you would have to walk up to 20 feet away to see the same object. The same is said for 20/50, 20/100, etc.

Most people have the potential to see 20/20 either unaided or with the help of glasses or contacts. However, some conditions are not correctable even with help. Macular degeneration, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosis, and many other conditions may cause a loss of vision that may lead to non 20/20 vision.

Legal blindness describes a condition that a person cannot achieve 20/200 vision or better in their best eye, even with glasses. Also, someone whose visual field is smaller than 20 degrees- this is applicable to conditions that impair your peripheral vision, such as glaucoma.

To make certain you are seeing as clearly as possible, schedule a yearly eye exam.

February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month

February has been announced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and low vision awareness month. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss for seniors. AMD can result in low vision, a phrase eye doctors use to describe significant visual impairment that is sometimes called “legal blindness” or almost total blindness. For those with AMD, a degenerative eye disease, impairment is caused to the macula, the area of the retina which produces sharp vision in the central visual field. AMD causes a vision loss relating to the central vision zone, but usually leaves peripheral vision intact.

Vision Impairment from age-related macular degeneration usually comes on gradually and painlessly over time but occasionally disruptions in vision can be sudden. Early signs of low vision from AMD include blurred areas in your central visual field or very distorted vision. While AMD doesn’t have a cure yet, early detection and attention is known to stop advancement of the degeneration and therefore prevent vision loss. For individuals who have already lost acuity, a normal life can be maintained with low-vision rehabilitation.

Those at higher risk of AMD include individuals over 65, females, Caucasians and individuals with light eyes, severe farsightedness or family members with the disease. Controllable risk factors include smoking, hypertension, exposure to UV light and obesity. Paying attention to overall physical health and good nutrition has been determined to be preventative.

Those who suffer from low vision should speak to their eye doctor about low vision rehabilitation and specialized equipment that can support a return to favorite activities. After a proper eye exam, a low vision professional can recommend suitable low vision aids such as reading telescopes and non-optical adaptive aids such as special light fixtures and signatureguides.

Because so many eye diseases can be prevented by early diagnosis, eye doctors recommend a routine yearly eye exam for all ages. Your awareness can lead to prevention of vision loss.

This Month is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

To create awareness about the ''sneak thief of sight,'' January has been named National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is the second leading source of permanent vision loss, responsible for 9%-12% of all cases of blindness in the United States and effecting nearly 70 million people around the world. Because the disease is initially asymptomatic, research shows that close to 50% of patients with glaucoma are not aware of their condition.

Glaucoma is the name for a group of ocular diseases that have the common affect of causing damage to the eye's optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain. Although anyone can develop glaucoma, those at higher risk include African Americans above age 40, senior citizens, particularly of Mexican descent, and those with a family history of glaucoma.

Because blindness of this kind is irreversible, vision can only be preserved through early diagnosis. Symptoms of the disease, however, don’t present themselves before the optic nerve is damaged, and usually start with an irreversible loss of peripheral (side) vision.

Treatment for glaucoma is determined based on the disease characteristics and the extent of the damage, and may include medication (usually prescription eye drops) or surgery. While scientists are working hard to find a cure, it has not yet been found and therefore early diagnosis and treatment are vital to preserve vision. Since glaucoma is a chronic disease, it is important to find an eye doctor you trust.

According to a recent survey of the National Eye Institute of the NIH, while glaucoma was known to ninety percent of the people they surveyed, a mere eight percent were aware that it presents no early warning symptoms. Only a qualified optometrist can detect the early signs of glaucoma, through a comprehensive glaucoma screening. We suggest a yearly eye exam as your best defense against this potentially devastating disease. Don’t delay in scheduling a comprehensive eye exam before it’s too late.

Dry Eyes

Dry Eye is a chronic problem that has irritated patients for years. This condition is responsible for redness of the eyes, excess tearing, inability to wear contact lenses, blurred vision, and general discomfort for a fair portion of the population.

Causes of dry eye include: decreased tear production(this may be a side effect from certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, steroids, hormone treatment, and certain birth control), eye irritation(for example,living in dry climates or working outside in windy conditions), systemic conditions(diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis to name a few-also, LASIK may cause dry eye), and also from working conditions(staring at a computer screen or excessive reading reduces blink rate, which decreases tear production).

Whatever the cause, dry eye can be an irritating problem that though seems benign, can have a profound effect on one's quality of life.

Luckily, there are many treatment options available.
1)Artificial tears come in many brands and formulas. They work well and for many people are all that are needed to remedy the problem. Over-the-counter and used as needed, they may provide the necessary relief to overcome dry eye symptoms.
2)Vitamins taken orally that contain omega-3 fatty acids, marine lipid oil, and flaxseed oil have also shown to improve the quality of tear.
3)Restasis- is a prescription drop(cyclosporin) that makes your body produce more tears. It is fairly new, but has had good results so far.
4)Punctal Plugs, are silicon or collagen plugs inserted into the puncta(tear drainage canal) to stop drainage of ones own tears.

Contact your eyecare provider for more information on dry eye.